6-Day Classic Tibet: Lhasa to Shigatse Journey
The Sacred Path through the heart of Tibet.
Overview
This six-day classic route is ideal for first-time visitors who want to experience Tibetan culture, Himalayan landscapes, and ancient monasteries without venturing to extreme altitudes. Starting and ending in Lhasa, the journey crosses the Kambala Pass for panoramic views of Yamdrok Lake before continuing to Gyantse and Shigatse.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa
Your guide will greet you at Gonggar Airport and escort you to Lhasa city, a 100-km drive of about 90 minutes. Along the way, keep eyes out for the Nie Tang Buddha—an immense Buddha figure serenely carved into the cliff face. On arrival in Lhasa, the rest of the day is free to rest and begin acclimatizing. Overnight in Lhasa (3650m)
Day 2: Lhasa Highlight
The first day of sightseeing begins with Lhasa’s cardinal landmark, the Potala Palace. Although its majestic silhouette frequently appears in various contexts, witnessing it for the first time still inspires profound awe. Visits to the palace's halls, chambers, and chapels are strictly limited to one hour. Around 2km east of the Potala Palace stands the Tibet's most sacred religious edifice—the Jokhang Temple. Bustling with worshippers and shrouded in mystery, the temple offers an incomparable experience. The quadrangle of streets surrounding the Jokhang Temple is known as the Barkhor – Lhasa’s most evocative pilgrimage circuit. This ancient quarter serves as both the spiritual heart of Lhasa and the main commercial hub for Tibetan communities. Overnight in Lhasa (3650m)
Day 3: Lhasa Monasteries
About 8km west of central Lhasa is the Drepung Monastery, once the world’s largest monastery with around 10,000 monks. Today’s sightseeing begins with these white monastic buildings, which are piled up on the hillside. Walking up to the hill is pleasant and provides an easy break from the solemn atmosphere inside the halls and chapels. From the plat roof of hillside, you will enjoy spectacular views of the whole of Lhasa city and the distant mountains. Situated approximately 5 km north of Lhasa city centre, Sera Monastery stands as one of the two major Gelugpa monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism, alongside Drepung Monastery. Sera may not be as grandiose as Drepung, but is more serene surrounded by many small temples. The “Buddhism Scriptures Debating” in Sera is very famous. Overnight in Lhasa (3650m)
Day 4: Lhasa-Yamdroktso-Shigatse. (380km, about 8 hours’ driving)
Yamdroktso(4441m), one of Tibet’s three holiest lakes, is located 110km outside of Lhasa. In the fresh morning air, you’re on your way to this lake. The road is mostly mountainous, winding and bumpy, and somewhat thrilling. After about three and half hours of driving and climbing over the snowy Kambala Pass(5030m), the dazzling Yamdroktso lies just a few hundred meters below the road. On a clear day, it is a fabulous shade of deep turquoise. In the distance, you will see the huge massif of Mt. Nojin Kangtsang(7191m). After descending from the mountain, there’s about 30km road alongside lake, with barley fields on the opposite side. A stroll by the lake is an absolute delight. Leaving Yamdroktso is as spectacular as arriving, since you’ll cross the 5045m Karola Pass, which boasts awesome roadside views of the Nojin Kangtsang Glacier (Karola Glacier). Still invigorated by the glaciers, you will reach Gyantse in about 90km. Here, the 35-meter-high stupa within Pelkor Monastery houses over 100,000 exquisite murals and sculptures. Famously known as the 'Kumbum' — or 'One Hundred Thousand Images' — these sacred artworks are distributed across multiple tiers, filling every chapel and corridor. Such a vast collection is exceptionally rare, making this architectural wonder one of Tibet’s most remarkable treasures Overnight in Shigatse (3850m)
Day 5: Shigatse-Lhasa. (280km, about 5 hours’ driving)
While the magnificent exterior of Tashilhunpo leaves you gasping in admiration, the interior of this monastery offers a more tranquil and sincere religious experience. Close to Tashilhunpo is the Old Town of Shigatse, which is a great place to wander around. The nicely decorated Tibetan houses and interesting markets and bazaars give you a vivid picture of the local people's lives. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive back to Lhasa, following the majestic Yarlung Tsangpo River. Overnight in Lhasa (3650m).
Day 6: Leave Lhasa. Pack your luggage and prepare to leave. Your guide
will take you to the airport and help you board the plane. Say goodbye to Tibet and fly out.