Lhamo was born in a small village called Medro Kunga county outskirts of Lhasa. She has completed her graduation from Hangzhou university China.
She has been working with Songtsan travel for 7 years, a very competent and efficient accountant who also managed to buy all the train and air tickets on every request on time. She handles all the room bookings for clients at various places in Tibet. Very easy to work with on any account. She is interested in learning English though she keeps herself busy at work and looking after her two beautiful kids who are about 2 years old and the elder is about 6 years old.
Yonten was born and raised in Lhasa. Working as sales manager with Tibet Songtsan travel. He is a correspondent of Songtsan tours and travels with all the clients via Emails and calls.
Dawa was born on August,6,1976, in Gyama valley, It’s the same birthplace of Songtsan Gampo, the 33rd King of Tibet.
Dawa has learned his English abroad and worked in several different travel agencies in the past several years, at the same time he worked as a tour guide and traveled to many parts of Tibet. In 2011, he has registered his own Tibet Songtsan International company under the Tibet tourism bureau.
Dawa has also joined with Tibet Ecotourism Accreditation project with support from the Columbia university’s Modern Tibetan Studies Program. He is fun-loving and has the most hospitality for the guest.
Tenzin was born on May,6,1974, in Gyama valley, in the same valley where the 33rd king of Tibet Songtsan Gampo was born. Tenzin learned English from Gangshun language school in Lhasa and then after he completed the language program, he started to work as a tour guide with Access Tibet tour almost for 8 years, his profound knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism and culture has won a reputation from his former clients, then in 2011, He and Mr. Dawa has registered their own Tibet Songtsan International Travel company in Lhasa.
One might often wonder if is it safe to travel to Tibet. The answer to these two important questions is YES !!!
If you are planning to visit Tibet, I am sure you must have heard about altitude sickness upon arriving at Lhasa airport. The average altitude of Lhasa is 3400m above sea level, which could be dealt with easily by taking good rest on the arrival day at your hotel, we can also provide necessary herbal medicine or the proper tablets to avoid headaches and any discomfort depending on your condition. However, as we always prefer for our clients, take a good rest on the first day. If you are planning to do trekking outside Lhasa, such as at Holy Mount Kailash, Everest base camp, or outskirt Lhasa treks such as Ganden to Samye monastery, etc. It is crucial that you can bring the medicine of your own, although we will provide the necessary aid, it might not be enough for you.
Coming back to the main question, can you travel to Tibet Independently? Or Is it safe to travel to Tibet? Tibet is perfectly safe to travel to, people are friendly, and all our guides and drivers are local Tibetans who have well experience in what they do which also comes with very favorable feedback from almost all our past clients. You can check our reviews on TripAdvisor regarding our service.
You can contact us for the travel permit while your China visa is under process or upon obtaining your visa. Travel permits could take from 7-10 days which come along with the tour packages. To obtain a travel permit, it is safe to apply for the permit at least 15 to 20 days before your tour actually start. If you have more than one passport, then we would require the passport on which you have applied for the travel permit. If you have taken a flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, then you will have to apply for a group visa from China embassy based in Nepal. For that, we have a designated agent in Kathmandu who will assist you with the procedure from end to end.
Once your travel permit is processed from our end in Lhasa, we will send the original permit to your hotel anywhere in china on time. In case you are wondering why the original copy. This will allow you to board your flight or trains to Lhasa, without the original permit, you will be forbidden to board flights or trains to Tibet.
Holy Mount Kailash tour has remained most popular tour in Tibet for both group and private tour. Especially for the traveler who likes to do extensive trekking with the touch of spiritual insight.
Driving from Lhasa after acclimatization towards the further west part of the Tibet offers many sights to visit on the way such as Yamdrok lake, Karola glacier, Kumbum stupa at Gyangtse, Tashi lunpu monastery, Sakya monastery etc.
It has the complete package of standard 8 days EBC tour and more.
Mt. Kailash and surrounding prefecture of the region has been the holiest site in Tibet. Tibetans called it Gang Rinpoche, Gang means snow peaked and Rinpoche is honorific meaning of precious one. It is the pilgrimage destination for Buddhist, Bon, Hindu and Jain devotees. The mountain is located near Lake Manasarovar and lake Rakshastal.
Songtsan team is solely based in Lhasa. Our Tibetan guides and drivers are also based in Lhasa. From last more than 10 years, our only goal is to provide authentic Tibetan tour service, that means every word we say and steps we take has the touch of local Tibetan essence. It is to consider the very expectation of your visit to a place rich in culture and history. Our reviews will justify that all our guides, drivers and sale’s team have hospitality at their heart. We are 24 hours day in and out at your service.
Days
Trip Outline
Activity
Accommodation
Day1
Pick up and transfer to hotel.
Rest well to acclimatize
Shangbala
Day2
Lhasa sightseeing
Jokhang temple, Barkhor street, Potala palace
Shangbala
Day3
Lhasa sightseeing
Sera monastery, Drepung monastery, Home dinner
Shangbala
Day4
Lhasa to Shigatse (3900m) 350km 6hrs approx
Yamdrok, Karola, Kumbum stupa
Tashi Choedar
Day5
Shigatse to Lhatse (4000m) 200km 4hrs approx
Tashi Lunpu monastery Sakya monastery,
Farmer’s hotel
Day6
Lhatse to Saga (4600m) 312km 6hrs approx
Landscape of Far west
Tashi Choedar
Day7
Saga to Darchen (4560m) 600km 7hrs approx
Lake Manasarovar, Grand view of Mt. Kailash
Local guesthouse
Day8
Trek from Darchen to Dirakpuk (4700m) 20km 4hrs approx
Landscape of Kailash
Local guesthouse
Day9
Trek from Dirakpuk to Zutulpuk (4790m) 18km 6hrs approx
Landscape of Kailash
Local guesthouse
Day10
Trek from Zutulpuk to Lake Manasarovar (4560m) 12km 3hrs approx
Landscape of Kailash
Local guesthouse
Day11
Lake Manasarovar to Saga 580km 6hrs approx
Lake Manasarovar
Local hotel
Day12
Saga to EBC (5200m) 550km 8hrs approx.
