Itinerary Details

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  Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa (3600m)

  Attractions: No
  Meals: No
  Hotel: Lhasa, 3★/4★

  Welcome to Lhasa! Upon your arrival at Lhasa Gonggar International Airport or Lhasa Railway Station, your tour guide and driver will meet you in the hall on time, holding a sign with your name.

  Then you’ll be transferred to your hotel downtown by the experienced driver. It only takes less than an hour through the Airport Expressway and takes about half an hour from the Railway Station to your hotel.

  After arriving at the hotel, your tour guide will help you check in. You can have a good rest to get used to the altitude.

  Stay overnight at Lhasa.

  Tips:
  1. For first-time visitors, it is common to get symptoms of altitude sickness like fatigue, headache, and vomiting.
  2. To adapt to the high altitude (over 3,600m), you are recommended to have a good rest in the hotel and avoid strenuous activities like running. Do not smoke or drink. Avoid showers for the first one or two days.
  3. Please drink sufficient water and eat more vegetables, fruits, meat, and eggs for sufficient energy intake
  4. Don’t hesitate to ask your guide or hotel staff for help if you feel unwell or need help.

  

  Lhasa Gonggar Airport Pick-up

  

  Lhasa Train Station Pick-up
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  Day 2: Lhasa City Tour

  Attractions: Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery
  Meals: B, Welcome Dinner
  Hotel: Lhasa, 3★/4★

  After breakfast at your hotel, your guide and driver will pick you up. You’ll begin your journey with Drepung Monastery, the largest monastery in Tibet.

  Drepung Monastery

  1. Coqen Hall: the main assembly hall, located in the center of the monastery, where you can find a fine statue of Usnisa-sitapatra, a huge statue of Maitreya (Qamba Budda) and a mass collection of Buddhist sutras.
  2. Loseling College: the biggest one of the four colleges of Drepung Monastery, offering you an insight into the monks’ practices and studies.

  In the afternoon, you’ll continue your trip to visit another famous monastery.

  Sera Monastery

  1. Coqen Hall: the main assembly hall where you can see the statue of Shvakya-ye-shes, the founder of this monastery.
  2. Sera Je College: the largest college in Sera Monastery where you can visit the chapel of Hayagriva and pray for blessings.
  3. Tibetan Monks Debates: the debates among monks (15:00-17:00, from Monday to Friday) offer you a chance to see how they gain a better comprehension of Buddhist philosophy in this process.

  Enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers and then back to the hotel for a good rest. Stay overnight in Lhasa.

  

  Sera Monastery

  

  Tibetan Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
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  Day 3: Lhasa City Tour

  Attractions: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
  Meals: B
  Hotel: Lhasa, 3★/4★

  After your breakfast at the hotel, you will head to the famous landmark Potala Palace.

  Potala Palace

  1. The Viewing Platform of Jag Pori: a popular photo spot where you may appreciate the splendid sunrise
  2. Treasure Hall of Potala: offering you an insight into Tibetan history and culture with precious artworks and cultural relics.
  3. Mountain Path to the Palace: climbing up along the zigzag mountain path with over 900 steps gives you a sense of fulfillment.
  4. White Palace: the Winter Palace of Dalai Lamas shows you Tibetan architectural
  5. Red Palace: the chapel housing stupas, tombs, and relics of Dalai Lamas where you can experience the sanctity and solemnity of religion.

  In the afternoon you will head to the oldest temple in Tibet.

  Jokhang Temple

  1. Main Hall: the central hall serves as the main point for worship and houses the precious statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve.
  2. Golden Roof: an ideal site to overlook Jokhang Temple Square and Potala Palace.

  After viewing the holiest temple, you can visit Barkhor Street encircling it.

  Barkhor Street

  1. The Circumambulation Road: an essential pilgrim route where you can join pilgrims to do a kora around the Temple.
  2. Shops and Restaurants: you can eat local food and buy handcrafts like prayer beads, prayer wheels, and thangkas in this old market.

