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Tibet Culture Tour

With a long history, unique religious beliefs, mysterious culture, and distinctive local customs, Tibet is a captivating destination attracting culture fans all over the world.

We planned Tibet culture tours ideal for cultural exploration. Follow local experts, you can visit historical sites and cultural heritages in Lhasa, Tsedang, Shigatse, and the surroundings, experience local village lives to gain insight into local customs and trace the birth and development of Tibetan Buddhism.

Choose from our best Tibet culture tours and join us to discover the mysterious cultural and religious aspects of Tibet!

Top 1 Tibet Culture Tour Packages

Our 6-day Lhasa Yamdrok Shigatse tour features the natural and cultural wonders of central Tibet, allowing you to soak up Tibet’s religious and cultural gems as well as enchanting landscapes. Starting from Lhasa, our local guides will lead you to visit Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery, where you can watch monks’ debates. Then you’ll visit the world heritages of Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, and knowing more about Tibet’s history. Moving on to Yamdrok Lake, you’ll be feasted by the breathtaking sacred lake and Karola Glacier. The ancient Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse will give more insights into Tibetan culture and religion. See more details and embark on Tibet exploration with us!

Tibet Culture Tours by Destinations & Themes

Our all-inclusive itineraries are carefully planned with Tibet attractions encounters. Explore our varied tour packages and join us for an exploration of profound history and splendid culture!

Tibet Culture Tour with Yamdrok Lake (6 Days)

Located about 170km southwest of Lhasa, the emerald Yamdrok Lake is one of the sacred lakes in Tibet. According to local legends, Yamdok is the residence of a fairy. It’s believed that doing a kora around the lake can wash out one’s lifetime sins. Our culture tour packages will take tourists to this beautiful lake, offering a lifetime chance to discover the mysterious Tibetan legends and Buddhist beliefs.

Tibet Culture Tour to Tsedang & Shigatse & Gyantse (7 Days)

To help culture fans shape a clear view of the development of Tibetan Buddhism, we extend our itinerary to Tsedang and Shigatse. In Tsedang, you can visit Yungbulakang Palace in the Yarlung Valley, which is believed to be the first building in Tibet and Samye Monastery, the first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet. Moving on to Shigatse, you can see the ancient Tashilunpo Monastery, where you can have close contact with different schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Then tour to Gyantse, you can go to Pelkor Chode Monastery to see the majestic Kumbum Stupa. Check out more details about this ideal route for culture lovers!

Tibet Culture Tour Service & Reviews

Why Join Tibet Culture Tour with Us?

  • Professional Tibetan local travel agency specializing in Tibet culture tour

  • Seasoned local tour guides follow the clients’ health conditions with emergency backup plans

  • Experienced drivers, well-equipped vehicles, oxygen cylinders, and bottled water ensure a safe Tibet tour

  • Well-crafted cultural exploration itineraries covering Potala Palace, Drepung Monastery, Yamdrok Lake, Yungbulakang Palace, Pelkor Chode Monastery, Tashilhunpo Monastery, Samye Monastery, etc

  • One-stop service arranging travel documents, accommodations, restaurants, porter, and yak hiring for you

  • Trained travel consultants providing 1 to 1 customized tour service

  • 24/7 services to help with altitude sickness and unexpected problems

See Our Clients' Tour Review

  • Mr. Jones

    British

    5.0

    Enjoy Colorful Culture in Lhasa and Natural Charm of Yamdrok

    For those like me who enjoy experiencing different cultures, Tibet is definitely a place worth visiting. I was amazed to find that in such a modernized world, there are still places that maintain their ethnic uniqueness. The scenery of Namtso Lake is breathtaking: the lake is like a piece of green agate - beautiful and pure. But it's the cultural landscape that captivates me most - the sacred palaces and devout monks, and even the most ordinary people, all possess their own faith. I thoroughly enjoyed my six-day journey in Tibet and am grateful to Tibet Horizon for arranging everything for me.