Peikutso lake, Mt.Shishapadma
Monastery guesthouse
Day13
EBC to Shigatse (4000m) 350km 6hrs approx
Rongbuk monastery, Base camp
Tashi Choedar
Day14
Shigatse to Lhasa (3680m) 280km 6hrs approx
Brahmaputra river, Home dinner
Shangbala
Day15
Departure
Drive to airport/train station
Itinerary Detail:
Day1: Arrival in Lhasa: Acclimatization
Upon arrival at Lhasa Gonggar airport, our guide and driver will be waiting for you at the exit gate, with your name board. Tashi Delek is probably the first Tibetan word you will hear upon arrival, it is an endearing gesture of welcoming our guest followed by offering a white scarf which is called Khata in Tibetan.
It is about 70kms from the airport to the old city Lhasa which will take 45 minutes to 1hrs depending on the traffic. This short trip in your car will allow you to have a short glimpse at the Yarlung river/ Brahmaputra river and close view at the majestic Potala palace.
Check into your hotel, first day is crucial for the travelers to have a good rest at their hotel, acclimatize the environment.
Day2: Lhasa highlights: Jokhang temple, Barkhor street, Sera monastery
Breakfast will be served at your hotel from 7:30am to 10.30am.
Your guide will pick you up at the hotel to visit Jokhang temple which is not more than 5 minutes’ walk from your hotel. Jokhang temple is located at the center of old city Lhasa and has been very important location for both and religious and business
Center of Tibet in early years.
Barkhor street is approximately 15-20 minutes’ walk around the Jokhang temple. Local pilgrimage will be walking along with their prayer wheels in their hand in a clockwise. The street is filled many shops and now has become a shopping center.
Walking around Barkhor street will be a pleasant experience to see many Tibetan local devotees on their prostration and colorful culture of people from different part of Tibet. After lunch, there is debate session of Sera monks which will start around 3pm in the Sera courtyard. The last sight of the day is Sera monastery which was built in 15th Century by The Jamchen Choji Sakya Yeshi who was a disciple of Tsongkapa the founder of Gelukpa sect, one of four schools in Tibetan Buddhism.
Day3: Lhasa highlights: Potala palace, Drepung monastery, Home dinner with our team.
Morning visit to the palace is as refreshing as jogging alongside the lake with cool breeze and breathe. After checking in at the gate, stairs and steps will take you higher towards the Potala place which has white palace and red palace. White palace was built to attend official matters and red palace was built to attend for religious matter.
Potala palace was initially laid its foundation by 33rd King of Tibet Songtsan Gampo in 7th Century and later rebuilt by 5th Dalai Lama in 17th Century.
Make sure to rest once a while during the visit, every stair is worth the effort for the beautiful bird eye view of Lhasa and its every rooms and chambers inside the palace.
Day4: Lhasa to Shigatse
Leaving Lhasa in the morning has its charm of starting your day along with the rising sun brightening the beautiful day on your way out.
First stop is at Yamdrok lake, Yamdrok is about 2:30-3 hrs drive of about 110km from Lhasa via Gambala pass (4790m).
This holy lake is also called Yamdrok Yumtso in Tibetan. The color of the lake is turquoise, and it has the most beautiful view of the mountains and lake enclosed by an ever-blue sky. The length of the river is 72km, which goes side by side with the main road to Karola glacier which is close to 1hr drive further down.
Second stop is at Karola glacier which is one of Tibet three major continental glaciers located at the boundary of Nangarze county.
Third stop is at Gyantse town’s Kumbum Pelkor chorten monastery. Kum-bum means one hundred thousand holy images. It was built by Gyangtse prince in the year 1427 with nine levels and 77 chapels.
This stupa is unique three-dimensional mandala meant to portray the Buddhist cosmos.
Day5: Shigatse to Lhatse
In the morning we will visit the Tashi lunpo Monastery and your guide will take time to obtain the Alien’s Travel Permit (ATP) from the local Public Security Bureau (PSB). Tashi lunpo Monastery is one of the largest functioning monasteries in western Tibet and boasts over 600 years of history. Founded in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama the monastery is now the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama and contains the tombs of seven of the former Panchen Lamas.
En route to our overnight destination in Lhatse we will drive off the main road to Sakya Monastery to explore the twisting alleys of the monastery alongside the Buddhist pilgrims. In the 13th century Sakya Monastery was an important scholastic study center for Buddhists in Tibet. Divided into two parts the monastery is only active on the southern side of the river with the northern part of the monastery now lying in ruins.
Day6: Lhatse to Saga
We will drive through entire route today. Roads are well paved, and it should be a smooth ride all along with the view of wild landscape of west Tibet.
Day7: Saga to Darchen
Continue with your road trip to Darchen, you will have a chance to appreciate the stunning view of the Saga valley between Gangdise Range and Himalaya Range. Meanwhile, the beautiful grassland and local’s villages, can also be seen. As we cross the Mayomla Pass (5112M), you can enjoy the spectacular vista of Mt. Naimonanyi (7694M). Then we are supposed to pass by the holy Lake Manasarover and finally arrive at the southern foot of Mt.Kailash, the most holy mountain in Tibet.
Day8: Trekking 1st First Day: Darchen to Dirakpuk 20km
After breakfast, we will take Eco-bus from Darchen to Sershung valley. There we will hire yaks and porter if required for the trekking and this expense is not included in the service. From Darchen our trek will follow the small trail in a clockwise circuit around Mt. Kailash at an average altitude of 4700 meters. We will walk side-by-side with local Buddhist pilgrims following the same route and pass by Bon pilgrims walking a counter-clockwise circuit.
