Introduction
In November 14, 2005, Namtso Lake was selected as one of the five most beautiful lakes in China by Chinese National Geography magazine. Namtso Lake’s touching beauty should not be missed by any traveler who visits Tibet. Its purity and solemnness are symbols of Qinghai-Tibet Platean. In Tibetan, Namtso means ‘Heavenly Lake.’ It is considered one of the three holy lakes in Tibet. Namtso is famous for its high altitude (4720 meters (about 3 miles)), vast area (1961 square kilometers (about 757 square miles) as well as the beautiful scenery that surrounds it. Namtso has five uninhabited islands of reasonable size, in addition to one or two rocky outcrops. The islands have been used for spiritual retreat by pilgrims who walk over the lake’s frozen surface at the end of winter, carrying their food with them. They spend the summer there, unable to return to shore again until the water freezes the following winter. This practice is no longer permitted by the Chinese Government.
Inclusion
What's included ?
What's not included ?
Day to Day Itinerary
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Day 01: Flight Kathmandu - Lhasa
Today begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa on Air China .The one hour thirty minutes Trans Himalayan provides some fantastic views of Mt. Everest and other Himalayan Peaks .We arrive at Gonggar airport around 14.00 hrs. local time and after clearing immigration and customs there is a two hour drive to Lhasa situated at an altitude of 3670 meters. Upon arrival we check in to our hotel in the heart of the old city. -
Day 02-03: Sightseeing in Lhasa
Two days are spent in Lhasa visiting all the sites of historical and cultural interest,including the Potala palace, Sera and Drepung monasteries, the Norbulinka palace and Jokhang temple and the surrounding Barkhor Market. -
Day 04: Lhasa -Damxung County – Lake Namtso – Lhaso (500 KM Round Trip)
Today we embark on a roundtrip that provides an outstanding opportunity to see the real Tibet. Great mountains, huge grasslands, local nomads, sheep, yaks, goats, horses and perhaps most importantly Lake-Nam-Tso at an altitude of 4718m high. It is the second-largest saltwater lake in China the first being Koko Nor (Qinghai-Lake) in Qinghai province.In clear weather the water is a miraculous shade of turquoise and from here there are magnificent views of the nearby mountains. The wide open spaces, dotted with the tents of local drokpas (Nomads) omly add to the experience. On the way back to Lhasa we stop at Yangpachen Hot spring for an optional dip. -
Day 05: Lhasa – Gyantse
Early morning drive to Gyantse on the way we cross over the Kamba la (4794m) and the Karo la pass (5010m) both passes provide spectacular views. After crossing the Kamba La we drive past Yamdrok tso, also known as the Turquoise Lake . Altitude 3900m. -
Day 06: Gyantse – Shigatse
In the morning visit Gyantse stupa and monastery before a two hour drive to Shigatse.At Shigatse there is an enormous Buddha in the famous Tashilumpo monastery. The seat of the Panchen Lama. Altitude 3800m. -
Day 07: Shigatse – Lhatse
The journey today is relatively short we travel over two high passes with fine views before stopping in the small town of Lhatse and overnight . Altitude 4350 m. -
Day 08: Lhatse – Rombuk
Today begins with the crossing of the Tsho La (4500m) and ends with the spectacular views of Mt. Everest from Rombuk monastery. Relax tonight and stroll around the monastery. Altitude 5050m. -
Day 09: Rombuk - Kerung
We will get a fabulous opportunity to watch sunrise over Everest in the Rombuk which is about 4 Km away from the northern base camp of the Everest. After watching sunrise over Everest, we drive on to Kerung and settle there for the night. -
Day 10: Kerung - Kathmandu
On the final day of this tour we will drive to Kerung and on to Kathmandu. On the way we aill stop by to visit Milarepa Cave. Descending from the high Tibetan Plateau to the lush greenery of Nepalese country side will be the perfect ending of this fantastic tour.