Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa, get the first impression of Tibet
Welcome to Tibet! Upon arrival, be greeted by our local guide at airport or train station and be presented with traditional Tibetan White Scarf to wish you good luck!
After group photo at airport, you will board on the coach and transfer to your hotel. You will enjoy the spectacular scenery and the typical Tibetan villages on the way.
Stay at the hotel after arrival for adapting to the high attitude. It is helpful to take things easy for the first few days, and try to drink some water just and now.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Day 2: Lhasa Day Highlights - Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street
After breakfast, we go to the Potala Palace, a golden feather upon the roof of the world, which Tibetans proudly claim to be the prime miracle since the creation of this world. It is visible from any distance, with the golden roof shinning in the sun, spend one hour wondering around the inside of this magnificent building exploring the rooms previously used by the Dalai Lama and the many Buddhist icons within.
In the afternoon we go inside of the Jokhang Temple. The Jokhang, like most of the larger temple structures have numerous individual temples within it dedicated to specific enlightened beings, protectors, high lamas, or saints. Images, both sculpted and painted, are everywhere. Every inch of wall and ceiling is brightly painted with images of clouds, beings, mandalas, or decorative patterns. Colorful silk banners, three stories high, hang in various places. Color, pattern, and images crowd in around you. The central image inside the building is a 30-foot high gilded image of Maitreya Buddha.
Then stroll around the back alleys of the Barkhor area of Old Lhasa. The streets smelled of yak butter and incense while hordes of pilgrims shuffled along the main Kora (circumambulations) around Jokhang Temple. If someone just walked at a normal pace, one kora would take about 15-20 minutes.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Day 3: Lhasa to Shigatse via Gyantse (300km)
After fully explore Lhasa, you’ll have a chance to get lost in the endless Tibetan landscape while you take a short hike along the turquoise waters of Lake Yamdrok, one of the four holy lakes in Tibet. This dazzling lake is normally first seen from the summit of the Gangbala Pass (4700m). The lake lies several hundred meters below the road, and it is shaped like a coiling scorpion. Far in the distance is the huge massif of Mt. Naiqinkangsang (7191m).
Afterwards pass by the 5,010 m high Karo-la Glacier and the Simi La Mountan Pass forward to Gyantse (3950m). Visit Pelkor Monastery as well as the splendid Kumbum Stupa (100-Thousand-Buddha Pagoda) nearby, both of them built in the 15th century and situated in the northwestern edge of Gyantse. In the afternoon drive about 90 kilometers to Shigatse (3880m), the second largest city with 40,000 inhabitants in Tibet and the traditional capital of the Tsang.
Stay overnight in Shigatse.
Day 4: Shigatse to Tingri (300 km)
In the morning, you will first visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the home of Panchen Lamas in Shigatse. Then drive to Tingri (4350 m) over Tso-La (4500m) and Gyatso-La (5252m). Upon arrival, you will do the preparation for the trek and have a good rest.
Stay overnight in Tingri.
Day 5: Trek from Tingri to Lungjang (6-7 hours)
Our trekking begins from Tingri, goes through the Tingri plain. Trekking along apart of the Ra-chu Valley, we will see the beautiful valley scenery with extensive meadows and groups of sheep and goats. The rest of the day we can visit a small gompa in Chholun. Tonight will be spent in a comfortable campsite in Lungjang. This bleak region is home only to herders and barley harvesters.
Camping in Lungjang.
Day 6: Trek from Lungjang to Lamna-la (8 hours)
This is the second day of the trek. The challenging trekking really starts today as we go up into the mountains. Much uphill walking is done as we climb towards the top of Lamna-la. And we camp down the top of this pass.
Camping at Lamna-la valley.
Day 7: Trek from Lamna-la to Zombuk (6-7 hours)
In the morning we descend steeply into lush vegetation. The only other people we will encounter are yak herders and their families. Camp will be made in the small village of Zombuk. Truly amazing views can be seen as the sun sets in this barren town.
Camping at Zombuk village.
Day 8: Trek to Rongbuk & Everest Base Camp (3-4 hours)
On our last day of trekking we will wind our way to the end destination of Rongbuk Monastery and Everest Base Camp. Along the way we can also visit the Dza Rongbuk monastery and gompas. They are truly ancient sites, but nothing compared to our night camping at Everest Base Camp.
With an altitude of 5,030 meters it is the highest temple in the world. It was said the Rongbuk Monastery had been built as early as the time of the Fifth Dalai Lama. Mount Everest, which stands 8,848 meters (29,021 ft) above sea level, is often referred to as 'the third pole on earth'. Being the world's highest peak, its legendary status holds a fascination to many trekkers and mountaineers.
Stay overnight at tent or Rongbuk monastery guest house.
Day 9: EBC to Shigatse
Today you will leave Everest Base Camp, and drive back to Shigatse. On the way, you can stop at Kyawula Pass (5180m) to view the panorama of Himalaya.
Stay overnight in Shigatse.
Day 10: Shigatse to Lhasa; Finish This Unforgettable Tour
Today, our guide will transfer you from Shigatse to Lhasa airport/railway station, and help you get on board.
Notice: Please make sure your flight (or train) leave after 14:30pm.