    We took our group photo beside the Yamdrok Lake

    A photo of my wife and I beside the Yamdrok Lake

    The Potala Palace on a sunny day

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    Date of Experience: May 2024 - Couples

    Review of: 6 Days Lhasa Yamdrok Shigatse Central Tibet Culture Join-in Group Tour with Tibetan local tour guide Mr. Lhakpa Tsering

    Wrote on: May 9, 2024

  • Mr. Müller

    Germany

    5.0

    A Short Yet Unforgettable Journey to Tibet: Lhasa and Yamdrok

    A short yet unforgettable journey to Tibet! The scenery of Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake is indeed breathtaking. The weather was perfect the day we visited Yamdrok Lake. As soon as we arrived, it felt like stepping into another tranquil and pristine world, pure and beautiful. We also visited various local temples, each with its own fascinating stories behind them, thanks to our guide who provided profound insights, enriching our understanding of the place. Moreover, he was incredibly responsible and attentive, organizing every aspect of the journey seamlessly. Our driver was also a humorous person, ensuring the entire trip was far from dull.

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    Date of Experience: April 2023 - Friends

    Review of: 6 Days Lhasa Yamdrok Shigatse Central Tibet Culture Join-in Group Tour with Tibetan local tour guide Mr. Kalsang Rinchen

    Wrote on: Apr. 26th, 2023

  • Mrs. Wang

    China

    5.0

    I Found Tranquility from Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake

    If you haven't been to Tibet yet, I highly recommend adding it to your bucket list. Here, amidst the absence of urban chaos, I found tranquility from Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake. I enjoyed visiting various temples, listening to the guide narrate their stories, which revealed such a unique and beautiful culture. I also loved exploring the sacred Yamdrok lakes, the lake here is as pristine and blue as the sky. The friendly and simple-hearted locals left a deep impression on me.

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    Date of Experience: March 2022 - Solo

    Review of: 6 Days Lhasa Yamdrok Shigatse Central Tibet Culture Join-in Group Tour with Tibetan local tour guide Mr. Kalsang Rinchen

    Wrote on: Mar. 22th, 2022

  • Mr. Martin

    Canada

    5.0

    Amazing Lhasa and Yamdrok Trip That I Will Never Forget

    I had an amazing tour recently that I will never forget, especially the moment we visited Lhasa City and Yamdrok Lake! Although I've been to many places in the last few years, this one was definitely the best. The guide was exceptional and had arranged everything perfectly, leaving me free to enjoy the journey. He was also very humorous, so the journey was never boring. My favorite part of the tour was visiting Potala Palace and watching the monks chanting. I also got to try some local cuisines, and I highly recommend the yak butter tea to anyone visiting Tibet. Although the tour was short, every moment was filled with joy. I would like to express my gratitude to the tour company for such a memorable experience.

    Our family photo taken beside the Yamdrok Lake

    Beautiful Yamdrok Lake in the sun

    The Potala Palace from a side view

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    Date of Experience: July 2021 - Family

    Review of: 6 Days Lhasa Yamdrok Shigatse Central Tibet Culture Join-in Group Tour with Tibetan local tour guide Mr. Tenzin Sherab

    Wrote on: Jul. 16th, 2021

  • Mr. Thapa

    Nepal

    5.0

    An Unforgettable Cultural Adventure in Lhasa

    I had always heard about the severe effects of altitude sickness in Tibet, but luckily, with the guidance of our tour guide, most of us didn't experience severe altitude sickness. It just took us a day or two to acclimatize to the altitude, and then in the following days, we made a profound exploration of Tibetan. In Lhasa City, I made an unforgettable cultural adventure  by visiting all kind of palaces and temples like Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. Admiring the beauty of Yamdrok Lake is a kind of natural adventure. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly, so each stop was accompanied by insightful commentary on history and culture. Highly recommend Tibet Horizon for an unforgettable adventure in Tibet.

