INT35_TIBET – THE JOURNEY OF ESSENCE
Itinerary: LHASA – SERA MONASTERY – POTALA PALACE – YAMDROK LAKE – TASHILHUNPO MONASTERY – G318 HIGHWAY – KUNMING
Departure: August 8 – August 16
Duration: 9 days 8 nights
Group size: 10–12 participants
Tour type: VIP
Price: 1.440$/person
Registration Hotline: 0912851112 / 0987277394 (Mr. Dũng)
DAY 1 – AUG 8: ARRIVAL IN LHASA
Arrive at Lhasa Gonggar Airport. Your local Tibetan guide and driver will greet the group with a traditional Hada ceremony—a white Khata scarf symbolizing blessing and warm welcome.
Transfer by private vehicle to downtown Lhasa (approx. 1 hour drive).
Check in at the hotel and rest to adapt with the altitude (3,650m).
Note: Rest is essential on the first day to avoid altitude sickness.
Overnight in Lhasa
DAY 2 – AUG 9: LHASA – DREPUNG & SERA MONASTERIES (B/L/D)
The second day begins with a journey to explore two of the three great Gelug monasteries in Lhasa—Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery.
In the morning, you will visit Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in Tibet, capable of housing over 10,000 monks. Here, you will tour the main assembly hall, various Buddhist colleges, and the communal kitchen—offering an authentic glimpse into the daily life of Tibetan monastics.
In the afternoon, the journey continues to Sera Monastery, world-renowned for its vibrant monastic debate sessions held in the monastery courtyard from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. Monks engage in philosophical discussions using forceful gestures and expressive body language—movements resembling a dance—as they argue and reflect upon Buddhist doctrine, a unique tradition that reflects the intellectual depth and debating spirit of Tibetan Buddhism.
In the evening, your guide will accompany the group to a traditional Tibetan restaurant, where you will enjoy a welcome dinner featuring local cuisine and have the chance to connect with fellow travelers.
Overnight at a hotel in Lhasa.
DAY 3 – AUG 10: LHASA – POTALA PALACE & JOKHANG TEMPLE (B/L/D)
The third day’s journey is devoted to discovering some of the most sacred and majestic cultural landmarks in Tibet, all recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Potala Palace, standing tall atop Red Hill in the heart of Lhasa, was once the residence and administrative center of successive Dalai Lamas. It served for centuries as both the political and religious heart of Tibet. You will ascend 365 steps to enter the main assembly hall, explore the grand chambers used for political meetings, chapels, golden stupas, and ancient murals—each intricately detailed, telling stories of Tibet’s glorious history and deep-rooted spiritual devotion.
Next, visit Jokhang Temple, the holiest site in Tibetan Buddhism. It enshrines the revered statue of the 12-year-old Shakyamuni Buddha, one of the most precious and ancient Buddhist icons in Asia.
You will then join thousands of pilgrims on the kora, a sacred circumambulation around Barkhor Street, enveloped in an atmosphere of burning incense, spinning prayer wheels, and the rhythmic sound of chanting.
Special Experience:
After this spiritual journey, your guide will take you to a traditional Tibetan teahouse where you can enjoy the region’s signature sweet tea and learn more about the local way of life and communal culture.
Overnight at a hotel in Lhasa.
DAY 4 – AUG 11: LHASA – YAMDROK – KAROLA – SHIGATSE (B/L/D)
Departing from Lhasa in the early morning, you will embark on a scenic journey of approximately 340 kilometers, lasting 7 to 8 hours, through the breathtaking natural landscapes of Tibet en route to the city of Shigatse.
The first stop is Yamdrok Lake (4,400m), one of the three most sacred lakes in Tibet. With its striking turquoise hue and crystal-clear waters reflecting the vast sky and snowcapped peaks, it offers one of the region’s most iconic views. You will drive along the lakeshore for about 20 kilometers, stopping at a lakeside village to observe rural Tibetan life and enjoy a simple, authentic lunch at a local family home.
In the afternoon, continue to the Karola Glacier, one of the most spectacular glaciers in Tibet. The massive, icy tongue descends close to the roadside like a frozen waterfall, creating a surreal and majestic scene.
The drive then takes you past Manla Reservoir and the historic town of Gyantse, where remnants of the ancient Tibetan Silk Road still linger.
By day’s end, the group arrives in Shigatse, the second-largest cultural and political center of Tibet.
Overnight in Shigatse
DAY 5 – AUG 12: SHIGATSE – TINGRI – EVEREST BASE CAMP (B/L/D)
In the early morning, you may take a peaceful walk around the base camp, breathing in the crisp mountain air and witnessing the radiant sunrise over Mount Everest.
