18 Days Xizang Ali North Line Private Tour

In the morning, your Tibetan guide and driver will meet you and the other group member at hotel lobby then start from downtown Lhasa and first visit the Potala Palace, which is not only the political, religious and cultural center of Tibet but also the holy land of Tibetan Buddhism. History of Potala Palace or ancient castle The Potala Palace is located on the Maburi Mountain (Red Mountain) in the northwest of Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China. The Potala Palace was built under the leadership of Songtsen Gampo, the 33rd Tibetan king of Tubo, in 631 AD. However, with the disintegration of the Tubo Kingdom, it suffered severe damage due to natural and man-made disasters. In 1645, the Fifth Dalai Lama rebuilt the Potala Palace to consolidate the political and religious unity of the Ganden Pohang region, and continued to expand it until it reached its current size. The Potala Palace was designed and built according to the layout of Buddhist mandalas, covering a total area of over 360000 square meters and a total construction area of over 130000 square meters. The main building is 117 meters high and has 13 floors. It is a large palace style architectural complex with 1267 rooms, including palaces, stupas, Buddhist halls, administrative offices, monk schools, and monk houses. The main works of the building have two systems: the White House and the Red Palace. The White House is the place where the Dalai Lamas of past dynasties govern and live. The Red Palace is the place for religious activities and the place where the Dalai Lamas of past dynasties worship their stupas. The building form of the White House around the Red Palace reflects the social system of the integration of politics and religion in old Tibet. After 1959, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council attached great importance to the maintenance and protection of the Potala Palace, and allocated maintenance funds throughout the year. Two phases of maintenance were carried out in 1988 and 2001. On March 4, 1961, the Potala Palace was announced by the State Council of the People's Republic of China as the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units. In 1994, the Potala Palace was listed as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO. Potala Palace is the winter palace of all previous Dalai Lamas, and also the ruling center of the integration of politics and religion of Tibet’s m local rulers in the past. Since the fifth Dalai Lama, major religious and political ceremonies have been held here. At the same time, it is a place to worship the spiritual tower of all previous Dalai Lamas. Afternoon we will go to Jokhang Temple to experience the strong religious atmosphere. Then we will stroll along Barkhor Street, taste authentic Tibetan cuisine, and purchase handicrafts. In the evening, you can go to see the night view of the majestic Potala Palace to enjoy the beautiful night walk. History of Jokhang temple Jokhang Temple, located in Lhasa, Tobey Autonomous Region, is a central Tibetan Buddhist temple and also a central of the universe too. It was founded in 647 A.D. by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to commemorate Princess Wencheng's entry into Tibet. Jokhang Temple has a long history of more than 1300 years. It is one of the most splendid existing buildings in Tibet during the Tibetan period and the earliest civil structure building in Tibet. The temple was originally called "Rasa", later evolved into "Lhasa", and eventually became the name of the city. Jokhang Temple is not only a Buddhist temple, but also a three-dimensional representation of the ideal model of the universe in Buddhism - the mandala. The architectural style of Jokhang Temple combines the characteristics of Tibetan, Tang, Nepalese, and Indian architecture, and is a model of Tibetan religious architecture. There are statues of Shakyamuni and other figures enshrined in the temple, as well as statues of Songtsen Gampo, Princess Chizun, and Princess Wencheng. The temple has undergone multiple expansions and modifications, especially during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, forming its current scale. Jokhang Temple is not only a pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists, but also a sacred temple revered by various sects. The "Golden Urn Lottery" ceremony for the reincarnation of Gelug Living Buddhas has always been held here. ‌Breakfast Overnight at Lhasa

