TIBET: A GLIMPSE OF THE EAST 7 days
Lhasa – Ganden – Basum Tso – Bayi – Lunang– Nyingchi Airport
A trip east from Lhasa offers views of snow-capped mountains and deep river gorges. The colours of this region are quite different from other parts of Tibet. Samye, Tibet’s first monastery on the banks of the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) and the temples, tombs and forts of the Yarlung Valley.
day 1: Arrive Lhasa & transfer to hotel.
day 2: Lhasa sightseeing: visit Drepung, Nechung & Sera
day 3: Lhasa sightseeing: visit Potala, Jokhang -Barkhor.
day 4: drive via Ganden to Basum Tso (Draksun Tso)
day 5: spend the morning at Basum Tso – visit the temple on the island and a nearby village. In the afternoon head to Bayi
day 6: A day trip to Lunang Forest area and Tashigang village – try your hand at archery or horse riding. Incredible scenery including Namche Barwa.
day 7: departure from Nyingchi Airport
**This can also be added as an extension to any central Tibet or Everest loop
THE BEST of EAST TIBET: Mountains, Valleys, Forests & Lakes 14 days
Lhasa – Reting – Namtso – Nakchu – Sok – Tengchen – Riwoche – Chamdo – Rawok – Pome – Lunang – Nyingchi
A trip in which you will experience the full drama and diversity of the Tibetan landscape – snowcapped mountains, vast grasslands, pristine lakes, thick forests …
The route from Sok to Riwoche is lined by dozens of small temples and monasteries – visit all or few depending on your interests. You will be sincerely welcomed at them all – much of this route (Nakchu to Rawok) has been closed to foreigners since 2012, just reopening in 2024 so you won’t encounter many other travellers.
day 1: Arrive Lhasa & transfer to hotel.
day 2: Lhasa sightseeing: visit Drepung, Nechung & Sera
day 3: Lhasa sightseeing: visit Potala, Jokhang -Barkhor.
day 4: via Reting to Damxung
day 5: visit Namtso – to Nakchu
day 6: to Sok – visit Dzong
day 7: to Tengchen – visit Tengchen Gompa
day 8: to Riwoche & visit
day 9: Chamdo & visit Kalden Jampaling
day 10: to Rawok Lake passing Chamdo Bangda Airport (was the highest in the world until 2013 – now #2 at 4334m)
day 11: morning at the lake & glaciers – to Pome
day 12: via Lunang Forest & Serkhyim-la pass to Nyingchi
day 13: explore Nyingchi area – Monasteries, sacred Bon sites & monasteries …
day 14: to Nyingchi Airport & depart
** OR return to Lhasa via Basum Tso & Ganden or visa Samye & the Yarlung valley.
EASTERN TIBET: Land of the Bon 10 days
Nyingchi – Lunang – Pomi – Rawok – Bayi – Basum Tso – Ganden – Lhasa
East of Lhasa, the confluence of the Nyang chu and Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) rivers is a particularly sanctified area with numerous sites of importance to the Bon tradition, including the Bon sacred mountain.
Beyond Nyingchi the road climbs to cross the Serkhym-la (4515m); then skirts the great mountains of Namche Barwa (7782m) and Gyala Pelri (7294m) with the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) passing between them before its great curve south into India. The views are spectacular!
Pass the stunning highland forests and pastures around Lunang and Tangme to Pomi – backed by snow-capped mountains this is some of the most fertile land of Tibet and attracts swarms of birds in summer.
day 1: Arrive at Nyingchi Airport – transfer to Bayi
day 2: Nyingchi area – visits depending on your personal interests including temples, mountain viewpoints, villages …
day 3: drive from Nyingchi to Pomi via Lunang Forest and Tashigang Village.
day 4: to Rawok – visit Rawok Lake
day 5: After sunrise at Rawok Lake return to Bayi
day 6: to Basum Tso, following the Nyang Chu – longest tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo. Basum Tso is reputedly the abode of King Gesar’s spirit and is an important pilgrimage site.
day 7: drive to Lhasa vstopping at Ganden on the way
day 8: Lhasa sightseeing – visit Drepung, Nechung & Sera (Norbulinga is also an option)
day 9: Lhasa sightseeing – visit Potala Palace, Jokhang and the Barkhor.
day 10: transfer to Lhasa airport
EAST TIBET OVERLAND: From Chengdu or Yunnan 12+ days
The South Road (318): Chengdu – Kangding – Litang – Batang – Markham – Rawok – Pomi – Nyingchi – Basum Tso – Ganden – Lhasa
A great and unbelievably beautiful route. Cross the Yangzi, Mekong & Salween Rivers; marvel at the power of the Brahmaputra. There are high passes, deep gorges, lakes & glaciers …The journey through these breathtaking landscapes also takes you through the cultures of many diverse ethnic groups, each with their unique customs and traditions. Encounter Tibetan nomads, the colorful Naxi people, and other indigenous communities as you travel along the ancient Tea Horse Road. This route also provides an opportunity to explore remote areas and hidden gems of Tibet that are often missed by mainstream tourism. Whether you end your journey in Lhasa or continue your adventure overland to Kathmandu, this unforgettable experience is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Your Tibet vehicle and guide must pick you up from Batang, Dege or Dechen (of course they can come to Chengdu, just letting you know that you are permitted to travel in the Tibetan areas of Sichuan unaccompanied). They have come from Lhasa so be aware their outbound trip is included in the cost.
Options:
The North Road (317): Chengdu – Ganse – Dege – Chamdo – Riwoche – Tengchen – Sok – Nakchu – Lhasa
The Yunnan Route: Shangri-La – Dechen – Markham – Rawok – Pomi – Nyingchi – Basum Tso – Ganden – Lhasa
Shigatse Travels Tibet 