  Back to your hotel and stay overnight in Lhasa.

  

  Potala Palace

  

  Jokhang Temple
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  Day 4: Lhasa-Gyantse (3900m)-Shigatse (3800m)

  Attractions: Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, Simila Mountain Pass
  Meals: B
  Hotel: Shigatse, 3★/4★

  After breakfast, you will start your trip to Shigatse.

  Yamdrok Lake: drive southwest to the Gampala Pass where you can have a perfect view of the turquoise lake and the majestic Mount Nyenchen Khangsar (7191m).

  Enjoy your lunch at Nagartse hosted by a local Tibetan family, where you can savor the local flavors and engage in conversation with the locals. Then, continue your trip to Gyantse.

  Karola Glacier: the largest glacier in Tibet for you to enjoy at a distance on the vehicle.

  Simila Mountain Pass: a stop where you can hang prayer flags.

  Upon your arrival at Gyantse, you can stroll down the streets and take some photos. From Gyantse to Shigatse, you will pass by green Tibetan barley fields in summer and golden ones in autumn, along with countless farms.

  You will reach Shigatse before nightfall. Check-in at the hotel and have a good rest. Stay overnight in Shigatse.

  

  Yamdrok Lake

  

  Karola Glacier
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  Day 5: Shigatse-EBC (5200m)

  Attractions: Tashilhunpo Monastery, Gyawu La Pass, Mount Everest Base Camp
  Meals: B
  Hotel: EBC, guestroom

  After your breakfast, you willnd visit Tashilunpo Monastery.
  1. Qamba Buddha Hall: the hall houses the tallest and largest bronze Qamba Buddha statue where you can appreciate Buddhist art.

  After your visit, we'll head to Mount Everest.

  Gyawu La Pass (5250m): the best scenic spot providing you the first glimpse of Mt. Everest.

  Then, you will continue your journey towards Everest Base Camp along the winding road with the grand Everest drawing nearer.

  Everest Base Camp (5200m)

  1. Sunset View from EBC: a breathtaking spectacle that captivates your senses as you witness the sun descend toward the horizon, casting its golden hues on the towering peak.
  2. Milky Way: being situated at a high altitude, EBC has clear and unobstructed views of the night sky. You can enjoy a luminous band of stars, weaving its way through the darkness above the snow-white peak.
  3. 5200 Monument: a monument typically marks the elevation of Everest Base Camp itself where you can take a photo to commemorate your trip to EBC.
  4. 8848 Monument: a monument represents the elevation of Mount Everest about 500m from the tent area and the closest viewing spot to Mt. Everest. You can take photos here of the monument and the majestic Everest.

  Stay overnight at Everest Base Camp or in the local village near EBC.

  

  Gawula Pass

  

  Made it to Everest Base Camp
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  Day 6: EBC-Saga (4500m)

  Attractions: Rongbuk Monastery, Mount Shishapangma, Peiku Tso Lake
  Meals: No
  Hotel: Saga Xibuyizhan Hotel or Mu Linsen Hotel

  Weather permitting, you may appreciate the sunrise of Mt. Everest, seeing the sunlight casting its golden glow on the towering peak.

  In the morning, you will visit a simple yet unusual monastery.

  Rongbuk Monastery (5009m): the highest monastery on the north side of Mt. Everest. Its Observation Deck is a perfect site to view the towering mountain.

  Then, you will head to Saga.

  Mount Shishapangma (8027m): facing the world’s 14^th highest mountain covered by a large area of glaciers, you cannot help but marvel at its lofty.

  Pelkhu Tso Lake (4591m): descending to lower elevations takes you to the beautiful Pelkhu Tso Lake. The golden glow of water and the white peaks of Mt. Shishapangma enhance each other’s beauty, offering you a breathtaking view.

  Stay overnight in Saga.

