10 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp and Namtso Lake Luxury Tour

Upon your arrival in Lhasa, your private Tibetan guide will welcome you at the airport or train station with a traditional white Hada.

Then, you'll be comfortably escorted to your hotel in Lhasa. Your private guide will provide a personalized overview of your journey ahead and share thoughtful advice to help you acclimate smoothly to the altitude.

Once you've checked in, take some time to rest and allow your body to acclimate to the high altitude.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Where to Stay?
Your stay will be arranged at Songtsam Linka Retreat Lhasa (super 5-star) or standard luxury hotels like The St. Regis Lhasa Resort (5-star) and Shangri-La Lhasa (5-star).

What to Eat?
After arriving in Lhasa, your private guide will take you to high-quality local restaurants that suit your tastes. Whether you want to experience Tibetan food, Chinese dishes, or Western cuisine, we are committed to delivering a delicious dining experience.

• Tibetan tour guide greets you at Lhasa Airport.
• Stay in style at Songtsam Linka Retreat Lhasa

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll start today’s journey to Drepung Monastery. It was once the largest monastery in Tibet, which houses over 10,000 monks. As you walk through the Coqen Hall, your guide will provide detailed explanations of the worldview of Tibetan Buddhism and introduce notable figures in Tibetan Buddhist history.

Next, you’ll visit the renowned Loseling College (or an equivalent), offering a glimpse into the study and life of Tibetan monks. You can explore their dormitories to gain insights into the Tibetan monks' daily routines and living conditions.

For lunch, you’ll be accompanied by your private guide to experience the daily diet of local monks in the Monastery dining hall, or go to a local restaurant according to your preference.

In the afternoon, you’ll head to Sera Monastery, another of the ‘great three’ Gelug monasteries of Tibet, to witness the famous Tibetan Monks Debate (15:00 - 17:00, from Monday to Saturday). Your guide will intricately explain how Tibetan monks engage in these debates to acquire knowledge and advance in their academic degrees.

After visiting, you’ll return to downtown Lhasa and enjoy a welcome dinner in a top-rated local restaurant. You’ll be accompanied by animated traditional Tibetan dancing and singing; treat your taste buds with unique Tibetan delicacies. The charming night of Lhasa will alter your mindset towards Tibet and hold you spellbound.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Where to Stay?
Your stay will be arranged at Songtsam Linka Retreat Lhasa (super 5-star) or standard luxury hotels like The St. Regis Lhasa Resort (5-star) and Shangri-La Lhasa (5-star).

What to Eat?
Today’s Breakfast is offered by your hotel. And for lunch and dinner, your private guide will take you to high-quality local restaurants according to your preference. Whether you want to experience Tibetan food, Chinese dishes, or Western cuisine, we are committed to delivering a delicious dining experience.

• Drepung Monastery, one of the Great Three Gelug monasteries of Tibet
• Monk Debate is a highlight of Sera Monastery

Following breakfast at your hotel, you’ll visit the Potala Palace, the iconic landmark of Tibet. After climbing up to the palace, you’ll explore the lives and stories of the Dalai Lamas through history within the palace, and the extraordinary treasures it holds. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.

After touring the Potala Palace, you’ll visit Zongjiao Lukang Park at the foot of the Potala Palace. Here, you can appreciate the majestic Potala Palace from a different perspective. You will also have the opportunity to experience local Tibetan folk activities, such as enjoying the traditional Guozhuang dance with the locals.

Then, you can enjoy your lunch in a local restaurant to get refreshed and prepare for the following sightseeing.

In the afternoon, you will head to the heart of Tibetan religion - the Jokhang Temple. Inside, you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve. Outside, you can see pilgrims making prostrations in front of Jokhang Temple.

Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can do kora (a religious circle of a building or mountain) with pilgrims and locals, and explore the old market.

