Day 1 – Arrival in Lhasa

Lhasa is the capital of Tibet and is located at an altitude of 3,650 metres. Because of its remoteness it has long been a ‘must see’ place for adventurous travellers. It has over 1300 years of cultural and spiritual history and is a centre for Tibetan and Buddhist culture in China.
Upon arrival at Gongkar Airport you will be met by your local guide and driver. The airport is located 70 kilometres from Lhasa so you will have the opportunity to enjoy some magnificent scenery on the way to your hotel. The remainder of the day is for relaxing and acclimatizing to the altitude. Drink plenty of water and don’t overexert yourself, including showering. Eat only a light meal and have plenty of rest. This is crucial to acclimatizing to the high altitude.
If you are arriving by train then the transfer to your hotel only takes about twenty minutes. Please read the inclusions for information about the free airport/railway transfers.

Overnight in Lhasa. (3658m)

Meals: No meals provided.

Day 2 – Lhasa

Attractions: Drepung Monastery OR Drak Yerpa, Sera Monastery(Please note that the operators retain the right to choose which attraction is visited.)

Your day’s tour will begin at Drepung Monastery, the largest of all Tibetan monasteries which at its peak was the largest monastery of any religion in the world with 7,700 monks in attendance. Dating from 1416 it was known for its high standards of academic excellence.

Alternatively you will visit the Drak Yerpa Caves which is over the Nachanla Pass (4500m). This is one of the holiest sites around Lhasa and was built by Songtsan Gampo (the first king of a united Tibet) to honour his wife in the 7th century. At one time there were 108 mediatation caves and 300 monks in the area. There is a famous Tibetan saying – “Lhasa is the shrine of Tibet and Drak Yerpa is the shrine of Lhasa. Not seeing Drak Yerpa in Lhasa is like making a dress without a collar.”

Gradually small temples were built around the original caves and you can climb up the hillside to visit them. You might need to walk slowly as the altitude is higher here than in Lhasa. Besides visiting the temples you can admire the stunning view back down the valley.

Today’s tour concludes at the magnificent Sera Monastery. The main attraction here is watching the debating monks. Every weekday afternoon there is a debate about Buddhist doctrines in the shady courtyard behind the main temple. The red robed monks gather in small groups to practice their debating skills in a very dynamic and lively manner. Tourists are welcome to watch quietly and respectfully from the edges.

In the evening a welcome dinner will be provided where you will have the chance to get to know the rest of your tour group better.

NB Because of the altitude the Tibetan sunshine is very strong. Make sure that you bring plenty of sun protection including hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Overnight in Lhasa

Meals: Breakfast at your hotel, dinner.

Day 3 – Lhasa

Attractions: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
No tour to Lhasa is complete without visiting the Potala Palace and that is where your tour will begin today. The Potala Palace is one of world’s most famous buildings and it is an impressive sight as it towers above Lhasa. The Red Palace contains various chapels and mausoleums for previous Dalai Lamas while the White Palace was the living quarters for successive Dalai Lamas and their tutors. Altogether it is a vast awe inspiring maze of corridors and rooms full of articles pertaining to Tibetan history, religion, culture and arts.

The Jokhang Temple is Tibet’s spiritual centre and the ultimate pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Buddhists. It was originally built in 647AD and has been added to over the years making it a mix of Han, Tibetan and Nepalese architectural styles. You will see many pilgrims prostrating themselves at the entrance.

Finish your day with a lap around the Barkor Street ‘kora’ or pilgrim circuit. It is a photographer’s paradise with marvellous wares for sale to crowds of exotically dressed pilgrims. Spiritual souvenirs and pilgrim accessories line the circuit and you can buy anything Tibetan from yak butter to prayer flags and turquoise jewellery. It is a place you can return to again and again for continually changing experiences. Out of respect for the pilgrims you should always move in a clockwise direction.

