Arrival in Lhasa [3658m]
Upon arrival at Lhasa airport or train station, to be met and transferred to your hotel / hostel in Lhasa. Afternoon have a good rest to acclimatize the high altitude. Overnight at Lhasa.
Lhasa City sightseeing, visit Potola Palace & Jokhang Temple
Today is your first day of sightseeing on the high plateau, so we have purposely arranged only to visit Jokhang temple and Potala Palace. Jokhang temple is the most scared shrine in Tibet which was built in 7th century and located at the heart of old town in Lhasa, the circuit around it called Barkhor street, which is a good place to purchase souvenirs. Potala Palace is the worldwide known cardinal landmark of Tibet. The massive structure itself contains a small world within it. Mostly it is renowned as residence of the Dalai Lama lineages (Avalokiteshvara). Both of them are the focal points of pilgrims from entire Tibetan world, multitudinous pilgrims are circumambulating and prostrating in their strong faith. Overnight at Lhasa.
visit Drepung monastery, Sera monastery & Norbulingka summer palace
Today you will be arranged to visit Drepung, Sera monasteries and Summer Palace - Norbulingka palace. Both Drepung and Sera monasteries are Gelugpa (yellow hat) sect monastic colleges. Drepung monastery was the seat of the Government prior to Potala, it was once the world largest monastery in the history with 10,000 monks hailed from different monasteries all over Tibet. Sera monastery is famous for its Buddhism philosophical debate practice, the clapping sound and aggressive expression of the monks are well worth to see. Norbulingka is the summer palace of Dalai Lama, you can visit the residences of different lineages of the Dalai Lama. The park is crowded with picnickers and traditional activities during the Shoton (Yogurt festival) in August. Overnight at Lhasa.
Lhasa /Yamdrok Lake /Gyantse [4040m] /Shigatse[3836m], 360KM 7hrs drive
Morning drive up to Kambala pass[4794m high], you will have a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso there, which is one of the three holy lakes in Tibet. Then along the Friendship southern Hwy to Gyantse, short stop at Karo La pass[5100m] which is overlooked by MT. Mt. Nyenchen Kangsar glacier. Visit the famous stupa - Gyantse Kumbum, the most stunning architectural wonder in Tibet. Late afternoon drive to Shigatse. Overnight at Shigatse.
Shigatse/ Lhatse [4021m]/ Shegar [4300m]/ Rongbuk Monastery [5000m]/ E.B.C, 340KM, 7hour drive
Early morning start driving to Rongphu via Lhatse and Shegar, cross over Gyatsola[5200m] & Gawu la pass[5250m], from the top of the Gawu la you will see the spectacular Himalayan Ranges and its glorious peaks viz Mt.Makalu[8463m], Mt.Lotse[8516m], Mt.Everest[8844m], Mt.Cho Oyu[8201m] and Mt.Shishapama[8020m] from Left to right, climbing down through numbers of switchback bends lead to the dry valley of Tashi Zom and then to today's destination - Everest Base Camp. Rongbuk is the highest monastery in Tibet and consist both monks and nuns, it is still a good point to see Mt.Everest. Afternoon start trekking from the Tent guesthouses community to E.B.C, it will take you about 2 hours(6Km). Or you can take the dedicated minibus (25 RMB/per person, round-trip). Overnight at local tent guesthouse, (dorm bed). Note: It is a bit cold within that valley and windy too, you'd better take your sleeping bag with you. Please prepare your own package food for Rongbuk stay.
Rongbuk/ Shegar/Shigatse, 340KM, 6-7hrs drive
If you are lucky enough, you will see sunrise at E.B.C. Late morning start driving back to Shigatse. Overnight at Shigatse.
Shigatse / Lhasa, 300KM, 5-6hour drive
Morning visit Tashilunpo Monastery and the spectacular tombs of Panchen Lamas, sometimes it is crowded with local pilgrims. Afternoon drive back to Lhasa along the northern friendship way, marvelous landscapes and sceneries along the Brahmaputra River will accompany you all the way back to Lhasa. Overnight at Lhasa.
Lhasa train station / airport dropping off
Your guide and driver will see you off at the airport or train station, end of the trip.
