Immerse yourself in an epic 9-day adventure through Tibet’s cultural heartland and breathtaking Himalayas. This itinerary weaves together sacred cities, nomadic landscapes, spiritual rituals, high passes, and a journey to Everest Base Camp for a thorough taste of the ultimate Tibetan experience.
Key Highlights
- Explore the historic wonders of Lhasa: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Drepung and Sera Monasteries.
- Discover ancient Yarlung Valley and Tsedang’s Yumbulakang Palace and Samye Monastery, the cradle of Tibetan civilization.
- Marvel at the turquoise beauty of Yamdrok Lake and the mighty Karola Glacier en route to Gyantse and Shigatse.
- Visit Gyantse’s Kumbum Stupa and walk the heritage alleys of Shigatse.
- Experience monastic life and spiritual rituals at Tashilhunpo Monastery.
- Journey to Everest Base Camp, pass Rongbuk Monastery, and soak up views of the world’s highest peak.
9-Day Detailed Itinerary
- Day 1-2: Lhasa Acclimatization & Exploration
Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Kora, Drepung and Sera monasteries, explore streets and local food stalls. - Day 3: Tsedang & Yarlung Valley
Yumbulakang Palace, Samye Monastery—legends and origins of Tibetan civilization. - Day 4: Lhasa to Gyantse
Cross Kamba La Pass, visit Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier. Arrive Gyantse, explore Kumbum Stupa, Palcho Monastery. - Day 5: Gyantse to Shigatse
Scenic drive, visit rural villages, then Shigatse’s Tashilhunpo Monastery and bustling local market. - Day 6: Shigatse to Rongbuk Monastery/Everest Base Camp
Cross high Himalayan passes and remote settlements. Arrive at Rongbuk, world’s highest monastery, and marvel at Everest Base Camp sunset views. - Day 7: Everest Base Camp to Shigatse
Sunrise at Everest, return drive through vast plateaus and mountain vistas. - Day 8: Shigatse to Lhasa via Nomadic Plateau
Paired with stops at sacred lakes, grazing yaks, and panoramic viewpoints. - Day 9: Departure
Final hours for reflection or shopping in Lhasa’s Barkhor Market before airport/train station drop-off.
Travel Tips
- Pack warm clothing, durable shoes, and sun protection for fluctuating high-altitude weather.
- Allow ample time to acclimatize; drink water and rest on arrival.
- Secure all required permits for regions outside Lhasa and Everest Base Camp in advance.
- Respect sacred spaces—ask before taking photos in monasteries and during rituals.
- Try local specialties, from yak butter tea to Tibetan noodles, and embrace slow travel in highland villages.