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!
It’s often said that the journey is just as important as the destination - this statement certainly holds true when travelling to Everest. The journey from Lhasa (the main port entry for tourists visiting the Everest Base Camp from Tibet) to Everest Base Camp is filled with spectacular views and historical monuments dating back thousands of years.
Visitors heading from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp will likely travel via the old Friendship Highway, which is around 800 kilometers long and takes roughly two and a half days to drive. It can be done faster if you take the new highway to Shigatse, but the views the old highway have to offer more than make up for the extra 4-5 hours of driving. You will also want to consider travelling with the company of a local Tibetan guide who can highlight everything that these locations have to offer.
Lhasa itself is home to three UNESCO world heritage sites–the Potala Palace, Norbulingka, and Jokhang Temple. The Potala Palace served as the winter residence for the Dalai Lamas, and is famous for its magnificent architecture and stunning palace grounds. Just a kilometer away lies Norbulingka Palace, the former summer palace for the Dalai Lamas that is famous for its beautiful and well-preserved flower gardens.
Also within walking distance to Potala is the Jokhang Temple, which is easily distinguished by its iconic golden roof. It is a massive monastery that spreads over an area of about 25,000 square meters and is widely considered to be the most sacred temple in Tibet.
Surrounding Jokhang Temple is the Barkor Bazaar. Walk down the cobblestone road and observe Tibetans making their crafts using traditional methods. Barkor Bazaar is a great place pick up souvenirs and goods (like yak butter) that you won’t find anywhere else! While you’re there, be sure to stop by Metok Karpo for a taste of authentic Tibetan foods and flavors.
The Kamba-la Pass is a popular viewpoint for those travelling along the Friendship Highway. It overlooks the majestic turquoise gem of Yamdrok Lake and offers spectacular panoramic views of the pristine lake. Numerous streams from nearby mountains feed into the lake, giving it it’s unique shape and earning it the alternate name of Coral Lake by locals. On the other side of Yamdrok Lake is the Karo-la Pass which, at the summit, offers views of the immense Karo-la Glacier.
The journey along the Friendship Highway will lead to Shigatse, the second largest city in Central Tibet, with a population of over 700,000. It is most famously known for Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the four great monasteries of Central Tibet. Inside the highest temple, a huge statue of the Maitreya, the Future Buddha, can be found. It is the largest bronze Maitreya in the world and is a sight to behold. A tour of the monastery grounds also leads to the Shigatze Dzong, a fortress that overlooks the town.
The view from Gawu-la Pass is incredible. At 5,198 meters above sea level, the Gawu-la Pass viewing platform provides the first panoramic views of Mount Everest and the Himalayan giants. Colorful Tibetan flags decorate the area, framing the sweeping mountain ranges beautifully. This makes for a great photo op!
Robngbuk Monastery lies just 8 kilometers from Everest Base Camp and is the highest monastery in the world. Inside, the walls are adorned with beautifully painted murals, while the observation deck provides dramatic and unobstructed views of Everest.
Ready to embark on the trip of a lifetime?
Let us help you plan your trip to this majestic wonder of the world. We have 8 trips travelling along this route and are happy to customize tours to best suit your needs!
Tibet is known for iconic, picturesque sites including the highest mountains on earth, historical palaces and temples, and vast rolling grasslands. To visit as a foreigner, you’ll definitely need a Chinese tourist visa, a valid passport and, depending on the regions you’ll explore, may need to travel with a tour company who will obtain a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) for you. Here’s what you need to know before entering Tibet.
All foreign visitors require a Chinese tourist visa, which you can obtain through a visa application process. Contact the Chinese Embassy in your country to get started. A Chinese visa is all that is required for travel in Kham and Amdo Tibet, where some of the most culturally authentic experiences (and few tourists) can be found.
You’ll need a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) to visit sites including Everest, Lhasa and other quintessential destinations in Central Tibet, also known as the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR).
If you are visiting the TAR, the law also requires you to book a tour with a registered Tibet travel agency and to have a guide accompany you for the duration of your time there. Your tour company will process your TTP for you, as you can’t process it on your own.
You need to confirm your itinerary before your tour company can obtain your TTP, which can take up to four weeks to process.
Your tour agency will request a scanned copy of your passport and a scanned copy of your Chinese visa to process your TTP.
Mailing completed permits overseas is prohibited, so your Tibet travel agency will deliver the original permit (not a copy) to your hotel in China, or meet you at the airport with it, as you will need it to enter Tibet.
The original copy of your two-page permit will be checked in your departure city for Tibet, either at the train station or airport, and upon arrival in Lhasa.
Once you arrive in Tibet, your guide will assume responsibility for your TTP and will use it to check you into your hotel, to purchase tickets to tourist attractions and at checkpoints along your route.
Contact us here at Extravagant Yak if you have any questions about getting your permit, what each region has to offer, and anything else you need answered while planning your trip to the Roof of the World.
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.