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Arrive in Lhasa – Pick up at Hada Station – Check in to hotel
Optional flights suggested by the travel agency can be chosen, and tourists may purchase their own tickets to Lhasa. On the day of arrival, gather at Lhasa. A guide and driver will meet tourists at Lhasa Airport. Afterward, take a vehicle along the Lhasa River scenic area to the city center, experiencing the pure air of the plateau. Upon arrival in Lhasa, check in at the hotel arranged by the travel agency. It is recommended to avoid going out after arriving in Lhasa to rest and acclimatize to the high altitude. For those in good physical condition, a visit to the Potala Palace night view can be arranged in the evening.
Lhasa city tour: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
In the morning, visit the Potala Palace, the highest ancient palace-fortress complex in the world. It was the residence of successive Dalai Lamas and the center of political and religious power in Tibet. It houses the golden stupas that enshrine the remains of past Dalai Lamas, as well as numerous valuable murals, thangkas, and Buddha statues. The Potala Palace is a concentrated embodiment of Tibetan culture. After lunch, visit the Jokhang Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple built during the Tubo Dynasty. The temple enshrines the twelve-year-old statue of Shakyamuni brought to Tibet by Princess Wencheng. This statue is considered the most sacred and miraculous Buddha by the Tibetan people. Here, tourists can not only witness the devout faith of the local people but also join them in circumambulating the Barkhor Street, praying for all living beings.
Lhasa – Yamdrok Lake – Karola Glacier – Shigatse
In the morning, depart from Lhasa and drive to Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s three major holy lakes known for its stunning and ever-changing colors. Yamdrok Lake is the highest freshwater lake in the world, with an elevation of 4,441 meters. In Tibetan, it is called “the Jade Lake.” After descending the mountain, get up close to the lake and enjoy its beauty. The deep blue water blends seamlessly with the distant snow-capped mountains, and the surrounding colorful mountain ranges, distinctive Tibetan villages, and fields filled with cattle and sheep make the journey a tranquil and breathtaking experience.
In the afternoon, pass by the Karola Glacier and admire its grandeur, misty allure, and breathtaking beauty. The glacier is a flowing record of time, a geological history written in ice and snow, and a magnificent work of art sculpted by time. Afterward, continue to Shigatse for overnight accommodation.
Shigatse – Tingri– Everest Base Camp – Basong Village
In the morning, travel by car through Lazi towards the town of Xegar in Shegar County. Along the way, you will cross the 5,220-meter-high Jiaqula Snow Mountain. As you approach Xegar, you will have a distant view of the majestic Mount Everest. After crossing the 5,220-meter Jiaqula Snow Mountain pass, make a brief stop and continue towards Dingri.
In the afternoon, arrive at the Everest Nature Reserve, the highest in the world. From Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery on Earth, you can enjoy the world’s best vantage point to view Mount Everest. Situated at 5,100 meters, the monastery stands with its white stupa towering and colorful prayer flags fluttering.
Take an eco-friendly vehicle to the Everest Base Camp at an altitude of 5,200 meters, where you will be in the presence of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest.
Basong Village – Tingri– Shishapangma Mountain- Peikuso – Saga
After breakfast, continue the journey with a lingering attachment to Mount Everest. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Along the way, pass a high-altitude lake by the roadside,Peikuso, and get a distant view of mt.SHISHABANGMA (Tibetan: “Xixabangma,” meaning “harsh climate,” formerly known as Gao Sengzan Peak, located in the Nielamu County of the Tibet Autonomous Region, with an elevation of 8,013 meters). Enter the vast, uninhabited area of Saga.
Saga is located in the northwest of the Shigatse region. The county has a border line of 105 kilometers, and National Highway 219 runs through the entire region. From here, you can travel east to Shigatse and Lhasa, or west to Ali and Purang. To the south, it borders Gyirong County and the Kingdom of Nepal.
Saga lies on the southwestern edge of the Himalayas, north of the Gangdise Mountains and south of the Yarlung Zangbo River. The area is renowned for its sacred mountains, holy lakes, vast grasslands, and herds of yaks. The average elevation of the county is above 4,600 meters, and it has a typical continental plateau climate—cold and harsh, with long winters and short summers. The air is thin, sunlight is abundant, and there is a large temperature difference between day and night.
Saga-Zhongba-Maquan River Wetland Park-Darchen
After breakfast, travel along National Highway 219, passing through Payang Town, which belongs to Zhongba County. This charming town has a distinct Western atmosphere and is the highest town in the world, with an elevation of 4,700 meters. Along the way, enjoy the scenery of the Maquan River basin and gradually enter the embrace of the sacred mountain Gang Rinpoche and its holy lake Manasarovar. Continue to the eerie Rakshastal Lake (also known as Lhamo Tso), and then head to darchen for the night.
