9 days Lhasa Nyingchi Tour to Ranwu Lake

Upon your arrival at the Lhasa airport or train station, you will be warmly welcomed and promptly transferred to your hotel in Lhasa. Take some time in the afternoon to rest and adjust to the high altitude, ensuring a smooth acclimatization process. Spend the night in Lhasa, enjoying a comfortable stay at your hotel.

Today, we have planned your visit to two remarkable destinations on the Tibetan high plateau: the Jokhang Temple with Barkhor Street and the Potala Palace.

The Jokhang Temple, located in Lhasa's old town, is the most sacred temple in Tibet. Its stunning architecture and spiritual significance attract Buddhists and pilgrims from all over. Nearby, Barkhor Street bustles with Tibetan culture and commerce, offering unique handicrafts and religious items.

The Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama and now serves as a museum. Explore its grand halls adorned with breathtaking artwork and sacred shrines, gaining insight into Tibetan history, art, and religious practices.

Both the Jokhang Temple and the Potala Palace provide unique and captivating experiences, allowing you to connect with Tibet's spiritual devotion and appreciate its architectural splendor. As you tour in Lhasa, take your time to adjust to the high altitude and enjoy the remarkable sights.

Today, your itinerary includes visits to the Drepung and Sera Monasteries, as well as the Norbulingka Palace, also known as the Summer Palace.

The Drepung Monastery and the Sera Monastery both belong to the Gelugpa (yellow hat) sect and are renowned monastic colleges. Drepung Monastery, once the seat of the Tibetan government before the Potala Palace, holds historical significance. It was once the largest monastery in the world, accommodating around 10,000 monks from different monasteries across Tibet.

Sera Monastery is famous for its distinctive practice of Buddhism philosophical debates. Observing the monks engaging in these debates, with their clapping sounds and assertive expressions, is a captivating sight.

The Norbulingka Palace, known as the Summer Palace, was the residence of the Dalai Lama during the summer months. Here, you can explore the residences of different Dalai Lama lineages and soak in the tranquil surroundings. During the Shoton Festival in August, the park is vibrant with picnickers and traditional activities.

After breakfast, drive from Lhasa to Bayi, crossing over the Mila Pass (5,100m), and taking in the scenic beauty along the Niyang River. In the afternoon, visit Draksum Tso, also known as Basum-Tso. This holy lake is adorned by its surrounding landscapes, ranging from green and forested mountains to snow-capped peaks. The site holds a connection to the semi-mythical ruler of the Kham region and Guru Rinpoche.

To reach the Tsodzong island, the only access is a joint board floating bridge. Once on the island, explore the Tsodzong Monastery, nestled amid the trees. It is likely the highest attraction at this site. Afterward, retrace your route back to the highway, which meets at Pahe village, and continue driving a further 79 kilometers to Bayi. Enjoy an overnight stay in Bayi.

Drive to visit Cypresses Park, afterwards drive to Pomi. On the way you will pass the Serkhym-la over 4500m, have a good views of Namche Barwa(7756m) and Gyala Pelri. After the Serkhym-la the road descends past gorgeous alpine valleys lined with rhododendron bushes into the Rong-chu valley, that is the Lunang forest and more other snow capped peaks are part of the day's interest. Overnight at Pomi.

Morning drive from Pomi to Midui Village, located just 10 kilometers away. From there, you will trek to witness the magnificent Midui Glacier, often hailed as the one of the 6th most beautiful glacier in China. The round-trip trek takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, offering ample time to immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of this natural wonder.

In the afternoon, continue your journey with a scenic drive from Pomi to Rawok, which is known the most breathtaking part of Sichuan-Tibet overland travel. The landscape along the road will amaze you with its ever-changing beauty, featuring snow-capped mountains, majestic glaciers, serene lakes, and lush pastures.

Spend the overnight at Ranwu local hotel or guest house.

Morning drive to the stunning Ranwu Lake near Rawu, it is surrounded by glaciers and snow-capped mountains, this picturesque lake displays different colors throughout the seasons. Take a leisurely walk around the lake, immersing yourself in its beauty. In the late afternoon, drive back to Pomi for a comfortable overnight stay.

Have a relaxing morning, then start driving back to Bayi for the late afternoon train to Lhasa (Z9808,17:40-21:50). Lhasa train station pick up and transfer to hotel for the night.

Your guide and driver will see you off at the airport or train station, end of the trip.