Lhasa-Shigatse-Namtso Lake 8 Days Tour

Day 1: Lhasa arrival

Upon arrival, our guide will be waiting for you at the airport/train station and welcome you and take you back to Lhasa city for check-in. You will see the Yarlung Tsangpo River and Lhasa River on the way back. After you arrive the hotel, the rest day is for you to rest and get acclimatized. If you feel well, it's OK to walk around or nearby but it's suggested to take good rest so you can be prepared for the sightseeing next day.

Day 2: Lhasa city tour

Today we will visit the famous Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery.

Drepung Monastery is the largest of all Tibetan monasteries that housed for more than 10,000 monks. It was the residence of the Dalai Lamas until the Great Fifth Dalai Lama constructed the Potala. It was known for the high standards of its academic study, and was called the Nalanda of Tibet. And then you also can visit the biggest monastery kitchen in the monastery and enjoy Buddhist sculpture carving workshop near Drepung.

Sera Monastery is one of the “great three” Gelug monasteries of Tibet. We will watch the Monks Debate at around 3 - 5 in the afternoon. In addition, you can tour  the Tibetan religious scripture printing house and see three sand Mandalas and colorful Rock Painting of Buddha inside the Monastery.

Optional: If you want to, we can arrange the Wencheng Princess Show at night. Price starting from 60 USD.

Day 3: Lhasa city tour

Today we will visit the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street.

Potala Palace is the winter palace of the Dalai lama. It was put to use since the 7th Century by the 33rd great king of Tibet. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and meditation Cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.

Jokhang Temple is known as the center of the Tibetan Buddhism, features Buddhist prayer wheels, reclining deer, golden sutra streamers. Around the temple, you can see a great many of pilgrims praying in front of the temple. If you want to, we can do kora with local pilgrims.

We will stroll in the old alleys of Barkhor Street where you can drink the sweet tea, chat with locals and even bargain with the street vendors to understand the real life in Lhasa.

Later we will have welcome dinner together with the whole group members.

Day 4: Lhasa-Gyantse-Shigatse

Today we will drive from Lhasa to Shigatse via Gyantse. On the way, we will pass Gangbala Pass and have bird view of the beautiful Yamdrok Lake (1 of 3 Holy Lakes in Tibet). Later on we will pass Karola Glacier and Manda Dam on the roadside. After we arrive in Gyantse, we will visit the famous Pelkor Monastery and enjoy the far view of  Gyantse Fortress.

Day 5: Shigatse-Lhasa

In the morning, we will visit the Tashilunpo Monastery-home of Panchen Lama. You can see the well preserved largest statue of Jampa (future god) in the world. Afterwards we will drive back from Shigatse to Lhasa following  the  Yalong Valley and enjoy the scenery of on the way.

Day 6: Lhasa-Namtso Lake

This morning we will drive from Lhasa to Namtso Lake. It is 1 of 3 holy lakes in Tibet and is the second largest salt lake in China. At an elevation of 4718 meters, it is also the highest altitude salt lake in the world, the furthest depth being more than 33m. On the way to Namtso Lake, you will  see snow-capped Nyenchen Thanglha Mountain Ranges and lots of nomads and their tent with grazing yak and sheep densely-populated on the flourishing grassland ( in summer). Besides, you can enjoy the view of Sky-Road Railway with snow mountain background; while standing at the famous Lagenla Pass(5190m), you can view the stunning vista of holy Namtso Lake. Time permiting, you can do an experience trekking around Tashidor Island along the lakeshore.

Notice: Afterwards we will drive back to Damxung or Yangpachen instead of staying overnight at the lake because starting from 2019, due to the local construction, all guesthouse nearby the lake is tore down for the sake for environmental protection.

Day 7: Damxung/Yangpachen-Lhasa

This morning we will enjoy the hot spring at Yangpachen (Please prepare your own swimming suit). The famous Yangpachen lies on the southern slope of the Nyenchen Tangula Mountains and is famous for its geothermal scenery. Thanks to its special condition, a resort is built here, making having hot spring spa a feasible chance for local people and travelers. After the relaxed spa, we will drive back to Lhasa city.

Day 8: Tibet departure

Our guide will drop you to the airport/train station based on your departure time. Tour ends.