Day 1 of the Kora: Darchen-Driapuk
In the early morning, take an eco-friendly bus from darchen and head deep into the valley, preparing for the trekking around the sacred mountain. In the valley, there are yaks and horses available for personal experience, and porters are also available to assist guests carrying large luggage. (Note: The tour fee does not include horseback riding, yak riding, or luggage transport fees.) Adjust your breathing and posture, and prepare to measure this sacred land with your own feet.
As you ascend the valley, the blue sky and snow-capped mountains accompany you, with occasional rivers winding through the landscape. Experience nature’s magnificent craftsmanship with the most authentic perspective. Along the way, you will also see the west and north faces of Gang Rinpoche, one side towering into the clouds, and the other side layered and stretching endlessly. As you trek on, you will encounter a unique view of the mountain, offering a diverse and profound experience.
After approximately 22 kilometers of circumambulation, arrive at Driapuk, where you can rest and sleep among the colorful prayer flags, carrying with you a deep reverence for faith and awe for nature.
Day 2 of the Kora: Driapuk – Dzultripuk
After a night of rest and replenishing energy, the new day of trekking begins. Today, we will cross the highest point of this circumambulation, the Zhuomala Pass (5,630 meters). Along the way, you will inevitably encounter many devout Tibetan pilgrims bowing in reverence. The snow-covered path is somewhat slippery, and the sound of stones rolling down the valley can be heard as they crunch underfoot, making the walk a bit challenging. The so-called circumambulation route is actually a path that the Tibetan people have marked with their bodies and feet, leaving footprints in the snow and gravel on their way to holiness—etched by the passage of time.
The journey to the sacred land is slightly difficult, but you can rest at the Tea House when needed to adjust your energy.In the gentle breeze of Zhuomala Pass, colorful prayer flags flutter, and below the valley lies a beautiful small lake, Tuoji Tso. This is a lake of compassion, like a piece of transparent white jade, embedded between towering mountains.
After passing Zhuomala Pass, the descent begins, and the physical exertion decreases.
Continue the circumambulation trek back to Driapuk, where we will stay overnight at the Dzultripuk guesthouse.
Day 3 of the Kora: Dzultripuk – Darchen
On the third day of the circumambulation, as the altitude decreases, the surrounding colors gradually change from snow white to vibrant green. Small animals begin to emerge from the shrubs, filling the air with a strong sense of life. Piles of Mani stones, in a variety of colors, are stacked between the snow-capped mountains and grasslands, resembling monks in deep prayer.
After completing the final 10 kilometers of trekking, it is noon, and our tour vehicle is already here to greet the friends who have finished their circumambulation. We then drive to darchen to check in for the night.
Darchen-Lake Rakshastal-Zhongba-Saga
After breakfast, we head towards Lalong Tso, where on its western side, a beautiful crescent-shaped lake appears, equally blue as Mapang Tso, whose shape resembles the sun. The natural forms of these lakes reflect a harmony, an ultimate perfection of indestructible beauty. Then we continue towards Lhasa, with landscapes of ice peaks and snowy ridges along the way. The rugged cliffs and unique plateau scenery captivate countless adventurers who seek to conquer, experience, and appreciate its charm. Along the route, Tibetan children greet us with bright smiles like the sunshine on the plateau, their pure eyes as clear as the bright blue sky. These are the days we are closest to the heavens.
Saga is located in the northwest of the Shigatse region. The county has a 105-kilometer-long border line, with National Highway 219 running across the entire area. From here, you can head east to Shigatse and Lhasa, or head west to Ali and Purang. To the south, it borders Jilong County and the Kingdom of Nepal. Saga lies on the southwestern edge of the Himalayas’ northern foothills and south of the Gangdise Mountains, near the upper reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River. The area is home to sacred mountains, holy lakes, vast grasslands, and herds of yaks, showcasing the stunning plateau scenery. The county’s average altitude is over 4,600 meters, and it has a typical continental plateau climate, with harsh cold winters, short summers, thin air, plenty of sunshine, and significant temperature differences between day and night
Saga-Dagajia Hot Springs (World’s Hot Spring Wonder)–Dajiaco Lake –Galong Tso–Paju Tso–Coqen
After breakfast, we drive along National Highway 219, passing the Dagajia Hot Spring in Qier Township of Angren County. From a distance, the spring’s opening looks like a giant “pressure cooker,” with layers of mist spreading outward, drifting toward the clouds. When the spring erupts, it produces boiling hot water, steam vents, and explosive geyser phenomena, creating a spectacular sight. On the plateau, the boiling point of water is about 85°C, but the Dagajia Hot Spring’s water reaches a boiling point of 100°C. A raw egg placed in the spring can be cooked in less than 10 minutes.
Next, we pass through Dajiaco Lake, a basin located in the mountains, surrounded by high mountains with altitudes above 5,200 meters, some of which are covered with snow year-round. Below the snow-capped mountains, Dajiaco Lake is a place teeming with animals, and the scenery is picturesque.
