ABOUT
Explore Tibet's wonders with this itinerary, featuring iconic sites and cultural experiences. Witness the grandeur of Potala Palace, the sacred Yamdrok Lake, Karo Glacier, and the majestic Mt. Everest from the Basecamp.
Delve into local traditions. by joining pilgrims at Jokhang Temple, dancing with locals at a local Park, and unwinding in an authentic local teahouse.
HIGHLIGHTS
⭐️ Local Immersion:
We've specially arranged local activities to bring you closer to the Tibetan culture. Join local Buddhist pilgrims for a kora around the Jokhang Temple, dance alongside the Tibetans at Dragon King Pond Park, and enjoy sweet tea in bustling local teahouses. These experiences are your gateway to understanding the vibrant social culture of the Tibetan community.
⭐️ Local Family Visit:
As you travel past the stunning Yamdrok Lake, we've designed a relaxing and enjoyable excursion for you. Take in the breathtaking panoramic views from a nearby mountaintop, get up close to the lake's edge for a serene waterside experience, and conclude with a visit to a local farmhouse at the far end of the lake. Here, you'll have the chance to step into the daily life of a Tibetan farmer, adding a unique and authentic touch to your journey.
⭐️ Everest Basecamp:
The highlight of this trip is Everest Base Camp, perched at 5200 meters. Behold the towering north face of Mount Everest, which turns into a golden pyramid at sunset, bathing in a glowing light. You will spend the night near the base camp and have the opportunity to stare at the sky. If the weather allows, you'll be amazed by the magnificent Milky Way.
ITINERARY
Day 1
Welcome to Tibet! Upon arrival, our welcoming guide and driver will greet you at the airport* with a traditional Tibetan "Khata" scarf. A swift one-hour drive (about 70 km) on the expressway will bring you to your comfortable hotel in Lhasa's downtown area.
Once you've checked in, we recommend taking some time to rest and acclimatize to the local altitude of 3,650 meters, ensuring a smooth start to your adventure on the plateau.
If you feel like going out, you can walk to Potala Square and get amazing photos of the Potala Palace and its surroundings.
*Free airport pickup is available at 10h, 13h30, 16h and 18h30. If you don't want to wait or your flight arrives after the last shuttle you can book a private pickup (∼400 rmb).**If you arrive by train, train station pickup is also included.
🔼 Altitude: 3,650m
🚗 Drive: 70km, ∼1h drive
🍽️ Meals: /
🛏️ Accommodation: local 4* hotel
Lhasa Gang-Gyan Hotel or similar
Day 2
Today's journey takes you to two remarkable monasteries in Lhasa - Drepung and Sera Monastery. These sites offer a deep dive into the heart of Tibetan Buddhism. You'll explore various aspects of monastery life, from the grand Buddhist halls and scholarly colleges to the humble monks' kitchen. Witness the unique tradition of monk debates, a dynamic and engaging method of studying Buddhist teachings.
At Sera Monastery, get ready for an energetic display of Buddhist debates. Monks here are known for their lively discussions, using vibrant body language almost like a dance, as they delve into the complexities of Buddhist philosophy.
To cap off the day, enjoy an authentic Tibetan experience with a welcome dinner at a traditional local restaurant.
🔼 Altitude: 3,650m
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
🛏️ Accommodation: local 4* hotel
Lhasa Gang-Gyan Hotel or similar
Day 3
Today, start by participating in Tibetan local folk activities in a local park. Then, let's explore the treasures of Lhasa, starting with the renowned Potala Palace, once the Dalai Lama's residence and the world's highest palace. As you climb the 365 steps to the main building, you'll discover the palace's history and its impressive murals and Buddha statues, reflecting ancient Tibetan wealth and culture.
Next, we'll visit the sacred Jokhang Temple, home to a revered 12-year-old statue of Shakyamuni. It's considered the holiest site in Tibet, and you can experience the city's soul by joining pilgrims on Barkhor Street.
