Lhasa Arrival

Welcome to Tibet! Upon your arrival at Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Railway Station, your local guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel in downtown Lhasa.

During the transfer, enjoy your first views of the beautiful Lhasa River and the vast Tibetan Plateau. Once you’ve checked into the hotel, the rest of the day is reserved for acclimatization.

Lhasa sits at an elevation of approximately 3,650 meters, so we recommend taking it easy, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding strenuous activities. If you feel comfortable later in the evening, you may take a short walk to admire the illuminated Potala Palace from the outside.

Meals: /

Accommodation: Overnight in Lhasa

Lhasa Railway Station

Lhasa Gonggar International Airport

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Lhasa Tour: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street

Today’s focus is Lhasa’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering a close look at the daily faith and life of the people who call this city home.

After breakfast, you will visit the Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lamas and one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. Climbing through its halls, you will take in sweeping views over Lhasa’s old town while learning the history of successive Dalai Lamas through the palace’s chapels and private quarters. Among its most treasured holdings are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave associated with Songtsen Gampo, the 33rd king of Tibet. Afterward, stop by Longwangtan Park at the foot of the palace, where local families gather for folk activities and you can photograph the Potala from a different angle, reflected in the park’s pond.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Jokhang Temple, considered the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism. Inside sits a statue of Sakyamuni Buddha said to depict him at age twelve, brought to Tibet as part of a royal dowry over a thousand years ago. Outside, pilgrims from across the Tibetan plateau prostrate themselves before the temple entrance as part of their devotion. Surrounding the temple is Barkhor Street, a circular pilgrim path and market where you can walk the kora alongside locals and pilgrims, browsing stalls selling prayer wheels, jewelry and religious items.

To close the day, your guide will take you to one of Lhasa’s liveliest traditional tea houses, where you can sit down with local Tibetans over a cup of sweet milk tea while your guide shares more about everyday social life in the city.

Highlighs:

• Explore two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in central Lhasa: Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple
• Tour the Potala Palace, admire golden stupas and the ancient meditation cave of Songtsen Gampo, and capture reflective shots at Longwangtan Park
• Visit Jokhang Temple, home to the revered 12-year-old Sakyamuni Buddha statue
• Join pilgrims on the Barkhor kora and wander traditional handicraft stalls
• Experience local culture at a traditional tea house with sweet milk tea

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Overnight in Lhasa

Potala Palace

The Busy Barkhor Street

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Lhasa to Shigatse via Gyantse, 360 km

We set off overland from Lhasa toward Shigatse in the morning. This scenic drive takes you past some of Tibet’s finest natural wonders, including a stunning lake, glacier and authentic Tibetan village.

First, we cross the Gampala Pass (4,790 m) for your first look at Yamdrok-tso (4,400 m). Ringed by snow peaks, the lake offers sweeping vistas of sacred Nyenchen Khangsar (7,191 m), the tallest peak close to Lhasa. We will stop at multiple viewing points along the lakeside. At the far end of the lake, we visit a local Tibetan household and share lunch with the villagers.

Our route continues alongside the Korola Glacier, Tibet’s biggest glacier. You will marvel at its ice tongue stretching down the mountainside, a breathtaking display of nature’s grandeur.

We then head onward to Gyantse. En route, we pause at Simila Pass, where you may hang prayer flags to wish for peace and your family’s well-being.

Upon reaching Gyantse, there is time to photograph the old town. The drive from Gyantse to Shigatse winds through Tibetan barley fields — lush green in summer and glowing golden in autumn — dotted with rural farmlands.

We will finally arrive in Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city. After checking into the hotel, you can settle in and rest up for tomorrow’s Mount Everest excursion.

