Discover Holy Lakes in Tibet

Itinerary

Itinerary
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DAY
1

Arrive in Lhasa

Welcome in Tibet – the roof of the world

Today arrive in Lhasa (3650 m), the capital of Tibet, transfer to hotel. Stay at the hotel for adapting to the high altitude. It is helpful to take things easy for the first few days, and try to drink some water.

Overnight at 3*Yak Hotel

Lhasa

DAY
2

Lhasa

Potala Palace – landmark of Lhasa, Jokhang and Barkhor Street

Full-day visits: Potala in the morning and Jokhang in the afternoon.
In the morning visit Potala, which was originally constructed in 637 by Songtsen Gampo, the first king of the united Tibet, and later expanded and served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas as well as the religious-political nexus of traditional Tibet. The crowds of pilgrims, innumerable magnificent murals, Buddhist statues, scriptures and rare treasures altogether create a dense religious and art atmosphere that impresses every visitor. In the afternoon visit Jokhang monastery, the center of the Tibetan Buddhism and the sacred land of Buddhist followers where thousands of pilgrims come for worship every day. The temple, built in 647, is the earliest wood-and-masonry structure still existing in Tibet. Walk on the Barkhor street surrounding Jokhang, a big free market with its prolific stalls for selling local specialties.

Overnight at 3*Yak Hotel

Breakfast

Potala Palace

DAY
3

Lhasa

Panoramic view over Potala, Norbulingka, Debate in Sera

In the morning visit Parla Lupu Cave Monastery, located on the slopes of Yaowang Mountain, was built in the 7th century. It is 22m high and from here you can have a wonderful panoramic view over Potala palace. Afterwards visit Norbulinka, the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas. In the afternoon visit Sera Monastery, which was created in 1419 and has always been an important Buddhist seminary. It is also one of the six master monasteries of the Gelugpa. As rose are planted everywhere in the monastery, it is also called “the court of wild rose”. Today still 200 lamas live in there. You have the opportunity to experience the famous monks' "Buddhism scriptures debates". Public religious debates are part of the education of monks.

Overnight at 3*Yak Hotel

Breakfast

Debate in Sera Monastery

DAY
4

Lhasa - Yamdrok – Gyantse – Shigatse

Karo La Pass und Gletscher, heiliger See Yamdrok, Palkhor mit Pagode Kumbum

Look forward to a breathtaking mountain world! Today you will drive over several passes to Gyantse (260 km). At the highest point of the trip (Karo La Pass at 5,010 m) is the glacier of Noejin Kangsa (7,223 m) during the drive. On the way to the third largest holy lake of Tibet – Yamdrok, you can take some fantastic photos. Upon arrival in Gyantse you will visit Palkhor Monastery and the impressive pagoda of Kumbum. Then drive to Shigatse, the second largest city of Tibet.

356 km
6 hours 41 minutes
Overnight at 4*Mulunlazong Hotel

Breakfast

Yamdrok Lake

DAY
5

Shigatse – Yangbajing - Damxung - Nam Tso

Sunset on the Nianqingtanggula mountain, sunset on Nam Tso lake

Drive north via Damxung and Lhachen La to Nam Tso Lake. In the far Changthang plain the nomads live. Walk on the Tashi Peninsula and complete a circle around the sacred mountain whose cliffs have been eroded in recent centuries. On the street covered with many mani walls. You have the opportunity to visit the local nomads in the yak hair woven tents. In good weather, admire the magnificent sunset on Nianqingtanggula Mountain and Nam Tso Lake.

388 km
7 hours 14 minutes
Overnight in a simple guesthouse

Breakfast

Nam Tso Lake

DAY
6

Nam Tso Lake – Tsurpu - Lhasa

Sunrise over the Nam Tso Lake, Tsurpu Monastery

Today, you will wake up early to experience the unforgettable sunrise over the Nam Tso Lake and Nianqingtanggula Mountain on a clear day. Return via Lhachen La and Damxung to Lhasa. On the way detour to Tsurpu Monastery (4300 m), 60 km northwest of Lhasa on the upper reaches of the river Tsurpu. Tsurpu Monastery is the main monastery of the Karma Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Tsurpu was established in 1189 by Duesum Khyenpa, a pupil of Gampopa and the first Karmapa. He introduced the principle of reincarnation into Tibet. He told his disciples that he would reincarnate and pointed out the location of the second Karmapas reborn. In contrast to Yellow Caps (Gelug) the Karmapa Kagye are regarded as the Black Hat. Visit the Tsurpu Monastery, if time is available, hike on the pilgrim's way around the monastery (about 1 hour).

