Details
Day 1 – Arrival in Lhasa | Airport Pick-up & Hotel Check-in
Highlight: Gentle arrival and acclimatization in Tibet’s highland capital.
Morning / Afternoon
- Arrive at Lhasa Gonggar Airport. Your China Dragon Travel guide and driver will meet you at the exit and escort you to your downtown Lhasa hotel (approx. 60 km; 1.5 hours).
- Check-in and spend the afternoon resting and gently adjusting to the altitude (Lhasa ≈ 3,650 m).
Optional short activities (if you feel well):
- Slow walk around the hotel area to stretch your legs and enjoy your first views of the Himalaya foothills.
- Try a cup of yak butter tea at a nearby teahouse (a cultural taste; may feel salty to first-time drinkers).
Practical notes & tips
- Avoid strenuous activity, stay warm, drink plenty of water, and follow any medical advice regarding altitude. Avoid hot showers for the first 24 hours if you prefer to be cautious.
- If you have prescription medication for altitude, keep it handy and inform your guide of any medical conditions.
Accommodation: Lhasa
- 3★: Comfortable local hotel in downtown Lhasa (basic Western amenities)
- 4★: Well-appointed city hotel near Barkhor with good heating and English-speaking front desk
- Upgrade options available on request
Lhasa Gonggar International Airport
Day 2 – Lhasa Sightseeing | Potala Palace • Jokhang Temple • Barkhor Street • Tibetan-Style Dinner
Highlight: Spiritual core of Tibet – iconic monuments and a vibrant old town.
Morning
- Visit the Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lamas and the most iconic symbol of Tibet. Explore the grand halls and chapels of the Red Palace; experience the palace’s rich murals, stupas, and sacred relics. (Please be aware: interior photography is prohibited and visiting order may be arranged based on entry times.)
Midday
- Walk to Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Lhasa. Watch pilgrims circumambulate with devotion; admire the architectural blend of Nepalese, Indian, and Tibetan styles and the revered bronze statue of the young Shakyamuni Buddha.
Afternoon
- Stroll Barkhor Street market. This ancient kora route now bustles with stalls selling Tibetan handicrafts – prayer wheels, thangkas, jewelry, aprons, and yak-wool products. A perfect place for souvenirs and cultural photography (ask before photographing local people).
Evening
- Enjoy a group dinner featuring traditional Tibetan dishes. China Dragon Travel arranges a tasteful Tibetan-style dining experience to introduce local flavors in a comfortable setting.
Practical notes
- Potala and Jokhang require advance ticket reservations; China Dragon Travel handles ticketing. Please carry your ID/passport when visiting.
Accommodation suggestions – Lhasa
- 3★ / 4★ as Day 1 (same options); central location recommended for easy walking access.
Potala Palace at Night
Jokhang Temple
Day 3 – Lhasa → Gyantse → Shigatse | Yamdrok Lake • Kamba La Pass • Karola Glacier • Gyantse (optional)
Highlight: Sweeping plateau views and one of Tibet’s most sacred lakes.
Morning
- Depart Lhasa for Shigatse area (drive approx. 8–9 hours total; 340 km) with scenic stops en route. After ~3–4 hours, arrive at Kamba La (Kamba Pass, 4,797 m) for panoramic views over Yamdrok (Yamdrok Tso) – a turquoise treasure set against snow peaks. Photo opportunities here are exceptional.
Optional on-route photo moments:
- Interactions with local herders and their animals (photo with Tibetan mastiffs / yaks sometimes offered for a fee; typical request CNY 5–10). Ask before photographing people.
Afternoon
- Continue to Karola (Karo) Glacier – a striking white glacier that plunges toward the highway like a frozen waterfall. Short walks toward the glacier’s base are possible; the site sits at ~5,012 m (take care with exertion).
Optional stop (Gyantse town)
- If time permits and you prefer a cultural stop, detour into Gyantse to see Pelkor Chode Monastery and the famous Gyantse Kumbum – a unique multi-storied stupa complex with exquisite murals. (This adds cultural depth without changing the overall route.)