Our guide will also take you to a local Tibetan teahouse, offering insight into Tibetan social culture. It's a unique way to immerse yourself in Lhasa's vibrant traditions.
🔼 Altitude: 3,650m
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Tea at the Tibetan teahouse
🛏️ Accommodation: local 4* hotel
Lhasa Gang-Gyan Hotel or similar
Day 4
Embark on a scenic drive to reach Shigatse. En route, you'll have the opportunity to explore two awe-inspiring natural wonders – Yamdrok Lake & the Karola Glacier.
The drive includes a picturesque 20-kilometer stretch along the shoreline of Yamdrok Lake. We'll make a stop at a lakeside village, providing you with the chance to step into the homes of local farmers, discover their way of life, and savor a delightful farmhouse lunch.
Afterward, continue your journey for approximately 1 hour to witness one of Tibet's most stunning sights – the Karola Glacier. This massive glacier extends right to the roadside, resembling a frozen waterfall hanging over the road and above your head.
As we move past the Karola Glacier, we'll also pass by Lake Manla and the historic town of Gyantse before reaching Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet.
🔼 Altitude: 3,650m / 5,030m / 3,600m
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Farmhouse lunch
🚗 Drive: 360km, ∼8h drive
🛏️ Accommodation: local 4* hotel
Shigatse Shiga-Yangcha Hotel or similar
Day 5
After enjoying breakfast, we'll drive to Mount Everest Basecamp. On the way, there will be various viewpoints that offer glimpses of this iconic peak.
Leaving Shigatse, your journey will take you past picturesque rural farmlands and quaint villages. Around 4h, you'll reach Dingri County, offering your first glimpse of Mt Everest< /span> from the Dingri Viewpoint.
As you enter the Everest scenic region, prepare to be captivated by the stunning panoramas of the Himalayas from Gawula Pass. The towering Himalayan peaks, ranging from 7000 to 8000 meters, present a truly majestic and awe-inspiring vista.
Continuing on the dedicated road leading to Everest, the mountain will steadily grow larger and nearer until you finally arrive at the northern face base camp. From this vantage point, Mount Everest will appear as a colossal pyramid, standing proudly before you.
We'll aim to reach Everest Base Camp before sunset, allowing you the extraordinary opportunity to witness the mountain bathed in golden hues as the sun sets, creating a mesmerizing natural phenomenon.
The highlight will be spending the night at Everest Base Camp (EBC).
🔼 Altitude: 3,600m / 4300m / 5200m
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast
🚗 Drive: 340km, ∼8h
🛏️ Accommodation: Dorm bed
Rongpuk Guest House or similar
Day 6
Take a morning walk around the base camp to enjoy the early moments of the day. After breakfast, your guide will lead you to visit Rongbuk Monastery, known as the world's highest-altitude monastery. You might recognize it as the place where the sea waves covered the last piece of land in the movie "2012." It's also an excellent spot to capture the stunning natural and cultural beauty of Mount Everest.
Leaving Everest behind, we'll drive you to the Xilin Viewpoint, where you can admire breathtaking views of the eastern slope of Everest and Mount Lhotse. We'll also pass through the ancient town of Sakya before returning to Shigatse.
In the evening, upon reaching Shigatse, your guide will invite you to partake in a traditional Tibetan dinner to celebrate the successful completion of your Everest journey. This is a fantastic opportunity to savor local traditional dishes while enjoying the unique folk songs and dances of Shigatse.
🔼 Altitude: 5,200m / 4,300m / 3,600m
🍽️ Meals: Dinner with dance performance
🚗 Drive: 360km, ∼8h drive
🛏️ Accommodation: local 4* hotel
Shigatse Shiga-Yangcha Hotel or similar
Day 7
Today, you'll explore the largest monastery in western Tibet, Tashilhunpo Monastery. This monastery has served as the seat of the Panchen Lamas and is renowned for its grand size and stunning architecture. Inside, you'll find the world's largest gilded bronze statue, stupas dedicated to the Panchen Lamas, and exquisite Buddhist murals.
