Beautiful trek running through the valleys and mountains of Central Tibet. We will spend the first 3 days in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. We will visit the most important landmarks of the capital, including the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and two main monasteries – Sera and Drepung. Staying in Lhasa at an altitude of 3600 meters will allow you to acclimatize before we head towards the Tsurphu Monastery.
You arrive at the Lhasa Gonggar Airport or the train station. The airport is 62 km/ 39 miles away from the city, and it takes approximately one hour to get to the hotel from there. On the way to Lhasa, you will enjoy beautiful views of mountains. The train station is located in Lhasa, and you will only need a short transfer to the hotel.
Depending on the time of your arrival, you might have some free time to spend in Lhasa. Our guides will be happy to advise you on what you can do with your time in Lhasa. Remember, that Lhasa is located at 3,650 meters/ 12,000 ft above sea level and you will need some time to acclimatize.
After you check in the hotel, you are welcome to explore the city, visit nearby temples, do some shopping, try delicious Tibetan food in one of the local restaurants, or just take a rest.
Walking around Barkhor Street can be an excellent choice for your first day in Lhasa. You will join crowds of pilgrims, local Tibetans, and monks circumambulating the Jokhang Temple.
Most importantly, on your first day in Tibet, be sure to relax, enjoy your day and allow some time for acclimatizing. It is essential to acclimatize to the high altitude of Tibet to prepare for the upcoming trek.
Tibetans walking on the Barkhor Street in LhasaBarkhor Street
Day 2 Lhasa Sightseeing: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street (Walking Tour)
This tour visits the two most important religious sites in Tibet.
The Potala Palace was the seat of the Dalai Lamas since the 17th century. First, the guide will take you to the Chak Pori Hill to take photos of the majestic Palace. We will then go inside and spend approximately 1.5 – 2 hours there. While there, you will see many of its most famous artifacts.
There will be free time for lunch after visiting the Potala Palace.
Time permitting, you can walk around the Potala Palace and join many of the local Tibetans.
Next, we will walk towards the Jokhang Temple. It was built in the 7th century to display the Jowo Shakyamuni Statue – the statue of the 12-year-old Buddha before his enlightenment. The statue was created at the time when the historical Buddha lived. It is elaborately decorated with gold, jewels, and precious stones.
After visiting the temple, we recommend taking a walk around Barkhor Street.
The view on the Living Quarters of the Dalai Lama in the Jokhang TempleBarkhor Square in front of the Jokhang Temple in Tibet
Day 3 – Lhasa Sightseeing: Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery
We are visiting the two most important monasteries in the capital.
We will first visit Drepung Monastery, which once was the largest monastery in the world with over 10,000 monks living there. It was the residence of Dalai Lamas before the Potala Palace was built.
There will be free time for lunch after the Drepung Monastery.
In the afternoon we are visiting Sera Monastery. It was founded by Tsongkhapa’s disciple in the 15th century. Nowadays it is famous for monks debate that you can witness. Debates are a very important part of learning and understanding Buddhism. Monks gather in the courtyard in the shade of the trees to refine their knowledge.
In the evening you will have some time to pack for our trek and prepare everything you might need.
Monk’s debates at Sera monasterySera Monastery in Lhasa
Day 4 – Driving from Lhasa to Tsurphu Monastery.
It takes about two hours to drive from Lhasa to Tsurphu monastery. The road to monastery is very beautiful going through the green valleys, along mountain river passing by numerous Tibetan camping tents.
We will set up our tents on the bank of the river, at the bottom of the valley.
In the afternoon we will visit Tsurpu monastery. The monastery was well reconstructed after the severe damage. We will spend time visiting chapels of Tsurpu.
Statues of founders of Kagyu sect of Buddhism in Tsurpu
Day 5 – From Tsurphu Monastery to Leten (11km, 4 hours)
In the morning we will start our trekking adventure by walking up the green valley to the West from Tsurpu. The path will take us along rapid mountain streams. In this area we might meet herds of wild blue sheep. On the valley we will see mani stones (stones with carved mantras) piled into some wall-like arrangements. After passing by these mani stones, it will be a short walk to the nomadic settlement. We will set up our tents in a quite area below Leten.
