12D11N · Group Tours · 12-day group tour of Lhasa, Nyingchi and Shigatse, covering Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, Yamdrok Lake, Everest Base Camp, Namtso Lake and Tashilhunpo Monastery

You are responsible for any optional expenses.

You are responsible for any optional expenses.

You are responsible for any optional expenses.

Breakfast included at the hotel

Kading Valley is known as "Heaven on Earth". Hike into the long, deep gorge, and the gurgling stream draws near as if you have stepped into a primeval forest. Towering mountains frame the deep valley with fantastic rock formations and ancient trees; bamboo groves can also be found here.

You are responsible for any optional expenses.

You are responsible for any optional expenses.

Breakfast is included at the hotel.

Travel from Nyingchi City to Segrila Pass, located about 48 kilometers away. At an elevation of 4,768 meters, Segrila Pass is one of the highest road passes in Nyingchi.

Lulang Forest Sea features mist-shrouded woodlands famed as "a place so lovely you forget home". The scenic area is picturesque, ringed by snow-capped mountains. Lush forests fill the valleys, interspersed with meadows as neat as if manicured by hand.

You are responsible for any optional expenses.

Afterward, return to Nyingchi City to explore Biri Holy Mountain. Known in Tibetan as Monkey Mountain, Biri is one of the most revered sacred mountains in Nyingchi and is said to have been blessed by Guru Padmasambhava. The scenic area features an ecological square, a creek-side zone, Tangcheng Monastery, forests of prayer flags, and ancient cultural relics. Thousands of pilgrims come here each year to circumambulate the mountain. The site is also home to the Nyingchi Natural Ecology Museum, which displays 586 species of plants and animals, highlighting the region's extraordinary biodiversity. From the mountainside, you can enjoy panoramic views of Bayi Town, while the summit is adorned with vibrant prayer flags - each carrying blessings and prayers from local Tibetans.

Special meal arranged: Lulang Stone Pot Chicken
A signature dish of the Nyingchi region, Stone Pot Chicken is prepared by slow-stewing local chicken with shouzhangshen (a type of wild ginseng) in a handcrafted stone pot. The resulting broth is aromatic and soothing, while the chicken is tender and rich in flavor. The pot itself is carved from rare soapstone found only in Motuo, carried out by porters and hand-chiseled by the Monpa people. These dark-green stone pots retain heat exceptionally well and naturally contain magnesium, iron, and 17 trace minerals.
Warm reminder:
Due to limited capacity at the Basumtso Scenic Area, if hotels inside the scenic zone are fully booked or temporarily closed, your stay will be arranged in Nyingchi City instead. There will be no change in price, and all sightseeing activities will remain the same.

Breakfast is included at the hotel.

The scenic area shuttle fee for a round-trip shuttle vehicle is included.
After breakfast, your group will travel to Basumtso Lake (3,538 m), also known as Basong Tso or Dragsum Tso. Located in Gongbo'gyamda County, this stunning alpine lake is famous for its turquoise waters that reflect the surrounding snow-capped peaks. As a national forest park and 5A scenic area, Basumtso offers beautiful landscapes that change throughout the day. The lake is also a sacred site in Tibetan Buddhism, especially for followers of the Nyingma sect, and is believed to be blessed by Guru Rinpoche and King Gesar.

Upon arrival, take in the peaceful atmosphere before visiting Tashi Island, a small island in the center of the lake. Here you'll find Tsozong Monastery, a simple yet spiritually significant temple dating back to the 17th century. Enjoy a gentle walk around the island, where you'll see highlights such as the Peach Embracing Pine, the remains of an ancient water-burial platform, and the unique Letter Tree, whose leaves naturally form symbols resembling Tibetan letters. Don't miss the sacred well, an important part of local religious tradition.

Afterward, continue to Jieba Village, a picturesque Tibetan settlement that offers excellent views of Basumtso Lake and the surrounding snow mountains known as the King's Throne and Burning Flame. The village provides a wonderful glimpse into authentic Tibetan culture and daily life.

You are responsible for any optional expenses.

You are responsible for any optional expenses.

Breakfast is included at the hotel.

Handmade experience: Please note that the exact venue for the Tibetan cultural experience will be confirmed by your guide.

(the Tibetan cultural experience) While in Lhasa, you may experience traditional Tibetan handicrafts (Tibetan incense making, woodblock printing and Tibetan script introduction).

At the Tibetan Cultural Experience Hall, learn how aromatic Tibetan incense is made and try making your own Tibetan incense. Knowledgeable instructors will introduce the origins of Tibetan script. The instructors can write Tibetan blessings or a Tibetan name for you.

Your handcrafted incense, printed works and the Tibetan characters written by the instructor can all be taken home as souvenirs of your trip to Xizang.

You are responsible for any optional expenses.

