May 24th / Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa [3658m]
Welcome to Lhasa! Transfer to your hotel and get settled.
May 25th / 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, 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.
May 26th / 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, 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, 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.
May 27th / Day 4: Lhasa – Gyantse [3950m] – Shigatse [3836m], 358km, 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. Afterwards you will reach Kora La or Norjin Kangsang Glacier and Semi-la pass with lake. Stay the night in Gyantse.
Once you are in Gyantse, 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.
Note: Guide will take sometime for arranging your Alien Permit in Shigatse.
May 28th / Day 5: Shigatse – Gyatso- la Pass (5250m) – Rongbuk Monastery(5000m) – Everest Base Camp (5250km). 350km, 8 hours
Drive to Rongbuk Monastery over Tso-La pass (4500m) and Gyatso-La pass (5252m). 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 (winter months), buses do not run and the tent guesthouses are closed.
May 29th / Day 6: Everest Base Camp – View of world’s highest mountains – Peikutso Lake – Kyirong border [4200m], 310km, 7 hours
You will see spectacular Himalayan ranges along the way to Nepal border including several world’s highest mountains which are Mt. Lhotse (8516m), Makalu(8485m), Mt.Cho Oyu(8201m), Mt. Shishapangma(8027m).etc as highlight, you will also visit Peikutso Lake which is a Krystal clear lake in the middle of wilderness. Finally we will reach Kyirong town. A small nomadic town close to the border between Nepal and China.
May 30th / Day 7: Kyirong – cross the border (2400m) – Shigatse.
Part of the group departs Tibet to Nepal, others are heading back to Lhasa. Stop at scenic places for taking amazing pictures of the Himalayan range. Arrive in Shigatse in the late afternoon or evening. Spend the night at hotel.
May 31st / Day 8: Shigatse – Yungdrungling monastery – Lhasa
You’ll visit a famous Bonpo Yungdrungling monastery on the way back to Lhasa. Although it looks like a typical Buddhist monastery, one should pay special attention to the swastikas swirling counterclockwise.
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.
June 1st / Day 9: Depart from Lhasa
Say Goodbye to Tibet!
