10 Days Tibet Holy Lakes Autumn Tour: Explore Basum Tso Lake, Namtso & Yamdrok Lakes in One Trip

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 (2,900m) of Nyingchi. After checking in at the hotel, you can explore the hotel surroundings or have a good rest at your hotel for smooth acclimatization.

In the afternoon, we are about to visit the Great Cypress Nature Reserve Area, which is 12min’s drive southeast of Bayi Town. You can see towering ancient cypress trees with 2,500 years old, the oldest tree in China. The holy cypress tree is related to the Bön founder Tonpa Shenrab. It’s also a sacred place for pilgrimage by local Tibetans.

Stay overnight in Bayi Town, Nyingchi.

• Tibetan tour guide greets you at Nyingchi Mainling Airport.
• Transfer to Bayi Town of Nyingchi via the enchanting Niyang River in autumn.

After breakfast, we’ll drive towards Lulang Forest, a stunning alpine valley known as the “Switzerland of Tibet,” where lush meadows, dense alpine forests, and snow-capped peaks come together in a breathtaking panorama.

From its Sejila Mountain pass (4,728m), you may marvel at the imposing Mt. Namcha Barwa (7,782m), widely regarded as the most beautiful snow-capped peak in China. Autumn offers the best chance to see Mt. Namcha Barwa’s full summit rising clearly above the clouds.

Our journey continues to Lulang Forest, a breathtaking alpine valley that becomes even more magical in autumn. As golden larch forests spread across the hillsides, snow-capped peaks rise dramatically in the distance, creating a picture-perfect Tibetan landscape. You may take a leisurely walk through the colorful forest, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and immerse yourself in the peaceful beauty of nature.

Later, we’ll head to Tashigang Alpine Pasture. You can explore charming Gongbu-style Tibetan villages, try your hand at traditional archery, or ride a horse across peaceful grasslands where yaks and sheep roam freely. Just a 6-minute drive away, tranquil Gongcuo Lake awaits with crystal-clear reflections and a picture-perfect autumn landscape.

After enjoying Nyingchi’s local delicacies in Lulang International Tourist Town, such as roasted Tibetan fragrant pig, stone pot chicken, fresh mushroom soup, and other traditional dishes for dinner, we’ll take a relaxing 2-hour drive back to Bayi Town.

Stay overnight in Bayi Town, Nyingchi.

• Namcha Barwa Peak at Sejila Pass in autumn
• Lulang Gongcuo Lake in autumn

Today, you’ll enjoy the serene Basum Tso Lake in its full autumn splendor, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in eastern Tibet.

After breakfast, we’ll head to Basum Tso Lake, a sacred alpine lake of the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. In autumn, the surrounding forests burst into golden, orange, and emerald hues, framing the crystal-clear turquoise waters and snow-capped peaks in a breathtaking Himalayan scene.

You can take a scenic hike to the Daqiela Viewing Platform for a sweeping panorama of Basum Tso Lake, a crescent-shaped jewel hidden deep in a mountain valley. From above, you’ll see vibrant autumn forests mirrored on the calm lake surface, with crystal waters revealing gentle ripples and fish swimming below.

You will visit Tsodzong Monastery, a 1,500-year-old Nyingma Buddhist monastery perched on the lake’s heart-shaped island. Surrounded by ancient forests and autumn foliage, this sacred temple offers a rare moment where Tibetan spirituality and alpine nature come together. You can spin the prayer wheels and enjoy a peaceful moment of reflection in this sacred place.

In the afternoon, board a yacht and glide across the sapphire waters of Basum Tso Lake, enjoying up-close views of the colorful forests, sacred monastery, and snow-covered peaks. Later, continue to discover the hidden Cuogao Ancient Village, where 53 traditional Tibetan homes rest between towering mountains and the shimmering lake, offering an authentic glimpse into the timeless beauty of autumn in Nyingchi.

Stay overnight in Jieba Village.

