Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa

   • Arrive at Lhasa’s Gonggar Airport in the morning; your guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in the city. The drive from the airport offers your first glimpse of Tibet’s stunning landscape, with the majestic Brahmaputra River flowing alongside the road.
   • Spend the rest of the day acclimatizing to the high altitude. Lhasa sits at an elevation of 3,650 meters (11,975 feet), so it's essential to take it easy and allow your body to adjust.
   • Walk around Barkhor Street in the evening, and the bustling market area encircles Jokhang Temple. The vibrant atmosphere and traditional Tibetan architecture provide an excellent introduction to Lhasa. Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where you can sample authentic Tibetan cuisine and get to know your fellow travellers.

2. Day 2: Explore Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery in Lhasa

   • Morning: Visit Drepung Monastery after breakfast. It was once the largest monastery in Tibet and one of the most important in the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Founded in 1416, Drepung was home to over 10,000 monks at its peak. Explore the grand assembly halls, chapels, and ancient statues as you learn about the monastery’s rich history. The location of Drepung, nestled in the foothills of the mountains, provides stunning views of the Lhasa valley.
   • Afternoon: Continue to Sera Monastery, another significant monastery of the Gelugpa order. Sera is renowned for its lively monk debates, which take place in the monastery’s courtyards every afternoon (except on Sundays). These debates are a unique and engaging way to observe Tibetan monastic education and the philosophical discussions that are central to the Buddhist tradition.
   • Evening: Return to your hotel in Lhasa. Enjoy a traditional Tibetan dinner at a local restaurant, perhaps trying dishes like momos (Tibetan dumplings) or thukpa (noodle soup). The evening is free for you to explore Lhasa’s vibrant nightlife or relax at your hotel.

3. Day 3:Explore Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street in Lhasa

   • Morning: Begin your day with breakfast and a visit to the Potala Palace, the most iconic structure in Tibet and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The palace was the winter residence of the Dalai Lama and is a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism. As you climb the steps to the palace, take in the panoramic views of Lhasa and the surrounding mountains. Inside, you’ll explore the many chapels, halls, and rooms filled with ancient murals, statues, and relics, offering a deep insight into Tibet’s spiritual and political history.
   • Afternoon: After lunch, head to Jokhang Temple, the holiest temple in Tibet and the spiritual heart of Lhasa. Jokhang Temple was founded in the 7th century and houses the most revered statue in Tibet, the Jowo Shakyamuni. Join the crowds of pilgrims who circumambulate the temple, spinning prayer wheels and chanting mantras. Inside, you can witness the devotion of the faithful and admire the intricate artistry of Tibetan religious icons.
   • Evening: Take a leisurely walk around Barkhor Street, the traditional market area surrounding Jokhang Temple. This vibrant and colourful street is filled with shops selling everything from prayer flags and thangka paintings to jewellery and Tibetan handicrafts. It’s the perfect place to pick up souvenirs and soak in the lively atmosphere of Lhasa. Return to your hotel for the night.

4. Day 4: Drive from Lhasa to Shigatse via Gyantse

   • Morning: After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Gyantse, a historic town, once an important trading hub between Tibet and India. The journey takes you across the Kampa La Pass (4,794 meters/15,728 feet), where you’ll be greeted by the stunning sight of Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes. The lake’s turquoise waters, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, create a breathtaking panorama. Stop for photos and take in the serenity of this sacred place.
   • Afternoon: Continue your drive through the rugged Tibetan landscape, passing Karo La Glacier before arriving in Gyantse. Here, you’ll visit Palcho Monastery, known for its unique architecture that blends Tibetan, Han, and Nepali styles. The monastery is home to the Kumbum Stupa, a multi-storied structure with 108 chapels filled with murals and statues. Climb to the top of the stupa for a panoramic view of the town and surrounding countryside. After your visit, proceed to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city, where you’ll spend the night. Enroute, have your lunch.
   • Evening: Check into your hotel in Shigatse. Enjoy a relaxing evening, perhaps taking a stroll through the town’s market area or along the banks of the Nyang Chu River.

5. Day 5: Depart from Shigatse and return to Lhasa (B)

   • Morning: After breakfast, start your day with a visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama, the second-highest spiritual leader in Tibetan Buddhism. Tashilhunpo Monastery is a vast complex with numerous chapels, golden statues, and a giant Maitreya Buddha (the Future Buddha) statue. The monastery’s historical and spiritual significance and stunning architecture make it a must-see in Tibet. After exploring Tashilhunpo, you’ll have some free time to wander around Shigatse’s old town, where you can interact with locals and experience daily Tibetan life.
   • Afternoon: Depart Shigatse and begin your journey back to Lhasa. You’ll pass through Nyemo County, a region known for its traditional Tibetan incense production. You may have the opportunity to visit a local incense workshop, where you can learn about making incense from natural ingredients like herbs and sandalwood. This is also a great place to pick up some authentic Tibetan incense as a souvenir.
   • Evening: Arrive back in Lhasa in the late afternoon. After checking into your hotel, you can relax or explore Lhasa at your own pace.

6. Day 6: Take a drive to visit Namtso Lake

   • Morning: After an early breakfast, embark on a full-day excursion to Namtso Lake, one of Tibet's highest and holiest lakes. The drive takes you through the Nyenchen Thanglha Mountain Range, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and wide-open valleys. As you approach Namtso, the landscape becomes increasingly rugged and remote, with the lake’s deep blue waters coming into view.
   • Afternoon: Upon arrival at Namtso Lake, explore the area. Namtso, meaning “Heavenly Lake,” is considered a sacred site by Tibetans, and many come here on pilgrimage. Walk along the lake’s shores, taking in the stunning scenery and the spiritual atmosphere. You may also visit Tashi Dor, a small peninsula that juts into the lake, where you’ll find meditation caves and a small monastery. Namtso’s natural beauty and spiritual significance make it one of the most memorable stops on your journey.

7. Day 7: Depart from Damxung and enjoy sightseeing

   • Morning: After breakfast, leave Damxung and head towards Chimelong Nunnery, a secluded and serene nunnery nestled in the mountains. This nunnery is home to a small community of Tibetan nuns who live a life of prayer and meditation. Visiting Chimelong offers a unique opportunity to experience the peaceful monastic life and the spiritual devotion of the nuns. Spend time exploring the nunnery and learning about the nuns' daily routines and spiritual practices.
   • Afternoon: Continue to Tsurphu Monastery, the traditional seat of the Karmapa, the head of the Karma Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Tsurphu Monastery, located in a remote valley, is one of Tibet's oldest and most significant monasteries. Explore the monastery’s ancient chapels, prayer halls, and shrines, and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The monastery’s remote location and spiritual atmosphere make it a place of profound tranquillity and reflection.

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

   • Morning: Begin your final day in Tibet with a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. This is a perfect time to reflect on the incredible experiences you've had over the past week, from the spiritual wonders of Lhasa to the serene beauty of Namtso Lake and the remote monasteries that embody the essence of Tibetan Buddhism. After breakfast, take some time to explore any parts of Lhasa you may have missed or revisit a favorite spot one last time. You might want to take a quiet walk around the bustling Barkhor Street, watching as pilgrims perform their ritual circuits around the Jokhang Temple, or perhaps enjoy a final visit to a local tea house where you can sip on a warm cup of Tibetan butter tea.