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    Date of Experience: August 2020 - Solo

    Review of: 6 Days Lhasa Yamdrok Shigatse Central Tibet Culture Join-in Group Tour with Tibetan local tour guide Mr. Tenzin Jamphel

    Wrote on: Aug. 24th, 2020

  • Mr. Leonard

    Belgium

    5.0

    Fantastic 7-day Journey to Explore Tibetan Culture

    My family members are all Chinese culture fans and are eager to visit China. We went on this 7-day journey on this plateau. Starting from Lhasa, the capital city, we visited Potala Palace, Sera Monastery and other landmarks. These sites capture the spiritual essence and tell the profound history of Tibet. We went to the Samye Monastery, which holds an important place in Tibetan Buddhism and we moved on to Shigatse to see Tashilunpo Monastery and Yamdrok Lake. Through visiting the prominent monasteries, we garnered more knowledge about the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism and its development. Besides, we learned a lot about local customs and traditions. This is truly a fantastic trip to explore Tibetan culture.

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    Date of Experience: June 2024 - Family

    Review of: 7 Days Lhasa Tsedang Shigatse Gyantse Culture Tour with Tibetan local tour guide Mr. Tashi Wangyal

    Wrote on:  Jun. 14th, 2024

Tibet Culture Tour Travelogue

Discover wonderful moments recorded in our clients’ photos and videos of their Tibet culture exploration!

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Clients at Tashilunpo Monastery
Clients at Yamdrok Lake
Clients at Potala Palace
Clients at Jokhang Temple
Clients at Drepung Monastery
Clients at Barkhor Street
Clients at Barkhor Street

Tibet Culture Tour Faqs

  • 1. What is the best time to join a Tibet culture tour?

    The best time to join a Tibet culture tour is generally from April to June and from September to October. During these months, the weather is relatively stable, with clear skies, mild temperatures and less rainfall, making it ideal for visiting the historical sites while enjoying the stunning views of this plateau. If you want a Tibetan festival experience, you can travel to Tibet in May, when the grand Saga Dawa Festival will be celebrated. In summer, the weather may be rainy, but tourists can witness the celebration of Shoton Festival. In winter, the weather is cold and you may not travel to areas like Kailash due to harsh winter conditions. However, you can enjoy a lower cost of transportation and accommodation and feel less crowded as there are fewer tourists. Also, Losar, the Tibetan New Year, often falls in February or March.

  • 2. What can I see during the Tibet culture tour?

    Tibet is so vast that it’s almost impossible for tourists to visit all the cultural sites in one trip. Our Tibet culture tour routes focus on central Tibet, covering Lhasa, Tsedang, Shigatse, and the surroundings and capturing the essence of Tibet culture.

    Lhasa is the spiritual center of Tibet, where you can explore the world-famous Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, visit Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery, and delve into local lives in Barkhor Street. In Tsedang, you can visit the first Tibetan monastery of Samye Monastery and in Shigatse, you can explore the prestigious Tashilhunpo Monastery. On your way back to Lhasa, you can roam freely at Yamdrok Lake, which holds a profound cultural and religious significance.

  • 3. What permits are needed to join a Tibet culture tour?

    To visit Tibet, you typically need the following permits:

    Tibet Travel Permit: This permit is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) and is required for all foreign travelers visiting Tibet.

    Aliens' Travel Permit: Travelers traveling to partially restricted areas such as EBC, Basumtso Lake, Samye Monastery, etc. need to obtain Aliens’ Travel Permit via Tibet Travel Agency (like Tibet Horizon).

    Military Area Entry Permit: Travelers visiting military-sensitive areas such as Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, etc, need to apply for a Military Area Entry Permit.

    Our Xizang (Tibet) tour packages include Tibet Travel Permit and all the necessary Tibet travel documents. If you book with us, we’ll help apply for the permits needed to ensure a smooth and worry-free Tibet culture tour.

  • 4. What are the Tibetan taboos I should avoid?

    There are some taboos to be avoided: do not swim in the lakes; do not move mani piles on the mountain passes; do not touch the heads or the hat of Tibetans; do not step on the thresholds when entering the hall or house; do not touch Buddha statues, and murals in temples; do not wear shorts, skirts, or slippers when visiting monasteries. When you do a kora around a Tibetan monastery, do it in clockwise as other pilgrims do. Also, horse, dog and donkey meat are prohibited from being eaten in Tibet.

