From the iconic Mount Everest and beautiful glacial lakes, to unique and culturally-immersive activities, the list of incredible sights and experiences found in Tibet goes on and on. That’s why narrowing down the list and figuring out a Tibet travel itinerary can be difficult!
Here are some sample itineraries we’ve created to help you make the most out of your trip to Central Tibet, depending on how much time you have.
Only have a few days to spare in China? Don’t worry — that’s still enough time to squeeze in a visit to Lhasa with many of the key cultural and historical highlights Tibet has to offer!
Head out to the heart of the city, first visiting the Jokhang Temple. This UNESCO World Heritage site is impressive, to say the least. Aside from being a key destination for devout Tibet pilgrims, it also boasts impressive architecture that spans over an area of about 25,000 square meters.
Next, go for a walk through the bustling Barkhor Bazaar that surrounds the Jokhang Temple. Observe locals making crafts such as carpets and ornaments, and pick up unique souvenirs at this famous shopping street.
Begin your day with a leisurely stroll through another UNESCO World Heritage site — Norbulingka. The central attraction of this 89 acre flower garden and park area is the Norbulingka Palace, the traditional summer residence of the Dalai Lamas.
Just a short drive away is the Sera Monastery, located at the foothills north of the city. It is one of Tibet’s great religious institutions which, at its prime, housed 5,000 monks. The main attraction of the Sera Monastery is the debates! On weekdays, between 3 and 5pm, monks can be seen practicing their philosophy through religious debates. You don’t want to miss this entertaining and uniquely Tibetan experience!
Kickoff day 3 with a tour of Potala Palace, the former winter residence for Dalai Lamas. This 17th century palace was a construction feat: it’s built on top of a cave and is comprised of over 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines, and 200,000 statues!
Following your tour of the Potala, head over to Drepung Monastery. Historically considered to be the most significant monastery of Tibetan Buddhism, the Drepung Monastery houses seven colleges, each teaching different aspects of the religion.
On your final day, drive along the Friendship Highway to Kamba-la Pass. It’s a popular viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the pristine Yamdrok Lake. The vibrant turquoise waters of the lake are a stunning sight to behold.
If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Everest, this itinerary is for you! This travel itinerary takes you through the highlights of Lhasa, then all the way to stand in the shadow of Everest!
The first 3 days of your trip will be identical to the 4-day itinerary, where you’ll explore the key attractions of Lhasa including Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Bazaar, Norbulingka, Sera Monastery, Potala Palace, and Drepung Monastery.
Make your way from Lhasa to Shigatse via the Friendship Highway. Along the way, be sure to stop by the Kamba-la Pass for panoramic views of the stunning turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake. Continue along to the other side of Yamdrok Lake for incredible views of the Karola Glacier before reaching your destination for the day, Shigatse.
The next day, continue along the Friendship highway as you travel towards New Tingri. This town is often used as a base for travellers en route to Everest Base Camp.
The day you see Mt. Everest is finally here! Winding your way upwards through the mountains, your destination is Rongbuk Monastery - the highest monastery in the world! From here you can enjoy the view of Everest’s north face as you check an amazing item off of your bucket list!
Been hearing stories in the news about Everest being closed? Learn more about how this affects you.
Having realized your dream of visiting Everest, it’s now time to return to Shigatse via the Friendship Highway. The following day, you’ll head from Shigatse back to Lhasa. This drive will take you along the Yarlung Tsampo river, and offer views of idyllic Tibetan farming villages.
Are you an active traveller looking to hike the renowned Mount Kailash? Want to explore the awe-inspiring Roof of the World? Cross both off your travel bucket list with this travel itinerary!
The first 3 days of your trip will be identical to the 4-day itinerary, where you’ll explore the key attractions of Lhasa including Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Bazaar, Norbulingka, Sera Monastery, Potala Palace, and Drepung Monastery.
