Tibet
10 days
✨ Lhasa, Shigatse, Everest Basecamp
Yamdrok & Namtso Lakes ✨
Type: Sightseeing, no hiking
Dates: November 10
🤩
Explore Tibet's wonders with this itinerary,
featuring iconic sites and cultural experiences.
Witness the grandeur of Potala Palace,
the sacred Yamdrok Lake, Karo Glacier,
and the majestic Mt. Everest from the Basecamp.
Delve into local traditions
by joining pilgrims at Jokhang Temple,
dancing with locals at a local Park,
and unwinding in an authentic local teahouse.
Local Immersion
We've specially arranged a selection of local activities to bring you closer to the Tibetan culture. Join local Buddhist pilgrims for a kora around the Jokhang Temple, dance alongside the Tibetans at Dragon King Pond Park, and enjoy sweet tea in bustling local teahouses. These experiences are your gateway to understanding the vibrant social culture of the Tibetan community.
Local Family Visit
As you travel past the stunning Yamdrok Lake, we've designed a relaxing and enjoyable excursion for you. Take in the breathtaking panoramic views from a nearby mountaintop, get up close to the lake's edge for a serene waterside experience , and conclude with a visit to a local farmhouse at the far end of the lake. Here, you'll have the chance to step into the daily life of a Tibetan farmer, adding a unique and authentic touch to your journey.
Everest Basecamp
The highlight of this trip is Everest Base Camp, perched at 5200 meters. Behold the towering north face of Mount Everest, which turns into a golden pyramid at sunset, bathing in a glowing light. You will spend the night near the base camp and have the opportunity to stare at the sky. If the weather allows, you'll be amazed by the magnificent Milky Way.
Overview
🌟Day 1: Lhasa arrival
🌟Day 2: Lhasa sightseeing
Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery & monks' debate, Tibetan dinner
🌟Day 3: Lhasa sightseeing
Potala Palace & Jokhang Temple, Barkor Street, Tibetan teahouse
🌟Day 4: Lhasa > Shigatse
Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, Tibetan farmhouse
🌟Day 5: Shigatse to EBC
Everest Basecamp, Himalayan views
🌟Day 6: EBC > Shigatse
Rongbuk Monastery, dinner with dance performance
🌟Day 7: Shigatse > Lhasa
Tashilunpo Monastery
🌟Day 8: Lhasa > Namtso Lake > DumXung
Namtso Lake
🌟Day 9: DumXung-Lhasa
Chimelong Nunnery, Tsurphu Monastery
🌟Day 10: Lhasa departure
The Trip in Photos
Itinerary
Meeting Point and Drop-off Point: Lhasa, Tibet.
Day 1
Arrive in Lhasa
Welcome to Tibet! Upon arrival, our welcoming guide and driver will greet you at the airport* with a traditional Tibetan "Khata" scarf. A swift one-hour drive (about 70 km) on the expressway will bring you to your comfortable hotel in Lhasa's downtown area.
Once you've checked in, we recommend taking some time to rest and acclimatize to the local altitude of 3,650 meters, ensuring a smooth start to your adventure on the plateau.
If you feel like going out, you can walk to Potala Square and get amazing photos of the Potala Palace and its surroundings.
*Free airport pickup is available at 10h, 13h30, 16h and 18h30. If you don't want to wait or your flight arrives after the last shuttle you can book a private pickup (∼400 rmb).**If you arrive by train, train station pickup is also included.
🔼 Altitude: 3,650m
🚗 Drive: 70km, ∼1h drive
🍽️ Meals: /
🛏️ Accommodation: local 4* hotel
Lhasa Gang-Gyan Hotel or similar
Day 2
Lhasa Sightseeing
Drepung & Sera Monasteries
Today's journey takes you to two remarkable monasteries in Lhasa - Drepung and Sera Monastery. These sites offer a deep dive into the heart of Tibetan Buddhism. You'll explore various aspects of monastery life, from the grand Buddhist halls and scholarly colleges to the humble monks' kitchen. Witness the unique tradition of monk debates, a dynamic and engaging method of studying Buddhist teachings.
