| Duration: | 9 Day(s) - 8 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Full Day Tours |
Day 01 Arrival in Lhasa by air or train
Once you arrive at Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Train Station, an easy one hour or half hour drive will take you to your final destination of the traditional hotel. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing and exploring some of the many sights in Lhasa.
Day 02 In Lhasa
On this second day morning we will take an easy visit to Jokhang Temple. This temple is the most revered shrine in all of Tibet and is constantly bustling with devout worshippers. We will also be given the opportunity to shop in Barkor, the crowded central market of Lhasa. In the afternoon we will visit Sera Monastery, a fifteenth century sprawl of golden roofs and whitewashed walls. This well preserved monastery is located just a few miles north of Lhasa and is home to several hundred monks. Its famous debating activities are happening 3-4pm quite regularly, so remind our guide not to miss it.
Day 03 In Lhasa
A trip to tibet would not be complete without experiencing the vital Potala Palace. This palace is Lhasa's cardinal landmark and is a wonder of eastern architecture. Your first site of this massive structure will be a magical moment remembered for years to come. It has been a palace since the fifth or sixth century and was once home to the Dalai Lama. This truly amazing day will ended with a visit to the Drepung Monastery. Once the world's largest monastery, housing 10,000 monks, Drepung Monastery lies hidden in rocky ridges just beyond the city. Surprisingly much of the building was left untouched throughout hundreds of years.
Day 04 Lhasa to Gyangtse then to Shigatse
Today's trip is little bit demanding but fascinating, we will cross two high passes over 5000m Khambo La and Kharo La plus one beautiful lake - Yamdrok Tso provide wondrous views of the Himalayan Range. A colossal glacier rises nearly straight up from the road as we pass Kharo La. The drive is no daunting task as we pass through many more beautiful Tibetan valleys and quiet villages along the way. When reach Gyantse, we will be given the opportunity of experiencing more wondrous Tibetan culture as we see the Gyantse Dzong and Kumbum. Expansive views of the valley can be seen from the ancient dzong fort. The Kumbum is much more than a stupa, as it is surrounded by numerous Tibetan murals and small chapel houses. Even if you are no art connoisseur you will be amazed by these ancient murals and architecture. After the visit in Gyantse we will continue another one and half an hour easy drive to Shigatse, the second largest city in tibet, overnight stay will be at the tibetan hotel.
Day 05 Thashilungbu Monastery & drive to Mt. Everest
In the morning we will explore the Thashilungbu Monastery. Thashilungbu Monastery is one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet and was able to last through the cultural revolution nearly unscathed. Then our four wheel drive vehicles will takes us south towards the main himalayan range while passing over Pang La. The view from the top of Pang La is truly stunning. One is able to see all the way from Makalu to Shishapangma. In the afternoon we will descend into the Rongbuk Valley and Everest will jump quickly into view. This is your first chance to catch a glimpse of this awe-inspiring mountain. We will spend the night at the local guest house.
Day 06 Everest Base Camp & back to Shigatse
This morning is the highlight of the trip heading to Everest Base Camp, we will take a eco-bus to cover this 8 km distance to reach Everest Base Camp. The views of Everest from so close make the mountain seem even more impressive than before. It is a truly breath taking experience to stare up at the sheer north face of this highest mountain in the world. Mount Everest towers above you in a looming yet magical way. In the afternoon, drive back to Shigatse, and be wrapped again in the endless vistas of the tibetan plateau.
Day 07 Drive Shigatse to Tsethang
You’ll take a slightly different route this morning to Tsethang. So sit back and enjoy another full day of breathless mountains under an endless himalayan sky.
Day 08 Visit Sayme Monastery, the valley of the old civilization, Yarlung Valley
We will cross the widest part of Yarlung Zangpo River and visit the first monastery in tibet Samye Monastery, 2 hours on a local boat just to cross the river and another half an hour by local tractor or truck to finally reach samye. A birds eye view down from the Yungbulakang Palace, an amazing architectural site perched on a cliff give you most wonders of how ancient Tibetan people live in such a peaceful wide open valley. A visit to Tibetan kings tombs, the massive burial grounds and unique antique looking Tanddruk Monastery leave you a dream of its passed glory. It is one of the oldest buildings in all of Tibet! You will spend your last night sleeping well back in Tsethang.
Day 09 Departure for your next destination
Early morning departure for Gongka Airport. As you may expect the striking mountain views surround you the entire time. An amazing way to end a life-changing journey!
