7 DAYS BEST OF TIBET - SACRED LAKE & HOLY CITY

Car Transfer: Airport to Accommodation

Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport and transferred to Nyingchi hotel (7km / 15mins).

(Altitude: 2,900m)

Car Transfer: Nyingchi to Basong Tso

Drive to Basong Tso (180km / 3hrs).

(Altitude: 3,450m)

 Basong Tso Immersion

We dedicate the day to explore Basong Tso. As one of the largest barrier lakes in eastern Tibet, it is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and stunning natural scenery surrounded by snow-capped mountains and pristine forests. On the lake’s central island stands the Tsodzong Monastery, a historic temple of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. You will enjoy a boat ride on the lake and hike the surrounding forests.

Trek distance: 1km | Trek time: 1 hour

Take a leisurely stroll at Cuogao Ancient Village. This historic shore-side village is one of the birthplaces of the Kongpo Tibetan culture. The village houses, mostly built with stone and wood, are simple yet distinctive. Here, you can immerse in authentic Tibetan culture and savor local delicacies such as butter tea, tsampa, and yak meat.

Hiking to Xin Tso

Today, you will embark on a guided hike to Xin Tso with your tour guide. The hiking trail is easy, with paved paths. Xin Tso is a picturesque small lake where you can see some snowy mountains. The rest of the afternoon is free at leisure.

Trek distance: 4km | Trek time: 2-3 hours

Free Morning at Leisure

This morning, you can enjoy the hotel facilities at your own leisure time.

Car Transfer: Basong Tso to Lhasa

Drive to Lhasa (356km / 4.5hrs). Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your accommodation.

(Altitude: 3,650)

Highlights of Lhasa

Visit Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, lying in a quiet and beautiful garden in the west part of Lhasa. Norbulingka represents the confluence of Tibetan and inland cultures.

Head to Tibet Museum, where you can appreciate collections of the treasures found in Tibet. Highlights include a series of ancient Tangkas, which is said to be drawn with natural mineral material.

You will also visit Sera Monastery, one of the best-preserved monasteries in Tibet. Within its whitewashed walls and golden roofs, several hundred monks live and study. You may be able to witness the monk debating session (every Mon to Fri afternoon only).

Potala Palace

Visit the UNESCO-listed Potala Palace. Built 1,300 years ago during the Tang Dynasty period, it houses many artefacts of ancient Tibet such as frescos, stupas and Buddha images.

Please note that Potala Palace restricts the visiting time to one hour.  If you are keen, you can join the devout locals to walk the “Kora”, the pilgrim’s route around the Potala Palace.

Barkhor Square & Jokhang Monastery

Explore Barkhor Square, the bustling market in the heart of old Lhasa with its narrow streets. In the afternoon, when it is less crowded, visit Jokhang Monastery, the most important religious activity centre for Tibetan Buddhism.

Optional Activity: “Princess Wencheng” Performance

Tonight, you may attend a real-scene drama show “Princess Wencheng” (own expense, subject to weather conditions). With the mountain as the backdrop, the story is about Princess Wencheng’s marriage to the Tibetan King 1,400 years ago.

Performance Time: 20:00 – 22:00.

Car Transfer: Accommodation to Airport

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.