Highlights

  • Explore two distinctive Monastery in Lhasa, Drepung and Sera Monastery.

  • Explore the treasures of Lhasa, the Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama and acclaimed as the world's highest palace.

  • Visit the Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street, the Center of Tibetan Faithboth, both designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

  • Visit two breathtaking natural landscapes – Yamdrok Lake and the Karola Glacier along the way. 

  • Visit the top of the world – Mount Everest. 

  • Approach Dingri County, where you'll have your first view of Everest from the Dingri Viewpoint.

  • Upon entering the Everest scenic area, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan range from Gawula Pass. 

  • Visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world's highest-altitude monastery.

  • Visit the largest monastery in western Tibet, Tashilhunpo Monastery. 

  • Passing through the vast grasslands of Damxung, visit the beautiful Namtso Lake.

ITINERARY Close All

Day 1Arrive in Lhasa

Today your flight will land in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. We will wait for you at the airport after your baggage claim and customs clearance, and then accompany you to check-in at the hotel. Relax during the rest time of the day to recover from the jet lag and prepare for your tour.

Altitude: 3650m

Day 2Explore Drepung and Sera Monastery in Lhasa

Today, you will explore two distinctive Monastery in Lhasa, Drepung and Sera, both offering a unique insight into Tibetan Buddhism. You will visit the Buddhist halls, Buddhist colleges, and the monks' kitchen, witnessing how they engage in special debates to study Buddhist teachings. Sera Monastery is renowned for its lively Buddhist debates, showcasing the essence of Tibetan Buddhism. Monks employ exaggerated body language, engaging in dance-like discussions about Buddhist philosophy, and demonstrating their knowledge in a spirited manner. In the evening, the guide will accompany the group to a traditional Tibetan restaurant for a welcome dinner, marking the beginning of your journey in Tibet.

Traffic: Coach
Hotel: Overnight in Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude: 3650m
  • Drepung Monastery

    Drepung Monastery

  • Sera Monastery

    Sera Monastery

Day 3Admire World Heritage Potala Palace, Visit Jokhang Temple, Leisure time at Bakhor Street

Today, let's explore the treasures of Lhasa, the Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama and acclaimed as the world's highest palace. The Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street, the Center of Tibetan Faithboth, both designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The Potala Palace, towering majestically over the red hills in the center of Lhasa, was once the religious and political center of Tibet. As you climb the 365 steps to the main building, you'll explore the Dalai Lama's former political hall, the prayer halls, and the tomb stupa. Here, you'll encounter remarkable murals and exquisite Buddha statues, showcasing the accumulated wealth and treasures of ancient Tibet.

Then continue to Jokhang Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage site. It's a spiritual center for Buddhists in Tibet. Located in the center of the old urban area of Lhasa, it is a Tibetan Buddhist temple built by Tibetan king Songzanganbu. The reason why Lhasa has the reputation of "holy land" is related to this Buddha statue. Jokhang Temple has a history of more than 1300 years and has a supreme position in Tibetan Buddhism. Jokhang Temple was the most brilliant architecture in Tibet during the Tubo Period, and it is also the earliest civil structure architecture in Tibet. It has created the Tibetan Pingchuan style temple Municipal Bureau style. 

And next to the temple, there is Bakhor Street, filled with pilgrims and street vendors, selling traditional Tibetan items such as prayer wheels and jewelry. It has strong local style and national characteristics. Bakhor Street is the most famous commodity street in Lhasa. It is also an ancient and sacred place in Lhasa; you can visit Bakhor Street for a long time and buy some souvenirs if you like.

Traffic: Coach
Hotel: Overnight in Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude: 3650m
  • Potala Palace

    Potala Palace

  • Bakhor Street

    Bakhor Street

Day 4Visit the Yamdrok Lake and the Karola Glacier, pass by Lake Manla and Gyantse along the way to Shigatse

Along the way, you will visit two breathtaking natural landscapes – Yamdrok Lake and the Karola Glacier. You will enjoy a scenic 20-kilometer drive following the disappearing shoreline of the Lake. We will stop at a village by the lake, where you can walk into the homes of lakeside farmers, explore their households, and indulge in a delightful farmhouse lunch. After lunch, drive for approximately 1 hour to visit one of Tibet's most beautiful glaciers – the Karola Glacier, the enormous glacier tongue extends to the roadside, resembling a frozen waterfall hanging over the road and above your head.

