Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa
Welcome to Lhasa! Transfer to your hotel and get settled.
Day 2: Lhasa
In the morning, visit the Potala Palace, the greatest monumental structure in all of Tibet. Also visit the Jokhang Temple, which is located in Barkhor square in Lhasa. The Barkhor is a famous shopping street filled with goods and souvenirs from Tibet, Nepal, and India. Pilgrims from all over Tibet visit the Barkhor to pray in front of the Jokhang.
Day 3: Lhasa
Visit Sera monastery, where you can watch monks clap their hands and stomp their feet as they debate Buddhist philosophy in the courtyard. Afterwards, visit the Norbulingka, the summer Palace of the Dalai Lama.
Day 4: Ganden Monastery
After a visit to the monastery, continue to the trailhead and begin our trek.
Day 5: Trek through Gyama Valley
Hike up to the head of the Gyama Valley at 4815m, on a trail dotted with roses and rhododendron, opening to a carpet of wildflowers in a bowl surrounded by 5500m peaks.
Day 6: Trek to Khampa Lha Chu
Hike up out of the bowl crossing the pass at Tseb La (5220m). After crossing a broad valley and another pass (5000m), descend to our camp beside the Khampa Lha Chu at 4820m.
Day 7: Rest Day
Rest day or optional exploration of the high watershed between the Kyichu Chu and Zangpo Chu; hike up to a 5335m peak for a 360 degree view of the mountains and lush valleys, or visit a nomadic family who dwells in their yak wool tent by a nearby alpine lake.
Day 8: Yamalung Lhakhang Temple
Descend along the Samye River to historical Yamalung Lhakhang Temple, and take tea with the nuns who care for this shrine.
Day 9: Samye Monastery
We continue our descent approaching the golden spires of Samye Monastery, the first monastery in Tibet.
Day 10: Rest Day
Rest day, with the option to visit Samye Monastery and explore the meditation caves at Chimpuk and shrines in the surrounding hillsides and overnight in Samye.
Day 11: Drive back to Lhasa
Driver will come pick you up and drive to Tsedang in Yarlung Valley. Visit the Yumbulhakhang Palace and Tradruk Monastery and drive back to Lhasa.
Day 12: Depart Lhasa
Say goodbye to Tibet!
Itineraries are subject to change without prior notice.