Adventure Xizang 7 Days
Day 1: First Encounter with the Holy City - Altitude Acclimatization Trip
ransportation and Check-in
After arriving at Lhasa Gonggar International Airport, your dedicated pick-up staff will be waiting. You will take a private car to a hotel in downtown Lhasa for check-in (accommodation altitude: 3,650 meters). The entire journey takes about 1 hour and covers 70 kilometers. Along the way, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Lhasa River Valley and initially acclimatize to the plateau environment.
Acclimatization Rest
After arriving at the hotel, prioritize rest and adjustment. It is recommended to reduce strenuous exercise, drink plenty of warm water to replenish fluids, and turn on a humidifier in the room to relieve the dry climate. The hotel will prepare anti-altitude sickness supplies in advance (such as glucose oral liquid and oxygen tanks). If you experience discomfort such as dizziness or shortness of breath, please contact the staff in a timely manner.
Optional Free Activities
If you are in good physical condition, you can take a walk around Barkhor Street near the hotel in the evening (walking is recommended to avoid overexertion). Watch the devout figures of pilgrims doing kora (circumambulation) and experience the unique religious atmosphere of Tibet. You can also taste light Tibetan food (such as Tibetan noodles and butter tea) at nearby restaurants. Avoid greasy and spicy food, and do not drink alcohol.
Accommodation
Boutique Hotel in Downtown Lhasa
Altitude Sickness Reminder
Mild altitude sickness symptoms may occur when first arriving at the plateau, which is a normal phenomenon. Maintain a good mindset, avoid staying up late, and ensure adequate sleep.
Day 2: Lake Scenery and Ice Charm - Journey to the Secret Land of Rear Tibet
Morning: Enjoying the Scenery of Yamdrok Lake
After breakfast, depart from Lhasa and head to Yamdrok Lake (referred to as "Yamdrok" for short) along the Yarlung Zangbo River Valley. The entire drive takes about 3 hours. As one of the three holy lakes in Tibet, Yamdrok Lake displays multiple colors such as blue, green, and cyan with changes in light, like a sapphire on the plateau.
After arriving at the viewing platform, take a walk to enjoy the scenery and take photos. Listen to the guide explain the religious culture and geographical origin of Yamdrok Lake. You can choose to take a local cruise (optional activity) to experience the lake and mountain scenery up close, or pray by the mani piles by the lake.
Lunch
Have a simple Tibetan meal in Langkazi County on the way, such as Tibetan fragrant pork stewed with radish and highland barley cakes, to replenish energy.
Afternoon: Glacier Hiking - Heading to Shigatse
Go to Karola Glacier, one of the three continental glaciers in Tibet and the closest glacier to the highway. Under the leadership of a professional guide, embark on a light hiking trip (the route is gentle, taking about 1 hour in total). Get up close to touch the crevasses and ice towers of the glacier, learn about the impact of glacier retreat on the ecological environment, and take shocking photos of the glacier intertwined with snow-capped mountains.
After the hike, continue driving to downtown Shigatse. The entire drive takes about 2 hours, with a total distance of 360 kilometers. Enjoy the vast scenery of the Rear Tibet grassland along the way, and arrive at the hotel in the evening for check-in (accommodation altitude: 3,840 meters).
Dinner
Taste the characteristic food of Rear Tibet in downtown Shigatse. Recommended dishes include "Pengbi" (a traditional Tibetan snack) and stewed chicken with Yadong black fungus. Pair with sweet tea to relieve greasiness.
Accommodation
Hotel in Downtown Shigatse
Itinerary Reminder
Some sections of the road along the way are winding mountain roads. Those prone to motion sickness should prepare motion sickness medicine in advance. The temperature in the glacier area is low, so wear windproof and warm clothing.
Day 3: Pilgrimage to Everest - Appointment Under the Starry Sky
Morning: Crossing the Pass - Looking at the Peak Group in the Distance
After breakfast, depart from Shigatse and head to Mount Everest, the top of the world. The entire drive takes about 7 hours and covers 380 kilometers. Along the way, you will cross Jiawula Pass (altitude: 5,248 meters), which is an excellent spot to view four peaks above 8,000 meters including Mount Everest. You can take a panoramic photo of the "snow-capped mountain group" here and feel the majestic momentum of the Himalayas.
