Embark on a profound spiritual journey to the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, the most sacred and important Buddhist site in Tibet. Founded in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo, Jokhang Temple is the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple houses the most revered statue in Tibet - the Jowo Shakyamuni Buddha, said to have been blessed by the Buddha himself.
Our comprehensive 8-day Tibet pilgrimage takes you to the roof of the world, combining spiritual exploration with cultural immersion. Experience the daily kora (circumambulation) with Tibetan pilgrims, witness devout prostration rituals, and explore the ancient Barkhor Street marketplace surrounding the temple. This journey offers a unique opportunity to connect with Tibetan Buddhist spirituality in its most authentic form.
All permits included
Tibetan Buddhist guides
Medical support included
4.9+ rating
Built in 652 CE by King Songtsen Gampo to house Buddhist statues brought by his Nepalese and Chinese brides. Combines Tibetan, Indian, and Chinese architecture.
The temple's main statue, believed to have been blessed by Buddha Shakyamuni. Considered the most sacred object in Tibetan Buddhism.
Jokhang is the ultimate pilgrimage site for Tibetans. Pilgrims travel for months to prostrate before the Jowo Buddha, often completing full-body prostrations for the entire Barkhor circuit.
Designated in 2000 as part of "Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa" which includes Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace, and Norbulingka.
Note: Lhasa is at 3,656m (11,990ft) altitude. Our itinerary includes acclimatization days. Suitable for healthy individuals with doctor's clearance. Not recommended for those with heart/lung conditions.
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Meet our representative and transfer to hotel. Complete check-in formalities.
Detailed briefing about Tibet tour including altitude preparation, Tibetan customs, and travel regulations. Handover of Tibet permits.
Traditional Nepali welcome dinner. Rest early for next day's flight to Tibet. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Early morning transfer to Kathmandu airport. Spectacular one-hour flight over Himalayas to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (3,650m).
Arrive at Lhasa airport, complete immigration formalities. Drive to Lhasa city (1 hour). Check into hotel. Begin altitude acclimatization.
Gentle walk around hotel area. Altitude orientation session. Early dinner and plenty of rest. Drink lots of water. Overnight in Lhasa.
Visit Potala Palace Square for exterior viewing and photography. Learn about the palace's history as winter residence of Dalai Lamas.
Walk around Barkhor Street - the pilgrimage circuit surrounding Jokhang Temple. Observe pilgrims, prayer wheels, and local markets.
Attend Tibetan cultural show with traditional music and dance. Enjoy Tibetan dinner. Early rest for next day's temple visit.
Visit Jokhang Temple, Tibet's holiest shrine. See the Jowo Shakyamuni Buddha statue. Observe morning prayers and rituals.
Tour interior of Potala Palace. Visit Dalai Lama's living quarters, meditation rooms, throne rooms, and numerous chapels.
Participate in Barkhor kora (circumambulation) with pilgrims. Spin prayer wheels and experience the spiritual atmosphere.
Visit Drepung Monastery, once the world's largest monastery housing 10,000 monks. Explore its colleges, assembly halls, and chapels.
Visit Sera Monastery to observe famous monk debates (usually 3-5 PM). Monks engage in lively philosophical debates in courtyard.
Free time for personal exploration of Lhasa. Optional visit to Tibetan market for souvenir shopping. Dinner at local restaurant.
Visit Norbulingka, the Dalai Lama's summer palace. Explore beautiful gardens, pavilions, and the New Summer Palace museum.
Final visit to Jokhang Temple for prayers and contemplation. Optional butter lamp offering. Final Barkhor kora.
Visit Tibetan Medicine Museum. Learn about traditional Tibetan medicine. Farewell dinner with Tibetan specialties.
Morning transfer to Lhasa airport. Fly back to Kathmandu. Enjoy final aerial views of Himalayan range.
Arrive in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel. Free time for rest, shopping, or personal exploration of Kathmandu.
Final group dinner sharing experiences from Tibet journey. Distribution of Tibet tour certificates. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Free time for last-minute shopping or visits in Kathmandu. According to flight schedule, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport.
Departure from Kathmandu with blessings from Jokhang Temple and memories of spiritual Tibet journey. End of tour.
April-October: Day: 15°C - 25°C (59°F - 77°F), Sunny days, cool nights
November-March: Day: 5°C - 15°C (41°F - 59°F), Cold, possible snow
Altitude Note: Oxygen level is 65% of sea level. Acclimatization essential.
| Activity | Morning | Afternoon/Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Temple Opens | 8:30 AM | -- |
| Morning Prayers | 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM | -- |
| Pilgrim Access | 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM | 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM |
| Butter Lamp Offering | All day | All day |
| Barkhor Kora | 24 hours | 24 hours |
We arrange Tibet permit but you need valid China visa first. Processing takes 15-20 days. Passport copies required 45 days before travel.
Lhasa is at 3,656m. We include acclimatization days. Doctor's clearance recommended. Not suitable for serious heart/lung conditions.
Book at least 60 days in advance for Tibet permit processing. Peak season (May-Oct) requires 90-day advance booking.
Independent travel not allowed in Tibet. Must travel with guide in organized group. Photography restrictions in sensitive areas.
Most sacred Buddha statue in Tibet, believed consecrated by Buddha himself when he was 12 years old
Jokhang is active pilgrimage site with continuous flow of prostrating pilgrims, prayer wheels, and chanting
Unique blend of Tibetan, Indian, Nepalese, and Chinese architectural styles from 7th century
Historic meeting point of Indian Buddhism coming north and Chinese culture coming west along Silk Road
For American Citizens:
For European Citizens:
Note: Independent travel not permitted in Tibet. Must travel with guide in organized group.
Acharya Tours is a US-based specialist offering authentic cultural and religious journeys across the Himalayas. Experience profound pilgrimages and heritage tours in Nepal, India, Tibet, and Bhutan.
