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Tibet – Everest & Namtso

Tibet – Everest & Namtso

Lhasa - Gyantse - Sakya - Mt Everest - Shigaste - Yanbaijin - Namtso - Lhasa

Duration

10 days

What you will See & Do

Be awestruck by the Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple, explore the great monastic universities of Drepung and Sera and top it off with a traditional Tibetan buffet dinner and cultural show. Make spectacular drive over high passes to the historic trading centre of Gyantse with its famous 'kumbum' and hill-top fort. Overnight at Rombuk with stunning Everest views - then Lake Namtso is a fascinating world of migratory birds, cave hermitages and pilgrims.

Continue your journey to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet, and visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama. From there, explore the stunning natural scenery of the Yamdrok Lake, one of the three holiest lakes in Tibet. Take a scenic drive through picturesque villages and pristine valleys and experience the unique culture and lifestyle of the Tibetan people. In the evenings, relax in comfortable accommodations and enjoy traditional Tibetan hospitality, including butter tea and yak meat dishes.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Lhasa—transfer to hotel

Upon your arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.

Day 2: Lhasa sightseeing—visit Drepung Monastery, Nechung Oracle Temple & Sera Monastery

Drepung Monastery is one of the three most important Gelug monasteries in Tibet and was founded in the 15th century. The monastery houses a large collection of Buddhist scriptures, artifacts, and artwork, and is known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

Nechung Oracle Temple is a smaller temple located within the Drepung Monastery complex and is known for its association with the Nechung Oracle, a medium who is believed to be possessed by a deity and can offer spiritual advice and guidance to visitors.

Sera Monastery is another important Gelug monastery located in Lhasa and is known for its vibrant debating culture. Monks at Sera engage in lively philosophical debates on Buddhist doctrine, which can be fascinating to observe.

Day 3: Lhasa sightseeing - visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple & Barkhor area. Option to add Ramoche

Potala Palace is a grand and magnificent palace that was once the residence of the Dalai Lama. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered to be one of the most important cultural and religious sites in Tibet. The palace is famous for its stunning architecture and artwork, as well as its historical and political significance.

Jokhang Temple is another important religious site in Lhasa and is located in the heart of the city. The temple houses many precious Buddhist relics and is a popular destination for pilgrims from all over Tibet.

Barkhor area is a bustling commercial and residential area that surrounds Jokhang Temple. It is famous for its traditional architecture and is a popular spot for shopping, eating, and sightseeing.

Ramoche is a smaller temple located near Jokhang Temple and is also considered to be an important religious site in Lhasa. It houses a precious statue of the Buddha and is known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere.

Day 4: drive to Gyantse via Yamdrok Lake

Yamdrok Lake is one of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet and is renowned for its stunning blue-green color and picturesque location surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The lake is considered to be a holy site by Tibetan Buddhists and is an important pilgrimage destination. The road from Lhasa to Gyantse is known for its breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountain range, including several peaks that are over 8,000 meters tall. Along the way, visitors will have the opportunity to see traditional Tibetan villages and witness local customs and traditions.

Gyantse is a historic town in Tibet that is known for its well-preserved architecture and rich cultural heritage. The town is home to several important cultural and religious sites, including the Pelkor Chode Monastery and the Kumbum Stupa.

Day 5: visit Pelkor Choede - to Sakya & visit Gompa

Pelkor Choede Monastery is located in Gyantse and is a historic monastery that is known for its unique blend of Tibetan and Nepalese architectural styles. The monastery is home to many important religious and cultural artifacts, including several murals and statues that are hundreds of years old. After visiting Pelkor Choede, the trip continues to Sakya, which is a small town in Tibet that is home to the Sakya Monastery. The Sakya Monastery is one of the most important monasteries in Tibet and is known for its distinctive gray walls and many precious Buddhist relics. Visitors can also see the impressive library, which contains ancient manuscripts and texts.

On the way to Sakya, visitors will have the opportunity to stop at a Gompa, which is a small Tibetan Buddhist temple. These temples are often located in remote and scenic locations and offer visitors a chance to experience the peaceful and spiritual atmosphere of Tibetan Buddhism.

Day 6: drive to Rombuk & Everest

The drive to Rongbuk Monastery and Mount Everest is a challenging yet rewarding journey that passes through some of the most stunning landscapes in Tibet. The journey involves driving on rough terrain and navigating high-altitude mountain passes, with several opportunities to stop and take in the breathtaking views of the Himalayan range.

The drive from Rongbuk Monastery to Mount Everest Base Camp takes visitors through a spectacular landscape of snow-capped peaks and glacier-fed rivers. Upon reaching the base camp, visitors can take in stunning views of Mount Everest and its neighboring peaks, as well as experience the unique atmosphere of this remote and historic location.

Day 7: Drive to Shigatse

The road trip from Lhasa to Shigatse covers a distance of approximately 270 kilometers and takes around 5 hours to complete, depending on road and weather conditions. The route passes through several small towns and villages, as well as scenic mountain passes and valleys.

Shigatse is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to several important religious and historical sites. The most famous of these is the Tashilhunpo Monastery, which was founded in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama. The monastery is known for its stunning architecture, impressive statues, and ancient scriptures, and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Tibetan Buddhism.

Day 8: visit Tashilumpo - drive to Damxung via Yabbaijin

The journey begins with a visit to the Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, which is one of the most important and largest monasteries in Tibet. The monastery is known for its stunning architecture, ancient scriptures, and impressive statues, including the world's largest gilded bronze statue of the future Buddha, Maitreya.

After visiting Tashilhunpo, the road trip continues through the Yabbaijin pass, which is known for its stunning views of the Himalayan mountain range and pristine lakes. The pass also offers an opportunity to spot rare wildlife such as Tibetan antelopes, wild yaks, and other mountain animals.

Day 9: drive & visit Namtso – return to Lhasa

The journey begins with a scenic drive from Lhasa to Namtso Lake, which is located at an altitude of over 4,700 meters above sea level and is considered one of the highest lakes in the world. The lake is surrounded by stunning snow-capped mountains and is known for its crystal-clear waters, which reflect the surrounding landscape like a mirror.

Visitors can take a leisurely walk around the lake, explore the nearby hills, and visit the nearby Tashi Dor Monastery, which is a popular destination for Buddhist pilgrims. The monastery is known for its stunning architecture and is home to several ancient scriptures and artifacts.

After visiting Namtso Lake, the road trip returns to Lhasa, allowing visitors to experience the stunning landscapes and cultural heritage of Tibet along the way.

Day 10: transfer to airport & depart

After all the trips you will respectively be transferred to the airport for your departure.

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