6 Days Tibet Golden Route 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. Afterwards, free time for relax, have a good rest and drink more water to acclimatize the high altitude on the plateau. 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 / Shigatse [3840m], 360km, 6-7hrs drive [B]

After breakfast, you’ll first start the drive to Chushul, here you will cross Kambala Pass which is 4794m high, Kambala Pass will provide you the first sight of the holy lake - Yamdrok tso. Then drive down to the bank of Yamdrok tso Lake, it takes about half an hour driving along the beautiful the bank to the nearest town - Nangartse, normally groups will have their lunch here. After lunch, continue on Southern Friendship Highway towards west, enjoy the spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains, valleys and grasslands with the groups of nomads. Far in the distance you’ll spot the towering massif Mt. Nojin Kangtsang (7191 m), and the staggering Karo-la Glacier (5045 m). Afterwards drive to Shigatse via Gyantse. Upon arrival, check in the hotel. Overnight in Shigatse.

Yamdrok Lake
Gyantse Kumbum

Day 5 Shigatse / Lhasa 270km, 4hrs drive [B]

Morning visit Tashilunpo Monastery and the spectacular tombs of Panchen Lamas in Shigatse, and do its “kora” which provides a great view of whole Shigatse city. Then start driving 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. Free time at own disposal upon arrival. Overnight in Lhasa.

Tashilhunpo Monastery
Brahmaputra River

Day 6 Lhasa airport / train station dropping off [B]

Morning Lhasa airport or train station dropping off, the time to say your farewells to your guide and driver, end the trip.