12-Day Lhasa, Nyingchi, Gyantse & Shigatse Tour
Tour Route： Lhasa-Nyingchi-Gyantse-Shigatse
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Route Highlights:
This itinerary offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, breathtaking landscapes, and spiritual exploration, ensuring an unforgettable journey through the heart of Tibet.
Route Highlights
Embark on a mesmerizing journey through Tibet with this twelve-day itinerary. Begin with a flight to Lhasa, delving into the city’s rich heritage. Explore educational institutions like Maizhokunggar School, then venture to picturesque towns such as Bayi and Lulang. Discover sacred sites like Namtso Lake and historic monasteries in Gyantse and Shigatse. Marvel at the Tibetan plateau’s rugged beauty, where every vista is a masterpiece of nature, before concluding the adventure in Lhasa.
Itinerary Details
Itinerary Overview
D1: Fly to Lhasa.
D2: Lhasa-Maizhokunggar School.
D3: Maizhokunggar-Bayi Town.
D4: Bayi-Lulang-Bayi.
D5: Bayi Town-Maizhokunggar-Lhasa.
D6: Lhasa.
D7: Lhasa-Gyantse-Shigatse.
D8: Shigatse-Rongphu.
D9: Rongphu-Shigatse.
D10: Shigatse-Lhasa.
D11: Lhasa-Namtso Lake-Lhasa.
D12: Lhasa (Norbulingka).
Welcome to Lhasa
The itinerary for the first day focuses on acclimatizing to the high-altitude environment, ensuring that you can comfortably explore during the rest of your journey. You will have ample time to acclimate to the high-altitude climate in the low-lying areas of Lhasa and immerse yourself in the unique charm of this enchanting city.
Overnight in Lhasa
Tibet Road Trip Co., Ltd
Barkhor Street, Maizhokunggar
Begin your day of cultural discovery in Lhasa, starting with the vibrant streets of Barkhor and ending in the serene surroundings of Maizhokunggar. Lose yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Barkhor Street, where ancient traditions blend with modern life. Wander narrow alleys lined with traditional Tibetan buildings and absorb the sights and sounds of local life. Later, journey to Maizhokunggar, a tranquil retreat amidst breathtaking natural beauty, exploring serene lakes and majestic mountains while delving into the region’s rich cultural heritage and spirituality.
Overnight in Lhasa
Lake Draksum-tso
After breakfast, drive from Lhasa to Nyingchi, crossing the scenic Mila Pass and enjoying views along the Niyang River. In the afternoon, visit Lake Draksum-tso, known for its stunning surroundings and cultural significance. Take a ferry ride to Tsodzong Monastery on the lake’s southern shore before overnighting in Bayi Town.
Overnight in Bayi
Lulang Forest
Lulang Forest, nestled in the Nyingchi prefecture of the Tibetan Autonomous Region, is affectionately dubbed “Mini Switzerland” for its enchanting landscapes and high-altitude charm. Recently captured in a series of captivating photographs by CRI reporters, Lulang mesmerizes with its idyllic scenery and serene ambiance.
Overnight in Bayi
Mila Pass
Following breakfast, set out on a scenic drive to explore the celebrated “Tibetan Jiuzhaigou” and “Little Switzerland” within Tibet’s Jiangnan Nyingchi region. Along the way, pause at the birthplace of Songtsen Gampo, delving into the life of this influential figure from Tibetan history. Traverse the Mila Pass, ascending beyond 5013 meters above sea level, and marvel at the breathtaking Mila Mountain, positioned within the Brahmaputra valley, serving as a notable geographical boundary due to its unique vegetation and climate. During the journey, make a stop to admire the Kadinggou Waterfall, nestled at an elevation of 2950 meters and accessible following an hour-long hike. This remarkable waterfall, surrounded by towering cliffs and verdant landscapes, exudes a majestic aura, further enriched by the natural formation of a Buddha statue amidst the cascading waters, hence earning its title of “Buddha Day Falls.”