After a 4-hour trek we will reach Tamdin (4780m) where we will have a simple lunch inside a nomadic tent. From there it is only 4km hike to Drirapuk Monastery where we will stay at a nearby guesthouse for the night. This 4km stretch contains some of the best scenery of the entire kora.
Drirapuk Monastery was rebuilt in 1985 and is located on the north side of the Lha-chu River facing the north face of Mt. Kailash. The name Drirapuk originally comes from a word Dri-ra meaning “female yak horn” and Puk meaning “cave.” Legend has it that a female yak used her horn to create the cave. The Drirakpuk Monastery guesthouse rooms are very basic.
Day9: Trekking 2nd Day: Dirakpuk to Zutulpuk 18km
Trekking will be little steep upward toward Drolma la pas (5630m) and you will take your time and rest as much as you can on the way. Drolma la pass is the highest pass of the kora. After a short rest at the top we will climb down into the long valley and stop for lunch at the Shabjay Dakpo nomadic tent.
Then will continues on to Dzultripuk Monastery for the night Dzultripuk Monastery (4803m) was built by two important religious figures Milarepa and Naro Bon-Chung. You can see the footprint and handprint of Milarepa inside the cave.
Day10: Trekking 3rd Day: Zutulpuk to Darchen 12km
Last day of the trekking is the easy descend toward Darchen, then drive to Lake Manasarovar and rest there for a night.
Day11: Lake Manasarovar to Saga
After short morning walk and pictures near the lake, we will drive back to Saga and stay there in a local hotel for a night.
Day12: Saga to EBC
In the morning we will head for Everest base Camp located in the Rongbuk Valley. The nearby Rongbuk Monastery is the “official” highest monastery in the world and houses both monks and nuns.
Driving alongside the Peiku Tso Lake you will have a picturesque view of Mount Shishapangma and other peaks of the mighty Himalayas. Mount Shishapangma is the only Peak above 8000m that is fully located in Tibet.
Upon arriving at Rongbuk, you can check in at monastery guesthouse. If weather is nice up there, you can take photos of the peaks.
Day13: EBC to Shigatse
Most probably your breakfast will be Tibetan noodle and bread there at the base camp. If your luck is good, sky will be clear, and you can get a one last good look at the peaks of Everest. Upon arrival at Shigatse, it is best to take good rest in the hotel.
Day14: Shigatse to Lhasa
We will drive straight back to Lhasa on shorter route.
We will arrange home dinner at home with our team in the evening. We have a special cook in our team who will prepare local Tibetan dishes, not too greasy not too spicy. We will also teach you how to make Yak momo. For this delightful evening, conversations are mainly on how we work as a team, your experience in Tibet and feedback on how to improve our service.
Day15: Departure.
As per your flight or train schedule, your guide and driver will pick you up from the hotel and see you off on time. This is the time we always hope in our heart that you had a wonderful time during your visit and our service are up to your satisfaction.
We appreciate for the feedbacks on TripAdvisor which will allow us to continue what we do and what we always try to achieve, which is to provide a real authentic Tibetan tour service in Tibet for all the oversea travelers who has dreamt of coming to Tibet.
The service Includes:
– All necessary travel permits to Tibet;
– Entrance ticket fees for all the sight spots listed in the program
– Private transportation in Tibet: 8 to 15 seated minivan with experienced local Tibetan driver.
– Private guide: English speaking local Tibetan guide;
– Lodging: Comfortable Four star hotel in Lhasa and Shigtse
– Oxygen cylinder for the group;
– Lodging and meals for guide and drivers;
– Two bottles of mineral water per person everyday.
– Liability travel insurance
The service excludes:
– Travel insurance covers trip cancellation and emergency evacuation(recommended);
– Expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, phone call, etc.);
– International and domestic flight/train. (Note: we accept flights and train tickets bookings in advance,
– Meals – lunches and dinners, breakfasts at the guesthouses (Averagely a meal in Tibet cost USD7 per person);
We have created this particular tour for travelers who has enough time to tour around with their family, especially for kids and older person in the group. This 10 days itinerary has a really good feedback from our customers. It is not a difficult tour however with lots of items on the plate.
Unlike any other designed tour, this 10 days central Tibet group tour allows to visit Samye monastery which is the first Buddhist and Nyingma monastery in Tibet founded by Guru Padmasambhava in the year of 779.
Tsedang which has the first ever built palace in Tibet for the first king of Tibet during the turn of 7th and 8th century.
Other popular sights are Yamdrok, Kumbum monastery at Gyantse, Namtso lake which is also called Sky lake.
Songtsan team is solely based in Lhasa. Our Tibetan guides and drivers are also based in Lhasa. From last more than 10 years, our only goal is to provide authentic Tibetan tour service, that means every word we say and steps we take has the touch of local Tibetan essence. It is to consider the very expectation of your visit to a place rich in culture and history. Our reviews will justify that all our guides, drivers and sale’s team have hospitality at their heart. We are 24 hours day in and out at your service.
Kumbum chorten, Tashi lunpu monastery, local free market
Tashi Choedar
Day7
Shigatse to Namtso lake 380km 5hrs approx.
Nyenchen Thangla pass,Tashi dor monastery
Local guesthouse
Day8
Namtso to Lhasa
Yangpachen hotspring (fees own your own)
Shangbala
Day9
Free day in Lhasa
Home dinner
Shangbala
Day10
Departure
Drive to airport/train station
Itinerary Detail:
Day1: Arrival in Lhasa: Acclimatization
Upon arrival at Lhasa Gonggar airport, our guide and driver will be waiting for you at the exit gate, with your name board. Tashi Delek is probably the first Tibetan word you will hear upon arrival, it is an endearing gesture of welcoming our guest followed by offering a white scarf which is called Khata in Tibetan.