Evening
- Arrive in Shigatse, check in and rest. Prepare for the journey toward Everest Base Camp the next day.
Practical notes
- High-altitude caution: Karola Glacier area is very high; hikers should move slowly and stay hydrated.
- Public toilet facilities at remote stops are basic.
Accommodation suggestions – Shigatse
- 3★: Comfortable local hotel (basic but clean)
- 4★: Mid-range hotel offering better comfort and hot showers
- Upgrade available in Shigatse city center
Yamdrok Lake
Karola Glacier
Yamdrok Lake
Day 4 – Shigatse → EBC | Gyawu La Pass • Rongbuk Monastery • Everest Base Camp • Hot-Pot Dinner at EBC
Highlight: Drive across the high plateau to the foot of the world’s highest mountain and stay near the sacred Rongbuk valley.
Morning
- Early departure from Shigatse; cross Gyawu La / Gyatso La Pass (≈5,200 m) where, weather permitting, the first distant peaks of Everest appear on the horizon. The landscape transitions through sweeping plateaus and snow-fringed ridgelines.
Afternoon
- Visit Rongbuk Monastery (approx. 5,154 m) – the world’s highest monastery, cherished for its intimate views of Everest and its spiritual atmosphere. Monastic prayer flags, mani stones, and humble meditation caves create a moving scene.
Evening
- Proceed to the Everest Base Camp area for overnight near Rongbuk valley. At dusk, watch Everest’s profile change color; late evening stargazing is superb on clear nights. Group dinner often served as a simple hot-pot – warming and communal at high altitude.
Practical notes
- Accommodation and facilities near EBC are basic (simple guesthouses / tents are common). Expect simple bedding and limited hot water. China Dragon Travel prepares basic comforts and alt-medical guidance where needed.
- Recent route & access rules may affect how close vehicles can reach; your guide will keep plans flexible to ensure the best and safest view possible.
Accommodation suggestions – Everest area
- Basic guesthouse / mountain lodge (camp-style): basic heating, shared bathrooms; expect rustic but safe conditions.
- There is limited availability for higher-comfort lodging near Rongbuk; please request upgrades in advance (subject to seasonal availability).
Mount Everest
Mount Everest
Rongbuk Monastery
Day 5 – EBC → Shigatse | Sunrise Over Everest • Gyatso La Photo Stop • Return Drive
Highlight: Sunrise over Everest – one of the most iconic mountain experiences on earth.
Early morning
- Wake very early to view the sunrise over Mount Everest. Watch the summit light up in brilliant hues – a profound, unforgettable moment. Photographers should plan for cold and low oxygen at this hour.
Morning
- Retrace your route across Gyatso La for further photo stops and short hikes as desired.
Afternoon
- Drive back to Shigatse, arriving in the late afternoon or early evening. Time permitting, you may rest at the hotel or stroll in Shigatse town.
Practical notes
- Expect long driving hours on mountain roads; seat-belt safety and a calm pace are prioritized. Keep warm clothes and a camera ready.
Accommodation suggestions – Shigatse
- Same as Night 3: 3★ or 4★ options; better hotels here provide a comfortable shower and chance to rest well.
Sunrise Over Everest
Sunrise Over Everest
Day 6 – Shigatse → Lhasa | Tashilhunpo Monastery • Return by Train (or vehicle)
Highlight: Explore Shigatse’s spiritual heart and return to Lhasa by scenic train or road.
Morning
- Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the historic seat of the Panchen Lamas (est. 1447). Walk the monastery complex, view chapels, stupas, and the ancient tombs of notable Panchen Lamas. If possible, witness monk chanting or join a quiet circumambulation (kora) with local pilgrims.
Optional insights
- Learn about the function of Panchen and Dalai Lamas in Tibetan Buddhism, and admire the monastery’s intricate murals and relics.
