9 Days Lhasa Shigatse EBC Panorama Tibet Group Tour with Yamdrok and Namtso Lake

Tashi Delek! Welcome to Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region! Upon your arrival at the airport in Lhasa, the tour guide and driver will meet you at the exit, and then escort you to the hotel in downtown Lhasa (60km, about 1.5 hours’ drive) . You can have a good rest to get used to the altitude (3,650m) in your hotel and get ready to explore Lhasa with your guide the next day.

Arrival Ideas: Lhasa is located in the southern part of the Tibetan Plateau and southwestern China. Traveling to Tibet is convenient by air, railway, or road. There are five airports in Tibet, with Lhasa Gonggar Airport being the most popular for flights from Chengdu (which is also popular), Chongqing, Xian, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Kunming, Xining, Shangri-La, and other cities. One international airline even connects Lhasa and Kathmandu. Moreover, travelers can take the train to Lhasa from Xining (21 hours, the starting point of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway), Lanzhou (24.5 hours), Chongqing (35.5 hours), Chengdu (36.5 hours), Xian (31 hours), Beijing (40.5 hours), Shanghai (47 hours), Guangzhou (52.5 hours), Shigatse (2.5 hours), Nyingzhi (4 hours), and other cities.

Kind Reminds:

1. It is good to avoid altitude sickness by slowing down, keeping warm, drinking water frequently, avoiding showers for the first one or two days, taking it easy, and sleeping well.

2. You should always follow your doctor's advice regarding altitude based on your health condition.

3. Be sure to let your guide or the hotel staff know whenever you feel unwell or need help. The people there are always willing to help and are good at dealing with altitude sickness.

Meet Our Guests at Lhasa Airport

Lhasa Potala Palace Autumn View

Attractions

Have a good rest to get used to the altitude

Transportation

Arrive in Lhasa by yourself; pick-up service while in Lhasa

Dining

None

Accommodation

Standard hotel in downtown Lhasa

Today, have fun in the Lhasa Traditional Handicraft Art Center for a close touch of Tibetan culture, and you will experience Tibetan Buddhism by witnessing the Monks' Debating in Sera Monastery.

In the morning, enjoy the experience in the Lhasa Traditional Handicraft Art Center, fully immerse yourself by making Tibetan incense, Tibetan calligraphy, and the secrets of block printing. Tibetan incense is typically burned as an offering during religious ceremonies and rituals in Tibetan Buddhism. The ingredients used for Tibetan incense usually include juniper, sandalwood, cedarwood, cinnamon, cloves, and various medicinal herbs. Besides learning how to make Tibetan incense, you can also participate in writing your own name in the Tibetan Language with the help of a local teacher, and engraving and printing it out. Handmade Tibetan incense and printed text can be taken home as a souvenir of the Tibetan cultural experience. This evening, you will enjoy dinner with the group, featuring Tibetan cuisine.

In the afternoon, drive approximately 7km (about 20 minutes) to visit Sera Monastery, which is one of the three great Gelug university monasteries of Tibet. It offers the opportunity to experience Tibetan Buddhism up close. The highlight of Sera Monastery is watching the monks' debate, which takes place around 15:00-17:00 (except on Sundays). The debate is an interesting form of exchange, where one monk acts as the questioner, standing while the answerer or group of answerers sit. The standing monk asks questions and slaps his palms and stomps, each action having a special meaning, such as activating wisdom, and are not meant to be aggressive. You will also have the chance to attend prayer ceremonies, visit meditation halls, and learn about the monastic way of life. It is a must-visit destination to gain insight into the beliefs and practices of Tibetan Buddhism.

Enjoy Happy Time to Make Tibetan Incense

Tibetan Calligraphy Experience in Lhasa

Sera Monastery Interior Achitecture

Lhasa Sera Monastery Debate in the Afternoon

Attractions

2 Iconic Sites

Transportation

Coach

Dining

Breakfast

Accommodation

Standard hotel in downtown Lhasa

Today, it is the time to explore Lhasa by visiting the world-famous Potala Palace, a World Heritage site and the picture behind the 50 RMB. And then, you will explore Lhasa by visiting Jokhang Temple, a world cultural heritage site renowned for its brilliant architecture, culture, art, and history. Finally, you can stroll through the famous Barkhor Street with locals and learn more about the daily kora life of Tibetans.

