Tibet Adventure Tour with Everest BC and Nam Tso Lake

Itinerary

Itinerary
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DAY
1

Arrive in Lhasa

Welcome in Tibet – the roof of the world

Today arrive in Lhasa (3650 m), the capital of Tibet, transfer to hotel. Stay at the hotel for adapting to the high altitude. It is helpful to take things easy for the first few days, and try to drink some water.

Overnight at Thangka Hotel (Oxygen bar room)

Barkhor Street

DAY
2

Lhasa

Potala Palace – landmark of Lhasa, Jokhang and Barkhor Street

In the morning visit Potala, which was originally constructed in 637 by Songtsen Gampo, the first king of the united Tibet, and later expanded and served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas as well as the religious-political nexus of traditional Tibet. The crowds of pilgrims, innumerable magnificent murals, Buddhist statues, scriptures and rare treasures altogether create a dense religious and art atmosphere that impresses every visitor. In the afternoon visit Jokhang monastery, the center of the Tibetan Buddhism and the sacred land of Buddhist followers where thousands of pilgrims come for worship everyday. The temple, built in 647, is the earliest wood-and-masonry structure still existing in Tibet. Walk on the Barkhor street surrounding Jokhang, a big free market with its prolific stalls for selling local specialties.

Overnight at Thangka Hotel

Breakfast

Potala Palace

DAY
3

Lhasa

Panoramic view over Potala, Norbulingka, Debate in Sera

In the morning visit Parla Lupu Cave Monastery, located on the slopes of Yaowang Mountain, was built in the 7th century. It is 22m high and from here you can have a wonderful panoramic view over Potala Palace. Afterwards visit Norbulinka, the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas. In the afternoon visit Sera Monastery, which was created in 1419 and has always been an important Buddhist seminary. It is also one of the six master monasteries of the Gelugpa. As rose are planted everywhere in the monastery, it is also called “the court of wild rose”. Today still 200 lamas live in there. You have the opportunity to experience the famous monks' "Buddhism scriptures debates". Public religious debates are part of the education of monks.

Overnight at Thangka Hotel

Breakfast

Debate in Sera Monastery

DAY
4

Lhasa - Gyantse

Holy lake Yamdrok, Karo La Pass and Glacier, Palkhor with Pagoda Kumbum

In the morning drive to Gyantse along the Kyichu River. On the Kamba La (4.796 m) have a fantastic view of the holy lake of Yamdrok Yumtso (4441 m), one of the three holy lakes in Tibet and the largest habitat of waterfowls in south Tibet. On one of the peninsulas of the spear-shaped lake lies the holy Mt. Donang Sangwari (5,340m), and the snow peaks of Nojin Gangzang (7,191m) and Jangzang Lhomo rise in the distance. The lake and the Yarlungtsangpo River (3570) are separated by a mountain and the shortest distance between them is only 6 kilometers. The 800m-high difference contributes a rich water resource to this region. Many Tibetans believe that the life of Tibet will no longer continue when the lake dries up. Pass by the 5.010 m high Karo La and the Simi La to Gyantse (approx. 3.900 m). In the afternoon visit Pelkor Chode Monastery as well as the splendid Kumbum Stupa (100-Thousand-Buddha Pagoda) nearby, both of them built in the15th century and situated in the northwestern edge of Gyantse. This typical Tibetan Buddhist monastery is the only one large building complex in Tibet that old monastery and stupas are completely preserved and characterized as a monument. It is recorded14,000 kilograms of copper was used to make the 8-meter-high sitting statue of Sakyamuni Buddha housed in the grand hall of the temple. The 8-storey stupa is 42m high and 62m in diameters contains a total of 76 chapels with wonderful murals revered by art scholars around the world.

267 km
5 hours
Overnight at Nyangchu Manor House Hotel

Breakfast

Yamdrok Lake

DAY
5

Gyantse - Shigatse - Sakya

Visit Tashilunpo Monastery and Sakya Monastery

Visit Tashilunpo Monastery and Sakya Monastery

In the morning drive to Shigatse (3880m), the second largest city with 40,000 inhabitants in Tibet and the traditional capital of the Tsang. Visit Tashilunpo Monastery of Gelug Sect, the seat of the Panchen Lama built in 1447 and one of the six grand monasteries in Tibet. The monastery houses a giant statue of the Maitreya Buddha, the biggest gilded statue of Maitreya (Buddha of the future) in China, and a tomb of the 4th Panchen Lama containing masses of jewels and gold. In Tibet Buddhism, Panchen Lama is just the reincarnation of Maitreya Buddha. Today 600 monks live in the monastery.
Then drive to the Sakya Monastery in Sakya County. The monastery was built by the founder of the Sakya sect in 1073, is the first monastery of the Sakya sect. Today it is also the main monastery of the Sakya sect.