Sera Monastery is one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, and together with Drepung Monastery and Ganden Monastery, forms the Three Great Monasteries of Lhasa. The monastery houses over ten thousand Vajra statues. Its renowned Hayagriva Vajra statue is enshrined in the Protector Chapel of Gyitshang.

Local devotees will lean into a small niche to touch the base of the statue with their heads. Beyond its solemn sanctity, Sera Monastery is famous for the Buddhist debating sessions held by resident monks. At the debating courtyard, monks engage in doctrinal discussions. Some punctuate arguments with resounding claps to prompt responses, while others twist prayer beads to aid their reasoning.

Standing within the courtyard, you are surrounded by vibrant exchanges. Though visitors may not grasp the profound Buddhist logic, you can tangibly feel the faith and power of Tibetan Buddhism. Debates usually start at 15:00.

If your tour date falls on Sunday, only monastery sightseeing will be available; no debating session. Thank you for your understanding!

Debates may also be canceled on weekdays should the monastery host impromptu rituals or special receptions. Thank you for your understanding!

You are responsible for any optional expenses.

Breakfast is included at the hotel.

Guide services: Songtsen Gampo spent half his life unifying Tibet and the other half constructing magnificent palaces and monasteries. Wander through resplendent Buddha halls, stupas, royal chambers and corridors. Dim lights hang behind lowered curtains, and the scent of ghee permeates the air, as if stepping into an ancient dream, lost among scriptures, Buddha statues, murals and age-old legends.

Potala Palace Ticket Reservation Notice
Potala Palace tickets operate under a real-name reservation system. Valid documents (ID card, household register, Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents or passport) are required for booking. Once reserved, you cannot rebook another ticket within 7 days from your visit date. The travel agency is not liable if you are denied entry because you provided incorrect information. You must carry the original valid document for check-in. A mismatched name or ID number will result in denied entry, and the ticket cost is non-refundable once incurred. Thank you for your understanding!

Your designated entry time is randomly assigned by the Potala Palace Administration via computer and cannot be pre-selected. The actual visiting route may differ from the reference itinerary.
Visitor quotas are restricted during peak season. Travel agencies in Xizang receive a limited daily group allocation. To secure your entry, our agency will use multiple booking channels. Please follow your guide's instructions as requirements vary by channel. The following arrangements are standard practice:

(1) A single group may be split into smaller sub-groups. Travelers booked together may be separated and combined with guests from other groups for entry.
(2) Sub-groups may be scheduled for different times or dates.
(3) Sub-groups will enter with separate guides.

Potala Palace is closed on Mondays. If your tour falls on a Monday, the shared group itinerary will be adjusted. Please confirm the final schedule with your sales consultant.

You are responsible for any optional expenses.

Guide services: Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Lhasa with a history of more than 1,300 years. From afar, you'll see countless devoted pilgrims prostrating in front of the temple. Stop for a while to witness this moving sight and the unwavering faith of Tibetan Buddhists. This is a truly moving experience.

According to legend, Jokhang Temple was built by King Songtsen Gampo for his two brides -Princess Wencheng of China and Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal. The name Jokhang means 'House of the Buddha,' and the temple enshrines a life-sized statue of the 12-year-old Sakyamuni, one of the most sacred treasures in the Buddhist world. This makes Jokhang Temple the holiest pilgrimage site in Tibet.

Take time to explore the temple's intricate architecture - admire the colorful murals, ornate decorations, and fine carvings that showcase the essence of Tibetan craftsmanship. From the second floor, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the bustling Barkhor Street below.

One complimentary special meal included on this day: Lhasa Welcome Feast (Tibetan or Nepalese cuisine).
The guide reserves the right to reschedule this dinner to lunch subject to on-site conditions. The total number of complimentary meals remains unchanged. Complimentary item; no refund for non-consumption.

Breakfast is included at the hotel.

At this prime viewpoint, behold Yamdrok Lake at its finest. You will be met with brilliant blue skies and deep-toned lake waters. You will truly appreciate the beauty behind the line "Tears of angels above, blue of Yamdrok below." Many photographers also say: "No matter how many times you shoot Yamdrok Lake, its beauty can never be fully captured..." Local Tibetans on Gambala Mountain offer yak photo sessions. Please confirm the price upfront to avoid disputes.

As one of Xizang's Three Holy Freshwater Lakes, Yamdrok Lake is known for its crystal-clear, fresh water. Its azure waters merge with distant snow-capped peaks, framed by multi-hued mountain ranges, distinctive Tibetan villages and grazing livestock along the shores, creating a refreshing and scenic view.
Yamdrok Lake covers 638 sq km, sits at 4,441 meters above sea level, and has a 250-kilometer shoreline. It is said to be a turquoise earring left by a goddess upon earth.
Gaze south from the Gambala Mountain Pass at 4,950 m, and Yamdrok Lake appears like a sapphire nestled among mountain summits, its smooth blue surface mirroring the sky.

You are responsible for any optional expenses.

