Itinerary Details

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  Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa (3650m)

  Attractions: No
  Meals: No
  Hotel: 3★/4★ hotel in Lhasa

  Welcome to Lhasa! Upon your arrival at Gonggar airport or Lhasa Railway Station, your professional Tibetan guide will meet you right in the hall on time, with your name sign. Then a comfortable private car and experienced driver will take you to Lhasa hotel safely. It is about 65km from the airport to Lhasa city and takes less than an hour through the Airport Expressway. It is only 25km from the railway station and takes about half an hour.

  After arriving at hotel, tour guide will help you check in. You can take a rest and get acclimatized to high altitude.

  Tips:
  1. To adapt to the high altitude ( over 3,600m ), you are recommended to have a good rest in the hotel, no running and intense activity, no smoking and no alcohol, no shower.
  2. Please drink sufficient water and eat more vegetable, fruits, meat and eggs for more energy.
  3. For the first-time visitors, it is common to have different degrees of high altitude sickness symptom.

  

  Lhasa Gonggar Airport Pick-up

  

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

  Attractions: Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery/Tibet Museum+Norbulingka
  Meals: Breakfast
  Hotel: 3★/4★ hotel in Lhasa

  After breakfast at your hotel, driven to visit Drepung Monastery. Drepung Monastery was ever the largest monastery with more than 10 thousand monks, and now is one of three great monasteries in Lhasa. Seen from the distant, its grand, white construction gives the appearance of a heap of rice.

  In the afternoon, driven to visit Sera Monastery, which is famous for the unique “Daily Scriptures Debating” activity held from 3:30pm to 5pm in the central courtyard.

  Or you will visit Tibet Museum, where you can explore Tibetan culture through displays of daily life, traditional attire, unique architecture, and festive customs. Next, you will go to Norbulingka, a classic Tibetan-style royal garden that served as the Dalai Lama’s summer retreat.

  Then transfer back to the hotel.

  Tips:
  1. The road condition to Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery is good.
  2. Pack plenty of drinking water, sun glasses, suncream and some food.

  

  Drepung Monastery

  

  Sera Monastery
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  Day 3: Lhasa City Tour

  Attractions: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street
  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  Hotel: 3★/4★ hotel in Lhasa

  After breakfast, your tour guide & driver will pick you and drive to visit the splendid Potala Palace, which is Lhasa’s cardinal landmarks. You will have a whole morning to explore this world-level architectural works: White Palace, Red Palace, corridors and stairs and countless lama’s dormitory. Others include: Buddha statues, red-robed lamas and devoted, murals, etc.

  In the afternoon, you will walk to visit the age-old Jokhang Temple, as the spiritual center of Tibet, which will deeply impress you with its magnificence and sincere pilgrims. You will see pilgrims donating butter oil to keep the lights burning for the Buddha; learning Tibetan Buddhism; hearing the red-robed Lamas praying; taking photos of the gold roof and enjoying the beautiful sunshine of Lhasa.

  Finally, you will have a relaxing walk around Jokhang Temple at Barkhor Street, which is the oldest street in Lhasa, and full of religious atmosphere, showcasing Tibetan culture, economy, religion and arts assemble. Then transfer back to the hotel.

  Tips:
  1. In Potala Palace, your visiting time is limited on 1 hour. Climb up there, you might experience slight shortness of breath, please take your time and rest when needed.
  2. Don’t disturb pilgrims and Lama. Don’t take photos of them without permission.
  3. In Barkhor Street, remember to bargain and compare the price in different shops for the souvenirs if you are purchasing.

  

  Potala Palace

  

  Tibetan Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
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  Day 4: Lhasa - Gyantse (3900m) – Shigatse (3800m) (350km, 7-8hrs)

  Attractions: Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, Pelkor Chode Monastery
  Meals: Breakfast
  Hotel: 3★/4★ hotel in Shigatse

  On leaving the Tibetan capital, we will first drive southwest towards the beauty of Lake Yamdrok taking the winding road up to the crest of the Gampa La pass at 4794 meters. From the pass you get the first glimpse of the beauty of Lake Yamdrok below ringed by snowy mountain peaks and stretching out across the whole landscape before you. In the distance the holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar stands tall in the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountain Range. We will drop down to the lake shore for a closer look before continuing on to Nagartse for a delicious local lunch.

  On the way to Gyantse, after lunch, we cross over the pass at Karo La (5159m) where we can view the beautiful glacier that falls from the slopes of Mount Nyenchen Khangsar. In Gyantse we will stop at the Pelkor Chode Monastery to explore both the monastery and the outstanding 32-meter stupa that is the highlight of the day. Known as the Kumbum Stupa this one-of-a-kind stupa has nine floors and 108 chapels which contain thousands of images and statues throughout. Then we will continue on in the late afternoon to reach Shigatse before nightfall.