Overnight in Lhasa

Meals: Breakfast at your hotel

Day 4 – Lhasa to Gyantse

Attractions: Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, Pelkor Chöde Monastery and Gyantse Kumbum
This morning’s drive takes you beside Yamdrok Lake, one of the three holiest lakes in Tibet. The scenery is stunning as the lake is surrounded by snowcapped peaks and there are numerous islands. According to local mythology the lake is the transformation of a goddess. At one end is a power station which is not only the largest in Tibet but also the highest in the world. It takes about half an hour to drive beside the lake. You can stop here to walk to the lake’s shore and take photos. Next we drive through Karo La Pass at 5100 metres. This is another photo opportunity as it overlooks the Mt Nyenchen Kangsar Glacier.

At Gyantse you will visit the Gyantse Kumbum which is the most famous and spectacular kumbum in the region. A kumbum is a type of multi-storied Tibetan chapel which represents a three dimensional path to the Buddha’s enlightenment. This one has multiple levels and 108 small chapels.

Overnight in Gyantse

Meals: Breakfast at your hotel

Day 5 – Gyantse to Shigatse

Attractions: Tashilhunpo Monastery
On your arrival at Shigatse it is necessary to apply for the Alien’s Travel Permit with your original passport. This usually takes about thirty minutes.

Then you will visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery. It was founded in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama and is one of the six big monasteries of the Gelugpa or Yellow Hat sect in Tibet. It is the seat of the Panchen Lama, the second ranking person after the Dalai Lama. There you will find the biggest copper stature in the world and amazing murals. Make sure you walk around the Kora (pilgrimage path) for a great hike with panoramic views.

Overnight at Shigatse

Meals: Breakfast at your hotel

Day 6 – Shigatse to Everest Base Camp (10 to 12 hours driving)

Attractions: Gyastsola Pass, Gawu La Pass, Rongbuk Monastery, Everest Base Camp

There is lots of driving today as the road climbs upward towards Mt Everest and through two high passes. There will be photo stops at Gyastola Pass (5200m) and Gawu La Pass (5250m). At Gawu La pass you can see the spectacular panorama of the Himalayan Range and the glorious peaks of Mt. Makalu (8463m), Mt. Lotse (8516m), Mt. Everest (8844m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8201m) and Mt. Shishapama (8020m) – from left to right in your view at the pass.

Because of Tibet’s rigorous speed limits on these roads the journey takes a long time so it is worth bringing some snacks along.

You will arrive at Rongbuk Monastery in the late afternoon from where there is a fantastic the view of Mt Everest. If you wish to visit inside Rongbuk Monastery there is an extra fee of 25 RMB. At around 5,000m it is the highest monastery in the world and has amazing views of the north face of Everest. Both monks and nuns live here in the same monastery and celebrate the Buddhist festivals together.

If it is summer time (usually May – Oct) you will carry on the last few kilometers to Everest Tent Camp to stay the night but if it is winter time (usually Nov – Apr) you will stay at Rongbuk Monastery’s guesthouse. Both places only offer dorm bed lodging but they also offer glorious Everest sunset views if the weather is good.

NOTE: It may be worth your while to bring an extra sleeping bag if you can as the nights are very cold here. A good torch is essential and also some food to supplement what is on offer.

Overnight in Rongbuk/Tent Camp, Dorm bed

Meals: Breakfast at your hotel

Day 7 – Everest Base Camp to Zhangmu

Attractions: Everest Base Camp, Zhangmu

From Everest Tent Camp you have to take a special shuttle bus for the final four kilometres to Everest Base Camp at 5150m where there is a small army base and the north face of Mt Everest dominates the skyline.You can climb a small hill festooned with prayer flags to have your photo taken at the base camp marker which reads – Mt Qomolangma Base Camp. Although the views are amazing the air is thin and the wind is often cold. Be prepared.

The rest of the day will be spent driving to Zhangmu with spectacular scenery all around.

Overnight at Zhangmu.

Meals: No meals provided. Buy a local Tibetan breakfast for about 30 RMB or it is recommended that you bring your own food.