Tibet Group Joining Tour

Upon arrival in Lhasa (Airport/Railway), our representatives will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. From Lhasa airport, it’s about 1 & a half hours drive/from Lhasa Railway Station about 20 minutes drive to Lhasa city. The first day is for rest and to get better acclimatize to the high altitude. The day can be used for relaxing at the hotel or explore around the city on your own. Don’t forget to drink lots of water, eat light and not shower if you can help it.

After breakfast, go on for Lhasa sightseeing with in the morning visit to Drepung Monastery or Drak Yerpa. And during the afternoon, Sera Monastery. Drepung Monastery was built in 1416 and is the largest of the Gelung Sect covering an area of 250,000 sq. meters. Drak Yerpa has a deep meaning in the Tibetan spirictual culture and there’s a saying ‘Lhasa is the shrine of Tibet, Drak Yerpa is the shrine of Lhasa. Not seeing Drak Yerpa in Lhasa is just like making a dress without the collar’. Towards the northeast of Lhasa about 16 kms is the entrance to the Yerpa Valley on the north banks of Kyichu River. Another 10 km from here is the famous ancient meditation caves. Then proceed to Sera Monastery located in the northern suburbs of Lhasa. Sera meaning wild roses in the Tibetan language as the hill behind it was covered with wild roses in bloom when the monastery was built. Afterwards, return back to the hotel. Evening: Welcome Dinner.

In the morning visit Potala Palace, the highest palace in the world at 3700 meters altitude. From the top of the palace, one can have a bird’s eye view of the entire Lhasa City and distance undulating mountain ranges, Lhasa River, villages, fields. In the afternoon, visit Jokhang Temple which was built during the period of King Songtsen Gompo in the 7th century. It’s a beautiful temple with prayer wheels, reclining deer and golden sutra streamers. Later on, proceed towards Barkhor Street which is famous for local handmade crafts for buying souvenirs.

Today drive to Shigatse via Yamdrotso Lake and high passes. The lake is normally visible from the top of Kamba-la (4700m) and is located several hundred meters below the road. In clear weather, it becomes a fabulous shade of deep turquoise. In the distance, the huge massif of Mt. Nojin Kangtsang (7191m) can be spotted. The trail proceeds forward passing by Mt. Nojin Kangtsang and it’s Karola Glacier (5,560m) located below the southern ridge of Mt. Nojin.

Soon, the tour reaches Gyantse and sightseeing around with visits to Pelkor Chode Monastery with Gyantse Kumbum. The north section of Gyantse town is Pelkor Chode Monastery and the monumental Kumbum, a Chorten filled with fine paintings and statues. Pelkor is on the foot of Dzong Hill and popular for it’s Kumbum which has 108 chapels on it’s four floors. The multi-storied Kumbum Stupa was crowned with a golden dome and umbrella, surrounded by more chapels filled with unique religious statues and murals. Afterward, drive to Shigatse through the typical Tibetan countryside.

Tibet has a serious rule about the speed limit and though Shigatse to Everest is only about 350 km (no more than 40km/hr regulation), their many road checks en-route which will really slow us down. Be prepared for about 10-12 hours on the road. (including mealtimes). But the other benefit is the super sceneries you encounter so be prepared with your camera.

After Shigatse will reach Rongbuk Monastery late in the afternoon. Though the monastery is quite a tiny view of Mt. Everest from here is superbly surrounded by other high peaks. It is located in the Shigatse region southwest of Tibet Autonomous Region and north to Mt. Everest. You can choose to just hang around Rongbuk to take photos or visit it at your own expense of CNY 25/person. If in summer (May-Oct), we will carry on the last few kilometers to Everest Tent Camp overnight and in winter (Nov-Apr), stay at a guesthouse in Rongbuk. Both places have but dorm bed lodging available. O/N Tent Camp/Lodge Dorm bed.

Everest Tent Camp is the furthest point where vehicles can drive to. From this point, take along the shuttle bus for the last glorious 4 km ride which is amazingly scenic. Towards the east and west will be high grey ridges and to the south is Mt. Everest north face dominating the skyline. Everest Base Camp (5150m) has a couple of permanent structures and a small army base. After clicking some good photos drive towards Shigatse spending 10 to 12 hours on the road again. (Breakfast is not included today but Tibetan breakfast like noodles, zanba etc are available here (About CNY30). You are highly suggested to bring along some cookies, instant coffee etc on your own.)

Drive to Lhasa from Shigatse. In Shigatse, visit Tashilunpo Monastery, one of the six big monasteries of Gelugpa (Yellow Hat Sect) in Tibet. It is located at the foot of Drolmari (Tara’s Mountain) and also called Heap of Glory. The monastery was founded by the first Dalai Lama in 1447 and later on expanded by the fourth and successive Panchen Lamas. Covering over 300000 sq. meters, the main structures are The Maitreya Chapel, Panchen Lama’s Palace and Kelsang Temple. Tashilhunpo is the seat of Panchen Lama since the Fourth Panchen Lama took charge in the monastery, and there are now nearly 800 lamas. Later on, drive to Lhasa tracing the same route which takes about 6 hours on the road. Upon arrival in Lhasa, check-in hotel.

Transfer to Gonggor airport to connect with the return flight or transfer to the railway station for onward journey.