Day 1
| Arrival to Lhasa
We will pick you up from the airport and check you into the hotel. Landing at 3,600 meters – acclimatization will not be easy.
Day 2
| Lhasa
We’ll leave sightseeing for the end. First, we need Chinese driving licenses – no exams required. By afternoon, we’ll pick up the rental cars. Evening stroll through the old town.
Day 3
| Lhasa-Nagarze-Shigatse 370 km
It’s hard to imagine a better way to start the trip – the first day will already be beautiful. There will be many sacred Buddhist lakes, but the first one will remain unforgettable. Later, we’ll stand at the foot of a magnificent glacier, visit the first Buddhist monasteries, and by the end of the day, arrive in Shigatse.
Day 4
| Shigatse - Sakya 140 km
Today’s destination is the nearly 1,000-year-old Sakya Monastery, home to one of the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Due to its long history and significant political role in Tibet, the monastery has housed priceless works of art, including traditional paintings and sculptures created in Bengal, Kashmir, Nepal, and China. It also contains library scrolls in Tibetan, Chinese, Mongolian, and Sanskrit.
Day 5
| Sakya - Tashizong 180 km
Tashizong is a rapidly developing settlement, primarily due to its proximity to Mount Everest, which attracts many visitors. It is only a 40-minute drive to the Everest Base Camp. The road ends at Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world. The journey offers the opportunity to witness a magical sunset over Everest.
Day 6
| Tashizong - Saga 286 km
We head west, leaving behind well-trodden paths where we mostly encounter local tourists. Today, we visit the magical Peikutso Lake, with stunning views of two 8,000-meter peaks—Cho Oyu and Shishapangma—along the way. We’ll spend the night at an altitude of 4,500 meters.
Day 7
| Saga - Darchen 492 km
We will be traveling higher and higher, reaching an altitude of 4,600 meters by the end of the day. We will drive along Highway 219, the longest road in China, stretching over 10,000 kilometers in length.
Day 8
| Darchen
It will be a remarkable day as we reach Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, sacred to Buddhism, Hinduism, Bon religion, and Jainism. These locations are pilgrimage sites for Hindus, Nepali, and Tibetans. The 6,638-meter mountain has a perfect shape and remains unclimbed, as Chinese authorities do not grant permits. Pilgrims of various religions believe walking around the mountain is a sacred ritual that brings good fortune. The circuit around Mount Kailash is 52 km, and some say it can be completed in 15 hours.
Day 9
| Darchen - Zanda 230 km
Today’s destination is Zanda. We’ll visit the Zanda Soil Forest National Park, famous for its impressive and spectacular geomorphological formations. Some of the structures resemble castles, others look like watchtowers, while others take the shape of pagodas. It promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Day 10
| Zanda - Gar 240 km
Today, we will explore the remains of the ancient Guge Kingdom, a Buddhist kingdom in western Tibet that existed from the 10th to the 17th century. Its capital, Tsaparang, was known for monumental buildings and temples, with significant cultural exchange with India, China, and other Asian regions. Today, the site is famous for its picturesque ruins on steep hills. Guge fell in the 17th century when it was conquered by Ladakhi forces, leading to its destruction. It promises to be another unforgettable day.
Day 11
| Gar - Gerze 480 km
We leave the G219 road and head onto the local S301, passing through Qiangtang (or Changtang, as it is known internationally). This vast, uninhabited plateau is divided between China and India. On the Indian side, the Changpa people still roam with livestock, as they did in the past, migrating between Ladakh and Lhasa.
Day 12
| Gerze - Nyima 340 km
The next day takes us further along the northern Tibetan loop. Today, we enter the Tibetan land of 1,000 lakes, a region known for its stunning natural beauty. This area is rich in breathtaking views and serene waters, offering a glimpse into one of Tibet’s most tranquil and remote landscapes.
Day 13
| Nyima - Baingoin 340 km
Another day through the high-altitude desert. The S301 stretches over 1,300 km, and today, our journey will take us to Selintsok, the largest Tibetan lake. This expansive route will lead us through one of the most remote and rugged landscapes in Tibet, with stunning views of vast deserts and pristine lakes that characterize this unique region.
Day 14
| Bangoin - Lhasa 380 km
Today, we head back to civilization, finally reaching the highway. Before that, we will visit Namtso, the most beautiful lake in Tibet. This serene and majestic lake is a highlight of the Tibetan landscape, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s a perfect way to wrap up the journey before returning to more developed areas.
Day 15
| Lhasa
Today is dedicated to visiting the Potala Palace and the most important Tibetan temple, Jokhang. It’s also a great opportunity to buy gifts and souvenirs. The Potala Palace, with its stunning architecture and historical significance, and Jokhang, a sacred Buddhist site, are central landmarks in Lhasa, offering a deep cultural experience and a chance to bring home meaningful keepsakes.
Day 16
| Lhasa - fly out
On this day, we fly out of Tibet. For first-time visitors to China, we recommend considering a one-day stop in Beijing to visit the Great Wall and Tiananmen Square. While this is outside the tour plan, we’d be happy to offer suggestions and assist with organizing it.
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