Arriving in Lhasa, visitors will be greeted by the stunning natural beauty of the Tibetan plateau. The city is situated at an altitude of over 3,686 meters above sea level and is home to many significant cultural and historical sites. Transferring to the hotel catch your first glimpse of the city and its unique architecture, which is heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhism.

Your arrival day is relaxed with no set activities in order to allow your body to adjust to the effects of altitude. A welcome dinner is included this evening.

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

Nechung is a small temple located nearby and is the home of the Nechung Oracle, a medium who is believed to be possessed by a deity and who offers spiritual advice and guidance. He is the personal oracle of the Dalai Lamas.

Sera is another important Gelug monastery located on the norther foothills of 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.

The Potala Palace is a grand and magnificent palace that was once the residence of the Dalai Lamas. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is 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.

The spiritual heart of Tibet is the Jokhang Temple and is full of life as pilgrims bring offerings of butter and barley flour. It is surrounded by the Barkhor pilgrimage circuit which is also a lively shopping precinct.

Second in importance only to the Jokhang, the Ramoche was built to house the Jowo Shakyamuni statue brought by Princess Wenchang as dowry in the C7^th until it was later moved to the Jokhang. Each of these sites holds a unique place in Tibetan Buddhism

Yamdrok Tso is one of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet and is renowned for its stunning blue-green colour and picturesque location surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The lake is a holy site and is an important pilgrimage destination. The road from Lhasa to Gyantse is known for its breath-taking views of the Himalayan range, including several peaks of over 8,000 metres as well traditional villages and farms.

Gyantse is a historic town renowned for its well-preserved architecture and rich cultural heritage. The town is home to several important cultural and religious sites, including the Pelkhor Choede Monastery and the Kumbum Stupa.

Pelkhor Choede is an historic monastery 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. Within the grounds stands the famous 13-storey stupa, the Gyantse kumbum.

After visiting Pelkhor Choede, drive through fertile farmlands and villages to Sakya, which was the seat of political power in central Tibet from the 10^th to mid-14^th century. The fortified monastery, known for its distinctive grey walls, is still head of one of the most important schools of Tibetan Buddhism and is famous for its impressive library of ancient manuscripts and texts.

Get up early to watch and photograph the sunrise on Everest – an experience you will not forget.

Return back along the Friendship Highway to Shigatse, considered Tibet’s second largest city (Nyingchi is rapidly growing to compete).

Shigatse is the site of Tashilumpo Monastery, seat of the Panchen Lama and one of the most important monasteries of the Gelukpa order. The enormous, elaborate reliquary chorten are an incredible sight.

Here there is also the option to visit the local carpet factory where hand-woven carpets are produced using traditional designs.

The day begins with a visit to Tashilumpo Monastery, founded in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama and home to the world's largest gilded bronze statue of the future Buddha, Maitreya.

Then set off back to Lhasa, much of the route following the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra River)

transfer to airport or station for departure.

The day begins with a visit to Tashilumpo Monastery, founded in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama and home to the world's largest gilded bronze statue of the future Buddha, Maitreya.

Then set off north to Yangbajin where you can take a break to enjoy the hot springs before continuing the last 75kms to Damxung for the night.

Today you have a good chance of spotting spot rare wildlife such as Tibetan antelopes, wild yaks and other mountain animals.

Crossing the Largun La (4970m) reach Namtso (4718m) after transferring to the local eco-bus for the last section. The Tibetan Plateau’s second largest saltwater lake, Namtso Chukmo is a spectacular site, dominated by the snow peak of Nyenchen Thanglha, it teems with migratory birds and the cave hermitages at Tashidor are a popular pilgrimage destination. It is no longer permitted to overnight at the lake and the guest houses have been closed.

Return to Lhasa in the late afternoon and enjoy your last night in Lhasa.

transfer to airport or station for departure.