9 Days Lhasa Shigatse EBC Tibet Group Tour with Yamdrok & Namtso Lake
Panorama Tibet Group Tour
9 - day Lhasa - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Namtso Lake
Tour Introduction
Spend only 9 days on a Panorama Tibet Group Tour that cover the top destinations in both Lhasa and Shigatse. Enjoy a Tibet adventure tour that include both natural and cultural wonders like Yamdrok Lake (Turquoise Lake), Karola Glacier (the Jewel of the Himalayas), Namtso Lake (Lake of Heaven), Everest Base Camp (View Mt.Everest at 5200m), Potala Palace (World Heritage), Jokhang Temple (spiritual heart of Tibet), Barkhor Street (Holy Circuit), Sera Monastery (Famous for Monk Debates), and Rongbuk Monastery (Gateway to Mount Everest). Join us for a safe, memorable, and challenging tour, ranging from an altitude of 3,650m (Lhasa) to 3,850m (Shigatse) and then up to 5,200m (Everest Base Camp).
This trip will spend 4 days in Lhasa, allowing for deep exploration of one of the highest cities in the world. After a stunning 8 - hours drive (340km) on the famous G318 National Highway, you will arrive in Shigatse, where you will have 2 days to discover the second - largest city in Tibet and the location of Tashilhunpo Monastery. You can learn more about the seat of the Panchen Lama there. The one - day tour of EBC is one of the highlights of this journey. You will marveled at the sunrise or sunset over the summit of Mt. Everest. It is worth overcoming the altitude of 5,200m to capture one of the most awe - inspiring and breathtaking sights in the world. Finally, you will enjoy a one - day tour to witness the love story of Namtso Lake and her lover - Nyenchen Thanglha Mountain.
Come and start a Panorama Tibet Group Tour to EBC that offers a blend of Tibetan and religious culture, natural wonders, and adventure experiences in 2025
Tour Highlights
Lowest Price Guarantee: Explore amazing Tibet with Asia Odyssey Travel at the lowest price. It can save up to 30% compared to a private tour.
No Shopping in Any Destinations: Go with Asia Odyssey Travels well - designed small group tour, and you are guaranteed with "100% No Shopping Stops".
Unforgettable Travel Experience: Travel with like - minded travelers in the stunning destinations on our small group tour. You'll get in - depth and intimate experience as a private tour.
Comfortable Pace for Classic Exploration: With ease and comfort, from big wows to hidden gems, our small group tour leaves you feeling that you have really explored. You won't miss any highlights of China.
Itinerary Day by Day
Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa | Airport Pick - up and Hotel Check - in
Altitude: 3650m | Distance: 60km, about 1.5 hours’ drive
Tashi Delek! Welcome to Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region! Upon your arrival at the airport in Lhasa, the tour guide and driver will meet you at the exit, and then escort you to the hotel in downtown Lhasa (60km, about 1.5 hours’ drive). You can have a good rest to get used to the altitude (3,650m) in your hotel and get ready to explore Lhasa with your guide the next day.
Arrival Ideas: Lhasa is located in the southern part of the Tibetan Plateau and southwestern China. Traveling to Tibet is convenient by air, railway, or road. There are five airports in Tibet, with Lhasa Gonggar Airport being the most popular for flights from Chengdu (which is also popular), Chongqing, Xian, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Kunming, Xining, Shangri - La, and other cities. One international airline even connects Lhasa and Kathmandu. Moreover, travelers can take the train to Lhasa from Xining (21 hours, the starting point of the Qinghai - Tibet Railway), Lanzhou (24.5 hours), Chongqing (35.5 hours), Chengdu (36.5 hours), Xian (31 hours), Beijing (40.5 hours), Shanghai (47 hours), Guangzhou (52.5 hours), Shigatse (2.5 hours), Nyingzhi (4 hours), and other cities.
Kind Reminds:
- It is good to avoid altitude sickness by slowing down, keeping warm, drinking water frequently, avoiding showers for the first one or two days, taking it easy, and sleeping well.
- You should always follow your doctor's advice regarding altitude based on your health condition.
- Be sure to let your guide or the hotel staff know whenever you feel unwell or need help. The people there are always willing to help and are good at dealing with altitude sickness.
