10 Days Private Tour from Nyingchi to Lhasa and Namtso Lake

Upon you arrival in Nyingtri by flight, our local tour guide will welcome you at the airport, transfer to hotel by private car.

Stay overnight in Nyingtri.

Today, firstly we are about to visit the Great Cypress Nature Reserve Area, which is 15 kilometers southeast of the Bayi Town, The king cypress in the reserve is about 50 meters tall and is about 2,500 years old.

Then we will drive to Sekyim la Pass (4720m) and enjoy the great Mt. Namjia Bawa (7,700m) in the distance.

After that, continue to drive to the bushy Lulang Forest with an elevation of 3700m, and it is a typical highland meadow strip, with dense bushes, spruce trees, and pines from the rolling castle-like peaks on both sides. The distant clouds, the snow-capped mountains, the endless pines, and the quiet pastoral displayed a beautiful landscape.

Then we will reach Bomi.

Stay overnight in Bomi.

In the morning, we will set off to our destination today - Ranwu Lake.

On the way, we stop at Midui Village to visit Midui Glacier famed as the most beautiful glacier in China. Midui Glacier was converged by two ice falls, and there were primitive forests between the two ice falls.

Then we continue heading to the Ranwu Lake, which is situated at the southwest 89km from Basu County. Ranwu Lake is the main headstream of the Yarlung Tsangpo River confluent. The snow-capped mountains, forests, and lakes are all combined together here to make it beautiful as paradise.

Stay overnight in Rawo.

We will get up early today to enjoy the sunrise of Ranwu Lake. After taking photos here at Ranwu lake, we will drive back to Bomi via G318 China National Highway.

From Rawu to Palongzangbu of Bomi, it’s one of the most beautiful parts of Sichuan-Tibet overland road. We recommend you to stop on the way frequently to take pictures, because there are snow-capped mountains, forests and lakes along the way.

Then drive back to Nyingchi (Bayi) town. Today’s itinerary involves around 8-9 hours driving, do have a nice sleep before.

Stay overnight in Nyingchi.

Today we will drive to Holy City Lhasa along the beautiful Niyang River, a major river in southeast Tibet and the longest tributary of Yarlung Tsangpo River. You can see grand and superb natural scenery on the way.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Our first stop is to visit the Potala Palace, the UNESCO world heritage site and the winter palace of the Dalai Lama. Walking slowly along the long stone steps to the White and Red Palaces, you can explore the former residence of Dalai Lama and his meeting room and religious chamber. You can see the gilded burial stupas of past Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet. A bird's-eye view of Lhasa city and Lhasa valley from the top of Potala Palace will take your breath away.

After we have lunch and then we will head to holy Jokhang Temple. It's the most sacred Buddhist site in Tibet. Outside the temple, you will witness pious Tibetan pilgrims, young and old, prostrating themselves in front of Jokhang and long lines of Tibetans following the Barkhor circuit. Inside, traveling in dim butter light, you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve, perhaps the single most venerated object in Tibet Buddhism. You may reach the top of Jokhang Temple to enjoy the panorama of old Lhasa city and great vista of Potala Palace.

Then we may do the kora by circling the Barkhor Street with pilgrims and locals and buy some souvenirs. Never miss the chance to enjoy the tasty sweet tea in local tea house and visit Tromzikhang, the famous farm produce market.

Stay overnight in Lhasa

In the morning, you are going to visit Drepung Monastery which was one of the “Great Three” Gelug Monasteries of Tibet and was founded in 1416 by Jamyang Choge, one of the Tsongkhapa’s main disciples. Ganden palace is used as Dalai Lama’s palace in the Drepung before moving to the Potala Palace.

In the afternoon, you will visit Sera Monastery which is another one of the “Great Three” Gelug Monasteries of Tibet and founded in 1419 by Jamchen Chojey, one of the Tsongkhapa’s main disciples. The highlight is the monks’ debate at around 3 - 5 in the afternoon.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

In the morning, drive from Lhasa to Lake Namtso, one of the four holy lakes of Tibet and also the highest saline lake in the world. On the way, you can see snow-capped Nyenchen Thanglha Mountain Ranges and lots of nomads and their tent with grazing yak and sheep densely-populated on the flourishing grassland (in summer). Besides, you can enjoy the view of Sky-Road Railway with snow mountain background; while standing at the famous Lagenla Pass (5190m), you can view the stunning vista of holy Namtso Lake.

Then we can enjoy our time to do a leisurely trek around Tashi Dor Island and along the lakeshore. Drive back to Damxung. (For environment protection, the Lakeshore guesthouses were close by the government.)

Stay overnight in Damxung.

After breakfast, we will first visit Chimelong Nunnery (Phyirmil Lung Nunnery). Roam over the peaceful small nunnery and get an idea of different Buddhist studies in Tibet, you may also spot a sky burial site (Tibet funeral site) in the distance.

Then, we can go to Tsurphu Monastery, the seat of the Karmapa branch of the Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism. Here, you can learn more about the ‘Black Hats’, the Karma Kagyupa school of Tibetan Buddhism. In the summertime (June to September), we can also go for a ‘Linka outing’ (Tibetan-style picnic) in the small village at the foot of the hill of Tsurphu Monastery.

Finally, we will drive back to Lhasa.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Today’s Cultural Tips: Sky burial is a funeral practice commonly seen in Tibet. The corpse will be disposed of and later devoured by vultures. In Tibetan Buddhism, sky burial is believed to represent their wishes to go to heaven. Only family members of the dead can attend the funeral.

You will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight to next destination.