Travel along the Friendship Highway and stop by the Kamba-la Pass for jaw-dropping panoramic views of Yamdrok Lake. The vibrant turquoise waters of the lake are a stunning sight to behold. Continue along to the Karo-la Pass for incredible views of the Karola Glacier, situated on the other side of Yamdrok Lake. Continue your journey along the Friendship Highway to Shigatse, Tibet’s second largest city.
Your first pit stop in Shigatse on day 5 is Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the four great monasteries of Central Tibet. Explore the grounds and join local pilgrims for a kora (a circuit) around the monastery. Afterward, enjoy a visit to the nearby Shigatse Dzong, an impressive hilltop fortress that perches above the town.
Today will be spent primarily on the road as you travel from Shigatse to Saga. Your drive across the Tibetan plateau will be rewarded with scenic views, including grasslands, emerald lakes, and the Raka Tsangpo river valley.
Another day of driving will take you along the Tamachok Tsangpo River that stretches across Tibet from west to east. You’ll pass the rolling foothills of the Himalaya that are juxtaposed with the contradictory geography of sand dunes. Catch the sunset over the remote Lake Manasarovar as you approach Darchen in the evening.
Mount Kailash is a place of considerable spiritual power and religious heritage. It is held to be one of the most religiously esteemed places on Earth. Spend the next several days completing the Kora (circumambulation) around Kailash alongside hundreds of pilgrims. This incredible hike will immerse you in beautiful landscapes while you reach elevations as high as 5,600 m (18,500 ft)!
Having accomplished the Kora, retrace your steps back to Saga. Allow your body to rest during the drive in preparation for your next stop: Mt. Everest.
Today, you’ll make your way to the jewel of the Himalayan range. On your way up to Mt. Everest, you’ll pass the beautiful turquoise waters of Peiku Lake. Stay awake past sundown to enjoy a striking display of stars that can only be enjoyed at this elevation on Earth!
Been hearing stories in the news about Everest being closed? Learn more about how this affects you.
Catch a bus ride up to Rongbuk Monastery and catch some awe-inspiring views of Everest’s north face in the morning, before heading back towards Shigatse in the afternoon.
The following day, you’ll head from Shigatse back to Lhasa. This drive will take you along the Yarlung Tsampo river, and offer views of idyllic Tibetan farming villages.
Have we piqued your interest yet? Drop us a message for details on upcoming trips to the Roof of the World. Extravagant Yak specializes in providing rich and authentic travel experiences in Tibet and we’d be excited to help you arrange your dream trip!
“China Closes its Everest Base Camp to Tourists” - this is typical of the headlines that have been splashed across global news channels over the past couple of weeks. While it sounds like foreign travellers will be blocked from going to Everest in 2019, this is not what is happening. There are changes at Everest in 2019, but they do not affect the view of the mountain offered to travellers, and these changes are for the better of the mountain.
The reality is that the actual base camp for climbers has always been restricted to all but those who have an Everest climbing permit. This means the furthest that regular tourists were permitted to overnight previously was at the “tent hotels” - a small seasonal camp of yak wool tents set up by local Tibetans. This camp has traditionally been located about 3km beyond Rongbuk Monastery (chinese, Rongphu Si), near Dza Rongbuk Hermitage, but still several kilometers from the climber's base camp.
These tent hotels hosted travellers for hot tea, provided simple local food, and further offered accommodation to those who wished to overnight. From the tent hotel location, a park bus was provided to carry tourists a further 2km up the valley to the closest viewpoint non-climbers could access.
The furthest point that tourists can go in 2019 is Rongbuk Monastery. For many travellers, Rongbuk Monastery offers their favourite view of the mountain. A short walk up the hillside near the monastery offers the iconic view of Everest’s north face with the monastery in the foreground. Most people would say that the panoramic view from this spot is as good as anywhere else in the valley, and some would argue that this location offers the best all round view of the mountain.
As described above, the further 5km step past Rongbuk Monastery to the “tent hotels” and the viewpoint beyond will not be permitted in 2019. However, the stunning views of Everest from the monastery are at least as good as the views further up the valley.