Attractions: Have a good rest to get used to the altitude
Transportation: Arrive in Lhasa by yourself; pick - up service while in Lhasa
Accommodation: Standard hotel in downtown Lhasa
Day 2: Lhasa Culture Tour | Lhasa Traditional Handicraft Art Center, Sera Monastery
Altitude: 3650m
Today, have fun in the Lhasa Traditional Handicraft Art Center for a close touch of Tibetan culture, and you will experience Tibetan Buddhism by witnessing the Monks' Debating in Sera Monastery.
In the morning, enjoy the experience in the Lhasa Traditional Handicraft Art Center, fully immerse yourself by making Tibetan incense, Tibetan calligraphy, and the secrets of block printing. Tibetan incense is typically burned as an offering during religious ceremonies and rituals in Tibetan Buddhism. The ingredients used for Tibetan incense usually include juniper, sandalwood, cedarwood, cinnamon, cloves, and various medicinal herbs. Besides learning how to make Tibetan incense, you can also participate in writing your own name in the Tibetan Language with the help of a local teacher, and engraving and printing it out. Handmade Tibetan incense and printed text can be taken home as a souvenir of the Tibetan cultural experience. This evening, you will enjoy dinner with the group, featuring Tibetan cuisine.
In the afternoon, drive approximately 7km (about 20 minutes) to visit Sera Monastery, which is one of the three great Gelug university monasteries of Tibet. It offers the opportunity to experience Tibetan Buddhism up close. The highlight of Sera Monastery is watching the monks' debate, which takes place around 15:00 - 17:00 (except on Sundays). The debate is an interesting form of exchange, where one monk acts as the questioner, standing while the answerer or group of answerers sit. The standing monk asks questions and slaps his palms and stomps, each action having a special meaning, such as activating wisdom, and are not meant to be aggressive. You will also have the chance to attend prayer ceremonies, visit meditation halls, and learn about the monastic way of life. It is a must - visit destination to gain insight into the beliefs and practices of Tibetan Buddhism.
Attractions: 2 Iconic Sites
Accommodation: Standard hotel in downtown Lhasa
Day 3: Lhasa City Tour | Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Tibetan - style Featured Dinner
Altitude: 3650m
Today, it is the time to explore Lhasa by visiting the world - famous Potala Palace, a World Heritage site and the picture behind the 50 RMB. And then, you will explore Lhasa by visiting Jokhang Temple, a world cultural heritage site renowned for its brilliant architecture, culture, art, and history. Finally, you can stroll through the famous Barkhor Street with locals and learn more about the daily kora life of Tibetans.
In the morning, you can walk up to the Potala Palace to explore. Not only is it the landmark of Tibet, but it is also the traditional residence and winter palace of the Dalai Lama (1649 - 1959). After climbing 365 steps from the gate of the Potala Palace to reach the Red Palace, you will arrive at the highest palace in the world at an altitude of 3,700m, where you can enjoy an excellent panoramic view of Lhasa city. As you explore the principal halls, chapels, and shrines of past Dalai Lamas in the Red Palace, you will be amazed and moved by its remarkable paintings, gorgeous jeweled works, skilled carving, colorful ornamentation, and the mystery stories behind the treasures. Inside the Potala Palace, you will meet many Tibetan pilgrims who come from afar to pray at this sacred site, making it a lifetime destination for them. You can also ask your guide to provide more stories about Songtsen Gampo, the 33rd king of Tibet, who first built the Potala Palace in the 7th century for his marriage to Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty. (Please note that the visit order may be adjusted based on the visiting time specified on your Potala Palace ticket. All visitors are required to visit the palace with a tour group and remain inside for one hour. Please be advised that photography is prohibited inside the palace.)
Jokhang Temple is located in the heart of Lhasa for over 1300 years. It is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all over the world. Famed as the spiritual center of Tibet, it is said that the Jokhang Monastery was built for King Songtsen Gampo's two brides: Chinese Princess Wencheng and Nepalese Princess Bhrikuti. "Jokhang" means "House of Buddha", and it houses a life - size statue of the 12 - year - old Sakyamuni, which is considered a treasure of the Buddhist world. This is why Buddhist pilgrims consider it the holiest destination. The Jakhong temple is also renowned for its beautiful architecture. You can admire the intricate carvings, colorful murals, ornate decorations, and details of the building, which is a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture. Time seems to stand still as you watch people pray in front of the temple during the day and night. (Please note that the visit order may be adjusted based on the reservation of your Jokhang Temple Ticket Reservation.)