Overnight in Lhasa
Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple
The tour commences with a visit to the revered Potala Palace, originally constructed in the 7th century under the reign of the renowned Tibetan king, Songtzen Gampo. The present-day structure, however, was erected by the 5th Dalai Lama during the 17th century. Over time, it earned the moniker “Winter Palace,” particularly after the establishment of the Norbulingka Park by the 7th Dalai Lama in 1750, which served as the summer residence. Following a satisfying lunch, the journey continues with a visit to the Jokhang Temple, situated in the historic quarter of Lhasa. Built by King Songtzen Gampo in the mid-7th century A.D., the temple holds immense significance as the most sacred site in Tibet, drawing pilgrims from all corners of the region who come to pay homage. Conclude the day’s explorations with a leisurely stroll through Barkhore Street in the evening, immersing in the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling marketplace.
Overnight in Lhasa
Yamdrok-tso Lake, Pelkor Chode Monastery
Following breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Gyantse. Along the way, behold the mesmerizing beauty of Yamdrok-tso Lake, visible from the summit of the Kamba-la Pass at an elevation of 4794 meters. Revered as one of Tibet’s Three Holy Lakes, Yamdrok captivates with its ethereal charm. Upon reaching Gyantse, explore the Pelkor Chode Monastery, also known as Kumbum, founded in 1418. This monastery is renowned for its magnificent Kumbum Chode, featuring a remarkable stupa adorned with 10,000 images. Concluding the visit to Gyantse, continue the journey to Shigatse, soaking in the scenic vistas along the way.
Overnight in Shigatse
Rongphu Temple, Mount Everest
Early in the in the morning, begin the journey to Rongphu via Shegar, encountering some road construction along the way. Traverse the Gyatsola Pass at 5,220m, the highest point en route, offering spectacular views of the Himalayan mountain ranges on clear days. Rongphu, the highest monastery in Tibet, provides an excellent vantage point for witnessing the majestic Mt. Everest. Spend the night at a guesthouse in the area.
Overnight at EBC or nearby
Rongphu Temple, Mount Everest
In the morning, commence the trek from Rongphu to E.B.C, a journey that typically takes around 2 hours on foot. Alternatively, you have the option to take an animal carriage for the same route.
Overnight in Shigatse
Tashilunpo Monastery
In the morning, explore the illustrious Tashilunpo Monastery, also known as the Bachen Lama Set, established in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama. Marvel at the grandeur of this sacred site and visit the impressive tombs of the Panchen Lamas. Later in the afternoon, embark on a scenic drive back to Lhasa, following the winding path along the Yarlung Tsangpo river via the Nepal Friendship Road.
Overnight in Lhasa
Namtso Lake, Yangpachen
Embark on a day tour to the breathtaking Namtso Lake via the scenic Yangpachen hot spring route. Along the journey, marvel at the majestic Nyenchen Thanglha snow mountain ranges and traverse the Nagela pass. Namtso Lake, often referred to as the “sky lake,” is one of Tibet’s three holy lakes and the highest salt lake in the world. Take the opportunity to engage in some light hiking around its pristine shores. On the return journey, indulge in a relaxing soak at Yangbachen hot spring if desired (an additional fee applies).
Overnight in Lhasa
The itinerary is coming to a close. We look forward to meeting you again
End the trip, concluding this extraordinary adventure through Tibet’s majestic landscapes and cultural wonders.
Breakfast
Dates and Prices
Prices
Service Included:
- Tibet Travel Permit application service and mailing service within China.
- Entrance tickets to the listed attractions and activities.
- Accommodations are in three-star hotels with breakfast throughout the journey.
- Comfortable and safe tourist vehicle.
- Excellent Tibetan English-speaking guide.
- Farm house lunch and welcome dinner.
- Travel accident insurance and high-altitude sickness insurance.
- Shuutle service between the airport/train station and Lhasa city.
- Exquisite Tibetan gifts and travel maps.
- On-board medical oxygen supply for travel in high-altitude areas.
Service Excluded:
- International and domestic transportation to and from Tibet.
- Single room supply for solo travelers who require a single room.
- Some meal expenses are not included in the tour (the guide will assist in arranging and recommending meals; you are responsible for the cost).