  

  Yamdrok Lake

  

  Karola Glacier
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  Day 5: Shigatse - EBC (5200m) (350km, 7-8hrs)

  Attractions: Tashilunpo Monastery, Gawula Pass, Rongbuk Monastery, Mount Everest Sunset
  Meals: Breakfast
  Hotel: guestroom bed at EBC

  In the morning, we'll visit Tashilunpo Monastery. Qamba Buddha Hall houses the tallest and largest bronze Qamba Buddha statue where you can appreciate Buddhist art. After that, we’ll leave Shigatse after getting your Alien’s travel permit, and then drive direct to the base Camp of Mount Everest near the Rongbuk Monastery. The route takes us over several high passes and the first outstanding view you will see is from the Gyatso La pass at 5400 meters. From the viewpoint at the crest of the pass you can see Mount Everest standing tall in the distance.

  At Old Tingri we will turn off the Friendship Highway and take the Zhufeng Road over the Gawu La Pass (5250m) from which you get an amazing view of the Himalayan panorama. The view of the peaks includes several mountains above 8000 meters including Mount Everest (8848m) Mt. Lhotse (8516m) Mt. Makalu (8463m) Mt. Shishapangma (8020m) and Mt. Cho Oyu (8201m).

  On our arrival at the Rongbuk Monastery we will first check into the tent guesthouse or Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse depending on the time of year. The tent guesthouses are not available in the winter months from November to March and are sometimes full in the peak months of summer. After a light lunch we will get time to explore the famous Rongbuk Monastery the official highest Buddhist monastery in the world. Housing both monks and nuns the monastery was a regular stopping point for explorers heading for Mount Everest in the early days after it was first discovered.

  If the weather permits, you can witness the stunning sunset over Mount Everest.

  Tips:
  1. The road condition from Shigatse to EBC is a mixture of paved and rough road around mountains.
  2. Staying overnight near the Rongbuk Monastery will be quite cold, please pack warm clothes.
  3. Remember to get up early in the morning to see the sunrise over Mt. Everest.

  

  Gawula Pass

  

  Mount Everest and Rongbuk Monastery
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  Day 6: EBC–Saga(4500m) (450km, 8-9hrs)

  Attractions: Mount Everest Sunrise, Mount Shishapangma, Lake Peikutso
  Meals: Breakfast
  Hotel: Saga Xibuyizhan Hotel or Mu Linsen hotel or same star

  In the morning, we can enjoy the sunrise of Everest Peak at lodging area if weather permits; then as we head to saga, you can view of the worlds’14th highest peak Mt. Shishapangma (8012m), and Turquoise Lake Peiku Tso (4590m). If you are lucky enough, you are very likely to see wild animals like wild donkey, wild antelope etc.

  

  Enough oxygen, water, and blanket for free

  

  Lake Peiku Tso
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  Day 7: Saga to Darchen (4600m), via Lake Manasarovar (450km, 8-9hrs)

  Attractions: Lake Manasarovar
  Meals: No
  Hotel: Tarchen Chongqing Hotel or same star

  On the way to Darchen, you will have a chance to appreciate the stunning view of the Saga valley between Gangdise Range and Himayala Range. Meanwhile, the beautiful grassland and local's villages can also be seen. As we cross the Mayomla Pass (5112M), you can enjoy the spectacular vista of Mt. Naimonanyi (7694M). Then we are supposed to pass by the holy Lake Manasarovar and finally arrive at the southern foot of Mt. Kailash, the most holy mountain in Tibet.

  

  Lake Manasarovar

  

  Darchen
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  Day 8: Darchen-Dirapuk (driving 7km, Trek 13km)

  Attractions: Mount Kailash
  Meals: No
  Hotel: guestroom bed during trekking

  In the morning, we are supposed to take eco-bus from Darchen to Sarshung valley. Then we will meet Yaks and porters at Sarshung village. (the cost of hiring yaks, horses, and porters are not included in the package) After that, we can begain the trek (Around 13km) from Sarshung to Dirapuk Monastery along the Lachu valley and rivers. You can enjoy the both west and north face of mountain Kailash today. Finally, we will visit Dirapuk Monastery.

  

  Trekking towards Mount Kailash

  

  Capture a clear view of Mount Kailash
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  Day 9: Dirapuk-Zutulpuk (Trek 18km)

  Attractions: Mount Kailash
  Meals: No
  Hotel: guestroom bed during trekking

  Today, we will trek over Dromala Pass (5630m), the highest pass of the Kora. On the way you can have a rest in a teahouse. All the way, you can see locals Tibetans prostrating in the Kora path and beautiful Compassion Lake when walk downhill. We may also visit Zutulpuk Monastery.

