7-Day Lhasa, Yamdrok Lake, Mt. Everest & Gyirong Port Adventure – The Border Crossing

7 Days 6 Nights

Overview

Experience the ultimate overland transition in this 7-day high-altitude exploration. This route is the definitive "Golden Link" between the sacred city of Lhasa and the lush, subtropical valleys of the Gyirong border. Perfect for travelers looking to combine the best of Central Tibet with an epic journey to the foot of Mount Everest, this tour offers a seamless blend of cultural immersion and raw natural power.

From the golden rooftops of the Potala Palace to the sapphire waters of Yamdrok Lake and the staggering north face of the world's highest peak, every mile of this journey reveals a new facet of the "Roof of the World." Whether you are continuing to Kathmandu or returning with lifelong memories, this is the most breathtaking way to traverse the Himalayas.

Trip Highlights

Lhasa’s Living Heritage: Begin in the "City of Sunlight," exploring the Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple, and the bustling pilgrimage circuit of Barkhor Street.
The Sacred Blue of Yamdrok: Stand at the Gampala Pass (4,990m) for a bird’s-eye view of Yamdrok Lake, a turquoise sanctuary winding through snow-capped mountains.
The "Glacier at the Gate": Get up close to the Karola Glacier, where ancient ice flows are visible right from the roadside, guarded by the towering Mt. Noijinkangsang.
Sunset at Everest Base Camp: Experience the pinnacle of travel. Witness the "Golden Peak" as the sun sets over the North Face of Mount Everest (8,848m) and sleep under the world's clearest starlit sky.
The Gyirong "Hidden Valley": Descend from the arid plateau into the stunning Gyirong Valley. Often called the "Back Garden of Tibet," this lush, forested gorge provides a dramatic and oxygen-rich finale to your trip.
Tashilhunpo Monastery: Visit the historic seat of the Panchen Lama in Shigatse, home to the world’s largest gilded copper statue of the Future Buddha.

Tour Plan

Day 01 :

Arrival in Lhasa – Acclimatization

Transfer: Airport/Station to Hotel (70km, ~1 hr).
Welcome: A warm "Tashi Delek" welcome from our staff as you arrive at the rooftop of the world.
Activity: Check into your hotel and focus on resting. Allow your body to adjust to the high altitude (3,650m).

Important Tips: Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, and showering on your first night to prevent altitude sickness. Drink plenty of water and eat light.

Day 02 :

Lhasa Culture: Handicrafts & Monk Debates

Tibetan Culture Experience: Visit a traditional handicraft center. Learn the art of Tibetan incense making and woodblock printing. You’ll even learn to write your own name in Tibetan script!
Sera Monastery: Witness the famous Monk Debating (starting at 3:00 PM). Watch the monks engage in spirited philosophical discussions involving dramatic hand claps and gestures.

Note: Debating is usually unavailable on Sundays or during special festivals

Day 03 :

The Holy Icons: Potala Palace & Jokhang Temple

Potala Palace: Explore the winter residence of the Dalai Lama, a world-renowned architectural wonder filled with golden statues and sacred stupas.
Jokhang Temple: The spiritual heart of Tibet. See the 12-year-old life-sized statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, brought to Tibet by Princess Wencheng.
Barkhor Street: Walk the ancient pilgrimage circuit with local devotees and browse for unique Himalayan souvenirs.

Day 04 :

Lhasa – Yamdrok Lake – Karola Glacier – Shigatse

Gampala Pass (4,950m): Enjoy the "best view" of Yamdrok Lake, a turquoise sacred lake that looks like a scattered earring from above.
Karola Glacier: A massive continental glacier visible from the roadside, famous as a filming location for Red River Valley.
Arrival: Reach Shigatse, the historic "Granary of Tibet" and the second-largest city in the region.

Tip: Foreign travelers must process their Alien Travel Permits (PSB) in Shigatse before proceeding to Everest.

Day 05 :

Shigatse (Tashilhunpo) – Everest Base Camp (EBC)

Tashilhunpo Monastery: The seat of the Panchen Lama and home to the world's largest gilded copper Maitreya Buddha.
Gawu La Pass: A 5,200m viewpoint where you can see four of the world's 8,000-meter peaks (Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu).
Rongbuk Monastery: The highest monastery in the world, offering a spiritual foreground to the North Face of Mt. Everest.

Stay: Overnight in the EBC campsite (tent or local guesthouse).

Day 06 :

Everest Sunrise – Peiku Tso – Gyirong Valley

Everest Sunrise: Wake up early to catch the "Golden Peak" as the first light hits the summit of Mt. Everest.
Peiku Tso: A beautiful high-altitude lake reflecting the snow-capped Shishapangma (8,012m), the only 8,000m peak entirely within China.
Gyirong Valley: Descend from the barren plateau into a lush, green "hidden garden." Experience waterfalls, dense pine forests, and a sudden change to a temperate climate.

Day 07 :

Gyirong Town – Gyirong Port (Nepal Border)

Departure: After breakfast, drive from Gyirong Town to the Gyirong Port (China-Nepal border).
End of Service: Your Tibetan guide will assist you with the exit process.
Crossing to Nepal: Once you clear Chinese customs and cross the Friendship Bridge, you can find local transport (jeeps or buses) to Kathmandu.

Note: Your Tibetan guide cannot cross the border into Nepal.

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:
o One portable oxygen bottle per person.
o Two bottles of mineral water (300ml) per person, per day.
o 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.