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Tibet-Heart of the Himalayas: A 10-Day Journey to Everest, Sacred Lakes & Hidden Valleys

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  • 10 Days
  • Guests : 4-12
  • Language：English
  • The whold year
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Itinerary
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Embark on the adventure of a lifetime on this 10-day journey to the Heart of the Himalayas. Stand in the shadow of Mount Everest, watch the sun rise over the world’s highest peaks, and trace the footsteps of pilgrims at the sacred Potala Palace. But this is more than a tour of famous sites. You’ll go deeper, creating your own sacred art in a Thangka workshop, sharing tea with a family in a hidden valley, and hiking to a secret meditation cave. From the spiritual energy of Lhasa to the raw power of Everest and the serene beauty of sacred lakes, this journey connects you to the soul of Tibet in a way you’ll never forget.

Price Includes

  • 9 nights in comfortable hotels
  • 2 dinners and 1 lunch
  • On Trip Activities & Tickets
  • On Trip Transport
  • Tibet Travel Permit Application Service
  • Driver&Guide Service Fee
  • Travel insurance

Price Excludes

  • Air fares
  • Personal expenses
  • Unlisted Lunches & Dinners

What to Expect

This 10-day expedition is a profound journey into the spiritual and natural heart of the Himalayas. Beginning in the holy city of Lhasa, the route travels through the historic Tsang region to the staggering heights of Everest Base Camp. From there, it descends into the lush, hidden paradise of Gyirong Valley for deep cultural immersion before looping back to Lhasa via the sacred lakes of Peikutso and Yamdrok. It’s a comprehensive adventure blending iconic landmarks with authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
  • More Freedom Than a Regular Tour: A guide is required for your entire stay in Tibet. We turn this into an advantage. Outside the main schedule, your guide will act as your escort for 'free-time' activities based on your wishes.
  • Everest Up Close: Witness breathtaking sunsets, sunrises, and starry nights at Everest Base Camp.
  • Iconic Sanctuaries: Explore Tibet's most sacred sites, including the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Tashilhunpo Monastery.
  • Sacred Lakes: Marvel at the divine turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake and the pristine, mountain-fringed Lake Peikutso.
  • Hands-On Culture: Create your own masterpiece in a Thangka painting workshop and join pilgrims for a traditional monastery kora.
  • Deep Immersion: Be a guest in a local family's home in the remote Gyirong Valley and hike to a sacred meditation cave.
  • Tips for Plateau Acclimatization: Greatly reduce the probability of altitude sickness that affects travel experience.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa (The Holy City)

  • Overview: Depart from your hometown and arrive in Lhasa, the “City of Sunlight”. Today is the assembly day; you can settle in at your own pace. Over the next two days, we will arrange tours in Lhasa. This is a handy tip for acclimatizing to the plateau, which can greatly reduce the chance of experiencing altitude sickness during the subsequent journey.
  • Evening: A pre-trip briefing will be held to detail the upcoming itinerary and share important information about high-altitude travel.
  • Service Details:
    • Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Lhasa.
    • Meals: Not included.
    • Altitude: 3,650 meters.

Day 2: Lhasa Citywalk (A Journey of Sights, Sounds & Flavors)

  • Morning: We’ll visit the sacred Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibet, and then wander through the bustling Barkhor Street, absorbing the city’s ancient stories.
  • Local Flavors: Along the way, we’ll stop to taste authentic local snacks like fried momos, sweet tea from a traditional teahouse, and Tibetan noodles, making this a true feast for the senses.
  • Lhasa Photo Walk (Optional): We’ll hunt for some Insta-worthy photo spots.
    • Stop 1: A short walk to Nanshan Park, where a serene lake offers a perfect “sky mirror” reflection of the Potala Palace.
    • Stop 2: We’ll head to the Star and Moon Bodhi Cafe. Grab a coffee (at your own expense) and capture an elegant side profile of the Potala from its viewing deck.
  • Evening: We drive to a viewpoint on a nearby hillside to watch and photograph the magnificent Potala Palace as it’s bathed in the golden light of sunset.
  • Service Details:
    • Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in in Lhasa.
    • Meals: Breakfast included. Lunch and dinner are for you to explore.
    • Exertion: Medium (The Citywalk is extensive; you can adjust based on your energy levels).

