Tibet Monastery Tour

Home to over 1,700 Tibetan monasteries and temples, Tibet is one of the centers for Buddhist pilgrimage and worship in Asia. To understand Tibet, a land of mystery, the first step is to know how to appreciate its myriad monasteries. Our Tibet monastery tours are expertly fashioned to meet the needs of cultural explorers and history buffs.

Both small group tours and customized tours are readily available. You will visit the UNESCO heritage sites like Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, and take a glimpse of the lively monk debate and lives of Tibetan monks in Great Three Gelugpa monasteries; or trek along ancient pilgrimage route between Ganden and Samye monasteries and unveil the residence of Panchen Lama at renowned Tashilunpo monastery, or visit the cliff-side monasteries around holy Mt.Kailash, etc.

With a wealth of Buddhist knowledge shared by our expert local leaders, and attentive services for travel permits, hotel booking, oxygen supply, etc., you will enjoy a soul awakening journey like no other.

Tibet Monastery Small Group Tour

With fixed tour departures on a monthly basis, affordable price, and one-stop tour services, our small group tours bring you hassle-free tour experiences to explore the most important Tibetan monasteries and temples in Lhasa, Tsedang and Shigatse. You will be able to visit Potala Palace and Tashilhunpo Monastery served as the residence and office of former Dalai Lamas and Panchen Lamas, worship life-sized Buddha at Jokhang Temple and experience the distinctive holiness in Samye, the very first Tibetan monastery, etc. Check the following tours that interest you most.

6 Days Central Tibet Culture Small Group Tour: Explore Tibet's religion, cultural gems, and captivating landscapes.
Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse- Lhasa

The week-long Journey gives tourists a rare opportunity to taste the essence of Tibetan Culture in central Tibet. Besides, the must-see scenery like Yamdrok Lake and glaciers, vital monasteries are also covered in the itinerary.

From USD 799p.p

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5 Days Lhasa to Drak Yerpa Small Group Tour: Best Meditation Tour for Tibetan Buddhist Culture Enthusiasts
Tour Route: Lhasa - Drak Yerpa - Ganden - Lhasa

This 5-day Tibet meditation tour is for enthusiasts of Tibetan Buddhist culture and meditation. You’ll have a day trip to explore Drak Yerpa Monastery, and make meditating in those caves of Drak Yerpa.

From USD 599p.p

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5 Days Lhasa Small Group Tour with Three Major Monasteries
Tour Route: Lhasa - Drak Yerpa - Ganden - Lhasa

The 5 days tour features the major monasteries of Tibet, Drepung monastery,Sera monastery and Ganden Monastery, which are 3 main Yellow sect Monasteries in Lhasa. Through this tour, tourists may have a better understanding of the largest and mainstream leading sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

From USD 599p.p

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Customized Tibet Monastery Tours

If you are drawn to a particular Tibetan monastery or want to explore the charm of Tibetan Buddhism in your own way, or go off-the-beaten paths to discover the treasure trove of hidden monasteries and temples, we offer you the customized tours to satisfy your wanderlust. You can enjoy the expertise of our local experts and the whole professional team is at your service. All the itineraries, lodging, and logistic supplies,et.c are designed to cater to your interests and preferences. Check the following sample tours and work with our friendly travel consultants to make yours.

5 Days Lhasa Tour and Pilgrimage Trekking Path
Lhasa

The 5-day tour covers the historical sites like the Potala palace, Jokhang Temple and Bakor street and all the three biggest monasteries in Tibet, Drepung monastery, Sera monastery and Ganden Monastery. Then explore Drak Yerpa,one of the holiest sites.

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5 Days Lhasa Private Tour with Three Great Monasteries
Lhasa

This 5-day classic Lhasa monastery tour is ideal for Tibetan Buddhism and culture fans to visit the “Great Three” Gelug Monasteries of Tibet.

