Day 1 – Arrival in Nyingchi
Destination: Nyingchi | Altitude: 3,000 m
Upon arrival at Nyingchi Mainling Airport, your local guide will warmly welcome you and escort you to your hotel. During the short drive, you’ll begin your introduction to this scenic region as the guide shares stories about Nyingchi’s history, culture, and natural beauty. The remainder of the day is free to relax, hydrate, and adjust to the altitude in preparation for the days ahead.
Highlight: First glimpse of Tibet’s lush eastern valleys and mountain scenery.
Driving distance: ~30 km from airport to hotel | Driving time: ~45 minutes
Overnight: Nyingchi
Day 2 – Nyingchi to Bome via Gala Peach Blossom Village & Sejila Mountain
Destinations: Gala Peach Blossom Village, Sekim La pass (Sejila Mountain Pass,) Bome | Altitude range: 2,900–4,700 m
This morning, set out to Gala Village, celebrated as the “First Village of Nyingchi Peach Blossoms.” Surrounded by mountains on three sides, the village bursts into vibrant pink and white flowers during spring. Walking through the peach orchards and barley fields, you will experience a true Tibetan floral paradise.
From Gala, drive across Sekim La pass (Sejila Mountain Pass) (4,702 m), where panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks greet you. Here, travelers often hang Tibetan prayer flags, sending blessings to family and friends below. On clear days, you can admire your first breathtaking view of Mount Namcha Barwa, one of the most iconic peaks in eastern Tibet.
The journey continues across the newly constructed Pailong and Tongmai Bridges, engineering marvels suspended over high valleys, before arriving in Bome County, famously known as “Peach Blossom Wonderland.”
Highlights: Springtime peach blossom scenery, prayer flags at Sejila Pass, first views of Namcha Barwa, and dramatic mountain valleys.
Driving distance: ~250 km | Average driving time: 6–7 hours
Overnight: Bome
Day 3 – Bome Peach Blossom Valley, Guxiang Lake & Lulang Village -Nyingchi (Bayi )
Destinations: Bome Peach Blossom Valley, Guxiang Lake, Lulang, Bayi Town | Altitude range: 2,900–3,400 m
Start the day exploring Bome Peach Blossom Valley, considered one of Tibet’s 100 most photogenic spots by Chinese National Geography. Here, the blossoms grow wild and untamed across mountains and valleys, creating a truly magical springtime panorama.
Continue along the scenic road to Guxiang Lake, a tranquil dammed lake surrounded by mountains, ideal for a leisurely walk or simply soaking in the serene natural surroundings. From there, visit Lulang Village, where the Lulang Forest Viewing Platform provides expansive views of dense spruce and pine forests blending with snow-dusted peaks.
Finally, spend time exploring Lulang International Tourist Town, a unique fusion of Tibetan-style architecture and pristine natural scenery, offering shops, cafes, and viewpoints for a relaxing afternoon. Later, continue to Nyinchi city (Bayi ) for the night.
Highlights: Wild peach blossom valleys, Guxiang Lake serenity, Lulang forest vistas, Tibetan architecture immersion.
Driving distance: ~150 km | Average driving time: 4–5 hours
Overnight: Nyingchi
Day 4 – Nyingchi (Bayi ) to Lhasa via Draksum Tso
Destinations: Draksum Tso, Lhasa | Altitude range: 3,000–3,650 m
After breakfast, begin the journey to Lhasa with a stop at Draksum Tso, one of eastern Tibet’s most beautiful Nyingmapa lakes. Nestled in a high mountain valley, the lake’s crescent-shaped waters shimmer with turquoise hues, reflecting snow-capped peaks. At the lake’s center, a 1,500-year-old Nyingmapa temple rests on a small island, offering an extraordinary combination of spiritual history and natural beauty.
Continue your scenic drive along the highway, surrounded by Tibetan villages, high valleys, and dramatic mountain scenery, before arriving in Lhasa in the evening.
Highlights: Draksum Tso’s pristine beauty, ancient temple, scenic valley drives.
Driving distance: ~480 km | Average driving time: 9–10 hours
Overnight: Lhasa
Day 5 – Lhasa City Tour: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street
Altitude: 3,650 m
Begin the day at the Potala Palace, Tibet’s most iconic landmark. Built in the 7th century, it houses gilded stupas of past Dalai Lamas, chapels, and meditation caves of Tibetan kings. Marvel at the architecture, murals, and sacred relics that tell centuries of Tibetan history.