Day 6 – Leten to Bartso (15km,5 hours)
Today we continue walking from Leten towards Lasar-la pass at 5300 meters above the sea level. We will see the Dham chen Nyingtri peak with cairns and prayer flags. The train up to the pass is widening. After we reach the Lasar-la pass, we will walk down the steep train towards Yangpachen valley. On the clear day we will get an incredible view on the holy Nyenchen Tanglha mountain range. The mountain is so high that it is covered by a snow cap even during summer months.
We will stay in a camp by the Bartso village
Day 7 – From Bartso to Dorje Ling Nunnery (15km,4 hours)
Today we continue our journey towards Dorje ling nunnery. First, we will pass Tajung village. After the village, we will cross a vast meadow where we often see grazing wild animals. Nyenchen Tanglha range can sometimes be visible in the distance. We will descent and reach Dorje Ling nunnery.
Fill up your water bottle with a stream which rotates the mani wheel. Follow Nyangpo-Chu which drains into Yangpachen valley. After over 3 hours you will reach Yangpachen hot spring, you can have a bath there. Drive back to Lhasa. Overnight in Lhasa.
Large outdoor pool at Yangpachen hotspringLarge outdoor swimming pool with natural spring water in YangpachenYangpachen Hotsprings
Day 9 – Lhasa to Airport/Train station
Please prepare in advance for your departure. It takes approximately one hour to drive to the airport and around thirty minutes to reach the train station. We will arrive at the airport three hours before your departure flight if you are traveling to Nepal and two hours before any domestic flight.
INCLUDED IN TOUR
The tour package includes:
All necessary Travel Permits to travel in Tibet
All accommodations in hotels and guesthouses when staying in cities/towns/villages
Breakfast when staying in hotels
All meals during the trek
Pack animals during the trek
Cook during the trek
Airport pick up and drop off
Tents during the trek: two persons per tent
Mattress
Ground transportation in a clean and comfortable vehicle
English speaking Tibetan guide
All entrance fees, tickets to the attraction sites and monasteries outlined in the itinerary
First Aid Kit
Oxygen supply
Camping equipment: stove, gasoline for the stove, cooking pots and utensils
Lunch and dinner in the cities and all meals outside of the cities when not trekking
Travel insurance
Medical expenses
Tips for guides, drivers, cooks and porters
Sleeping bag
Personal expenses: laundry, shopping, phone calls, etc.
OUR CLIENTS ABOUT US
An unforgettable private tour through Tibet
‘Wonders of Tibet’ is a family-run business and when you travel with them, you become part of an extended family that offers a very personal, accommodating and flexible service throughout. I travelled to Tibet by myself in September 2019 but managed to arrange to be part of a larger trekking group for a few days which was lovely in terms of company but also brought down the cost of my trip. Due to initial altitude sickness and a few other hiccups along the way I missed a few sightseeing trips at the beginning of my tour but this was in part made up towards the end of my trip when I was feeling fine. I will always be grateful to ‘Wonders of Tibet’ for making me feel safe and welcome in Tibet and for doing so much more than ‘just being a tour guide’.
Natascha Slasten
The best guide, we have ever met – thank you Gyaltsen very much!!!
August 2018 – It was wonderful trip to Tibet. Our friendly guide, Gyaltsen, has told us a lot about religion and culture of this amazing country! He has also made our journey very comfortable, since everything was very well planned. He told us about Tibetan traditional medicine preventing altitude sickness – we could sleep well at night after we took it everyday in the evening. We were very lucky that we could see Mt. Everest (not covered by clouds) and spend night at Mt. Everest Base Camp.
We recommend strongly – if you want to visit Tibet, contact Gyaltsen!
Agnieszka
Kozyra Agnieszka
Exceptional guide: Gyaltsen
I had the chance to take a 2 weeks trip around western Tibet (Lhasa – Shigatse – Mt Kailash – Manasarovar- EBC) with Gyaltsen as a guide.
I have no word to express how grateful I was to have him as a guide.
