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7-Day Holy Lake Luxury Tour to Yamdrok & Namtso
(TLT003) Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Lhasa - Namtso Lake - Lhasa
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Price from
Upon request
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Tour Type:
Private Luxury Tour
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Group Size:
Max 9
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Trip Level:
Easy - suitable for all level of fitness, family with kids and senior groups.
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Season: 春
Spring夏
Summer秋
Autumn冬
Winter
Overview
Covering the best highlights of Lhasa tour, with an exhilarating journey to sacred lakes Yamdrok and Namtso, this 7-day luxury tour brings you the utmost comfort with quintessential Tibetan experience and unbeatable alpine lake sightseeing.
As the longest-established local Tibet travel agency since 1984, we pool our bountiful tour resources and offer you the best hotel options. Only the most celebrated Tibetan guides will guide you and they are about to show you the door to the history and culture of Tibetan Buddhism. The diverse culinary delights and engaging tour activities and plenty of attentive services will surely bring you a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa (3650m)
Highlights
- Receive the auspicious White Hada and meet our Tibetan guide;
- Enjoy the welcome ceremony at the airport or railway station；
- Get a glimpse of Potala Palace and holy Lhasa city;
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.
Meals
Dinner included
Accommodation
The following are our optional hotels for this tour:
Insider Tips
For the new-comers to Tibet, never rush to visit attractions downtown as your body needs time to get acclimatized to the high altitude on Tibetan Plateau. Slight headache, dizziness, and rapid pulse are pretty common. They will disappear in a couple of days. Or you may use the oxygen bar in your hotel to ease any discomfort due to altitude ascent. Feel anything you need, please feel free to reach your Tibetan guide.
Day 2: Lhasa Tour - Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Welcome Banquet
Highlights
- Explore the White House and Red House in Potala Palace;
- Enjoy the bird’s eye view of Lhasa city from Potala;
- Visit the sandalwood statue of Sakyamuni in Potala; the life-size statue of Sakyamuni in Jokhang;
- Experience the famous Barkhor Kora;
- Taste Tibetan sweet tea and other local food;
- Enjoy welcome Banquet and dancing and singing performance by Tibetan artists;
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.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch and Welcome Banquet
Accommodation
The following are our optional hotels for this tour:
Insider Tips
As each traveler only has one hour for visiting Potala Palace, do closely follow our guide’s guidance; walk slowly and take a rest if needed when you hike the Potala Palace;
Dress properly when visiting the Buddhist site and no photo is allowed inside the Buddhist hall.
During the welcome banquet, you may join the Tibetan dancers for the dancing and later take photos with them at the end of the show.
Day 3: Lhasa Tour - Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Wencheng Musical
Highlights
- Enjoy the hike and panorama of Lhasa Valley and witness huge monk kitchen and Thangka display platform in Drepung Monastery;
- Experience the lively monk debate and colorful sand mandala in Sera Monastery;
- Enjoy the Princess Wencheng Real-scene Musical;
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.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch and Welcome Banquet
Accommodation
The following are our optional hotels for this tour:
Insider Tips
The grand Shoton Festival (Aug 30, 2019 or July 1st on Tibetan calendar); the steps are steep for the hike in Drepung. Walk slowly to prevent acute mountain sickness;
The Monk Debate in Sera Monastery (3-5p.m, Mon to Fri); only the cell phone camera is allowed to take photos in debate courtyard.
You may enjoy the easy transfer from your hotel to the theater for the Wencheng musical. Your private driver and guide will be at your service. The temperature can get pretty cold at night, do take enough warm clothes for the show in the open-air theater.
After the musical finishes, you will have a chance to take photos with the main actress and actor who play Songtsen Gampo and princess Wencheng.
Day 4: Tibetan Cooking Class and Linka (Picnic) at Yamdrok Lake
Highlights
- Visit the famous Tromsikhang farm produce market;
- View the panorama of turquoise Yamdrok Lake and enjoy the picnic there；
- Photo chance with tamed Tibetan mastiff;
Spice up your Tibet tour with a cooking class: follow our local guide to explore the Tromsikhang market, the age-old farm produce market, close to Barkhor Street; sample and discover the distinctive highland ingredients for cooking; then watch how the seasoned chef masterfully transform the raw ingredient into finger-licking dishes. And give it a go yourself. It may leave a great legacy for your Tibet journey.
In the afternoon, travel southwest by enjoying 2hrs’ ride from Lhasa to turquoise Yamdrok Lake, one of the top three holy lakes in Tibet; Enjoy the traditional Linka (or picnic) beside the serene Yamdrok Lake. Feel free to meditate or doing yoga beside the sacred Lake. Later, after traveling amid winding roads, we reach Gampala pass (4790 m) for the amazing panoramic view of Yamdrok Lake against the backdrop of snowy Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar (7191m).