In the morning, you can walk up to the Potala Palace to explore. Not only is it the landmark of Tibet, but it is also the traditional residence and winter palace of the Dalai Lama (1649-1959). After climbing 365 steps from the gate of the Potala Palace to reach the Red Palace, you will arrive at the highest palace in the world at an altitude of 3,700m, where you can enjoy an excellent panoramic view of Lhasa city. As you explore the principal halls, chapels, and shrines of past Dalai Lamas in the Red Palace, you will be amazed and moved by its remarkable paintings, gorgeous jeweled works, skilled carving, colorful ornamentation, and the mystery stories behind the treasures. Inside the Potala Palace, you will meet many Tibetan pilgrims who come from afar to pray at this sacred site, making it a lifetime destination for them. You can also ask your guide to provide more stories about Songtsen Gampo, the 33rd king of Tibet, who first built the Potala Palace in the 7th century for his marriage to Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty. (Please note that the visit order may be adjusted based on the visiting time specified on your Potala Palace ticket. All visitors are required to visit the palace with a tour group and remain inside for one hour. Please be advised that photography is prohibited inside the palace.)

Located in the heart of Lhasa for over 1300 years, the Jokhang Temple is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all over the world. Famed as the spiritual center of Tibet, it is said that the Jokhang Monastery was built for King Songtsen Gampo's two brides: Chinese Princess Wencheng and Nepalese Princess Bhrikuti. "Jokhang" means "House of Buddha", and it houses a life-size statue of the 12-year-old Sakyamuni, which is considered a treasure of the Buddhist world. This is why Buddhist pilgrims consider it the holiest destination. The Jakhong temple is also renowned for its beautiful architecture. You can admire the intricate carvings, colorful murals, ornate decorations, and details of the building, which is a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture. Time seems to stand still as you watch people pray in front of the temple during the day and night. (Please note that the visit order may be adjusted based on the reservation of your Jokhang Temple Ticket Reservation.)

Afterward, take a walk on busy Barkhor Street near the Jokhang Monastery, which was a place for Buddhists to do a kora (pilgrim circuit) in ancient times. Nowadays, it has become a thriving local market where you can drink a pot of yak butter tea, dress in Tibetan clothes for photos, and pick up some local Tibetan, Nepalese, and Indian handicrafts and souvenirs.

In the evening, enjoy a group dinner featuring delicious Tibetan cuisine, specially offered by AOT team.

Our Dear Guest Visited Yaowang Hill to Overlook Potala Palace

Climb Many Stairs Up to Potala Palace

Walk around Jokhang Temple

Lhasa Jokhang Temple

Attractions

3 Iconic Sites

Transportation

Coach

Dining

Breakfast,Dinner

Accommodation

Standard hotel in downtown Lhasa

On this day, drive about 8 to 9 hours (340km) from Lhasa to Shigatse, with a visit to two amazing natural landscapes - Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier - on the way.

In the morning, after about 3 to 4 hours of driving (200km), make sure to have your camera ready. When you reach Kampala Pass (4,797 meters), you'll have a breathtaking view of Yamdrok Lake, a freshwater lake down below, as well as spectacular views of the holy Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar in the distance. It is one of the four largest sacred lakes in Tibet, along with Lhamo Latso Lake, Manasarovar Lake, and Namtso Lake. Yamdrok Lake offers stunning views of the Tibetan plateau and is said to be able to help Tibetans find the reincarnated soul of the Dalai Lama. Moreover, you may see dressed-up Tibetan mastiffs, dogs, goats, and yaks there. It is optional for you to pay 5-10 yuan to pose with and take photos of them; for local Tibetans, it's a way to earn extra income for their families.

In the afternoon, drive about 1.5 hours (70km) to visit one of the most beautiful glaciers in Tibet - Karola Glacier, the filming location of the movie "Red Valley" (Hong He Gu). As one of Tibet's three major continental glaciers, backed by the southern slope of Naiqin Kangsang Peak (7,191 meters), one of the four highest peaks in Tibet, this white glacier is also the source of the eastern part of the Nianchu River. The Karola Glacier (5,012m) is only 300 meters away from the highway connecting Lhasa to Gyantse town, and you can view it right from your vehicle. You can also easily walk to the foot of the charming glacier, which has a shape like a frozen waterfall right above the road and you. Besides the fantastic hike to the Karola Glacier, on the opposite side of the road, you can appreciate the beautiful snow-capped mountain of Mt Kalurong.