Following the Karola Glacier, we will pass by Lake Manla and the ancient town of Gyantse, and proceed to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet.

Traffic: Coach
Hotel: Overnight in Shigatse
Meals: Breakfast
  • Yamdork Lake

    Yamdork Lake

  • Karola Glacier

    Karola Glacier

Day 5View of Everest from the Dingri Viewpoint, arrive at Everest Base Camp before sunset

After breakfast, we will start a 6.5-hour drive (330 kilometers) to the top of the world – Mount Everest. Along the way, you will visit several viewpoints where you can catch glimpses of Everest. The journey culminates with an overnight stay at Everest Base Camp (EBC).

Departing from Shigatse, you'll be accompanied by rural farmland and villages. Approximately 4 hours into the journey, you'll approach Dingri County, where you'll have your first view of Everest from the Dingri Viewpoint. Upon entering the Everest scenic area, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan range from Gawula Pass. The 7000 to 8000-meter peaks of the Himalayas stand proudly above the sea of clouds, creating a majestic and awe-inspiring spectacle.

Next, you'll proceed on the dedicated road leading to Everest, with the mountain growing larger and closer until you reach the northern face base camp. From the base camp, Everest appears like a colossal pyramid standing before you. We will strive to arrive at Everest Base Camp before sunset, allowing you the opportunity to witness the magnificent natural phenomenon of the sunset casting golden hues upon the mountain.

(During the winter season, when the Everest Base Camp tented lodges are closed, we will relocate accommodations to the nearest village to Everest, Basong Village.)

Traffic: Coach
Hotel: Overnight on the Basong Village(nearest village to Everest)
Meals: Breakfast
  • Everest Base Camp

    Everest Base Camp

  • Everest Base Camp

    Everest Base Camp

Day 6Visit Rongbuk Monastery, drive to Xilin View Point to admire eastern Everest, arrive in Shigatse, and have a traditional Tibetan dinner.

Take a stroll near the base camp to savor the beautiful moments of the early morning. After breakfast, the guide will take you to visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world's highest-altitude monastery, famous for being the location where the sea waves engulfed the last piece of land in the movie "2012." It is also an excellent vantage point for capturing the natural and cultural landscapes of Mount Everest.

After leaving Everest, we will drive you to the Xilin View Point to admire the breathtaking views of the eastern slope of Everest, and Mt. Lhotse, and pass through the ancient town of Sakya before returning to Shigatse.

Upon arriving in Shigatse in the evening, the guide will invite you to share a traditional Tibetan dinner, celebrating the successful completion of the Everest journey. You will have the opportunity to taste local traditional delicacies while enjoying the distinctive folk songs and dances of Shigatse.

Traffic: Coach
Hotel: Overnight in Shigatse
Meals: Breakfast
  • Rongbuk Monastery

    Rongbuk Monastery

  • Shigatse People

    Shigatse People

Day 7Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, then back to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River Valley

On the last morning of your return journey from Everest to Lhasa, you will visit the largest monastery in western Tibet, Tashilhunpo Monastery. It has been the seat of Panchen Lamas and is known for its grand scale and magnificent architecture. It houses the world's largest gilded bronze statue, stupas of the Panchen Lamas, and exquisite Buddhist murals.

After the visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery, we will travel back to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River Valley. (Depending on the circumstances, We may arrange for guests to return to Lhasa by train.) 

Traffic: Coach \ Train
Hotel: Overnight in Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Tashilhunpo Monastery

    Tashilhunpo Monastery

  • along the Yarlung Tsangpo River Valley

    Along The Yarlung Tsangpo River Valley

Day 8Depart from Lhasa, pass through the vast grasslands of Damxung, the journey to the sacred Namtso Lake

Departing from Lhasa and heading north, passing through the vast grasslands of Damxung, the journey to the sacred Namtso Lake is a mesmerizing experience.

