INT48_JOURNEY OF PURIFICATION

Route: TIBET: LHASA – SERA MONASTERY – POTALA PALACE – YAMDROK LAKE – TASHILHUNPO MONASTERY – HIGHWAY G318 – KUNMING
Departure date: March 2 – March 10
Duration: 9 days 8 nights
Group size: 10–12 pax
Tour type: VIP
Price/pax: 1400$/person
Contact: Mr. Dung – 0912851112 / 0987277394
1./ INTRODUCTION
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Tibet – the sacred land of the Himalayas, where spirituality, culture, and breathtaking nature intertwine.
In Lhasa, you’ll marvel at the majestic Potala Palace, home of the Dalai Lamas, and discover the daily lives of monks at ancient monasteries.
Along the way to Shigatse, immerse yourself in the serenity of Yamdrok Lake, enjoy a local Tibetan lunch with a host family, and wander the lakeside amid peaceful flocks of sheep.
With the guidance of experienced local experts, this trip will allow you to see the real Tibet — not as a visitor, but as a participant in its living culture.
Altitude should not be a concern; travelers of all ages have safely completed this journey.
Join the FirstClass Photography Tour to capture Tibet’s most iconic and spiritual landscapes.
2./ HIGHLIGHTS

- – Potala Palace – The grand masterpiece of Tibetan architecture, a symbol of faith and devotion high above the city of Lhasa.
- – Sunrise at Mount Everest Base Camp – Watch the first golden light touch the world’s highest peak.
- – Yamdrok Lake – A sacred turquoise lake reflecting snow-capped peaks and drifting clouds.
- – Sera & Tashilhunpo Monasteries – Witness monks’ philosophical debates and explore centuries-old Buddhist art.
- – Immersive local experience – Visit a Tibetan village, share a meal, and learn about mountain life and traditions.
3./ ITINERARY
NOTE:
C = concept
Please note: The itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions and may be adjusted by local photographers to ensure the best shootingopportunities.

Day 1 – Mar 02: Arrival in Lhasa – Welcome to the Land of the Sky
Arrive in Lhasa, where our local Tibetan guide greets you with a traditional Hada ceremony – a white scarf symbolizing purity and blessings.
Transfer along a scenic 70 km highway to your hotel in the heart of the city. Take the rest of the day to rest and acclimatize to the altitude of 3,650m.
Overnight in Lhasa.


Day 2 – Mar 03: Drepung Monastery – Sera Monastery Debate
Morning visit to Drepung Monastery, once the largest in Tibet, where over ten thousand monks used to study. Explore its grand assembly halls and traditional monastic kitchens.
In the afternoon, experience the unique monk debate at Sera Monastery—a centuries-old intellectual tradition filled with dynamic gestures and rhythmic claps.
Overnight in Lhasa.


Day 3 – Mar 04: Potala Palace – Jokhang Temple – Barkhor Street
Morning visit to the Potala Palace, the architectural marvel and former residence of the Dalai Lamas. Climb its sacred 365 steps and admire ancient murals and golden stupas.
Continue to Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s most revered spiritual site, and join pilgrims walking the Barkhor Kora, surrounded by prayer wheels and the scent of incense.
End the day with a Tibetan sweet tea experience at a local teahouse.
Overnight in Lhasa.



Day 4 – Mar 05: Lhasa – Gyantse – Shigatse (Approx. 340 km)
Drive through breathtaking Himalayan landscapes. Stop at Yamdrok Lake (4,400m) – one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes, shimmering in turquoise hues beneath snow-capped peaks.
Visit a small lakeside village, enjoy a home-cooked local lunch, then continue via the Karola Glacier and the ancient town of Gyantse.
Arrive in Shigatse in the evening.
Overnight in Shigatse.



Day 5 – Mar 06: Shigatse – Tingri – Everest Base Camp
A day of awe and altitude. Travel along the G318 National Highway, passing peaceful villages and open plateaus toward Mount Everest.
Stop at Gawula Pass for a panoramic view of the Himalayas, where five peaks rise above 8,000 meters.
Reach Everest Base Camp by sunset to capture golden light painting the summit — an unforgettable moment for any photographer.
Overnight near Everest.


Day 6 – Mar 07: Everest Sunrise – Rongbuk Monastery – Return to Shigatse
Wake early to witness the sunrise over Mount Everest — a sacred and humbling sight.
Visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest monastery, offering a perfect composition of spirituality and grandeur beneath the Himalayan peaks.
Return to Shigatse via scenic mountain roads and end the day with a farewell Tibetan dinner.
Overnight in Shigatse.


Day 7 – Mar 08: Shigatse – Tashilhunpo Monastery – Lhasa
Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, home of the Panchen Lamas and famous for its 26-meter gilded Maitreya Buddha statue.
Enjoy the monastery’s serene courtyards and view over Shigatse before returning to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo Valley.
Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 8 – Mar 09: Lhasa – Kunming
Morning at leisure. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Kunming.
Overnight in Kunming.

End the journey
Day 9 – Mar 10: Kunming – Return to Vietnam
Free time in the morning before transferring to the airport for your flight home.
End of the journey – may your heart remain at peace, just as the skies above Tibet.
4./ INCLUDED SERVICES
Included:
- High-quality private vehicle throughout the itinerary
- 4-star local hotels (twin or double rooms)
- Meals as indicated in the program
- Professional English-speaking local guide with extensive experience and hospitality
- Entrance fees to all listed attractions
- On-site setup and photography arrangements as per itinerary
- Comprehensive travel insurance (coverage up to 30,000,000 VND/case)
- Tibet Autonomous Region travel permit
- Emergency oxygen supply
- Tips for the guide and driver (normally excluded, but included here to simplify costs as some meals are not pre-arranged)
Not Included:
- China visa fee (HN: USD 85 / SGN: USD 115)
- Round-trip airfare Vietnam – Kunming – Tibet (estimated around 14,000,000 VND)
- Personal expenses and beverages during meals
- Single room supplement: 2,500 RMB/person/8 nights
- Meals not listed in the itinerary (approx. USD 120–150, depending on personal preference; you may bring instant noodles or snacks if desired)
- Optional visits or private setups outside the official program
5./ REGISTRATION & PAYMENT
Registration:
Please confirm your participation by commenting on FirstClass Travel’s Facebook post with:
Full name – Phone number
or contact Mr. Trần Tiến Dũng via phone/Zalo/Viber: 0912851112 / 0987277394
Payment Method:
Cash or bank transfer to:
Account name: Trần Tiến Dũng
Account number: 0912851112
Bank: VPBank – Vietnam Prosperity Joint Stock Commercial Bank
Note:
When transferring, please include: Photo tour payment – Full name – Phone number
Remarks:
- Departure date may change depending on weather and group size.
- For single room requests, please notify us at least 5 days before departure.
6./ RECOMMENDED PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR & PERSONAL ITEMS
- Tripod
- Drone
- Shutter release cable or remote (plus extra batteries if needed)
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Wide and telephoto lenses
- Memory cards (with backups)
- Camera batteries and charger (bring at least one spare battery)
- Power adapters and multi-socket power strip