Welcome to Lhasa!

Upon your arrival, our friendly Tibetan tour guide will greet you at Lhasa airport/Lhasa Railway Station, offering you a pristine white Khata to express our warm blessings.

It is your first day in Tibet, please have a good rest for today as you need to adapt to the altitude of the highest plateau in the world.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Overnight in Lhasa

• Tibetan tour guide greets you at Lhasa Airport.

• Lhasa River

Today’s Highlight is a visit to UNESCO World Heritage Sites Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, providing a glimpse into the daily beliefs and lives of the people of Lhasa.

In the morning, you will collect your rental vehicle and start your first visit to the Potala Palace at the center of Lhasa city. Here, you can see extraordinary cultural and religious treasures and relics of Tibet. The most valuable collections of the 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 will visit the Longwangtan Park at the foot of the Potala Palace. You’ll appreciate the majestic Potala Palace from a different perspective and engage in local Tibetan folk activities.

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

After today’s tour, enjoy a welcome dinner in a local restaurant.

Overnight in Lhasa

Breakfast | Welcome Dinner

• Potala Palace is always the No.1 attraction for travelers visiting Tibet.

• A Tibetan pilgrim is worshipping Jokhang Temple

Today is the day for a Monastery trip in Lhasa! You’ll explore the largest monastery in Tibet, witness the Tibetan monks debate, and immerse yourself in the daily life of Tibetan monks.

After breakfast, you’ll first drive to Drepung Monastery, the largest monastery in Tibet that is 10 kilometers away from downtown Lhasa. It was once the home to over 10,000 monks in Tibet. Upon arrival, you will follow the route to visit the Coqen Hall and the Loseling College (or an equivalent) to learn more about Tibetan Buddhism and get a glimpse into the study and daily life of Tibetan monks.

After lunch, you’ll drive about 30 to 40 minutes to Sera Monastery, another of the ‘Great Three’ Gelug monasteries of Tibet. You will 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.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Overnight in Lhasa

Breakfast

• Drepung Monastery, one of the Great Three Gelug monasteries of Tibet

• Monk Debate is a highlight of Sera Monastery

Fully explore the Yamdrok Lake and its surrounding local villages at your own pace.

After breakfast, you’ll drive along the well-paved road from Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake. You can catch a breathtaking view of the lake from Gampala Pass (4,790 m). The turquoise Yamdrok Lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and in the distance you can have spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar (7,191 m), the highest mountain near Lhasa.

Continue your drive to explore the lakeshore from various viewpoints, and at the end of the lake, you could visit a local family in the village and have lunch with the locals.

Next, you will pass and enjoy the Korola 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 drive to Gyantse. On the way, you can stop at Simila Mountain Pass, where you can hang prayer flags to pray for world peace and the health of your family.

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

Stay overnight in Gyantse.

Overnight in Gyantse

Breakfast | Lunch

• Yamdrok Lake at Gampala Pass, where you can get a marvelous bird's-eye view of the lake.

• The Karola Glacier is so close that you will appreciate a spectacular view of the white glacier contrasted with blue sky.

Today, you’ll explore the highlights of Gyantse and get a chance to experience local farm work.

In the morning, you will visit Gyantse Pelkor Monastery and Kumbum, and climb up to the highest point of Gyantse city - Gyangtse Fortress, to view the panorama of Gyantse Old Town.

Then, you will start today’s drive to Shigatse. On the way, you can stop briefly in the local villages you pass, walk into Tibetan barley fields, and work together with farmers (if there is a chance). It is a rare chance to experience traditional farm work with the locals. Also, you will have a cooking class in the farmhouse to learn to make some simple local snacks and dishes.

After visiting the village, you will follow the road and continue driving to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet.

Stay overnight in Shigatse.

Overnight in Shigatse

Breakfast

• Pelkor Monastery

• Explore the village life at the foot of Mount Everest

Enjoy an in-depth exploration of the ancient Phuntsoling Monastery and a relaxing drive to the foot of Mount Everest.

After breakfast, you will start an incredible adventure as you will drive off the main road and explore a breathtaking path along the stunning valley of the Brahmaputra River.