Afterward, take a walk on busy Barkhor Street near the Jokhang Monastery, which was a place for Buddhists to do a kora (pilgrim circuit) in ancient times. Nowadays, it has become a thriving local market where you can drink a pot of yak butter tea, dress in Tibetan clothes for photos, and pick up some local Tibetan, Nepalese, and Indian handicrafts and souvenirs.
In the evening, enjoy a group dinner featuring delicious Tibetan cuisine
Attractions: 3 Iconic Sites
Accommodation: Standard hotel in downtown Lhasa
Day 4 Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse | Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier
Altitude: 3850m | Distance: 380km, about 7 hours’ drive
On this day, drive about 8 to 9 hours (340km) from Lhasa to Shigatse, with a visit to two amazing natural landscapes - Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier - on the way.
In the morning, after about 3 to 4 hours of driving (200km), make sure to have your camera ready. When you reach Kampala Pass (4,797 meters), you'll have a breathtaking view of Yamdrok Lake, a freshwater lake down below, as well as spectacular views of the holy Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar in the distance. It is one of the four largest sacred lakes in Tibet, along with Lhamo Latso Lake, Manasarovar Lake, and Namtso Lake. Yamdrok Lake offers stunning views of the Tibetan plateau and is said to be able to help Tibetans find the reincarnated soul of the Dalai Lama. Moreover, you may see dressed - up Tibetan mastiffs, dogs, goats, and yaks there. It is optional for you to pay 5 - 10 yuan to pose with and take photos of them; for local Tibetans, it's a way to earn extra income for their families.
In the afternoon, drive about 1.5 hours (70km) to visit one of the most beautiful glaciers in Tibet - Karola Glacier, the filming location of the movie "Red Valley" (Hong He Gu). As one of Tibet's three major continental glaciers, backed by the southern slope of Naiqin Kangsang Peak (7,191 meters), one of the four highest peaks in Tibet, this white glacier is also the source of the eastern part of the Nianchu River. The Karola Glacier (5,012m) is only 300 meters away from the highway connecting Lhasa to Gyantse town, and you can view it right from your vehicle. You can also easily walk to the foot of the charming glacier, which has a shape like a frozen waterfall right above the road and you. Besides the fantastic hike to the Karola Glacier, on the opposite side of the road, you can appreciate the beautiful snow - capped mountain of Mt Kalurong.
Notes for visiting Karola Glacier:
- The altitude at the glacier scenic spot is about 5,012m, so be sure to slow down to avoid altitude sickness.
- The public toilet at the glacier is very basic.
- Local people may ask you to take photos with them for a fee. Be sure to ask before taking photos to avoid potential issues.
After that, drive about 3.5 hours (170km) to your hotel in Shigatse, the nearest town on the Friendship Highway between Tibet and Nepal. Have a good rest and get ready for a once - in - a - lifetime trip to EBC the next day.
Attractions: 2 Iconic Sites
Accommodation: Standard hotel in Shigatse
Day 5 Shigatse - Mt. Everest
Gyawu La Pass, Rongbuk Monastery, Mt. Everest Base Camp, EBC Hot Pot Dinner
Altitude: 5100m | Distance: 340km, about 7 hours’ drive
After breakfast, drive about 6.5 hours (330km) to the peak of the world - Mount Everest, while stopping by the Rongbuk Monastery - the world’s highest altitude monastery, before spending the night at the Everest Base Camp (EBC).
Departing from Shigatse, after about 4.5 hours of driving (240km), you’ll get your first glimpse of Mt. Everest from the Gyawu La Pass (5,200m, Gyatso La Pass), between Lhatse and Shelkar. In addition to Mt. Everest, you’ll be amazed by the winding road that seems to go on forever. Along the way, you may see local people biking or hiking all the way to Everest Base Camp. For them reaching the base of the world's highest mountain is a must - do goal or holy belief that is worth the effort.
After enjoying the beautiful and unique scenery on the pass, including incredibly snow - capped mountain ranges, blue skies, floating high clouds, and endless grasslands, it is time to head to Rongbuk Monastery (about 3.5 hours,122km) for the first good view of Mt. Everest. At an altitude of 5,154m, Rongbuk Monastery is the world’s highest monastery, a must - visit for spiritual travelers, and is also photo - worthy. It used to be an area of meditation huts, and you can find hermitage meditation caves with a history of over 400 years, dotting the cliff walls all around the monastery and the valley. Along with brilliant Mt. Everest views, at Rongbuk Monastery, you will be touched by the breathtaking scenery, such as large white chortens, piles of mani stones, colorful prayer flags, devout pilgrims passing by. This evening, you will enjoy dinner with the group, featuring Hot Pot in EBC.
