Classic 8-day Tour to Explore the Central Tibet

Attractions and activities: No

Meal: No

Hotel: Hotel in Lhasa

Upon arrival in Lhasa by train or plane, your knowledgeable guide and driver will meet you outside of the airport or the train station and escort you to your hotel. After arriving at your hotel in Lhasa, take a good rest at the hotel and get used to the high altitude. If you want to get out and about, you can head to Potala Palace Square, where you can admire the different colored fountains and get great photos of Potala Palace and its surroundings.

Attractions and activities: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street

Hotel: Hotel in Lhasa

Meals: B&L

Today you will first proceed to Potala Palace, the world’s highest altitude fortress-like complex. It was built by Songtsang Gampo in the 7th century A.D. to welcome Princess Wencheng. The entire palace is built in a distinct Tibetan style in the hillside, and contains the golden pagoda of the true body of the Dalai Lama, as well as precious frescoes, thangkas and Buddha statues.

After lunch, visit the Jokhang Temple, the earliest Buddhist temple built during the Tupo Dynasty. The incense in front of the temple is burning all day long. You can see devotees kowtowing devoutly on the lapis lazuli slabs in front of the gate, and ten thousand ghee lamps long bright, leaving a trail of years and pilgrims. Afterwards, head to Barkhor Street, where you can wander around as much as you like, experiencing the Tibetan culture and admiring the handmade products with ethnic and exotic characteristics.

Attractions and activities: Yambdrok Lake; Karola Glacier; Lake Puma Yumco; Manla Reservoir

Meal: B&L

Hotel: Hotel in Shigatse

After breakfast, head to Yambdrok Lake, which is known as a sacred lake in the sky, where the blue sky and white clouds merge into one, and the picturesque scenery will keep you enchanted for a long time.

During the drive around Yambdrok Lake you will pass through the Karora Glacier. The white glaciers, brown rocks, and melted snow left behind make this place breathtakingly magnificent.

Then head south to visit Lake Puma Yumco, Puma Yumco means maiden in Tibetan, so Lake Puma Yumco is also called Maiden Lake. It is a rare place where fairyland and paradise are not enough to express her beauty, at an altitude of 5010 meters, located in the basin in front of the northern foothills of the Himalayas, surrounded by mountains and open terrain.

Over the Smila Mountains, the Manla Reservoir comes into view, and no one is unmoved by the emerald green waters of the lake between the canyons. Manila Reservoir is a far cry from Yambdrok Lake, but is extremely beautiful.

Afterwards, arrive in Shigatse and check into the hotel to rest.

Attractions and activities: Lhatse County; Jiacuola Snow Mountain, Dingri Couty, Jompo Temple

Meal: B&L

Hotel: Hotel near Jompo Temple

Boarding a car and start your wonderful trip. You will take a car from Shigatse all the way to the monastery at the foot of Everest. We will first arrive in Lhatse County, whose name means “the top of the mountain, the golden peak where the light shines first” in Tibetan. Then drive over the 5220 meters above sea level of Jiacuola Snow Mountain, and arrive at Dingri Couty, located at the foot of Everest in the northern foot of the middle Himalayan Mountains, with rolling hills and lofty snow peaks.

Afterwards, visit the Everest Nature Reserve, the highest altitude in the world, and visit the Jompo Temple, the highest temple in the world at 4900 meters. The image of the white pagoda, the golden sutra-turning tube, and the fluttering sutra flag makes you forget all your thoughts for a moment. Look out at the sunset over Everest in the distance and feel the shock and wash of nature in our hearts. You will stay here tonight and prepare for tomorrow’s spectacular Everest sunrise.

Attractions and activities: Everest Sunrise; Tashilhunpo Monastery

Meal: B&L

Hotel: Hotel in Shigatse

Early in the morning, when the peaks were still slumbering in the dawn, you’ll watch the sunrise over Everest in the distance. Feel the world’s first peak baptize your soul. The year-round snow at the top of Everest, the hanging glaciers and the towering silver peaks form a sacred scene. With the beauty of Everest in mind, you will make your way back to Shigatse.

Then visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, where the sunlight shines through the blue sky and white clouds on the temple’s red eaves, white walls, deep alleyways, the temple is particularly sacred. The buildings inside the temple are basically divided into red and white colors. In the hearts of the Tibetan people, white symbolizes purity and faith. The buildings, painted white on the exterior, are monasteries where the monks live and use. And the exterior walls of the important Buddha Hall are painted red. Red is the color revered by monks and pilgrims, and is also the color of the sacred monk’s uniform.

Attractions and activities: The Nagenla Mountain; Namtso

Meal: B&L

Hotel: Hotel in Namtso

After breakfast, drive to Namtso, the sacred lake, and along the way you will enjoy the stunning views of the Nianchu River. On the way, you’ll also pass The Nagenla Mountain, from which you can look north and see Namtso in a faraway blue shimmering light.

Afterwards arrive in Namtso. Namtso is the highest saltwater lake in the world at an altitude of 4718 meters and the third largest saltwater lake in China. Five islands in the lake stand amidst the blue waves, which Buddhists say are the embodiment of Five Tathagatas. In the evening with family and friends, sit under the vast starry sky, tell your heart’s secrets and enjoy the colorful midnight river of stars before entering a sweet dreamland!

Attractions and activities: Namtso Sunrise; Zhaxi Peninsula

Meal: B&L

Hotel: Hotel in Lhasa

Early in the morning, wait for the first rays of sunlight to rise and watch the gorgeous, spectacular sunrise over the Namtso lake. After watching the sunrise and having breakfast, head to Zhaxi Peninsula. You can enjoy the prayer flags and prayer stones on the island, and you’ll be able to see all of the beautiful views. You can also visit the Zasi Temple on the peninsula, where Tibetans from different pastoral areas gather for pilgrimage. There are also many beautiful caves on the island, and the unique karst landscape is sure to enchant you. Afterwards, drive through Dangxiong County and returned to Lhasa.

After breakfast, pack your bags, make sure you have all your personal belongings with you, and transfer you to Lhasa train station (or airport) and end your pleasant eight-day journey.