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Discover Tibet for yourself during a vibrant summer festival
Travel from mainland China to Tibet and experience the splendour of the ancient Shoton Festival on this 8-day tour. Begin and end in the capital of Sichuan – Chengdu – and journey into Lhasa, the capital and spiritual heart of Tibet. Here you will encounter ancient mythology, historic temples and rich and fascinating culture the region is known for. Watch pandas at a research centre in Chengdu, discover the grand former residence of the Dalai Lama, be captivated by a monk debate and celebrate Shoton with locals and pilgrims.
- Start
- Chengdu, China
- Finish
- Chengdu, China
- Destination
- China
- Style
- Peregrine
- Code
- PCTB
- Physical rating
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 3, Max 12
Looking for trips in 2022?
Why you'll love this trip
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Experience the vibrant celebrations and grand traditions of Tibet’s Shoton Festival, like the mountainside unveiling of a 40-metre-high Thangka and a traditional outdoor opera.
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Watch giant pandas munch bamboo, relax and play at Chengdu’s Panda Breeding Centre and learn about what is being done to help this threatened species.
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Immerse yourself in Tibet’s Lhasa, exploring the grand Potala Palace – formerly the residence of the Dalai Lama – and wandering among pilgrims at Jokhang Temple.
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Watch monks debate each other on tenants of Buddhism in a highly stylised and theatrical discussion at the Sera Monastery, a fascinating spectacle even if you can’t speak Tibetan.
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Walk the kora circuit around Ganden Monastery to get a real sense of this meditative practise, then enjoy a serene picnic lunch with a view of the Lhasa River.
Is this trip right for you?
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This trip visits places that are at high altitude, and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the ‘Medical and health information’ section of the Essential Trip Information for further details.
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In recent years there have been some restrictions on certain nationalities being able to travel on specific departures. Tibet has also been known to be closed to foreign tourism without warning.
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Lhasa can be very crowded during the Shoton Festival, as pilgrims and locals flock to Tibet’s holy sites. Keep an open mind, practise patience and enjoy this unique chance to meet local people.
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Itinerary
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Meals Included
- Dinner
Special Information
The arrival transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through us. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel, as we may not be able to confirm a request made within 14 days of travel.Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Chengdu - Giant Panda Breeding Research Base (entrance fee & transport included)
- Chengdu - People's Park & Tianfu Square
- Chengdu - Tea Tasting
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
It is common for travellers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude – regardless of your age, gender and fitness. It even happened to Sir Edmund Hillary! Take it easy and give yourself time to acclimatise.Accommodation
- Lhasa (1 night)
Included Activities
- Lhasa - Potala Palace (entrance fee included)
- Lhasa - Sera Monastery (entrance fee & transport included)
- Lhasa - Jokhang Temple
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
You are required to remain with your guide throughout the tour of Potala Palace.Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Lhasa - Drepung Monastery (entrance fee)
- Lhasa - Norbulingka Palace (entrance fee)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
A huge crowd will be present at Drepung Monastery today for the unveiling of the Thangka. Be prepared for a loud and festive crowd. We will have to park about one kilometre away from the monastery, meaning you will spend a few hours on your feet this morning.Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Lhasa - Ganden Monastery (entrance fee)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
The tour will come to an end today after breakfast. If you have booked a late flight, it is possible to store your luggage at the hotel during the day if you need.
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
Hotel check-out time is 12 pm.Meals
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinnerTransport
Private Bus, Public bus, PlaneAccommodation
Hotel (3 nights), Feature accommodation Lhasa ( 4 nights)Included Activities
- Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
- Chengdu - Giant Panda Breeding Research Base (entrance fee & transport included)
- Chengdu - People's Park & Tianfu Square
- Chengdu - Tea Tasting
- Lhasa - Potala Palace (entrance fee included)
- Lhasa - Sera Monastery (entrance fee & transport included)
- Lhasa - Jokhang Temple
- Lhasa - Drepung Monastery (entrance fee)
- Lhasa - Norbulingka Palace (entrance fee)
- Lhasa - Ganden Monastery (entrance fee)
Dates & availability - 2021 season
Trip departures are unavailable.
There are currently no scheduled departures on our Tibet's Shoton Festival - Limited Edition trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.
Jump to a departure month
Important notes
1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. When applying for your Chinese visa it is imperative that you do NOT mention travel to Tibet. You must first apply for your Chinese visa as instructed. Once you have this visa, we will apply for the Tibet entry permit on your behalf.
4. Please provide a scanned copy of your passport bio page, Chinese visa, and advise us of your profession so that we can apply for your Tibet entry permit. We require these details no later than 35 days prior to departure.
5. Due to the demands of travelling at high altitudes (above 3000 meters/9800 feet), a Self-Assessment Form is required for this trip. Your booking agent will supply this.
6. Please be aware that in recent years there have been times when certain nationalities are banned or restricted from travelling to Tibet, or Tibet has been closed to all foreign tourists without warning.
7. It's a criminal offence for anyone to carry images of the Dalai Lama or the Tibetan flag while travelling to the region. Doing so may lead to confiscation of the items, detention, arrest or imprisonment by Chinese authorities.

Essential trip information
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
View Essential Trip Information