In the afternoon, explore Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism, where pilgrims circumambulate and perform rituals. Finally, enjoy a relaxed stroll along Barkhor Street, exploring shops and teahouses, sampling local snacks, or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of old Lhasa.
Highlights: UNESCO World Heritage site, spiritual rituals, historic architecture, traditional market experience.
Average walking distance: 3–5 km
Overnight: Lhasa
Day 6 – Lhasa to Shigatse via Yamdrok Lake & Karola Glacier
Destinations: Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, Gyantse, Shigatse | Altitude range: 3,650–5,010 m
Depart Lhasa and head southwest along the Friendship Highway, with your first stop at Yamdrok Lake, a sacred turquoise lake framed by snow-capped mountains. Enjoy a gentle walk along the shore and panoramic photography from Gambala Mountain Summit (4,700 m).
Next, drive past Karola Glacier (5,010 m), an impressive roadside glacier flowing from steep mountain slopes. Arrive in Gyantse, visiting Pelkor Monastery and the Kumbum Stupa, a multi-level stupa with dozens of chapels and intricate murals dating back to the 15th century. Continue to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city.
Highlights: Sacred lake scenery, glacier views, Gyantse monastery and stupa, high-altitude landscapes.
Driving distance: ~460 km | Average driving time: 8–9 hours
Overnight: Shigatse
Day 7 – Shigatse to Everest Base Camp via Gawula Pass
Destinations: Gaul Pass, Everest Base Camp | Altitude range: 3,880–5,200 m
Set out early from Shigatse, driving along the Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway. Cross two high passes: Tsola Pass (4,600 m) and Gyatsola Pass (5,248 m), with opportunities to admire the rugged Tibetan plateau and panoramic Himalayan vistas.
At Gawula Pass, look for towering 8,000-meter peaks including Everest (8,848 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), and Makalu (8,463 m) on clear days. Arrive at Everest Base Camp (5,200 m), witnessing the sunset cast a golden glow over the snow-capped mountains. Spend the night in a tent guesthouse, enjoying the starlit sky of the high Himalayas.
Highlights: High mountain passes, Everest panorama, sunset over EBC, starlit night experience.
Driving distance: ~370 km | Average driving time: 7–8 hours
Overnight: Everest Base Camp Rongbuk monastery Hotel
Day 8 – Everest Sunrise & Rongbuk Monastery, Return to Shigatse
Destinations: Rongbuk Monastery, Everest Sunrise, Shigatse | Altitude range: 5,200–3,880 m
Wake up to the first rays illuminating Mt. Everest, creating an unforgettable view. Visit Rongbuk Monastery, the highest Buddhist monastery in the world. Meditate or interact with monks and nuns to gain insight into Tibetan spiritual life.
In the late morning, descend via the winding mountain road along the Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway, retracing the route to Shigatse.
Highlights: Sunrise over Everest, world’s highest monastery, Tibetan spiritual immersion, scenic descent.
Driving distance: ~400 km | Average driving time: 8–9 hours
Overnight: Shigatse
Day 9 – Shigatse to Lhasa via Tashilhunpo Monastery
Destinations: Tashilhunpo Monastery, Lhasa | Altitude range: 3,880–3,650 m
Begin with a visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery, seat of the Panchen Lama and one of the six major Gelug monasteries. Admire the towering 28-meter Jampa (Maitreya Buddha) Statue and explore the grand assembly halls and intricate chapels.
Afterward, drive back to Lhasa, enjoying scenic views of the Tibetan plateau along the way.
Highlights: Panchen Lama monastery, world’s largest copper Buddha, Tibetan spiritual architecture.
Driving distance: ~370 km | Average driving time: 6–7 hours
Overnight: Lhasa
Day 10 – Departure from Lhasa
Altitude: 3,650 m
After breakfast, your guide will transfer you to Lhasa Gonggar Airport or the railway station, assisting with check-in for your onward journey. Depart with lasting memories of Tibet’s unparalleled landscapes, spiritual heritage, and cultural richness.
Highlights: Departure with unforgettable Tibetan experiences.