After the breakfast our driver and guide will pick you up from hotel and drive to the monasteries. Today, you will visit Drepung and Sera monastery from morning around 9:00 to 5:00 pm. Both of monasteries offering a unique insight into Tibetan Buddhism. And will also have local food taste from the monastery restaurant. History of Drepung Gompa Drepung monastery is one of the six major monasteries of Gelukpa order. Drepung, Ganden and Sera Monastery are known as the three major and highest ranking monasteries in Lhasa. It was once one of the world’s largest monastery where in the pass day there were over 10,000 monks who studies as well as lives in there. It was a town itself at time Drepung is Tibetan name which means heap of rice. It is located in a valley on the southern slope of Mount Genpuwuzi, about 8 kilometers to the west of central of Lhasa city. It was founded in 1416 by the Jamgyang Choejee Tashi Paldan the disciple of the founder of the Yellow Sect, Tsongkhapa master. There are countless halls in Drepung monastery with the most famous being the "Jampa Thongdorl" hall in religious terms and the most important being the "Ganden Potang" hall in political terms. The "Jampa Thongdrol " (Maitreya Sees Liberation) Hall is located on the northwest side of the third floor of the Tsochen Hall. Although it is not large in scale, it is famous for its main statue of Maitreya at the age of eight. A continuous stream of believers came to worship. Inside the hall, there is also the precious treasure of the temple - the white conch was bless by the Budhha Shayakmuni when he was in India . When Tsongkhapa ordered Jamyang Choejee Tashi Paldan to build the Drepung Monastery, he would hand over the white seashells personally excavated by Tsongkhapa before the construction of Ganden Monastery to Tashi Paldan and wish the temple a success. This collection of seashells has always been kept in the Maitreya Hall. There are also six main scripture halls in the temple: 1. Ganden Podang Chapel 2. Tsochen Hall 3. Tantric Monastery 4. Losaling collage 5. Guomang collage 6. Deyang collage. After around 3 hour’s visiting of the Drepung Gompa will have a 1 hour lunch time for locate taste from the monastery restaurant then drive to next scenic spots. The most interesting thing in the Sera Gompa is Buddhist philosophy debate. The debate venue of Sera Monastery is part of the traditional learning method of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism, and the debate ceremony starts at 3 pm to 5 pm from Monday to Friday. When debating scriptures, monks usually sit on the ground while another stands across from them, exaggerating their movements to debate the scriptures. This is a discussion of Buddhist knowledge and also a way for lamas to learn. The debate ceremony of Sera Monastery is well-known in Tibetan areas and attracts many tourists to visit. Except for special holidays, the debate venue holds debate activities from Monday to Friday, giving visitors the opportunity to witness this unique form of religious learning firsthand. History of Sera Gompa Sera Monastery, also known as Sera Mahayana Monastery, is one of the six main monasteries of the Gelug sect in Tibetan Buddhism. Along with Drepung monastery and Ganden monastery, it is known as one of the three major temples in Lhasa and is the latest one built among them. Sera Monastery is a national key cultural relic protection unit, located at the foot of Sera Uzi Mountain, 3 kilometers north of central part of Lhasa city. It is surrounded by willow forests and has been a place for high monks and living Buddhas to preach since ancient times. There are many small monasteries for monks and nuns surrounding it. In the 17th year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty (1419), Jamchen Shakya Yeshi, a disciple of Tsongkhapa master, built it, which was completed in the 9th year of the Xuande reign of the Ming Dynasty (1434). Later, Jamchen Shakya Yeshi was summoned to Beijing and granted the title of Great Compassionate Dharma King. After returning to Tibet, the imperial bestowed sutras and statues were preserved in the temple and still exist today. At its peak, there were over 8000 monks in the monastery, slightly smaller in scale than the Drepung Monastery. There are tens of thousands of Vajra statues in the Sera Gompa, most of which are made locally in Tibet. There are also many bronze Buddha statues brought from mainland China or India. The walls of the main hall and various Tazang scripture halls preserve a large number of original colored murals. The most famous statue is the " Protector Hayagriwa " statue in the main hall. The main buildings include Tsochen (Assembly Hall), Jee Tazang, Mai Tazang, Ngapa Tazang, and 32 Kang Tsan villages. The early buildings were centered around Mai Tazang and Ngapa Tazang , and were later expanded and renovated throughout history to have the current scale, so there was no overall plan for the layout. But the architecture of Sera Monastery is dense but not crowded, diverse but not chaotic, tailored to local conditions, with a prominent main body, reflecting the unique style of Gelugpa monasteries, and is entirely a religious city. Overnight at Lhasa hotel. Breakfast, Lunch

Today we are leaving Lhasa to Mt. Everest base camp via Yamdrok lake, ancient town Gyantse, the highland barley seeds store room of Tibet Shigate. We need to bring all our luggage and go to discovering new experiences and wonders on the way to Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse and Mt.Everest base camp. It is the best choice to travelers who like to know different Tibetan cultural and take photos in Tibet. We can see an awesome landscape out side of Lhasa city around 50 Km and will reach top of the Khampala and can view the full sight of Yamdrok Lake. It is located in Nangkar tse County in the Shannan region of Tibet, less than 100 kilometers away from Lhasa and is called the three holy lakes in Tibet together with Namtso and Manasarovar. Unique location, south of the mountain; The beauty of lakes and mountains is unparalleled in southern Tibet. The Yamdrok Yongtso Lake is the sacred lake in the hearts of local Tibetans, and it is also a must see tourist landscape in Tibet. It gives people a clear and ethereal, dreamlike atmosphere. By driving along the Lake and villages we will be at our lunch place for an hour. Then keep drive to ancient city by crossing several interesting villages, high pass, Glacier, monastery, 100,000 statue of stupa, canola flowers and barley seeds farms Breakfast Over Night in Shigtse

