10-Day Lhasa to EBC and Namtso Lake Luxury Tour

Tashi Delek! Welcome to Lhasa, the modern utopia and the spiritual heart of Tibet; Your hospitable Tibetan guide and friendly drivers have already been expecting you at the designated places at the Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Railway Station.

As you receive our auspicious white Hada and a refreshing drink from the guide, a brief welcome ceremony will be held for you in the most traditional way. Simply leave your hassle to our staff to take care and enjoy the scenic ride to your hotel in Lhasa city. Our handful Tibetan guide will help you check in and inform you of the travel plan the next day. Then enjoy the comfy stay at the most luxury hotels in Lhasa for tomorrow’s exciting tour.

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  Luxury St. Regis Lhasa Resort
• 
  Intercontinental Lhasa Paradise
• 
  Shangri-La Lhasa Hotel

Basking in eye-blinding sunshine, Lhasa is teeming with magnificent Buddhist temples and monasteries, devoted Tibetan pilgrims and historical backstreets, pleasing culinary discovery.

Follow the footsteps of your guide to hike the long stairs of impressive Potala Palace for the commanding view of Lhasa city; the UNESCO heritage site perched on the Red hill used to be the winter palace of the generations of Dalai Lama. Now, it is the most iconic building of Tibet. You will have a chance to explore the residence of Dalai Lama in White Palace and religious chambers in the Red Palace and gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas, etc.

After lunch, we will head to Jokhang Temple, the holiest Buddhist site in Lhasa. Traveling in the dimly-lit rooms, you can hear the constant mumbling of Buddhist chanting and see local Tibetans adding butter oil to the oil lamps. Never miss the chance to worship the life-size statue of 12-year-old Buddha Sakyamuni.

Outside the Jokhang Temple, follow the prostrating Tibetan pilgrims for the famous Barkhor kora nearby. You may also look for the delicately-made souvenirs in the boutiques that flank the Barkhor Street.

When you head starts to spin, delve into the quiet backstreet of Barkhor and treat yourself with a couple of tasty sweet tea and local delicacy and fully immerse yourself in the distinct vibes of a local teahouse.

At the light starts to fall, the welcome banquet is waiting for your presence. Bottoms up with your friends, 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.

• 
  Luxury St. Regis Lhasa Resort
• 
  Intercontinental Lhasa Paradise
• 
  Shangri-La Lhasa Hotel

Start the day with a visit to prestigious Drepung Monastery. This largest Gelugpa monastery, located to the west of central Lhasa (8km), offers a scenic hike to stretch your legs. You will see the gigantic religious painting on the huge rock and explore huge monk kitchen and witness monastic life and enjoy the sweeping view of Lhasa valley. Feel tired? Taste the spring gushing from the mountain to refresh yourself. If you happen to come during the Shoton festival, you hit the jackpot. The gigantic Thangka unveiling ceremony will leave you in awe.

After lunch, make it to the prominent Sera Monastery; the second biggest Gelugpa monastery in Lhasa now is the major stage for the “monk debate”. Find a spot in the boisterous debate courtyard to enjoy this dramatic “monastic defense”. Though you may not understand what they say, the slapping of hands, yelling and jumping and rolling of Buddhist mala give you a vivid display of long-held tradition of Buddhist study. Besides, you may also enjoy exquisite sand mandala and Buddhist scripture printing press and visit the main assembly hall in this Buddhist academy. 

After the dinner, we are about to enjoy the epic Tibetan drama unfolds--the Princess Wencheng Real-scene Musical. Sitting in the massive open-air theater, you will trace the development of legendary intermarriage between Songtsen Gampo, Tibetan King and princess Wencheng from Tang Dynasty and learn more of Tibetan culture and traditions.

• 
  Luxury St. Regis Lhasa Resort
• 
  Intercontinental Lhasa Paradise
• 
  Shangri-La Lhasa Hotel

The journey from Lhasa to Shigatse (3900m) would be a feast to your eyes. After 2hrs’ drive, around the bend appears the glittering turquoise Yamdrok Lake; Following the winding road along the holy lake, we will reach Gampala pass (4790 m), where you can enjoy the stunning panorama of Yamdrok with the backdrop of snowy Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar (7191m). You may also pet the tamed Tibetan mastiff for a lovely shot.

After passing Nagarze, the massive Karola Glacier comes into sight. Stop briefly to view this incredible land glaciers cascading from the peak, right beside the highway. Then, the continuing journey will take us to Manla Reservoir where you can enjoy the turquoise lake and hang the auspicious prayer flags at Simila Pass (4200m). Soon, the awe-inspiring Gyantse looms ahead. Here we are. Gyantse, the third largest city connecting Lhasa with Shigatse.

