Tour Overview
This grand circuit is the most comprehensive journey across Tibet’s northern plateau. Starting in Lhasa, it traverses Central Tibet’s cultural heartlands, reaches the sacred sites of Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash, continues west to the ancient Guge Kingdom and Ali region, then loops back to Lhasa via the Northern West route through Ge’gyai, Wenbu, Bango, Shenzha, and Nagchu. It combines pilgrimage, history, and wilderness — offering travelers the deepest immersion into Tibet’s culture and landscapes.
Highlights
- Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
- Yamdrok Lake & Karola Glacier
- Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse
- Lake Manasarovar pilgrimage site
- Mount Kailash (viewing, no trek)
- Guge Kingdom ruins at Tsaparang
- Tholing Monastery in Ali region
- Ge’gyai, Wenbu, Bango — remote Changtang towns
- Dangra Yumtso (sacred northern lake)
- Shenzha wetlands & bird habitats
- Nagchu nomadic culture hub
- Namtso Lake, the “Heavenly 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 → Tsaparang (Guge Kingdom) (3,700m) Distance: ~280 km | 6–7 hrs. Visit Guge ruins. Overnight in Tsaparang.
Day 9 – Guge Kingdom Exploration (3,700m) Full day exploring Tsaparang ruins and Tholing Monastery in Ali. Overnight in Tsaparang.
Day 10 – Tsaparang → Ali (Shiquanhe) → Ge’gyai (4,500m) Distance: ~320 km | 7–8 hrs. Overnight in Ge’gyai.
Day 11 – Ge’gyai → Wenbu (4,600m) Distance: ~280 km | 6–7 hrs. Overnight in Wenbu.
Day 12 – Wenbu → Bango (4,600m) Distance: ~260 km | 6 hrs. Overnight in Bango.
Day 13 – Bango → Shenzha (4,700m) Distance: ~280 km | 6–7 hrs. Explore wetlands and bird habitats. Overnight in Shenzha.
Day 14 – Shenzha Exploration (4,700m) Day to explore Changtang landscapes and nomadic culture. Overnight in Shenzha.
Day 15 – Shenzha → Nagchu (4,500m) Distance: ~280 km | 6–7 hrs. Overnight in Nagchu.
Day 16 – Nagchu → Damshung (4,200m) Distance: ~250 km | 5–6 hrs. Overnight in Damshung.
Day 17 – Damshung → Namtso Lake (4,718m) → Lhasa (3,650m) Distance: ~250 km | 5 hrs. Visit Namtso Lake, then return to Lhasa. Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 18 – 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, Tsaparang, Ali, 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?
- The most comprehensive Changtang journey, including Guge Kingdom & Ali
- Combines sacred pilgrimage with rugged adventure and ancient history
- Unique Northern West return route through Ge’gyai, Wenbu, Bango, Shenzha, and Nagchu
- Encounters with nomadic culture, wildlife, and remote high‑altitude lakes
- Balanced acclimatization and deep exploration of Tibet’s frontier
