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10 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp and Namtso Lake Small Group Tour
Duration: 10D/9N


Overview & Highlights

This 10-day Lhasa to Everest Base Camp and Lake Namtso tour is a thrilling odyssey, offering some of the most captivating Tibetan experiences that the region has to offer. Starting from Lhasa, the journey unfolds as you delve into the holy city before embarking on a westward drive to Tingri, the gateway of the Everest region. You will pass through glaciers, lakes, farmlands, villages, and monasteries, reaching the depths of the Himalayas at the Everest Base Camp (5200m). Witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets and gaze upon the stars from the top of the world. Then, you will extend your journey to Damxung Grassland, located 220 kilometers north of Lhasa, where the enchanting Namtso Lake awaits. Marvel at the vastness of Lake Namtso, resembling a sea embraced by the boundless Nyechen Tanglha Mountain. Amidst the grasslands of northern Tibet, encounter scattered local nomads tents, and flocks of yaks and sheep. This is not only an overland journey across the Tibetan Plateau but also an unforgettable experience to discover the breathtaking natural landscapes with the rich tapestry of humanity.

Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa

1. When you arrive in Lhasa, whether by train or flight, our friendly Tibetan guide will greet you with a Hada (the traditional Tibetan ceremonial scarf) and warm blessings.
2. Then, the guide and the driver will take you to your hotel in downtown Lhasa. You may view the Yarlung Tsangpo River/Brahmaputra River (the Longest and largest river in Tibet) and Lhasa River.
3. After settling into your hotel, take some time to rest and adjust to the high altitude.
4. In the afternoon or evening, your guide will meet you with traditional Tibetan gifts, provide travel instructions, and introduce your group members.
5. If you need any help or specific needs, feel free to visit our service center at Lhasa Gang-Gyan Hotel.
6. Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Day 2:Lhasa Tour - Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery (B, D)

1. In the morning, you’ll explore the largest monastery in Tibet - Drepung Monastery, which was once the home to over 10,000 monks. As you walk through the Coqen Hall, your guide will provide detailed explanations of the worldview of Tibetan Buddhism and introduce notable figures in Tibetan Buddhist history.
2. Next, you’ll visit the renowned Loseling College (or an equivalent), offering a glimpse into the study and life of Tibetan monks. Explore their dormitories to gain insights into the Tibetan monks' daily routines and living conditions.
4. In the afternoon, you’ll head to Sera Monastery, another of the ‘great three’ Gelug monasteries of Tibet, to witness the famous Tibetan Monks Debate (15:00 - 17:00, from Monday to Saturday). Your guide will intricately explain how Tibetan monks engage in these debates to acquire knowledge and advance in their academic degrees.
5. After today’s tour, enjoy a welcome dinner with your group members.

Day 3: Lhasa Tour - Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street (B)

1. After breakfast, your first stop is the Potala Palace, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Lhasa Old Town. Discover the lives and stories of the Dalai Lamas through history within the palace, and the extraordinary treasures it holds. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.
2. After touring the Potala Palace, you will visit Longwangtan Park at the foot of the Potala Palace. Here, you can appreciate the majestic Potala Palace from a different perspective and engage in local Tibetan folk activities.
3. In the afternoon, you will head to the heart of Tibetan religion - the Jokhang Temple. Inside you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve. Outside, you can see pilgrims making prostrating in front of Jokhang Temple. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can do kora (a religious circle of a building or mountain) with pilgrims and locals, and explore the old market.
4. Next, follow your guide to one of the liveliest indoor Tibetan tea houses in Lhasa. Sip traditional Tibetan sweet tea alongside local Tibetans as your guide shares insights into Tibetan social dynamics and daily life.
5. Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Day 4: Lhasa to Shigatse via Gyantse (B, L)

1. First, drive over the Gampala pass (4790 m) to catch a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso (4400m). The Yamdrok Lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and in the distance you can have spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar (7191m), the highest mountain near Lhasa. Continue to explore the lakeshore from various viewpoints, and at the end of the lake, you could visit a local family in the village and have lunch with the locals.
2. Next, you will pass and enjoy the Korola Glacier on the roadside. It is the largest glacier in Tibet. As you see the ice tongue of the glacier climb the entire hillside, you will feel the magical power of nature.
3. Then, continue your journey to Gyantse. On the way, you will stop at Simila Mountain Pass, where you can hang prayer flags to pray for world peace and the health of your family.
4. After arriving in Gyantse, you can spend some time taking photos of the ancient city of Gyantse. From Gyantse to Shigatse, you will pass by green (in summer) and golden (in autumn) Tibetan barley fields and countless farms.
5. Finally, we arrive in Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet. After checking in to the hotel, you can take a good rest and prepare for the next day’s trip to Mount Everest.
6. Stay overnight in Shigatse.