Lunch
Dine in Tingri County on the way. The food mainly includes Sichuan cuisine and Tibetan cuisine. Choose high-calorie food to replenish physical strength.
Afternoon: Everest Base Camp - Prayer at Rongbuk Monastery
Arrive at Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world, which is built against the mountain and nestled in the embrace of Mount Everest. Visit the monastery, listen to monks chanting scriptures, pray for the journey, and enjoy the majestic appearance of Mount Everest at the same time (it is only 20 kilometers away from Mount Everest here, with a wide view).
Proceed to Everest Base Camp, check in at the Everest stone monument at the viewing platform, and view the snow-covered peak of Mount Everest up close. Learn about the ecological protection measures and mountaineering history of the base camp. You can choose to take an environmental protection vehicle to enter the core viewing area.
Evening: Stargazing in Everest Town
Go to Everest Town for check-in (accommodation altitude: 4,200 meters). After dinner, take a short rest and wait for nightfall.
Everest Town has very little light pollution and is an excellent stargazing spot. Under the leadership of the guide, go to the designated stargazing point. Take beautiful photos of the starry sky and Mount Everest in the same frame with a camera, or lie on the grass to admire the bright Milky Way and feel the vastness of the universe.
Accommodation
Characteristic Homestay in Everest Town
Altitude Sickness Reminder
As the altitude increases, the risk of altitude sickness rises. Keep warm at night to avoid catching a cold. Bring warm clothing and a flashlight when stargazing.
Day 4: Sunrise Fun - Picnic Time by the Lake
Early Morning: Spectacular Everest Sunrise
Get up early and go to the viewing platform to wait for the Everest sunrise. When the first ray of sunlight falls on the top of Mount Everest, the snow-capped mountain gradually turns from dark gray to golden, creating a shocking scene. Take photos of the entire sunrise process and record this unforgettable moment.
Morning: Heading to Peiku Co Lake
Drive to Peiku Co Lake, the largest lake in Shigatse. The lake water is bright blue, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and grasslands. Wild animals such as Tibetan wild asses and black-necked cranes can occasionally be seen. The entire drive takes about 3 hours, with a total distance of 360 kilometers.
Lunch: Lakeside Picnic Experience
After arriving at Peiku Co Lake, set up tents and arrange tables and chairs with the help of the staff to start a characteristic picnic. The ingredients include fresh local beef and mutton, vegetables, and highland barley cakes. Enjoy lunch in the beautiful scenery of lakes and mountains and experience the fun and freedom of the northern Tibetan grassland.
After lunch, enjoy free activities by the lake. You can take a walk to enjoy the scenery, take photos of the lake, or take a nap in the tent.
Afternoon: Heading to Saga
Depart for the Saga area at the right time. The drive takes about 3 hours. Arrive at the hotel in the evening for check-in (accommodation altitude: 4,600 meters). Enjoy the vast scenery of the northern Tibetan grassland along the way. Keep an eye on the window, as you may encounter wild animals such as Tibetan antelopes.
Dinner
Taste light home-cooked food in downtown Saga. Avoid greasy food and drink plenty of water to acclimatize to the higher altitude.
Accommodation
Hotel in Saga Area
Day 5: Looking at the Holy Mountain in the Distance - Encountering Creatures in the Wetland
Morning: Sand Dune Adventure - Exploring the Lake
After breakfast, depart from Saga and head to Payang Sand Dunes. This group of sand dunes on the northern Tibetan grassland has different shapes under the influence of wind, like a desert secret land. You can engage in light adventure activities such as sand sliding and sand dune hiking here, and take photos of the unique landscape where sand dunes and grasslands intersect. Then arrive at Gongzhu Co Lake. The lake water is crystal clear, reflecting the snow-capped mountains in the distance, and there is a vast wetland by the lake. Stay here to enjoy the scenery and feel the quiet beauty of the plateau lake.
Lunch
Dine in Payang Town on the way. Taste the local characteristic mutton soup noodles to replenish energy.
Afternoon: Aerial Photography of the Holy Mountain - Heading to Tarqin
Pass through the holy mountain area and enjoy a distant view of Mount Kailash (a holy mountain in Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, and other religions) and Namna Nanyi Peak (known as the "Holy Mother Mountain"). The two peaks face each other across the lake, with a magnificent momentum. A professional aerial photography team will be arranged to take aerial shots, recording the magnificent picture composed of the holy mountains, lakes, and grasslands (tourists can obtain aerial video clips).
