China9 days
Tibet to Everest: Lhasa, Monasteries & the High Himalayas — 9 Days
From Lhasa's sacred temples to Rombuk Monastery at 5,000 meters, with views across the Himalayas to Mount Everest.
This journey moves through Tibet's central plateau, beginning in Lhasa with the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, then west via high passes and mountain monasteries to Rombuk—the world's highest monastery—where the valley opens directly toward Mount Everest at 8,849 meters. The route traverses four of Tibet's major Buddhist centers: Drepung and Sera near Lhasa; Pelkhor Choede at Gyantse; and Tashilumpo at Shigatse. From Rombuk's 5,000-meter elevation, you watch sunrise and sunset illuminate Everest across an unobstructed alpine valley. The nine days combine high-altitude acclimatization, monastery visits where monks continue daily practice, and a full circuit of central Tibet's principal cultural and geographical landmarks.
Highlights
- Potala Palace in Lhasa: the former winter seat of the Dalai Lamas, rising 130 meters above the city with the White Palace (administrative) and Red Palace (religious chapels and Dalai Lama tombs)
- Jokhang Temple: Tibet's most sacred Buddhist shrine, centered on a gilded Buddha and surrounded by the clockwise pilgrimage circuit of Barkhor Street
- Drepung Monastery: founded in 1416 with a main assembly hall where monks still chant daily; once housed over 10,000 monks
- Sera Monastery: site of afternoon philosophical debates among resident monks (except Sundays)
- Yamdrok Tso and Karo-la Pass (5,045 meters): turquoise alpine lake and high-altitude mountain crossing with Himalayan views
- Pelkhor Choede at Gyantse: the only Tibetan monastery housing multiple Buddhist sects, known for its three-dimensional Kumbum Pagoda containing 100,000 religious images
- Rombuk Monastery at 5,000 meters: the world's highest monastery, built in 1902, with a direct valley view toward Mount Everest's north face
- Sakya Gompa: repository of thousands of ancient Buddhist scriptures, including shelves holding approximately 10,000 sacred texts
- Tashilumpo Monastery at Shigatse: 15th-century seat of the Panchen Lamas, one of Tibet's most politically significant religious centers
Day by day
1Arrival in LhasaLhasa airport · Lhasa River · Shang Bala Hotel
You arrive at either Lhasa airport (100 kilometers from the city center) or the train station on the city's outskirts. Your guide meets you with a white katak prayer scarf, a traditional welcome gesture. The drive into Lhasa follows the Lhasa River through highland terrain with views of local villages; stops for photographs are made en route. There are no planned activities – rest, relax, drink plenty of water and adjust to the altitude. You are staying at Shang Bala Hotel or a comparable property for three nights. Note: Altitude acclimatization is essential; limited physical exertion is recommended on Day 1.
2Drepung, Nechung & Sera MonasteriesDrepung · Nechung · Sera
The morning visits Drepung and Sera, two major university monasteries on the lower slopes north of Lhasa. Drepung, founded in 1416, historically housed a large monastic population; its main assembly hall remains the primary religious structure. Monks often chant in the hall during daylight hours. Nechung, the nearby Oracle temple, historically served as a spiritual adviser to Dalai Lamas. In the afternoon, Sera offers monastic debate in its courtyard—a structured exchange of Buddhist philosophical doctrine that typically occurs most afternoons except Sundays (subject to monastic schedule). Breakfast is included.
3Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple & Barkhor StreetPotala Palace · Jokhang Temple · Barkhor Street
The Potala Palace stands approximately 130 meters above Lhasa's center, with white and red architectural sections. The White Palace housed secular government functions; the Red Palace contains religious chapels, shrine chambers, and Dalai Lama tombs. Interior access is guided; certain areas may be restricted. Ticket times are assigned when your visit is booked, so the order of morning and afternoon activities may shift accordingly. Later, you reach Jokhang Temple, considered the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism and one of the most significant sites in the tradition. The temple contains a golden Buddha and centuries of religious imagery. After your guided tour, join the clockwise circumambulation (kora) around Barkhor Street, walking as pilgrims do in the same direction. Breakfast is included. Note: Expect moderate crowds at both sites, particularly Jokhang.