The good news is that the local government is implementing a massive clean up project at Everest. This overdue project began in 2018 with tonnes of waste being hauled away, and will continue in 2019. This massive clean up effort will proceed further up the mountain to even include removing the remains of climbers who have died in the Death Zone.
Everest climbing permits for the 2019 season are being restricted to 300. Eco-friendly toilets are being planned for the future, along with better garbage disposal, and even a seasonal medical clinic to serve tourists. No one would disagree that better management of the natural environment around Everest is in the best interest of everyone.
Questions?
We're here to help! Our team is on the ground in Tibet and we're happy to answer any questions you may have.
Everest. It’s a household name and an icon of the belief that all things are possible. Are you looking to join the exclusive group of people who have beheld the highest point on planet earth? We’ve compiled our top ten tips gained from introducing over 1,000 travelers to Tibet's most iconic destinations.
Late April and May are the best times to view Everest’s peak in the spring. October to early November are the peak viewing months in the fall. You'll want to avoid making travel plans for February and March as Tibet is closed to foreigners at this time. While it’s possible to travel in winter (November-January), which typically has crystal clear skies, the weather is very COLD. The bonus of visiting Tibet in winter is you will encounter very little tourism traffic.
Most people experience minor symptoms of high altitude (headaches, shortness of breath, and trouble sleeping). To mitigate these symptoms, we recommend spending a couple of days in Lhasa to acclimatize before beginning your journey to higher elevations at Everest. Consult your doctor if you have heart-related issues, high blood pressure, or are pregnant.
Lhasa is the main port of entry for foreign tourists visiting Everest Base Camp on the Tibetan side. The journey along the Old Friendship Highway is around 800 km and takes roughy two days to drive. It's well worth it! You will pass many photo-worthy sights before standing face to face with this unparalleled mountain. Enjoy sweeping views of quintessential scenic Tibet like the turquoise waters of mystical Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier. You can also visit Tashilhungpo Monastery and the ancient Tibetan fortress in New Tingri.
Regardless of season, it’s always chilly at Everest Base Camp. Remember, it’s 5,200 meters (17,000+feet) above sea level. Temperatures range between highs around 5 degrees Celsius and average lows of negative 10 degrees Celsius for most of the travel season (not taking into account wind chill factor). Everest’s northern Base Camp experiences year-round winds, so windproof outer layers are also highly recommended. At the warmest time of year, you’ll need a thick, winter coat at Base Camp and could be wearing t-shirts in Lhasa (but only in the sunshine).
Some of the most spectacular views happen in the early morning hours. You will have a hard time putting your camera down as Everest awakens to the changing shades of sunlight. Some of the best views of the North Face can be captured from Rongbuk Monastery before taking a park bus to get up close past Base Camp. You may also want to pack a tripod to capture the Milky Way on a clear, star-filled night. Keep in mind that lower temperatures can affect battery life, so bring extras and make sure they’re charged and ready to go. Don’t forget to pack additional memory cards, too.
Options for snacks around Everest Base Camp are very limited. Think simple Chinese dishes, instant noodles, and Tibetan tea. We recommend you pack snacks from home or stock up in Lhasa before you hit the road.
Don’t expect to be able to use your international credit card in China or Tibet. ATMs are available in Lhasa and most people can easily withdraw cash with their debit card, although cards from smaller banks are sometimes rejected. Bring USD cash as a back-up measure. Converting currency is always possible, though it can take time. Don’t count on ATMs beyond Lhasa, make sure you have cash before you hit the road to Base Camp.
Refrain from engaging in political discussions. Remove your hat when entering monasteries. Avoid revealing clothing and displays of affection with the opposite sex, as both are considered inappropriate. On all topics, be respectful and sensitive in sharing your views, and enjoy the seat of a learner on a cultural journey.
Half the fun of planning a trip is the anticipation of your upcoming adventure. Get your adrenaline pumping from home by reading High Adventure by Sir Edmund Hillary, High Exposure by David Breashears (head of Everest IMAX project), and by watching the IMAX film Everest.
