Uncover Enigmatic allure of Lhasa, Yamdrok Lake and Mount Everest

Day 1 Arrival in Lhasa 

Upon disembarking from the aircraft, our staff will greet you with the most heartfelt welcome. Upon arrival, what you require the most is to decelerate your pace and unwind your state of mind. We will transport you to the hotel, where you can fully relax and allow your body to gradually acclimate to the highland atmosphere. 

Lhasa, which signifies “Sacred Land” in Tibetan, is a sacred city from the perspective of Tibetans and a haven in the hearts of travellers. With the commencement of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, Lhasa is no longer out of reach. Prosperity and crowds do not represent the authentic essence of Lhasa; let us collectively discover its enigmatic allure.

Kind tips:

• Transportation: Pick-up from trains and planes will organize by our agency, the staff will contact you beforehand, so please make sure your mobile phone is accessible. Foreigners and Taiwan compatriots require a tour guide when they arrive at the station.
• The travel agency will inform you in advance about the hotel room pick-up procedure and take you directly to the hotel for rest. If you haven’t received any notification, please promptly contact the travel agency staff for timely assistance.
• Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): On the day of your arrival in Lhasa, avoid engaging in strenuous activities and refrain from taking a shower at night to prevent catching a cold. Avoid alcohol consumption. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and consuming fruits, but avoid overeating.
• Rest more and consider bringing your own Diamox or health supplements such as Rhodiola rosea and Gaoyuanan to alleviate symptoms of AMS. Follow the instructions of the travel agency staff and tour guides, and try to avoid going out for activities. Maintaining a calm state of mind and getting sufficient rest is the best way to prevent AMS. If you feel unwell, seek medical treatment at the hospital without delay.

Day 2: Exploring the Holy Lhasa City

Located in Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet, the Potala Palace is a magnificent architectural wonder that stands tall on Red Hill. This medieval “temple” holds immense significance as it served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet, for centuries. Its towering presence, with a height of over 13,000 feet, commands attention and evokes a sense of awe and reverence. 

Instructions for reserving tickets for the Potala Palace:

• The tickets for the Potala Palace are subject to a reservation system that requires valid identification documents (ID card, household registration book, or passport). Once a reservation is made successfully, another reservation cannot be made within 7 days of the visit. The travel agency is not responsible for any inability to enter the Fabric Palace. Before the tour, tourists must bring their original valid identification. If the name or identification number does not match the actual identification used, entry will be denied. The ticket purchase fee is non-refundable. Please be aware of this.
• The visit time for the Potala Palace is assigned randomly by the computer system of the Potala Palace Management Office and cannot be specified. Please understand that the actual tour route may differ from the provided itinerary.
• Visits to the Potala Palace are limited during the peak season. Each travel agency in Tibet has a limited number of group bookings each day. To ensure a smooth visit, the travel agency manages this issue through various channels. Due to the specific requirements for ticket purchases through different channels, tourists are advised to follow the tour guide’s instructions.

The following situations are normal arrangements:

1. Each group may be divided into multiple smaller groups, which may result in the separation of group members or tourists who booked together. There may also be situations where they join other members from different groups on the tour.
2. Each smaller group may have different visit times/dates.
3. Each smaller group may have different tour guides.
4. In some cases, due to special tickets, tour guides may not be allowed to accompany the tour. Please understand.
5. The price for children does not include the ticket fee for the Potala Palace. By default, children under 1.2 meters tall (excluding) can enter for free with adults. Therefore, children who are 1.2 meters tall and above should inform the travel agency when registering and paying for the ticket and comprehensive fee for the Potala Palace.

Upon arrival in Lhasa, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in traditional Tibetan handicrafts. The tour guide will accompany guests to the Tibetan Cultural area, where they can explore the art of creating revitalizing Tibetan incense. Moreover, one can actively participate in the production process, which holds a unique significance compared to commercially available Tibetan fragrances. Furthermore, a dedicated instructor will provide guidance on how to engrave your own name in Tibetan script, which will be skillfully etched and imprinted. These handcrafted Tibetan incense and personalized inscriptions can be taken home as cherished souvenirs from your encounter with Tibetan culture.

Day 3: Lhasa → Yamdrok Yongcuo → Karola Glacier → Shigatse

After setting off, on the route is the gorge of the Yarlung Zangbo River, where you can have an aerial view of the Yarlung Zangbo River. Continuing along the Yarlung River valley, take Provincial Highway 307 and drive towards the centre of the mountain to witness an aerial view of the valley, villages, and mountains. The site is vast and magnificent.