Notes:
- Travelers can only go as far as the Rongbuk Temple area rather than a few kilometers farther as before. But it’s not a big difference in terms of viewing Mt. Everest.
- Today’s food and lodging is very basic. Due to the high altitude, it is possible that you may experience some symptoms of altitude sickness. We recommend that you stay well hydrated, relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery to minimize your symptoms.
Attractions: 3 Iconic Sites
Accommodation: Basic hostel in the Everest Base Camp
Day 6 Mt. Everest - Shigatse | the Sunrise over Mt. Everest, Gyatso La Pass
Altitude: 3850m | Distance: 340km, about 7 hours’ drive
Watching the sunrise over Mt. Everest is a popular activity, you can choose to wake up early in the morning and hike to a nearby vantage point to witness this breathtaking and unforgettable sight.The sunrise over Mt. Everest is not only a beautiful natural phenomenon but also a symbol of human achievement and perseverance.
Then head back to Gyatso La Pass (Gyawu La Pass, the Dingri Boundary, 122km, 3.5 hours) for a quick photo stop. After that, drive back to Shigatse (240km, about 4.5 hours).
After that, drive back to your hotel in Shigatse, take a shower, and prepare for the departure the next day. (Please note that we will arrange for you to take the train or vehicle back to Lhasa from Shigatse, depending on the conditions.)
Attractions: 2 Iconic Sites
Accommodation: Standard hotel in Shigatse
Day 7 Shigatse to DamXung or Lhasa
Tashilunpo Monastery, Yampachen, Grassland in Northern Tibet
Altitude: 4700m | Distance: 340km, about 7 hours’ drive
This morning, you will visit Tashilunpo Monastery. Afterward, you will take the vehicle back to DamXung (about 5.5 hours, 325km) or Lhasa (about 8 hours, 340km) via Yampachen and Grassland in Northern Tibet. (Please Note that we may adjust the itinerary sequence without affecting the travel spots. The group tour may return to Lhasa from Shigasta on Day 07 and travel to Namsto Lake from Lhasa on Day 08.)
Founded by His Holiness the 1st Dalai Lama, Gyalwa Gedun Drup in 1447, Tashilunpo Monastery is the largest monastery in Tsang Area of Tibet. In Tashilunpo Monastery, you can visit the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, Tibet's second - highest incarnation. Pay a visit to the ancient tombs of the fourth and tenth Panchen Lama, as well as the chortens, which hold the bones and remains of the sacred Tibetan lamas. Learn more from your guide about Panchen Lamas and Dalai Lamas while appreciating the brilliant religious painting on Tibetan architecture, listening to the Tibetan Buddhism chanting by local monks, and even participating in the kora like locals. Don’t forget to hike up to the top of the monastery for a stunning bird’s eye view of the monastery itself and Shigatse City.
Then, you will head back to Lhasa or towards Damxung based on the real situation. On the way, you will catch a distance view of Yampachen, a small town (4,200m) known for its hot springs. The hot springs in Yampachen are a popular destination for locals to relax and enjoy the therapeutic properties of the mineral - rich waters. You will also have the chance to see one of the highest grasslands in the world - the Grassland in Northern Tibet. The grasslands are known for their stunning natural beauty, with rolling hills, crystal - clear rivers, and vast expanses of green grass. Many Tibetan nomadic families still live on the grasslands today, herding their yaks and sheep, and living in traditional tents made of yak hair.
Stay overnight in Lhasa and Damxung.
Attractions: 3 Iconic Sites
Accommodation: Basic hotel in DamXung or standard hotel in Lhasa
Day 8 DamXung or Lhasa to Namtso - Lhasa | Namtso Lake
Altitude: 3650m | Distance: 350km, about 7hours’ drive
This morning, you will depart DamXung (about 5.5 hours, 325km) or Lhasa (about 8 hours, 340km) to visit the holy lake - Namsto Lake (4700m).
