Splendours of Tibet

Journey through the Himalayas, traveling from Lhasa all the way to the Nepal border. Starting in the Tibetan capital, explore the countless rooms of the grand Potala Palace, receive a blessing from the Jowo Buddha at the holy Jokhang Temple, and barter with locals at the lively Barkhor Market. At the edges of the Lhasa Valley, visit the famous Drepung Monastery and watch monks debate at Sera Monastery. Drive to the stunning, turquoise Yamdrok Lake before heading to Gyantse and the giant Buddha of Shigatse. Continue on to mother of all mountains, the Mt. Everest which is the highest mountain in the world, hike up to Base Camp, and then drive along the Himalayan ranges to the Nepal border with stops at the viewpoints of Shishapangma and Peikutso Lake. Cross the border and continue to Kathmandu or return to Lhasa with a detour to a Bon Monastery.

Potala Palace in Tibet

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa [3658m]

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

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.

The view of Lhasa city from Drepung Monastery

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, 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.

Potala Palace from Barkhor Street

Day 4: Lhasa – Gyantse [3950m] – Shigatse [3836m], 358km, 7 hours

Begin your adventure in the Himalayas by driving to Gyantse. Along the way, cross over the Kamba-La (4794m) and the Karo-La passes (5010m), which offer spectacular views. After Kamba-La, arrive at Yamdrok Lake, a holy turquoise-colored lake with stunning scenery. Afterwards, reach Kora La or Norjin Kangsang Glacier and Semi-la pass with the lake. Stay the night in Gyantse.

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. If time allows, join pilgrims in walking the long circumambulation path around the monastery or explore the city streets. Spend the night in Shigatse.

Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse

Day 5: Shigatse – Gyatso-la Pass (5250m) – Rongbuk Monastery (5000m) – Everest Base Camp (5250m), 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, 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, offering spectacular views of the world’s tallest mountain. You can either take a two-hour hike or 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.

Our group poses a photo at the Everest Base Camp

Note: During the off-season (winter months), buses do not run and the tent guesthouses are closed.

Day 6: Everest Base Camp – View of the world’s highest mountains – Peikutso Lake – Kyirong border [4200m], 310km, 7 hours

You will see spectacular Himalayan ranges along the way to the Nepal border, including several of the world’s highest mountains such as Mt. Lhotse (8516m), Makalu (8485m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8201m), and Mt. Shishapangma (8027m). As a highlight, you will also visit Peikutso Lake, a crystal-clear lake in the middle of the wilderness. Finally, reach Kyirong, a small nomadic town close to the border between Nepal and China.

Kyirong town in Tibet

Day 7: Kyirong – Cross the border (2400m) – Shigatse

Part of the group departs Tibet to Nepal, while others head back to Lhasa. Stop at scenic places for amazing pictures of the Himalayan range. Arrive in Shigatse in the late afternoon or evening. Spend the night at a hotel.

Peikutso Lake and Mount Shishapangma in distance.

Day 8: Shigatse – Yungdrungling Monastery – Lhasa

Visit the famous Bonpo Yungdrungling Monastery on the way back to Lhasa. Although it looks like a typical Buddhist monastery, 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.

The largest Bon Monastery in Tibet

Day 9: Depart from Lhasa

Say goodbye to Tibet!