Arrive at the Lhasa Gonggar airport, be greeted and offered a white scarf (called Kada) in a Tibet traditional way which brings you good luck. Then drive to the city proper (3650 m) and transfer to your hotel. Stay at the hotel for adapting to the high attitude. It is helpful to take things easy for the first few days, and try to drink some water just and now, be noted the first day’s acclimation is extremely to ensure you a good health status for the following tour, so please make sure you have yourself lie in bed for all the rest time of the day right after check-in of hotel.
The first day of sightseeing starts from Lhasa's cardinal landmark-Potala Palace, a structure of massive portions. Its towering image already appearing on various occasions, but your first sight of the Potala will still be an awe-inspiring moment. It takes at least a good 2-hour to visit those rooms, halls and chapels. In the afternoon, we will drop a visit of the Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of Tibet. Everyday, pilgrims from every corner of Tibet trek a long distance to the temple. The temple is the product of Han, Tibetan and Nepalese architectural techniques. Then we will visit Barkhor Street, the oldest street in a very traditional city in Tibet.
Potala Palace
Jokhang Temple
Morning, you’ll visit Drepung Monastery, once world's largest monastery with about 10,000 monks. 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. In the afternoon, you’ll have a chance to witness the famous 'Buddhism Scriptures Debating' session at Sera Monastery. Overnight in Lhasa.
Drepung Monastery
Sera Monastery
Drive to Gyantse, the famous historical city in Tibet, along the Kyichu River. On the Ganba La (4,796 m) have a fantastic view of the holy Lake of Yamdrok Yumtso (4441 m). Upon arrival, have a stop at the Karola Glacier, then the Pelkor Monastery and Kumbum Stupa. Then continue to drive to get to Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet.
Yamdrok Lake
Pelkor Monastery
In the morning, first have a visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery and the spectacular tombs of Panchen Lamas in Shigatse, and do its “kora” which provides a great view of whole Shigatse city. Then drive to Old Tingri (4350m; approx. 300 km) over Tso-La (4500m) and Gyatso-La (5252m). On the way, if the time is permitting, make an excursion to visit the Sakya Monastery (4280m). Sakya, the master monastery of the Striped Sect, is well famed with its long history, large-scale construction complex and great influence in Tibet history. Its North Monastery was built in 1073 and named Sakya (meaning “gray” in Tibetan) as it was situated on a gray mountain. What we see today is the Sakya South Monastery built in 1269 by Phagpa. In the afternoon arrive in Old Tingri, meet trek guide and crew.
Sakya Monastery
Old Tingri County
Today’s trek begins from Old Tingri, and all the way to the Tingri Plain. You’ll pass through part of the Ra-chu Valley with beautiful scenery along the way during the warmer half of the year, the extensive meadows is home to flocked of sheep and goats. Stay overnight in camp at Lungchang.
View along the way
View along the way
Today, you’ll head up into the mountains and ascend to the top of Lamna-la pass at 5150m. You may find the trail quite strenuous along with much uphill trekking. Immerse yourself in the sensational views of the Himalayan Range and make sure to have a break if you are feeling fatigued. Camping at beyond Lamna-la for overnight.
View along the way
View along the way
In the morning, further away from Lamna-la pass, you’ll descend into a field with green vegetation and possibly encounter yak herders en route. Trek towards the small village of Zommug where the tent will be pitched. You’ll have a chance to view the stunning sunset in this barren village.
View along the way
View along the way
Today, wind your way to trek up to Rongbuk Monastery (5030m). With an altitude of 5,030 meters it is the highest temple in the world. It was said the Rongbuk Monastery had been built as early as the time of the Fifth Dalai Lama. Mount Everest, which stands 8,848 meters (29,021 ft) above sea level, is often referred to as 'the third pole on earth'. Being the world's highest peak, its legendary status holds a fascination to many trekkers and mountaineers. Visit Everest Base Camp and stay at the Rongbuk Monastery or Tent tonight.
Rongbuk Monastery
Everest Base Camp
In the morning, if weather is good, you can choose to wake up early to appreciate the stunning sunrise of Mt. Everest. After breakfast, going to visit the Everest Base Camp. Later, we will drive forward to Gyirong Town. You will pass by Peikutso Lake and enjoy the breathtaking views of the snow-capped Shishapangma [8012m]. Overnight at Gyirong Town.
Peikutso Lake
Gyirong Town
Today, we see you off from the Gyirong Town to the port. Our guide will assist tourists to clear the China Customs and you will cross the border and check in Nepal side on your own. There are about 130km from Gyirong to Kathmandu city which takes about 9 hours by local jeeps at the Nepalese border. All our services in Tibet end at Chinese border of Gyirong.
Potala Palace
Mt. Everest
Yamdrok Lake
Sera Monastery
Namtso Lake
Mt. Kailash
From Mr. Gerard AdrienHi Daniel. We are already on our way back to Shanghai. We would like to thank you for the great trip we had. Our guide Jampa and our driver did an excellent job. They are both very recommendable! We enjoyed the trip despite the altitude discomfort we experienced during the first 3 days. Thank you!
From Ms. Elena Maria ValisiI highly recommend this agency. I travelled with other 2 couples who booked through different agencies and they paid a lot more to have less assistance, same hotels/tour/guide/car, less flexibility and no travel insurance included.