It is about 70kms from the airport to the old city Lhasa which will take 45 minutes to 1hrs depending on the traffic. This short trip in your car will allow you to have a short glimpse at the Yarlung river/ Brahmaputra river and close view at the majestic Potala palace.
Check into your hotel, first day is crucial for the travelers to have a good rest at their hotel, acclimatize the environment.
Day2: Lhasa highlights: Jokhang temple, Barkhor street, Sera monastery
Breakfast will be served at your hotel from 7:30am to 10.30am.
Your guide will pick you up at the hotel to visit Jokhang temple which is not more than 5 minutes’ walk from your hotel. Jokhang temple is located at the center of old city Lhasa and has been very important location for both and religious and business
Center of Tibet in early years.
Barkhor street is approximately 15-20 minutes’ walk around the Jokhang temple. Local pilgrimage will be walking along with their prayer wheels in their hand in a clockwise. The street is filled many shops and now has become a shopping center.
Walking around Barkhor street will be a pleasant experience to see many Tibetan local devotees on their prostration and colorful culture of people from different part of Tibet. After lunch, there is debate session of Sera monks which will start around 3pm in the Sera courtyard. The last sight of the day is Sera monastery which was built in 15th Century by The Jamchen Choji Sakya Yeshi who was a disciple of Tsongkapa the founder of Gelukpa sect, one of four schools in Tibetan Buddhism.
Morning visit to the palace is as refreshing as jogging alongside the lake with cool breeze and breathe. After checking in at the gate, stairs and steps will take you higher towards the Potala place which has white palace and red palace. White palace was built to attend official matters and red palace was built to attend for religious matter.
Potala palace was initially laid its foundation by 33rd King of Tibet Songtsan Gampo in 7th Century and later rebuilt by 5th Dalai Lama in 17th Century.
Make sure to rest once a while during the visit, every stair is worth the effort for the beautiful bird eye view of Lhasa and its every rooms and chambers inside the palace.
Day4: Lhasa-Samye-Tsedang
Its takes not more than 3 hrs from Lhasa to Samye monastery, stopping by Dorji drak monastery en route to Samye monastery. The monastery is located adjacent to the rocky hill and gives beautiful of lake on the otherside of the hill.
It will be a quick pleasant visit and about one-hour drive from there to Samye monastery. You can have lunch at the monastery restaurant or restaurant nearby for Samye monastery is a very big monastery with a vast campus filled with beautiful flowers. Samye monastery was founded by Guru Padmasambhava in 779 during the King Trisong Detsen. It is the first Buddhist and Nyingma monastery in Tibet. Monastery is located in the Chimpu valley next to Hepori hill in Yarlung river. Monastery is laid out on the shape of giant Madala, in its center lies the main temple representing the legendary Mount Meru. In corners, there are 4 stupa/chortens- white, red, green and black.
Yumbu lakhang at Tsedang is the first palace built in Tibet for the first king of Tibet Nyetri Tsenpo. This old palace was recently renovated. Upon reaching there, it has the beautiful view of Tsedang ground.
Day5: Tsedang to Gyangtse
It is about 5 to 6 hrs drive. First stop is at Yamdrok lake, Yamdrok is about 2:30-3 hrs drive of about 110km from Lhasa via Gambala pass (4790m).
This holy lake is also called Yamdrok Yumtso in Tibetan. The color of the lake is turquoise, and it has the most beautiful view of the mountains and lake enclosed by an ever-blue sky. The length of the river is 72km, which goes side by side with the main road to Karola glacier which is close to 1hr drive further down.
Second stop is at Karola glacier which is one of Tibet three major continental glaciers located at the boundary of Nangarze county.
If time permits, walking around Gyangtse fort or kora in the evening is quiet and peaceful, whole kora will take more or less than an hour.
Day6: Gyangtse to Shigatse
Morning visit to Gyangtse Kumbum Pelkor chorten monastery. Kum-bum means one hundred thousand holy images. It was built by Gyangtse prince in the year 1427 with nine levels and 77 chapels.
This stupa is unique three-dimensional mandala meant to portray the Buddhist cosmos. Upon reaching Shigatse, you can stop by for a lunch at Shigatse before heading to the monastery. Tashi lunpu monastery was founded by 1st Dalai Lama in 1447, it is traditional monastic seat of successive Panchen Lama. Kora around the monastery will take around one hour and will have beautiful bird eye view of old and new city of Shigatse.
Day7: Shigatse to Namtso lake
Namtso lake is also known as Sky lake. It lies at an elevation of 4718m. It is the largest Salt Lake in Tibet Autonomous Region located between the border of Damxiong county of Lhasa prefecture and Baingoin county of Nagqu prefecture.
Day8: Namtso to Lhasa
It is about 4hrs drive of about 250km from Namtso to Lhasa via Lagenla pass (5190m). This holy lake is one of the four holy lakes in Tibet and also the highest saline lake in the world. This road trip of 4 hrs offers the spectacular view of the snowcapped Nyenchen Thangla mountain ranges where in the valley and on the grassland, Tibetan nomads living their simple life in tent with their yak and sheep grazing nearby.
After visiting Tashi Dor monastery at Namtso and walking around the lakeshore, we will drive back to Lhasa and give you enough time to rest and prepare yourself for the evening home dinner.
Day9: Free day in Lhasa
Today you can walk around for shopping or to take pictures.
We will arrange home dinner at home with our team in the evening. We have a special cook in our team who will prepare local Tibetan dishes, not too greasy not too spicy. We will also teach you how to make Yak momo. For this delightful evening, conversations are mainly on how we work as a team, your experience in Tibet and feedback on how to improve our service.
Day10: Departure
As per your flight or train schedule, your guide and driver will pick you up from the hotel and see you off on time. This is the time we always hope in our heart that you had a wonderful time during your visit and our service are up to your satisfaction.
