7 Days Splendid Nyingchi Lhasa Tour with Basum-tso Lake & Yamdrok Lake

Welcome to Nyingchi, often called the "Switzerland of Tibet". Upon arrival at Mainling Airport, your local tour guide will meet you at the arrival gate and escort you to your hotel in the city. The rest of the day is free for you to acclimatize to the altitude and explore the nearby surroundings at your own pace.

Free Time Suggestions: You may enjoy a relaxing stroll through Nyingchi Gongbu Park, where a serene lake with swimming ducks, lush greenery, and colorful flowers create a picturesque scene. In the evening, the park’s fountains are beautifully illuminated, and you might even catch local residents dancing nearby.

Travel Tips for Today: 1) There are daily flights to Nyingchi from Chengdu (about 2 hours), Chongqing (2.5 hours), Xi'an (3 hours), and Beijing (about 4 hours). 2) We highly recommend choosing a window seat on the left side of the plane, and you may catch breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayas, including the majestic Namjagbarwa Peak if the weather permits. 3) Though altitude sickness is rare here (average elevation: 3,100 meters), it's best to take it easy, avoid strenuous activity, and skip baths on your first night.

Wake up to a peaceful morning in Nyingchi, surrounded by fresh mountain air and serene landscapes.After breakfast, your tour guide and driver will pick you up and begin today's journey to discover why Nyingchi is known as the Tibetan Switzerland.

After driving about 50 km (1.5 hours), you’ll reach the Sejila Mountain Pass Observatory. On clear days, you may catch sight of the majestic Mount Namjagbarwa (7,782 m), soaring above the clouds with extraordinary grace. Known as one of China’s most beautiful peaks, it stands at the eastern end of the Himalayas, often shrouded in mist and mystery..

Continue driving westward, and soon the dense forest gives way to the vast greenery of Lulang Forest, one of Nyingchi’s most iconic natural wonders. Stop at the best viewing platform to take in a sweeping panorama of alpine meadows, snow-capped peaks, and rolling woodlands. The scenery here changes with the seasons, lush and vibrant in summer, golden and serene in autumn, each offering its own charm.

Then head to Lulang Town, a small but picturesque settlement nestled at the foot of the forest and surrounded by flower-filled meadows. Take a leisurely walk along the wooden boardwalk by Lulang Lake, where the tranquil water mirrors the mountains and clouds above. You can enjoy the calm atmosphere, the gentle sound of the wind, and the sight of a white pagoda standing gracefully in the distance, a perfect spot for quiet reflection and photography.

Then head to Lulang Passture, which is a magnificent high-altitude meadow (3,500m) spanning a 10km by 20km valley. Renowned for its ecological beauty—from fir forests and rhododendron seas to vast grazing lands—it offers vibrant flowers in spring, golden views in autumn, and winter skiing for a complete year-round experience.

After that, drive back to Nyingchi City. Have a good rest.

Tips for Today: 1) Mount Namjagbarwa is often hidden by clouds during July and August. 2) The altitude at Sejila Pass is relatively high, so walk slowly, avoid strenuous activity, and drink water frequently in small sips to stay comfortable. 3) A light jacket and sunglasses are recommended, as the weather can shift quickly from sunshine to mist in the mountain areas.

After breakfast, we begin our journey from Nyingchi to Lhasa, with a memorable stop at the breathtaking Basum-tso Lake. En route to the lake, you will pass by lush green rivers, dense forests, traditional Tibetan homes, and local farmlands where modern machinery can be seen at work.

After about a 30-minute drive, we'll reach Kadinggou, a scenic park renowned for its primeval forest and the Heavenly Buddha Waterfall, which plunges over 200 meters down a steep cliff. Within the mist, a naturally formed Buddha image appears and disappears, flanked by two guardian figures—adding a sense of mystery and sacredness to the scene. A short hike is required, but the refreshing air, birdsong, and the thunderous sound of falling water make it a truly delightful experience.

