Arrival and Transfer to Lhasa Hotel

Upon arrival, a Tibetan guide will meet the traveler at the airport or train station. They will be transferred to a hotel in downtown Lhasa. Along the route, views include the Yarlung Tsangpo River, Lhasa River, and typical Tibetan villages. After reaching the hotel, time is allotted for rest and altitude acclimation. No sightseeing is planned for this day.

Potala Palace Visit

The day begins with a visit to the Potala Palace, which served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lama. It has been in use since the 7th century, established by the 33rd great king of Tibet. Important items inside include the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave of the 33rd king.

90 min

Jokhang Temple Visit

After lunch, tourists proceed to Jokhang Temple, established in the 7th century by Tibet's 33rd great king. Within the temple, there is a statue depicting Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve. Outside, pilgrims are often seen performing prostrations in front of the temple.

90 min

Barkhor Street and Local Tea

Surrounding Jokhang Temple is Barkhor Street, where visitors can perform kora, a religious circumambulation, with pilgrims and locals, and explore the old market. Additionally, there is an opportunity to taste Tibetan tea with locals in a tea house. A welcome dinner will be arranged accordingly.

60 min

Dadong Village and Nyimatang Monastery

In the morning, the visit is to Dadong Village, located 25 kilometers southwest of Lhasa downtown. This well-preserved ancient Tibetan village is surrounded by valleys. Visitors will see Nyimatang Monastery, built in the 11th century, take a short walk in the village, and observe rural life in Lhasa. A local Tibetan family will host lunch. Dadong Village replaces the visit to Drepung Monastery.

240 min

Sera Monastery and Monks Debate

In the afternoon, tourists visit Sera Monastery, recognized as one of Tibet's three major Gelug monasteries. Between 3 and 5 pm, the monks' debate takes place, which attracts attention. Visitors may also explore the printing house for Tibetan religious scriptures. Inside the monastery, three sand mandalas and colorful rock paintings of Buddha are displayed.

120 min

Drive to Shigatse via Gampala Pass

In the morning, the journey proceeds from Lhasa to Shigatse. Along the way, the route crosses Gampala Pass at 4790 meters. There are views of Yamdrok-tso Lake at 4400 meters, which is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. In the distance, Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar at 7191 meters, the highest mountain near Lhasa, can be seen.

30 min

Karola Glacier and Gyantse Arrival

Later, the journey continues past Karola Glacier, which can be seen from the roadside. At Manak Dam Lake, travelers have the option to hang prayer flags at Simila Mountain Pass. The trip then arrives at Gyantse, known historically as Tibet's third largest city, following Lhasa and Shigatse.

30 min

Everest Base Camp Approach

After obtaining the Alien’s travel permit, the drive continues to Lhatse, a small town suitable for lunch. The route passes Tsola Pass at 4600 meters and Gyatsola Pass at 5248 meters. Shortly after entering Mt. Everest National Nature Reserve, visitors can view the Himalaya panorama at Gawula Pass at 5198 meters. The drive continues on a new zigzag road to Everest Base Camp at 5200 meters. Visitors can approach the Mt. Everest peak closely. If time and weather permit, the golden sunset on Everest peak can be seen from the lodging area.

720 min

Sunrise at Rongpuk and Return to Shigatse

In the morning, visitors observe the sunrise on Mt. Everest’s peak and enjoy an unobstructed view of the mountain, which appears as a snow-covered pyramid, from Rongpuk, a vantage point for viewing Mt. Everest. Afterwards, the group drives back to Shigatse.

60 min

Tashilunpo Monastery and Return to Lhasa

The day starts with a visit to Tashilunpo Monastery, which serves as the residence of Tibet's second highest incarnation, the Panchen Lama. Following this, the drive covers 175 miles (280 km) returning to Lhasa via Yalong Valley along the Friendship Highway, taking about 6 hours.

120 min

Lake Namtso and Trekking

In the morning, the drive proceeds from Lhasa to Lake Namtso, one of Tibet’s four holy lakes and the highest saltwater lake worldwide. Along the route, views include the snow-capped Nyenchen Thanglha Mountain Ranges and nomads with their tents grazing yak and sheep on the flourishing summer grasslands. The Sky-Road Railway is visible against a snowy mountain backdrop. At Lagenla Pass (5190 m), visitors can admire the view of holy Namtso Lake. Time is provided for a relaxed walk around Tashi Dor Island and along the lakeshore. The return drive is to Damxung, where overnight accommodation is arranged. Lakeshore guesthouses have been closed by government order for environmental protection.

Lake Namtso Holy Islets

Lake Namtso contains five sacred islets believed to represent the Five Buddhas. The largest of these, Tashi Island, provides a complete panoramic view of Lake Namtso.

120 min

Stone Elephant Gate Visit

After breakfast, travelers first use an off-road vehicle, then transfer to a tourist shuttle bus to cover approximately 50 kilometers to reach the Stone Elephant Gate on Namtso Lake's northern shore. This natural rock formation resembles a huge elephant with its trunk extending into the clear lake. The site includes views of snow-capped mountains reflected in the lake beneath a blue sky, fluttering prayer flags, and sunlight sparkling on the water. In the afternoon, the group returns to Lhasa mainly via a paved highway, stopping for lunch along the way.

1 min

Tour Completion and Departure

The 15-day journey covering over 2000 kilometers concludes. Those wishing to extend their stay, book another Tibet tour, or arrange airport or railway drop-off services should contact the organizers for assistance.