229 km
3 hours 45 minutes
Overnight at Luowa Hotel

Breakfast

DAY
6

Sakya - Shegar - Rongbuk / Everest BC

Eastern Side of Everest, Rongbuk monastery, Sunset of Everest, Himalaya

In the morning drive to the Everest BC. When the weather is fine, you will enjoy the magnificent scenery of the eastern side of Everest on the way. After pass by Shegar (4300m), you can have a splendid view from Jiawu La (5210m), from left to right - Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Nuptse and Cho Oyu. In the afternoon reach Rongbuk monastery (4980m) and Everest Base Camp. With an altitude of 5,154 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. In the evening enjoying the sunset of Everest (Qomolangma), if the weather is fine.

238 km
4 hours
Overnight at simple Rongbuk Guesthouse

Breakfast

Everest (Qomolangma), Himalaya

DAY
7

Rongbuk - Shegar - Shigatse

Sunrise of Everest, Himalaya. Tashilunpo Monastery

In the morning enjoy the sunrise of Everest (Qomolangma), if the weather is fine. Then drive to Shigatse (3880m), the second largest city with 40,000 inhabitants in Tibet and the traditional capital of the Tsang. Visit Tashilunpo monastery of Gelug Sect, the seat of the Panchen Lama built in 1447 and one of the six grand monasteries in Tibet. The monastery houses a giant statue of the Maitreya Buddha, the biggest gilded statue of Maitreya (Buddha of the future) in China, and a tomb of the 4th Panchen Lama containing masses of jewels and gold. In Tibet Buddhism, Panchen Lama is just the reincarnation of Maitreya Buddha. Today 600 monks live in the monastery.

Riding 335 km
6 hours
Overnight at Gesar Hotel (VIP Building)

Breakfast

Everest

DAY
8

Shigatse - Yangbajing - Dangxiong

Yungdrung Ling Monastery. Qiongmugangri Mountain

In the morning drive to the Yungdrung Ling Monastery, a most important monastery of the Yungdrung (Bön) religion in Tibet. It was founded in 1834 by Nangton Lawa Gyeltsen on the bank of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. Continue to the towering Qiongmugangri Mountain (7048 m), and short hike to the Five Color Lake at the foot of the mountain. Cross over the 5411 meter pass Xuege La and drive past Yangbajing. In the evening arrival in Damxung.

355 km
5 hours 7 minutes
Overnight at Nam Tso Shenyang Manor Hotel

Breakfast

DAY
9

Dangxiong - Nam Tso - Lhasa

Nam Tso Lake, Nyenchentangla, Tashi peninsula

Early in the morning pass by the 5,190-meter Lhachen La and reach the Nam Tso (or Tengri Nor, heaven lake in Mongolian) and finally reach Tashi Dorie peninsula. Nam Tso, the biggest salty lake of Tibet, is 70 kilometers long from east to west and 30 kilometers wide from north to south, covering an area of 1,920 square kilometers with an altitude of 4,718 meters above sea level. It is said the holy lake and the holy mountain Nyenchentangla are a couple of lovers, who altogether guard the vast pasture and cattle. Explore the Tashi peninsula by walking around the holy hill, the cliffs of which have eroded over the centuries. On the way piles of mani stones stand. If possible, visit the nomads in yak hair tents who have been living on the pastures between the holy Nam Tso and Nyenchentangla. In the late afternoon ride to Lhasa and return the rental motorbike.

304 km
5 hours and 19 minutes
Overnight at Thangka Hotel

Breakfast

Nam Tso and Nyenchentangla

DAY
10

Leave Tibet

Return trip

Today transfer to airport or railway station, leave Tibet.

Breakfast

Barkhor Street

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This trip can also be tailor-made, please let us know your travel idea: travel date, duration, number of travelers, child (2 - 12 years old), baby (0 - 2 years old), other travel destinations, meals, accommodation category, boutique hotel, special interest ...

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