274 km
5 hours 34 minutes
Overnight at the 3*Yak Hotel

Breakfast

Nam Tso Lake

DAY
7

Lhasa - Gandan - Basum Tso

Gandan Monastery, Mi La Pass, Basum Tso

Drive over the Mi La Pass (4865 m) to Basum Tso Lake, a holy lake of Nyingma school. On the way visit Gandan Monastery. It was built in 1409 by Tsongkapa, the founder of the Gelugpa of Tibetan Buddhism. Gandan, Drepung and Sera are the three largest monasteries in Lhasa. And Gandan is the place where Tsongkapa passed away. Therefore, it has the highest reputation of all the monasteries of the Gelugpa. If you are interested, you can walk along the pilgrimage way to the left and right hillsides of Gandan Monastery to visit Tsongkhapa’s meditation cave and enjoy the panorama of Gandan Monastery and magnificent scenery of Lhasa River valley. With more than 6000 meters above sea level, Snow-covered mountains around Basum Tso make Basum Tso very cinematic. It is no doubt that the main actor is Tsodzong Monastery on the Tashi Island. Hike on the island to visit Tsodzong Monastery. If you are interested, you can continue to walk by Basum Tso, enjoy the snow mountain and thick forest, and enter the Jieba Village that maintains pure Gongbo style. Basum Tso is located in Gongbo’gyamda County. The Tibetans who live in Gongbo’gyamda County are called “Gongbo people” by other Tibetan people. They have their own costume, special buildings, different festivals, and even different dialect. Visiting a family at Jieba Village, you will be treated warmly by them.

363 km
6 hours 30 minutes
Overnight by Basum Tso (3500 m)

Breakfast

Basum Tso Lake

DAY
8

Basum Tso - Linzhi - Lulang

Niyang River, Ancient Giant Cypress Forest, Buchu Monastery, Lamaling Temple, Overlook Gyala Pelri and Namjabarwa

you will visit the two monasteries, the Buchu Monastery of the Gelug Sect and the Lamaling Monastery that are only a few kilometers away from the runway. During uphill to Serkhyem La Pass, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Niyang River valley and the panorama of Lingzhi. When crossing Serkhyem La Pass (Seji La, 4,515 m) you will have spectacular views of Mount Gyala Pelri (7,150 m) and Mount Namchak Barwa (Namjabarwa, 7,782 m), when the weather is so fine. Late in the afternoon reach Lulang Town. Leisurely walking in the natural oxygen bar - Lulang.

222 km
3 hours 29 minutes
Overnight in Lulang (3700 m)

Breakfast

Lulang

DAY
9

Linzhi - Menling - Nang Dzong - Tsechu - Gyatsa

Ruins of Chokhorgyel Monastery, Lhamo Lhatso Oracle Lake

Drive to Tsechu, arrive in Tsechu at noon, hike to the ruins of Chokhorgyel Monastery, then climb the steep path to the ridge where hundreds of prayer flags flutter in the wind and you have a magnificent view of the 500 meters lower Orahersee Lhamo Lhatso. Hike back to Tsechu, continue to Gyatsa.

358 km
6 hours 44 minutes
Overnight at simple Manasarovar hotel

Breakfast

Lhamo Lhatso Lake

DAY
10

Gyatsa – Tsetang

Samye Monastery and Yongbulakang Palace in Tsetang, the cradle of Tibetan culture

Drive to Tsetang, the cradle of Tibetan culture. You visit Samye Monastery in the morning, the oldest monastery of Tibet built in 8th century. The monastery is surrounded by sand dunes and lies on the northern side of Yarlung-Tsangpo, about 40 km from Tsetang. The monastery Samye is considered as "image of the universe" in the Buddhist sense. The famous building contains Tibetan, Chinese and Indian architectural styles. In the afternoon visit the oldest palace of Tibet which is constructed in the time of the Turpo Kingdom - Yongbulakang. The climb to Yongbulakang Castle rewards you with a fantastic view of the fertile Yarlung Valley.

209 km
4 hours 16 minutes
Overnight at 4*Tsetang Hotel

Breakfast

Samye Monastery

DAY
11

Leave Tibet

Travel to next destination

Today transfer to Gongga Airport or Lhasa Railway Station, leave Tibet.

Breakfast

Yongbulakhang Palace

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This trip can also be tailor-made, please let us know your travel idea: travel date, duration, number of travelers, child (2 - 12 years old), baby (0 - 2 years old), other travel destinations, meals, accommodation category, boutique hotel, special interest ...

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