Tibet Ali Northern Line
Tour Route： 14-Day Ali Northern Line Self-Driving Tour
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Route Highlights:
This 14-day itinerary includes top destinations in Tibet. You’ll explore Ali’s wilderness, observe wildlife in the Himalayas, visit ancient ruins in western Tibet, and uncover the region’s cultural treasures, including its religious beliefs and stunning natural landscapes.
Journey Features
This 14-day journey covers all the essential sites in Tibet, including Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, the Potala Palace, various temples, lakes, glaciers, and Everest Base Camp. You’ll delve into the wildlife of Ali, discover ancient ruins in western Tibet, and experience the region’s rich cultural heritage, which encompasses its spiritual practices, diverse geography, stunning natural landscapes, unique geological formations, and hiking adventures on the plateau.
Itinerary Details
Itinerary Overview
Day01 Arrive in Lhasa
Day02 Lhasa City Sightseeing
Day03 Lhasa – Yamdrotso Lake – Gyantse – Shigatse
Day04 Shigatse-Tingri-Everest Base Camp
Day05 Everest-Pekutso-Saga
Day06 Saga-Tarchen
Day07 Tarchen Tour
Day08 Tarchen – Zanda
Day09 Zanda – Shiquanhe
Day10 Shiquanhe – Gaize
Day11 Gaize – Wenbu
Day12 Wenbu – Bango
Day13 Bangor – Lhasa
Day14 Depart from Lhasa
Airport/Train Station Pickup, Check-in at the Hotel
Welcome to Tibet! As you arrive, our friendly guide and driver will greet you at the airport with a warm welcome and a traditional Tibetan white scarf known as “Khata.” A one-hour drive along the expressway (70 kilometers) will bring you to a comfortable hotel in downtown Lhasa. Once you check in, take some time to rest and acclimate to the altitude of 3,650 meters, setting the stage for a healthy and enjoyable start to your journey on the plateau.
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Visit Potala Palace and Johkang Temple
Today, let’s delve into the wonders of Lhasa, home to the Potala Palace, which was the former residence of the Dalai Lama and is renowned as the highest palace in the world. We will also visit the Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street, both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and central to Tibetan spirituality. The Potala Palace rises grandly over the red hills at the heart of Lhasa, historically serving as Tibet’s religious and political hub. As you ascend the 365 steps leading to the main structure, you will discover the Dalai Lama’s former political assembly hall, various prayer halls, and the tomb stupa. The Jokhang Temple, venerated for housing the 12-year-old statue of Shakyamuni, stands as the most sacred site in Tibet and a lifelong pilgrimage destination for Tibetans. You can join the faithful as they stroll along Barkor Street, immersing yourself in the essence of the city.
Yamdrotso Lake, Karola Glacier
Travel for about 7 to 8 hours (340 kilometers) to arrive in Shigatse. During your journey, you will explore two stunning natural sights: Yamdrok Lake and the Karola Glacier. You’ll enjoy a picturesque 20-kilometer drive along the vanishing shoreline of the lake. We’ll make a stop at a lakeside village where you can step into the homes of local farmers, discover their way of life, and savor a delicious farmhouse lunch.
After lunch, we’ll drive for roughly an hour to witness one of Tibet’s most magnificent glaciers—the Karola Glacier. Its massive glacier tongue reaches down to the roadside, resembling a frozen waterfall cascading over the road and towering above you. After visiting the Karola Glacier, we will continue past Lake Manla and the historic town of Gyantse on our way to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet.
Tashilunpo Monastery, Gyawula Viewing Point, Everest Base Camp
After enjoying breakfast, our first stop will be Tashilunbu Monastery, the seat of the Panchan Lama and the largest monastery in western Tibet. Following that, we will embark on a 6.5-hour drive (330 kilometers) to the top of the world—Mount Everest. Along the route, you’ll have the chance to visit several viewpoints that offer glimpses of Everest. The day will conclude with an overnight stay at Everest Base Camp (EBC). As we depart from Shigatse, you’ll be surrounded by picturesque rural farmland and charming villages.
About four hours into our journey, we’ll reach Dingri County, where you’ll get your first view of Everest from the Dingri Viewpoint. Once we enter the Everest scenic area, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic vistas of the Himalayan range from Gawula Pass. The towering peaks, ranging from 7000 to 8000 meters, rise majestically above the clouds, creating a breathtaking sight. We will then continue along the dedicated road leading to Everest, with the mountain becoming increasingly prominent until we arrive at the northern face base camp. From this vantage point, Everest resembles a giant pyramid looming before you. We will aim to reach Everest Base Camp before sunset so you can experience the incredible sight of the setting sun illuminating the mountain in golden light.
Pekutso Lake, Mt. Shishapangma
In the morning, you have the opportunity to witness the sunrise over Mount Everest (weather permitting) or take a leisurely walk around the base camp to appreciate the stunning morning ambiance. Following breakfast, your tour guide will escort you to the Rongbuk Monastery, which holds the title of the highest temple in the world. After departing from Mount Everest, we will drive you to Saga, the entrance to the Ali Plateau in Tibet. During the journey, you will catch sight of Mount Shishapangma, the only peak in China that exceeds 8,000 meters, along with the picturesque Pekucuo Lake at its base.
Himalayas, Gangdise Mountains
You will journey through the gorge created by the Himalayas and the Gangdise Mountains, where you’ll see the majestic snow-capped peaks flanking the gorge. As you travel, you’ll encounter lush pastures, wetlands, and serene lakes, all set against stunning landscapes and smooth roads. Upon reaching the 5211m Mayum La Pass, you will have your first view of Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash. Continuing along the lakeshore for approximately 50 kilometers, you’ll arrive in the town of Tarchen, located at the base of Mount Kailash.