We appreciate for the feedbacks on TripAdvisor which will allow us to continue what we do and what we always try to achieve, which is to provide a real authentic Tibetan tour service in Tibet for all the oversea travelers who has dreamt of coming to Tibet.
The service Includes:
– All necessary travel permits to Tibet;
– Entrance ticket fees for all the sight spots listed in the program
– Private transportation in Tibet: 8 to 15 seated minivan with experienced local Tibetan driver.
-Vehicle and guide entrance for the Everest Nature Reserve
– Private guide: English speaking local Tibetan guide;
– Lodging: Comfortable Four star hotel in Lhasa and Shigtse
– Oxygen cylinder for the group;
– Lodging and meals for guide and drivers;
– Two bottles of mineral water per person everyday.
– Liability travel insurance
The service excludes:
– Travel insurance covers trip cancellation and emergency evacuation(recommended);
– Expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, phone call, etc.);
– International and domestic flight/train. (Note: we accept flights and train tickets bookings in advance,
– Meals – lunches and dinners, breakfasts at the guesthouses (Averagely a meal in Tibet cost USD7 per person);
Standard 8 days Lhasa to EBC (Everest Base camp) tour has remained the most popular tour. It is the right amount of time to visit all the beautiful sights in Lhasa and all the way to base camp via Yamdrok lake, Karola glacier, Gyantse Kumbum monastery, Tashi lunpu in Shigatse which is the second biggest city in Tibet Autonomous region. In addition to it, stopping by Sakya monastery en route to EBC will help you acclimatize to the altitude before arriving at base camp.
Songtsan team is solely based in Lhasa. Our Tibetan guides and drivers are also based in Lhasa. From last more than 10 years, our only goal is to provide authentic Tibetan tour service, which that means every word we say and the steps we take has the touch of local Tibetan essence. It is to consider the very expectation of your visit to a place rich in culture and history. Our reviews will justify that all our guides, drivers, and sales team have hospitality at their heart. We are at 24 hours a day in and out at your service.
Days
Trip Outline
Activity
Accommodation
Day1
Pick up and transfer to hotel.
Rest well to acclimatize
Shangbala
Day2
Lhasa sightseeing
Jokhang temple, Barkhor street, Potala palace
Shangbala
Day3
Lhasa sightseeing
Sera monastery, Drepung monastery, Home dinner
Shangbala
Day4
Lhasa to Shigatse (3900m) 350km 6hrs approx
Yamdrok, Karola, Kumbum stupa
Tashi Choedar
Day5
Shigatse to EBC (5200m) 350km 7hrs approx
Sakya monastery, Base camp
Monastery guesthouse
Day6
EBC to Shigatse (3900m) 350km 7hrs approx
Tashi lunpu monastery, Kora
Tashi Choedar
Day7
Shigatse to Lhasa (3680m) 350km 7hrs approx
Brahmaputra river
Shangbala
Day8
Departure
Drive to airport/train station
Itinerary Detail:
Day1: Arrival in Lhasa: Acclimatization
Upon arrival at Lhasa Gonggar airport, our guide and driver will be waiting for you at the exit gate, with your name board. Tashi Delek is probably the first Tibetan word you will hear upon arrival, it is an endearing gesture of welcoming our guest followed by offering a white scarf which is called Khata in Tibetan.
It is about 70kms from the airport to the old city Lhasa which will take 45 minutes to 1hrs depending on the traffic. This short trip in your car will allow you to have a short glimpse at the Yarlung river/ Brahmaputra river and close view at the majestic Potala palace.
Check into your hotel, first day is crucial for the travelers to have a good rest at their hotel, acclimatize the environment.
Day2: Lhasa highlights: Jokhang temple, Barkhor street, Sera monastery
Breakfast will be served at your hotel from 7:30am to 10.30am.
Your guide will pick you up at the hotel to visit Jokhang temple which is not more than 5 minutes’ walk from your hotel. Jokhang temple is located at the center of old city Lhasa and has been very important location for both and religious and business
Center of Tibet in early years.
Barkhor street is approximately 15-20 minutes’ walk around the Jokhang temple. Local pilgrimage will be walking along with their prayer wheels in their hand in a clockwise. The street is filled many shops and now has become a shopping center.
Walking around Barkhor street will be a pleasant experience to see many Tibetan local devotees on their prostration and colorful culture of people from different part of Tibet. After lunch, there is debate session of Sera monks which will start around 3pm in the Sera courtyard. The last sight of the day is Sera monastery which was built in 15th Century by The Jamchen Choji Sakya Yeshi who was a disciple of Tsongkapa the founder of Gelukpa sect, one of four schools in Tibetan Buddhism.
Day3: Lhasa highlights: Potala palace, Drepung monastery, Home dinner with our team.
Morning visit to the palace is as refreshing as jogging alongside the lake with cool breeze and breathe. After checking in at the gate, stairs and steps will take you higher towards the Potala place which has white palace and red palace. White palace was built to attend official matters and red palace was built to attend for religious matter.
Potala palace was initially laid its foundation by 33rd King of Tibet Songtsan Gampo in 7th Century and later rebuilt by 5th Dalai Lama in 17th Century.
Make sure to rest once a while during the visit, every stair is worth the effort for the beautiful bird eye view of Lhasa and its every rooms and chambers inside the palace.
Day4: Lhasa to Shigatse
Leaving Lhasa in the morning has its charm of starting your day along with the rising sun brightening the beautiful day on your way out.
First stop is at Yamdrok lake, Yamdrok is about 2:30-3 hrs drive of about 110km from Lhasa via Gambala pass (4790m).
This holy lake is also called Yamdrok Yumtso in Tibetan. The color of the lake is turquoise, and it has the most beautiful view of the mountains and lake enclosed by an ever-blue sky. The length of the river is 72km, which goes side by side with the main road to Karola glacier which is close to 1hr drive further down.
