Tour Overview
The Changtang Shortcut offers a sweeping journey across Tibet’s northern plateau, combining the sacred sites of Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash with the remote beauty of the Changtang grasslands. Starting in Lhasa, the route passes through Shigatse and Saga, reaches Kailash and Manasarovar, then returns to Lhasa via the Northern West route, showcasing nomadic culture and high‑altitude lakes. This shorter version removes the Kailash Kora trek, giving travelers more time to enjoy the northern route at a comfortable pace.
Highlights
- Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
- Yamdrok Lake & Karola Glacier
- Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse
- Lake Manasarovar pilgrimage site
- Mount Kailash (viewing, no trek)
- Dangra Yumtso (sacred northern lake)
- Tsochen Lake & Changtang grasslands
- Namtso Lake, the “Sky Lake”
🗓️ Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Lhasa (3,595m) Transfer from airport (~65 km). Rest and acclimatize. Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 2 – Lhasa Sightseeing (3,650m) Visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street. Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 3 – Lhasa Sightseeing (3,650m) Explore Drepung and Sera Monasteries. Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 4 – Lhasa → Gyantse → Shigatse (3,840m) Distance: 365 km | 8–9 hrs. Via Yamdrok Lake (4,441m), Karola Glacier (5,010m), Gyantse Kumbum. Overnight in Shigatse.
Day 5 – Shigatse → Saga (4,640m) Distance: 480 km | 8–10 hrs. Overnight in Saga.
Day 6 – Saga → Lake Manasarovar (4,590m) → Darchen (4,670m) Distance: 542 km | 10–12 hrs. Cross Mayum‑La Pass (5,216m). Overnight in Darchen.
Day 7 – Lake Manasarovar & Mount Kailash Region (4,590m–4,670m) Pilgrimage visit to Lake Manasarovar. Scenic drive around Mount Kailash region (no trek). Overnight in Darchen.
Day 8 – Darchen → Paryang (4,600m) Distance: ~250 km | 6–7 hrs. Drive across Changtang grasslands. Overnight in Paryang.
Day 9 – Paryang → Nyima (4,700m) Distance: ~300 km | 7–8 hrs. Visit Dangra Yumtso Lake en route. Overnight in Nyima.
Day 10 – Nyima → Tsochen (4,600m) Distance: ~280 km | 6–7 hrs. Explore Tsochen Lake and nomadic settlements. Overnight in Tsochen.
Day 11 – Tsochen → Shenzha (4,700m) Distance: ~260 km | 6 hrs. Remote Changtang landscapes. Overnight in Shenzha.
Day 12 – Shenzha → Damshung (4,200m) Distance: ~280 km | 6–7 hrs. Overnight in Damshung.
Day 13 – Damshung → Namtso Lake (4,718m) → Lhasa (3,650m) Distance: ~250 km | 5 hrs. Visit Namtso Lake, then return to Lhasa. Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 14 – Departure (3,595m) Transfer to airport (~65 km). End of tour.
✅ Price Includes
- Tibet travel permits
- Licensed Tibetan English‑speaking guide
- Accommodation in Lhasa, Shigatse, Saga, Darchen, Changtang towns
- All monastery and temple entrance tickets
- Private transportation per itinerary
- Daily breakfast
- Environment bus tickets (Manasarovar, Namtso)
❌ Price Excludes
- Lunches & dinners
- International & domestic airfare
- Chinese visa fee
- Personal expenses (drinks, shopping, tips)
- Travel insurance
🌿 Why Choose This Tour?
- Shorter version of the Changtang Circuit for travelers with limited time
- Combines sacred pilgrimage with rugged adventure
- Unique Northern West return route through Changtang grasslands
- Encounters with nomadic culture and remote high‑altitude lakes
- Balanced acclimatization and comprehensive exploration of Tibet
