No Ali, No Tibet 11 Days 10 Nights

Flights/Trains from all over the world arrive in Lhasa - Check in to the hotel and rest

[Itinerary Overview]:
Tourists from all over the world arrive in Lhasa by plane/train. The pick-up staff will wait for the group members at Lhasa Gonggar Airport/Lhasa Railway Station, and then take the bus to the hotel to check in. It is recommended to rest on the first day of the trip to adapt to the plateau environment and prepare for the subsequent travel. Move slowly on the plateau to prevent altitude sickness!

Warm Tips:
(1). Tibet is at a high altitude and has strong ultraviolet rays. It is recommended that you bring sun-proof clothing, sunscreen, lip balm and other items;
(2). This day is very critical for tourists who are visiting Tibet for the first time. Lhasa is 3,650 meters above sea level and Nyingchi is 2,900 meters above sea level. It takes time to adapt to the plateau climate. Guests may experience varying degrees of altitude sickness. After arriving, do not be too nervous, keep a calm mind, drink more water, eat more fruits, rest more, do not wash your hair and take a bath, be careful not to catch a cold, do not do strenuous exercise, and walk slowly. Please bring vitamin C and some medicines for going out. Good psychological quality is the panacea for overcoming and defeating altitude sickness. A large number of examples have proved that maintaining an open-minded and optimistic mood can reduce the physical discomfort caused by altitude sickness.
(3). Due to the special conditions in Tibet, most hotels are slightly inferior to hotels of the same level in the mainland in terms of hardware and software; due to the special region and culture of Tibet, the service awareness of hotel staff is relatively weak and their attitude is relatively sloppy. Please understand. If you need to add a quilt, please contact the front desk attendant. Most hotels in Tibet use solar water supply for hot water. If it is cloudy, the hot water in the room may not be too hot. Please understand!

Lhasa (Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street)

[Itinerary Overview]:
After breakfast, visit the [Potala Palace], which is more than 3,700 meters above sea level and built on the Red Mountain (117 meters high, 13 floors, more than 360 meters long from east to west). "Potala" is the transliteration of Putuo Luo, which means the palace where Bodhisattvas live. It is a building that integrates palaces, temples and stupas. It is also the ruling power center of the old Tibet that combines politics and religion. It is divided into the Red Palace and the White Palace. The Red Palace is the stupa hall and various Buddhist halls of successive Dalai Lamas; the White Palace is the winter palace of the Dalai Lama and the office of the old Tibetan local government.
[Jokhang Temple] is also known as "Zulakang", which means scripture hall in Tibetan. With a history of 1,350 years, it is the oldest temple in Lhasa and is still the central temple with a high status in the entire Tibetan area. The temple houses a life-size gilded statue of Sakyamuni at the age of 12, as well as statues of Songtsen Gampo, Princess Wencheng and Princess Trizun. (You can experience the scene of Tibetans lighting butter lamps in the Jokhang Temple and circumambulating the Barkhor Street. The entire Barkhor Street is filled with the sound of the six-syllable mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum", which is magnificent and extremely spectacular!) After visiting the Jokhang Temple, you can freely stroll around the Barkhor Street, which has a history of more than 1,300 years. Although it has gone through many vicissitudes, the old city here is still intact, and the city life of Lhasa can be seen here at a glance.

Warm Tips:
(1). Reservations are required to visit the Potala Palace. The specific visiting time is approved by the Potala Palace Management Office, so the itinerary of the day will arrange the order of sightseeing according to the visiting time of the Potala Palace.
(2). During the peak tourist season, the visiting time of the Potala Palace is randomly allocated by the management office through a computer, and is divided into Route 1 or Route 2. The designated tour route of the day shall prevail.
(3). When visiting, you need to abide by all the taboos of Tibetan Buddhism, such as not wearing a hat, not wearing a skirt, not taking photos (referring to taking some "exterior photos" outside the palace after entering the palace), not stepping on the threshold, etc. All tourists must complete the visit within 1 hour, so please follow the guide in the palace. The palace is high, so you should walk up and down slowly; it is cold inside the palace, so it is best to prepare a coat even in summer.
(4). Security checks are required when visiting the Potala Palace. Knives, lighters, liquids, gas and other items cannot be brought in and must be placed in the hotel or car in advance.

Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake (one of the three holy lakes) - Karola Glacier - Shigatse

[Itinerary Overview]:
After breakfast, we will cross the [Gangbala Pass] at an altitude of 4,990 meters along the winding mountain road and arrive at the world's highest freshwater lake - [Yamdrok Lake Observation Deck], and take a [panoramic view of Yamdrok Lake] on the top of the mountain. The azure blue water of the lake is the same color as the sky, and it is hard to tell whether the sky or the lake is bluer. The lake surface is 4,441 meters above sea level, with a lakeshore of 250 kilometers and an area of ​​638 square kilometers. The lake water is as clear as sheep fat, sweet in taste, and can be drunk. The azure blue lake and the snow-capped mountains in the distance are connected as one. The mountains on both sides of the lake, the unique Tibetan villages, and the cattle and sheep everywhere form a beautiful picture. Then we went down to the [Yamtrap Lake] to get close to the holy lake and take as many photos as we want.
Have lunch in Langkazi and see the [Karola Glacier] on the way. It is like a sleeping ice beauty, crystal blue, and a great work of art carved by time. Pass through the heroic city of Gyantse, see the [Zongshan Ancient Castle] in Gyantse from afar, and arrive at the important town of Ngari - Shigatse (3,800 meters above sea level).

Warm Tips:
(1). The itinerary of the day is to cross the 4,990-meter Gangbala Mountain. The wind at the mountain pass is strong, so please prepare thick clothes to avoid catching a cold.
(2). There are local Tibetans selling items near the scenic area, so please bargain carefully when buying.
(3). Pay special attention to the yaks or Tibetan mastiffs at various scenic spots. If you want to take photos, you can negotiate the price with the animal owner. Generally, it is 10 yuan in the off-season and 20 yuan in the peak season. Do not take photos secretly. If the owner finds out that you are taking photos secretly, he will pester you and ask for a high price. You will bear the consequences at your own risk. If you need to ride a yak to take photos, please agree on the price in advance!

Shigatse - Sobiya Sacred Mountain - Sangsang Grassland - Langcuo - Saga

【Itinerary Overview】:
After breakfast, take a bus to Lazi and Sangsang Grassland. Along the way, you can enjoy the snow-capped mountains and grasslands - the bright sunshine, the endless grasslands, the herds of cattle and sheep, the green grass, and the mysterious appearance of the unknown snow-capped mountains in the distant horizon. The beautiful scenery along the way will make you extremely happy. After that, we crossed the Chela Pass at an altitude of 4,915 meters and walked along the Duoxiong Zangbo River Valley. The 22nd Road Station, about 125 kilometers away, is the fork in the road between the southern and northern lines of Ali. The northern line is in very poor condition, but the scenery along the way can make people excited and forget the fatigue on the way. On the way, we passed the hot spring area with dense hot springs and steaming hot springs. Along the way, we can see the colors of the lakes on the roadside constantly changing. The blue, green, purple, gray, and yellow lakes are quietly facing each other, giving people an impulse to linger. There are fault lakes and saltwater lakes here. The lakes are green and complement the blue sky. Wild donkeys, yellow sheep, blue sheep, Tibetan antelopes, hares, yellow ducks and other wild protected animals are galloping on the grassland, like a vivid classical ink painting. Stay in Saga at night.

Warm Tips:
(1). The driving time is long on that day, please prepare snacks and water. Most of the dining spots along the way are small restaurants, so please be mentally prepared.
(2). Saga is a county town, and the accommodation conditions cannot be compared with those in the mainland, so be mentally prepared. Saga is a good supply point, please prepare supplies in advance.

Saga - Zhongba - Namna Ni Peak - Manasarovar Lake - Laang Co - Mount Kailash - Tachin

