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Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Spirituality, Post-Covid Wellness
Destinations
Tibet

Take off on the journey of a lifetime, starting in the holy city of Lhasa, the heart of Tibetan Buddhism, and heading past mountainous landscapes that beg for a panoramic lens. Check out famous sites like Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, and take in the beauty of Yamdrok Lake. Continue on to Mt Everest’s base camp, where you’ll spend a magical night nestled in amongst some of the world’s highest peaks. This unique journey will provide you with insight into the spiritual lives of Tibetan people and the beauty of their land.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Tibetan Buddhism: Learn about the different sects of Tibetan Buddhism and pay visits to significant temples and monasteries.
  • Landscapes: Himalayan topography, a trio of holy lakes, and gargantuan glaciers are just a few of the region's natural wonders.
  • Hiking: Although hikers won't be aiming for the summit, a trek around Everest Base Camp yields incredible views and a stay overnight here affords the opportunity to watch the sunrise over the world's highest peak.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Lhasa

Arrive in Tibet’s capital, Lhasa, where you’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The drive there will take around two hours, but it will provide stunning views of the Yarlung Tsangpo River and its backdrop of snowcapped mountains. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, resting up for the days ahead and getting acclimatized. Those who so desire may take a stroll around the Barkhor Street and Chongsaikang Markets, two bustling areas that sell a great variety of Tibetan goods and handicrafts. Tonight, attend a welcome dinner and traditional Tibetan performance.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location:The Shangri-La Lhasa is located in the center of the city, within walking distance to Lhasa’s historic sites.

History:Lhasa is rich with history, and the hotel pays homage to this heritage by promoting local traditions and creating a luxurious environment with traditionally Tibetan appeal.

Service: Guests can enjoy true Tibetan hospitality through various customs in addition to the Shangri-La's world-famous five-star service.

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Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: At just three miles away from the most important Tibetan structure in the world, the location of the Songtsam Linka Lhasa is hard to beat.

Style: The hotel’s Thangka paintings and wall tapestries produce an environment reminiscent of how noble Tibetan families lived centuries ago.

Comfort: The inviting beds and sitting rooms are a perfect place to unwind and refresh after long days spent exploring the cultural and natural wonders of Lhasa.

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Songtsam Linka Lhasa Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: This hotel is located in the famed Barkhor area, surrounded by stunning landscapes, and nearly 4,000 meters above sea level - among the highest city altitudes in the world.

History: Lhasa has a rich and colorful history that dates back over a millenium, and the St. Regis Lhasa faces one of the most important historical sites in the city - the once chief residence of the Dalai Lama.

Service: Guests can benefit from 24 hour bespoke butler service so that they need not lift a finger.

See Hotel
St. Regis Lhasa Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Lhasa

Start your day off in the company of your expert guide at Potala Palace, one of Tibet’s iconic landmarks and once home to the Dalai Lama. After lunch, join the Tibetan pilgrims to visit Jokhang Temple. Opt to kindle and place your own butter lamp in the temple. Built in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo, Jokhang Temple is the most sacred temple in Tibet and the final destination for Tibetan pilgrims. Next, you’ll head to Sera Monastery, one of Tibet’s great three Gelukpa university monasteries, where you can observe the lively monk debates that take place throughout the day. Dine at a charming local Lhasa restaurant tonight before retiring for the evening.

Lhasa
Lhasa

Day 3

Tsetang

This morning, you’ll embark on a three-hour drive to Samye Temple. This is Tibet’s oldest Buddhist monastery, nestled between the Yarlung Zangbo River and Habort Mountain. For the rest of the day, visit Yumbu Lhakhang Palace, the oldest palace built for the first king of Tibet. If time permits, tour Trandruk Monastery and appreciate the precious Thangka paintings. Spend the night at the best available hotel in Tsedang, Tsedang Hotel.

Hotel Options
About

This modern 233-room hotel is located close to Tsetang town, around 20 minutes' walk from the old Tibetan quarter. There are a range of rooms to choose here, from standard, up to president suites, each offering air-conditioning, WiFi, TV with cable channels and minibar, plus a modern bathroom with all amenities provided.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 4

Gyantse

Continue your scenic road trip today, coming to one of Tibet’s most incredible landscapes - Yamdrok Lake and its surrounding snowcapped mountains. The lake is one of Tibet’s three holy lakes, and it’s believed to be the lifeblood of the country. Take a leisurely walk along the shores of Yamdrok Tso Lake (at an altitude of 4,441m), and enjoy a hearty picnic for lunch. This afternoon, continue the drive about three hrs to Gyantse, stopping to view the Kharola Glacier (5,400m) en route.

