8 Days Draksumtso Lhasa Yamdrok and Namtso Lake Tour

Highlights:

Explore the gigantic and towering ancient cypress trees.

Tashi Delek and welcome to Nyingchi! When you arrive in Nyingchi in the morning, our friendly local Tibetan guide will be expecting you at Nyingchi Mainling Airport with a Hada (the traditional Tibetan ceremonial scarf) and warm blessings.

Then, our local guide will whisk you off to your hotel in the Bayi Town of Nyingchi. After checking in at the hotel, you can explore the hotel surroundings or have a good rest at your hotel.

In the afternoon, we are about to visit the Great Cypress Nature Reserve Area, which is 5 kilometers southeast of Bayi Town. You can see towering ancient cypress trees with 2,500 years old, the oldest tree in China. Since the holy cypress tree is related to Bön founder Tonpa Shenrab. It’s also a sacred place for pilgrimage by local Tibetans. 

Stay overnight in Nyingchi.

Highlights:

Enjoy the panorama of Draksum Tso Lake from the Daqiela Viewing Platform

Explore the Tsodzong Monastery off the shore of Draksum Tso

Go for yatchting on serene Draksum Tso

Today, you’ll keep moving west to Lhasa by following the Nyang River, a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo River.

In the morning, you will first visit Draksum Tso Lake, a beautiful holy lake of the Nyingmapa school of Tibetan Buddhism. You can hike to the Daqiela Viewing Platform and enjoy the panoramic view of Draksum Tso Lake, which resembles a crescent moon nestled in a high mountain gorge. The lake is crystal clear, with rippling azure waves and playful fish, adding a delightful touch to the scenery.

On the heart-shaped island in the lake stands the Tsodzong Monastery of the Nyingma-Red Sect, boasting a 1500-year history. Encircled by dense, tranquil forests, the temple seems to guard the jade-like lake securely. This ancient monastery on the lake's heart invites reflection on history, forming a breathtaking scene with two 5500-meter-high snow-capped peaks as a backdrop.

After that, you can jump on the tourist yacht and enjoy yachting on the serene Draksum Tso to get a close look at this holy lake and surrounding snowy peaks.

Later, we hit the road again by passing the Mila Pass (5,013m), the last mountain pass during the road trip to Lhasa.

In the afternoon, you finally arrive in Lhasa, the cultural, political, and spiritual heart of Tibet Autonomous Region. Your long-expected holy Lhasa city is now only steps away. Check in at the hotel for a good rest.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Highlights:

Scenic hike in the Drepung Monastery (3,800m).

Watch the fiery monk debate in Sera Monastery (3,700m).

Awake to a day of brilliant sunshine. Let’s head to Drepung Monastery for a 3km leisurely hike/kora. The Drepung Monastery is one of the great three Geluga monasteries founded by a disciple of Tsongkhapa called Jamyang Chöje.

As you follow the pilgrim route towards Loseling College, you will see the iconic huge rock paintings depicting the Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Geluga Sect, and Buddhist mantras.

You can gather junipers and burn them as an offering to Buddha, drink refreshing mountain springs, or meditate alongside the local pilgrims beneath the rock face. At the mountaintop, the sweeping view of the enchanting Lhasa Valley will take your breath away.

In the afternoon, you will explore Sera Monastery, the second-largest Gelug monastery next to Drepung. You can appreciate the exquisitely made sand Mandala and admire Buddhist paintings.

The biggest highlight is to watch the dramatic monk debate (15:00 - 17:00, from Monday to Saturday). By clapping hands, jumping, yelling, and rolling Buddhist mala, the standing monk furiously debates with the other monk sitting on the ground about Buddhist philosophy.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Highlights:

Explore the secret chambers of Dalai Lamas and tons of treasures in Potala Place(3,700m).

Worship the life-size statue of Buddha Sakyamuni in Jokhang Temple (3,650m).

Experience the holy Barkhor Kora with local pilgrims.