Second stop is at Karola glacier which is one of Tibet three major continental glaciers located at the boundary of Nangarze county.
Third stop is at Gyantse town’s Kumbum Pelkor chorten monastery. Kum-bum means one hundred thousand holy images. It was built by Gyangtse prince in the year 1427 with nine levels and 77 chapels.
This stupa is unique three-dimensional mandala meant to portray the Buddhist cosmos.
Day5: Shigatse to EBC
After breakfast, we will drive straight to EBC and Rongbuk Monastery crossing several passes along the way. First pass along the way is Gyatso La Pass (5400m) which has the view of the Himalayas. You can actually see Mt. Everest in the distance from the viewing point at the pass. A few kilometers after the border check point we turn off the Friendship Highway and zig-zag our way up to Gawu La Pass (5250m) a great spot for a view of all the Himalayan Mountains above 8000 meters. From left to right you will see Mt. Makalu (8463m) Mt. Lhotse (8516m) Mt. Everest (8848m) Mt. Cho Oyu (8201m) and Mt. Shishapangma (8020m). After arriving at Rongbuk Monastery we will settle into the Monastery guesthouse where we will be staying the night. The Rongbuk Monastery houses both monks and nuns and is the “official” highest monastery in the world at 4980 meters. In the afternoon you will have time to explore around the Rongbuk Monastery area and get the best shot of the North Face of Mount Everest.
Day6: EBC to Shigatse
Most probably your breakfast will be Tibetan noodle and bread there at the base camp. If your luck is good, sky will be clear, and you can get a one last good look at the peaks of Everest. Upon arrival at Shigatse, it is best to take good rest in the hotel.
Day7: Shigatse to Lhasa
Morning visit to Tashi lunpu monastery. Tashi lunpu monastery was founded by 1st Dalai Lama in 1447, it is tradition monastic seat of successive Panchen Lama. Kora around the monastery will take around one hour and will have beautiful bird eye view of old and new city of Shigatse.
We will arrange home dinner at home with our team in the evening. We have a special cook in our team who will prepare local Tibetan dishes, not too greasy not too spicy. We will also teach you how to make Yak momo. For this delightful evening, conversations are mainly on how we work as a team, your experience in Tibet and feedback on how to improve our service.
Day8: Departure
As per your flight or train schedule, your guide and driver will pick you up from the hotel and see you off on time. This is the time we always hope in our heart that you had a wonderful time during your visit and our service are up to your satisfaction.
We appreciate for the feedbacks on TripAdvisor which will allow us to continue what we do and what we always try to achieve, which is to provide a real authentic Tibetan tour service in Tibet for all the oversea travelers who has dreamt of coming to Tibet.
The service Includes:
– All necessary travel permits to Tibet;
– Entrance ticket fees for all the sight spots listed in the program
– Private transportation in Tibet: 8 to 15 seated minivan with experienced local Tibetan driver.
-Vehicle and guide entrance for the Everest Nature Reserve
– Private guide: English speaking local Tibetan guide;
– Lodging: Comfortable Four star hotel in Lhasa and Shigtse
– Oxygen cylinder for the group;
– Lodging and meals for guide and drivers;
– Two bottles of mineral water per person everyday.
– Liability travel insurance
The service excludes:
– Travel insurance covers trip cancellation and emergency evacuation(recommended);
– Expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, phone call, etc.);
– International and domestic flight/train. (Note: we accept flights and train tickets bookings in advance,
– Meals – lunches and dinners, breakfasts at the guesthouses (Averagely a meal in Tibet cost USD7 per person);
Overland tour from Lhasa to Kathmandu has always been a great experience for travelers. First few days visiting Lhasa for its historic sights, colors and culture of local people, then travelling to Everest basecamp which has been the utmost interest of many travelers around the world. Leaning in into sub-tropical region has the completely different scenes on the way yet beautiful and greener.
Songtsan team is solely based in Lhasa. Our Tibetan guides and drivers are also based in Lhasa. From last more than 10 years, our only goal is to provide authentic Tibetan tour service, that means every word we say and steps we take has the touch of local Tibetan essence. It is to consider the very expectation of your visit to a place rich in culture and history. Our reviews will justify that all our guides, drivers and sale’s team have hospitality at their heart. We are 24 hours day in and out at your service.
Days
Trip Outline
Activity
Accommodation
Day1
Pick up and transfer to hotel..
Rest well to acclimatize
Shangbala
Day2
Lhasa sightseeing
Jokhang temple, Barkhor street, Potala palace
Shangbala
Day3
Lhasa sightseeing
Sera monastery, Drepung monastery, Home dinner
Shangbala
Day4
Lhasa to Shigatse (3900m) 350km 6hrs approx
Yamdrok, Karola, Kumbum stupa
Tashi Choedar
Day5
Shigatse to Old Tingri (4200m) 290km 6hrs approx
Tashi lunpu monastery,
Local hotel
Day6
Trekking: 1st Day
Old Tingri to Lungthang (4510m) 5 hrs/12km/150m up
Camping
Day7
EBC to Kyirong valley (3680m) 350km 6hrs approx
Mt Shishapadma, Peikutso lake
Camping
Day8
Kyirong valley to kyirong border 30min
Kyirong border to Kathmandu
Camping
Itinerary Detail:
Day1: Arrival in Lhasa: Acclimatization
Upon arrival at Lhasa Gonggar airport, our guide and driver will be waiting for you at the exit gate, with your name board. Tashi Delek is probably the first Tibetan word you will hear upon arrival, it is an endearing gesture of welcoming our guest followed by offering a white scarf which is called Khata in Tibetan.
It is about 70kms from the airport to the old city of Lhasa which will take 45 minutes to 1hrs depending on the traffic. This short trip in your car will allow you to have a short glimpse of the Yarlung river/ Brahmaputra river and a close view of the majestic Potala palace.
