Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa [3650m]
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 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 – Shigatse [3840m]
Beginning your adventure in the himalayas, drive to Shigatse, the second largest city in Central Tibet, visit Tsang Tashilhunpo Monastery which is the seat of Panchen Lama. Pachen Lama is the second highest rank after Dalai Lama in Tibetan Buddhism. If time permits, visit local market in Shigatse.
Day 5: Shigatse –Sakya – Old Tingri [4350m]
In the morning drive to Old Tingri (4,350m, approx. 300km) over Tso-La (4500m) and Gyatso-La (5252m). On the way, if time permits, make an excursion to visit the fortress-like Sakya Monastery (4,280 m). In the afternoon arrive in Old Tingri and meet your crew.
Day 6: Trekking Old Tingri—Lungchang [4350m]
Start trek along Ra Chu stream to beyond Choling and Lungchang villages (4350m). Camp overnight.
Day 7: Trekking Lungchang—Drokpa [4860m]
Continue trek to Drokpa (4860m), an encampment below Lamna La. Camp overnight.
Day 8: Trekking Drokpa—Draka Chu [4730m]
Cross over Lamna La (5075m) to Draka Chu River (4730m). Camp overnight.
Day 9: Trekking Draka Chu – Rongbuk Monastery – Mount Everest Base Camp [5200m]
Trek up Draka Chu River to Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world. It is said that the Rongbuk Monastery had been built as early as the time of the Fifth Dalai Lama. Mount Everest, which stands 8,848 meters above sea level, will be seen on this last trekking day. Camp overnight.
Day 10: Mount Everest Base Camp – Shigatse [3840m]
We will drive back to Shigatse after seeing the sunrise of Everest NorthFace. Along the way, you will get a spectacular view of several world’s highest mountains. In Shigatse, the ancient capital of central Tibet, visit the Shigatse Dzong, a castle fortress and former residence of the kings of Tsang. Originally built in the seventeenth century, its design served as the basis for the construction of the Potala Palace. From the fortress, take in beautiful views of the city.
Day 11: Shigatse-Lhasa [3650m]
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 12: Depart Lhasa
Say goodbye to Tibet!
Itineraries are subject to change without prior notice.