  

  Rongbuk Monastery

  

  Enough oxygen, water, and blanket for free
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  Day 7: Saga-Darchen (4675m)

  Attractions: Gongzhucuo Lake, Lake Manasarovar
  Meals: No
  Hotel: Darchen Chongqing Hotel

  On your way to Darchen, you may appreciate stunning landscapes along the drive.

  Saga Valley: a picturesque valley between the Gangdise Range and the Himalaya Range offers you the scenery of snow-capped peaks, vast grassland, and Tibetan villages.

  Driving on, another stunning lake will catch your eyes.

  Gongzhucuo Lake: a sapphire nestled in the wilderness, which reflects the surrounding mountains and sky like a mirror. You can enjoy its infinite charm from the vehicle.

  Also, Lake Manasarovar will greet you on the way. The view of the holy lake, together with Mt. Kailash at a distance, is awe-inspiring.

  Upon your arrival in Darchen, check in your hotel. Stay overnight in Darchen.

  

  Lake Manasarovar

  

  Darchen
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  Day 8: Darchen-Zanda (3660m)

  Attractions: Zanda Earth Forest, Tholing Monastery, Guge Kingdom Ruins
  Meals: No
  Hotel: Zanda Tulin Castle Hotel

  After breakfast, your guide and driver will take you to Zanda County. Along the drive, you can see the wandering wildlife and the unique landscape of the earth forest.

  Upon arrival at Zanda, you’ll begin your exploration of ancient sites.

  Zanda Earth Forest: you can admire the magnificent scenery of striking canyons and eroded earth structures.

  Tholing Monastery: the oldest monastery in Ngari Prefecture where you can appreciate precious and exquisite murals.

  Guge Kingdom Ruins: the stunning royal palace complex offers you an insight into the once-flourishing kingdom.

  After your visit, drive back to Zanda for accommodation. Stay overnight at Zanda.

  

  Zanda Earth Forest

  

  Guge Kingdom Ruins
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  Day 9: Zanda-Darchen

  Attractions: Donggar and Piyang Caves
  Meals: No
  Hotel: Darchen Chongqing Hotel

  Today, you will visit artistic pearls hidden in the remote area.

  Donggar and Piyang Caves

  1. Cave Temples: cave complexes carved into the cliffsides of the surrounding mountains, showcasing the impressive rock-cut architectural art of Donggar and Piyang.
  2. Frescoes and Murals: ancient artworks depict religious themes, deities, mythical figures, and scenes from daily life, providing you with valuable insights into the culture and beliefs of the ancient civilizations that inhabited the region.

  After visiting the ancient caves, you will return to Darchen. Stay overnight at Darchen.

  

  Donggar and Piyang Caves

  

  Ruins of complexes
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  Day 10: Darchen-Dirapuk Monastery (Trek Day 1: drive 7km, trek 13km, 4675-5080m)

  Attractions: Mount Kailash
  Meals: No
  Hotel: Dirapuk Monastery, guestroom

  In the morning, you will take an eco-bus to Darchen to Sarshung Valley, where you will begin your trek to Dirapuk Monastery via the Lachu Valley.

  Tarboche: one of the most important sites for the Saga Dawa Festival where you can see hundreds of pilgrims raising the flagpole.

  Choku Monastery: the first monastery on Mt. Kailash kora where you can see a sacred silver embossed conch shell and teapots.

  Dirapuk Monastery: the famous monastery is an ideal site for you to view the impressive western face of Mt. Kailash.

  Stay overnight in Dirapuk Monastery Guesthouse.

  

  Trekking towards Mount Kailash

  

  Capture a clear view of Mount Kailash
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  Day 11: Dirapuk Monastery-Dzultripuk Monastery (Trek Day 2: trek 24km, 5080-5648-4830m)

  Attractions: Mount Kailash
  Meals: No
  Hotel: Dzultripuk Monastery, guestroom

  In the morning, depart from Dirapuk Monastery and begin your second trek day.