Hotel Options
About

The 3* Gyantse Hotel is the best hotel in Gyantse. It offers a mix of western and Tibetan-style rooms (with hard beds, according to local customs!), all with TV, hot water and en-suite bathrooms.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

The Yeti Hotel is a charming, newly refurbished 3* property designed in traditional Tibetan style and located just outside Gyantse Old Town. It has 34 twin-bedded rooms and 2 deluxe suites, all with locally hand-crafted furniture & fittings including painted walls and woven rugs, as well modern amenities such as en-suite bathroom, satellite TV, hot water, telephone, aircon and tea/coffee facilities.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Gyantse
Gyantse

Day 5

Shigatse

Visit Pelkhor Monastery and Kumbum Stupa this morning, and wander around the peaceful monastery complex. Pelkhor Monastery is known for its typical architecture from the late 13th to the mid-15th centuries, and the coexistence of three different sects of Tibetan Buddhism (the Gelug, Sakya, and the Kagyu sects). Afterwards, drive to Shigatse (3,900m), and visit Shalu Monastery en route. For the afternoon, visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas. As the Buddhist center of the vast Shigatse region, Tashilhunpo Monastery was founded by the first Dalai Lama in 1447, and expanded by the fourth and successive Panchen Lamas.  

Hotel Options
About

The Shigatse Hotel is a modern 3* hotel located in the city centre. It boasts 123 rooms, with a choice of either modern Western-style or traditional Tibetan.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 6

Tingri

Wake up this morning and get ready to hit the open road once again, this time heading to Tingri, in southern Tibet. Stop at Sakya Temple along the way - a monastery built for followers of the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism. Arrive in Tingri and check in to the New Tingri Everest Hotel. Here, you’re likely to meet groups of climbers about to embark on their journey of a lifetime up Mt Everest or Cho Oyu.

Hotel Options
About

A basic but modern hotel located in Tingri, the New Tingri Everest Hotel has 180 rooms in both Western and Tibetan style, all with en-suite bathroom, hot water and TV. The hotel also has a restaurant and a dedicated medical centre for guests who are suffering from altitude sickness.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Tingri
Tingri

Day 7

Mt Everest Base Camp

Today is the day you've been waiting for and the culmination of all your efforts. You’re heading to the base of the world’s highest mountain- Mt Everest! Arriving at Rongphu in the late afternoon, you'll walk up the little hill near Rongphu Monastery (the world’s highest temple) for sunset, located only 25 miles from the majestic mountain’s peak. This afternoon, you can hike around, in the company of your expert guides, photograph Mt. Everest, enjoy the stunning views, and spend the night amongst the monolithic mountains.

Hotel Options
About

Possibly the highest guest house in the world, Rongphu Guest House, affiliated with nearby Rongphu Monastery, is located just 1.6 miles away from Everest Base Camp.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 8

Shigatse

Rise early and catch the sunrise over the tallest Himalayan peaks, a sight that you won’t soon forget. After a hearty breakfast, you’ll hike back down to Rongbuk, from where you’ll drive back to Shigatse.

Hotel Options
About

The Shigatse Hotel is a modern 3* hotel located in the city centre. It boasts 123 rooms, with a choice of either modern Western-style or traditional Tibetan.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Shigatse
Shigatse

Day 9

Lhasa

Today is spent taking the highway back to Lhasa. Arrive in the late afternoon and check in to your hotel and retire for the day.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location:The Shangri-La Lhasa is located in the center of the city, within walking distance to Lhasa’s historic sites.

History:Lhasa is rich with history, and the hotel pays homage to this heritage by promoting local traditions and creating a luxurious environment with traditionally Tibetan appeal.

Service: Guests can enjoy true Tibetan hospitality through various customs in addition to the Shangri-La's world-famous five-star service.

See Hotel
Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: This hotel is located in the famed Barkhor area, surrounded by stunning landscapes, and nearly 4,000 meters above sea level - among the highest city altitudes in the world.

History: Lhasa has a rich and colorful history that dates back over a millenium, and the St. Regis Lhasa faces one of the most important historical sites in the city - the once chief residence of the Dalai Lama.

Service: Guests can benefit from 24 hour bespoke butler service so that they need not lift a finger.

See Hotel
St. Regis Lhasa Preferred Hotel

Day 10

Departure

Have one last breakfast in Lhasa before checking out of your hotel and transferring to the international airport. It’s time to say goodbye to this unique part of the world and catch your onwards flight to your next destination of choice.

