*** Updated 2023***
Day 1: Lhasa arrival [3650m]
Upon arrival in Lhasa you will be welcomed by your English-speaking Tibetan Guide and Tibetan Driver who will bring you to your hotel. Acclimatization to high altitude: please, drink lots of water and take plenty of rest in order to minimize altitude sickness.
Overnight at Shang Bala Hotel 4*, or similar, which is located in Lhasa city center and few walking steps to Barkhor Square and Jokhang Temple.
Day 2: Lhasa sightseeing
We begin visiting Ramoche Temple, built in honor of the image of Jowo Rinpoche that Chinese princess Wencheng brought by marrying Songtsen Gampo, the first king of Buddhist doctrine and who unified the Tibetan empire in the 7th century. Thereafter, we continue with Jokhang Temple, the most sacred monastery in Tibet. It was also founded in the 7th century by Songtsen Gampo. Later you can explore the surrounding Barkhor old quarter and spend time walking around Jokhang Temple following pilgrims from all over the Tibetan plateau. In the afternoon we go to Sera Monastery, one of three great universities of Gelugpa Sect. We will attend the debating session of the monks.
Overnight at Shang Bala Hotel 4*or similar
Day 3: Lhasa sightseeing
Today we visit the beautiful Potala and Norbulingka Palaces. Potala winter palace was built in the 17th century by the fifth Dalai Lama. Provides amazing views of the entire city and houses the private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand state rooms and chapels. Norbulingka Palace is the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, built in the 18th century by the seventh Dalai Lama. It’s tradition to do picnic in its beatiful garden and perform opera dances during Shoton Festival (August-September).
Overnight at Shang Bala Hotel 4*or similar
Day 5: Lhasa – Gyantse [270Km, 3980m]
Adventure starts: First we cross Kampa-la Pass [4797m] and then Karo-la Pass [5050m], where Mt. Noijin Kangsang [7206m] glacier lies near the road. In the middle, we enjoy the unreal turquoise waters of holy lake Yamdrok-Tso. Finally, we arrive at Gyantse town, where we visit the considered best tibetan art paintings in Kumbum Stupa inside Pelkor Chode Monastery. Also, we admire the majestic Gyantse Dzong (fortress) overlooking the valley.
Overnight at Yeti or Gyantse Hotel.
Day 6: Gyantse – Shigatse [90Km, 3840m]
In the morning we visit the Gyantse Dzong (sometimes closed) and then we drive North-West to reach second largest city in Tibet. (We visit Shalu monastery on the road) In Shigatse we visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, built in the 15th century by the first Dalai Lama. Nowadays seat of the Panchen Lama, the second highest figure in the Tibetan Buddhist hierarchy. We recommend to do Kora around Tashilhunpo Monastery. We have incredible panorama view of the valley and impressive Dzong (fortress). Also, you can walk around local market.
Overnight at Gesar Hotel or similar.
Day 5: Shigatse – Rongbuk [334Km, 5000m]
The journey to Rongbuk involves crossing the high pass of Gyatso La [5220m] and the opportunitty to view Mt. Everest and the Himalayas for the first time. Onced arrive to New Tingri we continue driving towards Rongbuk Monastery, located at the foot of the Everest and the highest monastery in the world. We enjoy amazing views of several peaks like Makalu, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Mount Everest from the top of the Pang-la pass [5150m]. Overnight at tourist camp site located in Rongbuk. Afew Kilometer from the real EBC and from where we have direct views of Mt. Everest (Qomolangma). Since 2018 tourist are not allowed to visit EBC used by climbing expeditions.
Over night at Tent Guest house dorm bed without bathroom.
Day 6: Rongbuk – Shigatse [334Km, 3840m]
Today begins the end of your tibetan journey through the most sacred Buddhist monasteries and greatest mountains on earth. If you would like start early your day, enjoy sunrise with Everest peak views in the horizon [8848m]. After breakfast we visit Rongbuk Monastery where we will take last look at Mt. Everest North Face and then drive back to Shigatse to enjoy a nice shower, sleep in a comfortable bed and some free time.
Overnight at Gesar Hotel or similar .
Day 8: Shigatse – Damxung [326Km, 4290m]
Today we go North-East through non-touristic nomad Yangpachen valley with spectacular views of Nyenchen Thangla Range views. The tourist campsite near Namtso lake shore was dismantled, so we sleep in the town of Damxung. Once new guesthouses would be open we will sleep there again.
Overnight at guesthouse campsite (dorm bed, no bathroom)
Day 9: Damxung – Namtso lake – Lhasa [285Km, 3650m]
The crossing of the Nyenchen Thangla Range and theLargen-la Pass [5190m] let us see in the horizon our sacred Namtso lake, the most beatiful lake in Tibet. You will enter the Changtang plateau, place where nomad lifestyle remains. From the lake shore you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Nyenchen Tanglha snow peak [7162m] behind the blue Holy waters of Namtso lake. After visiting Tashi Dor Monastery we will drive back to Lhasa.
Overnight at Shang Bala Hotel 4* or similar
Day 10: Ganden Monastery and Drak Yerpa day trip [150Km]
In the morning we visit Ganden Monastery, 50 km from Lhasa. It is the main seat of the Gelug Sect and was founded by Tsongkhapa in 1409. We can also do kora around monastery. It’s placed in the top of a hill in the Kyichu valley. You can do kora around monastery too and enjoy gret views of tibetan original landscape. After lunch, we will visit Drak Yerpa meditation caves and temples. It’s an off the beaten path complex where tibetan masters go for meditation since VII Century. It’s one of the most holy and important pilgrimage places in Tibet. Visit takes around 2-3 hours walking in a hillside. Back to Lhasa and enjoy free time.
Overnight at Shang Bala Hotel 4*or similar
Day 11: Tibet departure
Enjoy your last hours in Tibet exploring Lhasa by your own until your guide and driver meet you at the hotel to transfer you to the airport.
End of our services.
Noted :about extra service, we will arrange for you visiting tibetan family near the lhasa or when you go to outside lhasa city. we also arrange cooking class second or third day in lhasa, if your are interested.
All our fixed departure tours for this itinerary start in Lhasa weekly. The size of the group is between 4-10 people and the kind of transportation varies according to the size of it: minivan or bus. Rates shown above include all permits, guide, accomodation, transportation and entrace fees ONLY. Hotel in Lhasa is Shambhala Palace (double room with bathroom and breakfast). Single occupancy supplement: $$USD. Please, contact us for further details.
Please, check our upcoming departures.
Price varies according to the number of people in your group, category of hotel, transportation and other services you request. Please contact us with these important details first.
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