It began in the 16th century with a banquet given by the lay people for the monks featuring yoghurt. Later on, Summer operas, or "Lhamo" in Tibetan, and theatricals were added to the festivities. The operas, "last all day with clashing cymbals, bells and drums; piercing recitatives punctuating more melodious choruses; hooded villains, leaping devils, swirling girls with long silk sleeves.  Dancers came from all over Tibet Dancing troupe."

 

 

 

As being the overland route connecting Lhasa, Tibet with Everest’s North Face Base Camp is one of the most beautiful and amazing land routes in Asia. Covering a distance of over 1000 kilometers, this journey will take us from the modern Tibetan capital of Lhasa to pristine high altitude lakes, rivers, glaciers, farming valleys and through the Himalaya’s to Everest Base Camp. At Everest Base Camp, we will get up close to the world’s highest peak.

Itinerary

Aug.28:

Activities: Arrival in Lhasa(3650m)

Arrive in Lhasa either by train or flight, transfer to hotel in Lhasa.

Overnight in Lhasa

Aug29:

Activities: Lhasa tour

This morning, we will head to the Potala Palace and explore the grandest of its myriad rooms. Later visit the Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s holiest temple. Wander through the Barkhor, Lhasa’s old market. 

Overnight in Lhasa.

Aug.30:

Activities: Lhasa tour (B) Shoton Festival，Drepung Monastery, Norbulingka

This day you will enjoy the Shoton Festival in Lhasa. You have to get up before dawn to go to Drepung Monastery, where you will be able to enjoy the begining of the Shoto Festival, the exhibition of a massive Budda thanka tapestry that covers the entire hillside. Visitors will be inspired by the tranquil religious atmosphere consiting of huge throngs of spectators, Senior Lamas and monks chanting sutras while deep piercing bellows from two giant horns combines to create a unique atmosphere. The festival is celebrated in the summer, from the 15th to the 24th of the 5th Lunar month, usually about the middle of August, after a month's retreat by the monks who stay within their monasteries to avoid walking on the emerging summer insects and killing them.

In the afternoon you will go to Norbulingka summer palace of the Dalai Lama, where local people spend their day with family picnicking happily, tents mushroom every corner of the palace you will experience how Tibetan people spend their festival. Professional and amateur Tibetan opera troupes annually gather in the Norbulingka and perform various Tibetan operas. The operas "Lhamo in Tibetan" last all day with clashing cymbals, bells and drums; piercing recitatives punctuating more melodious choruses; hooded villains, leaping devils, swirling girls with long silk sleeves.

Overnight in Lhasa

Aug.31:

Activities: Lhasa (3650m)- Lake Yamdrok-Karo Glacier-Gyantse(3950m) -Shigatse

After leaving the city of Lhasa, about hundred kilometers, you will appreciate the holy Lake of Yamdrok Yumtso. Drive to historical city Gyantse. On the way, we can see the Karola Glacier. Visit Pelkhor monastery for its famous Kumbum Pagoda, the only one which contains different Tibetan Buddhist sects in Tibet. We continue driving towards Shigatse.

Overnight at hotel in Shigatse.

Sep.01:

Activities: Tashi Lhunpo Monastery-Sakya Monastery


In the Morning, you will visit the famous Tash Lhunpo monastery where you can see the well-preserved largest indoor bronze statue of Jampa (future Buddha) in the world. This monastery is the seat of Tibet's second highest incarnation, the Panchen Lama. In the afternoon we will drive to the Sakya County where tourists can visit the famous Sakya monastery. It was founded in 1073 and was the principal monastery of the Sakya sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

Overnight in Sakya

Sep.02:

Activities:  Sakya (4300m) to Everest Base Camp (5200m)–Rongbuk monastery

Leaving Sakya for Rongbuk Monastery early in the morning, arrive in Shegar, a small town before arriving Rongbuk Monastery, along the way pass many small communities and Along the way, cross the Gyatso La Pass, which rises above 5000 meters and the Pang La pass, which rises to 5050 meters. From the Pang La pass, you get a sweeping view of the Himalaya’s where you can see 5 of the world highest mountains, including Mt. Everest.

Overnight at Rongpuk Guest House or Tent

Sep.03:

Activities: Everest Base Camp (EBC5200m) return to Shigatse (3900m)

In the morning, you can see the sunrise appearing on the top of Mt. Everest, and have a full view the magnificent Mt. Everest standing like a snow-capped pyramid in front of you at Rongpuk, which is the vantage point for watching Mt. Everest. After then，drive back to Shigatse.

Overnight in Shigatse

Sep.04:

Activities:  Shigatse(3900m)to Lhasa(3650m)(B)

After breakfast return Lhasa, en route visit Nyimo Tibetan incense products, get in touch with local incense producers. Rest of the day will be at your leisure.

Overnight stay at Lhasa

Sep.05:

Activities: Transfer to Airport (B)

The guide will transfer you to the airport or train station and help you get on board.