Check into your hotel, first day is crucial for travelers to have a good rest at their hotel, and acclimatize to the environment.
Day2: Lhasa highlights: Jokhang temple, Barkhor street, Sera monastery
Breakfast will be served at your hotel from 7:30 am to 10.30 am.
Your guide will pick you up at the hotel to visit Jokhang temple which is not more than 5 minutes walk from your hotel. Jokhang temple is located at the center of the old city of Lhasa and has been a very important location for both religious and business
Center of Tibet in early years.
Barkhor street is approximately 15-20 minutes walk around the Jokhang temple. The local pilgrimage will be walking along with their prayer wheels in their hand in clockwise. The street is filled with many shops and now has become a shopping center.
Walking around Barkhor street will be a pleasant experience to see many Tibetan local devotees on their prostration and the colorful culture of people from different parts of Tibet. After lunch, there is a debate session of Sera monks which will start around 3 pm in the Sera courtyard. The last sight of the day is the Sera monastery which was built in the 15th Century by The Jamchen Choji Sakya Yeshi who was a disciple of Tsongkapa the founder of the Gelukpa sect, one of four schools in Tibetan Buddhism.
Day 3: Lhasa highlights: Potala palace, Drepung monastery, Home dinner with our team.
A morning visit to the palace is as refreshing as jogging alongside the lake with a cool breeze and breath. After checking in at the gate, stairs and steps will take you higher toward the Potala place which has a white and red palace. The white castle was built to attend to official matters and the red palace was built to attend to religious matters.
Potala palace was initially laid its foundation by the 33rd King of Tibet Songtsan Gampo in the 7th Century and later rebuilt by the 5th Dalai Lama in the 17th Century.
Make sure to rest once a while during the visit, every stair is worth the effort for the beautiful bird’s eye view of Lhasa and every room and chamber inside the palace.
We will arrange home dinner at home with our team in the evening. We have a special cook on our team who will prepare local Tibetan dishes, not too greasy not too spicy. We will also teach you how to make Yak momo. For this delightful evening, conversations are mainly about how we work as a team, your experience in Tibet, and feedback on improving our service.
Day4: Lhasa to Shigatse
Leaving Lhasa in the morning has the charm of starting your day along with the rising sun brightening the beautiful day on your way out.
The first stop is at Yamdrok lake, Yamdrok is about a 2:30-3 hrs drive of about 110km from Lhasa via Gambala pass (4790m).
This holy lake is also called Yamdrok Yumtso in Tibet. The color of the lake is turquoise, and it has the most beautiful view of the mountains and lake enclosed by an ever-blue sky. The length of the river is 72km, which goes side by side with the main road to Karola glacier which is a close to 1hr drive further down.
The second stop is at Karola glacier which is one of Tibet’s three major continental glaciers located at the boundary of Nangarze county.
The third stop is at Gyantse town’s Kumbum Pelkor chorten monastery. Kum-bum means one hundred thousand holy images. It was built by the Gyangtse prince in the year 1427 with nine levels and 77 chapels.
This stupa is a unique three-dimensional mandala meant to portray the Buddhist cosmos.
Day5: Shigatse to Shegar
Morning visit to Tashi lunpu monastery. Tashi lunpu monastery was founded by the 1st Dalai Lama in 1447, it is traditional monastic seat of successive Panchen Lama. After obtaining Alien’s travel permit (ATP) from the local police security bureau (PSB) The drive is about 2:30hrs until you will stop at Sakya monastery en route to Shegar. Sakya monastery is famous for its 84,000 scrolls of ancient Buddhist scripture sealed in a wall of 60m long and 10m high in the library.
Sakya monastery has two parts divided by the Zongchu River. The Northern side of the monastery built by Kon Konchok Gyalpo is not active nowadays and was left in ruins. The southern part of the monastery built by Dromgon Choegyal Phakpa is where most of the rituals and praying happen.
Day6: Shegar to EBC
After breakfast, we will drive straight to EBC and Rongbuk Monastery crossing several passes along the way. The first pass along the way is Gyatso La Pass (5400m) which has a view of the Himalayas. You can actually see Mt. Everest in the distance from the viewing point at the pass. A few kilometers after the border checkpoint we turn off the Friendship Highway and zig-zag our way up to Gawu La Pass (5250m) a great spot for a view of all the Himalayan Mountains above 8000 meters. From left to right you will see Mt. Makalu (8463m) Mt. Lhotse (8516m) Mt. Everest (8848m) Mt. Cho Oyu (8201m) and Mt. Shishapangma (8020m). After arriving at Rongbuk Monastery we will settle into the Monastery guesthouse where we will be staying the night. The Rongbuk Monastery houses both monks and nuns and is the “official” highest monastery in the world at 4980 meters. In the afternoon you will have time to explore the Rongbuk Monastery area and get the best shot of the North Face of Mount Everest.
Day7: EBC to Kyirong valley
You will come across Peikutso lake today where you will be able to catch a glimpse at Mt Shishapadma. As we go further down with the altitude, you will notice the change of environment, more trees, and grass. You are not far from the kyirong valley.
Day8: kyirong valley to Kyirong border
It is about a 30-40min drives from kyirong town to kyirong border. Your guide will help with the customs and find a Nepalese driver to go to Kathmandu. From the border to Kathmandu, it is about 149km mostly in the beautiful valleys passing through Langtang National Park.
The service Includes:
– All necessary travel permits to Tibet;
– Entrance ticket fees for all the sight spots listed in the program
– Private transportation in Tibet: 8 to 15 seated mini van with experienced local Tibetan driver.
– Private guide: English-speaking local Tibetan guide;
– Lodging: Comfortable Four star hotel in Lhasa and Shigatse
– Oxygen cylinder for the group;
– Lodging and meals for guide and drivers;
– Two bottles of mineral water per person every day.