Highlights:

• Cross Gampala Pass to view the turquoise Yamdrok-tso and Nyenchen Khangsar peak
• Visit a local Tibetan family and enjoy homemade lunch by the lake
• Admire the imposing Korola Glacier right beside the highway
• Hang prayer flags at Simila Pass for blessings
• Scenic drive through Gyantse old town and seasonal barley fields to Shigatse

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Overnight in Shigatse

Yamdrok Lake

Karola Glacier

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Shigatse – Tingri – Chutang – Youpa Village

In the morning, we travel by vehicle towards Tingri via Lhatse. We will pause at the well-known Gawu La Pass (5,198 m), a fantastic viewpoint to gaze at five of the world’s highest 8,000-metre peaks stretching across the Himalayan range. We then continue along the winding mountain road to Youpa Village. Here you will adapt to the higher elevation, get ready for the upcoming trek and complete the yak registration formalities.

Highlights:

• Stop at Gawu La Pass (5198m) for panoramic views of five 8000m Himalayan giants
• Scenic drive through Lhatse on the way to Tingri
• Settle down in Youpa Village for altitude acclimatization
• Complete yak registration and final preparations for the Gama Valley trek

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Overnight in Youpa Village’s guesthouse

Gawu La Pass Photo Spot

Gawula Pass

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Trek Day 1: Youpa – Showo-tso Pond

Today marks your first trekking day, covering 10 km.

After a good rest, we rise in the morning and load all trekking equipment and supplies onto the yak caravan. You can hike lightly, only carrying essentials such as water, snacks and personal belongings. We set off from Youpa Village at approximately 11:00. Under bright sunshine and soft floating clouds, we climb gently across alpine steppe and rough trails. This 10-kilometer hike, with a total elevation gain of 900 meters, brings us to our campsite beside the beautiful Showo-tso pond.

Meals: Not Included

Accommodation: Camping by Showo-tso Lake

Wildflowers Along the Way

On the Gama Valley Hiking Trail

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Trek Day 2: Showo-tso – Showola Pass (4900m) – Dolshang (Orchid valley, 4030m, 14km)

At 10:00, we depart from our Showo-tso campsite. The day’s main challenge is crossing the high Showo La Pass, then descending into Dolshang Valley. The trail winds alongside rushing streams lined with bright wild blooms and thick shrubs. Dolshang marks the start of the Gama Valley. Fed by mountain streams beneath towering snow peaks, this fertile valley nurtures abundant colourful orchids.

As you descend into the valley, you will be greeted by the sweet, captivating fragrance of orchids. Spectacular waterfalls, lush alpine meadows and snow-capped summits surround you, making it feel as if you have stepped into a fairy-tale realm.

Meals: Not Included

Accommodation: Camping in Dolshang Valley

Trek Day 3: Dolshang (Orchid valley) – Tsonang-tso – Xialong Pasture – Tangsung Viewing Platform (4510m,12km)

We continue our uphill trek from Dolshang Valley in the morning, hiking through untouched primeval forest. As we ascend along the mountain ridge, we can pause to look back and soak in the sweeping, dramatic vistas across Gama Valley. With favourable weather and timing, you may catch sight of the mighty Mt. Makalu (8,463 m).

We will arrive at Tsonang-tso Lake around noon. Nestled amid snow-capped peaks, Tsonang-tso drains into Gama Valley through an underground channel. Its glassy, transparent surface mirrors the perfectly symmetrical silhouettes of the surrounding snow mountains. After lunch, we cross another mountain pass to reach the gorgeous Xialong Pasture, carpeted with vivid wild blossoms. The final stretch of today’s hike brings us to our campsite at Tangsung Viewing Platform.

Highlights:

• Uphill trek through untouched primeval forest in Dolshang Valley
• Panoramic overlook of Gama Valley from the mountain ridge, with chance to view Mt. Makalu
• Visit Tsonang-tso Lake, famous for its stunning snow mountain reflections
• Cross the pass to Xialong Pasture covered with colourful wildflowers
• Camp at Tangsung Viewing Platform for great mountain views

Meals: Not included

Accommodation: Camping at Tangsung Viewing Platform

Dolshang Valley

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Trek Day 4: Tangsung Viewing Platform – Badang-Ega – Paltang (4950m, 11km)

We follow winding switchback trails downhill toward Badang, home to the expansive Ega Grassland. As you descend, a deep gorge and sprawling glaciers gradually come into view on your right. These flowing waters form the headwaters of Gama Valley. We will navigate over rough, massive boulders to reach Paltang, our final campsite for the day. You can settle in and rest well, conserving your strength for tomorrow’s demanding hike.

