Sacred Cities and Heavenly Lakes

In the sacred city of Lhasa, visit the grand Potala Palace, the holy Jokhang Temple, and the colorful Barkhor Square. Watch monks debate at Sera Monastery and join pilgrims in exploring the temples and prayer halls at Drepung Monastery. From Lhasa, drive to the town of Gyantse, stopping at the stunning, turquoise Yamdrok Lake along the way. In Shigatse, visit Tashilhunpo Monastery and see the giant Buddha. Next, pass by the misty Yangbachen hot springs and continue to Namtso, a pristine lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. On the way back to Lhasa, pass by blooming rapeseed fields and more snow-capped mountains.

Highlights

• Historic sites of Lhasa
• Beautiful countryside scenery
• Namtso Lake and Yamdrok Lake

Details

• 8-day trip begins and ends in Lhasa, Tibet
• 7 nights in hotels and guesthouses
• Altitude from 3000-4700m

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa [3658m]

Welcome to Lhasa! Transfer to your hotel and get settled.

Day 2: Lhasa

Visit Drepung Monastery, 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, this enormous monastic complex is the site of many prayer halls, dormitories, and temples. Just below the monastery is 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 3: 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 of 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 teahouse located on a rooftop overlooking the bustling Barkhor.

Potala Palace in Tibet

Day 4: Lhasa – Yamdrok Lake – Gyantse [3950m], 268km, 5.5 hours

Beginning your adventure out of Lhasa, 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 5: 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. If time allows, join pilgrims in walking the long circumambulation path around the monastery or explore the city streets. Spend the night in Shigatse.

Day 6: Shigatse – Shuege-la – Yangbachen hot spring – Namtso Lake [4700m], 400km, 9 hours

Drive up to the Yangpachen natural hot spring and then continue on to Namtso Lake. Namtso, known as the “Heavenly Lake,” is the largest saltwater lake in Tibet. Located high in the mountains, it is situated at the edge of the severely-weathered Changthang Plateau to the north of Lhasa. It is surrounded by beautiful snowy mountains. At Namtso, try riding a yak, climb up a rocky hill for a great view of the lake, and drink tea with your nomad hosts. Stay in tent guesthouses run by nomad families. Note: Accommodation at Namtso is extremely basic.

Day 7: Drive back to Lhasa [3658m], 190km, 5 hours

Drive back towards Lhasa, passing by blooming rapeseed fields and snowy mountains.

Day 8: Depart Lhasa

Say goodbye to Tibet!

Note: This tour is a truncated version of Heritage of the Holy City.

Itineraries are subject to change without notice.

Tour Map