From Shigatse, it takes about 6 hours by car to reach the Mount Everest scenic area. The route takes us over high pass like Tsola (4500m), Gyatso La (5248m). The winding mountain road up the mountain must be slow and honked frequently. Once you enter the scenic area, you will be asked to buy a ticket (vehicle entry fee)! The scenic area is very large, so it takes more than an hour to drive to the parking lot after entering the park, and then take an eco-friendly car to the campsite at the base camp! We will pass through the Gawula Pass, where there is an observation deck that is an excellent location for filming! Can capture 5 peaks with an altitude of over 8000m. The advantage of winter is that there are fewer clouds and mist, and the visibility of the mountain formations is very high. The five highest peak of the Himalayan Ranges are; 1.Mount Makalu 8463m 2.Mount Cho Oyu 8201m 3.Mount Qomolangma 8848.86 4.Mount Luozi 8516m 5.Mount Shishabangma 8012m After we change our transportation to the Eco bus will drive us another half and hour to the local Yak hair hand made tent guesthouse. We will first check into the tent guesthouse. Please note: The local tent guesthouses are not available from late November to Early April and are sometimes. We will get time to explore and take a walk to the base camp around 2 Km for the picture and visit the highest and famous Rongbuk Monastery in the world. This is the only one monastery both monks and nuns can study Tibet Buddhist. If your are lucky enough then in the evening can take picture of the sunset Golden North Face of the Mt. Everest. (Please Note: Your guide and one of the our group member needs time to obtain the Alien's Travel Permit (ATP) from the local Public Security Bureau from Gyangtse on your arrival or Shigatse before you depart ). The ATP is a required permit that will be issued for the border check at Shegar and every check point of the Nepal border Breakfast Overnight at Advance Base Camp

Today morning we can get up early and enjoy the sunrise of Everest Peak at advance Everest Base Camp if the weather is good. Then drive to our next destination to Mt. Kailash. Peikutso Lake: the beautiful turquoise Peiku-tso (4590m) is one of Tibet’s magical spots with stunning views of the snow capped Shishapangma(8012m) . Breakfast Overnight in Saga Hotel

Moon Bay Desert: This is a desert landscape that adds a unique touch of scenery to the journey. Manasarovar: Located 35 kilometers east of Purang County, Ali Prefecture, Tibet, to the south of Mt.Kailash Peak, it is the second largest natural freshwater lake in China with the largest water storage capacity, and also the birthplace of four major rivers in Asia. It is regarded by Buddhist believers as the holy "center of the world" and one of the three "sacred lakes" in Tibet. Lanngartso, also known as Ghost Lake, is located in Purang County, Ali Prefecture, separated from Manasarovar by a road. Despite its name Ghost Lake, it actually stands in stark contrast to Manasarovar, showcasing different natural beauty. Mt. Kailash: Located near Darchen county, it is an important holy site for Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism. Breakfast Overnight in Darchen hotel;

West face of the Mt. Kailash, sunset view of the Golden Mt. Kailash Regarding the rotation of Mt.Kailash Darchen is the main base for mountain rotation. Starting from Darhen, there is a gentle 7-kilometer stretch that can be reached by car or on foot. Local Eco bus cost 60 CNY per ticket for 7 kilometers will reach Sershong where the place held Darchen ceremony during the 15th Full Moon Day of Saga Dawa Festival. The Day1 route is relatively flat and easy, with no difficulty in capturing images of the Milky Way and sunset of Golden Mt.Kailash. The prayer flag square is the first parking spot on the hiking route where you can capture images of the Gang Renpoche. ② Get close to the supply point of Tamding Mingwang(4780m) Station for Lunch break, which is the second parking spot where you can capture images of the Gang Renpoche. ③ The Drirapuk monastery is the third filming spot, facing the back of the Gang Renpoche, where you can capture images of the Milky Way and Golden Mt.Kailash. Therefore, most people choose to stay at the Drirapuk monastery on the first day. Overnight at local hostel guesthouse (Dorm Beds)

We will set up 5-5:30 am alarm and leave around 6am before temperature increase. Today will be a challenge day of our trekking. Climb up over 5000m of Dick La pass and 5630 m of Dolma La pass and will short stop for the rest at the summit then keep climb down to the Lunch place(Shapje Drakdo ). There are another 4 hours walking to the Zutul Puk monastery for one night. Overnight at local guesthouse (Dorm bed)

Today is an easy day of trekking to complete one circuit. Then you will continue on the drive to Lake Manasarovar to the guesthouses near the lake. You may have a short visit to the Chiu Monastery by walking up the small hill then drive back to Darchen because the accommodation is better in Darchen county or can stay Manasarovar. Overnight at Darchen local hotel

