(B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
DAY 1 Beijing – Lhasa (D)
Beijing to Lhasa by flight, arrival Lhasa. Meet and greeted by your local guide and driver. Transfer to the hotel for a good rest. Tonight we will enjoy a local characteristics welcome dinner.
Stay in 3-star hotel in the center of the old town.
DAY 2 Lhasa (BL)
After breakfast we will visit Jokang Temple, Jokang Temple is the most scared shrine in Tibet which was built in 7th century and located at the heart of old town in Lhasa, the circuit around it called Barkhor street, a holy circuit which pilgrims undertake and a bustling commercial market. The rest of the time is left free for you to venture around Bakhor street, where you will feel you are right at the heart of Tibet.
Stay in the same hotel in Lhasa.
DAY 3 Lhasa (BL)
Today we will visit Poatala palace and Sera monastery, Potala Palace is the worldwide known cardinal landmark of Tibet. The massive structure itself contains a small world within it. Mostly it is renowned as residence of the Dalai Lama lineages (Avalokiteshvara). Both of them are the local points of pilgrims from entire Tibetan world, multitudinous pilgrims are circumambulating and prostrating in their strong faith. Sera monastery is one of the three pillar monasteries of Geluk Pa tradition of Tibetan Buddism known as founded by Lama tsongka Pa.It sits at the foot of the mountains. If we are lucky enough, we could watch the Lamas in their traditional theological exercise of lively debating.
DAY 4 Lhasa - Tsurphu Monastery (BLD)
After breakfast, we will have a travel explanation meeting and then our driver will take you to Tsurphu Monastery for the acclimatization. It takes about 2 hours, and the altitude will up to 4480m. Arrange Yaks and yakman.
Camping.
DAY 5 Tsurphu monastery - Leten (4 hours, 11km, BLD)
The first stop is a seasonal herder's camp called Shupshading (4700m). All today's trekking is ascending, so it's a challenge to the body of our group member. But from today, the scenery is breathtaking, classic Tibetan beauty.
Camping.
DAY 6 Leten - Bartso (5 hours, 15km, BLD)
It will take you about 3 hours to get to the highest point during this trip at Lasar-la (5400m). After a short time rest, we will move to O-Lha, which offers you fine views of the back side. Bartso is a place you will feel safe in the care of the local mountain god, Nyenchen Tanglha.
Camping at Bartso.
DAY 7 Bartso - Dorje Ling Nunnery (4 hours, 15km) and drive to Namtso (BLD)
Today your tour guide will take you to a saddle north of the valley for fine views of Nyenchen Tanglha, then to Tajung village (4660m). Finally we will arrive at Dorje Ling Nunnery (4474m) finished trekking, after that we will drive to Namtso lake and over night at Namtso.
Stay at Holy lake Guest House.
DAY 8 Namtso – Lhasa (BLD)
In the morning we will visit Namtso Lake, it is 250km northwest from Lhasa, the second-largest saltwater lake in China. It is over 70km long and reaches a width of 30km. In clear weather the water is a stunning shade of turquoise and you will be surrounded by magnificent views of the nearby mountains. The wide open spaces, dotted with tents of local nomads, are breathtaking. You may also walk along the lake or climb up the hill near the lake to explore the area. after visit lake will drove back to Lhasa and will take 5 hours.
Stay in 3-star hotel in the center of the old town.
DAY 9 Lhasa to Gyantse (BLD)
Morning drive up to Kampala pass [4794m], you will have a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso and spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar in the distance, the turquoise coloured Lake Yamdrok tso is one of the three holy lakes in Tibet, the unforgettable vista of pincer-shaped turquoise water of the lake and amazing spectacle of Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar glacier from Karo la pass is wonders of the day. Then along the Friendship southern Hwy drive to Gyantse, visit the famous stupa - Gyantse Kumbum.
Over night at Yeti hotel BB.
Camping.
DAY 10 Gyantse to Lao Tingri (BLD)
After Breakfast we will drive about (390km) to Lao Tingri , Lao Ting is located near the MT Everest and you can view of Mt Everest and Choyu from there.
Over night at Kangar Hotel.
Camping.