As we approach Basum-tso Lake, the scenery becomes increasingly captivating. Situated 3,500 meters above sea level, this pristine lake mirrors the snow-capped peaks and glaciers of the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains. A short hike leads to a viewing platform, where you can take in a stunning panoramic view of the turquoise waters. On clear days, the lake's surface shifts between brilliant emerald and deep sapphire hues as clouds drift overhead—creating a scene like scattered jewels.

After admiring the vista, you'll descend to the lakeshore and cross a bridge to the central island. Here, a small Nyingma-sect Tibetan monastery awaits. You may observe pilgrims and visitors circling the white pagoda and turning prayer wheels. The island is also known for its "Three Wonders": the Taobao Pine, the Treasure House of the Dragon King, and the Tiger Claw Marks—each adding a touch of mystery and legend to your visit.

After immersing yourself in the beauty of the lake, continue the scenic drive to Lhasa.You will arrive in the late afternoon, and you will have time to check in, unwind, and acclimatize to the city's serene atmosphere.

Today, you will explore Lhasa’s city and suburban attractions accompanied by your local guide, gaining deep insight into Tibetan history and culture. Your journey will begin at the Tibet Museum, where carefully curated exhibits trace the region’s past from the Paleolithic era to the rise of early civilization. Highlights include ancient stone tools and pottery, exquisite Buddhist statues, vivid Thangka paintings, and invaluable relics such as gold seals and traditional manuscripts. Next, visit Norbulingka, the summer palace of Lhasa. This expansive garden complex, filled with rare flowers and lush greenery, is often called the “Plateau Oxygen Bar.” Beyond its elegant Tibetan-style architecture, Norbulingka is also a vibrant cultural venue, hosting major Tibetan celebrations and performances, most notably the traditional shows during the annual Shoton Festival (June 30th in the Tibetan calendar, lasting about a week).

In the afternoon, head to Sera Monastery, one of Lhasa’s most renowned monasteries, famous for its daily Buddhist debating sessions. In the courtyard, monks engage in animated debates on Buddhist philosophy, using expressive gestures to sharpen understanding and deepen their studies-an unforgettable cultural experience. After enjoying the "Buddhism Debating", you will be transferred back to the city.

Optional Activity: If there is extra time, it is highly recommended to watch the outdoor live performance of Princess Wencheng at evening. Princess Wencheng Show, performed usually during 21:30~23:00 (late April to Early October), presents the Chinese and Tibetan history and culture through the story that Princess Wencheng of Tang Dynasty married Songtsen Gambo 1,300 year ago. Since the performance is outdoors and the nighttime temperatures in Lhasa are relatively low, please make sure to dress warmly in advance.

The Etiquette of Visiting Monastery: 1) you shouldn't wear short and uncover shoulders; 2) taking off your sunglasses and hat before entering the monastery; 3) taking photos and videos are usually not allowed inside the monastery.

Start today's cultural heritage journey from the Potala Palace Square, where you can admire the grandeur of Potala Palace and capture classic photos of its magnificent front facade. From here, continue to the landmark - Potala Palace, an outstanding symbol of Tibetan architecture mainly composed of the White Palace and the Red Palace with many cherished cultural heritages. After entering the gate of Potala Palace, you need to walk up about 30 minutes along the zigzag stone paths with white-and-red walls to the White Palace. Remember to ascend the steps slowly and take some stops for sightseeing and rest which will be helpful to reduce high altitude sickness. Then you will explore the palace in an orderly way from the White Palace to the Red Palace with explanations accompanied by your local guide. After exploring Potala Palace, enjoy a leisurely walk through Zongjiao Lukang Park, a scenic lakeside park located behind the palace. Here, you can experience authentic local life, often seeing Tibetans gathering for singing and dancing, chatting, exercising, and walking kora. On clear days, the lake also offers beautiful reflections of Potala Palace.

