Arrival and Transfer to Lhasa Hotel

Upon arrival, a Tibetan guide will meet the group at the airport or train station. The group will be transferred to a hotel in downtown Lhasa, passing views of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, Lhasa River, and typical Tibetan villages. After reaching the hotel, there is time to rest and adjust to the high altitude. No sightseeing is planned for this day.

Potala Palace Visit

The day begins with a visit to 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. Notable features include the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave of the 33rd great king.

90 min

Jokhang Temple Visit

After lunch, the group visits Jokhang Temple, established in the 7th century by Tibet's 33rd great king. Within the temple is a statue representing Buddha Sakyamuni as a twelve-year-old. Outside the temple, pilgrims can be seen performing prostrations.

90 min

Barkhor Street and Local Tea

Surrounding Jokhang Temple is Barkhor Street, where pilgrims and locals perform kora, a religious circumambulation of the temple. Visitors can explore the old market and have Tibetan tea in a local tea house. A welcome dinner will be arranged in the evening.

30 min

Dadong Village and Nyimatang Monastery

In the morning, the group will visit Dadong Village, located 25 kilometers southwest of Lhasa downtown. This well-preserved ancient Tibetan village is surrounded by valleys. The visit includes Nyimatang Monastery, built in the 11th century, a light walk through the village to observe rural life, and a lunch provided by a local Tibetan family. Note: Dadong Village replaces Drepung Monastery on this itinerary.

180 min

Sera Monastery and Monks Debate

In the afternoon, tourists will visit Sera Monastery, one of the three major Gelug monasteries in Tibet. The main attraction is the monks’ debate held between 3 and 5 pm. Visitors can also tour the Tibetan religious scripture printing house and see three sand Mandalas and colorful rock paintings of Buddha inside the monastery.

120 min

Drive Lhasa to Shigatse via Gampala Pass

In the morning, the group will drive from Lhasa to Shigatse. Along the route, they will cross Gampala Pass at 4790 meters and see Yamdrok-tso Lake at 4400 meters. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and in the distance, there are views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar, which is 7191 meters high and the tallest mountain near Lhasa.

30 min

Karola Glacier and Arrival in Gyantse

Later on the route, the group will pass Karola Glacier visible from the roadside. At Manak Dam Lake, there is an opportunity to hang prayer flags at Simila Mountain Pass. The group will then arrive in Gyantse, which is historically Tibet's third largest city after Lhasa and Shigatse.

30 min

Pelkor Monastery and Shigatse Visit

In Gyantse, the itinerary includes a visit to Pelkor Monastery and the Gyantse Kumbum, as well as a distant view of Gyantse Fortress. After a one and a half hour drive, the group will reach Shigatse, Tibet's second largest city. There may be a visit to a traditional barley mill and views of barley fields during summer.

90 min

Drive to Everest Base Camp via Passes

After obtaining the Alien’s travel permit, the group will drive to Lhatse, a small town suitable for lunch. The route continues over Tsola Pass at 4600 meters and Gyatsola Pass at 5248 meters. After entering Mt. Everest National Nature Reserve, tourists can view the Himalaya panorama at Gawula Pass at 5198 meters. The drive continues along a new zigzag road to Everest Base Camp at 5200 meters. Visitors can approach the peak of Mt. Everest and, weather permitting, see the sunset on the golden Everest peak from the lodging area.

720 min

Sunrise at Everest and Return to Shigatse

In the morning, the group will watch the sunrise at the summit of Mt. Everest from Rongpuk, a viewpoint offering an unobstructed sight of the mountain, which appears like a snow-covered pyramid. Following this, the group will drive back to Shigatse.

60 min

Tashilunpo Monastery and Return to Lhasa

The day begins with a visit to Tashilunpo Monastery, the residence of the Panchen Lama, Tibet's second highest spiritual leader. Afterward, the group will travel about 175 miles (280 kilometers) back to Lhasa via the Friendship Highway, passing through Yalong Valley. The journey takes approximately 6 hours.

120 min

Departure from Tibet

Departure from Tibet must be by air or train due to the Tibet Permit restrictions for this tour. For extended stays, booking additional tours, or arranging airport or railway transfers, assistance can be provided upon request.