Overview
Traverse the Roof of the World and Journey Across Tibet’s Spiritual Landscape
This ten-day journey introduces some of Tibet’s most important cultural and natural landscapes. Begin in Lhasa, where several days at altitude allow time to adjust gradually while exploring monasteries, temples and traditional neighbourhoods.
Travel westwards across high mountain passes to the turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake and the historic town of Gyantse before continuing to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city. The journey then reaches Everest Base Camp, where clear weather offers views of the north face of Mount Everest.
Highlights
Potala Palace — Climb narrow stairways, see golden stupas and walk through white courtyards and spaces filled with butter lamps and murals, while taking in views across the rooftops of Lhasa.
Sera Monastery — Watch monks engage in an expressive debate that combines Buddhist philosophy with clapping and stomping.
Yamdrok Lake — Travel along the shores of one of Tibet’s sacred lakes, where shades of turquoise water contrast with the surrounding grassy hills and distant snowy peaks.
Everest Base Camp — Spend a night beneath the world’s highest mountain and, weather permitting, watch the summit gradually turn pink and gold with the rising sun.
Barkhor Street — Walk Lhasa’s historic pilgrimage circuit alongside local worshippers, passing prayer wheels, incense stalls and traditional Tibetan shops.
Itinerary
Pick-up time: depending on your time of arrival
Upon arrival in Lhasa, your Tibetan guide and driver will meet you at the airport or railway station and transfer you to your hotel.
Meals
–
Transportation
Car
Altitude
3,650m
Traveltime
Lhasa Gonggar Airport → Lhasa centre: 1 hr (60km)
Additional information
- Wear comfortable shoes, surfaces may be uneven or slippery.
- Bring warm layers – temperatures may change quickly at high altitude.
- Lhasa sits at an altitude of approximately 3,650 metres and we recommend you take it slowly for the remainder of the day, to allow your body to adjust to the elevation. A short walk around the neighbourhood is fine, but many visitors prefer to rest, drink plenty of water and enjoy an early evening.
09:00
Spend the morning visiting Potala Palace, one of Tibet’s most recognisable landmarks. The white, red and gold complex of assembly halls, stupas and other spaces devoted to Tibetan Buddhist spirituality overlooks Lhasa from a mountain flank. Take some time to walk up the stairs, explore the courtyards and step inside shrine rooms and prayer halls.
Later, visit Jokhang Temple, considered the spiritual heart of Tibet. Pilgrims from across the plateau gather here throughout the day, circling the temple along Barkhor Street while turning prayer wheels and chanting quietly. Walk through halls lined with prayer wheels, then climb up to the second floor with golden roofs and tapestries with Tibetan Buddhist symbols.
Pick-up time:
Around 09:00
Drop-off time:
16:00
Meals
Breakfast
Altitude
3,650 m
Traveltime
1 hrs (10 km)
Additional information
- Best explored on foot due to cobblestone streets and limited vehicle access.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes: surfaces can be uneven and slightly slippery.
- Bring warm layers – temperatures at high altitude can drop dramatically, especially after sundown.
- Please remain mindful of the high altitude. Walk slowly when you go out to explore and notify your guide if you do not feel well.
09:00
After breakfast, visit Drepung Monastery, which was once one of the largest monasteries in the world and housed thousands of monks. The hillside setting offers views across the Lhasa Valley.
Continue to Sera Monastery, where monks gather in the courtyard during the afternoon for traditional debate sessions. The discussions are lively and expressive, with clapping and stomping accompanying the debate.
The remainder of the day can be spent resting or exploring the city independently. You can visit Potala Palace Square to see the palace illuminated after dark.
Pick-up time:
Around 09:00
Drop-off time:
16:00
Meals
Breakfast
Altitude
3,650 m
Traveltime
2 hrs (30 km)
Additional information
- Best explored on foot due to cobblestone streets and limited vehicle access.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes: surfaces can be uneven and slightly slippery.
- Bring warm layers – temperatures at high altitude can drop dramatically, especially after sundown.
- Please remain mindful of the high altitude. Walk slowly when you go out to explore and notify your guide if you do not feel well.
09:00
Today you leave Lhasa and travel westward across the Tibetan Plateau.
Cross Kamba La Pass at an altitude of nearly 4,800 metres, where Yamdrok Lake comes into view below. Its changing shades of blue contrast with the surrounding grasslands and distant snow peaks.
Continue along the lake before arriving in Gyantse, a historic trading town known for its old streets and traditional Tibetan houses. Visit Pelkor Chode Monastery and the Kumbum Stupa before continuing to Shigatse.
