Tibet Panorama Tour

Book This Trip

please, select date first

Trip Information

Discover the grandeur of Tibet with this panoramic tour covering Lhasa, Yamdrok Lake, Gyantse, Shigatse, and Everest Base Camp. Experience Tibetan spirituality at ancient monasteries, witness the majestic Himalayas, and explore the rich history and culture of this highland region. Perfect for first-time visitors wanting a full Tibet experience in a moderate-paced itinerary.

Itinerary

Your adventure begins with an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, offering spectacular aerial views of the Himalayas, including Everest and other towering peaks. Upon arrival at Lhasa Gonggar Airport, you will be greeted by your Tibetan guide and transferred to your hotel in the city center.

The rest of the day is reserved for rest and acclimatization. Settle into your room, hydrate well, and take a gentle stroll nearby to get your first feel of the sacred city of Lhasa. Avoid heavy meals and strenuous activity to let your body adjust to the high altitude.

Begin your journey of cultural immersion with a guided visit to the legendary Potala Palace, the UNESCO World Heritage Site and once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama. Explore its grand white-and-red architecture, sacred chapels, golden stupas, and panoramic hilltop views over Lhasa.

After lunch, continue to the spiritual center of Tibet – the Jokhang Temple. This revered 7th-century temple houses the most sacred statue of Buddha in Tibet and is a pilgrimage hub for locals. Afterwards, walk along Barkhor Street, the ancient circular route filled with pilgrims, shops, and vibrant Tibetan life.

Morning: Drepung Monastery

Start your day at Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in the world and home to thousands of monks. Explore its ancient prayer halls, traditional living quarters, and the Ganden Palace, once residence of the early Dalai Lamas. The views of the valley and Lhasa city from here are breathtaking.

Afternoon: Sera Monastery

After lunch, head to Sera Monastery, famous for its dynamic monk debating sessions held in the courtyard every afternoon (except Sundays). Watch monks engage in lively, ritualistic debate on Buddhist concepts—an age-old method of training discipline and logic.

Depart Lhasa after breakfast and begin your scenic overland journey toward central Tibet. Drive through the high mountain passes of Kamba La (4,794 m) and Karo La (5,045 m), where breathtaking views await.

Stop at the sacred Yamdrok Lake—one of Tibet’s three holy lakes—famous for its deep turquoise waters framed by snow-covered mountains and open plains. Capture stunning photographs, learn about its spiritual significance, and enjoy the peaceful natural setting.

Continue your journey through valleys and small villages, passing massive glaciers and yak pastures along the way before arriving in Gyantse, a charming town known for its historical importance and relaxed atmosphere.

After breakfast, explore the historical town of Gyantse, starting with a visit to the impressive Palcho Monastery and its iconic Kumbum Stupa—a centuries-old monument known for its unique architecture and detailed murals representing Buddhist teachings.

Wander through the old Dzong (fortress) area and enjoy the panoramic view of Gyantse town and valley before continuing your journey to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city and an important cultural and administrative center.

Upon arrival in Shigatse, visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. Explore its rich art, massive bronze statues, and pilgrims circling the sacred stupas.

Today is the most scenic and adventurous day of the trip as you journey toward the foot of the world's highest mountain—Mount Everest.

Set off early in the morning and pass through small Tibetan villages, mountain passes, and winding roads offering sweeping views of the Himalayas. Drive through the Gyalpo La Pass (5,200 m) where you’ll get your first glimpse of Everest and other towering peaks on a clear day.

Continue toward Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world (5,000 m), with a surreal backdrop of icy summits. From here, it’s a short drive or walk to the Everest Base Camp (5,200 m), where you can soak in the majestic presence of Mount Everest (8,848.86 m). Enjoy an incredible sunset view and capture lasting photos.

Spend the night at a tent guesthouse near Rongbuk (simple accommodation with basic facilities due to remote high-altitude conditions).

Wake up early to witness the incredible sunrise over Mount Everest—a golden glow illuminating the peak of the world’s highest mountain. Take your final photos at Everest Base Camp (EBC) or walk to nearby viewpoints before beginning the return journey.

After breakfast, begin the scenic drive back to Shigatse, retracing your route through charming Tibetan villages, rugged passes, and vast highland plains. Enjoy lunch en route and enjoy opportunities to stretch and appreciate the changing landscapes as you gradually descend from the high-altitude region.

Arrive in Shigatse by late afternoon. Check in to your hotel and enjoy a restful evening. You may explore a local market or simply unwind at your hotel after the long and rewarding day.

After breakfast, begin your journey back to Lhasa along the scenic Yarlung Tsangpo River, offering one last chance to admire Tibet’s breathtaking landscapes—golden valleys, traditional farming villages, snow-capped peaks, and prayer-flag-covered bridges.

Upon arrival in Lhasa, you’ll be transferred directly to Lhasa Gonggar Airport for your departure flight, completing your unforgettable Tibet Panorama Tour.

If your flight schedule allows, you may take a short break in Lhasa for last-minute souvenir shopping or a final taste of Tibetan cuisine.

Details

From

$1800.00

Duration

8 days

Tour Location

Tour Type

Trip Country

Price Inclusion

  • Round-trip international flight: Kathmandu – Lhasa – Kathmandu

  • All airport pickups and drops (in Kathmandu and Lhasa)

  • Tibet Travel Permit and necessary entrance fees

  • 7 nights’ accommodation:

    • 3-star hotels in Lhasa, Gyantse, and Shigatse on Twin Sharing Basis

  • Breakfast daily (BB plan)

  • English-speaking Tibetan guide throughout the tour

  • Private vehicle for all sightseeing and transfers within Tibet

  • All applicable government and local taxes

  • Oxygen cylinder in the vehicle (for high altitude relief)

  • Tibet Visa Processing Assistance

Price Exclusion

  • Nepal visa fee (if applicable)

  • Lunches and dinners throughout the tour

  • Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, phone, tips, etc.)

  • Travel insurance (mandatory, to be arranged by client)

  • Extra expenses due to unforeseen circumstances (natural calamities, flight delays, etc.)

  • Accommodation or activities in Kathmandu not mentioned in itinerary

  • Anything not mentioned in the Inclusions section