12 Days Grand Exploration of Tibet: Nyingchi, Everest & Yamdrok Lake
Overview of 12 Days Grand Exploration of Tibet
Experience the ultimate Himalayan traversal with this 12 days luxury expedition. This itinerary is a masterclass in plateau exploration, meticulously designed to showcase the diverse geography of the "Roof of the World."
Your journey spans the "Three Faces of Tibet": the lush, alpine forests of Nyingchi, the spiritual heritage of Lhasa, and the monumental heights of Mount Everest and Namtso Lake, one of the holy lakes in Tibet. Witness the dramatic transition from emerald eastern valleys to sapphire sacred lakes and the golden sunrise over the world’s highest peak. This is a profound immersion into the heart of the Himalayas
Trip Highlights
- Nyingchi’s Oriental Switzerland: Start your journey in the "Green Lung" of Tibet. Explore the Lulang Forest, witness the Namchak Barwa peak (China’s most beautiful mountain), and wander through the Kading Ditch waterfall.
- The BasumTso , one of the holy lakes in Tibet: Visit the 5A-rated emerald lake and its historic island temple, an oasis of peace surrounded by primitive forests.
- Complete Lhasa Deep-Dive: Experience culture of Tibet by spending three days immersing yourself in the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, a buddhist monastery in Tibet, and the lively Barkhor Street, plus a unique hands-on Tibetan incense-making experience.
- The North Face of Everest: Stand at Everest Base Camp (5,200m) for an unforgettable sunset and stay overnight under the clearest starlit sky on Earth.
- Namtso Lake: End your expedition at the "Heavenly Lake", one of the holy lakes in Tibet where the vast turquoise water meets the snow-capped Nyenchen Tanglha mountains and the endless northern grasslands.
- The Grand Glaciers: Stand in the shadows of the Karola Glacier, where ancient ice flows nearly meet the highway, and marvel at the scorpion-shaped Yamdrok Lake.
Tour Plan
Transfer: Lhasa Airport/Station to Downtown (70km, ~1 hr).
Welcome: Our team will greet you with warm smiles and Tibetan hospitality.
Experience: Transfer to your hotel to rest. This day is crucial for letting your body gradually adapt to the high-altitude environment.
Pro Tip: Keep a calm mindset. Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, or showering on your first night to minimize altitude sickness risks.
You will move from Lhasa to Kading Valley, a valley in Tibet
In Nyingchi, you will visit some of the holy lakes in Tibet
From Nyingchi you will move to Sejila Pass, a valley in Tibet
Then you will visit Biri mountain, one of the sacred peaks in Tibet
Then you will go to Lulang Forest
then you will visit Basongcuo, one of the holy lakes in Tibet
From Basongcuo you will go to Island Temple, a buddhist monastery in Tibet
Then you will head back to Lhasa
In Lhasa you will observe culture of Tibet
Monk Debates will take place in Tibet
Notice: Monk Debates will not take place on Sunday's
In Lhasa you will visit Potala Palace
Then you will visit Jokhang Temple, one of the buddhist monastery in Tibet
You will visit Yamdrok Lake, another holy lakes in Tibet
Then you will be driven to Karola Galcier
Then you will visit Shigatse
After observing culture of Tibet in Shigatse, you will go to Jiawula Pass
Then you will be taken to Mount Everest Base Camp
You will observe sunrise at Mount Everest
Then you will be take to Gyatsola Pass
Then you will be taken back to Shigatse
In Shigatse you will visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the monastery in Tibet
After visiting Tashilhunpo Monastery in Tibet, we will go back to Lhasa
In Lhasa, you will visit Namtso Lake, a holy lake in Tibet
After visiting Namtso Lake on Day 11, you will come back to Lhasa
Then on Day 12, you will departure from Lhasa
Include/Exclude
- Transportation: Licensed tourist vehicles (7–26 seats) for all scheduled land travel.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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 (300 ml) per person, per day.
- One emergency medical oxygen tank (4L) is 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.
