Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Shigatse - Namtso Lake - Tedrum Nunnery

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 Tashilunpo Monastery and see the giant Buddha. Next, pass by the misty Yangbachen hot springs and spend at night with nomads at Namtso, a pristine lake surrounded by snow mountains. Drive to a small nunnery nestled in an idyllic village in the mountains and bathe in the natural hot springs by the river.

Overview Itinerary Map Photo

Route: Lhasa ⇒ Yamdrok Lake ⇒ Gyantse ⇒ Shigatse ⇒ Yurlung Tsangpo River ⇒ Lhasa

Highlights

Historic sites of Lhasa
Stunning, high-altitude lake
Famous Monasteries in Tibet

Details

6-day trip begins and ends in Lhasa, Tibet
5 nights in hotels
Altitude from 3000-3600m

Tour Costs

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Departures

Year-round

Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa [3658m]

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

Day 2: 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 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 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 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 -Yurlung Tsangpo River – Lhasa, 280km, 5 hours

Once you arrive back to Lhasa. You can wondering around the Barkhor street on your own and choose some gifts for friends and family.

Day 6. Depart Lhasa

Say goodbye to Tibet!