Melo Villareal
Tibet Travel and Tour Itinerary: 6 Day Trip from Lhasa to Namtso Lake
For centuries, Tibet has never failed to allure the global tourists with its unparalleled alpine scenery, mysterious Tibetan Buddhist culture, and exotic custom. With an average altitude of 4000m and 1,228,400 square km, Tibet is truly a massive holy land perched on the roof of the world. To many, touring Tibet, this spiritual realm, has long been the biggest dream to accomplish since their childhood.
However, to many first-time travelers to Tibet with around 6 days to stay in Tibet, Tibet Vista, leading Tibet tour operator based in Lhasa, would like to recommend you to enjoy 6-Day Tour from Lhasa to Heavenly Namtso Lake, in which you will have thorough exploration of the heart of Tibetan Buddhism in Tibet and get rewarded with once-in-a-lifetime experience one of Tibet’s most renowned sacred lakes.
Highlights of Trip from Lhasa to Namtso Lake Tour
- Explore the most prestigious Tibetan Buddhist Sites in Lhasa
- Join the fervent kora with Tibetan pilgrims (religious circling around holy sites) in Barkhor Street and around Potala Palace
- Enjoy the dramatic monk debate in Sera Monastery
- Appreciate the sublime view of heavenly Namtso Lake
6-Day Trip from Lhasa to Namtso Lake Tour Itinerary in Detail (From USD750 p.p)
Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa
Tourists arrive in Lhasa and get transferred to your hotels. The guide will have a brief orientation of the tour and plan for tourists. And tourists can have a good rest to acclimatize to high altitude.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Day 2: Lhasa Tour – Potala Place, Johkang Temple, Barkor Street
Tour officially begins in Lhasa with the day tour to the most prestigious and iconic Tibetan Buddhist sites.
First stop is the Potala Palace which serves as the winter palace of for generations of the Dalai lamas. It was put to use since the 7th Century by the 33rd great king of Tibet. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and meditation Cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.
Then after lunch, tourists head to Jokhang temple founded by the 33rd great king of Tibet in the 7th century, in order to promote the Buddhist religion. Inside you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve, perhaps the only most venerated object in Tibetan Buddhism. Around the temple is Barkhor street, where you can do kora (a religious circle of a building or mountain) with pilgrims and locals, in the meantime, you can buy some souvenirs and enjoy sweet tea in a local teahouse.
Stay overnight in Lhasa
Day 3: Lhasa Tour – Drepung and Sera Monastery
Today, tourists are expected to tour two of the most well-known Gelugpa monasteries in Lhasa, i.e. Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery.
Drepung Monastery, founded in 1416 by Jamyang choge, is one of the Tsongkhapa’s main disciples. Touring Drepung Monastery involves a long hike and you will have a stunning view of Lhasa valley. As you hike inside the massive Buddhist compound, you can also see many intriguing religious engravings and gigantic Mani stone. The monastery is also known for gigantic Thangka Buddha unfolding ceremony during Shoton Festival.
In the afternoon, we are expected to visit Sera Monastery. The biggest attraction here is the Monks debate which begins at 15:00. You will see monks debate on Buddhist doctrine and philosophy in the monk debate courtyard by clapping their hands and rolling mala, etc.
Stay overnight in Lhasa
Day 4: Lhasa to Namtso Lake (250km, 5 hours )
Traveling from Lhasa to holy Namtso Lake takes a long drive. The altitude will rise up to 4718m. After 3 day’s acclimatization in Lhasa, it will be perfectly safe for the tour. Namtso Lake is the largest and highest saline lake in China with surrealistic beauty. Besides, it’s also a hot kora route for Tibetan pilgrims, esp during the year of the horse in China.
In the morning, drive from Lhasa to Lake Namtso. On the way, you can see Nyenchen Thanglha( snow mountain ranges )and lots of nomads tent with grazing yak and sheep densely-populated around the mountainside. After you arrive in Namtso, you can do very relaxing trekking around the lakeside and Tashi Island.
To spend a night at lake shore is fantastic to see the stars.
Stay overnight in Namtso Guesthouse
Day 5: Namtso Lake back to Lhasa via Yampachen (230km,5 hours )
Enjoy the incredible sunrise at the lakeshore, you can trek along the lakeshore to Tashi Dor Island to explore the meditation caves. Drive to Dumxung to have lunch.
In the afternoon, you may enjoy Yangpachen hot spring (Optional) and have both indoor and outdoor swimming pool filled with hot springs water. Finally, head back to Lhasa.
Stay overnight in Lhasa
Day 6: Depart from Lhasa
The guide will transfer you to the airport or train station and help you get on board.
The Tibet Itinerary listed above is part of “Trip from Lhasa to Namtso Lake Tour Package”, price of the package may change without prior notice.
For more information and free consultancy of Tibet tour, please feel free to contact www.tibettravel.org (www.
Check out our complete list of affordable hotels and resorts via Agoda or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
Want more stories like this? Please follow #TeamOutofTown, on Facebook, and Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.