He not only is the most experimented and reliable guide but he also has the kindest attention for his guests.
Thank you a million time Gyaltsen, You are a living Bodhisattva.
Remy
Perfectly organized trekking tour
I did a trekking tour with Kalsang in August, we went from Ganden to Samye. It is a very beautiful trek and we enjoyed the scenery around us every day. The trek was a little difficult, but Kalsang was encouraging me and helping when it was necessary. I am happy I did it. Great memories about Tibet!
Kelly
Private 16-Day Trip in Tibet
I had a fulfilling & satisfying 16-day trip in Tibet with my ever so attentive tour guide & driver. My fears and uncertainties were allayed as I began my travels with them. It had been such an enjoyable pilgrimage that I looked forward to travel with them soon; real soon. Terry Singapore
Terry
Great experience
My guide was wonderful, he arranged everything and I only had to buy tickets to get to Tibet. I am vegetarian and every time we went to restaurant or tea house, he made an extra effort to arrange a vegetarian meal for me. I had an amazing time in Tibet!
Maria
Tibet travel with the best tour guide Gyaltsen!
Our group of 4 had Gyaltsen’s superb guidance for 5 days, traveling thru Lhasa and a few other places in the vicinity in the summer of 2015. Gyaltsen is knowledgeable, resourceful, friendly, honest and I wholeheartedly recommend Gyaltsen’s service to anyone looking for a safe traveling to Tibet. I, in fact did recommend his service to my friend at work who traveled thru Tibet along with his wife the following year. They both agreed with me and had nothing but the best things to say about Gyaltsen who took them on a trekking tour from Lhasa to Mt Everest!
Thank you, Gyaltsen!
T. Nguyen
Trip of a lifetime in Tibet
Our party of three joined several others from all parts of the world for an 8 day adventure to EBC. Upon meeting Gaps at the airport, he ensured we were all taken care of and settled in before our tour started the next day. Gaps was always very friendly and accommodating for our group. He has such a great spirit that was contagious. It was my husband’s birthday on the trip and they provided him with a cake and candles. We felt that they went above and beyond on our entire trip. This trip was very enlightening for me and I can’t wait until we can go on another trip to Tibet. I am sure we will book with Gaps. He made the trip so much more with his candor and kindness. I learned so much about the region, culture, and Buddhist culture while we were there. Don’t hesitate to book this trip with Gaps, you won’t regret it!
Lacey
Great travel
Hello everyone ! I’m was in Tibet in 2014, the group was led by Gyaltsen. It was thanks to him that the trip turned out to be well planned, comfortable and very informative. Gyaltsen is a very competent guide, who loves his work and is able to show and explain everything, while creating a maximum of comfort for tourists. If once again I’m going to go to Tibet, my guide’s choice will be only one – my great friend Gyaltsen , whom I boldly recommend to other travelers, you will have all the best! Gyaltsen is able to show the most interesting places in Tibet, flexibly considering the demands of tourists and the possibility of staying, while at the same time providing the greatest possible comfort for traveling and staying in hotels and guest houses. So, dear Gyaltsen , thanks for the trip and success and prosperity to your tourism business!
Jonni (Yevgeniy) , Kazakhstan
Best travel ever.
I travelled a lot and they are one of the best travel agent I have come across. They try their very best to countermeasure any unforeseen event. Make changes to make sure all their customers enjoy their trip and not being interrupt by anything.
Way to go and keep up the good job!
Elaine soong
The best way to discover Tibet
I travelled to Tibet in 2013 together with two friends. We were lucky enough to have the best tour guide ever, Gyaltsen, who showed us (a small part of) his homeland and answered all our questions. He’s extremely nice and helpful and speaks a perfect English. We had a private tour, which we planned in advance. Only bad thing is that it was too short, so I’m definitly going to go back and see more, and of course I will contact him again.
