Shangri-La to Lhasa

Discover the Lost Paradise of Legend

Surrounded by holy snow mountains on all sides, the lost paradise of Shangri-La is a verdant valley with endless grasslands, azure lakes, pastoral villages, and grand gorges. In town, tour sacred monasteries and share a cup of tea with the friendly locals. Next, begin your journey into Tibet. Drive through the most remote regions of the east, picnic near a stunning glacier-fed lake, and hike up hillsides to visit indigenous monasteries. Just outside of Lhasa, stop by Darksum, a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains. Once in the Tibetan capital, explore the secret treasure storerooms of the Potala Palace, watch pilgrims prostrate before the holy Jokhang Temple, and sip sweet tea on a rooftop overlooking the colorful Barkhor Square.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Shangri-la [3,300m]

The lost paradise of Shangri-la marks the beginning of the Tibetan world. North of town lies the 300-year-old Ganden Sumtseling Monastery. Visit the monastery’s prayer halls and temples, then take a walk through the village and stop for tea.

Day 2: Shangri-la – Deqin [3,550m], 200km, 5.5 hours

Leave Shangri-la and drive past beautiful Napa Lake, crossing a soaring mountain pass into the town of Deqin. Perched at an altitude of 3,550 meters, Deqin is the last town before the U-Tsang Tibetan border, offering views of majestic snow-covered mountains in all directions. Catch a glimpse of one of Yunnan’s most magical peaks—Karwa Karpo—rising to the west of Deqin.

Day 3: Deqin – Markham [3,780m], 215km, 8.5 hours

This section of the road was once part of the historic “Tea-Horse Road,” an important trade route in ancient China. Markham lies at the intersection of the Yunnan-Tibet and Sichuan-Tibet highways.

Day 4: Markham – Dzogong [3,300m], 158km, 5 hours

Enjoy the spectacular scenery of Markham, where two mighty rivers—the Lancang and the Jinsha—cut through dramatic gorges. The road winds up and down through mountain passes and valleys, eventually giving way to open grasslands.

Note: Accommodation in Dzogong is very basic.

Day 5: Dzogong – Rawok (Ranwu) [3,850m], 250km, 7 hours

Today’s route is especially scenic. Drive up the Parlung Tsangpo Valley, passing through narrow gorges and breathtaking side valleys, until you reach the serene blue waters and sandy beaches of Lake Rawok. After days of dusty travel, this alpine lake, fed by glacial streams, will feel incredibly refreshing.

Day 6: Rawok – Pomi [2,750m], 140km, 3 hours

Depart from the lake and follow the Sundzom Valley. En route, visit the Midui Glacier before stopping for lunch. Then continue to Pomi, a charming town surrounded by forests and snow-capped peaks.

Day 7: Pomi – Bayi [2,990m], 230km, 6 hours

Follow a narrow road carved into steep hillsides before joining the main highway to Bayi. Cross the Serkyum-La Pass and enjoy views of Mt. Namjagbarwa, eastern Tibet’s highest peak. Upon arrival in Bayi, rest and relax.

Chimphu Nunnery Temple

Day 8: Bayi – Lhasa [3,650m], 400km, 8 hours

Drive to Lhasa while enjoying scenic views along the way. Cross Pa-La Pass (5,025m), the second-highest pass on the journey. Once in the capital, take time to relax and explore the ancient alleyways of the old Tibetan quarter.

Day 9: Lhasa

In the morning, visit the Potala Palace, Tibet’s greatest architectural monument. Towering 13 stories high, the Potala holds countless treasures and served as the residence of the Dalai Lamas for centuries. Also visit Jokhang Temple, the holiest shrine in Tibet. From the rooftop, witness pilgrims prostrating before the Jowo Buddha statue inside the temple. Afterwards, walk through the Barkhor, a bustling market street filled with goods from Tibet, Nepal, and India. Enjoy a cup of sweet tea in a rooftop tea house overlooking the Barkhor.

Day 10: Lhasa

Visit Drepung Monastery, one of the three great monasteries of Lhasa, located on the slopes of Gambo Utse Mountain. Once home to 10,000 monks, this vast complex includes prayer halls, dormitories, and temples. Below Drepung lies the Nechung Temple, historically the seat of the state oracle. Later, explore Ramoche Monastery in the city center. If time permits, wander the alleys of the Tibetan quarter and visit local workshops and handicraft stores.

Potala Palace in Tibet

Day 11: Leave Lhasa

Say goodbye to Tibet!

Itineraries are subject to change without prior notice.