Suggested Hotels For Days 1–2

Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa
Preferred Hotel

Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa

Opened in April 2014, this luxury property is a fitting new addition to the Lhasa hospitality scene. Shangri-La is, after all, the mythical kingdom believed to inhabit the Tibetan plateaus. Located in the city center, this stylish urban retreat allows guests to experience time-honored Tibetan customs - being welcomed with a local drink called chima, for instance, and being presented with a ceremonial khata scarf. Visitors at the Shangri-La Lhasa can enjoy being within strolling distance of this historic city's main attractions, including Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. For those who find Lhasa's high-altitude landscapes literally breathtaking, there's an oxygen lounge and relaxation center at the resort primed for guest recuperation. As with all Shangri-La properties, local culture plays a vital role in both the hospitality and the décor. At the Lhasa resort, this manifests in traditional architecture and design, with contemporary, luxuriously appointed guest rooms accented with local Tibetan textiles and artworks. Guests are also spoiled with far-reaching views of the mountains, the city and the spectacular Potala Palace.  

See Hotel
Songtsam Linka Lhasa
Preferred Hotel

Songtsam Linka Lhasa

When people close their eyes and imagine Tibet, the iconic Potala Palace may come to mind, and the Songtsam Linka Lhasa positions its guests just a stone’s throw from the famed structure. The palace is located a mere three miles away and is directly visible from the windows and balconies of several of the hotel’s rooms. The hotel itself features slaked lime walls, indigo-carved windows, and a fish-fin-shaped facade – all nods to traditional Tibetan artisans and culture – and the interior maintains an aura of reverence with decorations like wooden floors covered by warm carpets and exquisite wall tapestries. Rooms are spacious, with sitting spaces, balconies, and comfortable beds, and they are equipped with oxygen concentrators to help guests deal with Lhasa’s demanding altitude. There is a Chinese and Tibetan restaurant, which serves excellent home-style dishes, as well as a Western restaurant, where guests will find a breakfast buffet and a selection of wines later in the day. There is also a library and a boutique where guests can purchase souvenirs. Besides Potala Palace, visitors to Lhasa can also explore Jokhang Temple and the Drepung and Sera monasteries, and there are also many natural landscapes to explore in the region.
See Hotel
St. Regis Lhasa
Preferred Hotel

St. Regis Lhasa

Opened in November 2010, the St. Regis Resort in Lhasa stands on eight acres of land at “the roof of the world," with sweeping views of the Potala Palace. The spacious 162 rooms and villas with marble baths are decorated with carefully sourced artifacts that reflect the richness of Tibetan culture. There are a variety of restaurants to choose from, including the intimate private wine club Decanter by Haut-Brisson and Si Zi Kang, which serves traditional Tibetan cuisine. The health club boasts an indoor heated swimming pool, a yoga and pilates studio, and Iridium, a spa offering refined indulgence with Tibetan flavor. The business center offers 4 meeting rooms, copy and printing services, and faxing services. Other amenities include secretarial service and 24-hour butler service. The St. Regis Lhasa is located just minutes from the Potala Palace, the famous Barkhor area, Jokang Temple, Norbulinka, and is 46 miles from Gongga International Airport.

See Hotel

Suggested Hotel For Day 3

Tsetang Hotel

Tsetang Hotel


This modern 233-room hotel is located close to Tsetang town, around 20 minutes' walk from the old Tibetan quarter. There are a range of rooms to choose here, from standard, up to president suites, each offering air-conditioning, WiFi, TV with cable channels and minibar, plus a modern bathroom with all amenities provided. Some rooms even offer spectacular views. The onsite restaurants cater to an international clientele, with regional Chinese dishes, Western fare and authentic Tibetan cuisine all on offer. The property is also equipped with leisure facilities including a fitness center, bowling alley, tea house, hair salon and billiard room. Outside, Tsetang Hotel has extensive gardens where guests can enjoy a stroll in the brisk Tibetan air.