Create your own trip or join one of our Upcoming Trips to Lhasa and Everest.
At Extravagant Yak, we specialize in creating custom tours and are always happy to discuss making your dream adventure a reality.
For the second year in a row, we had a fabulous time hosting Ron Nickel and his band of aspiring photographers. After hearing the stories and seeing the images from last year’s trip to the Kham region of Eastern Tibet, it was a unanimous decision for them to return.
However, not wanting to walk in the exact same steps as the previous year’s trip, they requested a trip to Lhasa and Everest to capture Tibet’s most iconic images. And of course to boast about viewing the highest place on earth!
Three full days in Lhasa allowed for the necessary time to acclimatize to the high elevation while visiting the historical sites of Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace, and Sera Monastery. Their two main highlights during this time were mixing with the pilgrims around the Barkhor Bazaar while trying to somehow capture on film the essence of a very different way of life from a bygone era, and roaming the countless rooms which make up the centuries-old Potala Palace while hearing stories from their guide of religious and political intrigue from Tibet’s long history.
On day four we departed Lhasa for Everest Base Camp. The first day took us past the mystical waters of Yamdrok Lake where we did the requisite tourist must-do’s of posing with Tibetan mastiffs and sitting on local yaks done up in their festive best. Before arriving in Shigatse for the night, we were fortunate to enjoy stopping in a couple of remote villages en route to capture locals plowing their farmland with yaks and horses.
The following day we arrived at EBC with the plan to overnight at the tent hotels (5200m). As expected, no one slept very well at that elevation. However, the euphoria on the faces of the group the next morning while enjoying the reward of having the weather clear to reveal a sunrise touching Everest’s North Face made it clear there were no regrets. And this is the common story of everyone who makes the effort to reach the roof of the world: it is worth any and all associated discomfort!
*Photos on this page are compliments of Jody Wynette from Alberta, Canada.
Now that you’ve already decided to buy a ticket and take that trip to Tibet you’ve been daydreaming of, it’s time for you to plan out how long you’ll be staying in various cities and which places you’ll be visiting during your stay. Tibetan culture offers a lot of relics and monasteries to visit. Some of these must-see attractions during Tibet tours and travels are:
With its towering elevation and the treasures of Tibetan history, religion, culture and art it keeps, this majestic red and white palace is a true symbol of Tibetan Ancestry. This is considered as an iconic image as the Roof of the World, and inside you can find a number of precious sculptures, murals, Buddha statues, religious pieces of jewelry and antiques.
This destination is almost always included in most Tibet tours and travels, and visitation of the estate is limited to one hour per group in order to preserve and protect the building.
Pilgrims from different parts of Tibet visit this temple and consider it as their spiritual central point. They pray in front of their temple and then circle the temple clockwise.
Wearing their authentic red robes, the monks gather at the monastery’s courtyard every afternoon. During this gathering, the monks debate on various subjects and use a number of interesting gestures, some of whom even jump to give emphasis to their point. A number of tourists find this unusual gathering quite interesting to observe.
If you’re looking for a scenic view that can blow your mind, then make sure to put Lake Yamdrok on that itinerary. During clear days, the lake takes on a warm shade of turquoise. Within the vicinity of the lake, Tibetan villages and scenic fields of yaks can be seen.
If you travel from Lhasa, getting to the lake will take about 2 hours to drive towards the direction of Shigatse. You can spend half a day near the lake to take pictures or enjoy the tranquillity it brings. Make sure to plan your visit to the lake only from April to October since the road to the lake is closed for the rest of the year due to snow and ice.
This scenic view is many traveller’s dream and the trek above is many a hiker’s desire. It has an altitude of 5,200 meters and is not advised for faint-hearted folks.
If you wish to avoid the hassle of organizing which places you’ll be visiting and how much time to spend per destination, you can always get in touch with a Tibet travel agency and adhere to the mapped-out plan for the trip they can provide.