9 days trip
The Most Popular Tour in Tibet
Experience the Heart of Tibet
Overview
9-Days Exploring Tibet’s Spiritual and Scenic Wonders
This 9-day tour takes you through Tibet's most iconic cultural and natural sites, including the ancient monasteries of Lhasa and Tsedang, the stunning Yamdrok Tso Lake, and the sacred Namtso Lake. You’ll explore historical landmarks like Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple while enjoying breathtaking views of the Tibetan plateau, high passes, and serene lakes.
Trip Summary
Duration
9 days
Difficulty
Moderate
Max Elevation
5045m
Start point
Lhasa
End point
Lhasa
Daily Activity
5-6 hrs
Group Size
1-50 participants
Best Season
Autumn, Spring
Trip Outline
- Day 1Arrival in Lhasa and Transfer to Tsedang
- Day 2Tsedang to Lhasa via Samye Monastery, Visit Chim Phu Caves
- Day 3Lhasa Sightseeing: Potala Palace, Norbulingka Palace, and Tibet Traditional Hospital
- Day 4Lhasa Sightseeing: Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Bazaar
- Day 5Lhasa to Gyantse via Karo La Pass and Yamdrok Tso Lake
- Day 6Gyantse Sightseeing and Drive to Shigatse
- Day 7Shigatse to Namtso Lake via Yangbajing
- Day 8Explore Namtso Lake and Return to Lhasa
- Day 9Final Departure
Included
- Trekking conservation permit
- Trekking Register Certificate
- Equipped and insured trekking porter
- Experienced and first aid trained license holder trekking guide
- Tea House accommodation during the trek in double occupancy
- All meals during the trek (B=breakfast, L=Lunch, D= Dinner)
- Sleeping bag (only if required)
- Government taxes and service charges
Not Included
- Drinks and Bar Bill (beverage) in the tea house trek
- Helicopter evacuation/rescue in case of emergency
- Personal Insurance
- Personal use trekking equipment
- Tipping to guide and porter
The Most Popular Tour in Tibet
Get started on your journey
Detailed itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Lhasa and Transfer to Tsedang
Arrive in Lhasa and transfer to Tsedang (3,550m/11,648ft), often referred to as the "cradle of Tibetan civilization." Rest and acclimatize to the altitude.
Travel duration
-
Elevation
3550m
Meal
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel
Day 2
Tsedang to Lhasa via Samye Monastery, Visit Chim Phu Caves
After breakfast, visit Samye Monastery, the first monastery in Tibet, and hike to the Chim Phu Caves, a retreat for Buddhist practitioners. Continue the drive to Lhasa (3,650m/11,976ft).
Travel duration
-
Elevation
3650m
Meal
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel
Day 3
Lhasa Sightseeing: Potala Palace, Norbulingka Palace, and Tibet Traditional Hospital
Explore the magnificent Potala Palace, a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism and former residence of the Dalai Lama. Visit the Norbulingka Palace, the summer residence of the Dalai Lama, and learn about traditional Tibetan medicine at the Tibet Traditional Hospital.
Travel duration
-
Elevation
3650m
Meal
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel
Day 4
Lhasa Sightseeing: Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Bazaar
Visit Sera Monastery for its famous monk debates and explore Drepung Monastery, once the largest in the world. Continue to Jokhang Temple, the holiest site in Tibetan Buddhism, and immerse yourself in the vibrant Barkhor Bazaar.
Travel duration
-
Elevation
3650m
Meal
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel
Day 5
Lhasa to Gyantse via Karo La Pass and Yamdrok Tso Lake
Drive to Gyantse (5,045m/16,553ft) via the stunning Karo La Pass and stop at Yamdrok Tso Lake, a spectacular turquoise lake revered as one of the holiest in Tibet. Enjoy the dramatic landscapes as you continue to Gyantse.
Travel duration
-
Elevation
5045m
Meal
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel
Day 6
Gyantse Sightseeing and Drive to Shigatse
n Gyantse, visit the Palcho Monastery and the unique Kumbum Stupa with its countless Buddha images. Afterward, explore the charming old town before driving to Shigatse (3,900m/12,796ft) and visiting the famous Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama.
Travel duration
-
Elevation
3900m
Meal
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel
Day 7
Shigatse to Namtso Lake via Yangbajing
Drive to the sacred Namtso Lake (4,718m/15,480ft), passing the Yangbajing Hot Springs and the high passes of Tagdruka and Xugula. Arrive at Namtso, one of the highest saltwater lakes in the world, where you'll be surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.
Travel duration
-
Elevation
4718m
Meal
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel
Day 8
Explore Namtso Lake and Return to Lhasa
Take a morning walk around the Tashi Dor Hermitage near the shores of Namtso Lake. After exploring the natural beauty of the area, drive back to Lhasa (3,650m/11,976ft) for your last night in Tibet.
Travel duration
-
Elevation
3650m
Meal
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel
Day 9
Final Departure
Transfer to the airport for your flight home, bringing your unforgettable Tibetan adventure to a close.
Travel duration
-
Elevation
3650m
Meal
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel
The Most Popular Tour in Tibet
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