Tibet: From Sacred Monasteries to Everest (9 days)

Upon Arriving in Lhasa, our staff will greet you with the brightest, warmest smiles of the plateau. At a high altitude, your body deserves a gentle star, slow down, breathe deeply, and let the excitement settle in. We’ll escort you to your hotel for a comforting rest, helping you ease beautifully into the rhythm of Tibet. Tashi Delek!

Visit a local Tibetan family, learn about their daily life, taste homemade snacks, share butter tea and sweet tea, make Tibetan steamed buns by hand, and enjoy a warm home-style meal together.

Afterwards, head to Sera Monastery, one of the great monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism which preserved the thousands of sacred Vajra statues. Pause at the debating courtyard, where monks passionately discuss Buddhist philosophy. Even if you cannot understand their words, you can deeply feel the devotion and spiritual strength of Tibetan Buddhism.

Today marks the cultural highlight of your journey. You will visit the Potala Palace, the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism and a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture. Inside are resplendent chapels, stupas, living quarters, all filled with the lingering scent of butter lamps.

Continue to Jokhang Temple, where devotion never sleeps. Here, pilgrims prostrate day and night, their repeated bows leaving deep marks on the stone slabs.

End the day at Barkhor Street, the historic old town where Tibetan life unfolds. For generations, locals have gathered here to trade, worship, and walk the sacred kora route that circles the temple.

Travel along the Yarlung Tsangpo River to reach Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes. Legend says its turquoise waters are the tears of a goddess. Here, you can take photos with gentle yaks and playful baby lambs by the lakeshore. Continue to the Karola Glacier, the closest “blue ice” to the road, making it one of the country’s most accessible and breathtaking glaciers.

In the evening, arrive in Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet. Here, you’ll experience a more traditional and authentic side of Tibetan culture.

Drive along one of the most stunning border highways, surrounded by majestic Himalayan peaks. Along the way, enjoy distant views of several of the world’s highest mountains: Makalu (the 5th highest), Lhotse (4th highest), and Cho Oyu (6th highest). From Gyawula Pass, take in a breathtaking panorama of towering 8,000-metre giants, including Mount Everest itself.

Continue to Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world, a place so close to the sun. In the evening, settle into Everest Base Camp. Enjoy an Everest hotpot and quietly take in the golden sunset and star-filled night sky over the world’s highest peak.

As the clouds lift, watch the sunrise over Mount Everest alongside climbers and travellers from around the world. Then continue to the mountain-pass viewpoint for a final panoramic look at Everest, say goodbye to the great peak. You can also admire sweeping views of Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu.

Afterwards, return to Shigatse, the warm “City of Sunshine,” for your overnight stay.

Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the largest monastery in the Tsang region of Tibet. With more than 3,600 rooms and over 800 monks, it spans an impressive 300,000 square metres. Here, you may sit in on a teaching session and witness monastic life as it has continued for centuries. Visit the world’s largest indoor statue of Maitreya (Jampa Buddha), entirely gilded and adorned with a magnificent jeweled crown. After your visit, return to Lhasa.

Cross a 5,190-metre mountain pass before arriving at Namtso Lake, one of Tibet’s most sacred landscapes. Sitting at 4,718 metres above sea level, the vast saltwater lake is surrounded by snow-covered peaks, open grasslands, and roaming herds of yaks beneath the immense Tibetan sky.

For centuries, pilgrims have travelled here to circumambulate the lake in devotion, believing its waters carry spiritual blessings and protection. As the light shifts across the plateau, the crystal-clear lake reflects the mountains and sky with an almost surreal stillness unique to the highlands of Tibet.

Start your morning with one last cup of coffee bathed in sunshine beside the Potala Palace, a perfect farewell moment to Lhasa. As you sip and take in the golden glow over this sacred landmark, let the memory of Tibet’s warmth and beauty travel home with you.