Valeria
A perfect trip
Our trip to Tibet in April 2015 exceeded our expectations on every level, the whole experience was nothing short of magical. In April 2015 we joined a 7 day tour in Tibet. Far and away, the highlight of our trip was our local guide, Gyaltsen.So fantastic that we felt like he became part of our family. Useless to say he contributed to make our trip perfect. First, his knowledge is nothing short of awesome, starting from his fluent English. He made the history, geography and culture of Tibet come alive for all of us. His patience with our varying multi-cultural group and our different timings to adapt to high altitude was also amazing. On very top of that we were in Tibet during and unexpected and exceptional situation: the earthquake. Again they all, expecially Gyaltsen, not only understood our needs but had to the keen ability and knowledge to know how to handle the situation. After this experience, we will be recommending a trip to Tibet to everyone we know with an interest in travel, and will suggest they use this company to plan their trip. Can’t say enough good things about it!
carla
excellence experience and a trip in a life time
I and my family had a 7 day trip to Tibet in 2015. Gap was our tour guide. He is very knowledgeable, and very friendly. He has arranged very well our whole trip, from where to stay, what food to try, the beautiful views and rich culture! We especially value his deep knowledge and his great introduction of the history and the culture. He speaks great English which my daughter likes the most. So she can ask all kinds of questions. It is a trip once in a life time! We appreciate Gap very much for his excellent guide, and highly recommend Gap if you are planning a trip to Tibet.
Liang Shi
Simply otherworldly
Few places in the world have ever made such a lasting impression on us as Tibet did. The magnificent views, otherworldly and everchanging landscapes and the deep spiritual devotion of the tibetan population are, among other things, what made this 8day trip from the former forbidden city of Lhasa to the recently re-opened Nepali border the trip of a lifetime! But none of it would have been the same without our guide Gyal-tsen. To be able to catch a glimpse into and understanding of the mysterious and somewhat mystical culture and day-to-day life of its inhabitants was something we could only dream of until we met him. Highly knowledgeable, insight- and resourceful, friendly, funny and kind, and despite all of its stunning natural beauty, Gyal-tsen turned out to be what we miss most about Tibet. And when in doubt at lunch or dinner, just order what he’s having! Tu jay chay!
Liesbeth and Nicolas
Nicolas and Liesbeth
An experience for life in Tibet thanks to guide Gyaltsen
It is my pleasure to write this review about our trip with guide Gyaltsen in Tibet. It was our second trip to this fascinating country and culture. We – my wife, daughter and me – were interested in the history, culture and religion of Tibet and in its amazing landscape and nature. During 10 days we experienced numerous impressions, which widened our horizon and view on life. Landscapes of breath-taking beauty, monasteries full of history and culture, and kind and hospitable Tibetan people will stay in our mind for the rest of our life. From Lhasa we traveled to Gyantse and further Shigatse, finally reaching Everest base camp, passing through ancient towns and villages, monasteries, valleys and mountains of the Himalaya. Gyaltsen is a highly educated young man with a deep knowledge of the history and cultural background of his home country. He is very kind, always helpful, respects the wishes of his tour guests and speaks perfectly English. He flexibly adapted the tour to our wishes and did his best fulfil our expectations in this visit to Tibet – getting a deep insight into culture, religion, history and Tibetan everyday life, and experience the landscape of the Himalaya mountains. Dr. Werner Nader and family, Hamburg, Germany
Dr. Werner Nader
Awesome adventure in Tibet
I went to Tibet with my ex girlfriend in the summer and Gaps was amazing. What started off as a trek to base camp ended in a complete emersion into Tibet. From experiencing the cuisine and host family stays to sightseeing and the insightful discussions with Gaps, the trip to base camp was amazing don’t get me wrong but the insight and expertise from Gaps made this trip exceptional. Highly recommended. My ex is now my wife by the way.
Chris
A must visit
It was with great experienced having the private tour with Mr.Gaps. Realizing the much differences between Tibetan and others. So much mysteries to know about. We were having a birthday party too! It is a peaceful and tranquil place everyone dreams of. Away from the hustle and bustle of cities, people go round chasing something unrealistic. Mr.Gaps is very kind to provide me a local traditional medicine for my headache ? I would love to go back with more adventure activities…. definately will look for Mr.Gaps!