At Mount Gambala, you will discover the most scenic sight of the Yamdrok Yutso Lake, with the azure heavens, and the loveliest aspect of the lake. Here, you will comprehend the genuine significance of “celestial droplets in the firmament, aquamarine Yamdrok Lake” Despite the assertions of numerous photographers that the allure of Yamdrok Lake is indescribable, you can still capture images with the Yak, Tibetan Mastiff, sheep offered by the Tibetans on Gambala Mountain. Make certain to discuss the cost in advance to prevent any inconveniences.

Yamdrok Yongtso is a freshwater body and one of the three sacred bodies of water in Tibet. The lake water is transparent, pleasant, and potable, and the cerulean lake is linked to the snow-capped peaks in the distance. Alongside the vibrant peaks on both sides, the unique Tibetan ethnic villages, and the livestock grazing nearby, the journey is invigorating.

With a water expanse of 638 square kilometres, a lake surface of 4441 meters above sea level, and a shoreline of 250 kilometres, Yamdrok Lake is considered the turquoise earring left by the goddess in the world. From the summit of Gangbala Mountain, at an elevation of 4,950 meters, Yamdrok appears like a sapphire embedded among the peaks, and the azure lake reflects the radiant blue sky like a looking glass.

The Karola Glacier is one of the three major continental glaciers in Tibet, which is gradually vanishing. The glacier is located at the Nochin Kangsang Snow Mountain, one of the four pinnacles in Tibet, and stretches from the mountaintop to the roadside, just a few hundred meters away from the road. Although the glacier is layered in black and white due to the impact of dust on the road over many years, the upper portion of the glacier gleams like a colossal thangka suspended on the mountain wall under the sunlight. The glacier gained prominence due to its appearance in the film “Red River Valley.”

Shigatse, known as “the best estate” in the Tibetan language, is one of the primary agricultural regions of Tibet. It has been a significant hub for politics, religion, and culture throughout Tibetan history, and it was also the site for the Panchen Lamas’ headquarters. With a history spanning over 500 years, it is presently the second-largest city in Tibet.

Friendly suggestions:

1. Besides the Tibet Entry Permit, foreign visitors who plan to visit Mount Everest together in the same vehicle must also obtain travel authorization in Shigatse or Gyangtse. The tour guide will make necessary adjustments and schedule arrangements based on the status of the travel authorization. Visitors are kindly asked to comply with the tour guide’s instructions and cooperate actively.
2. In the event of occasional technical glitches or a sudden surge in tourist numbers during peak seasons, the process of obtaining travel authorization may take an extended period of time. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Day 4: Shigatse → Jiawula Pass → Rongbuk Monastery → Mount Everest 

Take the most beautiful border road, see the magnificent snow-capped mountains, and overlook the third highest peak in the world, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, the fourth highest peak in the world, Rimana Snow Mountain along the way

Mount Everest is 8,848 meters above sea level, the highest peak in the world, located on the border between China and Nepal in the middle of the Himalayas. The top of the peak is covered with snow all year round, the glacier hangs in the distance, the silver peak is towering, and the scenery is very strange and spectacular

Tingri Mount Everest Observation Deck

The Mount Everest Viewing Platform can be found 22 kilometres from Mount Everest Road, in Tingri County, Shigatse. This is the sole route to the base camp of Mount Everest. The observation deck sits at an elevation of 5200 meters above sea level. From this vantage point, when gazing towards the south, one can behold the majestic Mount Everest and other towering peaks reaching heights of 8,000 meters.

Rongbuk Temple

Rongbuk Monastery is about 5,100 meters above sea level, with high and cold terrain and wonderful scenery. The new Everest Base Camp is nearby. Fortunately, you can also see Mount Everest’s clouds floating like the fire of life.

Helpful suggestions:

• Accommodation is in tents at the Everest base camp, 8-15 people per tent, bunk beds. Overall, it is neat and organized, but there is a significant difference compared to city hotels. Please note that from October to April of the following year, due to the cold weather, the tents will be relocated from the Mount Everest base camp to a nearby village for homestay accommodations.
• The food and lodging on this day are subpar, the altitude is high, and the temperature is low. Please take precautions against the cold. Prioritize safety and prevent altitude sickness. In the summer, the evening temperatures range from 0-8 degrees, so please bring warm clothing. You also have the option to rent a down jacket at the base camp to stay warm.