Visit the famous Pelkor Monastery where multiple Tibetan Buddhism schools coexist in a single monastery; climb multi-story Gyantse Kumbum Stupa, the symbol of Gyantse County, for an amazing vista of Gyantse fortress. With more time to spend, you may take a leisurely stroll in the old street nearby. Shortly after one and a half hour drive, we will finally reach Shigatse(3900m), Tibet’s second largest city and the gateway to Mt. Everest.

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  Shigatse Qomo Langzong Hotel

Have an early start to visit the celebrated Tashilunpo Monastery, home to successive Panchen Lamas; roam over the alleys of this massive Buddhist academy and explore the tremendous golden statue of Future Buddha (26.2m high) and visit the golden stupas of Panchen Lamas and Amitabha Buddha; you may even join the monk’s chanting at assembly hall or quietly watch the monk debate at courtyard.

Then, we will leave Shigatse for EBC. The long yet exhilarating drive (350km) promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience to you. The idyllic farmland scene gradually gives way to the barren land and rolling Himalayan Range.

Feel the adrenaline rush as you follow the dozens of hairpin bends to awe-inspiring Gawu La Pass (5198m), where top 4 highest peaks along the Himalayas may take your breath away. Stay briefly here for an epic selfie with the giants of the world.

The final leg of the journey will take your past Rongbuk Monastery (5154m) to the tented camp of EBC (5200m) nearby. Enjoy your stay in a traditional yak tent; at night, if you dare to brave the cold, get out of the cozy tent to enjoy the stunning galaxy above the EBC which will make your jaw drop.

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  Tibetan Tent Guest House
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  Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse

Have an early rise for the dramatic spectacle of sunrise over the summit of Mt. Everest; you will find that you are not alone for the long-awaited sunrise over the world’s highest peak, together with dozens of well-equipped photographers. Do bundle up for the biting wind outside.

Later, stroll to tour the legendary Rongbuk Monastery (5154m), the world’s highest Buddhist site where pious nuns and monks coexist. You will also be awarded a certificate for making it to EBC.

Finally, say farewell to the lofty Mt. Everest through the rear mirror as the tour vehicle takes you back to Shigatse.

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  Shigatse Qomo Langzong Hotel

Hop on the scenic Tibet train for a swift ride back to Lhasa. The train takes about 2:35hrs and has 3 departures to reach Lhasa from Shigatse. You may have a good rest or wander around in the daytime and board the train in the later afternoon.

The train ride is smooth and comfortable, and takes you along a slightly different route back to the Tibetan capital, giving you great views of the landscapes and the famous Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains and closer encounter with local Tibetan passengers.

In the evening, enjoy a lavish dinner and toast for your successful visit to EBC. Have a tight sleep coz tomorrow we will head to heavenly Namtso Lake.

• 
  Luxury St. Regis Lhasa Resort
• 
  Intercontinental Lhasa Paradise
• 
  Shangri-La Lhasa Hotel

Have an early rise and pack your camera gears for the exhilarating ride to Namtso Lake(4718m), the world’s highest saline lake; the winding roads take you past enchanting villages around Lhasa Valley; keep heading north, you will be travelling along parts of Tibet train railway. If lucky, you may find yourself traveling abreast with a Tibet train dashing on Tibetan Plateau.

As we approach Damxung, aim your camera for the packs of grazing Tibetan yaks and Tibetan yak tents scattered around the hillside and valley. Before we descend to the shore of Namtso Lake, you may take a glimpse of pristine Namtso from lofty Lagenla Pass(5190m). 

At the Namtso Lake, stroll the heavenly lake, while hearing the cry of gulls (esp. in summer) and marveling at the picture-postcard Namtso Lake against snow-tipped Mt. Nyenchen Thanglha. It’s utterly a surreal experience.

Besides, never miss the photo opportunities with lovely white Yaks or follow your guide to explore Tashi Dor Island nearby, or quietly admire the devoted prostrating Tibetan pilgrims. Cherish the moments for the incredible sunset at Namsto; finally we feel reluctant to say goodbye to Namtso Lake and head to Damxung. 

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  Damxung Baima Hotel

The long drive must be tiring. To soothe your nerves, let’s stop by the most famous Yangpachen hot spring on the way back to Lhasa. Soak yourself in the refreshing and mineral-rich hot spring surrounded by lofty peaks. It feels like in heaven.

After the hot spring joy, our journey continues to Chimelong Nunnery (Phyirmil Lung Nunnery).Roam over the peaceful small nunnery and get an idea of different Buddhist study in Tibet; you may also spot a sky burial site (Tibetan funeral site) in the distance.

• 
  Luxury St. Regis Lhasa Resort
• 
  Intercontinental Lhasa Paradise
• 
  Shangri-La Lhasa Hotel

Your guide will transfer you to the airport or train station for the next onward flight or journey. The tour service ends.