Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa – Getting the First Impression of Tibet

   • Your incredible adventure begins when you touch down in the mystical city of Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. As you step off the plane, the crisp, high-altitude air will greet you, giving you your first taste of the extraordinary environment you're about to explore. Sitting at over 3,600 meters (11,975 feet) above sea level, Lhasa offers a unique blend of ancient history, spiritual significance, and stunning natural beauty. After your airport pickup, you'll head to your hotel to rest and adjust to the altitude.
   • Spend the rest of the day relaxing and taking it easy to acclimate to the thin air. 
   • As you walk around the city’s streets, you’ll be treated to your first glimpses of the Potala Palace towering over the skyline and see local Tibetan people going about their daily lives. This day is about easing into the culture and environment, so take in the sights and sounds at a leisurely pace before your big day of exploration tomorrow.

2. Day 2: Lhasa Day Tour – Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street (B)

   • After breakfast, your guided tour of Lhasa begins with a visit to the iconic Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This stunning fortress was once the residence of the Dalai Lama and remains a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism. As you climb the palace steps, the panoramic views of Lhasa and the surrounding mountains will take your breath away. Inside, you’ll explore the intricate chapels, sacred relics, and impressive murals that tell the story of Tibet’s spiritual history.
   • Next, you'll visit Jokhang Temple, another important religious site considered Lhasa's spiritual heart—Pilgrims from all over Tibet journey to Jokhang, some performing prostrations as a sign of devotion. The atmosphere here is truly moving, with the smell of incense and the sounds of chanting adding to the spiritual ambience.
   • You’ll end the day with a stroll down Barkhor Street, a bustling marketplace that circles Jokhang Temple. Here, you can browse a variety of Tibetan handicrafts, prayer flags, and traditional clothing. This is also a great place to observe daily Tibetan life, with pilgrims walking the Barkhor Kora, a sacred path around the temple.

3. Day 3: Lhasa to Gyantse to Shigatse (B, L)

   • This day marks the start of your journey deeper into the Tibetan plateau. After breakfast, you’ll depart Lhasa and travel towards Gyantse and Shigatse, two of Tibet’s most historically significant towns. The drive will take you past one of the three holy lakes in Tibet, Yamdrok Lake, a shimmering turquoise body of water that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding snow-capped mountains. You'll have the opportunity to stop for photos and take in the breathtaking views.
   • In Gyantse, you’ll visit the famous Pelkor Monastery and the impressive Gyantse Kumbum, a multi-storied stupa that contains hundreds of chapels filled with statues and murals. Gyantse holds a special place in Tibetan history for resisting British invasion in the early 20th century, and you’ll feel its historical significance as you explore the area.
   • From there, you’ll continue to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city and the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. Shigatse is home to Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the most important monasteries in Tibetan Buddhism. After visiting this grand religious complex, you’ll check into your hotel and rest for the night in preparation for the trekking adventure ahead.

4. Day 4: Shigatse to Tingri to Chutang – Youpa Village

   • Today, you’ll leave Shigatse and journey further into the remote wilderness of Tibet. After driving through Tingri, a small town known for its proximity to the Everest region, you’ll continue to Chutang and Youpa Village. As you venture deeper into the countryside, the terrain becomes more rugged and the mountains more imposing, signalling your approach to the Everest region.
   • Youpa Village will be your starting point for the trek. The village offers a serene atmosphere with traditional Tibetan homes, and it’s the perfect place to get a glimpse of rural Tibetan life. Here, you’ll settle into a simple guesthouse or camp for the night, preparing for the challenging days ahead.

5. Day 5: Trek Day 1 – Youpa to Showo-tso Pond (10km)

   • Your first day of trekking begins with an ascent from Youpa Village towards Showo-tso Pond, a beautiful high-altitude lake surrounded by pristine natural landscapes. The 10-kilometre hike will take you through the valley and over rolling hills, gradually increasing in elevation as you make your way deeper into the Himalayas. 
   • Along the way, you’ll pass through traditional farmlands and remote Tibetan settlements, offering opportunities to interact with local villagers.
   • As you trek, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and the crystal-clear waters of Showo-tso Pond, where you'll set up camp for the night. This peaceful campsite offers the perfect opportunity to relax and take in the region's beauty.

6. Day 6: Trek Day 2 – Showo-tso to Showola Pass to Dolshang (Orchid Valley) (14km)

   • The second day of trekking brings you to the Showola Pass, a high-altitude pass offering spectacular panoramic views of the region's towering peaks, including Mt. Everest. The climb is challenging but rewarding, as you are greeted with a breathtaking vista of the Himalayas once you reach the top.
   • From the pass, you’ll descend into Dolshang, also known as Orchid Valley. This lush and green valley is filled with wildflowers, small streams, and grazing yaks. This area is famous for its orchids and alpine meadows, which create a striking contrast with the rugged mountain terrain surrounding it. 
   • You’ll camp here for the night under the vast Himalayan sky.

