Everest Base Camp, Namtso Lake to Lhasa
Day 1 ARRIVE LHASA
Arrive in Lhasa, Tibet via plane or train. Upon arrival in Lhasa (3700m) you will be welcomed by DestinAsia Journeys representative and we will bring you to your hotel. Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 2 LHASA TOUR WITH LOCAL GUIDE
In Lhasa (3700m) we explore the Jokhang Temple, the most sacred monastery in Tibet, and the surrounding Barkhor bazaar, the bustling Lhasa market. In the afternoon we go to Sera Monastery to watch the monks debate in centuries-old manner.
Day 3 LHASA TOUR WITH LOCAL GUIDE
In Lhasa (3700m) we tour the Potala Palace, the winter palace of the Dalai Lama built in the 17th century by the fifth Dalai Lama, and Norbulinka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, built in the 18th century by the seventh Dalai Lama.
Day 4 LHASA–YAMDROK LAKE – GYANGTSE
On this day we drive approximately 290km, first stopping along the banks of Yamdrok-Tso, the sparkling turquoise lake, for photos. After, on the way to Gyantse we cross Kampa-la (5050m) and Karo-la Pass (5045m) to view the Mount Nojin Kangtsen Glacier falling down near the road. Upon arriving in Gyantse (3950m), we visit the seven-story tall Kubum Stupa and Pelkor Chode Monastery. Also, we admire the Gyantse Dzong (fort) overlooking Gyangste, famous for the British military siege led by Colonel Younghusband in 1903.
Day 5 GYANGTSE – SHIGATSE–PELBER (NEW TINGRI)
After breakfast we drive 90km from Gyangtse to Shigatse (3900m). In Shigatse we visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, to see the future Buddha’s golden shrine. The Tashilhunpo Monastery is the seat of the Panchen Lama, the 2nd highest in the Tibetan Buddhist religious hierarchy. We also visit Shigatse Market and view the panorama of Shigatse Dzong (fort), with its architecture reminiscent of the Potala Palace. We leave Shigatse in the afternoon and drive to Shegar across Tsou-la Pass (4500m) and Gyatso-la Pass (5220m), with good weather you can see your first views of Mount Everest. At the end of the day’s 230km journey we arrive in the evening at Pelber (New Tingri) (4300m)
Day 6 PELBAR–RONGBUK MONASTERY- EVEREST BASECAMP
On the scenic drive from Pelber to Everest Base Camp, we will cross the Gau-la Pass (5200m) and see 4 mountains above 8,000 meters, such as Mt. Lhotse (8516m), Mt. Everest (8848m), Mt. Cho-oyo (8201m), and Mt. Makalu (8463m). We then arrive at Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world, 4km from Everest Basecamp. The 100km drive takes approximately 4 hours due to unpaved roads. Overnight at Everest Basecamp area at Yak hair tea tent dormitory bed without bathroom.
Day 7 RONGBUK MONASTERY – EVEREST BASE CAMP – SHIGATSE
We wake up in the early morning to see the stunning sunrise over Mt. Everest, the highest peak on earth at 8,848m (29,029 ft). We take the Ecobus and take pictures in front of its imposing face. We then drive 340km to Shigatse (3900m) wrapped again in the endless vistas of the Tibetan plateau.
Day 8 SHIGATSE – SHUEGE-LA – YANGBACHEN HOT SPRING – NAMTSO LAKE
In the morning we visit Tashilumpo Monastery, which was built in 1447, inside are spectacular tombs of Panchen Lamas. After we depart Shigatse and drive the Northern Route along the Yarlung Tsangpo River and from Traduka change roads to Shug-la pass and see the beautiful valleys, villages and mountains home to nomads. From Shug-la pass we drive to Yangpachen, where you can relax in the natural hot spring pool. We then drive to Damxung, on the way you will see Mt. Tanggu la (7500m) and drive through grasslands to Namtso lake. Overnight at Namsto Lake in local guest house in basic room without bathroom.
Day 9 NAMSTO LAKE – LHASA
In the morning we see the sun rise over Namsto Lake. After breakfast we drive back to Lhasa.
Day 10 DEPART FROM LHASA
On the final day we transfer to Lhasa train station or Lhasa airport.
** Imp: all our program’s are 100% tailor made and can be modified as per the requirements.