Leaving Dajiaco Lake, as we travel across the plateau, we witness the phenomenon of rain in the east and sunshine in the west. We pass Garong Tso and Paru Tso, where many waterfowl can be seen. Meiduo Village and its lake behind the village appear along the way. A small river flows toward the distance, and far ahead is Cuoqin.
Coqen – Zhari Namtso – Dangreyong Tso – Wembu South Village – Wembu North Village – Dangqiong Tso – Nyima County
After breakfast, we head towards Cuoqin County, passing Zhari Namco along the way. It’s common to spot herds of wild animals, such as Tibetan wild donkeys and Tibetan antelopes. We pass Dangre Yongco and reach Wenbu South Village, which is situated at an altitude of only 4,600 meters. This place feels like entering “so easy” mode. The village has a unique feature: the villagers here do not follow Tibetan Buddhism but practice Bon religion. In Tibet, there are not many people who follow Bon religion anymore. The village is located beside the sacred Dangre Yongco, and living by this sacred lake is truly a blessed experience. Dangqiong Tso was once part of the larger Dangre Yongco lake, but due to climate changes and declining water levels, they split into two separate lakes. At the lakeside is another ancient village, Wenbu North Village. After a brief stop in Wenbu North Village, we continue north and, after about two hours, arrive in Nima County, the youngest county in Tibet.
Nyima County– Daze Tso – Chagui Tso – Serling Tso – Baingoin County
After breakfast, we head east from Nyima County along National Road 317. In the distance, not far from the county, Daze Tso and the snow-capped mountains along its shores appear especially beautiful in the morning sunlight. Currently, Nyima County is most famous online for the “Sky Tree” along National Road 317, which is a must-stop for anyone traveling this route. This “Sky Tree” is located near milestone 2442 on National Road 317. It is a rift valley formed by water erosion, and such formations are common in this barren and uninhabited area, but they usually go unnoticed. Its roots are connected to National Road 317, as if the road nourishes it, while the marks of water erosion form its trunk and branches, with even the spots where the branches fork clearly visible. Right next to the Sky Tree is Daze Tso. Daze Tso, also known as Dakci Tso or Dageji Tso, means “Tiger Top Lake” in Tibetan. The lake has an elevation of 4,459 meters, an area of 244.7 square kilometers, and a maximum depth of over 40 meters. Two rivers, Bochang Zangbu and Naro Qugang, flow into the lake. Bochang Zangbu originates from the Balin Gangri Snow Mountain, stretches 257 kilometers, and has a basin area of 8,494 square kilometers, flowing from west to east to merge with Daze Tso.
After leaving Daze Tso, we continue west along National Road 317 toward Selintso, the largest lake in Tibet. Before reaching Selintso, a lake appears on the right side of the highway: Chagui Tso. It connects with Selincuo through a river about 1 kilometer long and 100 meters wide. The surface of Chagui Tso lies at an altitude of 4,547 meters, with an area of about 120 square kilometers. This lake is often described as a beautiful and shy Tibetan girl lying quietly in the embrace of the mountains, due to its crystal-clear blue water and the stunning natural scenery surrounding it. While Chagui Tso and Selincuo are connected by water, Chagui Tso and its nearby Wuru Tso are freshwater lakes, while Selincuo is a saltwater lake. Moreover, Chagui Tso and Wuru Tso have now merged into one. Divided by National Road 317, to the south of Selincuo, there is a smaller but vibrantly colored lake: Cuo’e Tso, often referred to as a satellite lake of Selincuo. The surface of Cuo’e Tso lies at an altitude of 4,562 meters, and its water area is about 244 square kilometers. Below Selincuo along National Road 317, there is another satellite lake of 108 square kilometers: Yagen Tso. Yagen Tso was once separated from Selincuo, but it merged with Selincuo over a decade ago. Tonight, we will stay in Baingoin County.
Baingoin County– Southern Shore of Namtso Lake (Tashi Peninsula) – Nagenla Pass – Nyainqentanglha Mountains – Lhasa
After breakfast, we enter Namtso from Banggo. Namtso is located in central Tibet, and it is the second largest lake in Tibet and the third largest saltwater lake in China. The surface of the lake lies at an elevation of 4,725 meters and is known as the “Sky Lake.” It is one of Tibet’s “Three Sacred Lakes.” After visiting Namtso, we begin our return journey to Lhasa, passing through Nagenla Pass on the way. To the north of Nagenla Pass lies the backdrop mountain of Namtso. The main peak of Nyainqentanglha Mountain, Nyainqentanglha Peak, stands at an elevation of 7,111 meters and is covered with snow year-round. In Tibetan folk songs and legends, Nyainqentanglha Mountain and Namtso are considered lovers bound by life and death. Finally, we return to the city center of Lhasa.
Lhasa – Train Station or Airport – End of the trip
After breakfast, transfer to the airport or train station to conclude the enjoyable journey. We hope this Tibet trip has left you with wonderful memories. Tashi Delek!
Note: If you need assistance with booking return tickets or flights, please inform the staff in advance.
