China's Grand Circuit: Ancient Capitals & Avatar Landscapes
Rewritten Itinerary: A Deeper Exploration of Tibetan Culture and Nature
Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatization in Lhasa
Upon arrival at Lhasa Gonggar Airport or train station, you'll be greeted by our professional guide and transferred to your handpicked downtown hotel. The remainder of the day is dedicated to acclimatization to Lhasa's 3,650-meter altitude. We recommend light rest and hydration to help your body adjust to the high-altitude environment.
Altitude Adaptation Tips: * Conduct a pre-trip physical examination * Maintain adequate rest and avoid strenuous activities * Stay hydrated and consume plenty of fruits and vegetables * Avoid alcohol and smoking to reduce gastrointestinal burden
Accommodation: Gang-Gyan Hotel Lhasa (4 stars) or similar
Day 2: Lhasa's Great Monasteries: Drepung and Sera
Morning: Drepung Monastery Exploration Visit Drepung Monastery, Lhasa's largest monastery, located on the city's western outskirts. This 600-year-old Tibetan Buddhist sacred site comes alive in the morning with devotees offering butter lamps and monks in red robes chanting sutras. Explore the exquisite porcelain, Buddha statues, Thangka paintings, and murals throughout its halls. Ascend to Ganden Potrang, the temple's tallest building and former residence of the Second Dalai Lama, then proceed to the core Coqen Hall to witness the temple's treasured white conch.
Afternoon: Sera Monastery Debates Continue to Sera Monastery, the third great monastery of the Gelug Sect founded in 1419. From 15:00 to 17:00 (Monday to Saturday), witness the captivating Buddhist debating sessions where monks engage in one-on-one and group philosophical discussions through dramatic gestures and logical reasoning.
Evening: Welcome Dinner Enjoy a welcome dinner at a popular local restaurant featuring authentic Tibetan cuisine.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Welcome dinner Accommodation: Gang-Gyan Hotel Lhasa (4 stars) or similar
Day 3: Lhasa's Spiritual Heart: Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple
Morning: Potala Palace Pilgrimage Explore the UNESCO-listed Potala Palace, the world's highest ancient palace complex. Ascend over 900 steps past devout pilgrims to discover resplendent stupas showcasing Tibetan architectural artistry. In the central Red Palace, admire well-arranged Buddha statues and colorful Thangka murals depicting Tibetan Buddhist history and mythology. From the palace summit, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Lhasa.
Afternoon: Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street Visit Jokhang Temple, another World Cultural Heritage site closely linked to Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wencheng. Observe its unique architectural blend of Tibetan and Chinese styles. Afterwards, wander through Barkhor Street's hand-polished stone paths, observing pilgrims prostrating themselves and browsing traditional handicrafts. Conclude with a tea break at a local sweet tea house to experience Tibetan social culture.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Tea break Accommodation: Gang-Gyan Hotel Lhasa (4 stars) or similar
Day 4: Scenic Drive to Shigatse via Gyantse
Morning: Yamdrok Yumtso Lake and Local Encounter Drive westward to Shigatse, Tibet's second-largest city. En route, stop at Yamdrok Yumtso Lake, one of Tibet's Great Three Holy Lakes. From the Gampala Pass Platform, admire the stunning turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Visit a local family by the lakeside to observe daily life and enjoy an authentic farm lunch.
Afternoon: Karola Glacier and Barley Fields Continue past the magnificent Karola Glacier, resembling a massive ice waterfall descending to the roadside. Witness the dramatic contrast of white ice against brown land and vibrant green barley fields. Capture Instagram-worthy photos of the picturesque landscape before arriving in Shigatse for hotel check-in.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Farm house lunch Accommodation: Shiga-Yangcha Hotel Shigatse (3 stars) or similar
Day 5: Journey to the Himalayas and Everest Base Camp
Morning: Himalayan Vistas After obtaining your Tibet Travel Permit, depart Shigatse for the Himalayas. Stop at Dingri View Point to admire Mt. Everest from a distance while taking in Dingri's vast grasslands. Continue to Gawula View Point, the world's largest observation platform, to witness five majestic peaks exceeding 8,000 meters.
Evening: Everest Base Camp Sunset Arrive at Mt. Everest Base Camp, a protected zone designed to minimize environmental impact. If weather permits, witness the spectacular sunset casting golden light upon Everest's peak amid misty clouds, creating a mysterious and awe-inspiring atmosphere.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast Accommodation: Rongpuk Tent Guest House (Dorm bed)
Day 6: Everest Morning and Return to Shigatse
Morning: Golden Everest and Rongbuk Monastery Wake early to witness the sun casting a "golden veil" over Mt. Everest as it reveals its pristine form. Visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world's highest temple and unique for housing both monks and nuns. From the temple, enjoy another perspective of Everest towering like a giant pyramid 20 kilometers away.
Afternoon: Return Journey with Mountain Views Return to Shigatse via Dingyal and Sakya County. Stop at Himalayan Xilin View Point to observe the eastern slope of Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse, the world's fourth highest peak.
Evening: Cultural Performance Dinner Enjoy dinner accompanied by folk performances by local artists.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Dinner with song and dance performance Accommodation: Shiga-Yangcha Hotel Shigatse (3 stars) or similar
Day 7: Tashilhunpo Monastery and Return to Lhasa
Morning: Tashilhunpo Monastery Pilgrimage Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the "heart" of Shigatse and one of the "Great Six Monasteries" of Gelug Sect Tibetan Buddhism. Explore the vast open-air preaching hall with its 1,000 stone-carved Buddha statues. Ascend to the ancient Kelsang Temple, capable of accommodating 2,000 chanting lamas. Marvel at the monastery's treasure - the world's tallest gilded copper seated Buddha statue in the Maitreya Chapel, standing 26 meters tall. Admire the luxurious stupa-tomb of the Tenth Panchen Lama, adorned with gold and thousands of precious stones.
Afternoon: Scenic Return to Lhasa Travel back to Lhasa by vehicle or train along the magnificent Yarlung Tsangpo River, Tibet's mother river and geographical wonder. Witness the stunning canyon landscape bathed in warm orange-red hues at sunset.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast Accommodation: Gang-Gyan Hotel Lhasa (4 stars) or similar
Day 8: Departure from Lhasa
Our guide will transfer you to the airport or train station for your departure. Please ensure you have all luggage when checking out and arrive at the airport two hours before your flight. We wish you a pleasant onward journey and welcome future opportunities to explore more of Tibet's wonders.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast