Upon arrival in Lhasa, you will be greeted by a representative who will transfer you to your hotel. As Lhasa is situated at a high altitude, it’s recommended to take it easy and rest for the remainder of the day to help acclimatize to the altitude. This rest period will help minimize any symptoms of altitude sickness. You can spend the evening relaxing and preparing for the exciting exploration of Lhasa in the coming days.

Overnight in Lhasa.

After breakfast, we begin our exploration of Lhasa, starting with a visit to the stunning Potala Palace, also known as the Winter Palace. Built in the 17th century, this iconic structure offers incredible views of the city and houses the private quarters of the Dalai Lama. Next, we head to Norbulingka Palace, the Summer Palace, famous for its expansive gardens, which are considered the largest man-made gardens in Tibet.

We then visit the Tibet Traditional Hospital, a center for Tibetan medicine, where we’ll learn about its treatments, research, training, and the production of herbal remedies.

We’ll spend the night in Lhasa, reflecting on the rich cultural and spiritual experiences of the day.

After breakfast, we begin our day by visiting Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Bazaar. Drepung Monastery, built in the 14th century, is the largest monastery in the world and was once home to around 10,000 monks, though today only a few hundred remain. This monastery is a key center of Tibetan history, culture, and spirituality.

Next, we explore Sera Monastery, famous for its whitewashed walls and golden roofs. The highlight of this visit is the monk debates, which take place daily from 3 to 5 pm (except Sundays), offering a fascinating glimpse into Tibetan Buddhist philosophy.

We then visit Jokhang Temple, one of Tibet’s most important religious sites, where you can see the revered statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve.

Finally, we stroll through Barkhor Bazaar, the bustling market of Lhasa, where open-air stalls, shops, and crowds of pilgrims bring the area to life. This market is the heart of Lhasa, offering a vibrant atmosphere that connects visitors with the local culture.

Overnight in Lhasa.

After breakfast, we begin our journey to Shigatse, traveling through the wide Nimu Valley, which stretches for 5 km along the Brahmaputra River. This fertile valley is the main agricultural region of the area and contains the county seat.

Upon arrival in Shigatse, we visit Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama. Founded by Gendun Drup, the 1st Dalai Lama, in 1447, the monastery sits on a hill at the heart of Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet. The name Tashi Lhunpo means “all fortunes and happiness are gathered here” in Tibetan.

Overnight in Shigatse.

After breakfast, we drive to Rongbuk beginning our journey right through some beautiful villages and getting the first glimpse of Mount Everest from the foot of Gyatso la pass (5220m).

On the way, we visit Sakya Monastery, also known as Pel Sakya, the ancestral temple of the Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism which provides access to the Buddha’s teachings. After the visit to Sakya Monastery, we continue driving towards Rongbuk. Crossing the Lalung la pass, we reach Rongbuk Monastery, which is located at the foot of the mighty Everest and is the highest monastery in the world. While here, we also enjoy the stunning mountainous scenery all around us, including the breathtaking views of the north face of Mt. Everest. Overnight in Rongbuk.

After breakfast, we begin our journey to Shigatse, traveling through the wide Nimu Valley, which stretches for 5 km along the Brahmaputra River. This fertile valley is the main agricultural region of the area and contains the county seat.

Upon arrival in Shigatse, we visit Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama. Founded by Gendun Drup, the 1st Dalai Lama, in 1447, the monastery sits on a hill at the heart of Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet. The name Tashi Lhunpo means “all fortunes and happiness are gathered here” in Tibetan.

Overnight in Shigatse.

After breakfast, we visit Palchoe Monastery (also known as Pelkor Chode Monastery or Shekar Gyantse), Kumbum Pagoda Stupa, renowned as the “king of pagodas,” Phalkot Monastery, and Gyantse Dzong, one of the best-preserved dzongs in Tibet.

After sightseeing, we drive back to Lhasa, passing through stunning landscapes. Along the way, we witness massive glaciers tumbling down to the road and enjoy spectacular mountain views. We then cross Karo La Pass (5,045m), with its majestic glaciers, including the Karo La Glacier. We continue to Khamba La Pass (4,794m) and make a brief stop to admire the stunning Yamdrok Tso Lake (Turquoise Lake), one of Tibet’s three largest sacred lakes. From here, we also enjoy views of the Nazin Kang Sang Glacier (7,252m).

Overnight in Lhasa.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport or train station for your final departure from Lhasa. Whether you are flying back to Nepal or continuing your journey elsewhere, you will carry with you unforgettable memories of Tibet’s breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and spiritual heritage. Safe travels!