Tibet, on the Roof of the World
From the monasteries of Lhassa to the glaciers of Everest, a spiritual crossing through the Tibetan high plateaus.
Duration
11 days
From
€1,435/pers.
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
This Tibet circuit invites you to discover the major spiritual sites and high-altitude landscapes that make this region unique. From Lhassa to Gyantsé, from Shigatsé to Everest Base Camp, the itinerary alternates between major monasteries, Himalayan valleys, sacred lakes, historic towns and high plateaus. In Lhassa, the Potala Palace and Jokhang monastery offer a first encounter with Tibetan Buddhist devotion and its remarkable architecture. The road to Gyantsé and Shigatsé crosses spectacular passes and runs along turquoise lakes, revealing panoramas that rank among the most beautiful in the Himalayas. The following stages lead to the foot of Everest, the highlight of the journey where the massif reveals itself in all its power. A memorable journey, designed for a first discovery of Tibet, with a progressive pace allowing for acclimatization and English-speaking accompaniment throughout your stay. Each day is designed to combine cultural discovery, rest time and contemplation of the landscapes, so that you can experience this journey across the Tibetan plateau under the best conditions.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Lhassa! - 3650m altitude
Lhasa Gonggar Airport → Lhassa
Upon your arrival, your driver and your English-speaking guide welcome you and accompany you to Tangkha Hotel.
After a light lunch, the rest of the day is dedicated to acclimatizing to the altitude. Your English-speaking guide remains at your disposal for walks departing from the hotel.
Welcome dinner, then night at Tangkha Hotel.
Jokhang, Barkhor and Sera Monastery
From TEMPLE DE JOKHANG
You begin your stay in the holy city with a visit to the Jokhang monastery. You then take part in the walk around the monastery, alongside other pilgrims, on the Barkhor path. This moment also allows you to enjoy the old town.
In the afternoon, you discover the Sera monastic university. Although it was severely damaged during the Chinese invasion of Tibet and later during the Cultural Revolution, it has been restored and continues to serve its function as a monastic university. It still welcomes many monks and pilgrims today.
Night at the Tangkha hotel.
Ganden Valley and Potala Palace
The region of Lhassa is home to many preserved valleys, crossed by the pure air of the Himalayan peaks, where monasteries and herders' villages are found. This morning, you will discover the Ganden valley, with a visit to a pyramidal monastery decorated with delicate frescoes.
The afternoon is devoted to discovering the Potala, an emblematic landmark of the holy city. Built in the 17th century, this palace-fortress embodies the union of spiritual and temporal power, as well as their place in the administration of Tibet.
Night at Tangkha Hotel.
Note: this programme may be adjusted according to the visiting slot obtained for the Potala.
Yamdrok Lake and Arrival in Gyantse - 3950m Altitude
You take the road in the morning towards Gyantsé, passing by the magnificent Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet's sacred lakes. You enjoy a walk along the lake shores, before continuing your journey over the Karo Pass, at 5,000 meters altitude, with a stop along the way to admire a glacier.
Upon your arrival in Gyantsé, you discover a town marked by history, where the decisive battle took place during the British invasion of 1904. Gyantsé Fort offers a beautiful view over the valley and the entire town.
Night at Yutuo Hotel.
From Gyantse to Shigatse via Shalu - 3800m altitude
In the morning, you discover the Pelkor monastery as well as the old town of Gyantsé.
You then take the road to Shigatsé.
Along the way, you stop in the Shalu village to visit its monastery. Founded in the 11th century, then renovated in the 15th century thanks to the financial support of the Mongol empire, the Shalu monastery stands out from other monasteries in Chine by its roof with Chinese-style green and yellow glazed tiles.
Night at the Gesar hotel, a VIP building.
Towards Everest via the Tibetan high plateaus - 4200m altitude
Shigatsé → Tashizong
In the morning, you discover the Shigatse market, whose colorful stalls offer many items intended for pilgrims.
You then take the road towards the Everest Base Camp and the Rongbuk monastery, via a route known as one of the highest in the world, with an average altitude of 5,000 meters and passages exceeding 5,200 meters.
You then visit this temple often presented as the highest in the world, offering a view of Everest, and more specifically of its north face, visible from Tibet. More modest than the great monastic cities discovered previously, it stands out for its charm and authenticity.
Night at the Oxygen Cube Yun Ting hotel in Tashizong.
