Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa

   • Upon arriving at Lhasa’s Gonggar Airport or the Lhasa train station, you will be greeted by the crisp mountain air and a breathtaking view of the snow-capped peaks surrounding the city. Lhasa, known as the “Place of the Gods,” is 3,650 meters high and is Tibet's cultural and spiritual heart. 
   • After meeting your guide, you'll be transferred to your hotel in the city. The journey will pass through the scenic landscape of the Yarlung Tsangpo River and the towering Himalayas.
   • The first day is dedicated to acclimatizing to the high altitude. Rest and drink plenty of water to ensure a smooth adaptation to the thinner air. 
   • In the evening, you’ll enjoy a stroll around your hotel, taking in the quiet beauty of Lhasa at dusk. As you walk the streets, the ancient architecture and the soft hum of prayer wheels being turned by devoted pilgrims will create a magical introduction to Tibet's rich spiritual atmosphere.

2. Day 2: Explore Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery (B, D)

   • On your second day, explore Lhasa’s religious treasures begins with a visit to Drepung Monastery, one of the three great Gelugpa monasteries in Tibet. Founded in 1416, Drepung was once the largest monastery in the world, housing up to 10,000 monks at its peak. The monastery is nestled in the foothills of the mountains, with whitewashed buildings cascading down the slopes. As you wander through its vast halls, you'll witness the deep devotion of the monks who continue to practice here. Highlights include the Assembly Hall, where monks gather for prayers, and the stunning statues of Buddha and the Dalai Lama.

3. Day 3: Visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street (B)

   • The third day is dedicated to visiting Potala Palace, Tibet’s most iconic structure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Potala Palace, perched atop Marpo Ri (Red Hill), was the winter residence of the Dalai Lama and the seat of Tibetan governance. Its massive structure, with over 1,000 rooms, houses chapels, tombs of past Dalai Lamas, and countless Buddhist relics. 
   • As you ascend the steep steps to the palace, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Lhasa below and the surrounding mountains.

4. Day 4: Drive from Lhasa to Shigatse via Gyantse (B, L)

   • After breakfast, you'll embark on a scenic drive to Gyantse, a town rich in history and culture. 
   • En route, you'll cross the Kamba La Pass (4,794m), where you’ll be greeted with spectacular views of the turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s most sacred lakes. As you descend from the pass, the road winds through valleys and alongside grazing yaks and nomadic herders. 
   • You’ll also pass the Karo La Glacier, a dramatic wall of ice that towers over the road.

5. Day 5: Drive from Shigatse to Lhasa and visit monastery (B)

   • In the morning, you'll visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama and one of the most important monasteries in Tibet. Tashilhunpo Monastery is a vast complex of temples, stupas, and prayer halls. It houses a magnificent 26-meter-tall statue of the Maitreya Buddha (the future Buddha).

6. Day 6: See the beautiful Namtso Lake (B)

   • The sixth day takes you to the stunning Namtso Lake, one of the highest saltwater lakes in the world and considered one of Tibet’s holiest lakes. The drive to Namtso offers awe-inspiring views as you cross the Largen La Pass (5,190m), with the majestic Nyenchen Thanglha range towering in the distance. 
   • Upon arrival at the lake, you’ll be struck by the sheer beauty of its turquoise waters, which stretch out as far as the eye can see, reflecting the snow-capped peaks of the surrounding mountains.

7. Day 7: Explore Chimelong Nunnery and Tsurphu Monastery and return to Lhasa (B, L)

   • On your final day of exploration, you’ll visit Chimelong Nunnery, a remote nunnery nestled in the mountains, where you can observe the daily lives of the nuns and learn about their devotion to meditation and spiritual practice. The peaceful setting and the nuns' quiet devotion offer a contrasting yet equally profound insight into Tibetan religious life.
   • From Chimelong, you’ll continue to Tsurphu Monastery, the traditional seat of the Karmapa, the head of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. Located in a valley surrounded by mountains, Tsurphu Monastery is an important pilgrimage site and a center for religious teachings and meditation.

8. Day 8: Finish This Unforgettable Tour and Depart from Lhasa (B)

   • On your final day, after breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Lhasa Gonggar Airport or the train station for your departure. As you leave the roof of the world, you’ll carry with you the memories of Tibet’s breathtaking landscapes, spiritual traditions, and the profound serenity that permeates this ancient land.