Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa [3658m]
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. The Potala is 13 stories high and holds countless treasures in its many rooms. Built in 637 AD, the Potala has been home to the Dalai Lama lineage for more than a thousand years. 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. From the roof of the monastery you will have a view of prostrating pilgrims. Afterwards, explore the old Tibetan quarter. Walk through the market and stop to sip sweet tea at a traditional teahouse.
Day 3: Lhasa
Visit the Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. Explore the grounds, which include gardens, fountains, and a small zoo. Afterwards, visit Sera monastery, where you can watch monks debate in the courtyard. If you enjoy hiking, walk the hour-long circumambulation path around the monastery complex.
Day 4: Lhasa
Visit Drepung, one of the three most famous monasteries in Lhasa. Drepung is located just outside Lhasa on Gambo Utse Mountain. Once home to as many as 10,000 monks, the enormous monastic complex is the site of many prayer halls, dormitories, and temples. Just below the monastery is the Nechung temple, the former home of the state oracle. Afterwards, visit Ramoche, a small monastery located in the city center. If time allows, explore the alleys of the Tibetan quarter and visit traditional workshops and handicraft stores.
Day 5: Lhasa – Gyantse [3950m], 268km, 5.5 hours
Beginning your adventure in the Himalayas, drive to Gyantse. Along the way cross over the Kamba-La (4794m) and the Karo-La passes (5010m), which boast spectacular views. After Kamba-La, arrive at Yamdrok Lake, a holy turquoise-colored lake with stunning scenery. Stay the night in Gyantse.
Day 6: Gyantse – Shigatse [3836m], 90km, 1.5 hours
In the morning, visit the Pelkor Chode Kumbum and Gyantse Monastery followed by a two hour drive to Shigatse. Here, see the giant Buddha in the famous Tashilhunpo monastery. Time allowing, join pilgrims in walking the long circumambulation path around the monastery, or explore the city streets. Spend the night in Shigatse.
Day 7: Shigatse – Shegar (New Tingri) [4500m], 240km, 4 hours
In the morning, drive to Shegar (4350m) over Tso-La pass (4500m) and Gyatso-La pass (5252m). On the way, if time allows, make an excursion to visit Sakya Monastery (4280m). Sakya Monastery is unique because of its medieval Mongolian architecture. Walk up the kora path alongside the monastery to see the ruins of the older buildings, from which you can see great views of the monastery and surrounding valley. In the afternoon arrive in Shegar. Visit Shegar Monastery or climb up the ruins of Shegar Dzong for beautiful views. Overnight in Shegar.
Day 8: Shegar – Rongbuk Monastery [5000m] – Everest Base Camp [5250m], 100km, 8 hours
After passing through scenic valleys and driving over rocky mountains, you will reach Rongbuk Monastery, where you will have a fabulous view of Mt. Everest. Rongbuk monastery is the highest monastery in the world. Rongbuk Monastery to Everest is about 8km, and along the way there are spectacular views of the world’s tallest mountain. You can either take a two-hour hike or ride a bus to Everest Base Camp. Stay the night in a warm yak-hair tent guesthouse run by a Tibetan family. (Alternative accommodation: Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse)
Note: During the off-season, buses do not run and the tent guesthouses are closed.
Day 9: Everest Base Camp – Nepal border (Zhangmu) [2300m], 240km, 10 hours
You will see spectacular Himalayan ranges along the way to Nepal border. Once at the border, cross over, pass through immigration and continue on to Kathmandu, or return to Lhasa.
Itineraries are subject to change without prior notice.
