Lhasa-YamdrokYumco Lake-Shigatse-Mt. Everest 9-Day Tour Shoton Festival Day

Welcome to Lhasa, upon arrival in Lhasa, our guide and driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in downtown Lhasa via one-hour expressway drive (70 km). After checking in, we recommend you take some time to rest and acclimatize to the altitude to ensure a smooth start to your journey.

In Lhasa, immerse yourself in traditional Tibetan handicrafts with a visit to a Tibetan Cultural Experience Center. Accompanied by your guide, you will learn about the art of making Tibetan incense and even try crafting it yourself. You will also have the opportunity to write your name in Tibetan and experience traditional woodblock printing. The incense and printed works you create can be kept as meaningful souvenirs of your journey.

In the afternoon, visit Jokhang Temple, Tibet's most sacred pilgrimage site, home to the revered 12-year-old Shakyamuni Buddha statue. Afterwards, stroll along Barkhor Street, a vibrant circuit where pilgrims perform kora (ritual circumambulation), turning prayer wheels as they move through the heart of the old city.

Today marks the most significant day of the Shoton Festival. Rise early and make your way to the Thangka Unveiling Platform on the hillside behind Drepung Monastery. As thousands of pilgrims from across Tibet ascend the slope—prayer wheels turning, sutras murmured in low voices—you will be enveloped in an atmosphere of deep devotion and solemn reverence. The Giant Thangka Unveiling at Drepung Monastery is more than a religious ceremony; it is a powerful expression of Tibetan spiritual faith and cultural tradition, offering a moving and unforgettable experience.

In the afternoon, visit Sera Monastery, renowned for its lively monk debates. In the courtyard, monks engage in animated philosophical discussions, punctuated by expressive gestures and sharp claps, as they challenge one another's views. (Debates are held Monday to Saturday at 3:00 PM, except on Sundays.)

Begin your day with a visit to the Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama. Ascend its 365 steps to explore grand halls adorned with ancient murals and sacred Buddha statues, while enjoying sweeping views over the city of Lhasa.

Later, continue to Norbulingka, the former summer palace of successive Dalai Lamas and another UNESCO World Heritage Site, often referred to as the "Jewel Park". During the Shoton (Yogurt) Festival, Norbulingka comes alive with traditional Tibetan opera performances, joyful singing and dancing, and festive gatherings. Stroll through its gardens, sample authentic Tibetan yogurt like the locals, and spend a relaxed afternoon immersed in the celebratory atmosphere.

Depart Lhasa and head towards Shigatse, stopping at two of Tibet's most spectacular natural wonders. Visit the YamdrokYumco Lake, one of Tibet's three sacred lakes, renowned for its dazzling turquoise waters.

Continue to Karola Glacier, where the massive glacier tongue extends down towards the roadside like a frozen waterfall. Along the way, we will pass Lake Manla and the ancient town of Gyantse, before reaching Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet.

After breakfast, embark on a breathtaking journey toward Mount Everest, the world's highest peak. Today's drive through the highlands brings you to the Gyawula Pass (5,198m) for a panoramic view of the Himalayan giants, with Everst on the horizon. We'll then visit the unforgettable Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world. This peaceful and remote monastery offers an unparalleled view of Everest, making it a perfect place for quiet contemplation.

By late afternoon, arrive at Everest Base Camp (EBC), where you'll witness the majestic north face of Everest. If weather permits, enjoy a stunning sunset over the mountain, a truly unforgettable sight. (During winter, when EBC tented lodges are closed, accommodations will be arranged in Basong Village.)

Wake early for a chance to witness the breathtaking sunrise over Mount Everest, as the morning light slowly illuminates the icy peak. It depends on the weather conditions and other factors.

After enjoying the sunrise, we will drive across GyatsoLa Pass. If the weather is clear, standing at the pass of Gyatso La Mountain, you can look out at Mount Everest in the distance, and also catch a glimpse of Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu. The rugged mountain scenery here showcases the sheer power of nature, creating an unforgettable memory of your journey. We will then continue the drive back to Shigatse.

Today, you will visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the largest monastery in western Tibet and the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. This magnificent monastery is home to the world's largest gilded statue of Maitreya Buddha, as well as beautifully preserved Buddhist murals and ancient stupas of the Panchen Lamas.

After exploring the monastery, you will travel back to Lhasa, following the scenic route along the Yarlung Tsangpo River, one of Tibet's most important waterways. The journey offers breathtaking views of deep river valleys, traditional Tibetan villages, and terraced farmlands, giving you a deeper appreciation of the region's natural beauty. 

Your remarkable journey through Tibet is coming to an end. At the scheduled time, we will transfer you to the airport or train station for your departure.

Thank you for traveling with us. Wishing you a smooth journey ahead, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Tibet in the future!