11-Day Nyingchi, Lhasa, Yamdrok Lake & Mt. Everest Exploration – The Grand Tibet Circle
11
Days
10
Nights
Overview
Embark on a spectacular 11-day loop that spans the entire diversity of the Tibetan plateau. This is the definitive Tibet experience, beginning in the oxygen-rich, alpine paradise of Nyingchi (Oriental Switzerland) before ascending to the spiritual heart of Lhasa and culminating at the base of the world's tallest peak—Mount Everest.
This journey is strategically designed for ideal acclimatization. By starting at the lower altitudes of Nyingchi’s forests, your body adapts naturally, ensuring you have the energy and health to enjoy the high-altitude wonders of Shigatse and Everest Base Camp. From turquoise lakes and ancient glaciers to golden palaces and Himalayan giants, this is the tour that leaves no stone unturned.
Trip Highlights
- Acclimatization in Nyingchi: Begin your trip at 2,900m—significantly lower than Lhasa. Explore the Lulang Forest and the dramatic Kading Ditch waterfall while breathing in the fresh, oxygen-rich air of Tibet’s "Green Lung."
- The Holy Lake Basum Tso: Visit a stunning emerald lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks and stay in Jieba Village, where time seems to stand still.
- The "Potala" Experience: Spend two full days in Lhasa visiting the Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple, and the lively Barkhor Street, witnessing a culture of devotion that has remained unchanged for centuries.
- Everest Base Camp (EBC): The undisputed highlight. Stand at 5,200m and witness the "Golden Peak" as the sun sets over the North Face of Mount Everest. You will spend the night at the base camp for a once-in-a-lifetime view of the Himalayan stars.
- Tashilhunpo Monastery: Explore the sprawling monastic city in Shigatse, home to the world’s largest gilded copper Buddha and the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama.
- The Glacial Road: Drive past the Karola Glacier, where the ancient ice flows nearly touch the highway, and the scorpion-shaped Yamdrok Lake.
Tour Plan
Day 01 :
Arrival in Lhasa
- Transfer: Airport/Station to Hotel (70km, ~1 hr).
- Experience: Meet our staff and transfer to your hotel.
- Activity: Dedicated rest day to allow your body to adapt to the high altitude.
Pro Tip: Keep a calm mindset. Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, or showering on your first night to minimize altitude sickness.
Day 02 :
Lhasa – Kading Valley – Nyingchi
- The Route: Drive along the Lalin Highway (China’s most beautiful highway) through the Niang River valley.
- Kading Valley: Known as "Heaven on Earth," this deep canyon features ancient forests, bamboo groves, and waterfalls.
- Stay: Nyingchi, the "Switzerland of Tibet."
- Sejila Pass: Panoramic views of the Namcha Barwa peak (voted China’s most beautiful mountain).
- Lulang Forest: A lush fairy-tale forest of spruce and pines.
- Bi Ri Holy Mountain: Visit the local ecological museum and see the sprawling prayer flag arrays.
- Culinary Highlight: Enjoy Lulang Stone Pot Chicken, a famous local delicacy slow-cooked in soapstone pots from Medog.
Stay: Overnight at Basum Tso (subject to availability).
- Basum Tso: Explore the 5A-rated sacred lake and its Island Temple (Tsozong Gongba).
- Jieba Village: A pristine, undeveloped village offering the best views of the "King's Throne" snow peaks.
Return: Scenic drive back to Lhasa.
- Tibetan Culture Experience: Hands-on workshop making traditional incense and practicing Tibetan woodblock printing.
Sera Monastery: Witness the famous Monk Debates (3:00 PM), a dynamic display of Buddhist philosophical logic.
- Potala Palace: The winter residence of the Dalai Lama and an architectural wonder of the world.
- Jokhang Temple: The spiritual heart of Tibet, where you can feel the deep devotion of pilgrims.
- Barkhor Street: Walk the sacred circuit and explore the vibrant local market.
- Yamdrok Lake: View the turquoise "Coral Lake" from the Gampala Pass (4,950m).
- Karola Glacier: A stunning continental glacier located just a few hundred meters from the highway.
Stay: Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet.
- Gawu La Pass: A 5,200m viewpoint offering a breathtaking panorama of five 8,000m peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu.
- Rongbuk Monastery: The world's highest monastery.
Stay: Overnight in the Everest Base Camp Tents (multi-person, basic facilities). Experience the starlit sky at the foot of the world.
- Everest Sunrise: A once-in-a-lifetime sight (weather permitting).
- Gyatso La Pass: At 5,252m, the highest point on the Friendship Highway.
Return: Descend from the Himalayas back to Shigatse.
Day 10 :
Shigatse (Tashilhunpo) – Lhasa
- Tashilhunpo Monastery: The historic seat of the Panchen Lama. See the world's largest gilded copper Maitreya Buddha.
Return: Travel back to Lhasa by bus or train (depending on final arrangements).
Day 11 :
Farewell to Tibet
- Transfer: Private transfer to Lhasa Airport or Train Station.
- Note: We recommend flights departing after 10:00 AM.
Include/Exclude
- • Transportation: * Licensed tourist vehicles (7–26 seats) for all scheduled land travel.
- o Note: For Lhasa city sightseeing with fewer than 4 people, local taxi transfers will be arranged and paid for by the agency.
- • Accommodation: * 8 nights in standard twin-share rooms (based on double occupancy).
- o Note: Single "King" rooms are not guaranteed. Breakfast is not provided for children or guests not occupying a dedicated bed.
- • Meals: * 8 Hotel Breakfasts + 2 Specialty Feature Dinners.
- o Complimentary Bonus Meals: Authentic Lulang Stone Pot Chicken and a Lhasa Specialty Meal (Tibetan or Nepalese cuisine). Note: These are gift meals and are non-refundable if skipped.
- • Professional Staff: * Expert guides fluent in English, Chinese, or Bilingual (English/Chinese).
- • Entrance Fees: * All-inclusive access to: Kading Valley, Lulang Forest, Basum Tso, Tibetan Culture Experience, Sera Monastery, Potala Palace (including reservation service), Jokhang Temple, Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, and Tashilhunpo Monastery.
- • Travel Permits: * Full handling of the Tibet Travel Permit (TTP), Alien's Travel Permit, and any necessary Military/Regional documents.
- • Insurance: * Comprehensive 3-tier coverage: Travel Accident Insurance, Vehicle Seat Insurance, and Travel Agency Liability Insurance.
- • Transfer Service: * Complimentary airport/station pickup and drop-off on the official group start and end dates.
- Health & Comfort Extras:
- One portable oxygen bottle per person.
- Two bottles of mineral water (300ml) per person, per day.
- One emergency medical oxygen tank (4L) equipped in the vehicle for backup.
- • Single Supplement: Prices are based on twin-sharing. A surcharge applies for solo travelers requesting a private room.
- • Room Forfeiture Fees: Due to full pre-payment of hotel bookings, any mid-trip changes resulting in room cancellations are the responsibility of the traveler.
- • Personal Expenses: Laundry, phone calls, faxes, pay-per-view TV, beverages, snacks, alcohol, and other personal incidentals.
- • Force Majeure & Emergencies: The agency reserves the right to cancel or modify the itinerary due to uncontrollable factors (natural disasters, strikes, pandemics), airline changes, or insufficient group numbers. Any additional resulting costs will be the responsibility of the traveler.
- • Gratuities (Tipping): We suggest a tip of 30 RMB per person, per day for the driver and the guide respectively.
- • Major Transport: Round-trip airfare or train tickets to and from Tibet are not included. We can assist with these bookings for a separate service fee.