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6 Days Eastern Lhasa Discovery Tour
Lhasa - Tidrum - Lhasa

This trip takes in the main tourist sites in and surrouding Lhasa, like Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, the three greatest monasteries in Lhasa (Drepung, Sera and Ganden), and the most famous sky-burial site at Drigung Til Monastery.

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6 Days Private Tour from Lhasa to Shigatse
Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Lhasa

The classic 6-day central Tibet tour is tailor-made for tourists to visit the three largest cities of Tibet, namely, Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse with the religious monasteries and holy lakes included.

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8 Days Travel Lhasa and around - Kyichu Valley and Namtso
Lhasa - Ganden - Drigungtil - Rating - Namtso - Damxung - Lhasa

This tour covers area around Lhasa offers an excellent range of monasteries,both popular and remote. Nam-tso offers a glimpse of the normal life of the north. This routes gives a good look at Tibet in a short time.

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10 Days Kailash Pilgrimage Tour from Kathmandu, via Gyirong Port
Kathmandu – Gyirong – Saga – Mt.Kailash – Lake Manasarovar – Darchen – Saga – Gyirong – Kathmandu

Uncover the divine wonders of Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarova on a transformative journey starting in Kathmandu. Trek for three days around Mount Kailash, embracing its spiritual significance. You will witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Lake Manasarova and immerse yourself in a night of worship.

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Tibet Monastery Tour Moments

Most Asked Questions about Tibet Monastery Tour

What are the must-visit Tibetan monasteries in Tibet?

Well, it varies from person to person. To most of the first-timers to Tibet, the most iconic Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and “Great Three Gelugpa Monasteries” such as Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery and Ganden Monastery are the must-visit.

If you have more time to extend your footprints to Tsedang and Shigatse and EBC, it’s worth visiting Samye Monastery, the first Tibetan monastery, and Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of Panchen Lamas and Sakya Monastery, the treasure trove of Tibetan scriptures and Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest monastery at EBC.

For the second-timers, the monasteries like Drak Yerpa, Drigung Til Monastery, and Tibetan nunneries, etc. will blow your mind away for their architecture and intriguing Buddhist traditions.

What is the best season to visit Tibetan monasteries?

Though Tibetan monasteries can be visited all-year-round, May to August and Dec to Feb offer the best time to enjoy the diverse festivities held at Tibetan monasteries. You will be able to enjoy gigantic Thangka unfolding at Drepung Monastery, Ganden Monastery, and Tashilunpo Monastery and enjoy Tibetan drama at Norbulingka Palace.

While in winter, the drop of tourists makes Tibetan monasteries and temples a great choice to wander around. The Tibetan New Year will allow you to experience the most authentic Buddhist traditions you’ve rarely seen. - Check the calendar of the Tibetan festivals and festival tours.

Any religious taboos you should be careful with when visiting Tibetan monasteries?

Dress properly before entering a Tibetan monastery; Take off your hat and sunglasses or it would be disrespectful to the Buddha. Walk clockwise as you walk the kora around the Tibetan monasteries or temples; Photography and video-making are forbidden inside the hall of a Tibetan monastery. If you are unsure of something, do not feel reluctant to consult your local guide.

Can you live in a Tibetan monastery for a couple of days?

According to Tibet Travel Policy, international tourists can’t spend the night inside a Tibetan monastery or live with Tibetan monks. However, you can stay in the guesthouse of the monastery if there is one for the visitors.

Are there any great Tibetan monasteries for meditation?

Yes, Drak Year Monastery, which looks similar to Tiger’s Nest in Bhutan, offers you a great place for mediation. It’s actually a famous Buddhist retreat for mediation used by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo and 5the Dalai Lama. You may also join the Buddhist chanting and briefly meditate at Sera Monastery and Tashilhunpo Monastery, etc. - Check the mediation tour in Tibet .

Which Tibetan monastery is best known for its monk debate?

Though monk debates are widely practiced in every Tibetan monastery, the most famous one should be the Sera Monastery. Its debate courtyard is available for a visit from 3-5p.m, Mon to Fri. No camera is allowed to take photos. But you can use your smartphone for the snapshots.

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