Don’ miss the chance to take selfies with tamed Tibetan mastiffs and well-adorned Tibetan yaks. Finally, we drive back to Lhasa for the gourmet dinner.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch and Welcome Banquet
Accommodation
The following are our optional hotels for this tour:
Insider Tips
Be careful with the knife when you try cooking the food in the kitchen; while visiting the Tromsikhang market, do follow closely with the guide in case to get lost due to the huge crowds.
Get fully prepared for sun protection when enjoying Linka beside Yamdrok Lake. Locals will charge you a few bucks for taking photos with Tibetan mastiff or Tibetan yak. Don’t buy the souvenirs made of wildlife or purchase unknown Tibetan medicines. If the hawkers keep nagging about you, just tell your guide.
Prepare your swimming suit, which will be needed for enjoying hot spring at Yangpachen on day 6.
Day 5: Journey to Heavenly Namtso Lake (around 350km, 6-7hrs)
Highlights
- Witness enchanting village and the farming scene of Tibetan nomads;
- Drive along parts of famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway (Tibet Train)；
- Pass the lofty Nagenla Pass (5190m);
- Enjoy serene Namtso Lake against snowy Mt. Nyenchen Thanglha;
- Explore holy Tashi Dor Island;
- Photograph the amazing sunset over Namtso Lake;
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.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch and Welcome Banquet
Accommodation
The following are our optional hotels for this tour:
Insider Tips
Due to the high altitude for Namtso visit, do take your down jacket and beanie and windproof jacket…to keep your warm. Even in summer, you can’t beat the chilly wind at Namtso Lake. And sun protection gears like sunscreen, sunglasses, even lip balm are essential to keep your skin comfortable.
Since the roof-collapse incident that happened at Namtso Lake in winter of 2018, due to heavy snow, for safety concerns, the accommodation facilities at Namtso have been closed for infinity. After you finish namtso tour, we will head to Damxung(4200m), around 65km southeast to Namtso(4718m). The lower altitude means better sleep.
Unlike the high-end hotel facilities and their service you normally see in western countries, largely due to the inhospitable plateau environment, the hotel and accommodation facilities in Tibet develop unevenly.
Lhasa, Shigatse, and Nyingchi are three prefectures with the best hotels. Other than that, the more remote the place you visit, the more basic the hotel facility and service there is, esp. to places like EBC and Mt.Kailash or northern Tibet. However, we promise to offer you the best hotel available in a particular region.
Day 6: Travel back to Lhasa via Yangpachen and Chimelong Nunnery (approx. 190km, 6-7hrs)
Highlights
- Enjoy refreshing hot spring at Yangachen;
- Explore the life of nuns at Chimelong Nunnery；
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.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch and Welcome Banquet
Accommodation
The following are our optional hotels for this tour:
Insider Tips
Don’t stay in the hot spring for too long. (no more than 10-20min)
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.
Day 7: Depart from Lhasa
Your guide will transfer you to the airport or train station for the next onward flight or journey. The tour service ends.
Meals
Breakfast
Service Included:
- Tibet travel permit and all other necessary permits to Tibet;
- All entrance ticket fees for all tourist sites listed in the itinerary;
- Welcome banquet in 5-star restaurant or the most popular local eatery;
- Meals as specified in the itinerary;
- VIP tour transfer: Buick GL8 ( 7seats); Hyundai H1( 12 seats)；Toyota Land Cruiser (8 seats); other tour vans you prefer;
- Most celebrated Tibetan guide and most experienced driver;
- Luxurious 5-star hotels in Lhasa and Shigatse; best local lodging available in counties and remote regions across Tibet;
- Service Charge & Government Taxes;
- Free Airport shuttle transfer between Lhasa Gonggar airport and Hotel on designated time;
- Tibet Handy Map and other travel kits;
- Mineral water provided during the trip;
- Ample oxygen supply and pulse oximeter device;
- Designated customer service manager and 24/7 call service;
- Tourist accident/casualty insurance;
Service Excluded:
- International flight to and out of China;
- Domestic flight/train to and out of Lhasa. (We can provide you the domestic flight/train ticket booking service at the BEST discount price, please contact us our travel experts for the details.);
- Tips and gratitude to the guide and driver. If you are satisfied with their service, you may consider tipping them at an amount you find it suitable.;
- Personal expenses, like laundry, phone call, snacks, soft drinks, optional tour activities not specified in the tour contract, etc.;
- Cost for hospitalization and other unexpected injury or accident if you fail to follow guide’s guidance.
It’s time to start your Tibet tour with us
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