One of the most fantastic things about living in Chengdu is its close proximity to the Tibetan Plateau – and visiting Everest is on many of our bucket lists.
Tibet Vacation now arrange an 8 day bus tour, with a classic route, covering all of the best sights, sounds, and smells Tibet has to offer. You have the chance to see sun rise and sunset over Everest . What’s more it’s a trip suitable for all fitness levels. The itinerary is as follows:
Day 1
Arrive in Lhasa (at 3650m) by plane or by train
You will be warmly welcomed to Tibet with a Tashi Delek at the Train station or Airport by their professional Tibetan guides. Later you will be sent to the hotel that’s been specially reserved for you in Lhasa. It’s good to take it slow for the rest of the day to acclimatize to the altitude.
Accommodation: Yak Hotel, Gangjian Hotel, or similar 3 star Hotel (you can also upgrade to a 4 or 5 star hotel if you prefer).
Day 2
Sightseeing: Potala Palace/ Jokhang Temple/ Barkhor Street
In the morning, you will visit the famous Potala Palace. It was built in 7th century and this world heritage site is the highest building in Lhasa. With around 1000 stairs up you will have a great view of beautiful Lhasa city and its surroundings.
After the temple, you can enjoy some time around Barkor Street – you can either walk clockwise to have the kora like locals, have a cup of Tibet butter tea, or look for stores selling handcrafts, local food and costumes.
A free welcome dinner will be arranged for you when you come back!
Accommodation: Yak Hotel, Gangjian Hotel, or similar 3 star Hotel(can be updated to 4/5 star)
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 3
Lhasa Sightseeing: Drepung Monastery/ Sera Monastery
You will start your morning by visiting Drepung Monastery. It is one of the great three Gelug monasteries in Tibet, and is also famous for hosting the Great Buddha Display and Tibetan Opera Shows during the Shoton Festival.
Later in the afternoon, you go to the another one of the “Great Three” – Sera Monastery, where you will experience the very unique debates amongst the
monks. They believe debating helps them better understand Buddhist philosophy. The debates are held on weekdays from 3 to 5 in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Yak Hotel, Gangjian Hotel, or similar 3 start hotels (upgrades can also be arranged).
Meals provided: Breakfast
Day 4
Lhasa/ Gyangtse(4040m)/ Shigatse(3836m), 360km,6-7hrs
Passing by Nyangchu Valley, and Gampala Pass(4900m), the zigzag road will lead you to Yamdrok Lake (4400m), the turquoise water is surreal and especially stunning under the sunshine.
Driving along the picturesque lake, you then meet the Karo-la glacier (4960m) which you can overlook from
the roadside. Then you continue to drive to Gyantse – a famous historical city, where you will pay avisit to Pelkor Monastery and
Gantse Kumbum. Later you will arrive in Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet.
Accommodation: Manasarovar Hotel, Zangba Hotel, or similar 3 star hotel (upgrades available).
Meals provided: Breakfast
Day 5
Shigatse/ Everest Base Camp (5200m), 350km, 7-8hrs
In the morning, you will visit the Panchen Lama’s residence – called Tashilumpo Monastery. It was built in 1447 and housed one of the largest glided Maitreya Buddhastatue in the world decorated with gold, diamonds, pearls and other precious stones.
Later passing by Latse, Shegar (you can look up at Mt. Everest) you will arrive at Rongbuk Monastery (at 5100m), the world’s highest monastery. From here, you continue 4km by car to reach Everest Base Camp. If time and weather allows, you will enjoy the beautiful sunset over Everest peak from the lodging area.
Accommodation: Dorm Bed at Rongbuk Gueshouse, or EBC Tents Camp
Meals provided: Breakfast
Day 6
Everest Base Camp/ Shigatse, 350km, 7-8hrs
The day is started with an early morning view of sunrise over Everest peak (8848m) – weather permiting.
You will also get the chance to look at other famous peaks such as Cho Oyu (8201m), Shishapangma (8012m) etc. After that, you will be driven back to Shigaste.
Accommodation: Manasarovar Hotel, Zangba Hotel, or similar 3 star hotel (upgrades are available).
Day 7
Shigatse/Lhasa,280km, 6hrs
After breakfast, the group drive back to Lhasa along Yalunzangbu river, and will be dropped off at your hotel.
Accommodation: Yak Hotel,Gangjian Hotel, or similar 3 star hotel (upgrades available).
Meals provided: Breakfast
Day 8
Lhasa Airport/Train station drop off
Your journey ends today and your guide will drop you at the airport or train station
Meals: Breakfast provided
Prices from: $838 USD per person
Group Size: Maximum 12 people
Tour Dates: They arrange every month (except March)
www.grouptibettour.com