Day 3: Lhasa → Shigatse (The Road of Faith)

  • Morning: Today we make the pilgrimage to the Potala Palace itself. We’ll ascend its grand staircases for a final, awe-inspiring visit to this iconic sanctuary. (Note: Tickets must be booked in advance. The climb involves many steps. The entry time is subject to the reservation and may be in the afternoon, resulting in a late arrival in Shigatse).
  • Afternoon: Drive to Shigatse, the heart of the Tsang region.
  • Evening: Upon arrival, a steaming hotpot dinner awaits to refresh us after the day’s journey.
  • Service Details:
    • Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Shigatse (twin room).
    • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included.
    • Driving: Approx. 4 hours / 265 km.
    • Altitude: 3,800 meters.

Day 4: Shigatse In-Depth (Monastery Kora & Thangka Art)

  • Morning: We’ll start the day like a local by joining the pilgrimage circuit (kora) around Tashilhunpo Monastery. Afterwards, we’ll relax at a traditional teahouse next to the monastery for a cup of sweet tea.
  • Afternoon:
    • Thangka Painting: We’ll visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the historic seat of the Panchen Lamas. Then, we’ll step into a Thangka painting studio where, under the guidance of a professional artist (with English-speaking service), you will create your own Thangka masterpiece.
    • Flea Market: Our tour leader will guide you through a local flea market to experience the daily life of the people of Shigatse.
    • Evening： the tour leader will take everyone to Zashi Restaurant, the most vibrant and bustling local eatery, to experience authentic local cuisine.
  • Service Details:
    • Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Shigatse (twin room).
    • Meals: Breakfast included. Experience the local flavors of a “Zashi” restaurant for other meals.
    • Altitude: 3,800 meters.

Day 5: Shigatse → Everest Base Camp (Journey to the Roof of the World)

  • Overview: Today, we journey towards Mount Everest! Leaving Shigatse, we’ll drive along the stunning valley of the Yarlung Tsangpo River.
  • Core Experience:
    • Gawu La Pass: We will cross the Gawu La Pass (5,210m), the only place in the world where you can see five peaks over 8,000 meters: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Shishapangma.
    • Arrive at EBC: By evening, we’ll reach the foot of Mount Everest and check into our tent guesthouse, preparing to witness a spectacular sunset and the star-filled sky.
  • Service Details:
    • Accommodation:  Rongbuk Hotel （You can see Mount Everest right from the window）.
    • Meals: Breakfast included. (Meals at EBC are basic; your guide can offer recommendations).
    • Driving: Approx. 6 hours / 300 km.
    • Altitude: 5,200 meters (EBC).

 

Day 6: EBC → Gyirong Town (Farewell to Everest, Gateway to a Hidden Paradise)

  • Overview: After watching the sunrise on Everest and visiting the world’s highest monastery, we’ll bid farewell to the peak and drive into Gyirong, a hidden paradise in the southern Himalayas.
  • Core Experience:
    • Everest Sunrise: Witness the breathtaking sunrise over the peak of Mt. Everest. We’ll then visit Rongbuk Monastery and have a chance to send a postcard from the Everest Post Office.
    • Drive to “The Village of Happiness”: We journey to Gyirong Town, known as the “backyard garden of Everest.” The altitude drops, and the landscape transforms into a lush, green world.
  • Service Details:
    • Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Gyirong Town (twin room).
    • Meals: Breakfast included.
    • Driving: Approx. 5.5 hours / 307 km.
    • Altitude: Approx. 2,800 meters (Gyirong Town).