7. Day 7: Trek Day 3 – Dolshang (Orchid Valley) to Tsonang-tso to Xialong Pasture to Tangsung Viewing Platform (12km)

   • Today’s trek takes you through some of the most scenic landscapes in the Gama Valley. You’ll pass by the serene Tsonang-to Lake, whose mirror-like surface reflects the surrounding peaks. The trail then winds through the Xialong Pasture, where nomadic herders tend to their yaks and sheep. The peacefulness of the valley is interrupted only by the sound of wind and the occasional yak bell.
   • After another gradual ascent, you’ll reach the Tangsung Viewing Platform, a high point offering an awe-inspiring view of some of the tallest peaks in the world, including Mt. Everest and Mt. Makalu. This platform is one of the trek's highlights, offering a perfect spot to rest and take in the incredible surroundings.

8. Day 8: Trek Day 4 – Tangsung Viewing Platform to Badang-Ega to Paltang (11km)

   • Today’s journey is a relatively short but scenic trek from the Tangsung Viewing Platform to Paltang. You’ll pass through Badang-Ega, a picturesque area with small streams and glacial formations. 
   • As you approach Paltang, you’ll notice the ever-growing presence of the towering Mt. Everest on the horizon. The campsite at Paltang is situated in a stunning location at the foot of the mountains, offering another unforgettable view of the Himalayas.

9. Day 9: Trek Day 5 – Paltang to Eastern Slope of Mt. Everest Base Camp to Paltang (18km)

   • Today is the most challenging but rewarding trek day as you travel to the Eastern Slope of Mt. Everest Base Camp. This day will involve a strenuous ascent, but the chance to reach the base of the world’s tallest mountain makes every step worthwhile.
   • You’ll pass through rugged terrain and moraine fields as you climb higher, surrounded by towering peaks.
   • Reaching the Eastern Slope of Everest Base Camp is a surreal experience as you stand in the shadow of Mt. Everest, gazing up at its towering summit. 
   • After enjoying this incredible moment, you’ll trek back to Paltang for the night.

10. Day 10: Trek Day 6 – Paltang to Ega to Tangsung Viewing Platform (14km)

    • Today, you’ll retrace your steps as you descend from Paltang to the Tangsung Viewing Platform. The descent offers another opportunity to take in the incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valleys and reflect on your journey so far.

11. Day 11: Trek Day 7 – Tangsung Viewing Platform to Tsosho-rim (11km)

    • After a peaceful night at the Tangsung Viewing Platform, you will begin your trek towards Tsosho-rim, covering about 11 kilometres. The trail continues through the stunning alpine scenery of the Gama Valley, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. 
    • As you descend, the landscape gradually shifts from rugged mountain terrain to greener pastures dotted with grazing yaks and traditional Tibetan prayer flags fluttering in the wind.
    • The peaceful trail leads you into the tranquil village of Tsosho-rim, nestled at the foot of towering mountains. This village offers a glimpse into traditional Tibetan rural life, with its stone houses and fields surrounded by the majestic beauty of the Himalayas.
    • You'll settle into camp here, with time to rest and soak in the serenity of the valley.

12. Day 12: Trek Day 8 – Tsosho-rim to Nangma-la Pass to Lhundupling Village (21km)

    • The final and longest day of trekking covers approximately 21 kilometres as you leave Tsosho-rim and make your way over the Nangma-la Pass. The ascent to the pass is one of the more challenging sections of the trek, but the panoramic views from the top are a worthy reward. 
    • At the summit of Nangma-la, you’ll be greeted by a vast expanse of snow-capped peaks, rolling hills, and the pristine beauty of the Tibetan plateau.
    • After a challenging descent from the pass, you will reach Lhundupling Village, a picturesque settlement at the valley's edge. This small village, surrounded by towering mountains and rich farmlands, is a perfect place to reflect on your trekking journey. The villagers here maintain traditional lifestyles, offering insights into Tibetan culture and daily life.
    • You’ll rest for the night in the village, celebrating the completion of your multi-day trek with the breathtaking scenery still etched in your memory.

13. Day 13: Lhundupling Village to Zhaxizom to Shigatse

    • On this day, you’ll begin your journey back to civilization. After a leisurely morning in Lhundupling Village, you’ll depart for Zhaxizom, a small town at the foot of the mountains. 
    • Here, you’ll have time to explore the surrounding area and enjoy the final moments of your high-altitude adventure.
    • From Zhaxizom, you’ll drive back to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet. The drive takes you through the expansive Tibetan countryside, where you'll pass small villages, rivers, and sweeping views of the plateau. 
    • Upon arrival in Shigatse, you can relax and enjoy a well-deserved rest in the comfort of your hotel.

14. Day 14: Shigatse to Lhasa (B)

    • After breakfast, you'll begin your journey back to Lhasa, retracing your steps through the magnificent Tibetan landscape. The drive back offers another chance to marvel at the vastness of the Tibetan plateau, with its wide-open spaces, majestic mountain ranges, and the occasional glimpse of nomadic herders tending their yaks.
    • Once you arrive in Lhasa, you'll have the rest of the day to explore the city at your own pace. You can revisit some of the cultural landmarks, enjoy a traditional Tibetan meal, or relax and reflect on the incredible journey you've just completed. This is a day to unwind and prepare for your departure.

15. Day 15: Departure from Lhasa – Finish This Unforgettable Tour (B)

    • On your final day in Tibet, after breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Lhasa Gonggar Airport for your departure. As you leave this extraordinary land, you’ll carry memories of the stunning landscapes, the towering Himalayas, and the deep connection with Tibetan culture.