    During your Tibet culture exploration, you should listen to your guide’s advice and respect local customs.

  • 5. How to deal with possible altitude sickness when traveling in Tibet?

    Traveling on the Tibet Plateau with an average altitude of over 4,000 meters, it’s common for some tourists to experience altitude sickness. The symptoms of altitude sickness can include headache, nausea, and dizziness.

    To minimize the effect of altitude sickness, it is important to allow time to acclimate to the high altitude and to take precautions to prevent altitude sickness. Travelers should drink plenty of water, eat light meals, and avoid alcohol or caffeine. It is also recommended to take a slow path in the first two days after entering Tibet. Our culture tour itineraries are hassle-free, giving you enough time to explore the historical and cultural sites in Lhasa, Tsedang, Shigatse, and the surroundings.

    If you feel uncomfortable, tell your guide. We have prepared oxygen tanks in our vehicles. You can inhale oxygen and take medication when necessary. If symptoms of altitude sickness persist or worsen, we’ll help transfer you to the hotel or hospital to seek medical attention immediately.

Have a Question? Ask below or call +86-17389007518

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  • Mr. Singh from India, asked on January 18th, 2023

    Can 2 people of different nationaliity now get permits and travel together in Tibet

    Hi, I wander if 2 people of different nationaliity (each holding a different passport) can now get permits and travel together in Tibet, and if they arrange the same organized trip via an agent? My wife and I have different nationalities and have been wanting to visit Tibet for more than a year!

    Mr. Karma from Tibet Horizon, answered on January 18th, 2023

    Dear Singh, thank you for your inquiry about traveling to Tibet.

    Yes, two people of different nationalities can travel together in Tibet through an authorized travel agency. All foreign visitors need a Tibet Travel Permit, which is obtained through a registered tour operator. By booking an organized tour, the agency will handle the permit process, including the Tibet Travel Permit and your Chinese visa.

    We can arrange your itinerary, handle documentation, and obtain the necessary permits. We will need copies of your passports and Chinese visas. Once on the same tour, you can travel together despite different passports. For further questions or assistance, please contact us.

  • Mrs. Andersson from Sweden, asked on February 26th, 2022

    The train from Chengdu to Tibet

    We plann to travel by train to Lhasa this June/July but are finding it nearly impossible to get tickets from Xining, with potential extra fees. We won't know the price or availability until after we leave. Can we stop somewhere and fly to Chengdu instead, as 48 hours on the train is too long?

    Mr. Lhakpa Tsering from Tibet Horizon, answered on February 26th, 2022

    Dear Andersson, thank you for reaching out with your inquiry about traveling to Lhasa by train.

    Traveling by train to Lhasa is indeed a unique and memorable experience, but it can be challenging to obtain tickets, especially during peak travel seasons. If you are finding it difficult to secure tickets and are worried about the long train journey, an alternative is to take the train to a midway stop and then fly to Chengdu. Popular midway stops include Xining and Lanzhou, both of which have airports with flights to Chengdu. This option can significantly reduce your travel time while still allowing you to experience part of the scenic train journey.

    We offer ticket booking services and can assist you with arranging your itinerary to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Please provide us with more information about your travel dates and preferences, and we will help organize the best travel plan for you and your group. We are here to help and look forward to assisting you with your travel plans.

  • Mrs. Briem from Iceland, asked on March 26th, 2024

    Where to Buy Tibetan Incense?

    Hello! I’m quite interested in Tibetan incense recently. Where can I buy traditional Tibetan incense?

    Mr. Kalsang Rinchen from Tibet Horizon, answered on March 26th, 2024

    Dear Briem, thank you for extending your question to us!

    Tibetan Incense is hand rolled from natural herbal ingredients. In Tibet, incense is widely used for relaxation, meditation and the cleansing of environment. When burned, it produces a rich and pure aroma that often helps to calm and soothe restless minds. The best place to buy authentic Tibetan incense is of course in Tibet. You can buy it in Barkhor Street or monasteries such as Mindroling Monastery and Tashi Lunpo Monastery.

    If you have further questions, feel free to contact us!