This “Golden Route” of Tibet tour will take you to two cities near Lhasa: Gyantse and Shigatse. Stay overnight at a small town, Gyantse, which is known as the “Heroic City”, because it was the site of a major battle during the British invasion in 1904. While there you will experience Tibetan rural culture and a local market. Then visit Tibet’s second largest city Shigatse, which is the most important farming area in Tibet. You will also visit two of the most revered monasteries in Tibet: Pelkor Chode Monastery (which belongs to multiple religious sects) and Tashilunpo Monastery (the seat of the Panchen Lamas. Inside there is a huge gilded bronze Buddha statue as well as many other beautiful statues).
Recommended Groups: Suitable for most groups including Families with kids, seniors, youths, and students. Great shooting opportunity for photographers too. This tour will go through Karola pass at 5,010m, however, most activities will be in an attitude lower than 3,900m, so a reasonable level of fitness is needed.
Conditions: The road condition from Lhasa to Gyantse (255km, 5-6 hours) is a bit rough and mainly over mountains. With three stops on the road to see Yamdrok Lake, Karola glaciers and a visit to a Tibetan family for lunch break, we make sure the tour pace is comfortable and well arranged. You will be able to see the beautiful landscapes of Tibet and Tibetan rural life on the way. The road condition from Gyantse to Shigatse and then back to Lhasa is good with a paved road.
Best time: Available all year round. Highly recommend May, June, September, and October. Winter can be a bit cold.