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Turquoise Basong Tso lake with its wooded island and pontoon walkway below forested peaks
7 DAYS · NYINGCHI · BASONG TSO · LHASA

Tibet: sacred lake and holy city

Basong Tso's turquoise waters and the timeless landmarks of Lhasa.

7 days
Nyingchi to Lhasa
6 nights
Three hotels en route
High altitude
Gradual acclimatisation itinerary
Minimum 2 
Privately guided throughout
Introduction

A gradual ascent from Nyingchi's forests to Lhasa's sacred rooftops.

Basong Tso, meaning green water in Tibetan, sits at around 3,700 meters, its crystal-clear, azure water surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains and dense primeval forest. At the heart of the lake, a small island holds the ancient Tsozong Monastery, built during the Tang Dynasty and sacred to the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Visitors can take a boat to the island, blending stunning lake scenery with profound religious culture.

The journey begins in Nyingchi, at an altitude of 3,100 meters, where three days are spent acclimatising to the high-altitude environment. From there, the route drives on to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, with its iconic landmarks and timeless cultural relics.

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Route map showing Nyingchi, Basong Tso and Lhasa in Tibet
Highlights

Why advisors choose this journey.

  1. A gentle path into the highlands

    Traveling from low-altitude areas into Tibet makes it easier to adapt to the high-altitude environment.

  2. Basong Tso by boat and on foot

    Enjoy a boat ride on the Basong Tso lake and enjoy off-the-beaten hikes near the lake.

  3. The Potala Palace and its treasures

    Marvel at the imposing Potala Palace and learn about Tibetan Buddhism through an excellent collection of ancient artefacts.

  4. The authentic Tibetan spirit

    Feel the authentic Tibetan spirit with visits to less-touristy religious sites and local villages, and witness the monks' debating sessions at Sera Monastery.

Day by day

Full Itinerary.

  1. NyingchiD1–2
  2. Basong TsoD2–4
  3. LhasaD4–7

Airport to hotel

Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Nyingchi (7km / 4.35 miles, 15 minutes).

Altitude: 2,900m.

Hilton Nyingchi Resort with Himalayan mountains behind
Overnight
Nyingchi
Meals
None

Nyingchi to Basong Tso

Drive to Basong Tso (180km / 112 miles, 3 hours). Altitude: 3,450m.

Pilgrims crossing a footbridge to the island on Basong Tso lake

Basong Tso immersion

We dedicate the day to exploring Basong Tso. As one of the largest barrier lakes in eastern Tibet, it is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and stunning natural scenery, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and pristine forests. On the lake's central island stands the Tsodzong Monastery, a historic temple of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. You will enjoy a boat ride on the lake and hike the surrounding forests.

Trek distance: 1km / 0.62 miles. Trek time: 1 hour.

Take a leisurely stroll at Cuogao Ancient Village. This historic shore-side village is one of the birthplaces of Kongpo Tibetan culture. The village houses, mostly built with stone and wood, are simple yet distinctive. Here, you can immerse yourself in authentic Tibetan culture and savour local delicacies such as butter tea, tsampa and yak meat.

Overnight
Basong Tso
Meals
Breakfast

Hiking to Xin Tso

Today, you will embark on a guided hike to Xin Tso with your tour guide. The hiking trail is easy, with paved paths. Xin Tso is a picturesque small lake where you can see some snowy mountains. The rest of the afternoon is free at leisure.

Trek distance: 4km / 2.5 miles. Trek time: 2-3 hours.

Village and lake seen from the trail near Xin Tso
Overnight
Basong Tso
Meals
Breakfast

Free morning at leisure

Free at leisure.

Prayer flags strung across a high pass with snow-capped Himalayan peaks beyond

Basong Tso to Lhasa

Drive to Lhasa (356km / 227 miles, 4.5 hours). Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your accommodation.

Altitude: 3,650m.

Overnight
Lhasa
Meals
Breakfast

Highlights of Lhasa

Visit Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, lying in a quiet and beautiful garden in the west part of Lhasa. Norbulingka represents the confluence of Tibetan and inland cultures.

Head to the Tibet Museum, where you can appreciate collections of treasures found in Tibet. Highlights include a series of ancient Tangkas, said to be drawn with natural mineral material.

You will also visit Sera Monastery, one of the best-preserved monasteries in Tibet. Within its whitewashed walls and golden roofs, several hundred monks live and study. You may be able to witness the monks' debating session (every Monday to Friday afternoon only).

Sera Monastery on a hillside above the Lhasa valley
Overnight
Lhasa
Meals
Breakfast

Potala Palace

Visit the UNESCO-listed Potala Palace. Built 1,300 years ago during the Tang Dynasty period, it houses many artefacts of ancient Tibet such as frescos, stupas and Buddha images.

Please note that Potala Palace restricts the visiting time to one hour. If you are keen, you can join the devout locals to walk the "Kora", the pilgrim's route around the Potala Palace.

The Potala Palace floodlit against a deep blue evening sky

Barkhor Square and Jokhang Monastery

Explore Barkhor Square, the bustling market in the heart of old Lhasa with its narrow streets. In the afternoon, when it is less crowded, visit Jokhang Monastery, the most important religious activity center for Tibetan Buddhism.

Optional

"Princess Wencheng" performance

Tonight, you may attend a real-scene drama show, "Princess Wencheng" (own expense, subject to weather conditions). With the mountain as the backdrop, the story is about Princess Wencheng's marriage to the Tibetan King 1,400 years ago.

Performance time: 20:00 to 22:00.

Overnight
Lhasa
Meals
Breakfast

Hotel to airport

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.

Meals
Breakfast included
Hotel information

Where you will stay.

