Top of the World - Lhasa-Mt Everest-Lhasa 9 days
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The Tibetan name for Mt. Everest is "Quomolangma" which literally means "The Third Goddess". Towering 8848.13 meters in the middle section of the Himalayas, Quomolangma teems with snow-capped peaks and glaciers.
Everest region has four peaks above 8000 meters and 38 peaks above 7000 meters, thus is reputed as the Third Pole on the Earth. Glaciers of modern era are located at the foot of the mountains, deep caves and snaking ice rivers present a magnificent view around the Quomolangma.
Lhasa, literally meaning “Holy-Land”, is the heart and soul of Tibet, has history of more than 1,300 years. It rose to prominence as an important center of administrative power in the 7th century AD, when Songtsen Gampo, a local ruler in the Yarlung Valley, continued the task of unifying Tibet. Songtsen Gampo moved his capital to Lhasa and built a palace on the site that is now occupied by the Potala. The fifth Dalai Lama also made Lhasa his capital. He built his palace, the Potala, on the site of ruins of Songtsen Gampo’s 7th century palace, Lhasa has remained Tibet’s capital since 1642, and most of the city’s historical sights date from this second stage of the city’s development.
Day 01: Arrive in Lhasa
Day 02: Lhasa sightseeing
The first day of sightseeing starts from Lhasa’s cardinal landmark – Potala Palace, a structure of massive portions. Its towering image already appearing on various occasions, but your first sight of the Potala will still be an awe-inspiring moment. It takes at least a good 2-hour to visit those rooms, halls and chapels.
Some 2km to the east of the Potala is the most revered religious structure in Tibet – Jokhang Temple. Bustling with worshippers and redolent with mystery, the Jokhang is an unrivalled experience. The quadrangle of streets surrounding the Jokhang is the Barkhor– Lhasa’s most interesting pilgrimage circuit. This area of the Old Town is both the spiritual heart of Lhasa and the main commercial district for Tibetans.Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 03: Lhasa sightseeing
Day 04: Lhasa-Yamdroktso-Gyantse-Shigatse
Est. Distance: 350km, about 6.5 hours’ driving
Yamdroktso(4441m), one of Tibet’s three holy lakes, is located 110km outside of Lhasa. In the fresh morning air, you’re on the way to this lake. It’s mostly mountain road, winding and bumpy, even thrilling somewhat. After about 3 1/2 hours’ driving, climbing over the snow pass of Kambala(5030m), the dazzling Yamdroktso just lies several hundred meters below the road, and in clear weather is a fabulous shade of deep turquoise. Far in the distance is the huge massif of Mt. Nojin Kangtsang(7191m).
Day 05: Shigtase-Tingri
Road Conditions: bumpy mountain road entering Tingri
Day 06: Tingri-Base Camp
Altitude: 4,300m-5,200mEst. Distance: 100km, about 3 hours' driving
Road Conditions: bumpy and broken mountain road
Day 07: Base Camp-Shigatse
Altitude: 5,200m-3,800mEst. Distance: 350km, about 8 hours' driving
Road Conditions: bumpy mountain road
Overnight in Shigatse
Day 08: Shigatse-Lhasa
Altitude: 3,800m-3,658mEst. Distance: 280km, about 6 hours' driving
Road Conditions: tar road
Overnight in Lhasa