Sakya Monastery and return to Shigatse - 3800m altitude
Tashizong → Shigatsé
From Tashizhong, the return journey follows a loop through a desert region with striking landscapes.
Along the way, you discover the Sakya monastery, founded in 1073. It is the seat of one of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism, the Sakyapa school.
The medieval Mongolian architecture of the monastery is distinctly different from that of the temples of Lhassa.
Night in Shigatse, at the Gesar hotel VIP building.
Tashilunbo and Return to Lhasa - 3700m Altitude
This morning, you discover the Tashilunpo Monastery, residence of successive Panchen Lamas. Built by the 1st Dalai Lama in the 15th century, it houses the largest bronze statue in the world, created in 1904 for Maitreya, the Buddha of the future.
You then continue on the road towards Lhassa along the Brahmaputra River.
During the journey, you can observe this long river that crosses Tibet, but also India and Bangladesh.
Upon arrival, you enjoy free time in Lhassa's old town.
Night at the Tangkha hotel.
Price per person
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights, for which we can provide you with a precise flight plan upon request
- Tips for guides and drivers, to be budgeted at approximately 60 € per person for the entire stay
- The single room supplement if you are travelling alone (215 €)
- Personal expenses
- Travel Insurance
Included
- The hotels mentioned in the program, with breakfast served on-site each day
- English-speaking guide accompaniment at each stage of the journey, in Tibet, Xi'an and Beijing
- All transportation in private vehicle
- The entrance fees for all visits and activities mentioned, as well as the Tibet permit
- Full board with beverages included: water, tea, soft drinks and beers
- Payment by bank card in France, so you can benefit from your travel insurance
- Our travel agency guarantees, with professional insurance and customer deposit protection
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below applies to travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to China for tourism purposes. Since entry rules may change, we recommend verifying information with official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter China, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your entry date and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
China has extended its unilateral visa exemption program to numerous countries. Nationals of most European Economic Area countries, as well as Switzerland, benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays. Canadian nationals are also eligible for this exemption following the recent expansion of the program.
Currently, this exemption allows a stay of up to 15 days upon entry to the territory, for transit or tourism purposes. The exact duration and conditions may vary depending on nationality; it is advisable to verify the provisions applicable to your passport before departure.
Authorities may also request:
an outbound ticket (return or onward flight),
proof of accommodation booking for the duration of your stay,
proof of sufficient financial resources.
Tourist visa (type L)
For travelers not eligible for visa exemption, or wishing to stay for a longer period, you must obtain a type L tourist visa from the competent Chinese embassy or consulate before departure.
The application file generally includes:
the completed visa application form,
a recent identity photograph meeting requirements,
the valid original passport,
proof of flight and accommodation booking,
any document evidencing sufficient financial resources.
Processing times may vary; it is recommended to submit your application several weeks before departure.
Entry registration card
Upon arrival in Chinese territory, foreign travelers must complete an entry registration card provided on board the aircraft or available at border posts. This document must be presented to immigration services when passing through passport control.
Furthermore, any foreigner staying in China must register with local authorities within 24 hours of arrival:
at a hotel, registration is completed automatically by the establishment,
if staying with a private individual, the traveler must visit the local police station to complete this registration.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccines are mandatory to enter China for travelers from the EEA, Switzerland, or Canada. However, certain vaccinations are recommended depending on the regions visited and length of stay:
hepatitis A and B,
typhoid,
Japanese encephalitis (for stays in rural areas),
rabies (for extended or adventure stays).
It is advisable to consult a doctor or international vaccination center at least four to six weeks before departure.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Affected travelers should inquire at the Chinese embassy or consulate of their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation assistance and foreign medical expenses coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer'Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these formulas, the detailed policy outlining all coverage and claims procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claims declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Visitors benefit from visa exemption for tourist stays, provided they hold a valid passport for at least 6 months after entry. Beyond exemption periods, a standard tourist visa can be obtained from the consulate. Conditions change regularly: check with your country's consular authorities for the rules applicable to your nationality before departure.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 160 and 260 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and English-speaking guide. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. Chinese high-speed trains are an experience in their own right.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to suit our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage that protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Tibet-Himalaya
Explorer of a Plural China, based in Yunnan
China impresses with its vastness, but it's often the details that leave the deepest mark: a forgotten village, an encounter, a market, a light over the mountains of Yunnan.
— Paul