Continuing your exploration, you will then get to Jokhang Temple, widely regarded as the spiritual heart of Lhasa and the most sacred religious site in Tibet as it enshrines the revered Jowo Rinpoche, a life-sized (about 1.5 meters / 5 feet) statue of Shakyamuni Buddha depicting him at the age of twelve. In the square before the temple, you will witness devoted pilgrims performing full-body prostrations, gradually polishing the stone flagstones beneath them-a deeply moving and unforgettable sight. The day’s exploration concludes at Barkhor Street, the bustling circular street that surrounds Jokhang Temple. The local Tibetans usually walk clockwise on the street for several circles, as part of their daily pilgrimage. Lined with lively shops and stalls, Barkhor Street is also an excellent place to browse for traditional Tibetan handicrafts and local specialties, offering a vibrant glimpse into both the spiritual and everyday life of Lhasa.

Optional Activity: If your physical strength permits, you can take a short climb to the Chakpori Hill Viewing Platform, which is precisely the location featured on the back of China's fifth series 50-yuan banknote. From this platform, you can appreciate the terraced architecture of Potala Palace ascending the mountainside.

Tips of today: 1) Potala Palace (3,700m) is situated at a higher elevation than the average city altitude (3,650m) and requires climbing many steps, so please walk slowly and take breaks as needed; 2) taking photos, videos and wearing hats are not allowed in the palace; 3) please bring some water, a hat, sun cream, and sun glasses with you.

After a delightful breakfast, depart from the city of Lhasa and embark on a scenic drive toward Yamdrok Lake, located approximately 110 kilometers (about 2 hours of driving) south of the holy city. As you leave the urban landscape behind, immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Yarlung Tsangpo River Valley (4,280m), illuminated by the golden morning sunlight.

Your journey will take you across the Gambala Pass, which rises to an altitude of 5,030 meters, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges. From here, you will descend into the serene and sacred Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet's most iconic natural landmarks. As the largest freshwater lake in the northern Himalayas, Yamdrok Lake stretches over 675 square kilometers, extending from south to north. Revered by Tibetans as the "Turquoise Earrings of the Goddess," the lake is renowned for its mesmerizing color and mystical beauty.

Four Viewing Platforms of Yamdrok Lake:

• No. 1 Gambala Peak Viewing Platform (4,998m): The first and most elevated viewpoint on your journey is at the Gambala Peak Viewing Platform. This panoramic vantage point offers a sweeping view of Yamdrok Lake from a lofty height. From here, you can appreciate the lake's immense size and its breathtaking turquoise color, contrasting with the rugged, snow-capped peaks that surround it.
• No. 2 Langbuqi Viewing Platform (4,677m): After descending from the No. 1 Viewing Platform, head toward the No. 2 Viewing Platform. Here, the lake's surface glistens in various shades of blue, from deep turquoise to pale aqua, depending on the time of day and angle of view. It is a sight that seems to change with every passing moment, presenting a dreamlike atmosphere.
• No. 3 Zhamalong Village Lakeside Viewing Platform (4,441m): Continue down to the No. 3 Viewing Platform, from where you can reach the lakeshore through an underground pathway. Here, the lake’s surface reflects the surrounding mountains like a giant mirror with tranquil and serene atmosphere. This vantage point is perfect for capturing the lake's stunning details and colors up close.
• No. 4 Quse Village Lakeside Viewing Platform (4,441m): If you still have time and energy, you can continue to the No. 4 Viewing Platform. This spot offers a unique perspective, allowing you to observe the ever-changing colors of the lake against the backdrop of traditional Tibetan architecture.

After soaking in the mesmerizing views of Yamdrok Lake, you will take a special visit to Dadong Village. Here you will visit a local Tibetan family to explore the real Tibetan life. You will be warmly welcomed by the hosts at the entrance and greeted with a white khata, then ride a horse to reach the home of local Tibetans. This activity will offer you a great opportunity to get immerse contact with the Tibetan family, chat with the friendly and hospitable host, taste home-made buttered tea, enjoy authentic local Tibetan cuisine...

After leaving Dadong village, you will return to the hotel in Lhasa city. Have a good rest!

Today is free for you until your tour guide and private driver transfer you to the airport in time for your flight or drop you off at Lhasa train station.

Tips of today: 1) please pack your luggage carefully, especially for small things like camera charger, power adaptor, mobile phone, phone charger, wallet and towel; 2) if your flight is arranged in the afternoon, please make sure you check out the hotel before 12 PM.