10 Days Everest plus Namtso Lake Tour

Day 1 Arrival at Lhasa by flight or train [3658m]

You will be greeted by your Tibetan guide once you arrive in Lhasa Gonggar airport or train station. From airport to Lhasa city is 68km, around one hour and half drive will take you to the holy city Lhasa; from the train station it is only 15km and takes 20 minutes by drive. Afternoon, have a good rest to acclimatize the high altitude. Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 2 Lhasa sightseeing [B] + [D]

Today is your first day of sightseeing on the high plateau, so we have purposely arranged only to visit Jokhang Temple and Potala Palace. Potala Palace is the worldwide known cardinal landmark of Tibet. The massive structure itself contains a small world within it. Mostly it is renowned as residence of the Dalai Lama lineages (Avalokiteshvara). Jokhang Temple is the most scared shrine in Tibet which was built in 7th century and located at the heart of old town in Lhasa. The circuit around the Jokhang called Barkhor Street is a good place to purchase souvenirs. Both of them are the focal points of pilgrims from entire Tibetan world, multitudinous pilgrims are circumambulating and prostrating in their strong faith. Afterwards stroll on the narrow streets of Lhasa old town to meet local people and visit their markets. A "Welcome Dinner" is arranged for today. Overnight in Lhasa.

Potala Palace
Jokhang Temple

Day 3 Lhasa Sightseeing [B]

About 8km west of central Lhasa is the Drepung Monastery, once world's largest monastery with about 10,000 monks. This day's sightseeing begins with these white monastic buildings piled up on the hillside. Walking up to the hill is a pleasant thing, an easy break from the solemn ambience inside the halls and chapels. At the plat roof of hillside, you can have very good views of the whole Lhasa city and the distant mountains. Drepung is one of Lhasa's two great Gelugpa monasteries, the other is Sera Monastery. Around 5km north of central Lhasa, Sera may not be as grandiose as Drepung, but is more serene surrounded by many small temples. The 'Buddhism Scriptures Debating' in Sera is very famous. Overnight in Lhasa.

Drepung Monastery
Sera Monastery

Day 4 Lhasa / Gyantse [3980m] / Shigatse [3840m], 360km, 6-7hrs drive [B]

Morning drive up to Kampala pass [4794m], you will have a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso and spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar in the distance, the turquoise colored Lake Yamdrok Tso is one of the three holy lakes in Tibet, the unforgettable vista of pincer-shaped turquoise water of the lake and amazing spectacle of Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar glacier from Karo la pass are the wonders of the day. Far in the distance you’ll spot the towering massif Mt. Nojin Kangtsang (7191 m), and the staggering Karo-la Glacier (5045 m). Then drive southwards along the Friendship southern Highway to reach Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet. You will stay overnight in Shigatse.

Yamdrok Lake
Pelkhor Monastery

Day 5 Shigatse / Rongbuk [4900m] / E.B.C [5200m], 340km, 9-10hrs drive [B]

Morning visit lively local market in Shigatse while your guide assist you process the PSB permit at local PSB office, afterwards start driving to Rongbuk Monastery via Lhatse and Shegar, cross over Gyatsola [5200m] & Gawu la pass [5250m], from the top of the Gawu la you will see the spectacular Himalayan Ranges and its glorious peaks viz Mt. Makalu [8463m], Mt. Lotse [8516m], Mt Everest [8844m], Mt. Cho Oyu [8201m] and Mt. Shishapama [8020m] from Left to right, climbing down through numbers of switchback bends lead to the dry valley of Tashi Zom and then to today's destination - Everest Base Camp. Rongbuk Monastery is the highest monastery in the world and is consisted by both monks and nuns, where is still a good point to see Mt. Everest. Sunset at Mt. Everest is another highlight of today if in good weather. Overnight at local tent guesthouse or Rongbuk guesthouse (dorm beds only).

Rongbuk Monastery
Tent Guesthouse

Day 6 Rongbuk / Shigatse [3840m], 340km, 9-10hrs drive

Get up early this morning, and if the weather's good enough, you could have a chance to see the sunrise of Mt. Everest from Rongbuk Monastery and view the peak glittering in the sunshine. It's hard to peel your gaze away from the stunning view of the magnificent north face of the world's tallest peak - Mt. Everest (Qomolangma as its Tibetan name, meaning "Goddess Mother of Mountains"). Rongbuk Monastery is the furthest place we could reach in the Qomolangma scenic area. Late morning or early afternoon, start driving back to Shigatse and have a good rest after the long time drive. Overnight in Shigatse.

Sunrise of Mt. Everest
Everest Base Camp

Day 7 Shigatse / Lhasa [3595m], 270km, 6hrs drive [B]

Morning visit Shigatse Tashilunpo Monastery and the spectacular tombs of Panchen Lamas, sometimes it is crowded with local pilgrims. Afterwards drive back to Lhasa along the northern friendship way, marvelous landscapes and sceneries along the Brahmaputra River will accompany you all the way back to Lhasa. Overnight in Lhasa.

Tashilhunpo Monastery
Brahmaputra River

Day 8 Lhasa to Namtso Lake [B]

Namtso Lake located at Damxung, which is a pure pasturing area in Tibet, where there’s a chance to find yaks and sheeps scattered on the vast grassland. This heavenly lake lies at an elevation of 4,718 m (15,479 ft), and has a surface area of 1,920 square kilometers. Before arriving the lake, the snow-capped Nyenchen Tonglha Mountains will catch your eyes, after we finally reached the lake, the deep blue endless water makes you feel you are staying at the side of seashore. The sunset of the lake in good weather is extra bonus. You will stay overnight in Damxung.

Namtso Lake
Namtso Lake

Day 9 Back to Lhasa

Today, drive back to Lhasa city, you may enjoy the Yampajain hot-spring (optional, self-paid) on the way back. You will stay overnight in Lhasa.

Grassland in Northern Tibet
Yampajain hot-spring

Day 10 Tour Ends [B]

Free morning for shopping, buy some souvenirs for your families and friends. After lunch, departure transfer to see off, tour services end and Tibet welcome you back forever.