Afternoon
- Transfer back to Lhasa:
- By train: Approx. 2.5 hours (scenic and comfortable – advance booking recommended).
- By vehicle: Approx. 5 hours (280 km) – an alternative for those who prefer the road and additional scenic stops.
Evening
- Arrive in Lhasa, check back into your hotel. If time and energy permit, enjoy a final evening shopping on Barkhor or a quiet visit to a tea house.
Accommodation suggestions – Lhasa
- 3★ / 4★ city hotels (return to the same hotel type as earlier nights). Lhasa hotels typically provide best comfort and amenities on this tour.
Tashilhunpo Monastery Tourists
Shigatse
Day 7 – Lhasa Departure | Hotel Check-out & Airport/Train Transfer
Highlight: Farewell to Tibet – smooth departure assistance by China Dragon Travel.
Morning
- After breakfast and hotel check-out, your guide will escort you to Gonggar Airport or the train station depending on your onward travel plan. China Dragon Travel will confirm your transfer time in advance.
Optional final activities (time permitting)
- Quick photo stop at Potala Palace square for last pictures.
- Purchase last-minute souvenirs on Barkhor Street.
Farewell
- Have a pleasant journey, Tashi Delek!
Fee Description
Practical Information & Travel Tips
Tibet entry documents
- All foreign visitors require a Tibet Travel Permit and possibly additional permits (e.g., Alien’s Travel Permit, military permit) for certain regions. China Dragon Travel arranges required permits as part of the booking process; you must provide passport details and travel dates in advance.
Altitude & health
- This itinerary reaches very high altitudes (up to ~5,200 m). Common precautions:
- Rest and hydrate; avoid alcohol and heavy exertion the first 24–48 hours.
- Inform your guide of any heart or respiratory conditions.
- Carry any personal medication and consider preventive medication per your physician’s advice.
Packing suggestions
- Warm layers (fleece, down jacket), windproof outer layer, sunglasses, sunscreen, wide-brim hat, sturdy walking shoes, lip balm, basic first-aid items, and extra camera batteries (cold drains battery life faster).
Photography & local customs
- Ask permission before photographing people; many locals will expect a small photo fee (often CNY 5–30) if you want a posed portrait. Show respect at religious sites (no flash inside temples, keep voices low, follow local customs when taking part in kora).
Included / Not Included
Included
- English-speaking local guide throughout the tour (knowledgeable on culture, history, and safety)
- All transfers and private vehicle with driver as per itinerary
- Accommodation as listed (twin/double sharing) – see hotel suggestions below
- Entrance Tickets: All sightseeings listed in the itinerary.
- Breakfast: Daily breakfast at hotels.
- Insurance: Travel agency liability insurance and vehicle Seat Insurance.
- Assistance with Tibet Travel Permit and necessary permits (arranged via China Dragon Travel)
Not included
- International and domestic flights to/from Lhasa (Gonggar Airport)
- Personal travel insurance (strongly recommended, including high-altitude coverage)
- Tips: according to Tibetan customs, about CNY 30-50 yuan per person per day for the driver and guide.
- Single supplement for single room requests: Refers to the cost incurred when a traveller requests to stay alone in a room, or due to the absence of other travellers to share accommodation costs with.
- Lunches and dinners. Meals not specified in the itinerary, alcoholic drinks, and personal expenses
- Other Expenses: All expenses incurred by travellers due to breach of contract, personal fault, activities arranged independently during the trip, or personal illness not mentioned in the “Services Included” above.
Accommodation summary & upgrade options
- Lhasa (Nights 1, 2, 6): 3★ city hotels (comfortable, central) or 4★ hotels (better amenities & location). Upgrade to boutique or 5★ hotels possible upon request (subject to permit & seasonal availability).
- Shigatse (Nights 3, 5): 3★ / 4★ hotels in town – mid-range comfort with hot showers.
- Everest area / Rongbuk (Night 4): Basic guesthouse / mountain lodge / tent – rustic, shared facilities; upgrade options extremely limited and require advance booking.