Marcus Sae Yen Hong
Great experience
I went to Tibet with my friend in spring of 2016. We joined a group of 10+ people from all over the world for the 8-day EBC trip and had Gaps as our tour guide. The whole process prior to the trip was very smooth and they provided us with tips on planning on our end while they took care of the documentation part. We had a great time immersing in the Tibetan culture and Buddhism religion during the trip. Gaps was very knowledgeable in the local culture and Buddhism and explained everything we were curious about. The team was very professional and patient. It was the best tour experience I have had and unforgettable moment when we saw the tip of Mt Everest. Definitely would recommend it to others!
Mengqi Wan
Fantastic trip – best of my life!
We did the 8 day Lhasa – Mount everest tour with a small group and I absolutely loved every moment from this trip. Gaps was a great and fun guide and very aknowledged about Tibetan Buddhism and culture. I highly recommend him as your guide so you can get the full Tibet experience. It was without hesitation the best tour I ever had, and an experience I will always remember.
Jessica from the Netherlands!
Tibet travel
Gyaltsen is very experienced guide and his knowledge about Tibetan Buddhism, culture and places is amazing. I did a 8 days EBC trip and everything was great. He was always able to provide assistance and information for all our needs including helping me to find some of the local homemade barley beer and Tibetan medicines that helped me to recover from an old knee injury. As for the travel itself everything was done in professional manner beggining with the airport pickup, acclimatizing, monastery tours and EBC- one of the best times in my life. Traveling to Tibet is definitely a great choice and I highly recommend Gyaltsen as your guide so you can get the full authentic experience of local culture, stunning views and holy mountains and the greatest treasure of them all – the kindness and the warmth of the Tibetan people.
Nikolay Hasekiev
Trip of a lifetime
Our party of three joined several others from all parts of the world for an 8 day adventure to EBC. Upon meeting Gaps at the airport, he ensured we were all taken care of and settled in before our tour started the next day. Gaps was always very friendly and accommodating for our group. He has such a great spirit that was contagious. It was my husband’s birthday on the trip and they provided him with a cake and candles. We felt that they went above and beyond on our entire trip. This trip was very enlightening for me and I can’t wait until we can go on another trip to Tibet. I am sure we will book with Gaps. He made the trip so much more with his candor and kindness. I learned so much about the region, culture, and Buddhist culture while we were there. Don’t hesitate to book this trip with Gaps, you won’t regret it!
Lacey
Glorious Tibet
I would like to highly recommend Gyaltsen as your tour guide he drew us into a new and different world full of Tibetan culture and wonder. We found him very knowledgeable and informative with a great sense of adventure and humour. Nothing was ever too much trouble I would highly recommend him truly the trip of a lifetime. We felt complete safe and confident in his care. Enjoy❤️
Peta Duncalf
Rongbuk Temple Meditation Liberation
Gaps is very humble and helpful, thoughtful and insightful, and able to flavour a tour in quite a unique manner, catering even to spiritual desire. It was Gaps that introduced me to Lama Acu Sangye at the foot of Mount Everest. And I have him to thank for such an enlightening experience.
The meeting of Lama Acu, in the darkness of the southernmost Rongbuk Temple meditation cave at the foot of Everest 16,900 feet above sea level was both the geographical and spiritual apex of my Himalayan pilgrimage through China, India, Ladakh, Nepal and Tibet – but it was nothing that he said and nothing that he did.
Lama Acu lead me to the inner chamber of the cave complex and we sat and meditated.
While the world without was wrestling with real and imagined acts of terror and occupation, I was wrestling with a very personal subjugation, heightened by a re-reading of the 14th century Nyingma text revealed by Karma Lingpa known as the Bardo Thodol or the Tibetan Book of the Dead or Liberation through Hearing During the Intermediate State.
After meditating with Acu for some time in the relative warmth of the temple cave, I decided to go on my way. Climbing up the stone steps, back out to the surface I was struck by a truly profound realisation.
I was stood at the very foot of the tallest peak in the world – and yet somehow I had forgotten this completely while inside the cave. It occurred to me then all of a sudden that if I was able to ignore such a physical colossus, it must be possible to ignore anything that I encounter – physically or mentally. And that, quite simply, was the realisation, that was the liberation.
