Duration

10 Days

Price From

From $1,240

Tour Type

Private Tour

Group Size

Max 12

Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa

Upon your arrival in the sacred city of Lhasa, our warm and friendly staff will greet you with a traditional Hada offering, symbolizing a gesture of goodwill. A one-hour drive will bring you to your selected accommodation within the city. Take it easy and allow yourself time to acclimatize to the high altitude, ensuring a comfortable start to your remarkable journey in Lhasa.

Meals: None

Day 2: Lhasa City Tour — Drepung & Sera Monasteries

Embark on a cultural odyssey with a visit to the revered Drepung Monastery, an iconic Tibetan Buddhist site steeped in tradition.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the vibrant debates at Sera Monastery, where monks engage in spirited discussions, accompanied by enthusiastic hand-clapping and animated arguments. Gain an insightful perspective into the ancient traditions of Tibetan Buddhism as you absorb the spiritual atmosphere and passion surrounding these profound rituals.

Please note that a welcome dinner, hosted in a Tibetan restaurant, is planned either on this day or the next. Our guide will coordinate and provide details accordingly.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Potala Palace & Jokhang Temple

Marvel at the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Potala Palace, an architectural masterpiece perched atop Marpo Ri hill. A symbol of Tibetan history and culture, the palace unfolds a narrative of religious devotion and political significance. In the park beneath the Potala Palace, witness and perhaps join in the traditional dances.

Continue your journey to the spiritual heart of Lhasa. Explore the sacred Jokhang Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Stroll through the lively Barkhor Street, an ancient circuit that encircles the Jokhang Temple, where traditional Tibetan goods and handicrafts abound. Finally, experience a visit to a sweet tea house, a cherished element of Tibetan social culture. Savor the distinct flavors of Tibetan tea and engage in social interactions with locals and fellow travelers.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake to Shigatse (370km)

Wake up early and have breakfast at your hotel in Lhasa before checkout. Load your bags into your vehicle, and start the scenic journey from Lhasa to Shigatse. En route, be captivated by the breathtaking beauty of Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s sacred lakes with crystal-clear waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

Continue your exploration to the awe-inspiring Karola Glacier, a radiant symbol of Tibet’s rugged allure. By late afternoon, arrive in Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet, concluding a day rich in natural wonders and cultural discovery.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Everest Base Camp (340km)

The Tibetan Everest Base Camp is located at an elevation of approximately 5,200 meters above sea level. En route to Everest Base Camp, stop at Gawula Pass, a designated viewpoint that provides breathtaking vistas of Mount Everest and the adjacent Himalayan peaks.

Transition to an eco-friendly bus to Everest Base Camp, designed to navigate the winding roads with minimal environmental impact. Weather permitting, the climax of your day awaits as you reach Everest Base Camp. Witness the sun bidding farewell to the world’s highest peak. As the daylight fades and the stars emerge, relish the tranquility and majesty of this remote Himalayan sanctuary.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Rongbuk Monastery to Shigatse (360km)

Visit Rongbuk Monastery, initially established as a meditation retreat for monks and currently shared by both monks and nuns. Observe their ritual practices characterized by monks engaging in chanting and traditional instrument performances.

On the return journey to Shigatse, take a brief detour to Dingyal County, where you can marvel at the impressive views of Mount Lhotse and the eastern slope of Mount Everest. Conclude the day with a special dinner featuring Tibetan singing and dancing performances, providing a delightful cultural experience.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Tibetan Dance Performance

Day 7: Shigatse to Northern Tibet Grassland — Seling Tso Lake

On your final morning in Shigatse, you’ll visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the largest monastery in western Tibet and the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas. Known for its grand architecture, it houses the world’s largest gilded bronze statue, the stupas of the Panchen Lamas, and remarkable Buddhist murals.

After exploring the monastery, we’ll begin our journey to Bangor — a 550-kilometer drive across the vast grasslands of the Changtang Plateau. This region, spanning nearly half a million square kilometers, feels like an endless green ocean surrounded by snow-capped mountain ranges. Along the way, you may spot yaks, wild yaks, and graceful Tibetan antelope, and we’ll make a brief stop at a natural hot spring for a relaxing foot soak.

We will also pass by Serling Tso, Tibet’s largest lake, shimmering like an inland sea at 4,700 meters above sea level.

Tonight, you’ll stay in Bangor County (also 4,700 m), in a hotel equipped with oxygen. After more than a week on the plateau and a stay near Everest, you’ll be well acclimatized for this remarkable night at the roof of the world.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Seling Tso to Namtso Giant Elephant Gate to Dumxung

Today, we’ll travel from Bange across the northern Tibetan grasslands toward the northern shore of Namtso Lake, one of the most breathtaking highlights of the entire journey. Along the way, you’ll see grazing yaks, wild asses, and Tibetan antelope as we pass the serene Bamucuo Lake, often praised for its crystal-clear beauty.

After a rugged 60-kilometer drive, the landscape opens up to the spectacular Sacred Elephant Gate, where the deep blue waters of Namtso meet a ring of snow-capped mountains. The views from the northern shore are vast, peaceful, and unforgettable — like standing beside an ocean suspended in the sky.

After enjoying this incredible scenery, we’ll continue along Namtso’s northeastern shore and head toward Damxung, where we will spend the night before returning to Lhasa.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Damxung to Lhasa

Today we return to Lhasa, completing our beautiful journey with a smooth three-hour drive on the expressway.

Upon arrival, your guide will take you for a relaxing Tibetan herbal bath, the perfect way to unwind after days on the plateau. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free for you to explore Lhasa at your own pace — shopping, strolling, or simply enjoying the atmosphere of this ancient city one last time.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Departure from Lhasa

We will arrange your transfer to the airport or train station as your tour comes to a close.

Meals: Breakfast