In Nyingchi

One recommended stay

Hilton Nyingchi Resort

Nyingchi · Hilton Room, 46 sq m / 495 sq ft

A tranquil hideaway hugged by the Yarlung Tsangpo river and Himalayan mountains.

We start guests in Nyingchi at the Hilton because acclimatisation days call for genuine rest, and its 1,000-acre grounds beside the Yarlung Tsangpo give room to walk and breathe at lower altitude before Basong Tso and Lhasa. Being only 10 minutes from Mainling Airport also removes any unnecessary early transfer on arrival day. We recommend a room facing the river for the mountain outlook.

Good to know
  • Modelled after a Gongbo Tibetan manor on a lush 1,000-acre riverside estate.
  • Features the only 18-hole mountain golf course in the entire Tibet region.
  • Ten minutes from the airport, the perfect soft landing for acclimatization.
Visit hotel website →
Hilton Nyingchi Resort with Himalayan mountains behind
King room with balcony and valley view at Hilton Nyingchi Resort
Lobby lounge with stone fireplace and lattice screens at Hilton Nyingchi Resort
Terrace lounge at dusk overlooking the mountains at Hilton Nyingchi Resort
The Address rooftop bar at Hilton Nyingchi Resort

In Basong Tso

One recommended stay

Songtsam Basong Tso Lodge

Basong Tso · Superior Room, 39 sq m / 420 sq ft

Nestled between snow-capped mountains and forest, beside the emerald Basong Tso lake.

We choose Songtsam Basong Tso Lodge because it is one of the only properties actually on the lakeshore, rather than a drive away in the nearest town, so guests wake up to the view they came for. Its Tibetan-style architecture and warm, modern interiors are a comfortable match for the altitude and cooler evenings here. We recommend a lake-facing Superior Room for the mountain and water outlook right outside the window.

Good to know
  • The first hotel in the region built to zero-carbon standards with green technology.
  • Located within the scenic area, granting private early access to the sacred island.
  • Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the emerald lake and snow peaks from every room.
Visit hotel website →
Timber and stone lodge buildings of Songtsam Basong Tso set in a meadow below forested peaks
Songtsam Basong Tso Lodge beside the emerald waters of Basong Tso lake
Twin room with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the lake and mountains at Songtsam Basong Tso Lodge
Outdoor pool and terrace at dusk at Songtsam Basong Tso Lodge

In Lhasa

2 recommended stays

Shangri-La Hotel Lhasa

Lhasa · Potala View Room, 46 sq m

In the city center near the Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace.

We base guests in Lhasa at the Shangri-La for its Lingkor Road position, close enough to walk to the Potala Palace and Barkhor Square yet away from the busiest tourist lanes. After days at altitude, its supplemental oxygen rooms and attentive service make a genuine difference to how guests feel each morning. We recommend the Potala View Room for waking up to the palace itself.

Good to know
  • Home to the city's only 24-hour Oxygen Lounge and oxygen-enriched guest rooms.
  • The bar offers craft cocktails with an unblocked view of the Potala Palace.
  • Architecture inspired by Tibetan palaces, with hand-beaten copper craft throughout.
Visit hotel website →
Tibetan-styled facade of Shangri-La Hotel Lhasa below bare mountains
Twin guest room with Tibetan textiles and a window onto the Potala Palace
Lobby lounge with lanterns and lacquerware at Shangri-La Hotel Lhasa

Songtsam Lhasa Linka

Lhasa · Superior Suite, 63 sq m / 678 sq ft

A tribute to local artisans and ancient culture, with a fish-fin-shaped facade.

We offer Songtsam Lhasa Linka as an alternative Lhasa base for guests wanting a smaller, more intimate property with a stronger sense of place, from hand-painted Thangka artwork to Tibetan carpets throughout. It sits a little further from the Potala Palace than the Shangri-La but rewards guests with genuine craft and quiet. We recommend the Superior Suite for its extra living space.

Good to know
  • Each of the ten stone buildings is named after a legendary Tibetan mountain peak.
  • Houses an extensive private collection of antique Thangkas and hand-woven carpets.
  • Quiet hillside setting with private balconies overlooking the Potala Palace.
Visit hotel website →
Songtsam Lhasa Linka lit at dusk with the mountains behind
Songtsam Lhasa Linka with the Potala Palace on the skyline beyond
Timber-panelled guest room at Songtsam Lhasa Linka
Double-height timber atrium lounge at Songtsam Lhasa Linka
Official quotation

Rates & what is included.

The indicative cost covers the full journey for the party size shown. The single supplement applies only when one guest occupies a room alone. All rates in CNY.

  • Hilton Nyingchi Resort · Nyingchi · Hilton Room, 46 sq m / 495 sq ft
  • Songtsam Basong Tso Lodge · Basong Tso · Superior Room, 39 sq m / 420 sq ft
  • Shangri-La Hotel Lhasa · Lhasa · Potala View Room, 46 sq m
  • Songtsam Lhasa Linka · Lhasa · Superior Suite, 63 sq m / 678 sq ft
Indicative cost per person
CNY 28,850
Single supplement
CNY 6,700

Based on 2 guests sharing twin rooms. Minimum 2 guests to operate. Single supplement added only for single-room occupancy. All rates in CNY.

What's included

  • Accommodation on twin sharing basis in hotel as stated on bed & breakfast basis
  • All transportation & transfer on an air-conditioned minivan
  • Local English-speaking expert guide
  • All entrance fees in sights stated
  • Tibet Permit

What's not included

  • International/domestic tickets
  • Drinks and beverages per meal
  • Personal consumption: telephone charges, laundry charges, etc
  • Visa
  • Travel insurance
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