Day 5 Mount Everest→Jiacuola Mountain Pass →Shigatse 

In the early hours, you need to be completely equipped. Prior to dawn, the temperature at the mountain pass can drop to subzero levels, and coupled with intense gusts, please make sure to get ready with suitable gear. Standing atop the world, gazing towards the sun and gazing up at Mount Everest, the summit remains snow-covered throughout the year, the glacier looms from afar, the glistening peak stands tall, a sacred spectacle, and the sight of Mount Everest during sunrise (the outcome of photography relies on the weather).

Kind tips: Whether you can see the sunrise of Mount Everest is restricted by the weather and the actual tour situation, please understand

Gyatso La Mountain is the sole route to reach the world’s initial summit – Mount Everest. The mountain crossing sits at an elevation of 5252 meters above the ocean’s surface and stands as the utmost point on the China-Nepal Highway. It offers a panoramic sight of Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu.

Day 6: Shigatse → Tashilhunpo Monastery → Lhasa → Jokhang Temple 

Tashilhunpo Monastery also referred to as “Fortunate Monastery”, is the largest monastery in the Shigatse region, and it is included alongside Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, and Gandan Monastery in Lhasa, Kumbum Monastery in Qinghai, and Labrang Monastery in Gansu. The six principal temples of the Geluk sect.

Tashilhunpo Monastery It was established by the disciple of Tsongkhapa, First Dalai Gendun Drub in 1447. At its peak, Tashilhunpo Monastery had over 3,000 rooms, more than 5,000 monks, over 50 subordinate temples, and over 30 manors and pastures. Since the fourth Panchen Lama, succeeding generations of Panchen Lamas have resided in this monastery.

Kind tips: You can depart from Shigatse on the same day or opt for a tourist bus or train, depending on the specific arrangement made by the travel agency. Please note that no reservations are allowed, so kindly comprehend the situation.

Instructions for Booking Jokhang Temple Tickets:

To secure tickets for the Jokhang Temple, it is mandatory to make reservations using real names. You can reserve tickets for the following day’s visit through the WeChat mini-program “Jokhang Temple Reservation” between 7:00 and 23:59 daily until all reservations are filled. Therefore, it is necessary to make ticket reservations at least one day in advance.

As group reservations for the Jokhang Temple are not available, each visitor must make an individual appointment. The staff or tour guide will provide the tourists with the appointment time and method in advance. If tourists fail to book tickets for the Jokhang Temple themselves and are unable to visit, the travel agency will not be held responsible for any consequences.

Please note that the Jokhang Temple is primarily a religious site and not solely a tourist attraction. In the case of important religious activities or events that prevent the temple from opening for visits, we kindly ask for your understanding.

You can utilize your leisure time to explore Barkhor Street, the circular path surrounding the outer wall of Jokhang Temple which is known as “Bakhor Street”. It serves as the traditional route for Tibetans to perform the prayer-turning ceremony and attracts devotees from all around the globe. The old streets and alleys are filled with locals dressed in vibrant national costumes and impoverished believers, all jostling on the same path. 

Day 7: Leaving Lhasa

Following breakfast, it is advised to schedule a flight after 10 o’clock to allow for an hour’s drive from the airport to the urban area, concluding the enjoyable trip

Fee Description: Included Items

1. Due to the limited capacity of Tibet, the tourist vehicles provided by the authorities are quite old and not as well-maintained as those in urban areas.
2. As Tibet is situated at a high altitude, many tourist vehicles do not have air-conditioning or do not use it to avoid slowing down the vehicle. Additionally, extreme temperature changes may cause tourists to fall ill.
3. To comply with road regulations in Tibet, we will make unscheduled stops for rest breaks. Please be aware of this and plan accordingly.
4. Before departure, FIT group members will collect other tourists from various hotels. Please be prompt and cooperative, as the seating arrangements will be based on the number of people. If a tourist decides to cancel their trip, the fare will not be refunded.
5. To ensure a comfortable journey, each person is allowed one 26-inch suitcase and one carry-on backpack. Any excess luggage can be stored at the front desk of the Lhasa Hotel, as too much luggage can affect the speed and comfort of tourist vehicles. The tour guide will inform you of this in advance.

Hotel Accommodation:
The hotel provides a basic double room (standard room). In the case of single men and single women in the group, the travel agency reserves the right to allocate triple rooms or have them share rooms. Tourists can also choose to pay the difference for a single room, depending on the actual situation.

Meal Arrangements:
Breakfast is included in the hotel package and Lhasa Welcome Special Tibetan Meal. Please note that you will need to arrange your own meals for the rest of the day. If you choose to skip a meal for personal reasons, the meal fee will not be refunded. If you are not used to Tibetan cuisine, you can bring your own food.