Suggested Hotels For Day 4

Gyantse Hotel

Gyantse Hotel

The 3* Gyantse Hotel is the best hotel in Gyantse. It offers a mix of western and Tibetan-style rooms (with hard beds, according to local customs!), all with TV, hot water and en-suite bathrooms. Many of the rooms have fantastic views of the town of Gyantse and the surrounding mountains.
Yeti Hotel

Yeti Hotel

The Yeti Hotel is a charming, newly refurbished 3* property designed in traditional Tibetan style and located just outside Gyantse Old Town. It has 34 twin-bedded rooms and 2 deluxe suites, all with locally hand-crafted furniture & fittings including painted walls and woven rugs, as well modern amenities such as en-suite bathroom, satellite TV, hot water, telephone, aircon and tea/coffee facilities. Yeti Garden restaurant serves local and international dishes, whilst the hotel also has a yak hair tent in the courtyard. There are also music & dance performances in the garden. WiFi is available in public areas.

Suggested Hotel For Day 5

Shigatse Hotel

Shigatse Hotel

The Shigatse Hotel is a modern 3* hotel located in the city centre. It boasts 123 rooms, with a choice of either modern Western-style or traditional Tibetan. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, satellite TV, pay movies, minibar, hairdryer & telephone. The hotel also has 4 restaurants serving buffet, Chinese, Tibetan and international menus as well as breakfast. There is also a beauty salon, massage, shopping centre, gym, bar and disco.

Suggested Hotel For Day 6

New Tingri Everest Hotel

New Tingri Everest Hotel

A basic but modern hotel located in Tingri, the New Tingri Everest Hotel has 180 rooms in both Western and Tibetan style, all with en-suite bathroom, hot water and TV. The hotel also has a restaurant and a dedicated medical centre for guests who are suffering from altitude sickness.

Suggested Hotel For Day 7

Rongphu Monastery Guest House

Rongphu Monastery Guest House

Possibly the highest guest house in the world, Rongphu Guest House, affiliated with nearby Rongphu Monastery, is located just 1.6 miles away from Everest Base Camp. A stay here is rustic and facilities are basic, but the beds, electric blankets, power sockets, hot water bottles, as well as dining options, make for welcome comforts in the region's harsh conditions.

Suggested Hotel For Day 8

Shigatse Hotel

Shigatse Hotel

The Shigatse Hotel is a modern 3* hotel located in the city centre. It boasts 123 rooms, with a choice of either modern Western-style or traditional Tibetan. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, satellite TV, pay movies, minibar, hairdryer & telephone. The hotel also has 4 restaurants serving buffet, Chinese, Tibetan and international menus as well as breakfast. There is also a beauty salon, massage, shopping centre, gym, bar and disco.

Suggested Hotels For Day 9

Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa
Preferred Hotel

Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa

Opened in April 2014, this luxury property is a fitting new addition to the Lhasa hospitality scene. Shangri-La is, after all, the mythical kingdom believed to inhabit the Tibetan plateaus. Located in the city center, this stylish urban retreat allows guests to experience time-honored Tibetan customs - being welcomed with a local drink called chima, for instance, and being presented with a ceremonial khata scarf. Visitors at the Shangri-La Lhasa can enjoy being within strolling distance of this historic city's main attractions, including Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. For those who find Lhasa's high-altitude landscapes literally breathtaking, there's an oxygen lounge and relaxation center at the resort primed for guest recuperation. As with all Shangri-La properties, local culture plays a vital role in both the hospitality and the décor. At the Lhasa resort, this manifests in traditional architecture and design, with contemporary, luxuriously appointed guest rooms accented with local Tibetan textiles and artworks. Guests are also spoiled with far-reaching views of the mountains, the city and the spectacular Potala Palace.  

See Hotel
St. Regis Lhasa
Preferred Hotel

St. Regis Lhasa

Opened in November 2010, the St. Regis Resort in Lhasa stands on eight acres of land at “the roof of the world," with sweeping views of the Potala Palace. The spacious 162 rooms and villas with marble baths are decorated with carefully sourced artifacts that reflect the richness of Tibetan culture. There are a variety of restaurants to choose from, including the intimate private wine club Decanter by Haut-Brisson and Si Zi Kang, which serves traditional Tibetan cuisine. The health club boasts an indoor heated swimming pool, a yoga and pilates studio, and Iridium, a spa offering refined indulgence with Tibetan flavor. The business center offers 4 meeting rooms, copy and printing services, and faxing services. Other amenities include secretarial service and 24-hour butler service. The St. Regis Lhasa is located just minutes from the Potala Palace, the famous Barkhor area, Jokang Temple, Norbulinka, and is 46 miles from Gongga International Airport.

See Hotel

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Fringe Benefits

Author
Dave Stamboulis
With red tape constraining travel in Tibet, visitors can imbibe a heady swig of its vivid culture as well as breathtaking scenery in neighboring enclaves like Western Sichuan.
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