Detailed Itinerary for a Tibetan Adventure

Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa

• Destination: The journey begins with your arrival in Lhasa, the revered city in the heart of Tibet.
• Altitude Acclimatization: The first day is crucial for acclimating to the high altitude. It’s common to experience mild altitude sickness, but the breathtaking views of the bluest skies and brightest sunshine make it worthwhile.
• Evening Meeting: An introductory meeting will be held in the evening to discuss the trip ahead.
• Accommodation: Stay at Lhasa Wanxin International Hotel or a similar four-star hotel.
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are self-managed.
• Health Tips: Avoid bathing on the first day, eat light meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables, stay hydrated, and refrain from smoking and alcohol.

Day 2: Lhasa to Samye Monastery and Beyond

• Destination: Depart from Lhasa to visit the Samye Monastery, Tibet’s first monastery, a blend of Tibetan, Chinese, and Indian architectural styles, dating back to the 8th century.
• Scenic Spot: Visit Qingpu, a meditation site surrounded by mountains, known for its mild climate and revered by many monks and spiritual leaders.
• Accommodation: Stay at Gongga Vienna International Hotel or a similar four-star hotel.
• Meals: Breakfast at the hotel; lunch and dinner are self-managed.

Day 3: From Gongga to Shigatse via Sacred Lakes and Glaciers

• Yamdrok Lake: Early departure to Yamdrok Lake, one of the three holy lakes in Tibet, known for its stunning shades of blue and its source from surrounding glaciers.
• Pumo Yumco Lake: Visit Pumo Yumco, known as the ‘Girl Lake’, surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
• Karo La Glacier: Experience the breathtaking Karo La Glacier at the foot of Mt. Noijin Kangsang, one of the highest peaks in Tibet.
• Accommodation: Stay at Shigatse Kunyi Starlight Hotel or a similar four-star hotel.
• Meals: Breakfast at the hotel; lunch and dinner are self-managed.

This itinerary offers a blend of spiritual, cultural, and natural experiences, making for an unforgettable Tibetan journey. Remember to respect local customs and the environment during your travels.

Journey to Everest Base Camp and Night Photography Guide

Day Trip from Shigatse to Everest Base Camp

• Destination: Depart from Shigatse to Everest Base Camp, the closest accessible point to Mount Everest for most travelers.
• Gyatso La Pass: En route, you’ll pass through Gyatso La, the gateway to Everest, standing at 5,248 meters, adorned with colorful prayer flags.
• Scenic Route: Poet Nie Zuoping once marveled at the unique opportunity to view four peaks over 8,000 meters from this pass, a rare sight along any road in the world.
• Arrival at Everest Base Camp: Positioned at an altitude of 5,200 meters, it offers breathtaking views and is the starting point for many Everest expeditions. The base camp has been relocated near Rongbuk Monastery to protect the environment.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay at a local guesthouse near the base of Mount Everest.
• Meals: Breakfast included at the hotel; lunch and dinner are self-managed.

Night Photography at Everest Base Camp

• Equipment Needed:

1. Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual mode (M) capability.
2. Tripod: Sturdy enough to hold your camera steady.
3. Lens: Wide-angle lens preferred for capturing more of the sky.

• Shooting Techniques:
• Focusing: Use manual focus and set it just shy of infinity. Fine-tune based on your lens until stars appear as clear points.
• Exposure Settings: Keep exposure times under 30 seconds to avoid star trails (use the 600 Rule: 600 divided by focal length gives the maximum exposure time). Open the aperture wide to allow more light in. An ISO setting around 2000 is generally sufficient, but adjust based on your camera’s capabilities and noise performance.
• Composition Tips: Bring a flashlight to help with framing your shots in the dark. Feel free to include other props according to your preference.
• Capture the Night Sky: With no light pollution, Everest Base Camp is an ideal location for astrophotography. Enjoy capturing the stunning night sky where “the clouds connect to the morning fog, and the Milky Way seems to dance across thousands of sails.”

This journey offers a remarkable blend of high-altitude trekking and the opportunity to capture the majestic beauty of the night sky against one of the world’s most iconic backdrops.

Journey Back to Lhasa: Days 5 and 6 of the Tibetan Adventure

Day 5: Everest to Gyawula Pass and Return to Shigatse

• Gyawula Pass: Depart from Everest and head to the Gyawula Pass, an exceptional viewpoint to see five of the world’s 8,000-meter-plus peaks – Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Cho Oyu, and Shishapangma, in that order.
• Qilin Gorge: Visit the breathtaking Qilin Gorge, situated beneath the Himalayas. This massive canyon, a product of natural forces, offers a glimpse into the powerful geological processes that have shaped this landscape.
• Accommodation: Stay at Shigatse Kunyi Starlight Hotel or a similar four-star hotel.
• Meals: Breakfast included at the hotel; lunch and dinner are self-managed.

Day 6: Shigatse to Lhasa via Tashilhunpo Monastery

• Tashilhunpo Monastery: Start the day by visiting Tashilhunpo Monastery, the largest monastery in the Shigatse area and a prominent Gelug institution. Explore its stunning white stupas and temple halls that house significant religious artifacts and murals.
• 318 National Highway: Journey back to Lhasa along the scenic 318 National Highway, known for its stunning landscapes and cultural significance.
• Tibetan Incense Workshop: Experience the centuries-old tradition of Tibetan incense-making. Tibetan incense, used for religious purposes for over 1,300 years, is handcrafted with devotion and care. Witness how each stick is imbued with prayers and wishes.
• Accommodation: Stay at Lhasa Wanxin International Hotel or a similar four-star hotel.
• Meals: Breakfast included at the hotel; lunch and dinner are self-managed.

This part of the journey combines spiritual enrichment, natural wonder, and cultural immersion, providing a profound understanding of Tibet’s heritage and natural beauty. As always, be respectful of local traditions and the environment during your travels.

Day 7: Lhasa Exploration and Tibetan Cultural Experience

Visit to Potala Palace

• Destination: Visit the Potala Palace, a monumental structure and a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture. Built in 641 AD by King Songtsen Gampo to welcome Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty.
• The Palace: Explore the White Palace (the living quarters of the Dalai Lama) and the Red Palace (home to the spiritual tombs of past Dalai Lamas and various chapels).
• Experience: Wander through the opulent halls, chapels, and corridors, immersing in the ambiance of flickering butter lamps and the scent of juniper incense.

Tibetan Style Travel Photography

• Photography Session: Capture your journey with a professional travel photography session, ensuring the memories of this unique destination are preserved.
• Barkhor Street: Stroll around Barkhor Street, encircling the Jokhang Temple. This street is a sacred path for pilgrims and a bustling hub of Tibetan life and culture.
• Culture: Witness the colorful mix of pilgrims, locals in traditional attire, and the rich tapestry of Tibetan urban life.

Tibetan-Style Dinner

• Dinner: Experience a traditional Tibetan dinner with local delicacies like Kasai (sweet fried pastries), Guthuk (a special noodle soup), and highland barley wine.
• Celebration: Enjoy an evening of Tibetan culture with singing, dancing, and celebrating the New Year.

Accommodation and Tips

• Stay: Overnight at Lhasa Wanxin International Hotel or a similar four-star hotel.
• Meals: Breakfast included; lunch self-managed; special Tibetan dinner in the evening.
• Photography Timing: Adjusted based on the Potala Palace visit schedule. The photography package includes 40 raw photos and 10 professionally edited images.

Day 8: Departure and Farewell

• End of Journey: As all good things come to an end, so does this incredible journey through Tibet.
• Departure: Depart at your leisure, carrying memories and experiences of a lifetime.
• Farewell Message: “Though this feast of experiences concludes, the memories and connections made will last a lifetime. Until we meet again, may your dreams carry you to new horizons.”

This itinerary not only offers a deep dive into the heart of Tibetan culture and history but also provides ample opportunities for personal reflection and capturing timeless memories.