Private 10-Day Tour in Snowy Plateau Tibet

A dedicated car will transport you to Chengdu Airport to catch the designated flight to Lhasa. Upon arrival in Lhasa, a driver will greet you at the airport, present a Hada (traditional Tibetan ceremonial scarf), and drive you to the city center. The journey takes approximately 1 hour, during which you can enjoy the picturesque views of the Yarlung Tsangpo River and the rural villages along the Lhasa River. Once you reach the city center, you will check into your hotel to rest and acclimatize to the high- altitude climate. It is important to take plenty of rest and limit physical exertion as Lhasa is situated at an elevation of 3650 meters.

You will visit the world-renowned Potala Palace, which is situated on Marpo Ri Hill in the center of Lhasa. It is a palace-like architectural complex that stands as a witness to the history of Tibet. The experience of being in this palace evokes a sense of devotion and awe. During the peak travel season, due to capacity limitations, the Potala Palace restricts the number of daily visitors and divides them into two routes: Route 1 and Route 2. We ensure that our group members visit the classic Route 1. The Jokhang Temple, also known as Tsuklakang, holds a history of over 1300 years and occupies the supreme position in Tibetan Buddhism. It is the most magnificent architectural structure that has survived from the Tubo period in Tibet. The Barkhor Street that surrounds the Jokhang Temple is not only a market for the free trade of goods and commodities but also bears deep imprints of devout pilgrims prostrating themselves along its path.

In the morning, you will visit the Drepung Monastery located to the west of Lhasa. "Drepung" in Tibetan means "piled-up rice," symbolizing prosperity. The monastery was founded in 1416 by Jamyang Qoigyi Nyima, a disciple of the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, Tsongkhapa. The monastery is grand in scale, with a series of buildings in red and white, nestled against the mountainside. It is the largest monastery in Tibetan Buddhism. In the afternoon, at Barkhor Street in Lhasa, you will have the opportunity to change into Tibetan costumes and have a photoshoot with a photographer. The package includes the option to choose one set of Tibetan clothing, makeup, 40 film shots, and professional editing of 10 selected photos.

After breakfast, you will embark on a drive towards the cultural center of the eastern Tibet region, and the second-largest city in Tibet, Shigatse. Along the way, you will cross the 4,900-meter-high Gangbala Mountain, offering a panoramic view of Yamdrok Lake, one of the three sacred lakes in Tibet. Yamdrok Lake is a unique scenic area that combines highland lakes, snow-capped mountains, islands, pastures, hot springs, wildlife, and temples. As you continue along the lake, you will appreciate the stunning views of the Manla Reservoir and have a distant view of the Karola Glacier (recommended for a better view). Upon arrival in Shigatse, you will visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, which blends Tibetan, Han, and Indian architectural styles. In the evening, you will reach Shigatse, situated at an altitude of 3,700 meters.

After breakfast, you will visit the Zhaxi Lhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas. Zhaxi Lhunpo Monastery is one of the six major monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism and is known for its grand architecture. It is also the largest monastery in the rear part of Tibet. Next, you will drive to the Everest Base Camp area to truly experience the awe-inspiring beauty of "body in hell, eyes in heaven." The 120-kilometer journey from Dingri to Everest Base Camp will showcase the magnificent snow-capped mountain range. Along the way, you will have a distant view of the Himalayas from Gyatso La Pass and pass through the famous 99 Bends. Finally, you will arrive at Basong Village, the only village at the foot of Mount Everest. Standing at the top of the world, even without climbing, you will feel a surge of emotions. In the evening, you can enjoy stargazing and contemplate the mysteries of the ancient and mystical legends.

Enjoying the breathtaking sunrise view of Mount Everest, you bid farewell to the world's highest peak and make your way back to Shigatse. As you descend from an altitude of 5,200 meters to 3,700 meters, you will feel a sense of relief and comfort as your body adjusts to the lower elevation. If you have time, you can explore the bustling Xizang Buxingjie (Xizang Pedestrian Street) at your leisure, where you can shop and experience the cultural charm of the Tibetan people. The altitude at this point is 3,700 meters.

From Shigatse in the rear part of Tibet, you will head straight towards the northern part of Tibet, specifically the Qiangtang Grassland. Along the way, you will pass through three county towns, including Nyingma Lin County, and eventually reach Shenzha County. Here, you will visit the largest lake in Tibet, Serling Tso Lake, which is also the second-largest saline lake in China. Serling Tso Lake is known for its rich biodiversity in the high-altitude cold grassland ecosystem and is home to the world's largest black-necked crane nature reserve. In the evening, you will arrive at Bangor County, and the altitude will rise back to 4,500 meters.

Bango set off and, after a two-hour drive, arrived at the Namtso Lake, which is located at an altitude of 4,700 meters. Namtso is the highest-altitude sacred lake in Tibet and the third largest saltwater lake in China. The lake's water blends with the surrounding mountains, and vast grasslands surround it. The deep blue lake resembles a giant sapphire set amidst the landscape, creating a spectacular and breathtaking view. In the afternoon, they crossed the 5,013-meter-high Nagenna Mountain and descended, passing through Dangxiong and Yangbaqing, enjoying the scenery of the northern Tibetan grasslands, and finally arrived in the holy city of Lhasa in the evening.

According to the departure time of your flight, we will arrange transportation to the airport, marking the end of your delightful and unforgettable journey through the highland snow-capped mountains, sacred lakes, and rich cultural experiences. We hope you have had a wonderful time, and we wish you a pleasant journey home!