First, you will visit the ancient Phuntsoling Monastery, which is rich in a fascinating history spanning over 500 years with incredible Buddhist wall paintings and preserved ancient buildings.

Then, you will enjoy a delightful picnic lunch by the river while taking in the wild river bed and admiring the many quaint Tibetan villages that line the banks.

After 2-3 hours of driving, you will finally arrive in Tingri Town, the gateway to the wondrous Himalayan ranges.

Stay overnight in Tingri.

Overnight in Tingri

Breakfast

• The majestic Nyenchen Tanglha Mountain Range

• Visit Phuntsoling Monastery, the only Jonangpa monastery in Tibet

This is the day for an unforgettable driving experience along the winding road to Everest Base Camp.

After breakfast, you will drive along the way to the Everest Base Camp with two unforgettable stops en route. The first is at Gyatsola Pass, the "No. 1 Himalaya view platform" in this tour. At 5,198 meters high, you can take in breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan Mountain Range, all the highest peaks are in your view.

Then, you will take a stop at Basom Village, the closest village to the Everest Base Camp. Here, you will be treated to a unique and authentic dining experience. You will enjoy lunch with a local family nestled at the foot of the Himalayan mountains.

After lunch, you will join in on some light housework for 1-2 hours before celebrating with the locals through song and dance to commemorate your approaching Mount Everest.

Finally, you will arrive at the Everest Base Camp, where you will witness an incredible sunset over the striking mountain range.

Stay overnight at the Base Camp or in the local village near EBC.

Insider Tips:
1. As you ascend to altitudes over 5,000 meters today, if you experience any discomfort, please don’t hesitate to inform your guide immediately.

2. The visibility of Everest is subject to weather conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

3. 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.

Overnight at EBC or in the village near EBC

Breakfast

• Drive along the zigzag road to Everest Base Camp

• Enjoy your group tour to Everest Base Camp

Today, you will retrace the road trip along the Himalayas and return to Shigatse via Sakya.

In the morning, before departing from the base camp, you will visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest monastery, where nuns and monks live together at 5,154 meters above sea level. You will also have the luxury of leisure time accompanied by steaming cups of coffee.

For lunch, you will head to Chulop village, where we will indulge in another mesmerizing view of the Himalayas from the No. 2 Himalayan view platform.

In the afternoon, you will drive to Sakya, another treasured Tibetan heritage town. Upon arrival, you will visit the Sakya Monastery, which is renowned for its massive library of ancient Buddhist scriptures and an extensive collection of historic wall paintings. Notably, the monastery was nominated for the World Culture Heritage list in 2020.

After visiting Sakya Monastery, continue your journey with a scenic drive of 148 km to reach Shigatse.

Stay overnight in Shigatse.

Overnight in Shigatse

• Rongbuk Monastery, the higest monastery in the world

• Sakya Monastery with Mongolian architectural style

Enjoy a scenic drive back to Lhasa with nomadic life experience en route.

After breakfast, you will first drive through a picturesque pasture. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to observe the locals tending to their cattle and witness their nomadic-rural lifestyle. You'll enjoy an open-air picnic on the lush grassland and interact with the friendly shepherds.

Then, you will continue the overland journey and witness Chungmu Khangar (7,048m), the highest peak of south of Nyenchen Thangla Ranges. You can take a magnificent group photo with the glacier as if you are embedded in the painting.

Next, while driving to the Shugula Pass (5,411m), you can take a stop here and touch the eternal ice and snow with your own hands.

Finally, you'll drive back to Lhasa to conclude your magnificent trip. The evening is still young, and your guide will take you to Langma Dancing Hall for the last night of merriment. Here, you'll indulge in some beer and immerse yourselves in Tibetan folk dance, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Cheers to a remarkable adventure!

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Overnight in Lhasa

Breakfast

• Stunning view of Yarlung Tsangpo River

• Enjoy Tibetan dancing and singing performances in Langma Hall

Today marks the end of your Tibet tour.

Please make sure to verify your departure flight/train details with our guide in advance. And your guide will take you to the airport or train station.

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

Breakfast

• 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.