At Sera Monastery, get ready for an energetic display of Buddhist debates. Monks here are known for their lively discussions, using vibrant body language almost like a dance, as they delve into the complexities of Buddhist philosophy.
To cap off the day, enjoy an authentic Tibetan experience with a welcome dinner at a traditional local restaurant.
🔼 Altitude: 3,650m
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
🛏️ Accommodation: local 4* hotel
Lhasa Gang-Gyan Hotel or similar
Day 3
Lhasa Sightseeing
Potala palace & Jokhang temple
Today, start by participating in Tibetan local folk activities in a local park. Then, let's explore the treasures of Lhasa, starting with the renowned Potala Palace, once the Dalai Lama's residence and the world's highest palace. As you climb the 365 steps to the main building, you'll discover the palace's history and its impressive murals and Buddha statues, reflecting ancient Tibetan wealth and culture.
Next, we'll visit the sacred Jokhang Temple, home to a revered 12-year-old statue of Shakyamuni. It's considered the holiest site in Tibet, and you can experience the city's soul by joining pilgrims on Barkhor Street.
Our guide will also take you to a local Tibetan teahouse, offering insight into Tibetan social culture. It's a unique way to immerse yourself in Lhasa's vibrant traditions.
🔼 Altitude: 3,650m
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Tea at the Tibetan teahouse
🛏️ Accommodation: local 4* hotel
Lhasa Gang-Gyan Hotel or similar
Day 4
Lhasa > Shigatse
via Gyantse
Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier
Embark on a scenic drive to reach Shigatse. En route, you'll have the opportunity to explore two awe-inspiring natural wonders – Yamdrok Lake & the Karola Glacier.
The drive includes a picturesque 20-kilometer stretch along the shoreline of Yamdrok Lake. We'll make a stop at a lakeside village, providing you with the chance to step into the homes of local farmers, discover their way of life, and savor a delightful farmhouse lunch.
Afterward, continue your journey for approximately 1 hour to witness one of Tibet's most stunning sights – the Karola Glacier. This massive glacier extends right to the roadside, resembling a frozen waterfall hanging over the road and above your head.
As we move past the Karola Glacier, we'll also pass by Lake Manla and the historic town of Gyantse before reaching Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet.
🔼 Altitude: 3,650m / 5,030m / 3,600m
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Farmhouse lunch
🚗 Drive: 360km, ∼8h drive
🛏️ Accommodation: local 4* hotel
Shigatse Shiga-Yangcha Hotel or similar
Day 5
Shigatse > Rongpuk
Everest Base Camp
After enjoying breakfast, we'll drive to Mount Everest Basecamp. On the way, there will be various viewpoints that offer glimpses of this iconic peak.
Leaving Shigatse, your journey will take you past picturesque rural farmlands and quaint villages. Around 4h, you'll reach Dingri County, offering your first glimpse of Mt Everest from the Dingri Viewpoint.
As you enter the Everest scenic region, prepare to be captivated by the stunning panoramas of the Himalayas from Gawula Pass. The towering Himalayan peaks, ranging from 7000 to 8000 meters, present a truly majestic and awe-inspiring vista.
Continuing on the dedicated road leading to Everest, the mountain will steadily grow larger and nearer until you finally arrive at the northern face base camp. From this vantage point, Mount Everest will appear as a colossal pyramid, standing proudly before you.
We'll aim to reach Everest Base Camp before sunset, allowing you the extraordinary opportunity to witness the mountain bathed in golden hues as the sun sets, creating a mesmerizing natural phenomenon.
The highlight will be spending the night at Everest Base Camp (EBC).
🔼 Altitude: 3,600m / 4300m / 5200m
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast
🚗 Drive: 340km, ∼8h
🛏️ Accommodation: Dorm bed
Rongpuk Guest House or similar
Day 6
EBC > Shigatse
Take a morning walk around the base camp to enjoy the early moments of the day. After breakfast, your guide will lead you to visit Rongbuk Monastery, known as the world's highest-altitude monastery. You might recognize it as the place where the sea waves covered the last piece of land in the movie "2012." It's also an excellent spot to capture the stunning natural and cultural beauty of Mount Everest.
