FrontierLhasa & Shigatse
Six days in Tibet with the Potala Palace, pilgrim Lhasa and the road to Shigatse — permits and acclimatisation handled.
FrontierPrivate journey
Tibet & the Golden Triangle
Beijing, Xi'an, Lhasa and Shanghai in twelve days — imperial China, the Terracotta Army and the roof of the world.
The journey
Tibet & the Golden Triangle
A journey of three very different Chinas. Beijing and Xi'an provide the imperial and archaeological foundations; Lhasa adds altitude, pilgrimage and Tibetan culture; Shanghai closes with the modern city at its most confident.
We build in two acclimatisation nights in Lhasa before any higher travel, use experienced Tibetan guides and handle the Tibet permit process. The result is a demanding but deeply rewarding route.
- Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple
- Terracotta Warriors
- Tibetan monastery morning
- Shanghai's Bund
- Tibet permits and oxygen support included
Day by day
The shape of the days.
Day 01Arrive in Beijing
Transfer and rest. Evening orientation walk near your hotel.
Day 02Forbidden City & Great Wall
Morning in the Forbidden City, afternoon on a quieter section of the Great Wall.
Day 03Beijing to Xi'an
Morning Temple of Heaven, then high-speed train to Xi'an.
Day 04Terracotta Army
Full morning at the warriors, afternoon on the city wall.
Day 05Fly to Lhasa
Flight to Lhasa. Transfer slowly, rest and acclimatise. No sightseeing today.
Day 06Lhasa
Gentle day: Jokhang Temple, Barkhor pilgrim circuit and a Tibetan lunch.
Day 07Potala Palace
Morning at the Potala Palace, afternoon at Sera Monastery's debate courtyard.
Day 08Lhasa to Shigatse
Drive to Shigatse via Yamdrok Lake and the Karo La glacier. Visit Tashilhunpo.
Day 09Shigatse to Lhasa
Return to Lhasa with a stop at a village along the river.
Day 10Fly to Shanghai
Morning flight to Shanghai. Afternoon at leisure; evening on the Bund.
Day 11Shanghai
Yu Garden, the French Concession and a final dinner.
Day 12Departure
Transfer to the airport for your international flight.
Included
What is part of the journey.
Included
- Private English-speaking guide and driver throughout
- Hand-picked hotels with daily breakfast
- Internal flights and high-speed rail as listed
- Entrance fees to all listed sites
- Airport, station and hotel transfers
- Visa invitation letter and current entry guidance
- Alipay / WeChat Pay setup before you arrive
- 24/7 support from our team in China
- Tibet travel permit and agency formalities
Not included
- International flights
- China visa fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (required for all guests)
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Personal spending, drinks and gratuities
Good to know
The practical details.
AccommodationBoutique city hotels and a Tibetan-owned hotel in Lhasa
Group sizePrivate journey · 2–6 travellers
Activity levelModerate — altitude requires care
Best time to travelMay–October
This journey runs on your dates. We will check lodge and flight availability before confirming anything.
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