– Liability travel insurance
The service excludes:
– Travel insurance covers trip cancellation and emergency evacuation(recommended);
– Expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, phone calls, etc.);
– International and domestic flight/train.(Note: we accept flights and train tickets bookings in advance,
– Meals – lunches and dinners, breakfasts at the guesthouses (Average a meal in Tibet cost USD7 per person);
This timeframe of 5 days tour will allow you to visit some magnificent sights in Lhasa and a day trip to beautiful Namtso lake and Tashi Dor monastery.
Songtsan team is solely based in Lhasa. Our Tibetan guides and drivers are also based in Lhasa. From last more than 10 years, our only goal is to provide authentic Tibetan tour service, which that means every word we say and the steps we take has the touch of local Tibetan essence. It is to consider the very expectation of your visit to a place rich in culture and history. Our reviews will justify that all our guides, drivers and sales team have hospitality at their heart. We are 24 hours day in and out at your service.
Days
Trip Outline
Activity
Accommodation
Day1
Pick up and transfer to hotel.
Rest well to acclimatize
Shangbala
Day2
Lhasa sightseeing
Jokhang temple, Barkhor street, Potala palace
Shangbala
Day3
Lhasa sightseeing
Sera monastery, Drepung monastery, Home dinner
Shangbala
Day4
Daytrip
Namtso lake, Tashi Dor monastery, Home dinner
Shangbala
Day5
Departure
Drive to airport/train station
Itinerary Detail:
Day1: Arrival in Lhasa: Acclimatization
Upon arrival at Lhasa Gonggar airport, our guide and driver will be waiting for you at the exit gate, with your name board. Tashi Delek is probably the first Tibetan word you will hear upon arrival, it is an endearing gesture of welcoming our guest followed by offering a white scarf which is called Khata in Tibetan.
It is about 70kms from the airport to the old city Lhasa which will take 45 minutes to 1hrs depending on the traffic. This short trip in your car will allow you to have a short glimpse at the Yarlung river/ Brahmaputra river and close view at the majestic Potala palace.
Check into your hotel, first day is crucial for the travelers to have a good rest at their hotel, acclimatize the environment.
Day2: Lhasa highlights: Jokhang temple, Barkhor street, Sera monastery
Breakfast will be served at your hotel from 7:30am to 10.30am.
Your guide will pick you up at the hotel to visit Jokhang temple which is not more than 5 minutes’ walk from your hotel. Jokhang temple is located at the center of old city Lhasa and has been very important location for both and religious and business
Center of Tibet in early years.
Barkhor street is approximately 15-20 minutes’ walk around the Jokhang temple. Local pilgrimage will be walking along with their prayer wheels in their hand in a clockwise. The street is filled many shops and now has become a shopping center.
Walking around Barkhor street will be a pleasant experience to see many Tibetan local devotees on their prostration and colorful culture of people from different part of Tibet. After lunch, there is debate session of Sera monks which will start around 3pm in the Sera courtyard. The last sight of the day is Sera monastery which was built in 15th Century by The Jamchen Choji Sakya Yeshi who was a disciple of Tsongkapa the founder of Gelukpa sect, one of four schools in Tibetan Buddhism.
Morning visit to the palace is as refreshing as jogging alongside the lake with cool breeze and breathe. After checking in at the gate, stairs and steps will take you higher towards the Potala place which has white palace and red palace. White palace was built to attend official matters and red palace was built to attend for religious matter.
Potala palace was initially laid its foundation by 33rd King of Tibet Songtsan Gampo in 7th Century and later rebuilt by 5th Dalai Lama in 17th Century.
Make sure to rest once a while during the visit, every stair is worth the effort for the beautiful bird eye view of Lhasa and its every rooms and chambers inside the palace.
Day4: Daytrip to Namtso lake
Leaving Lhasa in the morning has its charm of starting your day along with the rising sun brightening the beautiful day on your way out. Namtso lake is about 4hrs drive of about 250km from Lhasa via Lagenla pass (5190m). This holy lake is one of the four holy lakes in Tibet and also the highest saline lake in the world. This road trip of 4 hrs offers the spectacular view of the snowcapped Nyenchen Thangla mountain ranges where in the valley and on the grassland, Tibetan nomads living their simple life in tent with their yak and sheep grazing nearby.
After visiting Tashi Dor monastery at Namtso and walking around the lakeshore, we will drive back to Lhasa and give you enough time to rest and prepare yourself for the evening home dinner.
We will arrange home dinner at home with our team in the evening. We have a special cook in our team who will prepare local Tibetan dishes, not too greasy not too spicy. We will also teach you how to make Yak momo. For this delightful evening, conversations are mainly on how we work as a team, your experience in Tibet and feedback on how to improve our service.
Day5: Departure:
As per your flight or train schedule, your guide and driver will pick you up from the hotel and see you off on time. This is the time we always hope in our heart that you had a wonderful time during your visit and our service are up to your satisfaction.
We appreciate for the feedbacks on Tripadvisor which will allow us to continue what we do and what we always try to achieve, which is to provide a real authentic Tibetan tour service in Tibet for all the oversea travelers who has dreamt of coming to Tibet.
The service Includes:
– All necessary travel permits to Tibet;
– Entrance ticket fees for all the sight spots listed in the program
– Private transportation in Tibet: 8 to 15 seated mini van with experienced local Tibetan driver.
– Private guide: English speaking local Tibetan guide;
– Lodging: Comfortable Four star hotel in Lhasa
– Oxygen cylinder for the group;
– Lodging and meals for guide and drivers;
– Two bottles of mineral water per person everyday.
– Liability travel insurance
The service excludes:
– Travel insurance covers trip cancellation and emergency evacuation(recommended);
– Expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, phone call, etc.);
– International and domestic flight/train.(Note: we accept flights and train tickets bookings in advance,
– Meals – lunches and dinners, breakfasts at the guesthouses (Averagely a meal in Tibet cost USD7 per person);