Day 5: Shigatse to Everest Base Camp (B)

1. After breakfast, you will head directly to Mount Everest.
2. First, you will pass Gyatsola Pass (5280m). At Gyatsola Pass viewpoint, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest. Hidden behind the mountain range, the Everest resembles a budding lotus flower, a captivating sight along the roadside.
3. Shortly after we enter Mount Everest National Nature Reserve, you will enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayas at Gawula Pass (5198m). At this viewpoint, you will marvel at the majestic lineup of the five highest peaks in the Himalayas, including Everest at the forefront. This is your second glimpse of Everest.
4. Then we drive along the new zigzag road to Everest Base Camp (5000m). As you get close to the base camp, the majestic Everest gradually unfolds before you, drawing nearer with each winding turn. This marks your third view of Everest.
5. Upon reaching Everest Base Camp, the colossal white pyramid peak of Mount Everest stands towering before you. As the day transitions to dusk, witness the golden hues of the sun casting a warm glow on Everest's northern face—your fourth view.
6. As night falls, the sparkling Milky Way and the snow-white peak of Mount Everest reveal your fifth and final encounter with Everest.
7. Stay overnight at Everest Base Camp or in the local village near EBC if the EBC tent hotels are closed during the winter season.

Day 6: EBC to Sakya via Dinggye and return to Shigatse (B,D)

1. In the morning, before departing from the base camp, you will visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest monastery, where nuns and monks live together at 5154 meters above sea level.
2. Then, you'll return to Shigatse via Dinggye, taking an alternative Himalayan route different from the traditional path. Here, you’ll stop at the Dinggye Xilin Viewpoint. You can not only see the majestic eastern slope of the towering Mount Everest again, but also the world's fourth-highest peak, Mount Lhotse, standing at an elevation of 8,516 meters. Additionally, you can enjoy the vast and delightful wetland landscape at the foot of Mount Everest.
3. Next, you’ll make a brief stop in the ancient town of Sakya to stroll around Sakya Ancient Town.
4. Finally, you’ll arrive in Shigatse. Upon arrival, your guide will lead you to a local Langma Hall, a local venue for Tibetan song and dance performances. Here, you can witness the traditional Tibetan performances and celebrate the success of your lifetime Mount Everest journey during dinner with your fellow group members.
5. (Please kindly note: During heavy rain in the summer or snowstorms in the winter, there might be changes to your travel route back to Shigatse from Mount Everest. Instead of passing through Dinggye and Sakya, you may return via Gyawula Pass and Tingri. If this happens, we’ll provide you with a paper notice while you’re in Tibet.)
6. Stay overnight in Shigatse.

Day 7: Shigatse to Lhasa via Nyemo (B)

1. In the morning, we will visit the home of Panchen Lama - Tashilunpo Monastery. The grand and magnificent halls of the largest local monastery occupy the entire hillside. This is the spiritual home of the Tibetan people in Shigatse, housing the world's largest statue of Maitreya Buddha. Inside, you will see monks adorned with yellow hats and red robes, moving about the temple.
2. Next, we will return to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River, the mother river of the Tibetan people.
3. Finally, you will arrive in Lhasa. Enjoy leisure time wandering freely through Barkhor Street, where you can shop for gifts to bring back home for your family.
4. Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Day 8: Lhasa to Namtso Lake to Damxung (B)