Continue driving to the Tarqin area. The entire drive takes about 8 hours, with a total distance of 510 kilometers. Cross wetlands and grasslands along the way. Keep an eye on the window for wild animals such as Tibetan wild asses, Tibetan antelopes, and marmots. If you are lucky, you may encounter the national first-class protected animal, the black-necked crane, near the river.
Evening
Arrive in Tarqin for check-in (accommodation altitude: 4,600 meters). After dinner, go to bed early to acclimatize to the high-altitude environment.
Accommodation
Hotel in Tarqin Area
Ecological Reminder
When encountering wild animals, keep a safe distance. Feeding and chasing are prohibited to jointly protect the ecological environment of Tibet.
Day 6: Exploring the Earth Forest - Encountering Ancient Temples and Creatures
Morning: Exploring the Secret Ancient Temple - Tracing the Silver City
After breakfast, depart from Tarqin and head to Qionglong Silver City. The ruins of this legendary capital of the ancient Zhangzhung Kingdom are hidden in the valley. The remaining architectural relics and ancient mani piles tell a thousand years of history. Under the guide's explanation, learn about the origin and development of Zhangzhung culture and feel the mystery of ancient Tibetan civilization.
Then go to Gurujam Temple, a Tibetan Buddhist temple with a long history. Precious murals and sculptures are preserved in the temple. Visit the temple halls, listen to monks tell the historical stories of the temple, and feel the profound heritage of Tibetan Buddhism.
Lunch
Have a simple meal near Zanda County on the way, with dishes combining Tibetan and Chinese styles.
Afternoon: Exploring the Grottoes - Traveling Through the Earth Forest
Visit the Piyang Grottoes, one of the largest grotto groups in Tibet, which were excavated around the 10th century AD. The murals and sculptures in the grottoes demonstrate the artistic standards of ancient Tibet. Visit the core grottoes under the leadership of a professional interpreter to learn about the excavation techniques and cultural connotations of the grottoes.
Then enter Zanda Tulin (Earth Forest), a unique landform formed by water erosion. It presents various colors such as red, yellow, and brown under the sunset. The undulating earth forest is like a maze. Take an off-road vehicle to travel through it, explore the secret land deep in the earth forest, and take photos with strong visual impact.
Keep an eye out for wild animals along the way. You are likely to see Tibetan wild asses, Tibetan antelopes, and marmots. There is also a chance to encounter black-necked cranes near wetlands and rivers.
Evening
Arrive in the Zanda area for check-in (accommodation altitude: 3,700 meters). After dinner, you can take a walk around the hotel to enjoy the night outline of the earth forest.
Accommodation
Hotel in Zanda Area
Itinerary Reminder
Taking photos is prohibited in the grottoes. Please abide by the scenic area regulations. The road conditions in the earth forest area are complex. Fasten your seatbelt when riding in the car.
Day 7: Farewell on the Return Journey - Preserving Memories of Tibet
Morning: Heading to Shiquanhe
After breakfast, depart from Zanda and head to Shiquanhe. The entire drive takes about 5.5 hours and covers 280 kilometers. Enjoy the desert and river valley scenery in western northern Tibet along the way. Organize the photos and memories of the 7-day itinerary and feel the unique charm of the Tibet adventure.
Lunch
Dine in Shiquanhe Town on the way. Taste the local characteristic food as a farewell meal for this Tibet trip.
Afternoon: See-off at the Airport for the Return Journey
After lunch, go to Shiquanhe Airport according to the flight time. The staff will assist with check-in procedures. It is recommended to choose a flight after 16:00 on the same day to reserve sufficient travel time and avoid delays due to road condition changes.
Before leaving, you can buy characteristic souvenirs such as Tibetan incense and yak products at the airport. End this adventure with nostalgia for Tibet and unforgettable memories.
Accommodation
Self-arranged
Return Journey Reminder
Some sections of the road from Shiquanhe to the airport are gravel roads, with slow driving speeds. Please depart in advance. Flights in the plateau area may be delayed due to weather conditions. It is recommended to pay attention to flight dynamics in advance.