Small Group:Explore Tibet: 8-Day Journey

Airport Pickup Information: Pickup Airport: Nyingchi Mainling Airport (LZY) Free airport pick-up time: 13:00, 18:00 (This refers to the time when guests have collected luggage and meet our staff. Our staff will await you at the airport in advance). Upon arrival, your journey begins! Nyingchi – known as "Tibet’s Jiangnan" (South of the Yangtze) and the "Pearl of the Snowy Land" – boasts the lowest altitude, most humid climate, and richest vegetation in Tibet. First, visit Kading Gorge Scenic Area, a hidden wonder blending canyons, waterfalls, sacred peaks, and Tibetan Buddhist culture. Its most spectacular feature is the 200-meter-high Heavenly Buddha Waterfall, where torrents cascade between twin cloud-piercing peaks, creating a breathtaking, thunderous spectacle. Itinerary: Nyingchi → Kading Gorge (1.5 hrs) → Nyingchi

Kading Gorge, nestled in the mountains of Nyingchi, is a stunning 4A-level scenic spot that captures the spiritual and natural beauty of Tibet. The highlight is the Tianfo Waterfall, plunging nearly 200 meters—roaring with power in the rainy season and flowing like a delicate silver ribbon in the dry months. The surrounding cliffs feature natural rock formations resembling Buddha statues, Dharma protectors, and the sacred Tibetan "Six-Syllable Mantra." A visit to Kading Gorge feels like stepping into a living painting, where nature and Tibetan culture merge in a breathtaking, soul-stirring landscape.

At dawn, we journey east from downtown Nyingchi along National Highway G318. Witness Tibetan villages by the Nyang River and highland barley fields veiled in morning mist glide past your window. Upon reaching Basum Tso Scenic Area at 3,480 meters above sea level, you will hike into an emerald sanctuary embraced by snow-capped mountains: ascend the heart-shaped island, explore the millennium-old Tsozong Gongba Monastery where prayer wheels resonate with lapping turquoise waves; pause at the viewing platform to capture the oil-painting-like scene of autumn lakeshore hues interwoven with mirrored snowy peaks. Itinerary: Nyingchi → Draksum Tso (1 hour, including shuttle bus) → Lhasa

Basom Lake, nestled in the mountains of Nyingchi, is Tibet’s first national 5A-level natural scenic spot. Its crystal-clear waters, shining like sapphire, are surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush forests. At the heart of the lake lies Zhaxi Island, home to the ancient Cuozong Temple, quietly standing for over 1,500 years. As a sacred site for the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism, Basom Lake carries countless heartfelt prayers. Visiting here feels like a gentle cleansing of the soul, where pure nature and deep faith come together in perfect harmony.

Lhasa, Tibet’s political and cultural heart, sits at 3,650 meters and is known as the "City of Sunshine." Highlights include the iconic Potala Palace, with its White Palace (former Dalai Lama residence) and Red Palace (religious halls and tombs). We also visit the 1,300-year-old Jokhang Temple, a key Tibetan Buddhist site and architectural treasure. The tour ends with a stroll through Barkhor Street, once a sacred pilgrim path now a vibrant traditional neighborhood. Itinerary: Potala Palace (2 hours) → Jokhang Temple (1.5 hours) → Barkhor Street (1 hour)

It was built in the 7th century AD, more than 1,300 years ago. King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet built a nine-story palace with 1,000 rooms in order to marry Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty. The main building is 117 meters high, with a total of 13 floors, including palaces, pagoda halls, Buddhist halls, sutra halls, monks' residences, courtyards, etc. The entire palace has a distinctive Tibetan style. It is majestic and is built on the mountain. It is the winter palace residence of the Dalai Lama of all generations and the political and religious ruling center of Tibet.

The Jokhang Temple combines Tibetan, Tang, Nepalese and Indian architectural styles and has become an eternal model of Tibetan religious architecture. In front of the temple, incense is lingering all day long, with deep impressions on the body and long head, and thousands of butter lamps are always bright, leaving traces of time and pilgrims.

Barkhor Street, also known as Bajiao Street located in Lhasa, Tibet. The street is a well known ancient street representing the culture and folk customs of Tibet. While walking on the street, you can experience what life was like in the past, and experience the food and culture of natives to Lhasa. You can view and learn things from traditional dress, and dances, to traditional meals, to the architecture of the town itself, which has been well preserved throughout the years. Barkhor Street is a must-visit location to experience in Lhasa.

At dawn we depart from Lhasa, crossing the Gampa La pass until Yamdrok Lake’s blue pierces the eye – standing by its shores at 4,441 meters, the waters dazzle lapis lazuli under clear skies, shifting to slate-grey ripples as clouds pass, with occasional yaks grazing the banks. Journeying westward, we confront the awe of Karola Glacier: its 5,400-meter ice tongue hangs suspended mid-air, meltwater trickling down charcoal-black walls while rainbow prayer flags whip across ridges – this iconic site featured in the film Red River Valley. Passing Manla Reservoir, we pause to capture its emerald waters dramatically framed within rust-red canyons, a miraculous oasis in the wilderness. Itinerary: Lhasa → Yamdrok Lake (1.5 hours) → Karola Glacier (1.5 hours) → Manla Reservoir (pass by) → Shigatse

Yamdrok Lake, meaning "Swan Pond" in Tibetan, is one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes. Also known locally as "Yam Lake," it lies in Langkazi County, Shannan Prefecture, at 4,441 meters above sea level. Covering 638 square kilometers with a 250-kilometer shoreline, it’s the largest inland lake in the northern Himalayas. Its many branching inlets give it the nickname "the upper coral lake."

