China's Imperial Capitals & Karst Wonders
Journey Through Lhasa, Monasteries & Everest Base Camp
Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa
Welcome to Tibet! Your guide will greet you at Lhasa Airport and transfer you to your hotel. Rest and acclimatize to the 3,650-meter altitude. For dinner, consider Pure White Spirit Tibetan-style Restaurant near Jokhang Temple for authentic Tibetan cuisine and cultural atmosphere.
Day 2: Lhasa's Great Monasteries
- Morning: Explore Drepung Monastery, the world's largest lamasery with spectacular white buildings cascading down hillsides
- Afternoon: Witness philosophical debates at Sera Monastery and stroll through Norbulingka Park, the former summer palace of Dalai Lamas
Day 3: Lhasa's Spiritual Heart
- Morning: Visit the iconic Potala Palace, Tibet's political and religious center perched atop Red Hill
- Afternoon: Experience Jokhang Temple with its revered 12-year-old Sakyamuni statue, then explore bustling Barkhor Street
- Evening: Visit a local nunnery to understand women's spiritual life in Tibet
Day 4: Scenic Drive to Shigatse
- Morning: Drive to Gyangtse, stopping at sacred Yamdrok Yumtso Lake and Karola Glacier
- Afternoon: Explore Palcho Monastery with its unique Kumbum Stupa and wander Gyangtse Old Street
- Evening: Continue to Shigatse, Tibet's second-largest city
Day 5: Himalayan Journey to Dingri
- Full Day: Drive to Dingri, visiting Sakya Monastery en route with its distinctive grey architecture and ancient Buddhist manuscripts
- Evening: Check into your hotel in Dingri, preparing for tomorrow's Everest experience
Day 6: Everest Base Camp Adventure
- Morning: Journey to Everest Base Camp for breathtaking views of Mount Everest
- Afternoon: Visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world's highest monastery
- Evening: Return to Shigatse
Day 7: Return to Lhasa with Cultural Immersion
- Morning: Explore Tashilunpo Monastery, seat of Panchen Lamas
- Afternoon: Drive back to Lhasa, stopping to visit a Tibetan family for butter tea and cultural exchange
Day 8: Departure from Lhasa
Transfer to Lhasa Airport for your departure, carrying memories of spiritual enlightenment and natural wonders.