Tour Guide Service:
The tour guides can speak Chinese, English, or both languages. For individual travellers joining the group, the travel agency will decide on the tour guide based on the actual situation.

Attraction Tickets:
The tour package includes tickets to the first major attractions listed in the itinerary, including Kadinggou, Lulang Forest, Basum Tso, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, Potala Palace, Tibetan Culture Experience, Yanghu Lake, Karola Glacier, Rongbuk Monastery, Everest, Everest Eco-car, Tashilhunpo Monastery, Namtso, and Namtso Eco-vehicle. All tours are guaranteed, but in case of emergencies, tourists can negotiate with the agency to exchange the attractions.

Travel Expenses:
The calculation of travel expenses during the off-season is based on the annual winter ticket discounts. There will be no refund for ticket fees or price differences. If there are any sudden changes in the preferential policies, no additional price difference will be charged.

Entry Procedures:
The travel agency will handle the necessary documents such as the Tibet Entry Permit, Travel Permit, Military Area Certificate, etc. Some scenic spots require border certificates, and the staff may inform Chinese tourists to apply for these certificates in advance at the local public security bureau before departure, depending on the changing conditions in Tibet. Please note that Jokhang Temple and the Potala Palace require real-name reservations, and tourists can reserve their spots through their own WeChat app one day in advance, following the tour guide’s instructions.

Travel insurance:
Included in our services are travel accident insurance, travel safety insurance, and travel agency liability insurance.

Pick-up and drop-off:
Our agency offers complimentary pick-up and drop-off services for individual passengers arriving and departing from Tibet via trains and planes within a specific time frame, which is from 07:00 to 22:00.

We provide free pick-up and drop-off services on the day of the tour’s departure and end date. However, if tourists need to arrive in Lhasa before the scheduled departure date or leave Tibet after the end date, they will need to pay an additional fee for separate pick-up and drop-off services.

For tourists arriving in Lhasa between 22:00 and 07:00 the next day, a separate pick-up fee will be required.

This itinerary is designed for individual passengers joining a group. When picking up and dropping off at the airport, guests with similar schedules will be grouped together. There may be a waiting time of approximately 2 hours for the guests. One day prior to the tour, our staff will confirm the pick-up time with the tourists. In case tourists are unwilling to wait, they can notify our agency one day in advance to arrange separate pick-up and drop-off services at their own expense.

Additional services:
We offer free portable oxygen (1 small bottle per person) and 2 small bottles of mineral water (300ml) per person per day. Additionally, a spare emergency medical oxygen tank (4L) is provided with the vehicle.

Service charge:
Our service fee includes the cost of the travel agency and Potala Palace ticket reservations.

The cost does not include:

Single-room accommodations:
Hotels default to double occupancy rooms. If guests prefer to stay in a single room, they will need to pay an additional fee to cover the difference in cost.

Due to the full payment of the room, the room fee caused by the change of the itinerary is at your own expense

Personal consumption:
Laundry in the hotel, telephone, fax, pay TV, drinks, snacks, tobacco and alcohol and other personal consumption

Accidents:
Due to irresistible objective reasons and non-travel agency reasons (such as natural disasters, wars, strikes, epidemics, etc.) or airline flight reasons, insufficient number of applicants and other special circumstances, the travel agency has the right to cancel or change the itinerary, and the travel agency has the right to additional charge

Tip:
Tips for driver guide: It is recommended that tourists give 30 yuan to the driver and tour guide per person per day

Round-trip transportation:
Large transportation costs to and from Tibet, The air ticket or train ticket fee is not included in the group fee, if a travel agency is required to book it, the fee will be charged separately

Related posts:

Traversing the Roof of the World: Lhasa to Mount Everest Base Camp Itinerary Classic Lhasa and Namtso Lake Tour: A Must-See Tibetan Experience Explore the Captivating Charm of Lhasa, Nyingchi, Namtso and Everest Grand Northern Tibet Tour: Explore the Essence of Western Tibet with Mount Everest, Gang Rinpoche, Guge Dynasty, and Dozens of Lakes Everest Base Camp Tour: 7-Day Adventure to the Roof of the World “Visit Lhasa’s World Heritage Sites, Including Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple” Explore Lhasa’s Top Religious Sites and Culture: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Princess Wencheng Live Show Experience Tibetan Culture and Spirituality on Holy City Lhasa Tour Lhasa and Nyingchi Tour Itinerary for Nature Lovers: Potala Palace, Basum Tso, Brahmaputra Grand Canyon, and More Best Time to Hike Everest Base Camp: Route Options, Highlights, and Itinerary