Afterwards, your guide will take you to visit Rongbuk Monastery—the highest monastery in the world—which gained international attention after appearing in the film 2012 with its dramatic tsunami scene. From this viewpoint, you can capture remarkable photographs that blend the natural grandeur of the Himalayas with the spiritual essence of Tibetan culture.
Leaving the Everest area, the group will stop at Xilin Viewpoint to enjoy a panoramic view of the eastern face of Everest and Lhotse, the world’s fourth-highest peak. On the return to Shigatse, you will pass through Sakya Old Town, where much of Tibet’s historical legacy is still preserved.
In the evening, your guide will invite you to a farewell dinner at a traditional Tibetan restaurant. There, you’ll enjoy unique regional dishes and immerse yourself in the vibrant folk music and dances of Shigatse—a memorable finale to your journey to Everest.
Overnight at a hotel in Shigatse.
DAY 6 – AUG 13: EVEREST – RONGBUK – SHIGATSE (B/L/D)
In the early morning, you may take a walk around the base camp, enjoying the crisp mountain air and the brilliant sunrise over Mount Everest. Afterwards, you will visit Rongbuk Monastery with your guide—the highest monastery in the world, famously featured in the film 2012 with its dramatic tsunami scenes. From this vantage point, you can capture stunning photographs that blend natural grandeur with Tibetan cultural elements, all set against the majestic backdrop of the Himalayas.
After leaving the Everest area, the group will stop at Xilin Viewpoint to admire the sweeping eastern face of Everest and the nearby Lhotse Peak, the fourth-highest mountain in the world. On the return journey to Shigatse, you will pass through Sakya Old Town, a place rich in historical heritage.
In the evening, your guide will host a farewell dinner at a traditional Tibetan restaurant. Here, you will not only enjoy distinctive local dishes but also be immersed in the vibrant folk music and dances of the Shigatse region—a heartfelt conclusion to your journey to Everest.
Overnight at a hotel in Shigatse.
DAY 7 – AUG 14: SHIGATSE – TASHILHUNPO – LHASA (B/L/D)
In the morning, as the journey returns to Lhasa, you will visit Tashilhunpo Monastery—the largest monastery in western Tibet and the official residence of successive Panchen Lamas. The monastery is renowned for its grand architecture, solemn chapels, and the world’s tallest gilded bronze statue of Maitreya Buddha, standing at 26.2 meters. It also houses sacred stupas and intricate Buddhist murals that hold immense artistic and spiritual significance.
After the visit, you will travel back to Lhasa by road, following the scenic Yarlung Tsangpo River Valley—the mother river of Tibet. (Depending on actual conditions, return by train may be arranged for some passengers.)
Overnight at a hotel in Lhasa.
DAY 8 – AUG 15: LHASA – KUNMING (B/L)
The eighth day’s morning is free for you to relax and prepare for your flight back to Vietnam, marking the end of an unforgettable journey through the sacred land of Tibet.
We sincerely thank you for joining us and hope to welcome you back to Tibet again in the near future.
Overnight at a hotel in Kunming.
DAY 9 – AUG 16: KUNMING – VIETNAM (B)
You can spend the morning exploring the beautiful city of Kunming or simply relax at the hotel and prepare your luggage for the return flight to Vietnam.
End of journey
INCLUDED SERVICES
- Private high-quality vehicle with driver
- 4-star local hotels
- Meals as listed
- English-speaking local guide
- All entrance tickets as per itinerary
- Oxygen cylinder (for emergency use)
- Full tour insurance (30 million VND/case)
- Tibet Entry Permit
- Guide & driver tips (included to offset meals not provided)
EXCLUDED SERVICES
- Chinese Visa (HN: $85 / SGN: $115)
- International airfare Vietnam – Kunming – Tibet (Est. 14,000,000 VND)
- Personal expenses, beverages
- Single supplement: 2,500 RMB/person (8 nights)
- Unscheduled meals (Est. $120–150) – Bring light instant food if preferred
- Optional tours/activities not mentioned
REGISTRATION & PAYMENT
To register:
Comment full name + phone number on Facebook page Firstclass Travel
Or contact Trần Tiến Dũng 📲0912851112 / 0987277394 (Zalo/Viber)
To pay:
Cash or bank transfer
- Name: Trần Tiến Dũng
- Account Number: 0912851112 (VPBank)
- Note: “Phototour payment – Full name – Phone number”
(*) Dates may change based on weather or group size
(**) Single room requests must be made 5 days before departure
WHAT TO BRING
- Tripod
- Drone
- Remote shutter (plus batteries)
- Flashlight
- Wide-angle and telephoto lenses
- Extra memory cards
- Extra batteries and chargers
- Power adapter and multi-socket strip