[Itinerary Overview]:
Today will be an exciting day, because what awaits us are the supreme sacred mountains and holy lakes - [Kang Rinpoche] and [Manasarovar Lake]. After breakfast, we will start driving into the real snowy area - Ngari Prefecture. This is the wildest land in China, with vast grasslands, numerous snow-capped mountains and lakes. If you are lucky, you can see wild donkeys, Tibetan antelopes, Tibetan gazelles and other wild animals. Zhongba means "hometown of wild yaks" in Tibetan. When the vehicle passes the Mayumula Pass (5,200 meters above sea level), the blue [Gongzhu Lake] will appear on the left side of the road. The lake surface is 4,786 meters above sea level and covers an area of ​​66 square kilometers. The grassland around the lake is fertile and there are herds of cattle and sheep.
Continue to move forward. Between [Namuna Ni Snow Mountain] and [Mount Kailash], between the Himalayas and the Gangdise Mountains, the sacred lake [Mapang Yongcuo] will suddenly appear in front of us.
[Mapang Yongcuo] - the first of the three sacred lakes in Tibet, it was once connected with Laangcuo (Ghost Lake), and later evolved into an inland lake due to flood alluvial and ice-water accumulation. The lake is in the shape of a "duck pear", wide in the north and narrow in the south, with a long axis of 26 kilometers and a short axis of 21 kilometers. The lake surface is 4,588 meters above sea level. The average water depth is 46 meters, the maximum water depth is 81.8 meters, and the area is 412 square kilometers. The lake water is clear and transparent, with a transparency of 14 meters. The mineralization of the lake water is 400 mg/L, which is a freshwater lake and contains trace elements such as boron, lithium, and fluorine.
Along the ring road around the holy lake, you can see the ghost lake [Laang Co] not far from the holy lake, which means "poisonous black lake". Manasarovar is a freshwater lake, while Laang Co is a saltwater lake. The lake water is also intoxicatingly blue, but it is crowned with the notoriety of "ghost lake" and is viewed differently. In fact, the holy lake and the ghost lake were originally one lake. Due to climate change, the lake retreated and the water level dropped, and they were separated by a narrow hill.
The center of the world [Mount Kailash] is a sacred mountain recognized by the world. It is also recognized as the center of the world by Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, the native Tibetan religion Bon and ancient Jainism. Mount Kailash is shaped like a pyramid (Tibetans call it "the handle of a millstone"), and its four walls are very symmetrical. A huge ice trough vertically descending from the peak and a horizontal rock layer form the Buddhist swastika (a symbol of spiritual power in Buddhism, meaning the eternal existence of the Dharma, representing auspiciousness and protection). Among the pilgrims who come to circumambulate Mount Kailash every year, there are many believers and worshippers from various religions from all over the world. In the evening, take pictures of the sacred mountain [Mount Kailash Sunset], which is particularly beautiful in the evening.

Warm Tips:
(1). Since the altitude of the Ali area is generally above 4,000 meters, the temperature difference between morning and evening is large, and the wind is also strong. Be sure to keep warm to avoid catching a cold. In addition, the conditions in Ali are generally poor, so it is best not to take a shower.
(2). There are mostly open grasslands along the way, so going to the toilet is a bit troublesome. Men can solve it on the roadside at any time, but it is more troublesome for women. Women can bring an umbrella (for easy protection).
(3). There will be sand dunes and lakes on the road today. You can prepare a set of colorful clothes and take beautiful photos here.

Taqin - Zada ​​Earth Forest - Guge Dynasty Ruins - Toling Monastery - Taqin

【Itinerary Overview】:
After breakfast, drive along National Highway 219 and take photos of the world center [Mount Kailash] again.
【Zada Earth Forest】 covers an area of ​​hundreds of square kilometers, and its landform is called river-lake phase in geology. Its shape is like castles, groups of watchtowers, tents, and layers of palaces. It is lifelike, winding, and ingenious. It is a unique wonder in the world. From a distance, it is full of golden splendor, and against the backdrop of the psychedelic light and shadow of the plateau, it is like a mythical world.
[Guge Dynasty] is a lost civilization. This kingdom disappeared overnight more than 700 years ago and is still a mystery. Just like the lost Mayan civilization, it was once glorious and its once glorious culture can still be seen on the murals of the kingdom. Only magnificent ruins, relics and various palaces are left of the huge kingdom. Guge has since become a mystery among mysteries in the magical region of Tibet.
[Tholing Monastery] has a history of more than 900 years. The monastery embodies the efforts of craftsmen from India, Nepal and Ladakh, and is also the epitome of the architectural and Buddhist styles of these three places.

Taerqin - Gongzhucuo - Maquan River Wetland Park - Saga

【Itinerary Overview】:
Depart from Tarqin after breakfast, enjoy Gongzhucuo and Maquan River Wetland Desert along the way, walk between the Himalayas and the Gangdise Mountains, where the mountains are all above 7,000 meters above sea level, the highest mountains in the world. Finally arrive at Saga.
[Gongzhucuo] The lake is 4,786 meters above sea level and covers an area of ​​66 square kilometers. It is a freshwater lake with fertile grasslands, herds of cattle and sheep, and a charming blue lake. Surrounded by the primitive mountains on the edge of the Himalayas and the Gangdise Mountains, grasslands, colorful mountains, snow peaks, lakes, and the layers formed by the morning sun shining on the mountains, etc., the masterpiece of nature is beautiful and moving. There are many plateau lakes in Tibet. They are like the eyes of the earth, shining under the blue sky of a particular plateau. Gongzhucuo is one of the big eyes. In addition, there are often large groups of black-necked cranes, Tibetan wild donkeys and yellow sheep in the wetlands near the lake.
[Maquan River Wetland Park] is the source of the Yarlung Zangbo River. There are deserts, green hills and blue lakes in the Maquan River wetland. When the desert and wetland meet, this desolate beauty is created.