The beauty of Damxung grasslands captivates with distant views of the majestic Nyenchen Tanglha snow mountain, herds of cattle and sheep grazing on the meadows, and the smoke rising from the pastoral tents, while a winding river flows through the grassy expanse towards the distance.

Upon reaching Namtso Lake, start by marveling at the breathtaking view of the lake, resembling a blue gem set amidst the grasslands, from the 5,190 meters high Lagen La Pass. Descend to the lakeshore and ascend the scenic Tashido Island for a closer look at the expansive lake. Feel the fresh breeze on the lake, witness the colorful prayer flags fluttering along the shores, and take ample time to rest or hike along the lake. In the afternoon, return to Damxung by sightseeing vehicle.

Traffic: Coach
Hotel: Overnight in Damxung
Meals: Breakfast
  • Damxung grassland

    Damxung Grassland

  • Namtso Lake

    Namtso Lake

Day 9On the way back to Lhasa, visit Chimelong Monastery and Tsurphu Monastery nestled in the valleys.

After concluding our journey to Namtso Lake, we will return to Lhasa. On the way back to Lhasa, we will visit two more cultural landmarks nestled in the valleys.

Chimelong Monastery is the closest large nunnery to Lhasa and the only residence of female practitioners you can visit on this trip. Here, you'll not only encounter numerous practicing nuns but also enjoy the picturesque valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

Tsurphu Monastery is the founding temple of the widely recognized living Buddha system in Tibet. Situated in the elongated Chupu Valley, surrounded by lush green pastures, this distinctive Kagyu sect monastery stands out in Tibet. Here, you might be fortunate enough to witness precious and rare artifacts, including the silver statue of the 8th Karmapa and the relic of the 16th Karmapa's leg bone. Around noon, we will have a farmhouse lunch on the nearby grasslands (or in the monastery's restaurant). Afterward, we'll return to Lhasa.

Traffic: Coach
Hotel: Overnight in Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast
  • ​Chimelong Monastery

    ​Chimelong Monastery

  • Tsurphu Monastery

    Tsurphu Monastery

Day 10Depart from Lhasa

Your Tibet journey officially concludes today, and We will accompany you to the airport/train station. We appreciate to spending this wonderful time with us in Tibet. Wishing you a safe journey ahead!

Traffic: Coach+Flight
Hotel: No Accommodation
Meals: Breakfast

Dates & availability

Prices may change, so secure your trip today!

Departing Finishing Booked Single Room Total USD Book

INCLUDES

  • Private transportation through out the itinerary. SRT will arrange for all travelers to be met on arrival and seen off on departure based on your flight info.

  • Shared accommodations in well located, tourist to superior class hotels include breakfast, service charge and government tax.

  • All entrance fees(shuttle bus) sightseeing; excursions and activities as per the itinerary

  • Domestic flights and 2nd class express train listed in the itinerary

  • Private friendly and professional English-Speaking guides (French, Italy, Russian, German can be arranged per your request)

  • Visa support letter for you to apply Chinese visa easily.

  • Travel and health insurance when travel with us.

  • 8, A 24/7 helpline while you are traveling.

EXCLUDES

  • International and domestic flights not indicated.

  • Food, Lunch or dinner not specified

  • Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers

  • Personal expenses and the other tours or activities not mentioned

TRIP NOTES

  • We will upgrade trains to 1st class where available if book the tour 5 months in advance of departure.

  • There is no problem to travel Silk Road during Ramadan.

  • Complimentary 2 bottles of water each person on daily use.

Transportation

We will use business MPV to luxurious coaches and trains.

Accommodation

All the hotels we selected are 4-5star well-located in the city center with good and proper breakfast for our clients.

Guides

Our guides are very friendly, knowledgeable, helpful. And our group tours will be escorted from SRT.

Climate and Altitude

Generally speaking Mid March—End Oct are the best time to visit Silk Road. And we strongly suggest you come in May, June, October to avoid the heat and crowd. No need to worry about high altitude along the Silk Road. We will prepare Oxygen bags if the package includes Xiahe, Qinghai Lake and Taxkorgan County.

We offer beneficial Cancellation Policy to our customers.

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