  

  Dromala Pass

  

  Lake of Compassion
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  Day 10: Zutulpuk-Darchen (Trek 7km, driving 5km)-Zhongba (driving 340km, 5.5hrs)

  Attractions: Mount Kailash, Manasarovar Lake
  Meals: No
  Hotel: Zhongba, Guesthouse

  On the day three of the kora. you will trek 7km to Zongto where you can take bus to Darchen. Along the Kora, you can see piles of Mani Stones.

  We will drive you from Darchen to Lake Manasarovar, one of the most sacred lakes in Tibet, situated at an altitude of 4,560 meters. It lies approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Darchen. If the weather is clear, you’ll be able to enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake. If you’re feeling well, you can take a short trek along the lakeshore to soak in the serene beauty. After that, we will continue our journey to Zhongba.

  Stay overnight in Zhongba

  

  Zutulpuk Monastery

  

  Lake Manasarovar
• 

  Day 11: Zhongba-Lhatse (470km, 8hrs)

  Attractions: Scenery along the way
  Meals: No
  Hotel: Lhatse, 3★

  Today, we will drive from Zhongba to Lhatse. While there are no well-known landmarks along the route, the breathtaking landscapes stretch endlessly before you. Along the way, you’ll pass numerous unnamed lakes and rivers, traverse seven high mountain passes, and experience varying weather conditions. The journey is filled with natural beauty, including vast grasslands dotted with grazing cattle and sheep, sightings of wild animals, and hills blanketed in vibrant purple flowers.

  For those who wish to continue their journey to Kathmandu, we will arrange their departure at the Gyirong border. This provides a great opportunity to explore the stunning Gyirong Valley, often referred to as the hidden gem of the Himalayas.

  Stay overnight in Lhatse.

• 

  Day 12: Lhatse - Shigatse (153km, 2.5hrs)

  Attractions: Scenery along the way, Sakya Monastery
  Meals: No
  Hotel: Shigatse, 3★/4★

  If time permits, you can visit Sakya Monastery on the way back to Shigatse. Located in Sakya County, this renowned Tibetan Buddhist monastery serves as the principal monastery of the Sakyapa school. Built in the 1360s, its walls are primarily gray, with the upper sections adorned in red and white stripes, giving Sakyapa its alternative name, "Variegated Buddhism." The monastery houses a wealth of cultural treasures, including ancient seals, Buddha statues, an extensive collection of scriptures, and exquisite murals. Among them, the Yuan Dynasty murals are particularly remarkable, earning Sakya Monastery the nickname "the Second Dunhuang."

  If a visit to Sakya Monastery is not feasible, you will explore Sera Monastery upon returning to Lhasa via the Shigatse-Lhasa Expressway.

  Stay overnight in Shigatse.

  

  Sakya Monastery

  

  Panoramic view of Sakya Monastery
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  Day 13: Shigatse - Lhasa (280km, 5hrs)

  Attractions: Yarlung Tsangpo Valley, Tibetan Incense Workshop in Nyemo
  Meals: Breakfast
  Hotel: Lhasa, 3★/4★

  Today, we will journey back to Lhasa from Shigatse via the northern route along the Friendship Highway. Along the way, you will pass through the stunning Yarlung Tsangpo Valley. In Nyemo County, you will have the opportunity to visit a traditional Tibetan Incense Workshop. With a history spanning over 1,000 years, Nyemo is renowned for its fragrant incense, which is not only used in religious ceremonies but also valued for its medicinal properties. Made from ingredients such as saffron, sandalwood, Chinese Usnea, and borneol, Tibetan incense is believed to help prevent infectious diseases like the flu.

  Stay overnight in Lhasa.

  

  Yarlung Tsangpo River

  

  Tibetan Incense Workshop in Nyemo
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  Day 14: Lhasa Sightseeing

  Attractions: Free time with the tour guide
  Meals: Breakfast
  Hotel: Lhasa, 3★/4★

  Today, there are no scheduled sightseeing activities, giving you free time to explore Lhasa with your tour guide. If you wish to plan any additional activities, you must coordinate with the other group members and participate together. As per regulations, foreign travelers are not permitted to explore Tibet independently and must be accompanied by a licensed tour guide.

  Alternatively, if you choose to depart Lhasa today, we will arrange your transfer to Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Railway Station.

  Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• 

  Day 15: Depart from Lhasa

  Activity: See off to Lhasa Airport or Railway Station
  Meals: Breakfast
  Hotel: No

  Today is free for you until you are escorted to the airport or railway station for departure and the guide will help you get on board.

  

  Send off to the train station

  

  Send off to the airport