Journey to the Roof of the World

Arrive at Lhasa Gonggar Airport or railway station and transfer privately into Lhasa. Check in at the hotel in the city, which sits at approximately 3,650 metres above sea level.

Keep the remainder of the day quiet for acclimatisation. Rest, drink water, and avoid strenuous activity while your body adjusts before the palace, monastery, and overland plateau visits begin.

Today’s cultural immersion begins with a visit to the majestic Potala Palace, once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama and now a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism. Wander through the ancient halls filled with golden stupas, murals, and relics, and take in panoramic views over Lhasa.

Next, head to the sacred Jokhang Temple, the most revered spiritual site in Tibet, where pilgrims from across the region prostrate and circle the temple clockwise. Then walk through the bustling Barkhor Street, a traditional kora route lined with stalls, incense smoke, and prayer flags.

Conclude the day with a warm local dinner before returning to the hotel in Lhasa.

Depart from Lhasa early in the morning and start your journey along the scenic Yarlung Tsangpo River Valley. This segment of the 101 Provincial Road offers breathtaking views of the river's widest stretch near Lhasa, providing a stunning introduction to the grandeur of the Tibetan Plateau.

Climb the winding road to Gambala Pass, which sits at 4,950 meters and serves as the best panoramic viewpoint for Yamdrok Lake. From this vantage point, you can admire the surreal sight of turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks—an iconic view that locals describe as “teardrops from heaven.”

Descend toward Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s three holy lakes. With its mirror-like surface and gentle curves, the lake resembles a sapphire nestled between the hills.

Continue your journey to the Karola Glacier, one of the three largest continental glaciers in Tibet. It cascades down from the slopes of Mount Nojin Kangtsang, featuring dramatic black-and-white striations that make it a photographer's paradise.

Arrive in Shigatse, meaning “The Best Manor” in Tibetan, by late afternoon. Known as the granary of Tibet and the seat of successive Panchen Lamas, Shigatse serves as both a spiritual center and the second-largest city in the region.

Cross Gawula Pass at approximately 5,198 metres and continue deeper into the Himalayas. The pass marks the approach to the Everest region, with broad plateau valleys and the high mountain wall unfolding along the road.

Arrive at Rongbuk Monastery, set beneath the north face of Mount Everest at roughly 5,100 metres. Explore the monastery and its high-altitude setting before continuing to the nearby Everest Base Camp area for close views of the mountain.

Finish with a warming Mount Everest hotpot before settling into the overnight accommodation near Rongbuk. The pace remains measured at this elevation, with walking kept gentle between the principal viewpoints.

Wake up to the awe-inspiring sight of Mt. Everest in the early morning light. After breakfast, begin the return journey to Shigatse.

En route, stop at Gyatsola Pass (5,248m), where prayer flags flutter in the high mountain winds. Take in the sweeping views of the snowbound peaks before descending to the plateau.

Arrive back in Shigatse and enjoy a restful evening.

After breakfast, visit the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. Explore its golden-roofed chapels, large prayer halls, and the world’s largest statue of the Future Buddha.

Then return to Lhasa by tourist coach, retracing the scenic route through the plateau. Arrive in Lhasa by evening for your final night.

After breakfast, check out from the Lhasa hotel and prepare for the onward journey. The final morning contains no scheduled sightseeing, leaving time to organise the luggage and complete the plateau route at a calm pace.

Continue by private transfer to Lhasa Gonggar Airport or the railway station. The seven-day journey concludes at the departure terminal after the return from Shigatse and the final cultural visits in Lhasa.