Day 7: Gyirong Valley (Village Life & Sacred Hike)

  • Overview: Today we slow down to explore the Gyirong Valley. We’ll visit a local village in the morning and take a healing nature walk to a sacred meditation site in the afternoon.
  • Core Experience:
    • Explore Gyirong Town: On a clear morning, you can follow the guide to find a spot for “golden hour” views of the sunrise on the snow-capped peaks.
    • Visit Naixia Village: We’ll visit the beautiful Naixia village and be guests in a local home. We’ll enjoy fireside tea and Tibetan snacks on their lawn, surrounded by meadows and mountains.
    • Hike to Padmasambhava’s Cave: In the afternoon, we take a scenic and gentle hike (approx. 3km round trip) into the canyon to find the legendary meditation cave of Guru Padmasambhava.
  • Service Details:
    • Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Gyirong Town (twin room).
    • Meals: Breakfast & a special Tibetan Lunch included.
    • Driving: Approx. 0.5 hours / 15 km.
    • Hike: Approx. 3 km / 1 hour, suitable for beginners.
    • Altitude: Approx. 2,800 meters.

Day 8: Gyirong → Lake Peikutso → Lhatse (Sacred Lake & Epic Highway)

  • Overview: We leave Gyirong and return to the G219 highway. We will visit one of Tibet’s most beautiful villages on the shores of the sacred Lake Peikutso, arriving in Lhatse in the evening.
  • Core Experience:
    • Visit Lapu Village: We will drive along National Highway G219, and under the gaze of Mount Shishapangma, arrive at the shores of Lake Peiku Co, a sacred lake. We will visit Lapu Village—one of “Tibet’s most beautiful villages” that stands adjacent to the sacred lake and faces the snow-capped mountains—to experience the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. Take a photo with this beautiful village!
  • Service Details:
    • Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Lhatse (twin room).
    • Meals: Breakfast included.
    • Driving: Approx. 7.8 hours / 447 km.
    • Altitude: Approx. 4,010 meters (Lhatse).

Day 9: Lhatse → Yamdrok Lake → Lhasa (Sacred Lake & Farewell Feast)

  • Overview: A day of spectacular scenery as we drive back to Lhasa.
  • Core Experience:
    • Yamdrok Lake: We’ll admire Yamdrok Lake, the “turquoise earring of a goddess,” from two classic perspectives: up close at the lakeshore and from the panoramic viewpoint at Gamba La Pass.
  • Afternoon: Return to the holy city of Lhasa.
  • Evening: We will host a special farewell dinner at a restaurant with views of the Potala Palace, providing a perfect end to our grand journey. Here, we’ll invite everyone to write down their reflections on the trip.
  • Service Details:
    • Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Lhasa (twin room).
    • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included.
    • Driving: Approx. 7 hours / 468 km.

   

Day 10: Depart from Lhasa

  • Overview: Today is departure day with no scheduled activities. You can transfer to the airport or train station according to your schedule, taking with you unforgettable memories.We are expected to arrive at Lhasa Airport around 14:00.
  • Service Details:
    • Meals: Breakfast included.
Map

FAQ

Can I get the refund?

You may refer to our refund policy.

When you cancel (before Day 1) Travel Fee retained Refund to you
16 days or more 0% 100%
15–10 days 20% 80%
9–7 days 40% 60%
6–4 days 60% 40%
3–1 days 80% 20%
After start / during trip / no‑show 100% 0%

Can I change the travel date?

Yes—please tell us at least 16 days before Day 1 of your trip. There are two situations:

  1. Join‑in Group (shared departure)
  • You can move to another scheduled departure date. If the new date is cheaper, we refund the difference; if it is more expensive, you pay the difference.
  • You can also upgrade to a Private Tour (choose any date). A higher fee applies; you pay only the difference.
  1. Private Tour (exclusive)
  • You can shift to any new date (subject to availability). Because of high / low season rates, there may be a price difference—we refund or you top up accordingly.

Do I need to apply visa?

Most travelers still need a visa, but many nationalities now enjoy short visa‑free entry or transit exemptions. Check if:

  1. Your passport is on the current visa‑free list;
  2. You qualify for a 72/144‑hour transit exemption; or
  3. You are joining an approved Hainan or cruise program.
    If none apply, you must apply for an L (tourist) visa before arrival. Always verify with the nearest Chinese embassy/visa center because policies change.

Do you have insurance covered?

Yes, our travel fee includes travel insurance.

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