Start your day with a visit to the fortress-like Potala Palace, an architectural marvel, and the winter palace of Dalai Lamas.

You can explore the Dalai Lama’s living quarters, and ceremonial hall, and marvel at gilded buddhas, intricate mandalas, and jewel-encrusted tombs of generations of Dalai Lamas, and enjoy the panoramic view of Lhasa city atop Red Palace.

Next, roam over the Zhongjiao Lukang Park nearby and view the Potala Palace from behind where you can take a glimpse of how locals spend their day lives, such as enjoying Guozhuang/circle dance, paddle boat in the pool, etc.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the sacred Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibet. Follow a long line of pilgrims in the dimly lit chambers to worship the life-size statue of a 12-year-old Buddha Sakyamuni.

Then, walk clockwise with prostrating Tibetan pilgrims to experience the famous Barkhor circuit/kora and unwind in a local teahouse to savor local obsessions,i.g. sweet tea, Tibetan noodles, Tibetan momos, Sha Phaley, or roam over the backstreet of Lhasa.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Highlights:

Admire the panoramic view of turquoise Yamdrok Lake at the Lurila viewing platform (4,960m).

Explore the Rutog Monastery (4,500m) tucked away in the middle of Yamdrok Lake.

Visit the local Tibetan family restaurant and savor the local Tibetan cuisine beside Yamdrok Lake.

View photogenic Yamdrok Lake from Gampala Pass (4,900m).

After breakfast, you’ll take a scenic 100-kilometer drive from Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake, a turquoise gem surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Here, you’ll experience a different side of Tibet - the peace and tranquility outside the bustling Lhasa city. The Yamdrok Lake reflects various colors in different lights. You can also see local nomads grazing their yaks on the lakeshore.

Start your Yamdrok Lake tour from Lurila Platform, where the turquoise waters and the imposing Gulha Kangri Snow Mountain unfold before your eyes.

Then, you will visit the Rutog Monastery and the lonely monk residing on the small island in the center of Yamdrok Lake. From Rutog Island, you can enjoy a broader view of Yamdrok Lake and the surrounding islands.

For lunch, you will visit a local family restaurant and enjoy the local dishes by the lakeside. On the platform, you can also savor a cup of coffee and relish leisure time while indulging in the stunning view of Yamdrok Lake from the southeast corner.

Afterward, you will return to Lhasa via the famous Gampala Pass (4900m). From the Gampala Pass platform, you can see Yamdrok Lake stretching for tens of kilometers like a wide blue ribbon to the foot of Noijin Kangsang Peak (7191m).

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Highlights:
Traverse Damxung prairie to heavenly Namtso lake and enjoy stunning lake there and explore Tashi Dor Island.

In the morning, heading north from Lhasa, you’ll pass through the vast prairie in Damxung, where you can see the closest nomads area to Lhasa, with herds of yaks and sheep. Besides, you can also enjoy the view of the Qinghai-Tibet railway against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

While crossing the snow-capped Nyenchen Thanglha Mountain Ranges, pause at the renowned Lagenla Pass (5190m) 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.

Marvel at the magical stone pillars and peaks, and explore meditation caves and Buddhist holy sites on the island with your travel guide.

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

Stay overnight in Damxung.

Insider Tips:
1. If the majority of your group is interested in witnessing the beautiful sunset at Namtso Lake, you can stay longer for the sunset. While you wait, we’ll provide hot coffee or Tibetan sweet tea.
2. Due to the higher altitude of Lake Namtso, standing at 4718 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.

Highlights:
Visit Chimelong Nunnery, the largest nunnery around Lhasa.
Roam over the tranquil Tsurphu Monastery.

After breakfast, you will 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.

During the summertime (June to September), you have the option of enjoying a 'Linka outing' (Tibetan-style picnic) for lunch in the small village at the foot of the hill of Tsurphu Monastery. Alternatively, you can have lunch at the restaurant of Tsurphu Monastery.

At the end of the day, return to Lhasa.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

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.