Jim
Excellent information and services
I went to Lhasa with my twin brother and grand parents for 4 days. My grand mother was worried about the trip because she doesn’t travel much, but it turned out to be so easy to coordinate everything with our tour guide. Tickets, travel permits and practical information was sorted out in no time. We chose to travel by train from Beijing and it was an unforgettable experience. Upon arrival we were picked up by our charismatic tour guide who was extremely well-informed and could answer all our questions about Tibet, religion and the local lifestyle in the city. It was without doubt one of the best trips I ever had, and an experience I will remember the rest of my life. Many thanks to our brilliant tour guide for making this trip possible and for providing excellent information and services on our trip.
For most of our trekking tours, we use yaks to carry heavy items that we don't use during the day. Yaks are walking very fast. Usually, we will see them in the morning and in the evening when we reach our campsite. It allows hikers to carry only the day pack with small amounts of necessities and some snacks and water.
On some trekking tours, we can use horses. Horses can carry lighter loads, but a horse can walk alone with a horseman, while yaks only walk in groups.
CARS IN TIBET
For our group tours, we use a variety of cars depending on group size and weather conditions. On some of the days, we will be driving long hours and we are trying to arrange the most comfortable car for your journey.
A beautiful and exciting journey, starting in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet and going to the Everest Base Camp. The tour visits Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera, Drepung and Tashilhunpo monasteries, Kumbum Stupa, Yamdrok Lake and Karola glaciers.
We arrive to the Old Tingri, from where our 3 days trek to the Everest Base Camp begins. We will hike over high passes, valleys and rocky mountains before reaching the Base Camp.
This trek goes along incredibly beautiful route in Tibet. We start in Lhasa, where we visit the most important historical places and acclimatize before the trek. During our trek, we will walk through high mountain passes (up to 5,250 meters), rocky mountains, vast green valleys, cross mountain rivers, and finally reach dense forest area. We complete our trek at the Samye monastery, the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet. For those who feel adventurous, there are some one day trekking options available near Samye. They can be added to your tour.
A beautiful and exciting journey, starting in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet and going to the Everest Base Camp. The tour visits Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera, Drepung and Tashilhunpo monasteries, Kumbum Stupa, Yamdrok Lake and Karola glaciers.
When you are planning your tour to Tibet, you have 2 main options: visiting with a private or group tour. What are the advantages and disadvantages of these options? Let’s decide if you should visit Tibet with a private or group tour. RULES OF TRAVELING IN TIBET FOR FOREIGNERS First of all, let’s cover the...
TIBET TRAVEL UPDATE FOR FOREIGN VISITORS – MARCH 2023 Tibetan tourism bureau announced that starting from April 1, 2023, we can apply for Tibet Travel Permits and all visitors from all countries can finally visit Tibet. TIBET TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS All foreigners visiting Tibet need Tibet Travel Permit. To apply for it we need clear photos...
In this article, we explore the best meditation places in Tibet. Tibetan Buddhist monks have been practicing meditation for centuries. Meditation is an essential part of studying Tibetan Buddhism. At the same time, it is also beneficial for anyone. No wonder meditation is becoming increasingly more popular as people experience it’s positive effects on everyday...
PREPARE FOR MOUNT KAILASH TOUR In this article we will cover everything you need to know to prepare for Mount Kailash trek, known as kora in Buddhism and yatra/parikrama in Hinduism. You will find information about required documents, when is the best time to visit, how to travel to Mount Kailash from Tibet, Nepal and...
THE ROOF OF THE WORLD Tibet is often called the Roof of the World because of its high altitude. In this article, we collected the facts that illustrate and prove that Tibet holds this name for good reason. If we look at the topographic map of the world, Tibet clearly stands out. But how high...
UPDATE: Nepal will reopen Himalayan Mountains including Everest for Fall season in 2020. On July 30th Nepal started issuing climbing permits. Tibetan side remains closed for all foreign climbers. In 2021 only domestic tourists were visiting Everest from Tibetan side. We post all updates in travel regulations on Tibet side in the following article: With...