Lhasa- Nyingchi-Yamdrok Lake-Shigatse-EBC-Namtso Lake 12-Day Tour

Welcome to Lhasa, upon arrival in Lhasa, our guide and driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in downtown Lhasa via one-hour expressway drive (70 km). After checking in, we recommend you take some time to rest and acclimatize to the altitude to ensure a smooth start to your journey.

In the morning, you will journey to Nyingchi, known as the "Jiangnan of Tibet." You'll travel along the upgraded 318 National Highway, the Lalin Expressway, considered one of China's most beautiful highways. As part of the Sichuan-Tibet and Yunnan-Tibet high-level routes, it offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains, forests, and grasslands.

As we head south along the beautiful Niyang River, you'll visit Kadinggou, also known as "Heaven on Earth." Walk into the gorge, where you'll be surrounded by deep ravines, ancient trees, and the soothing sound of flowing water. The area is filled with towering peaks, unique rocks, and even bamboo forests, offering a peaceful and immersive experience in nature.

After breakfast, you will head to Segrila Mountain Pass, part of the Nyainqêntanglha Range at an altitude of 4,728 meters. From the viewing platform, enjoy breathtaking views of Lulang Forest below, along with the sea of clouds and forests. In the distance, you'll see Namjagbarwa (7,782 meters), recognized as one of China's most beautiful mountains.

Next, you will visit Biri Holy Mountain, a sacred site famous for its ecological beauty. The mountain includes the Sacred Mountain Ecological Square, Tangchengsi Temple, and ancient ruins, with pilgrims visiting every year for circumambulation. Within the mountain, you will also explore the Nyingchi Nature Eco-Museum, which showcases 586 plant and animal specimens, reflecting the rich biodiversity of the area.

Today, explore Basomtso Lake, a stunning scenic area featuring snow-capped mountains, lakes, forests, waterfalls, and meadows. As a national-level forest park and 5A scenic area, it offers unique beauty throughout the year.

Within the Basomtso Scenic Area, visit Lake Island, where a clockwise walk will take you past the "alphabet tree" with natural Tibetan letters and the sacred spring of Padmasambhava. The island also hosts the ancient Cuozong Gongba Temple, offering insight into Tibetan religious practices, particularly fertility symbols.On the way, pass through Jieba Village, where you'll be surrounded by pristine natural beauty. You can enjoy serene rivers and observe yaks and sheep grazing peacefully. Later, return to Lhasa.

In Lhasa, immerse yourself in traditional Tibetan handicrafts. Your guide will take you to the Tibetan Cultural Experience Center, where you'll learn how Tibetan incense is made and even try making it yourself. You'll also have the opportunity to write your name in Tibetan and practice woodblock printing. The handmade incense and printed items can be kept as souvenirs from your Tibetan journey.

In the afternoon, visit Sera Monastery, best known for its unique monk debates, where monks engage in animated discussions in the courtyard, using expressive gestures to challenge each other's philosophical viewpoints. (Debates are held Monday to Saturday at 3:00 PM, except on Sundays.)

Begin your day with a visit to Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama. As you climb its 365 steps, admire its grand halls, ancient murals, sacred Buddha statues, and breathtaking views over Lhasa.

Next, visit Jokhang Temple, Tibet's most sacred pilgrimage site, where the 12-year-old Shakyamuni Buddha statue is enshrined. Then, take a walk along Barkhor Street, a vibrant market where Tibetan pilgrims perform kora (ritual circumambulation), spinning prayer wheels as they walk.

Depart Lhasa and head towards Shigatse, stopping at two of Tibet's most spectacular natural wonders. Visit the YamdrokYumco Lake, one of Tibet's three sacred lakes, renowned for its dazzling turquoise waters.

Continue to Karola Glacier, where the massive glacier tongue extends down towards the roadside like a frozen waterfall. Along the way, we will pass Lake Manla and the ancient town of Gyantse, before reaching Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet.

After breakfast, embark on a breathtaking journey toward Mount Everest, the world's highest peak. As we drive through highland landscapes, you'll stop at Gyawula Pass (5,198m) for a panoramic view of the Himalayan range, including Everest in the distance. Departing from Shigatse you will see some of the most beautiful and unique scenery in the world-incredibly blue skies, floating high clouds, endless grasslands and the highest mountain peaks in the world. We'll also stop by the Rongbuk Monastery– the world's highest altitude monastery before spending the night at the Everest Base Camp.

Wake early for a chance to witness the breathtaking sunrise over Mount Everest, as the morning light slowly illuminates the icy peak. It depends on the weather conditions and other factors.

After enjoying the sunrise, we will drive across GyatsoLa Pass. If the weather is clear, standing at the pass of Gyatso La Mountain, you can look out at Mount Everest in the distance, and also catch a glimpse of Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu. The rugged mountain scenery here showcases the sheer power of nature, creating an unforgettable memory of your journey. We will then continue the drive back to Shigatse.

Today, you will visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the largest monastery in western Tibet and the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. This magnificent monastery is home to the world's largest gilded statue of Maitreya Buddha, as well as beautifully preserved Buddhist murals and ancient stupas of the Panchen Lamas.

After exploring the monastery, you will travel back to Lhasa, following the scenic route along the Yarlung Tsangpo River, one of Tibet's most important waterways. The journey offers breathtaking views of deep river valleys, traditional Tibetan villages, and terraced farmlands, giving you a deeper appreciation of the region's natural beauty. 

Today, you will journey north from Lhasa or Dumxung towards the sacred Namtso Lake, one of Tibet's three holy lakes. Along the way, you will pass through the vast Damxung grasslands, where nomadic herders live with their yaks and sheep. As you ascend Lagen La Pass (5,190m), you will be greeted with a breathtaking panoramic view of the turquoise Namtso Lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

Once at the lake, take a peaceful walk along the shore, enjoying the serene atmosphere and crystal-clear waters. After soaking in the beauty of this tranquil landscape, you will return to Lhasa.

Your remarkable journey through Tibet is coming to an end. At the scheduled time, we will transfer you to the airport or train station for your departure.

Thank you for traveling with us. Wishing you a smooth journey ahead, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Tibet in the future!