Heritage of the Holy City

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 spend the 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.

Highlights

Historic sites of Lhasa
Stunning, high-altitude lakes
Natural mountain hotsprings

Details

11-day trip begins and ends in Lhasa, Tibet
10 nights in hotels
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 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.

Norbulinka Palace

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. Spend some time drinking sweet tea in a traditional tea house.

Walking around Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, Tibet

Day 4: 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 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.

The view of Lhasa city from Drepung Monastery

Day 5: Lhasa – Yamdrok Lake – Gyantse [3950m], 268km, 5.5 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. Stay the night in Gyantse.

Yamdrok Yumtso Lake in Tibet

Day 6: 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.

Gyantse Dzong

Day 7: 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. Namtso, known as the “Heavenly Lake,” is the largest saltwater lake in Tibet. Located some 4,590 meters above sea level, 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 guesthouses run by nomad families.

Namtso Lake

Note: Accommodation at Namtso is extremely basic.

Day 8: Namtso – Reting [4100m], 156km, 6 hours

Visit Reting Monastery on a hillside covered with ancient juniper trees. Explore the monastery grounds, watch monks in their daily rituals, and take a walk on the circumambulation path. Relax on the grass fields and take in the beautiful natural views. Spend the night in Reting Monastery Guesthouse.

Reting Monastery from the main road at the river side.

Note: Accommodation at Reting is extremely basic.

Day 9: Reting – Tidrum [4600m], 200km, 5 hours

Visit Tidrum Nunnery, located in an idyllic village at the confluence of two valleys. The village, mostly populated by nuns, is spread out over a grassy hill at the foot of a mountain. Here, you will see nuns blowing conch shells to call for morning prayer, carrying firewood, and milking yaks. Explore the small village and hike on the hills for great views. Afterwards, take a natural hot spring bath in the mountains. Spend the night in Tidrum Nunnery Guesthouse.

Note: Accommodation at Tidrum is extremely basic.

Tedrum Nunnery

Day 10: Tidrum – Ganden Monastery – Lhasa [3658m], 150km, 5 hours

Drive through a deep valley and up a mountain to Ganden, a famous monastery built in 1409. Along the way, see classic Tibetan scenery and pass by a small village. At Ganden, discover the many temples and prayer halls before walking along the kora path, which offers incredible views of the Kyichu River cutting through a vast valley. Overhead, look for vultures and eagles that circle above sky burial sites. Afterwards, drive back to Lhasa for the night.