Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa (3650m)
When you arrive in Lhasa either by train or flight, your guide will greet you and take you to your hotel. Tourists may view the Yarlung Tsangpo River/ Brahmaputra river (the Longest and largest river in Tibet) and Lhasa river on their way to Lhasa.
After arriving in Lhasa, rest at your hotel and allow time to adjust to the altitude. If you feel ready for a gentle outing, visit Potala Square for views and photographs of the palace.
Insider Tips:
For the new-comers of Tibet, to get acclimatized to the high altitude in Tibet. Having a good sleep in your hotel is a good option. Don not rush to visit attractions inside Lhasa city.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Day 2: Lhasa Tour - Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street (B, D)
Begin at the Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lamas. Its history is associated with Tibet’s seventh-century king. Highlights include the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave connected with the king.
After lunch, visit Jokhang Temple, founded in the seventh century. Inside, see the revered statue of the twelve-year-old Shakyamuni Buddha. Outside, observe pilgrims prostrating before the temple. Explore the market along Barkhor Street and watch pilgrims following the kora, the religious circuit around the temple.
Enjoy Tibetan tea with local residents at a teahouse. A welcome dinner will also be arranged.
Optional: If time permits, visit a Tibetan handicraft workshop or a traditional Tibetan medicine center with your guide. An evening Tibetan cultural show is available as an upgrade, starting at $60.
Stay overnight in Lhasa
Day 3: Lhasa Tour - Drepung monastery, Sera monastery(B)
In the morning ,you are going to visit Drepung monastery which is one of the “great three” Gelug monasteries of Tibet, founded in 1416 by Jamyang choge, one of the Tsongkhapa’s main disciples. You can visit biggest monastery kitchen inside the monastery and enjoy Buddhist Sculpture Carving workshop near Drepung.
In the afternoon, visit Sera Monastery, one of Tibet’s three major Gelug monasteries. A highlight is the monks’ debate, generally held between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. You can also explore the scripture-printing house, sand mandalas, and colorful paintings of the Buddha.
Stay overnight in Lhasa
Day 4: Lhasa- Shigatse via Gyantse (360km)(B)
In the morning, drive from Lhasa to Shigatse .On the way, drive over the Gampala pass (4790 m), and you will have a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso (4400m) .The Lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and in the distance you can have spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar, (7191m) the highest mountain near Lhasa.
Stop to view Karola Glacier from the roadside, then continue past Manak Dam Lake and Simila Mountain Pass. In Gyantse, visit Pelkor Monastery and the Gyantse Kumbum, with views of the town’s hilltop fortress.
After one and a half driving, we arrive in Shigatse, which is the second largest city in Tibet. In Shigatse, we may visit traditional Barley Mill and view the landscape of Barley Field (in summer).
Stay overnight in Manasarovar Hotel
Day 5: Shigatse to EBC 350 km(B)
In the morning, we will visit the home of Panchen Lama - Tashilhunpo Monastery. Then, we’ll leave Shigatse after getting your Alien’s travel permit, and then drive to Lhatse, it is a small town where you can have lunch.
After that, we will pass Tsola Pass(4600M), and Gyatsola Pass(5248M). Shortly after we enter Mt. Everest National Nature Reserve, tourists can enjoy the panorama of Himalaya at Gawula Pass(5198m).Then we drive along the New zigzag road to Everest Base Camp(5200m). You can get closer to gaze at the Mt. Everest peak. The sunset of golden Everest peak if time and weather permits at the lodging area.
Stay overnight at Tent Guest House
Day 6: EBC–Saga (450km)
In the morning, we can enjoy the sunrise of Everest Peak at lodging area if weather permits; then As we head to saga, you can view of the worlds’14th highest peak Mt.Shishapangma (8012m), and Turquoise Lake Peiku tso(4590m). If you are lucky enough, you are very likely to see wild animals like wild donkey, wild antelope etc.
Stay overnight in Saga Xibuyizhan Hotel or Mu Linsen hotel
Day 7: Saga to Darchen, via Lake Manasarover (450km)
Travel toward Darchen through the Saga Valley, between the Gangdise and Himalayan ranges. Pass grasslands and villages, cross Mayom La Pass at 5,112 meters, and look for views of Mount Naimonanyi, which rises to 7,694 meters. Continue past sacred Lake Manasarovar to the southern foot of Mount Kailash.
Stay overnight in Tarchen Chongqing Hotel
Day 8: Darchen-Drirapuk (driving 7 kilometers, Trek 13km)
In the morning, take the shuttle bus from Darchen to Sarshung Valley and meet the yaks and porters at Sarshung Village. Hiring yaks, horses, or porters is not included in the package. Begin the approximately 13-kilometer trek through the Lachu Valley to Drirapuk Monastery, with views of Mount Kailash’s western and northern faces.
stay overnight in Guest House
Day 9: Drirapuk-Dzutrpuk (Trek 18km)
Cross Dromala Pass at 5,630 meters, the highest point of the kora. Stop at a teahouse for a rest along the way. You may see Tibetan pilgrims prostrating on the trail and views of Kadoe Lake during the descent. A visit to Zutulpuk Monastery may also be possible.
Stay overnight in Guest House
Day 10: Dzutripuk-Darchen (Trek 7 kilometers, driving 5 kilometers).
On the third day of the kora, trek seven kilometers to Zongto, then take a bus to Darchen. Look for piles of mani stones along the route. The trek ends around noon, leaving time to rest at your lodging.
(Optional): Taking bath in Lake Manasarova and enjoy hot spring
Stay overnight in Tarchen Chongqing Hotel
Day 11: Darchen-Saga (450km)
Drive from Darchen to Saga via Lake Manasorova
Stay overnight in Saga Xibuyizhan Hotel or Mu Linsen hotel
Day 12: Saga to Sakya (350km)
Drive from Saga to Sakya
Stay overnight in Sakya Yuan Fu Hotel
Day 13: Sakya to Shigatse (170km)
In the morning, visit the ancient town of Sakya and explore Sakya Monastery, known for its murals and collections of scriptures and statues. Then drive from Sakya to Shigatse.
Stay overnight in Manasarovar Hotel
Day 14: Shigatse-Lhasa(B)
We will follow Yalong Valley back to Lhasa. On the way, you can stand on the viewing platform to view the vast Yalong River bed and visit Water Mill making Tibetan Incense material (in Summer, if time permits). Drop off at hotel in Lhasa
Stay overnight in Lhasa (3-Star Hotel)
Day 15: End the tour, Airport drop off (B)
Hotel to airport/train station transfer, end the tour.
(Or Go to Nepal after Tibet Mt.Kailash Tour)
This tour can also begin in Lhasa and end at the Gyirong border for travelers continuing to Nepal. If group members choose this option, the route from Day 12 includes a detour to Gyirong and scenic Kelong Valley at the foot of the Himalayas.
