Detailed itinerary:
Day 01:
Arrive in Lhasa (alt. 3600m)
Welcome to the “Roof of the World.” On your arrival to Tibet, we will meet you at the airport/train station and transfer you to the hotel. Plan on taking it slow the rest of today, so you can adjust to the altitude. Remember to drink plenty of water and get plenty of sleep for the long journey ahead.
Day 02:
Tour of Lhasa [B]
This morning you’ll wind your way up through the stunning, awe-inspiring Potala Palace. Built in 637 AD by Songtsen Gampo, it was the former winter residence for the Dalai Lamas and is truly a splendor of Eastern architecture. Next, visit the Johkang Temple, the center of Tibetan Buddhism, also built in the 7th century on the legendary pond of “Wothang.” Finish the day by taking a Kora around the Barkhor. Test your bartering skills with the locals in this push-and-shove economy.
Day 03:
Tour of Lhasa [B]
Visit Tibet Museum for the whole morning, later after lunch, witness the famous debate sessions by the monks at Sera Monastery.
Day 04:
Drive to Shigatse via Gyantse [B+L]
In the morning youll start the drive to Shigatse, via Gyantse on the Southern Friendship Highway. Crossing over the summit of Kamba La (4794 m), youll see the tranquil turquoise waters of Lake Yamdrok below; one of the three holiest lakes in Tibet. Far in the distance youll spot the towering massif Mt. Nojin Kangtsang (7191 m), and the staggering Karo-la Glacier (5045 m). After arriving in Gyantse youll have the choice to either stroll around town; explore Gyantse Dzong, the legendary battle site of the British invasion of Tibet; or visit the Pelkor Tsode Monastery (optional, self-paid), with its huge and elaborate murals of sky burials, Sakyamuni, and even mahasiddhas (highly accomplished Tantric practitioners). Afterwards, youll drive to Shigatse, and overnight there.
Day 05:
Tashilunpho Monastery & Drive to Mt. Everest [B+L+D]
This morning youll have a chance to visit Tashilunpho Monastery, the home of the Panchen Lama, which is essentially a walled town with cobbled and twisting lanes that revolve around a magnificent monastery. After your visit, youll be driven to Rongphu Monastery, the highest monastery in the world. This evening youll have free time to explore the monastery, or go on short hike so you can drink in the intoxicating views of Mt. Everest. Overnight in the Rongphu Monastery Guesthouse.
Day 06:
Mt. Everest Base Camp & back to Shigatse[B+L]
Wake this morning below the stunning north face of Mt. Everest , (8848) the tallest mountain on earth. After breakfast, drive the remaining 8 km to Everest Base Camp, where youll have 1-2 hours to explore. In the afternoon, drive back to Shigatse, and be wrapped again in the endless vistas of the Tibetan plateau.
Day 07:
Back to Lhasa [B+L]
This morning youll drive back to Lhasa, but dont worry, youll take a slightly different route this morning back to Lhasa. So, sit back and enjoy another full day of breathless mountains under an endless Himalayan sky. Those with shorter tour options will be transported to the airport.
Day 08:
Lhasa & Return Home [B]
Free time in the morning for you to wander around Lhasa. Take a last, memorable look at the Potala Palace before being transported to the airport at 12:00 p.m.
Price includes:
1)
Airport Transfer: The group airport pick-up high-season at 3:20 p.m. and drop off once at 12:00 p.m, but low-season pick-up and see off at before noon time. These are the most common flight times in and out of Lhasa, but if you would like to schedule a different time or place to enter/leave Tibet we will be happy to arrange that at the following prices:
Item |
Cost per person (in RMB) |
Cost per person (in USD) |
| Transfer from Lhasa to airport |
￥320 |
$47 |
| Transfer from Lhasa to train station |
￥150 |
$22 |
2)
Accommodation: 6 nights stay in comfortable, 3 star standard hotels in Tibet. 1 night stay in Rongbulk Monastery Guesthouse .
3)
Meals: 12 meals total, mainly Breakfast and Lunch. 5 meals outside of Lhasa. See detailed itinerary for complete listing.
4)
English Speaking Guide: All of our guides are local Tibetans with infectious smiles and a passion for sharing their homeland. From them you’ll receive extensive information about the history, geography, culture, religion, traditions, art and music.
5)
Vehicle Rental & Driver: All of our vehicles are well maintained and safe. Our drivers are experienced in driving in the Tibetan landscape. Vehicle type will be according to group size.
6)
Travel Permits: All Tibet traveling permits.
7)
Entrance Fees: All entrance fees listed in the itinerary, (except optional sites) including vehicle and personal entry permit for Qomolangma Nature Preserve
Price Excludes:
1)
Transportation to and from Lhasa
2)
Other services of non-Tibetan parts
3)
Personal expenses like laundry, IDD calls, drinks, etc.
4)
Tips for the tour guide and driver
5)
Extra expenses incurred due to unexpected natural events (delays, road washouts, etc.)
Notes:
This trip can basically be broken into two parts. Part A inside Lhasa and Part B outside of Lhasa. Either part can be done first depending on the day you join the group. And, you can join the group any day, except the 4th, and still see everything listed on the itinerary.
We have vehicles departing Lhasa every 6 days:
Important Notice:
The most expensive portion of any Tibet Tour is the transportation cost. So yes you can join the Mt. Everest tour on any day (except the fifth tour day), and still have your own private tour before or after. This is a great way to reduce the transfer costs and still see everything you want in Tibet. For more detailed information, please go to the Departures and Price now!