This glacier is a breathtaking wonder at the border of Nagarze and Gyantse Counties. Backed by Noijin Kangsang, one of Xizang's four great peaks, the massive glacier stretches down from mist-shrouded summits to within a few hundred meters of the highway. Years of road dust have created striking alternating dark and white layers across the ice. When sunlight hits its upper section, the glacier shines like a giant Thangka draped over the mountainside. It rose to fame as an outdoor filming location for movies including Red River Valley, Battle of Gyantse and The Knot.

You are responsible for any optional expenses.

Breakfast is included at the hotel.

Driving up along the 108-turn winding mountain road of Qomolangma Highway, you will reach the Gyawula Pass-Qomolangma Viewing Platform at an altitude of 5,210 meters. This is one of the world's few viewing platforms from which five peaks over 8,000 meters can be seen simultaneously. On clear days, five 8,000-meter-level snow-capped peaks - Qomolangma, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Shishapangma - line up in a row, presenting a magnificent sight.

You are responsible for any optional expenses.

Including scenic area shuttle bus fee

Rongbuk Monastery . Serene Sanctuary

Nestled at the end of the Rongbuk Glacier beneath Mount Qomolangma, it sits at an altitude of approximately 5,154 meters. As the world's highest-elevation monastery, it belongs to the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism and houses both monks and nuns. The monastery comprises old and new premises. The old section lies closer to Qomolangma, preserving relics such as Guru Rinpoche's meditation cave. The new monastery offers a superb vantage point for viewing Mount Qomolangma. Looking south from within the compound, the mountain rises like a colossal pyramid, imposing and awe-inspiring. The mani stone piles and white stupas at the monastery gate frequently serve as foregrounds for photographing Qomolangma, exuding tranquility and sanctity.

Qomolangma Base Camp . Roof of the World

At 5,200 meters above sea level, this is the closest point ordinary visitors can get to Mount Qomolangma. The base camp is formed by tent-style guesthouses, with armed police on duty nearby. Standing here, you are merely 19 kilometers in straight-line distance from Qomolangma. You can experience its grandeur up close. Like a giant standing between heaven and earth, the mountain radiates breathtaking charm, leaving its distinctive impression deeply etched in every visitor's memory.

You are responsible for any optional expenses.

Breakfast is included at the hotel.

Gyawula Pass Viewing Platform sits at an altitude of 5,248 meters. It is a mountain pass within Qomolangma National Nature Reserve and also the highest-elevation point along the China-Nepal Highway.
Standing at the viewing platform, you will see the huge reserve sign, with countless prayer flags fluttering loudly in the wind. On clear days, you can overlook not only Mount Qomolangma at 8,848.86 meters but also take in three other peaks exceeding 8,000 meters: Cho Oyu, Lhotse and Makalu. It is extremely rare, along National Highway 318 and among mountain passes accessible by roads worldwide, to have four 8,000-meter-class peaks visible from a single pass.

You are responsible for any optional expenses.

You are responsible for any optional expenses.

Breakfast is included at the hotel.

This morning, visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the spiritual heart of Shigatse.
Founded in 1447 by Gyalwa Gedun Drup, the 1st Dalai Lama and a disciple of Tsongkhapa, Tashilhunpo Monastery is the largest monastery in Tibet's Tsang region and one of the six great Gelug monasteries alongside Drepung, Sera, Ganden, Labrang, and Ta'er. It has long been the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas, the second-highest incarnation lineage in Tibetan Buddhism after the Dalai Lama.

You are responsible for any optional expenses.

You are responsible for any optional expenses.

Breakfast is included at the hotel.

Scenic Area Transportation Fee: Round-trip scenic shuttle bus.

Crossing the Nagula Pass at 5,190 meters above sea level, you will reach Namtso, and foremost of Tibet's three sacred lakes, sitting at 4,718 meters. It is the world's highest-elevation saltwater lake and China's second-largest saltwater lake. To its south lies the snow-capped Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains. To the north and west are high-altitude hills, with vast lakeshore grasslands encircling the lake and abundant water and pasture. The lake water has high salinity. Its basin teems with wildlife including wild yaks and Tibetan goats. Numerous waterfowl inhabit the lake, which yields scale-bearing and scaleless fish. The crystal-clear lake contrasts beautifully with the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Like a glittering pearl, it nestles within the vast Qiangtang Grassland.

Important note: Harsh winter conditions prevail at Namtso due to its high altitude. Mountain passes may be closed by heavy snow every winter. Should snow block the route, the itinerary will be adjusted as below:
(1) If notified one day in advance that Namtso Scenic Area is inaccessible: Day 08 Lhasa -Ganden Monastery --Lhasa
(2) If the group has already departed for Namtso and receives last-minute notice that entry is denied: Day 08 Lhasa - Chubu Monastery - Lhasa

You are responsible for any optional expenses.

You are responsible for any optional expenses.

Breakfast is included at the hotel.

You are responsible for any optional expenses.

You are responsible for any optional expenses.