Pick-up time:
Around 09:00
Drop-off time:
16:00
Meals
Breakfast
Altitude
3,650 m – 4,800 m
Traveltime
5,5 hrs (360 km)
Additional information
- Wear comfortable walking shoes: surfaces can be uneven and slightly slippery.
- Bring warm layers – temperatures at high altitude can drop dramatically, especially after sundown.
- Please remain mindful of the high altitude. Walk slowly when you go out to explore and notify your guide if you do not feel well.
09:00
After breakfast, visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded in the fifteenth century and traditionally associated with the Panchen Lama. Large assembly halls, golden roofs and quiet courtyards make it one of Tibet’s most important religious sites.
Continue towards Everest Base Camp, crossing several mountain passes with panoramic views of the Himalayan range. Weather permitting, Mount Everest gradually appears above the surrounding peaks as you approach the base camp area.
Spend the evening near Everest Base Camp. On clear nights, the sky is often filled with stars, and the mountain takes on different colours as daylight fades.
Pick-up time:
Around 09:00
Drop-off time:
17:00 – 18.00
Meals
Breakfast
Altitude
4,800 m – 5,300 m
Traveltime
5 hrs (340 km)
Additional information
- Wear sturdy and comfortable walking shoes: surfaces can be uneven and slightly slippery.
- Bring warm layers – temperatures at high altitude can drop dramatically, especially after sundown.
- Please remain mindful of the high altitude. Walk slowly when you go out to explore and notify your guide if you do not feel well.
05:00
Wake up early to watch the sunrise over Mount Everest, weather permitting. The first light gradually reaches the summit before illuminating the glaciers and surrounding peaks.
After breakfast, begin the return journey to Shigatse.
Pick-up time:
Around 09:00
Drop-off time:
17:00 – 18.00
Meals
Breakfast
Altitude
5,300 m – 4,800 m
Traveltime
5 hrs (340 km)
Additional information
- Wear sturdy and comfortable walking shoes: surfaces can be uneven and slightly slippery.
- Bring warm layers – temperatures at high altitude can drop dramatically, especially after sundown.
- Please remain mindful of the high altitude. Walk slowly when you go out to explore and notify your guide if you do not feel well.
09:00
After breakfast, return to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo Valley.
This is a travel day without major sightseeing stopovers but it is an opportunity to appreciate the majestic landscapes of central Tibet at leisure. Upon arrival in Lhasa, the remainder of the afternoon is free for rest or independent exploration.
Pick-up time:
Around 09:00
Drop-off time:
17:00 – 18.00
Meals
Breakfast
Altitude
4,800 m – 3,600 m
Traveltime
4 hrs (260 km)
Additional information
- Wear sturdy and comfortable walking shoes: surfaces can be uneven and slightly slippery.
- Bring warm layers – temperatures at high altitude can drop dramatically, especially after sundown.
- Please remain mindful of the high altitude. Walk slowly when you go out to explore and notify your guide if you do not feel well.
09:00
Today you can revisit Barkhor Street and enjoy a cup of Tibetan sweet tea in a local teahouse or cosy cafe. You can browse local craft shops for jewellery, handmade textiles, Tibetan incense or prayer flags.
This is a perfect day to absorb the atmosphere of the city one more time.
Pick-up time:
Around 09:00
Drop-off time:
16:00
Meals
Breakfast
Altitude
3,600 m
Traveltime
Additional information
- Wear sturdy and comfortable walking shoes: surfaces can be uneven and slightly slippery.
- Bring warm layers – temperatures at high altitude can drop dramatically, especially after sundown.
- Please remain mindful of the high altitude. Walk slowly when you go out to explore and notify your guide if you do not feel well.
09:00
Today, we will journey to two monasteries built on the surrounding hills just outside Lhasa. First, a visit to Ganden Monastery. This monastery is one of the ‘great three’ along with Sera and Drepung Monasteries. The red and white complex of prayer halls and living spaces for the monks stands out against the backdrop of mountain scenery.
In the afternoon we’ll visit Drak Yerpa Monastery, perched on a steep hillside and connected by walkways.
Pick-up time
Around 09:00
Drop-off time
17:00 – 18:00
Meals
Breakfast
Altitude
3,600 m
Traveltime
1 hrs (20 km)
Additional information
- Wear sturdy and comfortable walking shoes: surfaces can be uneven and slightly slippery.
- Bring warm layers – temperatures at high altitude can drop dramatically, especially after sundown.