4Lhasa to Shigatse: Passes, Lakes & Pelkhor ChoedeShigatse · Kyichu Valley · Khamba-la Pass · Yamdrok Tso · Karo-la Pass · Pelkhor Choede monastery · a local family home
Today covers 360 kilometers from Lhasa southwest toward Shigatse. The route descends the Kyichu Valley to the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra River) before ascending to Khamba-la Pass at 4,750 meters. From this point, Yamdrok Tso—a large freshwater lake—spreads into view, ringed by snow-capped peaks. The road follows the lake's western shore before climbing to Karo-la Pass at 5,045 meters. At Gyantse, Pelkhor Choede monastery houses a distinctive three-dimensional pagoda (the Kumbum) rising eight stories with 100 interior chambers holding religious images. This monastery has historically housed multiple Buddhist sects under one roof. Before reaching Shigatse at 3,836 meters, the route includes a stop at a local family home to observe everyday Tibetan domestic life. Breakfast and lunch are included. Note: Road conditions vary seasonally; travel time may extend during winter months or weather events.
5Shigatse to Rombuk: High Altitude Monastery & Everest ViewsShigatse to Rombuk · Rombuk Monastery
A second long drive of 335 kilometers takes you west along the Friendship Highway through Lhatse and Shegar, then south into the Himalayan foothills toward Everest. Rombuk Monastery stands at 5,000 meters, founded in 1902. Historically it sheltered a substantial monastic community; today approximately 50 monks and nuns remain, sharing prayer halls but maintaining separate residences. The nuns welcome visitors to their evening prayers. From the monastery's position, Mount Everest (Qomolangma) at 8,849 meters is visible across high alpine terrain toward the south. Sunrise and sunset light conditions change throughout the day; viewpoint access depends on weather. Breakfast and lunch are included. Note: Altitude at 5,000 meters carries significant physiological effects; limited exertion and adequate hydration are essential. Permit restrictions may apply to certain areas near Base Camp.
6Rombuk to Sakya: Sunrise & Ancient ScripturesRombuk · Rombuk to Sakya · Sakya Gompa
You rise to observe sunrise from Rombuk, then descend back to the highway and travel east to Sakya. The Sakya-pa tradition shapes this town's religious identity; buildings feature distinctive vertical bands of white and red marking the local Buddhist variant. Sakya Gompa houses a significant collection of Buddhist manuscripts: thousands of volumes of ancient scriptures held on shelves throughout the monastery. A single long bookshelf contains approximately 10,000 ancient texts. Breakfast and lunch are included. Note: Manuscript viewing access may be limited or require additional arrangements; confirm availability with your guide.
7Sakya to Shigatse: Tashilumpo MonasterySakya to Shigatse · Shigatse · Tashilumpo Monastery
The 170-kilometer return drive to Shigatse reaches Tashilumpo Monastery, one of Tibet's significant religious centers outside Lhasa. Founded in the 15th century, it serves as the seat of the Panchen Lamas. The monastery contains interior decorations, religious frescoes, and architectural detail reflecting Tibetan Buddhist iconography. You may walk the pilgrimage circuit (kora) around the monastery grounds with local pilgrims, or spend time in the adjacent market area. Breakfast and lunch are included.
8Return to LhasaLhasa · Lhasa's markets · a local teahouse · Barkhor circuit
The five-hour drive northeast to Lhasa follows the Yarlung Tsangpo River back through the plateau. The remainder of the day is unscheduled. You may visit Lhasa's markets, visit a local teahouse, or walk the Barkhor circuit again. Breakfast and lunch are included.
9Departure from LhasaLhasa · airport
Your final morning in Lhasa begins with breakfast before your transfer to the airport for departure. The day remains free until your scheduled transfer.
Where you go
- 1Potala Palace
- 2Jokhang Temple
- 3Barkhor Street
- 4Shigatse
- 5Lhasa
Included
- Included:
- 6 nights' hotel and 2 nights' guesthouse accommodation based on twin share
- local English speaking guide throughout in Tibet
- Private transfers as specified
- Sightseeing tours with entrance fee as specified
- 8 breakfasts and 5 lunches
- Tibet permit
Not included
- Do Not Include:
- International airfare
- China visa