Tibet: Route D [Enjoy Tibet] 9-Day Tour

Tashi Delek! Welcome to Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region. In Tibetan, Lhasa means "holy land" or "land of Buddha," a sacred city in the hearts of Tibetans and a paradise for travelers. With the opening of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, Lhasa is no longer out of reach. The hustle and bustle and crowds are not Lhasa's true face; let's explore its mysterious charm together.

Upon arrival at Lhasa Gonggar International Airport or Lhasa Railway Station, our guide will present you with a hada (a ceremonial scarf) and offer warm blessings (please inform us of your mode of transportation and arrival time in advance). We will then escort you to your hotel in Lhasa city (please note: the airport is located approximately 60 kilometers southeast of the city center, a 1-1.5 hour drive). After checking in, we suggest you use the remaining time to rest and relax, acclimatizing to Lhasa's high altitude. Allowing your body to fully adapt to the high-altitude environment before embarking on your wonderful Tibetan journey is crucial.

【Friendly Reminder】

 According to regulations, foreign and Taiwanese tourists must be accompanied by a licensed tour guide upon arrival or departure from Lhasa. The travel agency will inform you of the hotel check-in process in advance so you can easily check in at the front desk. If you do not receive a notification, please contact the travel agency staff promptly (see the tour confirmation letter) for assistance. The tour guide will notify you of the meeting time for the next day by phone or SMS before 10 PM.

【Altitude Sickness Reminder】

 Get plenty of rest and maintain a calm mindset – this is the best way to prevent altitude sickness.

 Avoid strenuous exercise on the day of arrival in Lhasa and do not shower that evening to prevent catching a cold.

 Do not drink alcohol; drink plenty of warm water, eat fruit, and avoid overeating.

 If needed, you can prepare herbal remedies such as Rhodiola rosea, ginseng lozenges, and altitude sickness medication or oxygen supplements in advance to help your body adapt.

Please always follow the advice of the tour guide and staff. If you feel unwell, immediately inform the tour guide and seek medical attention.

This morning, your group will enjoy refreshing nature excursion in the Nyingchi region. Travel from Nyingchi City to Segrila Pass, located about 48 kilometers away. At an elevation of 4,768 meters, Segrila Pass is one of the highest road passes in Nyingchi. Situated on the southeastern edge of the Nyainqentanglha Range, it offers sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. On clear days, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular sight - Mount Namche Barwa, the highest peak in the eastern Himalayas. Rising to 7,782 meters, this striking peak is renowned for its dramatic beauty and is often regarded as one of the most breathtaking mountains in Tibet.

Continue to the Lulang Forest Viewpoint. Lulang Forest is a lush, picturesque landscape often described as a “forest sea beneath the clouds.” Snowy peaks frame the valley, while the forest and meadows spread out in neat, layered patterns that look almost hand-crafted. Its serene, poetic scenery has earned Lulang the reputation of being a place “so beautiful that it makes people forget their homes.”

Afterward, return to Nyingchi City to explore Biri Holy Mountain. Known in Tibetan as “Monkey Mountain,” Biri is one of the most revered sacred mountains in Nyingchi and is said to have been blessed by Guru Padmasambhava. The scenic area features an ecological square, a creek-side zone, Tangcheng Monastery, forests of prayer flags, and ancient cultural relics. Thousands of pilgrims come here each year to circumambulate the mountain. The site is also home to the Nyingchi Natural Ecology Museum, which displays 586 species of plants and animals, highlighting the region’s extraordinary biodiversity. From the mountainside, you can enjoy panoramic views of Bayi Town, while the summit is adorned with vibrant prayer flags - each carrying blessings and prayers from local Tibetans.

Special Meal Arranged: Lulang Stone Pot Chicken

ü A signature dish of the Nyingchi region, Stone Pot Chicken is prepared by slow-stewing local chicken with shouzhangshen (a type of wild ginseng) in a handcrafted stone pot. The resulting broth is aromatic and soothing, while the chicken is tender and rich in flavor. The pot itself is carved from rare soapstone found only in Motuo, carried out by porters and hand-chiseled by the Monpa people. These dark-green stone pots retain heat exceptionally well and naturally contain magnesium, iron, and 17 trace minerals.

Warm Reminder:

Due to limited capacity at the Basumtso Scenic Area, if hotels inside the scenic zone are fully booked or temporarily closed, your stay will be arranged in Nyingchi City instead. There will be no change in price, and all sightseeing activities will remain the same.

This morning, enjoy the refreshing mountain air and the lush greenery around you as a new day begins.

After breakfast, your group will travel to Basumtso Lake (3,538 m), also known as Basong Tso or Dragsum Tso. Located in Gongbo’gyamda County, this stunning alpine lake is famous for its turquoise waters that reflect the surrounding snow-capped peaks. As a national forest park and 5A scenic area, Basumtso offers beautiful landscapes that change throughout the day. The lake is also a sacred site in Tibetan Buddhism, especially for followers of the Nyingma sect, and is believed to be blessed by Guru Rinpoche and King Gesar.

Upon arrival, take in the peaceful atmosphere before visiting Tashi Island, a small island in the center of the lake. Here you’ll find Tsozong Monastery, a simple yet spiritually significant temple dating back to the 17th century. Enjoy a gentle walk around the island, where you’ll see highlights such as the Peach Embracing Pine, the remains of an ancient water-burial platform, and the unique “Letter Tree,” whose leaves naturally form symbols resembling Tibetan letters. Don’t miss the sacred well, an important part of local religious tradition.

Afterward, continue to Jieba Village, a picturesque Tibetan settlement that offers excellent views of Basumtso Lake and the surrounding snow mountains known as the “King’s Throne” and “Burning Flame.” The village provides a wonderful glimpse into authentic Tibetan culture and daily life.