Leaving Everest behind, we'll drive you to the Xilin Viewpoint, where you can admire breathtaking views of the eastern slope of Everest and Mount Lhotse. We'll also pass through the ancient town of Sakya before returning to Shigatse.
In the evening, upon reaching Shigatse, your guide will invite you to partake in a traditional Tibetan dinner to celebrate the successful completion of your Everest journey. This is a fantastic opportunity to savor local traditional dishes while enjoying the unique folk songs and dances of Shigatse.
🔼 Altitude: 5,200m / 4,300m / 3,600m
🍽️ Meals: Dinner with dance performance
🚗 Drive: 360km, ∼8h drive
🛏️ Accommodation: local 4* hotel
Shigatse Shiga-Yangcha Hotel or similar
Day 7
Shigatse > Lhasa
Today, you'll explore the largest monastery in western Tibet, Tashilhunpo Monastery. This monastery has served as the seat of the Panchen Lamas and is renowned for its grand size and stunning architecture. Inside, you'll find the world's largest gilded bronze statue, stupas dedicated to the Panchen Lamas, and exquisite Buddhist murals.
Following your visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery, we'll make our way back to Lhasa, following the scenic Yarlung Tsangpo River Valley. (Note that depending on the circumstances, the return to Lhasa may be arranged by train.)
🔼 Altitude: 3,650m
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast
🚗 Drive: 280km, ∼5h drive
🛏️ Accommodation: local 4* hotel
Lhasa Gang-Gyan Hotel or similar
Day 8
Lhasa > Namtso Lake
Today, we're setting off for Namtso. Prepare to be enchanted by the Damxung grasslands, where the majestic Nyenchen Tanglha snow-capped mountains serve as a stunning backdrop. Picture herds of livestock dotting the meadows, pastoral tents sending up plumes of smoke, and a meandering river cutting through the grasslands into the horizon.
Once we arrive at Namtso Lake, get ready for your breath to be taken away by the sight from the Lagen La Pass, standing at 5,190 meters. The lake appears as a dazzling blue jewel nestled among the grasslands. We'll make our way down to the shore before climbing up Tashido Island for an up-close view of this vast body of water. Enjoy the cool lake breeze, the dance of colorful prayer flags by the shore, and take your time to either rest or explore the lake's perimeter.
Later in the afternoon, we'll head back to Damxung.
🔼 Altitude: 3,650m-4,200m-4700m
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast
🚗 Drive: 340km, ∼6h drive
🛏️ Accommodation: local hotel
Pema Hotel or similar
Day 9
> Lhasa
Today, we will be heading back to Lhasa. En route, we'll dive into two more cultural treasures hidden within the valleys.
First up is Chimelong Monastery, the nearest major nunnery to Lhasa and the sole nunnery accessible during our journey. It's a unique chance to meet many practicing nuns and soak in the stunning views of valleys framed by snow-draped mountains.
Next, we explore Tsurphu Monastery, a cornerstone in the history of Tibet's recognized reincarnation system. Nestled in the verdant Chupu Valley and distinguished by its status within the Kagyu sect, Tsurphu is a beacon of Tibetan Buddhism. Here, you may get the rare opportunity to see invaluable artifacts, such as the silver statue of the 8th Karmapa and the relic of the 16th Karmapa's leg bone.
Come noon, we'll have lunch at a local farmhouse (or possibly at the monastery's own dining spot) before making our way back to Lhasa.
🔼 Altitude: 4,200m-3650m
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
🚗 Drive: 220km, ∼4h drive
🛏️ Accommodation: local 4* hotel
Lhasa Gang-Gyan Hotel or similar
Day 10
Lhasa Departure
Today marks the official end of your Tibet journey, and we will be there to accompany you to the airport or train station. We're grateful for the wonderful time you've spent with us in Tibet and wish you a safe journey ahead!
*Free airport dropoff is available at 06h30, 8h and 12h. If you don't want to wait or your flight arrives after the last shuttle you can book a private pickup (∼400 rmb).
🔼 Altitude: 3,650m
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast
🚗 Drive: 70km, ∼1h drive
🛏️ Accommodation: /
Other Info
Price
Nov 01 - Dec 31: 8590rmb
> single room: +950rmb
🤩 Get 150rmb discount each
if you sign up with a friend!