Saga - Peikucuo - Shishapangma Peak - Everest Base Camp (Everest Sunset)

[Itinerary Overview]:
After breakfast, pass through the Shishapangma Nature Reserve, overlook the world-class peak - Shishapangma Peak, and play by the beautiful Peikucuo Lake. The scenery along the way is beautiful. [Peikucuo] is the largest lake in Shigatse, covering an area of ​​more than 300 square kilometers. The lake is surrounded by mountains on three sides, with open terrain and rich fish resources. The lakeshore is home to rare animals and birds unique to the Tibetan Plateau - Tibetan wild donkeys, black-necked cranes, bar-headed geese, red-billed gulls, etc. The wind of Peikucuo is in various forms, combing the beauty of Peikucuo and nurturing the charm of Peiku Lake.
The most moving glacier group in the Himalayas - [Shishapangma Peak], with an altitude of 8012 meters, ranks 14th among the peaks above 8000 meters in the world. It is the only 8000-meter peak completely in China. The most fascinating is the serac area at an altitude of 5000-5800 meters, which is static and beautiful, like a glacier garden. Shishapangma Peak under the sun is snow-capped and spectacular.
Drive to Mount Everest Town, transfer to the scenic area eco-friendly bus to the world's highest peak [Mount Everest], enter [Mount Everest Base Camp], feel the shock of Mount Everest, and receive the baptism of the soul. Mount Everest, which means Holy Mother in Tibetan, is 8,848.43 meters above sea level and is the main peak of the Himalayas. It is the top of the earth! A place where you can rest your soul! The peak is covered with snow all year round, and you can see the glaciers hanging in the distance and the silver peaks towering, a holy scene.
In the evening, you can enjoy the [Mount Everest sunset], and at night you can watch the stars. The starry sky seems to be close at hand, as if you can reach out and touch it. The bright stars will create an unforgettable night on Mount Everest for you.

Warm Tips:
(1). Today you will cross a snow-capped mountain over 5,200 meters high, so be sure to take warm measures to avoid catching a cold.
(2). There are usually prayer flags and white pagodas at high mountain passes. Prayer flags and white pagodas are sacred objects of the Tibetans. You must not step on or cross over the prayer flags. If you encounter a prayer flag, you must crawl under it. You must not stand on the white pagoda to take pictures. Please respect local customs.
(3). The Everest Base Camp is at a high altitude and the climate is cold. Please prepare thick clothes. You will stay in Everest tents or standard rooms at night. The conditions are not comparable to those of mainland hotels. Please understand.

Sunrise on Mount Everest - Mount Gawu-Shigatse

[Itinerary Overview]:
After breakfast, take photos of the sunrise on Mount Everest, then drive to the [Mount Gawu-Shigatse Observation Deck], which is the only observation deck in the world where you can see five 8,000-meter snow-capped peaks (from left to right: Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Cho Oyu, Shishapangma).
Check in at the [5,000-kilometer monument on National Highway 318], enjoy the unique natural scenery of Ngari along the way, and arrive in Shigatse to check in at the hotel.

Shigatse - Tashilhunpo Monastery (the residence of successive Panchen Lamas) - Lhasa

[Itinerary Overview]:
After breakfast, visit the political and religious center of the rear Tibet region - Tashilhunpo Monastery, which is also the residence of successive Panchen Lamas. It means "Auspicious Sumeru Temple" and is the largest temple in the rear Tibet region. It is collectively known as the "Four Great Temples" of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, along with the "Three Great Temples" of Lhasa, Ganden Monastery, Sera Monastery, and Drepung Monastery. The temple was built in 1447 and houses the world's largest indoor bronze statue of Qamba, which is 26 meters high. Visit the stupa halls of the 10th Panchen Lama, the 4th Panchen Lama, and the 5th to 9th Panchen Lama in turn. Then return to Lhasa along the Lhasa-Richeo Expressway.

Lhasa - Train / Airport Drop-off - Various Locations

After breakfast, drop-off to the airport / station in time according to the flight / train time, and end your pleasant trip to Tibet!

Warm Tips:
Please check all your luggage when you check out to avoid missing anything.