Notes for visiting Karola Glacier:

1. The altitude at the glacier scenic spot is about 5,012m, so be sure to slow down to avoid altitude sickness.

2. The public toilet at the glacier is very basic.

3. Local people may ask you to take photos with them for a fee. Be sure to ask before taking photos to avoid potential issues.

After that, drive about 3.5 hours (170km) to your hotel in Shigatse, the nearest town on the Friendship Highway between Tibet and Nepal. Have a good rest and get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to EBC the next day.

A Large Group of Our Guests Visited Yamdrok Lake

Our Guests Visited Karora Glacier

Attractions

2 Iconic Sites

Transportation

Coach

Dining

Breakfast

Accommodation

Standard hotel in Shigatse

After breakfast, drive about 6.5 hours (330km) to the peak of the world - Mount Everest, while stopping by the Rongbuk Monastery - the world’s highest altitude monastery, before spending the night at the Everest Base Camp (EBC).

Departing from Shigatse, after about 4.5 hours of driving (240km), you’ll get your first glimpse of Mt. Everest from the Gyawu La Pass (5,200m, Gyatso La Pass), between Lhatse and Shelkar. In addition to Mt. Everest, you’ll be amazed by the winding road that seems to go on forever. Along the way, you may see local people biking or hiking all the way to Everest Base Camp. For them reaching the base of the world's highest mountain is a must-do goal or holy belief that is worth the effort.

After enjoying the beautiful and unique scenery on the pass, including incredibly snow-capped mountain ranges, blue skies, floating high clouds, and endless grasslands, it is time to head to Rongbuk Monastery (about 3.5 hours,122km) for the first good view of Mt. Everest. At an altitude of 5,154m, Rongbuk Monastery is the world’s highest monastery, a must-visit for spiritual travelers, and is also photo-worthy. It used to be an area of meditation huts, and you can find hermitage meditation caves with a history of over 400 years, dotting the cliff walls all around the monastery and the valley. Along with brilliant Mt. Everest views, at Rongbuk Monastery, you will be touched by the breathtaking scenery, such as large white chortens, piles of mani stones, colorful prayer flags, devout pilgrims passing by. This evening, you will enjoy dinner with the group, featuring Hot Pot in EBC.

Notes:

1.Travelers can only go as far as the Rongbuk Temple area rather than a few kilometers farther as before. But it’s not a big difference in terms of viewing Mt. Everest.

2.Today’s food and lodging is very basic. Due to the high altitude, it is possible that you may experience some symptoms of altitude sickness. We recommend that you stay well hydrated, relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery to minimize your symptoms.

Gyawu La Pass in Tibet to for Mount Everest View

Fantastic View from Rongbuk Monastery

Attractions

3 Iconic Sites

Transportation

Coach

Dining

Breakfast,Dinner

Accommodation

Basic hostel in the Everest Base Camp

Watching the sunrise over Mt. Everest is a popular activity, you can choose to wake up early in the morning and hike to a nearby vantage point to witness this breathtaking and unforgettable sight.The sunrise over Mt. Everest is not only a beautiful natural phenomenon but also a symbol of human achievement and perseverance.

Then head back to Gyatso La Pass (Gyawu La Pass, the Dingri Boundary, 122km, 3.5 hours) for a quick photo stop. After that, drive back to Shigatse (240km, about 4.5 hours).

After that, drive back to your hotel in Shigatse, take a shower, and prepare for the departure the next day. (Please note that we will arrange for you to take the train or vehicle back to Lhasa from Shigatse, depending on the conditions.)

Mount Everest "Sunshine on Golden Mountain"

Himalayan Giant - Mount Everest

Attractions

2 Iconic Sites

Transportation

Coach

Dining

Breakfast

Accommodation

Standard hotel in Shigatse

This morning, you will visit Tashilunpo Monastery. Afterward, you will take the vehicle back to DamXung (about 5.5 hours, 325km) or Lhasa (about 8 hours, 340km) via Yampachen and Grassland in Northern Tibet. (Please Note that we may adjust the itinerary sequence without affecting the travel spots. The group tour may return to Lhasa from Shigasta on Day 07 and travel to Namsto Lake from Lhasa on Day 08.)

