Welcome to Tibet! Upon your arrival, our friendly guide and driver will warmly welcome you at the airport, presenting you with a traditional Tibetan white scarf called "Khata." With just a one-hour drive on the expressway (70 kilometers), the driver will take you to comfortable hotel in downtown Lhasa. After checking in at the hotel, take the time to rest and acclimatize to the altitude (3,650 meters), ensuring a good and healthy start to your journey on the plateau.

Today, you will explore two distinctive Monastery in Lhasa, Drepung and Sera, both offering a unique insight into Tibetan Buddhism. You will visit the Buddhist halls, Buddhist colleges, and the monks' kitchen, witnessing how they engage in special debates to study Buddhist teachings. 

Sera Monastery is renowned for its lively Buddhist debates, showcasing the essence of Tibetan Buddhism. Monks employ exaggerated body language, engaging in dance-like discussions about Buddhist philosophy, demonstrating their knowledge in a spirited manner.

In the evening, the guide will accompany the group to a traditional Tibetan restaurant for a welcome dinner, marking the beginning of your journey in Tibet.

Today, let's explore into the treasures of Lhasa, the Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama and acclaimed as the world's highest palace. The Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street, the Center of Tibetan Faithboth, both designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The Potala Palace, towering majestically over the red hills in the center of Lhasa, was once the religious and political center of Tibet. As you climb the 365 steps to the main building, you'll explore the Dalai Lama's former political hall, the prayer halls, and the tomb stupa. Here, you'll encounter remarkable murals and exquisite Buddha statues, showcasing the accumulated wealth and treasures of ancient Tibet.

The Jokhang Temple, revered for housing the 12-year-old statue of Shakyamuni, is considered the holiest site in Tibet and a lifelong pilgrimage destination for Tibetans. You can join the pilgrims to walk in Barkor street and experience the soul of the city. The guide will also accompany you to a local Tibetan teahouse, offering insight into the social culture.

Drive for approximately 7 to 8 hours (340 kilometers) to reach Shigatse. Along the way, you will visit two breathtaking natural landscapes – Yamdrok Lake and the Karola Glacier. You will enjoy a scenic 20-kilometer drive following the disappearing shoreline of the Lake. We will stop at a village by the lake, where you can walk into the homes of lakeside farmers, explore their households, and indulge in a delightful farmhouse lunch.

After lunch, drive for approximately 1 hour to visit one of Tibet's most beautiful glaciers – the Karola Glacier, the enormous glacier tongue extends to the roadside, resembling a frozen waterfall hanging over the road and above your head.

Following the Karola Glacier, we will pass by Lake Manla and the ancient town of Gyantse, proceed to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet.

After breakfast, we will start a 6.5-hour drive (330 kilometers) to the top of the world – Mount Everest. Along the way, you will visit several viewpoints where you can catch glimpses of Everest. The journey culminates with an overnight stay at Everest Base Camp (EBC).

Departing from Shigatse, you'll be accompanied by rural farmland and villages. Approximately 4 hours into the journey, you'll approach Dingri County, where you'll have your first view of Everest from the Dingri Viewpoint. Upon entering the Everest scenic area, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan range from Gawula Pass. The 7000 to 8000-meter peaks of the Himalayas stand proudly above the sea of clouds, creating a majestic and awe-inspiring spectacle.

Next, you'll proceed on the dedicated road leading to Everest, with the mountain growing larger and closer until you reach the northern face base camp. From the base camp, Everest appears like a colossal pyramid standing before you. We will strive to arrive at Everest Base Camp before sunset, allowing you the opportunity to witness the magnificent natural phenomenon of the sunset casting golden hues upon the mountain.

* During the winter season, when the Everest Base Camp tented lodges are closed, we will relocate accommodations to the nearest village to Everest, Basong Village.

Taking a stroll near the base camp to savor the beautiful moments of the early morning. After breakfast, the guide will take you to visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world's highest-altitude monastery, famous for being the location where the sea waves engulfed the last piece of land in the movie "2012." It is also an excellent vantage point for capturing the natural and cultural landscapes of Mount Everest.

After leaving Everest, we will drive you to the Xilin View point to admire the breathtaking views of the eastern slope of Everest, and Mt. Lhotse, and pass through the ancient town of Sakya before returning to Shigatse.

Upon arriving in Shigatse in the evening, the guide will invite you to share a traditional Tibetan dinner, celebrating the successful completion of the Everest journey. You will have the opportunity to taste local traditional delicacies while enjoying the distinctive folk songs and dances of Shigatse.

On the last morning of your return journey from Everest to Lhasa, you will visit the largest monastery in western Tibet, Tashilhunpo Monastery. It has been the seat of Panchen Lamas and is known for its grand scale and magnificent architecture. It houses the world's largest gilded bronze statue, stupas of the Panchen Lamas, and exquisite Buddhist murals.

After the visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery, we will travel back to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River Valley.

* Depending on the circumstances, We may arrange for guests to return to Lhasa by train.

Departing from Lhasa and heading north, passing through the vast grasslands of Damxung, the journey to the sacred Namtso Lake is a mesmerizing experience. 

The beauty of Damxung grasslands captivates with distant views of the majestic Nyenchen Tanglha snow mountain, herds of cattle and sheep grazing on the meadows, and the smoke rising from the pastoral tents, while a winding river flows through the grassy expanse towards the distance.

Upon reaching Namtso Lake, start by marveling at the breathtaking view of the lake, resembling a blue gem set amidst the grasslands, from the 5,190 meters high Lagen La Pass. Descend to the lakeshore and ascend the scenic Tashido Island for a closer look at the expansive lake. Feel the fresh breeze on the lake, witness the colorful prayer flags fluttering along the shores, and take ample time to rest or hike along the lake. In the afternoon, return to Damxung by sightseeing vehicle.

After concluding our journey to Namtso Lake, we will return to Lhasa. On the way back to Lhasa, we will visit two more cultural landmarks nestled in the valleys.

Chimelong Monastery is the closest large nunnery to Lhasa and the only residence of female practitioners you can visit on this trip. Here, you'll not only encounter numerous practicing nuns but also enjoy the picturesque valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

Tsurphu Monastery is the founding temple of the widely recognized living Buddha system in Tibet. Situated in the elongated Chupu Valley, surrounded by lush green pastures, this distinctive Kagyu sect monastery stands out in Tibet. Here, you might be fortunate enough to witness precious and rare artifacts, including the silver statue of the 8th Karmapa and the relic of the 16th Karmapa's leg bone.Around noon, we will have a farmhouse lunch on the nearby grasslands (or in the monastery's restaurant). Afterwards, we'll return to Lhasa.

Your Tibet journey officially concludes today, and we will accompany you to the airport/train station. We appreciate to spend this wonderful time with us in Tibet. Wishing you a safe journey ahead!