Deposit: 3000RMB
Balance: to be paid 7 days before departure
- Accepted payment methods: Alipay, Wechat, or Bank transfer.
2024 Departure Dates
Nov: 10
Booking procedure
1/ Select date, transfer 2000rmb prepayment
2/ Provide all the documents (2-4 weeks before departure)
3/ M2 submit the permit application (usually takes 5-10 working days)
4/ Permit is issued (sometimes can be issued only 3-7 days before departure)
5/ Permit will be sent by Kuaidi delivery to your address if you plan to arrive to Tibet by flight.
Documents needed
1/Copy of passport
2/Copy of Visa
3/ Proof-of-stay letter (we can provide a template).
⚠️ Please note that we are currently not habilitated to apply for diplomatic and most service passports/visas.
*Tibet travel policies change often. Contact us to be updated with the latest regulations.
Including
- Documents: Tibet travel permit
- Airport pickup and dropoff on given time (Airport Pick-up Schedule: 10:00, 13:30, 16:00 and 18:30; Airport Drop-off Schedule : 06:30, 08:00, 12:00)
- Transportation: comfortable Tourist Vehicle
- Transportation: eco-bus at the basecamp
- Guide: English-speaking Tibetan local tour guide
- Accommodation x7 nights: See hotels details below. Shared room for 2 persons except at EBC (dorm-style).*
- Meals: Breakfasts x8 (day 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10)
- Meals: Lunch x2 (day 4, 9)
- Meals: Tea x1 (day 3)
- Meals: Dinner x2 (day 2, 6)
- Entrance ticket fees for all tourist sites listed in the itinerary
- Oxygen: Oxygen bottle provided during the tour if necessary
-Insurance: travel accident insurance
⚠️Price is based on shared room occupancy, please let us know your sharing preferences upon signing up. If you're a solo traveler or don't have another person to share the room with, M2adventure will do its best to help find a roommate whenever possible but if no one is available to share, please note that you will have to take the single room supplement (see price below). Thank you for your understanding.< /span>
Hotels
Lhasa: Local 4*
Gangjian Hotel or similar
Shigatse: Local 4*
Shiga Grand Hotel
EBC: humble accomodation tenthouse
*Photos are for reference only. The actual rooms might look slightly different.
Optional upgrade: Please ask M2 staff for the price if you want a hotel upgrade.
Lhasa: Tangka Hotel 4*
Lhasa: Atour Hotel 4*
Lhasa: Intercontinental Hotel 5*
Lhasa Shangri-la Hotel 5*
Lhasa: St. Regis Resort 5*
Shigatse: Schery Hotel 4*
Shigatse: Hilton Hotel 5*
Excluding
- Flight or train to and out of Tibet
- Meals not mentioned in included (most meals are about 30-100rmb/meal)
- Tips to tour guide and driver
- Single Room Supplement
- Personal expenses
Other Tibet Tour You May Like
Click on the pictures below for the detailed itinerary.
Cancellation policy
Cancellation fee
- Between booking and 15 days prior to departure: 300rmb
- Between 14 and 5 days prior to departure: 2000rmb
- Between 4 and 1 days prior to departure: 50% of the price
- On departure day or no-show: 100% of the price
Cancellation Policy
If the weather is terrible and represents a risk to people's safety, or if there is any government restriction we would cancel the trip and refund the deposit. Note that we are NOT responsible for flight cancellation fees. This would need to be dealt with the airline company directly.
⚠️ Important notes:
- If the permit is not approved or if there are some changes of regulations from the government and the trip cannot happen, the trip prepayment will be fully refunded (we do not cover flights/train ticket cancellation fees).
Disclaimer
All forms of outdoor recreation (including hiking) have a higher level of risk than most ordinary activities.
By participating in M2adventure's hike, you acknowledge and accept the responsibility for making your own determinations as to the suitability of the activity and for their own safety, conduct, and well-being and agrees to participate solely at your own risk.
M2adventure, its organizer & hike leaders will not be held responsible for any loss or injury which you may sustain as a result of your participation in any of these activities. This trip is hosted and operated by Tibet Vista Tour co.,Ltd.