• Basum Tso Lake surrounded by golden autumn forests
• Cruising through the autumn beauty of Basum Tso Lake

Xintso Lake is one of the hidden gems around Basum Tso Lake, and autumn turns this otherworldly valley into a breathtaking canvas of golden forests, turquoise waters, and majestic peaks.

After breakfast, you will enjoy our transfer (30km, 1-hour drive, one-way) from Jieba Village to the Sangtong pasture, the trekking head of the amazing 7-km Xintso Lake trek (round-trip).

Along the way, the scenic trail winds through ancient alpine forests glowing with golden and orange foliage, crosses charming wooden bridges over turquoise streams, and passes peaceful Tibetan pastures where yaks and horses graze beneath snow-capped peaks. Keep your eyes open for wild mushrooms and alpine berries, admire the vibrant autumn colors, and capture beautiful photos of this hidden Himalayan landscape.

At the lake, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of turquoise waters reflecting the surrounding autumn forests, rugged mountains, and distant glaciers.

Later, we will hit the road again, and by late afternoon, you will finally arrive in Lhasa, the spiritual heart of Tibet. Check in at your hotel in downtown Lhasa for a good rest.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Lake Xincuo in autumn
• Wild mushrooms along the Xincuo hiking route

After breakfast, you’ll visit Drepung Monastery, Tibet’s biggest Gelug monastery, nestled on the hillside just outside Lhasa. With its vast white buildings spreading across the mountain slope, this renowned monastic university offers you a fascinating glimpse into the daily life, studies, and spiritual practices of Tibetan monks.

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

In autumn, the mountain comes alive with golden landscapes and clear, refreshing skies. You can collect juniper branches for a traditional offering to Buddha, taste fresh mountain spring water, or meditate alongside local pilgrims beneath the sacred rock face. From the summit, enjoy breathtaking views over the golden Lhasa Valley, where autumn colors and distant mountains create a stunning Himalayan panorama.

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

The biggest highlight is watching 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.

• Drepung Monastery, one of the Great Three Gelug monasteries of Tibet
• Witness the dramatic Tibetan monk debate in Sera Monastery.

After breakfast, your first stop is the Potala Palace, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Lhasa city. You will discover the lives and stories of the Dalai Lamas through history within the palace, and the extraordinary treasures it holds. 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 can also take a stroll in the Zongjiao Lukang Park at the foot of the Potala Palace. Here, you can appreciate the majestic Potala Palace from a different perspective and engage in local Tibetan folk activities like the traditional Tibetan circle dance and later head to the Chakpori Hill Viewing Platform, one of the best spots to capture the iconic view of the Potala Palace.

In the afternoon, you will immerse yourself in the sacred Jokhang Temple, the most sacred temple in Tibet. You may follow a long line of pilgrims in the dimly lit chambers to worship the life-size statue of a 12-year-old Buddha Sakyamuni and admire sacred Buddhist statues, ancient murals, and stunning Tibetan architecture.

Then, walk clockwise with prostrating Tibetan pilgrims to experience the famous 1km Barkhor circuit kora (pilgrimage trek) and unwind in a local teahouse to rest your legs and enjoy Tibetan sweet tea, noodles, momos, and Sha Phaley (crispy Tibetan bread), while soaking in the lively local Tibetan life, chatting with friendly locals. If time and energy allow, you may enjoy a slow wander through the quiet backstreets of Lhasa.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

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

After breakfast, you’ll explore beautiful Linzhou County, just outside Lhasa, known as the “granary of Lhasa.” After an hour’s drive, you will reach Qiangga Town in Linzhou County.

Here, during the harvest season, endless golden barley fields stretch across the valley, with ripe barley stalks gently swaying in the autumn breeze. You may meet local Tibetan farmers working in the fields, while traditional barley stacks scattered across the farmland create a beautiful scene of rural Tibetan life.

Take your time to enjoy this golden harvest landscape or join local farmers in harvesting highland barley, a staple food that has nourished our Tibetan people for generations.

