Tibet Pilgrimage 8-Day Tour

Tour Overview

Embark on a transformative journey to the “Roof of the World,” where ancient Buddhist traditions meet awe-inspiring Himalayan landscapes. This 8-day pilgrimage takes you through Tibet’s most sacred sites, from the magnificent Potala Palace in Lhasa to the legendary Everest Base Camp. Experience the profound spirituality of Tibetan Buddhism, witness devoted pilgrims at ancient monasteries, and stand in the shadow of the world’s highest peak.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa

Fly into Lhasa Gonggar Airport (3,650m elevation). Your Tibetan guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is dedicated to acclimatization - this is crucial for your health and enjoyment of the trip. Rest at the hotel, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activity.

Optional gentle evening walk around the hotel area if feeling well.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Lhasa

Day 2: Lhasa - Potala Palace - Jokhang Temple

Morning visit to the iconic Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lamas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climb the palace steps and explore the Red and White Palaces, viewing sacred chapels, elaborate tombs, and priceless Buddhist artifacts.

Afternoon visit the Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s most sacred Buddhist site. Join pilgrims prostrating before the temple and walk the Barkhor kora (circumambulation path), spinning prayer wheels alongside devoted Tibetans. Browse the vibrant Barkhor Street market for traditional crafts.

Meals: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch (Tibetan restaurant)

Day 3: Lhasa - Sera Monastery - Drepung Monastery

Morning visit Drepung Monastery, once the world’s largest monastery housing over 10,000 monks. Explore the various colleges and chapels of this important Gelugpa institution.

Afternoon at Sera Monastery, famous for its monk debates. Watch as monks engage in animated philosophical discussions, clapping and gesturing as they challenge each other’s understanding of Buddhist doctrine. This centuries-old tradition is a highlight of any Tibet visit.

Meals: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch (local restaurant)

Day 4: Lhasa to Shigatse - Yamdrok Lake - Gyantse

Depart Lhasa on the Friendship Highway toward Shigatse. Cross the Kamba La Pass (4,700m) for your first breathtaking view of Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes, its turquoise waters shimmering against snow-capped peaks.

Continue over the Karo La Pass (5,045m) with views of the Karo La Glacier. Stop in Gyantse to visit the magnificent Pelkor Chode Monastery and its unique Kumbum Stupa, containing 108 chapels with over 10,000 Buddhist murals and statues.

Arrive in Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city.

Meals: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch (roadside restaurant), Dinner (hotel) Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Shigatse

Day 7: Shigatse to Namtso Lake

Long but rewarding drive from Shigatse to Namtso Lake (4,718m), Tibet’s largest lake and one of its most sacred. The journey takes you across the vast Tibetan plateau with its nomadic herders and grazing yaks.

Arrive at Namtso in late afternoon. Watch the sunset paint the lake and surrounding Nyenchen Tanglha mountains in brilliant colors. The lake’s name means “Heavenly Lake” in Tibetan, and you’ll understand why as you witness its ethereal beauty.

Meals: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch (roadside restaurant), Dinner (guesthouse) Accommodation: Basic guesthouse at Namtso

Day 8: Namtso Lake - Lhasa - Depart

Rise early for sunrise over Namtso Lake - the still waters perfectly reflecting the snow-capped peaks create a mirror image of extraordinary beauty. Walk along the lakeshore and visit the small Tashi Dor Monastery on the peninsula.

Drive back to Lhasa (approximately 4-5 hours). Transfer to Lhasa Gonggar Airport for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast (guesthouse), Lunch (en route)

Travel Tips

• This tour involves significant altitude; consult your doctor before booking and consider altitude medication
• Acclimatization days are essential - do not skip them or rush the itinerary
• Symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, and shortness of breath; inform your guide immediately if you feel unwell
• Drink at least 3-4 liters of water daily and avoid alcohol during the trip
• Pack warm layers even in summer; temperatures drop significantly at night and at high passes
• Bring high-SPF sunscreen, quality sunglasses, and lip balm - UV radiation is intense at altitude
• Tibet Travel Permit is required; we handle all arrangements but need your passport details 20 days in advance
• Respect local customs: walk clockwise around religious sites, don’t photograph monks without permission
• Physical fitness is important; some walking at altitude is required
• Travel insurance covering high-altitude travel and emergency evacuation is mandatory

Day 5: Shigatse - Tashilhunpo Monastery - Toward Everest

Morning visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, seat of the Panchen Lama and one of Tibet’s most important monasteries. See the world’s largest gilded statue of Maitreya Buddha, standing 26 meters tall.

Afternoon drive toward Everest Base Camp, crossing the Gyatso La Pass (5,220m). The landscape becomes increasingly dramatic as you approach the Himalayas. Overnight in Tingri or a nearby village.

Meals: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch (packed lunch), Dinner (guesthouse) Accommodation: Basic guesthouse

Day 6: Everest Base Camp

Early morning drive to Everest Base Camp (5,200m) for sunrise views of Mount Everest (8,848.86m), the world’s highest peak. Weather permitting, witness the mountain’s north face glowing golden in the morning light - an unforgettable sight.

Spend time at base camp, taking photos and absorbing the magnitude of standing before the world’s highest mountain. Visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest monastery at 5,000m.

Return to Shigatse in the afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast (guesthouse), Lunch (packed lunch), Dinner (hotel) Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Shigatse

Day 7: Shigatse to Namtso Lake

Long but rewarding drive from Shigatse to Namtso Lake (4,718m), Tibet’s largest lake and one of its most sacred. The journey takes you across the vast Tibetan plateau with its nomadic herders and grazing yaks.

Arrive at Namtso in late afternoon. Watch the sunset paint the lake and surrounding Nyenchen Tanglha mountains in brilliant colors. The lake’s name means “Heavenly Lake” in Tibetan, and you’ll understand why as you witness its ethereal beauty.

Meals: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch (roadside restaurant), Dinner (guesthouse) Accommodation: Basic guesthouse at Namtso

Day 8: Namtso Lake - Lhasa - Depart

Rise early for sunrise over Namtso Lake - the still waters perfectly reflecting the snow-capped peaks create a mirror image of extraordinary beauty. Walk along the lakeshore and visit the small Tashi Dor Monastery on the peninsula.

Drive back to Lhasa (approximately 4-5 hours). Transfer to Lhasa Gonggar Airport for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast (guesthouse), Lunch (en route)

Travel Tips

• This tour involves significant altitude; consult your doctor before booking and consider altitude medication
• Acclimatization days are essential - do not skip them or rush the itinerary
• Symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, and shortness of breath; inform your guide immediately if you feel unwell
• Drink at least 3-4 liters of water daily and avoid alcohol during the trip
• Pack warm layers even in summer; temperatures drop significantly at night and at high passes
• Bring high-SPF sunscreen, quality sunglasses, and lip balm - UV radiation is intense at altitude
• Tibet Travel Permit is required; we handle all arrangements but need your passport details 20 days in advance
• Respect local customs: walk clockwise around religious sites, don’t photograph monks without permission
• Physical fitness is important; some walking at altitude is required
• Travel insurance covering high-altitude travel and emergency evacuation is mandatory