*** Updated 2023 ***

Day 1: Lhasa arrival [3650m]
Upon arrival in Lhasa you will be welcomed by your English-speaking Tibetan Guide and Tibetan Driver who will bring you to your hotel. Acclimatization to high altitude: please, drink lots of water and take plenty of rest in order to minimize altitude sickness. Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 2: Lhasa sightseeing
We begin visiting Ramoche Temple, built in honor of the image of Jowo Rinpoche that Chinese princess Wencheng brought by marrying Songtsen Gampo, the first king of Buddhist doctrine and who unified the Tibetan empire in the 7th century. Thereafter, we continue with Jokhang Temple, the most sacred monastery in Tibet. It was also founded in the 7th century by Songtsen Gampo. Later you can explore the surrounding Barkhor old quarter and spend time walking around Jokhang Temple following pilgrims from all over the Tibetan plateau. In the afternoon we go to Sera Monastery, one of three great universities of Gelugpa Sect. We will attend the debating session of the monks. Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 3: Lhasa sightseeing
Today we visit the beautiful Potala and Norbulingka Palaces. Potala winter palace was built in the 17th century by the fifth Dalai Lama. Provides amazing views of the entire city and houses the private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand state rooms and chapels. Norbulingka Palace is the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, built in the 18th century by the seventh Dalai Lama. It’s tradition to do picnic in its beatiful garden and perform opera dances during Shoton Festival (August-September). Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 4: Lhasa – Samye – Tsedang [180km, 3575m]
Adventure starts: We will we drive South-East to reach the Yarlung Valley – in the heart of Tibet and the cradle of Tibetan civilization. Today we will visit the region where the ancient Tibetan kings unified Tibet in the 7th century. Our first stop along the way will be Tsedang -the fourth city in importance of Tibet- to visit the Yumbulagang Palace which dominates the valley from the top of a hill. It is considered as the first construction of Tibet and resembles a medieval fortress. Then we will go to Samye Monastery (8th century), the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet, and with its particular architecture forms a gigantic mandala following the structure of the universe according to Buddhist cosmology. If the time available allows, we will also visit the Temple of Traduk today. Overnight in Tsedang.

Day 5: Tsedang – Gyantse [310Km, 3980m]
Early breakfast and drive West to Tsang region: First we cross Kampa-la Pass [4797m] and then Karo-la Pass [5050m], where Mt. Noijin Kangsang [7206m] glacier lies near the road. In the middle, we enjoy the unreal turquoise waters of holy lake Yamdrok-Tso. Then we stop in Gyantse town, where we visit the considered best tibetan art paintings in Kumbum Stupa inside Pelkor Chode Monastery. Also from here, we admire the majestic Gyantse Dzong (fortress) overlooking the valley. Overnight in Gyantse.

Day 6: Gyantse – Sakya [250Km, 4320m]
Our first stop today is at the ancient Shalu Monastery. Originally built in the 11th century, was damaged by an earthquake in the 14th century and then reconstructed resulting in a mixture of architectural styles. Shalu boasts a well preserved collection of Buddhist art and sculptures. It was a renowned learning centre of different tantric techniques. Alexandra David-Néel’s book Magic and Mystery in Tibet impressed the world describing some of these skills. Back to the Friendship Highway, we continue to Sakya Monastery; the principal seat of Sakyapa Sect founded in 1073 and one of four major Schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Its powerful abbots governed Tibet during the whole of the 13th century until they were eclipsed by the rise of the Gelukpa Sect. Its Mongolian architecture is different from that of temples we seen before. If you are lucky enough, you will enjoy the sunset from the high walls of the monastery while the monks practice with their dungcheng, a very long Tibetan horn. Overnight in Sakya.

Day 7: Sakya – Rongbuk (Mt. Everest) [230Km, 5000m]
Exciting day today: we reach one of the major highlights of our trip, near Mt. Everest North Base Camp [5200m]. The journey to Rongbuk involves crossing the high pass of Gyatso La [5220m] and the opportunity to view Mt. Everest and the Himalayas for the first time; then amazing views of several peaks like Makalu, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Mount Everest from the top of the Pang-la pass [5150m]. From New Tingri we continue driving towards Rongbuk Monastery, located at the foot of the Everest and the highest monastery in the world. Overnight at the tourist camp site located a few Kilometer from the real EBC and from where we have direct views of Mt. Everest (Qomolangma). Since 2018 tourists are not allowed to visit EBC used by climbing expeditions and now there is a short eco-bus shuttle to access Rongbuk due to environmental protection. Overnight in Rongbuk.

Day 8: Rongbuk – Shigatse [334Km, 3840m]
Today begins the end of your tibetan journey through the most sacred Buddhist monasteries and greatest mountains on earth. If you would like to start early your day, enjoy the sunrise with Everest peak views on the horizon [8848m]. After breakfast we visit Rongbuk Monastery where we will take a last look at Mt. Everest North Face and then we drive back North-East to reach the second largest city in Tibet, Shigatse, to enjoy a nice shower, sleep in a comfortable bed and some free time. We recommend doing the Kora around Tashilhunpo Monastery on your own before sunset. You will have an incredible panorama view of the valley and the impressive Dzong (fortress) as you walk along with the local pilgrims. Overnight in Shigatse.

Day 9: Shigatse – Lhasa [272Km, 3650m]
As early as possible, we visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, built in the 15th century by the first Dalai Lama. Nowadays the seat of the Panchen Lama. Our last day of our tibetan traverse goes along the Yarlung Tsampo (Brahmaputra) River, where we will do a small stop to learn how Tibetan incense is made. This is the most direct route to Lhasa and part of the Friendship Highway. Free time for the rest of the day in Lhasa. Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 10: Tibet departure
Enjoy your last hours in Tibet exploring Lhasa by your own until your guide and driver meet you at the hotel to transfer you to the airport. End of our services.

Consider extending your trip walking the wonderful ancient route between two of our most important Monasteries: The Ganden to Samye Trek. It’s also possible to spend one-two more days visiting holy Namtso lake in North Lhasa (250Km, 3-4 hours drive, one way).

Please, contact us for further information about any available extension of your trip.

Day 9: Shigatse – Yangpachen [326Km, 4290m]
Today we go North-East through non-touristic nomadic Yangpachen valley with spectacular views of Nyenchen Thangla Range views. The tourist campsite near Namtso lake shore was dismantled, so we sleep in the town of Yangpachen, which offers a locally well renowned hotspring resort. Time to relax after your 5 driving days. Overnight at Hotspring Resort.

Day 10: Yangpachen – Namtso lake – Lhasa [285Km, 3650m]
The crossing of the Nyenchen Thangla Range and the Largen-la Pass [5190m] let us see in the horizon our sacred Namtso lake, the most beatiful lake in Tibet. You will enter the Changtang plateau, place where nomad lifestyle remains. From the lake shore you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Nyenchen Tanglha snow peak [7162m] behind the blue Holy waters of Namtso lake. After visiting Tashi Dor Monastery we will drive back to Lhasa.Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 11: Tibet departure
Enjoy your last hours in Tibet exploring Lhasa by your own until your guide and driver meet you at the hotel to transfer you to the airport. End of our services.