Next, follow your guide to one of the liveliest indoor Tibetan tea houses in Lhasa. Sip traditional Tibetan sweet tea alongside local Tibetans as your guide shares insights into Tibetan social dynamics and daily life.

For dinner, you can tell your guide what you want to taste, and your private tour guide will take you to the most worthwhile restaurants on their list based on your taste and preferences.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Where to Stay?
Your stay will be arranged at Songtsam Linka Retreat Lhasa (super 5-star) or standard luxury hotels like The St. Regis Lhasa Resort (5-star) and Shangri-La Lhasa (5-star).

What to Eat?
Today’s Breakfast is offered by your hotel. And for lunch and dinner, your private guide will take you to high-quality local restaurants according to your preference. Whether you want to experience Tibetan food, Chinese dishes, or Western cuisine, we are committed to delivering a delicious dining experience.

• Potala Palace is always the No.1 attraction for travelers visiting Tibet.
• A Tibetan pilgrim is worshipping Jokhang Temple

After your morning meal at the hotel, you’ll check out and start the overland journey to Shigatse.

First, you’ll drive over the Gampala Pass (4,790 m) to catch a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso (4,400m). The Yamdrok Lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains, and in the distance, you can have spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar (7,191m), the highest mountain near Lhasa.

After soaking in the stunning lakeside views, you'll visit a local family in a village by the lake. There, you’ll enjoy a home-cooked lunch and some authentic local snacks and drinks for a true taste of Tibetan hospitality.

Next, you will pass and enjoy the Karola Glacier on the roadside. It is the largest glacier in Tibet. As you see the ice tongue of the glacier climb the entire hillside, you will feel the magical power of nature.

Then, continue your journey to Gyantse. On the way, you will stop at Simila Mountain Pass, where you can hang prayer flags to pray for your families and friends.

After arriving in Gyantse, you can spend some time taking photos of the ancient town of Gyantse.

Keep driving to Shigatse, you'll pass endless fields of Tibetan barley and scattered farms along the way. In summer, the landscape is lush and green; in autumn, it turns golden with ripening barley, painting a vivid picture of harvest on the plateau.

Finally, we will arrive in Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet. After checking in at the hotel, you can take a good rest and prepare for the next day’s trip to Mount Everest.

Stay overnight in Shigatse.

Where to Stay?
Your stay will be arranged at Hilton Shigatse (5-star) or Qomo Langzong Hotel (5-star).

What to Eat?
Today’s Breakfast is offered by your hotel. And you’ll have lunch in a local Tibetan family near Yamdrok Lake. For dinner, your private guide will take you to a high-quality local restaurant according to your preference. Whether you want to experience Tibetan food, Chinese dishes, or Western cuisine, we are committed to delivering a delicious dining experience.

• Yamdrok Lake at Gampala Pass, where you can get a marvelous bird's-eye view of the lake.
• Hilton Shigatse, the most luxury 5-star hotel in Shigatse

After breakfast, you will head directly to Mount Everest.

First, you will pass Gyatsola Pass (5,280m). At Gyatsola Pass viewpoint, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest. Hidden behind the mountain range, the Everest resembles a budding lotus flower, a captivating sight along the roadside.

Shortly after entering Mount Everest National Nature Reserve, you will enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayas at Gawula Pass (5,198m). At this viewpoint, you will marvel at the majestic lineup of the five highest peaks in the Himalayas, including Everest at the forefront.

Then, continue the drive along the new zigzag road to Everest Base Camp. As you get close to the base camp, the majestic Everest gradually unfolds before you, drawing nearer with each winding turn.

Upon reaching Everest Base Camp, the colossal white pyramid peak of Mount Everest stands towering before you. As the day transitions to dusk, you can witness the golden hues of the sun casting a warm glow on Everest's northern face.

Stay overnight at Rongbuk Monastery Hotel or the tent hotel at Everest Base Camp. If the accommodations at base camp are unavailable in winter, you can stay in a local village near Everest Base Camp.