Highlights:

• Descend along winding zigzag trails to Badang and Ega Grassland
• Catch views of the deep gorge and glaciers that feed Gama Valley
• Trek across massive boulder fields en route to Paltang campsite
• Rest and recharge for the challenging hike ahead

Meals: Not included

Accommodation: Camping in Paltang

Trek Day 5: Paltang – Eastern Slope of Mt.Everest Base Camp(5310m) – Paltang (4950m,18km)

Today is a challenging trekking day. We will hike to the base camp on the eastern slope of Mount Everest. The opening section is a steep climb over enormous boulders with a 45° gradient. From this rocky slope, you can admire the rarely seen Mt. Chomo Lonzo (7,804 m) and the spectacular glaciers on Everest’s eastern face. We will make our way back to Paltang after this round-trip hike. If you wish to skip this excursion and take a rest, you may stay at the Paltang campsite and enjoy its lovely surrounding scenery.

Highlights:

• Challenging round-trip hike to Everest East Base Camp
• Steep 45-degree rocky ascent with views of Mt. Chomo Lonzo and Everest east glaciers
• Flexible choice: hike onward or rest at the campsite

Meals: Not included

Accommodation: Camping in Paltang

Trek Day 6: Paltang – Ega – Tangsung Viewing Platform ( 4510m, 14km)

We retrace our steps along the same trail and hike back to Tangsung Viewing Platform.

Meals: Not included

Accommodation: Camping at Tangsung Viewing Platform

Trek Day 7: Tangsung Viewing Platform – Tsosho – rim (5013m, 11km)

This is the 7th day of our trek, with a total distance of 11 kilometres.

We hike northbound to the campsite at Tsosho-rim, which lies beneath grand snow-capped peaks. Along the way, you will be rewarded with sweeping views of Mt. Everest (8844.43m), Mt. Lhotse (8516m), Mt. Makalu (8,463m) and an unnamed 7000-metre peak.

Meals: Not included

Accommodation: Camping at Tsosho-rim

Trek Day 8: Tsosho-rim – Nangma-la Pass (5344m) – Lhundupling Village (3990m, 21km)

This marks Day 8 of our trek, with a total distance of 21 kilometres.

We will ascend and cross two lofty mountain passes today. One is Nangma-la Pass (5344m), the highest pass of the whole trekking route, while the other unnamed pass also sits above 5000 metres. We will also pass the deep-blue Latsetso Lake before arriving at Lhundupling Village.

Meals: Not included

Accommodation: Overnight at the guesthouse in Lhundupling Village

Lhundupling Village – Zhaxizom – Shigatse

Congratulations, you have finished the Gama Valley trek!

Gather and pack your belongings for the scenic drive back to Shigatse. Along the route, you get another chance to admire the towering Himalayan peaks. Upon arriving in Shigatse, you can freshen up with a hot shower, enjoy a hearty dinner and settle in for your last night here.

Meals: Not included

Accommodation: Overnight at a hotel in Shigatse

Shigatse – Lhasa

Farewell to central Tibet as we head back to Lhasa.

We drive toward Lhasa along the Yalong Valley. We will stop at a viewing platform, where you can overlook the wide Yalong River valley. Eventually, your guide will drop you off at your hotel in Lhasa.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Overnight in Lhasa

Lhasa Airport Transfer

The pleasant trip to Tibet is over. The hotel includes breakfast in the morning. Our company will send guests to the airport or railway station based on their return train tickets or air tickets, and they will return to their warm home.

Meals: Breakfast

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