Karola Glacier, one of Tibet’s three major continental glaciers, lies between Nanggarze and Gyantse, just 71 kilometers from Gyantse and near Yamdrok Lake. Easily seen from the main Lhasa-Shigatse highway—only 300 meters away—it’s also the source of the eastern Nianchu River, making it a striking natural landmark on your journey.

Manla Reservoir, nestled in Tibet’s scenic Shigatse region, is a serene man-made lake surrounded by rolling hills and traditional Tibetan villages. Known for its clear turquoise waters, the reservoir offers a peaceful escape and beautiful natural views. Originally built for irrigation and hydroelectric power, Manla Reservoir today is a hidden gem for visitors seeking tranquility and a connection with Tibet’s stunning landscapes.

On the return journey from Shigatse to Lhasa, you will visit Tashilhunpo Monastery – the largest temple in Tsang region and a pivotal monastery of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Through its majestic architecture, exquisite murals and sculptures, and profound religious heritage, Tashilhunpo embodies the spiritual depth of Tibetan Buddhism. Here, you’ll hear monks’ devotional chants, witness pilgrims spinning prayer wheels with reverence, and experience a transcendental spiritual cleansing beyond worldly concerns. More than a cultural encounter, Tashilhunpo stirs the soul, leaving profound memories and reflections as you journey back to Lhasa. Itinerary: Shigatse → Tashilhunpo Monastery (1.5 hours) → Lhasa

one of the six major Gelug sect monasteries with a history spanning over 600 years. Its golden roofs and red walls stand solemnly under the sun, with the temple complex majestically built along the mountainside. Home to the world’s largest bronze statue of Maitreya Buddha, it has long been the residence of the Panchen Lamas and a vital center of Tibetan Buddhism. Every carved beam and painted rafter reflects the deep faith and rich cultural heritage of this spiritual landmark.

Today we visit Norbulingka, a quintessential Tibetan-style garden established in the 1740s as the summer retreat for successive Dalai Lamas. Expanded over two centuries, this 360,000㎡ oasis features over 100 plant species, earning its reputation as the "Plateau Botanical Garden." Dominated by the Galsang Potrang, Golden Potrang, and Takten Migyur Potrang palaces with 374 rooms total, it stands as Tibet’s largest, most exquisite man-made landscape garden housing the greatest historical relics. Next, discover Sera Monastery, renowned for its monk debates – a microcosm of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy. Witness lamas employing dynamic gestures like ritual dance while passionately debating Buddhist doctrines, showcasing their scholarly prowess in this vibrant intellectual arena. Itinerary: Lhasa → Norbulingka (1.5 hours, including shuttle bus) → Sera Monastery (1 hour) → Lhasa

Norbulingka, located in Lhasa, is a grand palace surrounded by an extensive park filled with relics and treasures. With over 300 rooms, this exquisite Tibetan estate is renowned for its beautiful gardens, boasting a diverse array of plants and flowers, making it a truly enchanting place to explore.

Situated at the foot of Sera Utsé Mountain in northern Lhasa, Sera Monastery is one of the six major Gelug sect monasteries, with nearly 600 years of history. Its white walls and golden roofs blend harmoniously with the mountain landscape. Each afternoon, the lively debates of monks fill the courtyards, showcasing a unique tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. More than a sacred site, Sera Monastery is a vibrant center of Tibetan philosophy and culture, where every stone reflects deep spiritual devotion.

Today we visit Zhakir Monastery, a renowned Tibetan Buddhist temple famed for enshrining Zhakilhamo—Tibet's sole wealth goddess. As the region's only dedicated wealth deity temple, it radiates a unique spiritual ambiance with its thriving incense culture. Next, explore the Tibet Museum, Tibet's exclusive National First-Class comprehensive museum. Its three sections—Main Exhibition Hall, Folk Culture Garden, and Administration Area—house 520,000+ artifacts including porcelain, jade, Buddhist statues, thangkas, ancient texts, and particularly significant historical seals and imperial edicts. Itinerary: Lhasa → Zaji Monastery (1hour) → Tibet Museum (1.5hours) → Lhasa

Zaji Monastery, located on Zaji Road in northern Lhasa, is Tibet’s distinctive "Temple of Wealth" and a branch of the Gelug Sect’s Sera Monastery. It houses the revered Zaji Lhamo, believed to be the incarnation of the Goddess of Good Fortune who oversees wealth. According to legend, she arrived from the Han region with extraordinary powers. Though small, the monastery is vibrant, especially on Wednesdays when worshippers bring white wine and hada scarves to pray. Experience the unique spirit and charm of this sacred place!

The Tibet Museum, situated along the Lhasa River, is the largest comprehensive museum in Tibet, showcasing the rich history of the plateau’s ancient civilization. Its collections feature valuable cultural relics like thangkas, Buddha statues, and ancient manuscripts. Spanning from the Tubo Dynasty to modern times, the exhibits reveal Tibet’s deep historical and cultural heritage. Visiting here offers a unique insight into the snowland’s civilization and the stories behind each artifact, providing a window into the heart of Tibet.

Today concludes your memorable Tibet journey. We will provide transfer service to Lhasa Gonggar International Airport (LXA), where you may depart on a flight scheduled according to your travel plans. Our staff offers only one morning departure service from the hotel at 7:00. Guests with flights before this time must arrange independent taxi transportation to the airport.