Lake Manasarovar, Lake Laangcuo
Lake Manasarovar is held in high regard within Tibetan Buddhism, symbolizing Lord Shiva and embodying themes of destruction and rebirth. It serves as an important pilgrimage destination for both Hindus and Buddhists. Each year, tens of thousands of devotees come to this sacred site to perform the kora, a ritual of walking around the lake that reflects deep respect for its spiritual significance. To the north lies Laangcuo, known as the “Ghost Lake,” which is separated from Mapang Yongcuo by just a mountain. Unlike the revered Mapang Yongcuo, Laangcuo presents a notably different ambiance. Positioned at a slightly lower elevation of around 4,573 meters, its waters are characterized by a unique blue-green color due to their rich mineral content. Legend has it that Laangcuo represents impurity and evil. As a result, even though the two lakes are close in distance, pilgrims generally choose to circumambulate only Mapang Yongcuo and steer clear of Laangcuo.
Toling Monastery – Guge kingdom
The expansive wilderness and untouched regions of Tibet commence just west of Tarchen, providing a sanctuary for wildlife set against the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas. Toling Monastery, a hidden gem nestled in these mountains, is renowned for its beautiful Buddhist murals, which are comparable to those found in the Dunhuang Mogao Caves. These murals showcase a variety of themes, including celestial scenes, playful animals, intricate designs, and much more. The Guge Kingdom, which governed the western Tibetan plateau for 700 years, mysteriously vanished 400 years ago. This lost kingdom leaves behind a remarkable heritage, intertwining Tibetan Buddhism with political history through its timeless masterpieces. You will spend the night at the Family Guesthouse in Tzaprang village.
overnight in Nyingchi
Piyang/Donggar Ruins, Zanda Earth Forest
Today, we will delve deeper into the enigmatic ruins of Piyang and Donggar, remnants of the ancient Guge Kingdom. This site encompasses nearly a thousand caves, showcasing a variety of types including worship caves, meditation caves, monk quarters, storage areas, and kitchens. The worship caves are adorned with murals illustrating Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, celestial beings, monks, patrons, Jataka tales, scenes of worship, teaching moments, intricate mandalas, as well as representations of animals, plants, and decorative motifs. This cave complex stands as the largest Buddhist cave site found in Tibet thus far and is also the most recent significant cave relic that remains in China.
Bairuoze Lake – Zhaxi Qulin Temple
Today, we will set off from Shiquanhe, traveling along National Highway 317 toward Gaize. Throughout our journey, we will take in the stunning views of the Ali Plateau, passing by beautiful sites such as Bairuoze Lake, Zhaxi Qulin Temple, Jiduo Lake, and Daruo Lake. These scenic lakes and temples will inspire a sense of peace and wonder. You’ll have the opportunity to wander along the lakesides or through pastures, soaking in the natural beauty around you and engaging with local herdsmen to gain insight into their simple customs and traditions. This adventure is brimming with the thrill of exploration and discovery, and we can’t wait to share this incredible experience with you.
Dangre Yongcuo – Yumbon Monastery
Today, we will visit Dangre Yongcuo, the largest sacred lake revered by the Bon religion, which is the oldest faith in Tibet. This lake stretches from north to south and has a shape reminiscent of a shoe sole, flanked by mountains on three sides. The only gap in the mountain range is found to the east of Dalgo Mountain on the southern shore. Dalgo Mountain boasts a series of seven peaks, characterized by their dark formations and snow-covered tops, resembling seven neatly organized pyramids. Along with Dangre Yongcuo, it is honored by Bon practitioners as a sacred site. At the lake’s edge, Yumbon Monastery is nestled in a cliffside cave and is believed to be one of the earliest monasteries associated with the Zhangzhung Bon religion. This lake is held in high esteem by Bon followers. On the eastern shore, you will discover Yumbon Monastery alongside the holy mountain Qiongzong.
Lake Serling Tso
Today, we will embark on a journey from Wenbu to Serling Tso for an exciting excursion. Lake Serling Tso, the largest saltwater lake in Tibet, is also among the highest large lakes globally. The water of the lake boasts a stunning deep blue hue and is remarkably clear, framed by magnificent mountains and expansive grasslands. The natural landscape here is truly awe-inspiring, with wild animals often spotted leisurely roaming along the lakeshore, making it an ideal location for sightseeing and photography. As you take a leisurely walk by the lakeside, you will immerse yourself in the serenity and beauty of nature. In the afternoon, we will continue our journey and reach Bango County.
Lake Namtso, Trek at Tashido Island
Starting your journey from Bango to Lake Namtso, take a moment to appreciate the stunning sight of the lake, which appears like a blue gem nestled within the grasslands, from the lofty Lagen La Pass at 5,190 meters. Afterward, make your way down to the lakeshore and climb up to Tashido Island for a more intimate view of the vast lake. Enjoy the refreshing breeze as you observe the vibrant prayer flags dancing along the shores. Take plenty of time to relax or hike around the lake. In the afternoon, make your way back to Lhasa.
Airport/Train Station drop off
Your journey in Tibet officially comes to an end today, and we will be with you as you head to the airport or train station. Thank you for sharing this incredible experience with us in Tibet. We wish you a safe trip ahead!
Prices
| Tour Package | Price: USD/Person | Quantity | Sub-Total |
| Lhasa – Everest – Kailash – Lhasa 14 days | |||
| Single Room Supplement | |||
| Others | |||
| Intotal |
Service
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).