Today we will drive back to Saga for a night. Breakfast

Today we will visit the site of the Dongga Piyang Grottoes, which is a recently discovered grotto and one of the eight major temples built during the master Renchen Sangbu period of the Guge Kingdom. On the way, you can see the 200 existing caves on the mountain wall, densely packed like beehives embedded in the mountain wall. This is a larger Buddhist cave site found in Xizang so far. On the murals, there are mainly Buddha statues, Bodhisattva statues, Buddhist stories, and preaching pictures, as well as various decorative patterns, tantric mandalas, and various celestial patterns, with vivid shapes and rich variations. Then you will arrive Zada Tulin, with a total length of about 5 kilometers and dozens of ditches. It is said that is an underwater world that has existed for billions of years, with faint colors such as red, yellow, white, and blue. What catches the eye are all strange shaped towering pillars, driving inside like circling around the feet of many giants, making people marvel at how small life is. After the tour, continue to Shiquan River/Sange Zangpo and check into the hotel to rest.

After breakfast, drive to visit Bangong Lake, also known as Tsomo Ngangpa Lake, which means "swan with a long neck" in Tibetan. It is an international lake located at the border between Ritu County and Kashmir in China. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that the eastern part of the lake is a freshwater lake, the central part is a brackish lake, and the western part is a saltwater lake. The lake is surrounded by mountains and the scenery is beautiful. The lake water is clear, and different depths of the lake appear in different colors under the sunshine. About half an hour's drive from Bangong Lake is the 'Sun Earth Rock Painting', where various animals and people engaged in various activities are carved on vertical cliffs, revealing the social and lifestyle of ancient nomadic tribes. Then return to Gertse and check into a hotel to rest.

Although today's goal is Dangra Yongtso Lake. Dangre Youngtso, also known as Dangra Tso or Wunbu la Tso, is the fourth largest lake in Xizang and the second deepest lake in China. It is also one of the cradles of ancient Shangshong civilization and is regarded as a holy lake by Bon believers. It is located in the central part of the northern Tibetan plateau of the Xizang Autonomous Region, west of Selingtso, shaped like a shoe sole, surrounded by mountains on three sides, and has a gap on the east side of Dalguo on the south bank. The Darguo Mountain has a series of seven peaks, with a dark and snowy peak. Its shape resembles seven neatly arranged pyramids, and it is revered as a holy land of gods along with Dangye Youngtso. The Yuben Temple by the lake is a temple built in a cliff cave and is said to be one of the oldest temples of the Shangshong Yong Tong Bon religion. When the morning air is clear and peaceful, one can clearly see the snow capped peaks of Darguo Mountain across the lake. To go to Dangra Youngtso, we need to first take the Ali North Line to Nyima County, then turn southwest from Nyima County then will reach the most beautiful lake in the world and explore there over several hours then continue to Nyima county and check into the hotel to rest.

Today’s our destination is to the Banga county and our goal is to the Seling Tso. Selingtso is the largest lake in Xizang and the second largest salt water lake in China. Selingtso is located in Naqu City, Xizang Autonomous Region, spanning five counties and districts, namely, Shanza, Nyima, Zeni, Ando and Banga. It is 4530 meters above sea level and has a lake area of more than 2800 square kilometers. Selingtso is a tectonic lake, a large deep-water lake that was formed during the formation of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau. It was formerly known as Selingtso. The Selingtso watershed is rich in biological populations and is one of the areas with the highest number of rare species such as Tibetan antelopes and Tibetan gazelles. It is also the world's largest black necked crane nature reserve. In recent years, due to the impact of climate warming and human activities, the surface area of Selingtso Lake has been expanding. In 2010, it surpassed Namtso Lake to become the largest lake in Xizang. Although Selingtso is known as the Devil's Lake, it has unparalleled cleanliness and transparency. The lake water is clear and transparent, and the scenery is charming. After visiting the lake continue to drive to Bango county and check into the hotel to rest.

Drive to Namtso Lake in the morning. It is 4718 meters above sea level. It means "Heavenly Lake" in Tibetan, and is one of the three holy lakes in Xizang. We will drive around the north bank of the lake, and you will see the clear blue lake water and distant snow capped mountains forming a beautiful landscape, appearing peaceful and serene in the gentle breeze and sunshine. After lunch, we will depart and return to Lhasa, passing through the 5190 meter high LagenLa Pass, which is a mountain passage that crosses the Nyenchen Tangla Mountains to Namtso. Looking north from the pass, we can also overlook the deep blue Namtso. At the observation deck of Nyechen Tangla Mountain, enjoy the main peak of Nyechen Tangla mountain. Upon arrival in Lhasa, the driver and guide will take you to the agreed upon location in the city center, then disband the group and end this pleasant trip. Overnight in Lhasa

Today is the your last day in Tibet and your tour guide and driver will come on your time to send off Lhasa train station or airport. This will end your tour services in Tibet. Thanks for your trust and support to us. Tashi Delek Breakfast