Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa (3650m)
When you arrive in Lhasa either by train or flight, your guide will greet you and take you to your hotel. Tourists may view the Yarlung Tsangpo River/ Brahmaputra river (the Longest and largest river in Tibet) and Lhasa river on their way to Lhasa.
After arriving in Lhasa, rest at your hotel and allow time to adjust to the altitude. If you feel ready for a gentle outing, visit Potala Square for views and photographs of the palace.
Insider Tips:
For the new-comers of Tibet, to get acclimatized to the high altitude in Tibet. Having a good sleep in your hotel is a good option. Don not rush to visit attractions inside Lhasa city.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Day 2: Lhasa Tour - Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street (B, D)
Begin at the Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lamas. Its history is associated with Tibet’s seventh-century king. Highlights include the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave connected with the king.
After lunch, visit Jokhang Temple, founded in the seventh century. Inside, see the revered statue of the twelve-year-old Shakyamuni Buddha. Outside, observe pilgrims prostrating before the temple. Explore the market along Barkhor Street and watch pilgrims following the kora, the religious circuit around the temple.
Enjoy Tibetan tea with local residents at a teahouse. A welcome dinner will also be arranged.
Optional: If time permits, visit a Tibetan handicraft workshop or a traditional Tibetan medicine center with your guide. An evening Tibetan cultural show is available as an upgrade, starting at $60.
Stay overnight in Lhasa
Day 3: Lhasa Tour - Drepung monastery, Sera monastery(B)
In the morning ,you are going to visit Drepung monastery which is one of the “great three” Gelug monasteries of Tibet, founded in 1416 by Jamyang choge, one of the Tsongkhapa’s main disciples. You can visit biggest monastery kitchen inside the monastery and enjoy Buddhist Sculpture Carving workshop near Drepung.
In the afternoon, visit Sera Monastery, one of Tibet’s three major Gelug monasteries. A highlight is the monks’ debate, generally held between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. You can also explore the scripture-printing house, sand mandalas, and colorful paintings of the Buddha.
Stay overnight in Lhasa
Day 4: Lhasa- Shigatse via Gyantse 360 km(B)
In the morning, drive from Lhasa to Shigatse .On the way, drive over the Gampala pass (4790 m), and you will have a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso (4400m) .The Lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and in the distance you can have spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar, (7191m) the highest mountain near Lhasa.
Stop to view Karola Glacier from the roadside, then continue past Manak Dam Lake and Simila Mountain Pass. In Gyantse, visit Pelkor Monastery and the Gyantse Kumbum, with views of the town’s hilltop fortress.
After one and a half driving, we arrive in Shigatse, which is the second largest city in Tibet. In Shigatse, we may visit traditional Barley Mill and view the landscape of Barley Field (in summer).
Stay overnight in Shigatse
Day 5: Shigatse (3900m) to Everest Base Camp(5200) (B)
In the morning, we will visit the home of Panchen Lama - Tashilhunpo Monastery. Then, we’ll leave Shigatse after getting your Alien’s travel permit, and then drive to Lhatse, it is a small town where you can have lunch.
After that, we will pass Tsola Pass(4600M), and Gyatsola Pass(5248M). Shortly after we enter Mt. Everest National Nature Reserve, tourists can enjoy the panorama of Himalaya at Gawula Pass(5198m).Then we drive along the New zigzag road to Everest Base Camp(5200m). You can get closer to gaze at the Mt. Everest peak. The sunset of golden Everest peak if time and weather permits at the lodging area.
Stay overnight at tent or Rongbuk monastery guest house.
Day 6: EBC (5200m) and return to Shigatse (3900m)
If weather permits, watch sunrise over Mount Everest from the lodging area. Visit Rongbuk Monastery, known for its high-altitude setting and community of monks and nuns, then drive back to Shigatse.
Stay overnight in Shigatse.
Day 7: Shigatse (3900m) to Lhasa (3650m)350km(B)
Today, we will drive back to Lhasa by following Yalong Valley. You can stand on the viewing platform and view the vast Yalong River bed. Finally the guide will transfer you back to your hotels in Lhasa.
Stay overnight in Lhasa
Day 8: Depart from Lhasa(B)
The guide will transfer you to the airport or train station and help you get on board.