- Please remain mindful of the high altitude. Walk slowly when you go out to explore and notify your guide if you do not feel well.
Pick-up time: According to your schedule
After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer you to the airport according to your departure schedule.
We hope you have enjoyed your journey across Tibet and look forward to welcoming you again in the future.
Pick-up time
According to your schedule
Drop-off time
According to your schedule
Meals
Breakfast
Altitude
3,600 m
Traveltime
1 hr (60 km)
Accomodation
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Inclusions & Exclusions
- 9 nights of economy, comfort, superior or luxury accommodation, shared room with breakfast
- Transportation: gas, tolls, parking fees and any additional pick-ups and drop-offs
- High-speed train tickets from Kunming to Dali and Shangri-La to Kunming (2nd class seats)
- Local experienced English-speaking tour guides
- Meals as listed in the itinerary: 9 breakfasts
- 2 half-liter bottles of drinking water per person per day
- Entrance tickets to the attractions listed
- Supplement for the meals for the tour guide and driver
- 24/7 English-speaking customer service
- Government taxes
- Chinese visa
- International and domestic flights
- Meals not listed in the program (lunch, dinner)
- Dynamic Yunnan Show discount tickets (please mention which category you prefer if you are interested: VVIP = USD 100, VIP = USD 77, Luxury = USD 59, Standard = USD 44, Budget = USD 33)
- Additional days caused by unexpected nature disasters, for instance, land slides or flooding.
- Single room supplement if the guest requests a private room in the hotel (If you prefer a private room or if there is no one else in your group to share with, a single room supplement will apply.
- Possible surcharges for upgrades from standard twin-bed rooms to double-bed rooms
- Personal travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips for drivers and guides (highly appreciated but not requested)
- Anything not listed in inclusions
Frequently asked questions
Spring and autumn generally offer the most comfortable travel conditions, with mild temperatures and many clear days. Summer brings greener landscapes and warmer weather, but occasional rainfall can reduce visibility in the mountain areas. Winter offers clear skies for excellent mountain views. However, during this time, the mountain roads are often closed due to heavy snowfall.
The roads on this route are all well maintained, but the mountain roads are very winding. For those prone to motion sickness, it is suggested to bring suitable medication.
Most of the activities on this tour involve light walking and can be adapted to different fitness levels. All destinations are located above 3,500 metres, and Everest Base Camp is over 5,000 metres. We recommend you take your time to acclimatise to the altitude. Please discuss any health concerns you may have with your doctor before travelling, and notify your guide if you are not feeling well.
Lhasa can be reached by both air and train. Direct flights operate from several major Chinese cities, including Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming and Xi’an. The Qinghai–Tibet Railway is another popular option, offering gradual acclimatisation and views of the Tibetan Plateau along the 21-hour journey.
Tibet is a high-altitude region. Lhasa is situated at 3,650 metres and Everest Base Camp at 5,200 metres.
Most people won’t get altitude sickness, but some might. Altitude sickness symptoms may include headaches, fatigue or nausea. If you notice symptoms, take it easy and get lots of rest during your first day at altitude.
Check our article about high altitudes for more info and tips.
Important information
- Single Supplement. The price listed is for two people sharing one room. If you require a private room or if there is no one else in the group to share a room with, a single room supplement will apply. The single supplement fee is outlined in our price list.
- Driver and guide working hours. The daily working time for driver and tour guide during this tour is maximum 10 hours per day. Overtime working hours will be charged extra.
- Tipping drivers and tour guides is custom in China. We recommend giving 50-80 RMB (7 – 10 USD) per day to the driver and 80-130 RMB (10 – 15 USD) per day to your tour guide.
- Weather. During the summer months (June to September) Yunnan has a rainy season. It won’t be raining 24/7, but we recommend bringing a small umbrella that fits in a backpack.
- Accommodation. The hotels in the itinerary are the recommended hotels, if they are fully booked during your travel period, we will book alternative hotels in the same price/quality range. We book different hotels on request too, but a surcharge might be needed.
- Children & Accommodation. Please note that except for luxury hotels, in many hotels family rooms only have space for one child, but it could be possible to book an extra mattress in some hotels. Please contact us for more information when travelling with a family.
- Meals. Lunches at authentic, quality local restaurants are not included. Your guide can recommend quality authentic places for you. If you have preferences or dietary requirements such as vegetarian, halal, kosher, vegan or gluten-free, please tell your tour guide in advance. Your tour guide will normally not order spicy food or meat/fish with bones unless asked for.
