Western Tibet

Day 1 – Arrival in Xining & Boarding the Qinghai–Tibet Train

Arrive in Xining, the gateway to the plateau, and take a short orientation through the city’s markets and the famed Ta’er (Kumbum) Monastery—an important centre of Tibetan Buddhist learning with ornate chapels and vivid murals.

In the evening we board the legendary Qinghai–Tibet Railway. Settle into your cabin, watch the landscape flatten into plateaus, and feel the train climb toward the world’s highest rail line. Overnight on the train gives you your first taste of the thin, crystalline air.

Overnight on the Qinghai–Tibet train

Day 2 – Across the Plateau: Highland Landscapes

Spend the day on the train as the land unrolls: salt lakes mirror the sky, herds of Tibetan antelope graze on steppe, and prayer flags dot the passes. Our guides provide an induction to high-altitude travel and practical acclimatization tips while you rest and absorb the enormity of the plateau.

Late afternoon arrival into Lhasa. Transfer to your hotel and take the evening slow—sip tea, rest, and prepare for cultural immersion ahead.

Overnight in Lhasa

Day 3 – Lhasa: Potala Palace & Jokhang Temple

Begin the morning at Potala Palace, a towering symbol of Tibetan spiritual and political life. Wander its chapels, prayer halls, and terraces, then descend into the bustling Barkhor circuit to experience market life and devotion around Jokhang Temple.

Afternoon: explore hidden lanes, try local snacks, and enjoy time for gentle acclimatisation. Evening: optional visit to a traditional butter-lamp ceremony or a quiet stroll beneath prayer flags.

Overnight in Lhasa

Day 4 – Lhasa: Monastic Life & Sera Debate

This morning we visit Sera Monastery to witness the lively monks’ debate—an intimate, dramatic display of study and tradition unique to Tibetan monastic life. Afterwards enjoy a slower afternoon visiting local workshops and galleries, or relax at the hotel while you continue to acclimatize.

Evening: meet with our local guide for a briefing on the coming highland drives and Everest logistics.

Overnight in Lhasa

Day 5 – Gyantse: Pelkor Chode & Kumbum Stupa

Depart Lhasa and drive across broad plateaus toward Gyantse, crossing high passes and turquoise lakes along the way. On arrival, explore Pelkor Chode Monastery and the atmospheric Kumbum Stupa, whose chapels reveal a maze of Buddhist art and iconography.

Take in the panoramic views from the town’s ridge at sunset, and sample hearty local cuisine before turning in.

Overnight in Gyantse

Day 6 – Shigatse: Tashilhunpo Monastery

Continue to Shigatse, Tibet’s second city and home to the great Tashilhunpo Monastery, seat of the Panchen Lama. Walk its courtyards, view the imposing gilded statues, and observe the rhythm of daily devotion among the monks and local pilgrims.

Afternoon: time for a market stroll and to prepare for the long drive toward the Himalaya foothills the next day.

Overnight in Shigatse

Day 7 – Approaching Everest: Tingri & Mountain Vistas

Today we drive south and west toward the foothills of Everest, crossing sweeping plains and high passes that reveal growing glimpses of towering peaks. We stop for photographs at classic viewpoints, watch yak caravans cross the road, and feel the air edge cooler and thinner.

Arrive in the Rongbuk Monastery region in the late afternoon. A final briefing and an early night—tomorrow is an alpine sunrise to remember.

Overnight in Rongbuk

Day 8 – Everest Base Camp Sunrise & Rongbuk Monastery

Rise before dawn and make your way to Everest Base View site (the classic viewpoint near Rongbuk Monastery) to witness the first rays of sunlight illuminate the summit, a breathtaking spectacle of stone, ice, and sky.

Return to the monastery to absorb its austere beauty and make prayers guided by the local monks.

Spend the afternoon at your own pace: wander the base camp, take in the serene high-altitude atmosphere at 5,200 meters, or embark on optional short treks around the camp with a spectacular views of Everest.

Overnight in Rongbuk

Day 9 – Transfer Day

Today marks a transition day:

• For travelers concluding the first week (Everest Base Camp trek), we begin the descent toward Lhasa, crossing sweeping plateaus and high passes as the mountains gradually recede behind you. Evening arrival in Lhasa: unwind in the city’s historic quarter, stroll the vibrant lanes of Durbar Square, and enjoy a celebratory meal reflecting on your journey across the Roof of the World. This marks the conclusion of your expedition. A transfer to Lhasa Airport for onward flights is provided the following morning.

• For travelers joining the second week (Western Tibet / Ali loop), you will have spent the past couple of days in Lhasa, acclimating and exploring independently. Today marks the first day of guided expedition for this group, who will be transferred from Lhasa to Shigatse (~300 km), where you will meet your expedition guides and fellow travellers. The afternoon is free to rest and prepare for the week ahead.

• Begin in Xining, exploring markets and the Ta’er (Kumbum) Monastery before boarding the legendary Qinghai–Tibet Railway, crossing plateaus, salt lakes, and grazing antelope en route to Lhasa.

• In Lhasa, visit the iconic Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor market, and witness Tibetan culture in workshops, galleries, and a traditional butter-lamp ceremony.

• Experience monastic life with the Sera Monastery debate, gaining insight into study and ritual practices.

• Drive across high plateaus to Gyantse and Shigatse, exploring Pelkor Chode, Kumbum Stupa, and Tashilhunpo Monastery.

• Journey toward Everest via Tingri, soaking in sweeping plains, yak caravans, and alpine passes.

• Witness sunrise at Everest Base Camp near Rongbuk Monastery, experience high-altitude trekking, and immerse in the serene plateau landscape at 5,200 m.

• Conclude with a return to Lhasa or continue onto western Tibet, reflecting on the awe-inspiring landscapes, Tibetan culture, and spiritual heritage encountered along the Roof of the World.