Expedition to the Everest

This 8-day private Tibet tour will lead you to cover most highlights of the sacred and mysterious land to take in spectacular Buddhist monasteries, old palaces, magnificent snow-capped mountains, tranquil blue lakes, and white glaciers.

Our guide will greet you outside the baggage claim area of the Lhasa airport and transfer you to check in at the hotel. It is suggested that you have a good rest in the hotel and avoid strenuous activities on the first day to adapt to the 3,650 meters (11,975 ft.) high altitude.

Today, you will first go to visit the Drepung Monastery in the west of the city. Constructed in 1416 AD, it has been the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery with seven splendid palaces and over 10,000 monks at its peak time. Now you can only see hundreds of lamas in the monastery. With white buildings dotting the hillside, hence the name Drepung, which literally means a pile of white rice. The monastery also boasts rich collections including ancient porcelain ware, bronze mirrors and statues, old armors, and hundreds of precious Thangkas paintings from the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368 – 1911 AD). If you happen to visit during the Shoton Festival around every August, you may see the 40-meter-long (131 ft.) and 37-meter-wide (121 ft.) giant Thangka Buddha painting which gradually rolls out on the back mountain and hundreds of thousands of disciples and travelers will assemble here to worship it.

In the afternoon, you are going to visit the Sera Monastery, another great monastery of the Gelug Sect in Tibet Buddhism. Besides appreciating exquisite paintings and Buddha statues, here you can witness a grand religious debating with typical Tibetan style. If the answerer cannot answer the question, the audience will loudly boo, and he needs to remove the yellow hat until scoring off the questioner. Generally, the answerer can only answer "yes", "no" or "indefinite", and can never deal with it with nonsense, so the outcome is very clear. Even for those who do not understand the Tibetan language, the whole process of debating is extremely exciting and impressive with the hands slapping and gesticulating of those lamas.

Finally, you could enjoy a quiet time in the charming Norbulingka Park. Originally one of the political centers of Tibet, it is now the largest and most beautiful man-made park open to the public.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch

As the landmark of the city, the Potala Palace does deserve your visit this morning. Looking like a red and white castle on the mountain, the Potala Palace has played a vital role in the polity and religion of the area during the 1,300 years since constructed. The white color of the wall mainly comes from a special coating made of white lime, milk, sugar, honey, saffron and other ingredients. The Potala Palace has a day quota of visitors and its tickets are really in hot demand. However, we will surely book tickets in advance to ensure your smooth trip.

After the visit, you will come to the spiritual center of Tibet, the Jokhang Temple. There is an old saying goes that ‘First there was Jokhang Temple, and then Lhasa City’, and you may know how important the monastery is. As the final destination of the Buddhist pilgrims, here attracts a great number of worshipers every day. Finishing seeing the statues and exquisite Thangka paintings, we will pay a visit to the Barkhor Street affiliated with the temple, which keeps its ancient appearance and has been a prosperous commercial area both for locals and travelers, selling interesting handcrafts, street food, paintings, traditional clothes, etc. The last stop today is a Nunnery, where you can explore the life of local women Buddhists.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we will drive southwards to Gyangtse which is located about 230 kilometers (143 mi) from Lhasa. On the way, you will visit the Yamdrok Yumtso Lake, which is one of the three sacred lakes in Tibet and is located 4,441 meters (14,570 ft.) above sea level. The crystal and quiet lake under the pure sky is praised to be a graceful beauty in the arms of the magnificent Himalayas. Then you will also pass by the splendid and beautiful Karola Glacier. As it is not far from the highway and you can enjoy the grandeur of snow-capped peaks at a pretty close distance.

After arriving in Gyangtse, we will go to visit the Palkhor Monastery first. Built in the early 15th century, this monastery is famous for being where the three major sects of Tibetan Buddhism, Sagya, Kadam and Gelug coexist. It also boasts the Kumbum Stupa which houses thousands of Buddha statues and delicate paintings. You can climb up to different levels to appreciate these masterpieces. Next, we will explore the unsophisticated Gyangtse Old Street to see traditional houses in the countryside. After that, your trip will continue to Shigatse, the second largest city of Tibet, and check in at the hotel there.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch

Today, we will depart from Shigatse to Dingri, which is located in the middle of the Himalayas and at the north foot of Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak. En route, we will pass by Sakya, and visit the Sakya Monastery, which is the Sakyapa Sect's principal monastery of Tibetan Buddhism. With a rectangular shape, the monastery boasts the largest collection of sutras in Tibet and even in the world. The bookshelf of the sutras wall reaches the top of the temple, and you will be amazed by the more than 44,000 Buddhist classics hand-written in gold and silver powder. Climbing up the White Dagoba, you can also enjoy a panoramic view of the whole monastery.

After the visit, we will continue to drive to Dingri, a picturesque small town where you will check in at the best local hotel for a 1-night stay.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch

The most exciting moment of your private journey is coming today. From Dingri, we will drive you to the Everest Base Camp, a perfect place to view the world's highest peak, Mt. Everest at 8,844 meters (29,016 ft.). The astonishing snow mountain and changeful clouds will be the best vista in your once-a-lifetime experience.

Besides, you will stroll around the Rongbuk Monastery, located 5,150 meters (16,896 ft.) above sea level, and considered the world’s highest monastery. Though small in size, it has many colorful and lively murals as well as the mildest atmosphere. After visiting, a 6-hour drive will take you back to Shigatse. Check in at the hotel upon your arrival.

Meals: Buffet breakfast; Lunch

Today, you will be accompanied to head for the grand Tashilunpo Monastery. With red walls and golden roof, this luxury monastery has been the political center in the region of back Tibet. The bright sun shines through the blue sky and white clouds, reflecting the red eaves, white walls and deep alleys of the monastery, which looks particularly sacred.

Finish the visit, and we will go back to Lhasa. Again, you could have a glance at those scenic villages, mountains and streams en route. Please ease yourself during this 400-kilometer (249 mi) private driving. You will visit a Tibetan family home on the way to experience the local's daily life. Have a glimpse for the local Tibetan’s living environment and house layout, and taste their traditional butter tea. You can also learn about some life details like the source of family income, and the education of the children by chatting with the enthusiastic host.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch

Today, our guide and driver will transfer you to the airport for your return flight. Wish you a pleasant trip home!

Meals: Western buffet breakfast