Insider Tips:
1. The visibility of Everest is subject to weather conditions and cannot be guaranteed.
2. During the winter season, typically from November to March, the tent hotels at Everest Base Camp close. Therefore, if you’re traveling in winter, your accommodation options are limited to the village near EBC.
3. Due to the harsh environment at Everest Base Camp, the accommodation conditions are quite basic. Please note that showers are not available at any of the hotels in this area. However, the Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse and the newly renovated tent hotel feature oxygen and heating systems to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.

Where to Stay?
Your stay will be arranged at the Rongbuk Monastery Hotel or the renovated Everest Base Camp tent hotel.

What to Eat?
Today’s Breakfast is offered by your hotel. And for lunch, your private guide will take you to a high-quality local restaurant according to your preference. Your dinner will be arranged at the Base Camp.

• Drive along the zigzag road to Everest Base Camp
• Enjoy the stunning view of Mt.Everest from your room at Rongbuk Hotel

Following breakfast at the base camp, you’ll visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest monastery, where nuns and monks live together at 5154 meters above sea level.

Then, you’ll return to Shigatse via Dinggye, taking an alternative Himalayan route different from the traditional path. Here, you’ll stop at the Dinggye Xilin Viewpoint. You can not only see the majestic eastern slope of the towering Mount Everest again, but also the world's fourth-highest peak, Mount Lhotse, standing at an elevation of 8,516 meters. Additionally, you can enjoy the vast and delightful wetland landscape at the foot of Mount Everest.

Next, you’ll make a brief stop in the ancient town of Sakya to stroll around Saga Ancient Town.

Finally, you’ll arrive in Shigatse.

Stay overnight in Shigatse.

Insider Tips:
During heavy rain in the summer or snowstorms in the winter, there might be changes to your travel route back to Shigatse from Mount Everest. Instead of passing through Dinggye and Sakya, you may return via Gyawula Pass and Tingri. If this happens, we’ll provide you with a paper notice while you’re in Tibet.

Where to Stay?
Your stay will be arranged at Hilton Shigatse (5-star) or Qomo Langzong Hotel (5-star).

What to Eat?
Today’s Breakfast is offered by your hotel at the base camp. And for lunch and dinner, your private guide will take you to high-quality local restaurants according to your preference. Whether you want to experience Tibetan food, Chinese dishes, or Western cuisine, we are committed to delivering a delicious dining experience.

• Mount Everest as seen from the Rongbuk Monastery - the highest monastery in the world
• Sakya Monastery with Mongolian architectural style

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you’ll visit the home of Panchen Lama - Tashilhunpo Monastery. The grand and magnificent halls of the largest local monastery occupy the entire hillside. This is the spiritual home of the Tibetan people in Shigatse, housing the world's largest statue of Maitreya Buddha. Inside, you will see monks adorned with yellow hats and red robes, moving about the temple.

Then, you’ll have lunch in a local restaurant, enjoying the dishes, and say goodbye to the second-largest city in Tibet.

Next, you’ll return to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River, the mother river of the Tibetan people.

Finally, you’ll arrive in Lhasa in late afternoon. The evening is yours to enjoy. You can head to Barkhor Street to pick up some souvenirs for family and friends, savor local delicacies at a fine restaurant, or simply relax at your hotel.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Where to Stay?
Your stay will be arranged at Songtsam Linka Retreat Lhasa (super 5-star) or standard luxury hotels like The St. Regis Lhasa Resort (5-star), or Shangri-La Lhasa (5-star).

What to Eat?
Today’s Breakfast is offered by your hotel. And for lunch and dinner, your private guide will take you to high-quality local restaurants according to your preference. Whether you want to experience Tibetan food, Chinese dishes, or Western cuisine, we are committed to delivering a delicious dining experience.

• Tashilhunpo Monastery, the home of Panchan Lama
• Stay in style at Songtsam Linka Retreat Lhasa

Get up early this morning, after having breakfast, you’ll start the day trip to the Holy Lake Namtso!