Founded by His Holiness the 1st Dalai Lama, Gyalwa Gedun Drup in 1447, Tashilunpo Monastery is the largest monastery in Tsang Area of Tibet. In Tashilunpo Monastery, you can visit the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, Tibet's second-highest incarnation. Pay a visit to the ancient tombs of the fourth and tenth Panchen Lama, as well as the chortens, which hold the bones and remains of the sacred Tibetan lamas. Learn more from your guide about Panchen Lamas and Dalai Lamas while appreciating the brilliant religious painting on Tibetan architecture, listening to the Tibetan Buddhism chanting by local monks, and even participating in the kora like locals. Don’t forget to hike up to the top of the monastery for a stunning bird’s eye view of the monastery itself and Shigatse City.

Then, you will head back to Lhasa or towards Damxung based on the real situation. On the way, you will catch a distance view of Yampachen, a small town (4,200m) known for its hot springs. The hot springs in Yampachen are a popular destination for locals to relax and enjoy the therapeutic properties of the mineral-rich waters. You will also have the chance to see one of the highest grasslands in the world - the Grassland in Northern Tibet. The grasslands are known for their stunning natural beauty, with rolling hills, crystal-clear rivers, and vast expanses of green grass. Many Tibetan nomadic families still live on the grasslands today, herding their yaks and sheep, and living in traditional tents made of yak hair.

Stay overnight in Lhasa and Damxung.

Monks at Tashilhunpo Monastery

Yangpachen Hot Spring

Attractions

3 Iconic Sites

Transportation

Coach

Dining

Breakfast

Accommodation

Basic hotel in DamXung or standard hotel in Lhasa

This morning, you will depart DamXung (about 5.5 hours, 325km) or Lhasa (about 8 hours, 340km) to visit the holy lake - Namsto Lake (4700m).

Starting from Lhasa, after driving around 280 km, you will arrive at a scenic spot to view the Nyenchen Thanglha Mountain Range (7162m), which is one of the holiest mountains in Tibet. On the way to Namtso Lake, you will see lots of Tibetan yak and sheep, and if you are lucky, you may even spot wild animals like Kiangs (wild donkeys), pikas, hares, and foxes, etc. After passing the Laken la Pass (Laken Pass, 5190m), you will soon arrive at one of the highest lakes in the world - Namtso Lake.

Namtso Lake is one of the most beautiful and sacred lakes in Tibetan Buddhism, believed to be the residence of a Tibetan goddess. As one of the three holy lakes in Tibet, many Buddhists and pilgrims visit the lake to pray, meditate, and make offerings. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and vast grasslands, Namtso Lake (the highest saltwater lake in China) creates a breathtaking landscape. The stunning Namtso Lake is perfect for photography, as the crystal-clear waters of the lake change color throughout the day, ranging from deep blue to turquoise. You can capture the various colors of the lake, the Nyenchen Thanglha Mountain in the south, and the Tibetan nomadic communities in your photos. It is said that Namtso Lake is the wife of Nyenchen Thanglha Mountain, they accompany with each other, inseparable. You can explore Tashi Dor Island, the largest island in Namtso Lake, hike around the area, visit the monasteries, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Notes: In winter, due to bad weather (heavy snow), Namtso Lake may occasionally close. At that time, our itinerary will be adjusted as follows:

Day 07: Shigatse back to Lhasa

Day 08: Lhasa - Ganden Monastery (Kora trekking) - Lhasa

Afterward, head back to your hotel in downtown Lhasa.

Namtso Lake in Tibet

Hello, Namtso Lake

Attractions

3 Iconic Sites

Transportation

Coach

Dining

Breakfast

Accommodation

Standard hotel in downtown Lhasa

It is time to end your 9-day Lhasa Shigatse EBC Tibet Group Tour with Yamdrok Lake and Namtso Lake . And your guide will escorts you to the airport/train station for your flight or high speed train to your next destination.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your Tibet tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia. Safe journey!

Fly away from Lhasa

Viewing beautiful Tibet Scenery from the Airplane

Attractions

Hotel check-out and airport transfers

Transportation

Coach

Dining

Breakfast

Accommodation

None