Let’s continue to Xia Temple (30min drive), a hidden Tibetan Buddhist nunnery dating back to the 13th century. Here, a forest of 108 sacred stupas creates one of the most unique landscapes around Lhasa. You may walk slowly among the white, red, and golden stupas with local pilgrims, capture the stunning colors against the blue sky, and experience a quiet moment of Tibetan devotion away from the crowds.

From Xia Temple, we drive about 2h north to Reting Monastery, a hidden gem nestled in serene Reting Tsampo Valley, and it’s also the birthplace of the Kadampa school.

You can take a leisurely walk through the quiet monastery, admire the traditional Tibetan architecture, and stroll through the sacred juniper forest. The fresh mountain air, fragrant juniper trees, and serene valley create a perfect place to slow down, reflect, and experience the spiritual side of rural Tibet before continuing to Damxung County.

Stay overnight in Damxung County.

• Experience Tibet's golden barley harvest season in autumn.
• Explore Xia Temple’s iconic red, yellow, and white stupas in Linzhou County.

After breakfast, you’ll set out for the heavenly Namtso Lake (4,718 m), one of Tibet’s three most sacred lakes. Autumn is a magical time to visit, when crystal-clear sapphire waters reflect the sky, golden northern grasslands are dotted with grazing yaks and sheep, and the snow-capped Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains create one of Tibet’s most unforgettable landscapes.

Since mountain passes can be cool and windy, we recommend dressing warmly and comfortably. Bring a beanie, a light down jacket, and some snacks or any small essentials that help you stay cozy while enjoying the breathtaking scenery at a relaxed pace.

Our route takes us over Nagen La Pass (5,190 m), the highest point of today’s journey. Here, you can get a glimpse of the stunning panorama of Namtso.

Following the winding road to Tashi Dor Peninsula, the main tourist hub. You can take a peaceful walk along the lake shore at your own pace or hike the hillside of Tashi Dor Peninsula for panoramic views of Namtso Lake and the amazing snow-capped Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains reflected on the crystal-blue lake.

Besides, you can join local pilgrims at Tashi Dor Monastery to offer prayers, explore the naturally formed stone pillars and bridge, and crawl through the “Good and Evil Hole,” a local tradition believed to get rid of bad luck.

For a popular local experience, you may also ride a gentle Tibetan yak for memorable photos or feed the black-headed gulls along the lakeshore while enjoying the peaceful beauty of Namtso Lake.

We stay until sunset to enjoy the magical beauty of Namtso, when golden sunlight spreads across the lake and mountains. After dinner in Damxung, we return to Lhasa, bringing our unforgettable journey through northern Tibet to a wonderful close.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Capture photos at Nagen La Pass with fluttering Tibetan prayer flags.
• Ride a yak by the shore of heavenly Namtso Lake in autumn.

After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a scenic 2-hour 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.

First, you’ll arrive at the Lurila Viewing Platform, one of the best spots to enjoy a panoramic view of Yamdrok Lake. From here, the lake’s turquoise waters, scattered islands, and the majestic snow-capped mountains create a breathtaking highland scene right before your eyes.

Then, you may enjoy a gentle horseback ride or hike to reach Rutog Monastery, and there is only one monk residing on the small island in the center of Yamdrok Lake.

From Rutog Island, you can see Yamdrok Lake’s waters shift in color with the changing autumn sunlight, from sapphire blue to emerald green, creating a breathtaking highland scene. Along the lakeshore, you may also spot Tibetan yaks and sheep grazing across the golden autumn grasslands, offering a beautiful glimpse of traditional Tibetan life on the plateau.

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.

• Admire panoramic views of Yamdrok Lake from Lurila Viewing Platform.
• Visit the Rutog Monastery and enjoy a stunning lake view.

Today marks the end of your Tibet tour. Please make sure to verify your departure flight or train details with our guide in advance. Your guide will offer you a transfer service 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.

• 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.