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, the holiest temple in all of Tibet. From the rooftop you will see pilgrims from all over Tibet prostrating in front to the Jowo Buddha statue inside the monastery. Afterwards, walk through the Barkhor, a famous shopping street filled with goods and souvenirs from Tibet, Nepal, and India. Spend some time drinking sweet tea in a traditional tea house located on a rooftop overlooking the bustling Barkhor.
Day 3: 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 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 – Yamdrok Lake – Gyantse – Shigatse [3836m], 350km, 7 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. In Gyantse, visit Pelkor Monastery and Kumbum Stupa (100 Thousand Buddha Pagoda), both of which were built in the 15th century and are located on the northwestern edge of town. In the afternoon, drive the final 90km stretch to Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet.
Day 5: Shigatse – Shegar (New Tingri) [4500m], 240km, 4 hours
In the morning, see the giant Maitreya Buddha in the famous Tashilhunpo Monastery. Then drive to Shegar over Tso-La pass (4500m) and Gyatso-La pass (5252m). On the way, if time allows, make an excursion to visit Sakya Monastery (4280m). In the afternoon arrive in Shegar. Visit Shegar Monastery or climb up the ruins of Shegar Dzong for beautiful views. Overnight in Shegar.
Day 6: Shegar – Rongbuk monastery [5000m] – Everest Base Camp [5250m], 100km, 4 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 you there are spectacular views of the world’s tallest mountain. You can either take a two-hour hike or take a bus to Everest Base Camp. Spend the night in a warm yak-hair tent run by a Tibetan family or sleep at Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse.
Note: During the off-season, buses do not run and the tent guesthouses are closed.
Day 7: EBC – Lhatse [4350m], 190km, 5 hours
Drive over two high mountain passes with great views of the Himalayas. Once in Lhatse, a small town of a few thousand Tibetans, visit a small Gelugpa monastery named Lhatse Chode. Above the monastery are the ruins of the old fort of Lhatse Dzong, which rests high on a rock at the opening of the Yarlung Tsangpo Canyon.
Day 8: Lhatse - Lhasa, 430km, 9 hours
Once back in Lhasa, spend some time strolling through the alleys of the old Tibetan quarter and peeking into any workshops or stores that interest you. Take the opportunity to dine on local cuisine, revisit a favorite restaurant, or scout out a delicious place to have supper.
Day 9: Depart Lhasa
Say goodbye to Tibet!
Itineraries are subject to change without prior notice.