When the visit concludes, begin the 4.5–6 hour drive back to Lhasa. Have a good rest in Lhasa.

Traditional Handicraft Art center (Tibet Culture Experience)

Today we will take you to fully immerse yourself in experiencing traditional Tibetan Traditional Handicraft Art Center. Experience Tibetan incense crafting (a sacred Buddhist practice), explore the ancient Tibetan script (derived from Sanskrit), and uncover the mysteries of traditional woodblock printing (used for sutra reproduction for centuries).

Tibetan incense is commonly burned as an offering during Buddhist ceremonies and rituals. Its ingredients often include juniper, sandalwood, cedar-wood, cinnamon, cloves, and a variety of medicinal herbs.

In addition to crafting incense, you can observe the full process demonstrated by the local artisan, who will teach you Tibetan calligraphy and help you write your own name or blessing in the Tibetan script. This makes for a meaningful keepsake to bring home as a memory.

Sera Monastery

Take a short drive of about 7 km (20 minutes) to visit Sera Monastery, one of the three great Gelug university monasteries in Tibet. Here, you’ll experience Tibetan Buddhism up close. The highlight is the monks’ debate, held daily from around 15:00 to 17:00 (except Sundays). This lively intellectual exchange involves one monk standing and asking questions, while others sit and respond. The standing monk’s gestures - such as palm-slapping and foot-stomping - symbolize activating wisdom and are not acts of aggression. You’ll also have the chance to observe prayer ceremonies, explore meditation halls, and learn about monastic life.

Warm Reminder:

ü If today falls on Sunday, you will only visit the Sera monastery without debating. We will appreciate your understanding!!

ü If Sera monastery holds temporary religious ceremonies or receives special guests, the debating could be canceled.

Today, you’ll embark on a scenic drive from Lhasa to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city. The journey covers around 370 kilometers and takes 7 hours’ drive, with stops to admire two of Tibet’s most spectacular natural wonders - Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier.

In the morning, after about 2-3 hours of driving (110 km), get your camera ready as you approach Kampala Pass (4,797 m). Here, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of Yamdrok Lake, a turquoise ribbon shimmering among snow-capped mountains. Known as one of Tibet’s four sacred lakes (along with Lhamo Latso, Manasarovar, and Namtso), Yamdrok is believed to hold spiritual power - helping Tibetans locate the reincarnated soul of the Dalai Lama. You’ll also see locals offering photo opportunities with Tibetan mastiffs, yaks, or goats dressed in traditional ornaments.

In the afternoon, continue driving for about 1.5 hours (87 km) to reach the stunning Karola Glacier (5,012 m) - one of Tibet’s three major continental glaciers and a filming site of the movie Red Valley (Hong He Gu). Backed by Naiqin Kangsang Peak (7,191 m), the glacier gleams like a frozen waterfall cascading right beside the highway. You can enjoy the view from your vehicle or take a short, easy walk to the glacier’s base. Across the road, admire the majestic snow-capped Mount Kalurong - another highlight of this alpine wonderland.

Tips for visiting Karola Glacier:

ü The altitude here is about 5,012 meters, so move slowly and avoid overexertion.

ü The public toilets are very basic - be prepared.

ü Some locals may charge a small fee for taking photos with them or their animals - always confirm before photographing.

Afterward, drive about 3.5 hours (170 km) through Gyantse, along the wide Nianchu River Valley, passing through scenic Tibetan villages, vast barley fields, and golden rapeseed flower fields (in summer). Upon arrival in Shigatse (altitude: 3845 meters), check into your hotel and rest well.

Warm Reminder:

For foreign and Taiwan travelers, registration at the Shigatse Entry & Exit Administration Office is required. Your guide will assist with the process and may adjust the schedule accordingly - please follow their instructions and cooperate as needed.

This morning, visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the spiritual heart of Shigatse.

Founded in 1447 by Gyalwa Gedun Drup, the 1st Dalai Lama and a disciple of Tsongkhapa, Tashilhunpo Monastery is the largest monastery in Tibet’s Tsang region and one of the six great Gelug monasteries alongside Drepung, Sera, Ganden, Labrang, and Ta’er. It has long been the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas, the second-highest incarnation lineage in Tibetan Buddhism after the Dalai Lama.

At its height, the monastery housed over 5,000 monks and included more than 3,000 rooms, 50 affiliated temples, and 30 manors and pastures. Today, you can still sense its grandeur as you explore its vast complex of prayer halls, courtyards, and golden roofs glinting under the sun.

Highlights of Tashilhunpo Monastery:

ü Admire the Maitreya (Future Buddha) Chapel, which enshrines a magnificent bronze statue of the Maitreya Buddha - made with over 115 tons of copper, 250 kg of gold, and adorned with more than 1,400 precious jewels including diamonds and pearls.

ü Pay respect to the sacred stupas (reliquary chortens) of successive Panchen Lamas, exquisitely crafted with gold, silver, coral, pearls, turquoise, and silk.

ü Enjoy a panoramic view of Shigatse city and the serene monastic life, where monks in crimson robes chant sutras echoing through the halls.

After visiting Tashilhunpo Monastery, drive back to Lhasa along the scenic Friendship Highway, following the Yarlung Tsangpo River. The journey takes about 4.5-5 hours (270 km). Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax for the night.

Overnight in Lhasa.

Warm Reminder for Transportation:

The return journey from Shigatse to Lhasa on this day may be arranged by either tourist coach or train, depending on the travel agency’s final coordination. We are unable to accept specific requests for the mode of transportation. Thank you for your understanding.