Touch Mt. Everest, Roof of the World

Welcome to Tibet! Tashi delek! On arrival at Lhasa airport, your Tibetan guide will greet you and together you will be taken by private vehicle to your hotel in Lhasa. Have a good rest at the hotel to better get used to the high altitude.

Potala Palace

A trip to Lhasa without Potala Palace would not be complete. You will spend the whole morning in Potala Palace to visit all the halls available in both the white and the red palaces. Pious Tibetans can be seen in the Palace offering sacrifices and ghee to the Buddha. After lunch, continue to visit Johkang Temple which witnessed the happy marriage of the Tibetan King Sontzen Gampo and the Tang Princess Wencheng. According to records, Johkang Temple was built before Lhasa city, and it was builtas a memorial tothe marriage of Sontzen Gampo and Princess Bhrikuti Devi. It attracts pious Tibetan people who come to roll the prayer wheels everyday. As there are numerous believers walking while rolling the wheels clockwise around Johkang Temple, the path becomes a road and now the road is known as Barkhor Street. There are many shops and stands where you can buy small souvenirs of many kinds.

Norbulingka

The full day tour starts from Drepung Monastery, the largest monastery in the world. It is also the most prestigious monastery of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. The monks are nice and friendly to talk with if you feel the desire to do so. After lunch, continue to Sera Monastery to admire the ancient murals painted on the halls. The famous debate on Buddhist doctrines takes place at 14:30 daily except Sunday on the north debating field where you can witness intense debates among monks. Before you are escorted to the hotel, you will stop at Norbulingka, the summer palace for Dalai Lamas for years. It is a great combination of the Tibetan and inland private gardens styles.

Yamdrok Lake

A long day tour starts right after breakfast. You will be taken by private vehicle on the hilly roads towards Yamdrok Lake for great photos of the blue lake water with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. A simple picnic lunchbox will be prepared and served by the lake. A ride of 5 hours to Shigatse will ensure that you feast your eyes on unique plateau mountain landscapes.

Tashilhunpo Monastery

Explore Tashilhunpo Monastery in the morning. The Monastery has served as the residency for Panchen Lamas since the 4th Panchen. The highlights include the giant copper statue of Qamba Buddha and the stupa holding the 10th Panchen’s remains since 1989. After a simple lunch, hit the road towards Dingri, the closest town to the Everest Base Camp. Sleep tight for the big day on the following day.

Everest Base Camp

Another long day awaits you. Say goodbye to Dingri and drive on bumpy roads towards the Everest Base Camp. Pay homage in Rongbu Monastery, the highest monastery in the world. In summer, the Everest post office is open for tourists to send out postcards with the Everest stamp. You will have to walk from Rongbu Monastery towards the EBC which can be windy and chilly even in summer. When the clouds are scattered away, there is Mount Qomolangma, the highest mountain in the world. Take as many photos as possible for the long journey here. Snacks and bottled water could be your simple lunch, or you could bring something special from Lhasa for the special moment to celebrate it your way. Later you will head back to Shigatse to relax at the hotel.

Street of Lhasa

You can sleep the morning away or wander around in Shigatse before being escorted back to Lhasa. Feel free to ask for photo stops on the way. Upon checking in to the hotel in Lhasa, make full use of the time to do some last minute shopping or start packing suitcases.

Your guide and driver will meet you at hotel lobby and escort you to the airport for your flight to your next destination, safe and on time! Bon voyage!