Duration: 12 Days
Overview
Follow ancient paths through Tibet’s mystical landscapes, where remote monasteries and cliffside hermitages perch among towering, cloud-wrapped peaks.
Highlights
- Follow ancient paths through Tibet’s mystical landscapes, where remote monasteries and cliffside hermitages perch among towering, cloud-wrapped peaks.
- Push your limits on thrilling climbs over dramatic mountain passes, rewarded with sweeping Himalayan vistas and untouched wilderness.
- Engage with nomadic herders and monks, sharing in sacred rituals, butter tea hospitality, and campfire stories under star-filled skies.
- Venture beyond the beaten path to secret turquoise lakes, secluded valleys, and timeless villages known only to local yak herders.
- Experience the perfect blend of physical challenge and spiritual depth—from sunrise prayers at ancient shrines to meditative walks through prayer flag-lined trails.
Itinerary
Arrive in Lhasa – The Gateway to Tibet
Welcome to
Lhasa
, the heart and soul of Tibet! As you step off the plane or train, your friendly guide will greet you with a warm smile, ready to whisk you away to your hotel. Along the way, let the breathtaking landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau captivate you while your guide shares fascinating stories about the region’s rich history and vibrant culture. Take the rest of the day to relax and acc
Discover Lhasa’s Spiritual Treasures
On the first day, immerse yourself in the magic of Lhasa! Start your morning at the majestic
Potala Palace
, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that towers over the city like a golden crown. Wander through its sacred halls, adorned with intricate murals and ancient artifacts, and feel the weight of centuries of history.
Next, dive into the vibrant energy of
Barkhor Street
, where pilgrims and loca
Monasteries and Monastic Debates
After a hearty breakfast, set off to explore
Drepung Monastery
, once the largest monastery in Tibet. Stroll through its whitewashed buildings, where echoes of chanting monks and the scent of butter lamps fill the air. Marvel at priceless scriptures and stunning murals that tell the story of Tibetan Buddhism.
In the afternoon, witness the lively monastic debates at
Sera Monastery
. Watch as
Journey to Gyantse – A Scenic Adventure
Bid farewell to Lhasa and embark on a breathtaking drive along the
Friendship Highway
. Your first stop is Shigatse, home to the grand
Tashilhunpo Monastery
and the sacred tombs of the Panchen Lamas. Feel the spiritual energy of this holy site as you explore its golden halls.
Continue your journey through dramatic landscapes, passing towering peaks and serene valleys. As you arrive in Tingr
Gyantse’s Hidden Gems
Today, cross the
Kambala Pass
(4,700m), where a stunning panorama of
Yamdro-tso Lake
awaits. Its turquoise waters shimmer like a jewel against the rugged mountains—a sight straight out of a dream.
In Gyantse, step back in time at the
Gyangtse Kumpum Stupa
, a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture. Climb to its rooftop for sweeping views of the town and the surrounding valleys, and let the s
Trekking Begins – Into the Wild
Lace up your boots—it’s time to hit the trail! Your trek starts across the vast
Tingri Plain
, where rolling meadows dotted with grazing sheep and goats stretch as far as the eye can see. Follow the
Ra-chu Valley
, a hidden gem where herders and farmers live in harmony with the land.
Pause to explore Choelun Monastery, a humble retreat nestled in the wilderness. Here, time seems to stand sti
Conquer Nam La Pass
Today’s challenge is a steep ascent to
Nam La Pass
, where the air grows thin and the views grow grander with every step. Push yourself to new heights as the Himalayan giants loom around you. At the summit, celebrate your achievement with a well-earned rest, surrounded by a sea of peaks and endless skies.
Traffic:
Trekking (8 hours, 21km)
Hotel:
Camping at Nam-la Valley
Meals:
Bre
Nomadic Encounters in Zommug
Wake up to the crisp mountain air and set off through a
Himalayan landscape
sculpted by wind and time. Along the way, meet friendly yak herders, their smiles as warm as the butter tea they might share with you. Learn about their nomadic traditions and feel the simplicity of life in these remote highlands.
By evening, arrive in
Zommug Village
, where the sunset paints the hills in shades of
The Final Trek to Everest Base Camp
Today’s journey is the crown jewel of your adventure—a trek to the legendary
Everest Base Camp
! Follow the trail through the
Rongbuk Valley
, where every step brings you closer to the roof of the world.
Stop at
Rongbuk Monastery
, the highest monastery on Earth, and soak in its spiritual aura. Then, stand in awe before the North Face of Everest, its icy slopes glistening in the sunlight. T
Relax in Sakya’s Hot Springs
After days of trekking, treat yourself to a well-deserved break. Drive back along the Friendship Highway, stopping at the tranquil
Xiqian Hot Springs
in
Lhatse
. Sink into the mineral-rich waters, letting their warmth soothe your muscles as you reflect on your incredible journey.
Traffic:
Coach
Hotel:
Overnight in Sakya
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Altitude:
4700m
Fr
Explore Sakya Monastery
Your final cultural stop is the iconic
Sakya Monastery
, a treasure trove of Tibetan Buddhism. Admire its striking gray-and-red walls, explore halls filled with ancient scriptures, and lose yourself in the vibrant murals that adorn every corner. It’s a fitting finale to your spiritual odyssey.
Traffic:
Coach
Hotel:
Overnight in Lhasa
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Altitude:
3650m
Farewell, Tibet
As your journey comes to an end, transfer to Lhasa Airport or Train Station with memories that will last a lifetime. If Tibet’s magic has captured your heart, why not stay a little longer? The mountains are always calling.
Traffic:
Coach
Hotel:
No accommodation
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
INCLUDES
Tibet travel permit and all other necessary permits to Tibet
What’s Included
- Tibet travel permit and all other necessary permits to Tibet
- All entrance ticket fees for a Personal knowledgeable English-speaking Tibetan local tour guide
- Personal comfortable, clean and safe vehicle with reliable Tibetan local driver; vehicle ranging from 4WD land cruiser to minibus depending on your group size
- All lodging listed in the itinerary; it’s your decision about the accommodation class: luxury 5-star international hotel, comfortable 4-star hotel, economic 3-star hotel or budget hostel, guesthouse or tent. Please tell us your accommodation preference when submitting the enquiry; we will arrange the best-value hotels for you
- Domestic flight/train tickets listed in the itinerary
- All meals listed in the above itinerary
- Tourist accident/casualty insurance
- First aid kit
What’s Excluded
- International flight to and out of China
- Chinese visa (Note: we could help you with the Chinese visa application, like providing the invitation letter, presenting the hotel or domestic flight reservation copies, etc that you may need. )
- Domestic flight/train not listed in the itinerary. (We can provide you the domestic flight/train ticket booking service at the BEST discount price; please contact us our travel experts for the details.)
- Meals not specified in the itinerary; usually it costs about USD3-15 per person for one meal in TAR (Tibet Autonomous Region).
- Tips and gratitude to tour guide and driver
- Personal expenses, like laundry, phone call, snacks, soft drinks (please do the best to avoid the alcoholic beverages during your Tibet trip), optional tour activities, etc.