Heading north from Lhasa, you’ll first pass through the vast prairie in Damxung, the closest nomadic area to Lhasa. You’ll enjoy the vast grassland dotted with herds of yaks and sheep, and the stunning view of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

Then, you’ll cross the snow-capped Nyenchen Thanglha Mountain Rainges, pause at the renowned Lagenla Pass (5,190m) to marvel at the stunning vista of holy Namtso Lake from a distance. Descend the road to reach today’s destination, Namtso Lake, one of the ‘Three Holy Lakes’ in Tibet.

Upon reaching the lake, you can enjoy your time doing a leisurely trek around Tashi Dor Island and along the lakeshore. For a panoramic view of Namtso Lake, climb to the top of the hill on Tashi Dor Island, where the circular lake resembles a boundless blue sea surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

After visiting Namtso Lake, you will return to Damxung via the mountain pass.

Stay overnight in Damxung.

Insider Tips:
1. If you are interested in witnessing the beautiful sunset at Namtso Lake, we would be delighted to extend your stay to accommodate this unforgettable experience. Simply inform your travel consultant or guide in advance, and we will make the necessary arrangements.
2. Due to the higher altitude of Lake Namtso, standing at 4,718 meters above sea level, it tends to be colder than Lhasa. It is advisable to bring a warm jacket with you for today’s visit.

Where to Stay?
Your stay will be arranged at the best local accommodation options, such as the International Wanhui Hotel (4-star). If you have any particular preferences, we’re happy to arrange accommodations tailored to your needs.

What to Eat?
Today’s Breakfast is offered by your hotel. And for lunch and dinner, your private guide will take you to high-quality local restaurants according to your preference. Whether you want to experience Tibetan food, Chinese dishes, or Western cuisine, we are committed to delivering a delicious dining experience.

• Take photo with Tibetan Yak at holy Namtso Lake
• International Wanhu Hotel, the best accommodation in Damxung

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel, then you’ll take a drive back to Lhasa.

En route, you’ll first visit Chimelong Nunnery (Phyirmil Lung Nunnery), the largest nunnery near Lhasa. Roam over the peaceful 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, head to Tsurphu Monastery, the oldest monastery in Tibet. It is the seat of the Karmapa branch of the Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism and is also the birthplace of the system of reincarnated living Buddhas in Tibet. Here, you can learn more about the ‘Black Hats', the Karma Kagyupa school of Tibetan Buddhism.

Finally, you’ll arrive in Lhasa in late afternoon and have your dinner in a handpicked local restaurant according to your preference.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Where to Stay?
Your stay will be arranged at Songtsam Linka Retreat Lhasa (super 5-star) or standard luxury hotels like The St. Regis Lhasa Resort (5-star), or Shangri-La Lhasa (5-star).

What to Eat?
Today’s Breakfast is offered by your hotel. And for lunch and dinner, your private guide will take you to high-quality local restaurants according to your preference. Whether you want to experience Tibetan food, Chinese dishes, or Western cuisine, we are committed to delivering a delicious dining experience.

• The nun preparing the butter lamp at Chimelong Nunnery
• Visit Tsurphu Monastery, the oldest monastery in Tibet

Today marks the end of your Tibet tour.

Your private tour guide will confirm your departure details in advance and escort you to the Lhasa Gonggar Airport/Lhasa Train Station on time.

Thank you for choosing Tibet Vista, and we extend a warm welcome for your return to Tibet in the future.

Service Guide

What to Eat?
Today’s Breakfast is offered by your hotel. Before you leave Lhasa, if you'd like to enjoy one more meal, your private guide will take you to a handpicked local restaurant, chosen to match your personal tastes.

• Big farewell to Lhasa, and may you have a safe and pleasant journey back home!
• Your guide will escort you to Lhasa Railway Station if you depart Tibet by train.