Starting from Lhasa, after driving around 280 km, you will arrive at a scenic spot to view the Nyenchen Thanglha Mountain Range (7162m), which is one of the holiest mountains in Tibet. On the way to Namtso Lake, you will see lots of Tibetan yak and sheep, and if you are lucky, you may even spot wild animals like Kiangs (wild donkeys), pikas, hares, and foxes, etc. After passing the Laken la Pass (Laken Pass, 5190m), you will soon arrive at one of the highest lakes in the world - Namtso Lake.
Namtso Lake is one of the most beautiful and sacred lakes in Tibetan Buddhism, believed to be the residence of a Tibetan goddess. As one of the three holy lakes in Tibet, many Buddhists and pilgrims visit the lake to pray, meditate, and make offerings. Surrounded by snow - capped mountains and vast grasslands, Namtso Lake (the highest saltwater lake in China) creates a breathtaking landscape. The stunning Namtso Lake is perfect for photography, as the crystal - clear waters of the lake change color throughout the day, ranging from deep blue to turquoise. You can capture the various colors of the lake, the Nyenchen Thanglha Mountain in the south, and the Tibetan nomadic communities in your photos. It is said that Namtso Lake is the wife of Nyenchen Thanglha Mountain, they accompany with each other, inseparable. You can explore Tashi Dor Island, the largest island in Namtso Lake, hike around the area, visit the monasteries, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Notes: In winter, due to bad weather (heavy snow), Namtso Lake may occasionally close. At that time, our itinerary will be adjusted as follows:
Day 9 Lhasa Departure | Hotel Check-out and Airport Transfers
Altitude: 3650m | Distance: 60km, about 1.5 hours’ drive
It is time to end your 9 - day Lhasa Shigatse EBC Tibet Group Tour with Yamdrok Lake and Namtso Lake. And your guide will escorts you to the airport/train station for your flight or high speed train to your next destination.
Attractions: Hotel check - out and airport transfers
Price: What’s Included & What’s Excluded
From USD998 per person
The above price is based on a group tour for 2 people sharing one standard double - bed room in 3 - star hotels.
Price varies depending on travel date, group size, hotel class, program in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate.
What’s Included:
- Professional licensed English - speaking local guide
- Tourist Vehicle: 7 - 23seats (If it’s less than 4 travelers doing Lhasa city tour, we will let tour guide to take a taxi instead. Taxi fee will be at the tour guide expense.)
- Hotel accommodation with breakfasts (3 - star standard)
- Meals: Breakfasts plus featured meals - Tibetan welcome banquet in Lhasa & The world’s highest altitude hot pot experience at EBC (if you take the tour to EBC).
- Admission tickets, activities listed in the itinerary
- Tibet Permits: Tibet Entry Permit, Alien Travel Permit, Border Pass, etc.
- Pick up and Drop off Service: The pick up and drop off service are free from 7:00am to 22:00pm on the pick up and drop off date.
- Oxygen and Water: A container of Oxygen per person for emergency use; 2 bottles of drinking water per person per day (300ml); 4L Medical oxygen cylinder with car
- Our service from tour planning, handling, operational and finishing your trip
What’s Excluded:
- International airfares
- Entry Visa fees
- Personal expenses
- Single Room Supplement
- Recommended optional activities
- Arrival/departure flights or train on the first and last day
- Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers
| Month | Available Date | Price | Book The Tour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb | Feb.17, 2025 | from $998 | |
| Feb | Feb.21, 2025 | from $998 | |
| Mar | Mar.25, 2025 | from $1046 | |
| Apr | Apr.01, 2025 | from $1046 | |
| Apr | Apr.04, 2025 | from $1046 | |
| Apr | Apr.10, 2025 | from $998 | |
| Apr | Apr.15, 2025 | from $998 | |
| Apr | Apr.20, 2025 | from $998 | |
| Apr | Apr.27, 2025 | from $1046 | |
| Apr | Apr.30, 2025 | from $1046 | |
| May | May.05, 2025 | from $998 | |
| May | May.10, 2025 | from $998 | |
| May | May.15, 2025 | from $998 | |
| May | May.20, 2025 | from $998 | |
| May | May.25, 2025 | from $998 | |
| May | May.30, 2025 | from $1123 | |
| Jun | Jun.05, 2025 | from $1123 | |
| Jun | Jun.10, 2025 | from $1123 | |
| Jun | Jun.15, 2025 | from $1123 | |
| Jun | Jun.20, 2025 | from $1123 | |
| Jun | Jun.25, 2025 | from $1123 |