  After a challenging 762-meter ascending, you will arrive at the highest pass of the kora.

  Dolma La Pass (5648m): reaching the pass gives you a sacred fulfillment because according to Tibetan Buddhist belief, ascending the pass can remove one’s sins.

  Cibei Lake (Gauri Kund): the emerald-green lake waits for you on your way downhills, which is said to be capable of purifying sins.

  Continue descending and arrive at Dzultripuk Monastery Guesthouse.

  

  Dromala Pass

  

  Lake of Compassion
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  Day 12: Dzultripuk Monastery-Darchen (Trek Day 3: trek 6km, drive 4km)

  Attractions: Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar
  Meals: No
  Hotel: Darchen Chongqing Hotel

  On the last trek day, you will depart from Dzultripuk Monastery and head back to Darchen.

  In the morning, trek 6km to Zongto where you can take an eco-bus to Darchen, signifying the end of your trek.

  In the afternoon, you will take a 30-kilometer drive to the holy lake Manasarovar.

  Lake Manasarovar

  1. Lake View: the holy lake is set against the backdrop of Mt. Kailash, with crystal-clear water that can feast your eyes.
  2. Meditation: you can meditate at the peaceful and tranquil lakeside, letting its calm water purity your mind.
  3. Hot Springs (optional): soaking in hot springs or taking a foot bath is a great way for you to relax after a long journey.

  After that, drive back to Darchen and settle in your hotel. Stay overnight in Darchen.

  

  Zutulpuk Monastery

  

  Lake Manasarovar
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  Day 13: Darchen-Saga

  Attractions: Lake Manasarovar
  Meals: No
  Hotel: Saga Xibuyizhan Hotel or Mu Linsen hotel

  After breakfast, you’ll head back to Saga.

  On the way departing the Ngari Plateau, you can enjoy beautiful views including vast grasslands, rivers, valleys, and local villages. Once again, you can appreciate the beauty of Lake Manasarovar.

  Upon arrival in Saga, check in at your hotel and stay overnight here.

  

  Local Tibetans at Manasarovar

  

  Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar
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  Day 14: Saga-Gyirong

  Attractions: Gyirong Valley
  Meals: No
  Hotel: Pencuo Kangsang Hotel or Similar

  After breakfast, you’ll head to the Gyirong Valley.

  Gyirong Valley: the lowest spot in western Tibet offers you a different view. You can see pastoral terrain, dense forests, and canyon landscapes in this back garden of the Himalayas.

  Stay overnight in Gyirong.

  

  Gyirong Valley

  

  Paba Monastery
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  Day 15: Gyirong-Tingri

  Attractions: Scenery on the road
  Meals: No
  Hotel: Tingri Everest Hotel or Similar

  If you are traveling to Kathmandu, you can depart this morning. Otherwise, you can rest at the hotel.

  After ample rest, you will head back to Tingri. Along the way, you can enjoy the stunning views of the Himalayan Mountain range.

  Arrive in Tingri in the afternoon and check in your hotel. Stay overnight in Tingri.

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  Day 16: Tingri to Lhasa

  Attractions: Scenery on the road, Yarlung Tsangpo River
  Meals: Breakfast
  Hotel: 3★/4★ hotel in Lhasa

  Today, you will return to Lhasa. Driving along the Yarlung Tsangpo River, you can frame the breathtaking landscapes in your memory.

  Stay overnight in Lhasa.

  

  Yarlung Tsangpo River

  

  Scenic Drive
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  Day 17: Depart from Lhasa

  Attractions: No
  Meals: B
  Hotel: No

  Your guide and driver will take you to the airport or train station and help you get on board. Please verify your travel information and let your guide know.

  Thank you for choosing Tibet Horizon for your Tibet tour. We are always here to extend a warm welcome for your return to Tibet!

  

  Send off to the Train Station / Airport

  

  Leave Tibet for next destination