Lhasa, Shigatse and Namtso Tour

Upon arrival at Lhasa Gonggar Airport or train station, your Tibetan guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in downtown Lhasa. The rest of the day is free for rest and acclimatization. Overnight in Lhasa

Begin your exploration of Lhasa with a visit to the magnificent Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lamas and one of Tibet’s most iconic landmarks. This towering structure holds countless chapels, murals, and historic relics, and offers sweeping views over the city. Continue to Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism, built in the 7th century and home to the revered Jowo Shakyamuni statue. Afterwards, stroll along Barkhor Street, a lively pilgrim circuit surrounding the temple, where prayer flags flutter above bustling shops and the scent of incense fills the air. In the late afternoon, unwind at a local Tibetan sweet tea house, where locals gather to chat over cups of buttery milk tea or sweet black tea, a perfect way to end your first day in Lhasa.

Today you will visit Drepung Monastery in the morning and Sera Monastery in the afternoon. Both Drepung and Sera monasteries are Gelugpa (yellow hat) sect monastic colleges. Drepung Monastery was the seat of the Government prior to Potala. It was once the world’s largest monastery with 10,000 monks hailing from monasteries all over Tibet. Sera monastery is famous for its practice of debating Buddhism and philosophy, the clapping sound and the aggressive expression of the monks -all are well worth seeing. Overnight at Lhasa.

This morning, leave Lhasa and drive up to Kambala Pass (4,794m), where you’ll enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s most sacred lakes, glowing in shades of turquoise. Continue down to the lakeside and follow its winding shoreline toward Nangartse, a small lakeside town where you’ll stop for lunch.

Afterwards, continue traveling along the Southern Friendship Highway, taking in expansive views of snow-capped peaks, river valleys, and highland pastures dotted with grazing yaks and nomads’ tents. On the way, stop at the base of the Karola Glacier, where a massive sheet of ice spills down from the mountains right beside the road, a dramatic and photogenic highlight of the day.

In the late afternoon, arrive in Gyantse, a historically important town known for its 15th-century fort and role in Tibetan resistance during British incursions. Visit the remarkable Gyantse Kumbum, a multi-tiered stupa filled with Buddhist chapels and murals, considered one of Tibet’s greatest architectural achievements. The rest of the day is for you freely explore Gyantse old town.

After breakfast, climb up to Gyantse Dzong, a historic fortress offering panoramic views of the old town and surrounding valley. If time permits, visit a local carpet workshop, as Gyantse is known for producing some of the finest handmade Tibetan carpets.

Later in the morning, drive to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city. Upon arrival, visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama and one of Tibet’s six great Gelugpa monasteries. Explore its golden rooftops, prayer halls, and the tomb of the 4th Panchen Lama. A walk along the kora path behind the monastery offers scenic views of the city.

In the afternoon, explore the local market in Shigatse’s old town, where you can browse for traditional Tibetan souvenirs, often at better prices than in Lhasa.
Overnight in Shigatse

Set out early this morning and head northeast from Shigatse, following the Northern Friendship Highway to Dazhuka. From there, cross the Brahmaputra River and continue through a scenic valley toward Namtso Lake. Along the way, you’ll pass through quiet Tibetan villages and wide grasslands, with views of yaks grazing under open skies.

As the road climbs higher, cross the Shuege-la Pass (5,300m), a breathtaking high point surrounded by snow-dusted peaks. In the afternoon, arrive at Namtso Lake, one of Tibet’s most sacred lakes and the highest saltwater lake in the world accessible by vehicle. Take the sightseeing bus to the Tashi Dor Peninsula, where you’ll enjoy a leisurely walk along the lakeshore and may climb to a rocky viewpoint overlooking the deep blue waters of the lake and the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains beyond. If weather allows, stay to witness a spectacular sunset over the lake.

After your visit, drive to Damxung County for the night, the closest town with accommodation near Namtso. Overnight in Damxung.

After breakfast, begin your return drive to Lhasa, traveling through the wide-open highland plains of northern Tibet. Along the way, enjoy views of the vast grasslands stretching beneath the snow-capped Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains. During summer months, your guide can help arrange a visit to a Tibetan nomad family, where you’ll have the chance to step inside a traditional yak-hair tent, meet their livestock, and share a cup of sweet or butter tea. This is a special opportunity to learn firsthand about nomadic life on the Tibetan Plateau.

In the afternoon, arrive back in Lhasa. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or do your last minute shopping for your friends and families at Barkhor Street .
Overnight in Lhasa

After breakfast, your guide and driver will see you off at Lhasa train station or airport, end the trip with WindhorseTour.