Upon your arrival at Lhasa, you will be greeted by your Tibetan guide and driver who will accompany you to your hotel. The rest of the day is for you to acclimatize to the high altitude.
Morning, you'll visit Drepung Monastery (founded in 1416), once world's largest monastery with about 10,000 monks at its peak and one of the "great three" Gelugpa school in Lhasa. It's located on the Gambo Utse Mountain, and walking up to the hill is pleasant, an easy break from the solemn ambience inside the halls and chapels. At the plat roof of hillside, you can have very good views of the whole Lhasa city and the distant mountains. In the afternoon, you'll have a chance to witness the famous 'Buddhism Scriptures Debating' session at Sera Monastery (founded in 1419) which is held as per a set schedule at 3:00pm everyday except Sunday. Overnight in Lhasa.
Drepung Monastery
Sera Monastery
Today’s sightseeing starts from Lhasa's cardinal landmark-Potala Palace, a structure of massive portions. Its towering image already appearing on various occasions, but your first sight of the Potala will still be an awe-inspiring moment. It takes at least a good 2-hour to visit those rooms, halls and chapels. Then, we will drop a visit of the Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of Tibet. Everyday, pilgrims from every corner of Tibet trek a long distance to the temple. The temple is the product of Han, Tibetan and Nepalese architectural techniques. Then we will visit Barkhor Street, the oldest street in a very traditional city in Tibet. Overnight in Lhasa.
Potala Palace
Jokhang Temple
After breakfast, you’ll first start the drive to Chushul, here you will cross Kambala Pass which is 4794m high, Kambala Pass will provide you the first sight of the holy lake-Yamdrok tso. Then drive down to the bank of Yamdrok tso Lake, it takes about half an hour driving along the beautiful the bank to the nearest town - Nangartse, normally groups will have their lunch here. After lunch, continue on Southern Friendship Highway towards west, enjoy the spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains, valleys and grasslands with the groups of nomads. Far in the distance you’ll spot the towering massif Mt. Nojin Kangtsang [7191m], and the staggering Karo-la Glacier [5045m]. Arrival at Gyantse in the afternoon, in Gyantse, you will be arranged to visit the Phalkor Monastery and the famous stupa-Gyantse Kumbum, the most stunning architectural wonder in Tibet. Afterwards drive to Shalu Monastery which is a nice combination of Han and Tibet architectural styles. About 76 km away from Gyantse, the drive will take about 1.5 hours. Camping tonight.
Yamdrok Lake
Shalu Monastery
Following a section of motorable road from Shalu Monastery, you start your trekking here. After about 30 minutes walking, you will come across the Ri-Puk Hermitage, located on a hillside on the west side of the valley. There are several trails leading up to it. The trails will lead you to a village called Phunup where you can get to know how local Tibetan lives their daily life. Later you will come to Showa-la [4170m], the highest place for today’s trekking. Descends the easy-to-follow trail, you will meet a poplar and willow copse which is an ideal place for lunch. In the afternoon, you will pass several villages and cross valleys before you reach Lower Lungsang [4060m]. After a few minutes’ walking, you will reach Upper Lungsang which you will camp and stay overnight.
View along the way
View along the way
After about 45 minutes walking from Upper Lunsang, through gravel washes, livestock trails, abandoned farm lands, and gorges, you will come to a small reservoir [4190m]. It is a good place to collect water. The following trek will be a little hard considering the crossing of gullies and climbing of rocks. Finally, you will come to the highest pass of the trek, Char-La [4550m]. Ngor Monastery is visible from here. Another 45 minutes later, you will reach today’s destination, the Ngor Monastery. If you are short of time, you can ask your driver to meet you here and drive to Nartang Monastery. Otherwise, camp here and have a good rest for the next day’s trekking.
Ngor Monastery
Veiw along the way
Today’s trekking is kind of easy. You will pass through some valleys, local Tibetan villages and saddles, then cross over a small stream and an electric utility line before reaching Nartang Monastery. Drive to Shigatse, which is the second largest city in Tibet. Today, you’ll stay overnight at hotel and have a good rest back from the trekking.
Nartang Monastery
Scripture Printing House
Morning visit Tashilhunpo Monastery and the spectacular tombs of Panchen Lamas in Shigatse, and do its “kora” which provides a great view of whole Shigatse city. Then start driving back to Lhasa along the northern friendship way, marvelous scenery along the Yarlung Tsangpo River will accompany you all the way back to Lhasa. Free time at own disposal upon arrival. Overnight in Lhasa.
Tashilhunpo Monastery
Yarlung Tsangpo River
Morning Lhasa airport or train station dropping off, the time to say your farewells to your guide and driver, end the trip.
※What is a Private Tour?
Potala Palace
Mt. Everest
Yamdrok Lake
Sera Monastery
Namtso Lake
Mt. Kailash
From Mr. Gerard AdrienHi Daniel. We are already on our way back to Shanghai. We would like to thank you for the great trip we had. Our guide Jampa and our driver did an excellent job. They are both very recommendable! We enjoyed the trip despite the altitude discomfort we experienced during the first 3 days. Thank you!
From Ms. Elena Maria ValisiI highly recommend this agency. I travelled with other 2 couples who booked through different agencies and they paid a lot more to have less assistance, same hotels/tour/guide/car, less flexibility and no travel insurance included.
