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8 Days in Tibet: Itinerary Highlights & Daily Plan
Your 8-day journey begins in Lhasa, the starting point for most Tibet tours. To reach Mount Everest, we'll easily head south along the classic route.
What Makes 8 Days in Tibet Special?
Lhasa Cultural & City Exploration:
This "City of Sunshine" is the heart and soul of Tibetan culture. The majestic Potala Palace stands atop Red Mountain, countless pilgrims worship at Jokhang Temple, and you can hear the deep chanting in Barkhor Street. You can also participate in Tibetan incense making, calligraphy, and more.
Lhasa to EBC Natural Wonders:
- The blue holy lake Yamdrok Lake
- The Karola Glacier, seemingly rushing to your feet
- The Gyatso La Pass, offering a distant view of Mount Everest
- Get close to Rongbuk Monastery, the world's highest monastery
- Finally, arrive at Everest Base Camp, the closest point to Mount Everest for non-climbers.
Daily Plan of 8 Days Tibet Itinerary
Day 1. Arrive Lhasa by plane or train, transfer to hotel, acclimatize to altitude sickness.
Day 2. Lhasa: Experience traditional Tibetan arts including Tibetan incense making, Tibetan calligraphy and woodcut printing. Watch Tibetan Buddhists debate at Sera Monastery.
Day 3. Lhasa: Visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street and have Tibetan dinner.
Day 4. Travel to Shigatse, visit Yamdrok and Karola Glacier on the way.
Day 5. Shigatse - Everest: Gyatso La Pass, Jomol Monastery, Everest Base Camp, EBC Hotpot Dinner.
Day 6. Everest - Shigatse: Everest Sunrise, Gyatso La Pass.
Day 7. Shigatse: Tashilunpo Monastery, return to Lhasa hotel.
Day 8. Depart Lhasa.
Day 1-3 of Tibet Itinerary 8 Days: Leave Your Footprints at Lhasa
Tibet (Xizang), known as the "Roof of the World," has breathtaking high-altitude terrain and magnificent scenery! If you are arriving by plane, or are worried about altitude sickness, it is recommended that you start your journey in Lhasa and give yourself some time to adapt to the elevation.
Lhasa has many attractions worth visiting, guaranteeing you a good start to your trip to Tibet. Here are the highlights of the Lhasa tour:
Potala Palace (3,700m): It is the symbol of Tibet and the winter palace of the Dalai Lamas (1649-1959). Potala Palace sits atop Red Mountain in the northwest of Lhasa. After climbing nearly a thousand steps from the palace gate, visitors will reach the breathtaking Red Palace.
Built against the mountainside, the Red Palace houses countless treasures. Standing at the heights of the Red Palace, you can have a bird's-eye view of the entire city of Lhasa.
Lhasa Traditional Handicraft Art Center: Here, you can experience making Tibetan incense used in religious ceremonies and rituals, and use a brush to write your name in Tibetan, which can serve as unique souvenirs of your trip.
Sera Monastery (3,700m): It is one of Lhasa's three great monasteries and a must-see for visitors. Located 3 kilometers north of Lhasa, it's a beautiful complex where you can witness lively religious debates.
Jokhang Temple (3,650m): Built in the 7th century, it is the most sacred site for Tibetan Buddhists. Home to the revered 12-year-old Sakyamuni Buddha statue, it draws pilgrims from all over. Enjoy the atmosphere or relax in the sun.
Barkhor Street (3,650m): As one of Lhasa's oldest streets, Barkhor Street surrounds the Jokhang Temple and offers a glimpse into Tibetan culture. Here you'll find traditional handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs, as well as pilgrims practicing their faith.
Day 4 of Tibet Itinerary 8 Days: Getting Close to Lakes and Glaciers
So, let's start from Lhasa and head straight into nature by car! Here are the highlights of this natural journey:
Yamdrok Lake (4,441m): At an altitude of over 4,000 meters, this is one of Tibet's three sacred lakes. Its stunning blue waters mirror the sky, clouds, and snow-capped mountains. Take a memorable photo with the yaks by the lake.
Karola Glacier (5,012m): It is a stunning glacier. The glacier resembles a silver dragon winding its way down, with an imposing aura. Surrounded by majestic snowy peaks and vast grasslands, it is also a popular photography destination.
Day 5-6 of Tibet Itinerary 8 Days: Close to Mount Everest
In the distance, the majestic Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, gradually approaches from Gyawa La Pass, Rongbuk Monastery, and Everest Base Camp.
Gyawu La Pass (5,248m): This mountain pass is an important gateway to Everest Base Camp. Standing at the pass, you can see the continuous snow-capped mountains in the distance. Gyatso La Pass is an excellent photography spot, and it is full of photographers with cameras.
Rongbuk Monastery (5,154m): At the foot of Mount Everest, Rongbuk Monastery, featured in the movie 2012, stands tall. Despite its high altitude and challenging environment, the monks here remain dedicated to their faith and the preservation of ancient Buddhist traditions.
Mt. Everest Base Camp (5,200m): It is one of the world's most renowned high-altitude camps and the starting point for Everest expeditions. Here, you can enjoy stunning views of Everest and savor a traditional Tibetan hot pot.
Day 7-8 of Tibet Itinerary 8 Days: Return Journey to Temple
For the remaining two days, return along the original route, with a Tibetan-style temple awaiting you on the way to complete your Tibetan adventure.
Tashilunpo Monastery (3,860m): Located in Shigatse, Tibet, this monastery is the largest Gelugpa monastery in the Tsang region. Despite its high altitude, the temple's golden architecture is stunning and it's a key pilgrimage site. Don't miss the Tangkas on your way out.
Essential Documents of 8 Days in Tibet
1. Tibet Travel Permit (TTP)
Unlike a passport and visa, you'll need a separate document: the Tibet Travel Permit (TTP). This permit is required in addition to your passport and visa for entry into Tibet. It can only be obtained through a licensed travel agency approved by the Tibet Tourism Bureau, such as Asia Odyssey Travel.
We are authorized and efficient in processing TTPs. Consult Asia Odyssey Travel about your Tibet tours!
2. Aliens' Travel Permit
This 8 days Tibet itinerary includes the Shigatse region and Mount Everest. Foreign travelers will need an Aliens' Travel Permit, which we at Asia Odyssey Travel can also assist with.
More Inspiration for Tibet Itineraries, Travel Tibet with Asia Odyssey Travel
Tibet travel is never short on ideas. According to Tibet maps, there are many places worth visiting. Lhasa is the starting point for all tour routes, making it easy to add destinations.
As a Lhasa-based agency, Asia Odyssey Travel offers on-the-ground support and expert English-speaking guides to ensure a safe and enriching Tibetan experience. Trusted by travelers for over a decade, we're dedicated to making your trip comfortable. Let's create a free schedule!
- Head to Nyingchi: Visiting places like Segrila Pass, Lulang Forest, Mount Biri, and Basumtso Lake will feast your eyes on the beauty of nature.
- Go to Mount Kailash: A trip to Mount Kailash allows you to witness this sacred mountain in the hearts of Tibetans, take a trekking tour, and visit the surrounding Guge Kingdom, Earth Forest, and other attractions.
- G318: Take an overland trip along China's most beautiful highway, G318, driving from Chengdu, the city of pandas, to Lhasa, and enjoy the scenery of valleys, mountain passes, grasslands, and glacial lakes along the way.
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