8 Days Sacred Snow Mountain Trip from Lhasa to the Base of Mt. Everest

Welcome to the roof of the world! Your guide will pick you up at Lhasa airport upon your arrival. The rest of the day is free for you to adjust to this highland.

• Hotels: Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa, Intercontinental Lhasa Paradise, The St. Regis Lhasa Resort

Colourful prayer flags with Mount Qomolangma in the backdrop

Today is your first day of discovery. We’ve packed three attractions with minimal physical demands. The first is Sera Monastery, which is one of Lhasa’s three largest monasteries. It is also the place where Buddhist maters preach. There are thousands of sculptures of Buddha there, some of which are from India. The various murals tell a story about Tibetan Buddhism. Monks debate is a unique style of learning Buddhist knowledge. It is held every day at the Sera Monastery adding to its appeal. Lunch is later arranged at a local fine restaurant, after which you will visit Norbulinka. Norbulinka is a place to appreciate Tibetan-style gardens. It has a history of over 200 years. It is currently built as a botanical garden where precious flowers and plants can only be found there. Additionally, there are several historical architectures to observe. Tibet Museum is located southeast of Norbulinka. At the museum you can learn about Tibetan history from more than a thousand historical relics, including sculptures of Buddha, Thangka, Tibetan musical instruments, and unique Tibetan handicrafts. Make sure you’re well rested in preparation for the next day.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,

Tashilhunpo Monastery

Today starts with the most popular site in Lhasa, called Potala Palace. Potala Palace is a castle-like complex built in typical Tibetan style. There are many precious treasures in this palace, including Buddhist items and invaluable historical materials written in Tibetan language. The palace is the representative of Tibetan architecture and a symbol of Tibet. After lunch at a local restaurant,a visit to Barkhor Street is made. The street is a circumambulation road surrounding Jokhang Temple and an area of traditional Tibetan dwellings. Try not to be astonished when coming across locals. There are numerous stalls selling Tibetan handcrafts. Take a look and bargain for your favorites.

Jokhang Temple has a history of more than 1,300 years. The existing temple was built more than 1,200 years ago. Thus, the architecture there is a great historical highlight. Pay attention to the exquisite carvings and Buddha sculptures to experience the temple fully.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,

A monk painting thangka

We’ll get outside of Lhasa to explore highlights in Shigatse. Shigatse is about 6 hours away from Lhasa. Half way on the trip we’ll stop at Lake Yamdrok to admire the beauty of its tranquility. It is one of the three holy lakes in Tibet. Take a walk by the lake and sense the power of nature. A picnic lunch is later arranged by the Lake. After, we’ll keep riding to Palkor Chode which is a monastery combined with Sakya, Kadam, and Gelug schools.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,

Potala Palace

We’ll ride for about 4 hours to get to Dingri. En route you will visit Sakya Monastery, which is one of the largest monasteries in Tibet and the main monastery of Sakya school. It is named as the second Dunhuang because of the large collection of valuable relics there. Lunch is later arranged at a local restaurant. Feel free to walk around the hotel when you arrive at Dingri.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,

Students in Sakya Monastery

You’ll get up very early for the ride to the Everest Base Camp, which takes about three hours to get to. We must get there early to get the chance to see Mt. Everest. By noon, the mountain is crowded with clouds and mists. No words can describe the excitement you’ll experience when facing Mt. Everest. Close your eyes and experience it standing in front you. You will pass Rongbuk Monastery, which is small but is known for being a monastery at the highest altitude. A picnic lunch is arranged at the Everest Base Camp. At the end of the day we’ll head back to the Shigatse.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,

Mt. Qomolangma in the background

One of the main highlights of Shigatse is the Tashilhunpo Monastery. It is the largest in the area and one of six Shamanism monasteries in China. The most magnificent architectures in the Monastery is the big Maitreya Hall and Panchen Lama Stupa Hall. Since it was built on the mountain there is a Knutsford to unfold giant Buddha’s portrait on every Buddhist festival. On the right side of the Monastery you can also find a small hospital where you can see how locals get medical treatment. After lunch you will be escorted back to Lhasa.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,

A pasture near Namtso Lake

Hold onto your memories of Mt. Everest while you head to the airport. Your guide and driver will see you off at the airport.

• Meals: Breakfast,

Potala Palace