DAY 11 Lao Tingri - EBC- Lao Tingri (BLD)
After breakfast we will drive to (200km go and back )Everest base camp, on the way you will cross Gawu la pass[5250m], from the top of the Gawu la you will see the spectacular Himalayan Ranges and its glorious peaks Mt.Makalu[8463m], Mt.Lotse[8516m], Mt.Everest[8844m], Mt.Cho Oyu. you will hike round mt Everest, the views are stupendous on a clear day, and feature a huge sweep of the Himalaya range including peaks over 8000, Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Gyachung and Cho Oyu. When you finally get to Everst Base Camp, the first sight of the mighty Everest simply leaves you speechless. All the hardship you bear along the way makes sense at this while. We will drive bake to Lao Tingri in the late afternoon.
Stay in the same hotel in Lao Tingri.
DAY 12 Lao Tingri – Shigatse (BLD)
After breakfast drive about (300km) to Shigatse and after lunch will visit Tashilunpo Monastery and the spectacular tombs of Panchen Lamas, do the monastery kora which provide you a great view of the whole Shigatse city.
Over night at Manasarovar hotel.
DAY 13 Shigatse to Lhasa Airport (BL)
Early morning leave from Shigatse to Gonkar airport, take afternoon flight back to Beijing.
End of the tour
Climate
In fact, the Tibetan climate is not as harsh as many people imagine it to be. It is suitable for travel to Tibet from April to the beginning of November, and the best time is August and September.
Sun radiation is extremely strong in Tibet. The sunlight in Lhasa is so intense that the city is called Sunlight City. The thin air can neither block off nor retain heat so that the temperature extremes can be met in daytime and the same night respectively in Tibet.
Most annual rainfall comes in the rainy season that starts from June to September. Usually it rains at night in Lhasa, Shigatse and Chamdo area. The rainfall may block roads and make travel difficult but the scenery at the time will be the best.
The ultraviolet ray is always strong there. You are supposed to bring clothes of three seasons (spring/summer/Autumn) and protect yourself from wind, rain, coldness and sunstroke. Down coat is necessary for those who would like to go beyond Lhasa and Shigatse to remote areas, the Everest Camp for example.
Necessities
Enough films and batteries, Sun-cream with the protection index of 40-60, sunglasses with a sun protection factor of 15, the lip creams and balms with SPF rating, towel, toothpaste, electric torch, Snack foods.
Cloth that you bring must be warm enough and can be removed easy enough according to the weather, including Jacket, Sweater, Headwear, Scarf, Mittens or gloves, Bandanna or handkerchief, Cotton underwear, Socks, Long-sleeve Shirts, T-shirts and Pants (Shorts are not appropriate at any time while hiking), comfortable shoes, rain gear (long rain coat is better).
Medicine
In addition to the normal medications for traveling, just like the Aspirin and medicine for diarrhea, siriasis，sunstroke and carsickness, you should bring some High Altitude medication as you are supposed to trek in the area over 3,000m. The "Acetazolamide" is ten tablets to prevent symptom of acute mountain sickness, or you can ask your local doctor for suggestions.
Currency to use
US$ is acceptable only in a very limited range, e.g. tips. However, for convenience, Chinese currency is the best choice. If you want to change US$ to Chinese currency in the tour, you can change it in the Hotel you stay or in the Bank of China. You could draw cash only from Bank of China in the big city, the ATM there doesn't always work properly and the bank is not easy to find. Please bring some cash at hand to use.
Shopping and night market
Be cautious : Things sometimes get weird late at night when the locals are a little bit too drunk. Many small restaurants and street stalls serve a variety of local delicacies in the night market, but the sanitation condition of the food is not so good!! Take good care of your belongings!!! Never go to the night market alone!!!
Tourist insurance
It is a must before going, please provide us the confirmation of insurance company when sign up.
Tibetan people
They are very kind and hospitable. You can feel free to talk with them. But there are some rulers you should go by:
Do not photo them without permission, please show the respect to them!
Do not talk about the sensitive topics like political or t religious matters!
Do not eat dog, donkey or horse in Tibet!
What can I do with Tibetan beggars?
Religious beggars are an accepted part of society in Tibet. Giving money or food to a pilgrim is considered an act of merit, donations of five fen to two jiao (Chinese money) are appropriate. Notice if the beggars are the old men and women who dress in shredded, bulky clothing, while the Younger ones may have a monkey on a chain, a spectacle of great interest to the Tibetans. These beggars are professionals, having less meritorious intentions than religious pilgrims. Just wave them off as the locals do if you don't want give anything.
Always take good care of your belongings.