1. In the morning, heading north from Lhasa, you’ll pass through the vast prairie in Damxung, where you can see the closest nomads area to Lhasa, with herds of yaks and sheep. Besides, you can also enjoy the view of the Qinghai-Tibet railway against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
2. While crossing the snow-capped Nyenchen Thanglha Mountain Ranges, pause at the renowned Lagenla Pass (5190m) to marvel at the stunning vista of holy Namtso Lake from a distance. Descend the road to reach today’s destination, Namtso Lake, one of the ‘Three Holy Lakes’ in Tibet.
3. Upon reaching the lake, you can enjoy your time doing a leisurely trek around Tashi Dor Island and along the lakeshore. For a panoramic view of Namtso Lake, climb to the top of the hill on Tashi Dor Island, where the circular lake resembles a boundless blue sea surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
4. Marvel at the magical stone pillars and peaks, and explore meditation caves and Buddhist holy sites on the island with your travel guide.
5. After visiting Namtso Lake, you will return to Damxung via the mountain pass.
5. Stay overnight in Damxung.

Day 9: Damxung to Lhasa via Chimelong Nunnery and Tsurphu Monastery (B, L)

1. After breakfast, you will first visit Chimelong Nunnery (Phyirmil Lung Nunnery), the largest nunnery near Lhasa. Roam over the peaceful nunnery and get an idea of different Buddhist studies in Tibet, you may also spot a sky burial site (Tibet funeral site) in the distance.
2. Then, head to Tsurphu Monastery, the oldest monastery in Tibet. It is the seat of the Karmapa branch of the Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism and is also the birthplace of the system of reincarnated living Buddhas in Tibet. Here, you can learn more about the ‘Black Hats', the Karma Kagyupa school of Tibetan Buddhism.
3. During the summertime (June to September), you have the option of enjoying a 'Linka outing' (Tibetan-style picnic) for lunch in the small village at the foot of the hill of Tsurphu Monastery. Alternatively, you can have lunch at the restaurant of Tsurphu Monastery.
4. At the end of the day, return to Lhasa.
5. Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Day 10: Depart from Lhasa (B)

1. Please make sure to verify your departure flight/train details with our guide in advance. And your guide will take you to the airport or train station.
2. Thank you for choosing Tibet Vista, and we extend a warm welcome for your return to Tibet in the future.

Inclusion

  1. Tibet Travel Permit and all required local travel documents for this tour (excluding expedited processing fees);

  2. Local tour transfers, 5-29 seats comfortable tourist vehicle according to the group size.

  3. All entrance ticket fees for all tourist sites listed in the itinerary

  4. All meals listed in the itinerary

  5. Knowledgeable English-speaking Tibetan local tour guide shared in your group (For prices of tour guides in other languages, please inquire)

  6. All hotels listed in the itinerary or equivalent three-star hotels. Upgrades are available for an additional fee. (Single room supplement required when not sharing the room)

  7. Free shuttle between Lhasa Railway Station and the downtown hotel according to your arrival/departure time.

  8. Free shuttle between Lhasa Railway Station/Lhasa Gonggar Airport and the downtown hotel

  9. Service Charge & Government Taxes

  10. Arrangements including planning, handling, operational, and communication charges

  11. Tourist accident/casualty insurance

  12. Additional services include fine Tibetan souvenirs, a tourist map, portable oxygen, medical oxygen in the vehicle, bottled mineral water, and more.

Exclusion

  1. 1. China Visa (If you need visa assistance services, especially for Chinese Group Visa from Nepal to Tibet, feel free to contact us for more details.);
    2.
  2. International flight to and out of China

  3. Domestic flight/train to and out of Lhasa (If you need us to book the domestic flight/train tickets, please contact us for the details.)

  4. Single Room Supplement: Hotels default to double occupancy with twin-bedded rooms. If you prefer a single room or room sharing isn't possible, a single room supplement is necessary. Please consult the travel consultant for specific pricing details.

  5. Meals not listed in the itinerary

  6. Tips for the guide and driver. If you are satisfied with their service, it is suggested to tip $7 (50 RMB) per day per person to be shared between the driver and the guide

  7. Other expenses caused by force majeure events (such as natural disasters, traffic control, loss of valuables, visa delays, flight delays or cancellations, etc.)

  8. Personal expenses, like laundry, phone calls, snacks, soft drinks (please do your best to avoid alcoholic beverages during your Tibet trip), optional tour activities, etc.

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