Following your visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery, we'll make our way back to Lhasa, following the scenic Yarlung Tsangpo River Valley. (Note that depending on the circumstances, the return to Lhasa may be arranged by train.)
🔼 Altitude: 3,650m
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast
🚗 Drive: 280km, ∼5h drive
🛏️ Accommodation: local 4* hotel
Lhasa Gang-Gyan Hotel or similar
Day 8
Today marks the official end of your Tibet journey, and we will be there to accompany you to the airport or train station. We're grateful for the wonderful time you've spent with us in Tibet and wish you a safe journey ahead!
*Free airport dropoff is available at 06h30, 8h and 12h. If you don't want to wait or your flight arrives after the last shuttle you can book a private pickup (∼400 rmb).
🔼 Altitude: 3,650m
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast
🚗 Drive: 70km, ∼1h drive
🛏️ Accommodation: /
PHOTOS
Get a glimpse of the the Tour Experience!
DETAILS
Price
Jan 1 to March 31: $929
April 1 - June 20: $1019
Jun 21 - Jul 9: $1069
Jul 10 - Aug 20: $1149
Aug 21 - Sep 19: $1069
Sep 20 - Oct 10: $1149
Oct 11 - Oct 31: $1019
Nov 01 - Dec 31: $929
Included
- Documents: Tibet travel permit
- Airport pickup and dropoff on given time (Airport Pick-up Schedule: 10:00, 13:30, 16:00 and 18:30; Airport Drop-off Schedule : 06:30, 08:00, 12:00)
- Transportation: comfortable Tourist Vehicle
- Transportation: eco-bus at the basecamp
- Guide: English-speaking Tibetan local tour guide
- Accommodation x7 nights: See hotels details below. Shared room for 2 persons except at EBC (dorm-style).*
- Meals: Breakfasts x6 (day 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8)
- Meals: Lunch x1 (day 4)
- Meals: Tea x1 (day 3)
- Meals: Dinner x2 (day 2, 6)
- Entrance ticket fees for all tourist sites listed in the itinerary
- Oxygen: Oxygen bottle provided during the tour if necessary
-Insurance: travel accident insurance
⚠️Price is based on shared room occupancy, please let us know your sharing preferences upon signing up. If you're a solo traveler or don't have another person to share the room with, M2adventure will do its best to help find a roommate whenever possible but if no one is available to share, please note that you will have to take the single room supplement (see price below). Thank you for your understanding.< /span>
Date
2024 January: 7, 14, 21, 28
2024 February: 4, 11, 18, 25
2024 March: 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
2024 April: 7, 14, 21, 28
2024 May: 1, 5, 12, 19, 26
2024 June: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
2024 July: 7, 14, 21, 28
2024 August: 4, 11, 18, 25
2024 Sep: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
2024 October: 1, 6, 13, 20, 27
2024 November: 3, 10, 17, 24
2024 December: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Excluded
- Flight or train to and out of Tibet
- Meals not mentioned in included (most meals are about 30-100rmb/meal)
- Tips to tour guide and driver
- Single Room Supplement
- Personal expenses
Cancellation Fee
- Between booking and 15 days prior to departure: $50
- Between 14 and 5 days prior to departure: $250
- Between 4 and 1 days prior to departure: 50% of the price
- On departure day or no-show: 100% of the price
Cancellation Policy
If the weather is terrible and represents a risk to people's safety, or if there is any government restriction we would cancel the trip and refund the deposit. Note that we are NOT responsible for flight cancellation fees. This would need to be dealt with the airline company directly.
Important Notes
- If the permit is not approved or if there are some changes of regulations from the government and the trip cannot happen, the trip prepayment will be fully refunded (we do not cover flights/train ticket cancellation fees).