Highest Point 
The birthplace of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon, Tibet, stands at an average height of 4,000 m above sea level. Before the annexation by China, the Tibet Autonomous Region used to be an independent country ruled by the Dalai Lamas.
For centuries, it had been closed for travellers, earning the name ‘Forbidden Land’. Despite its turbulent history, Tibet is still known as the spiritual hub where the daily lives of people are inseparable from their calm religious life.
Altitude Himalaya’s Lhasa EBC Tour will begin from the heart of Tibet, Lhasa, where you will see all the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Tibet and end at its glory, the North Everest Base Camp, Mt. Everest.
Open for pilgrims, visitors, and travellers, you can now travel to Tibet and unravel the mystery with your own eyes!
Potala Palace - The Symbol of Tibetan Buddhism
Once the winter palace of the Dalai Lamas, Potala Palace is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site that welcomes visitors from all around the world to witness its architectural magnificence.
Built in the 7th century by the great Tibetan king, King Songtsen Gampo, the expansion and reconstruction of Potala Palace was later carried on by the Fifth Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso. Once it was completed, the Fifth Dalai Lama shifted the seat of religious and political power to Potala Palace.
Divided into two parts, the White Palace (Potrang Karpo) used to be the residential area where the Dalai Lamas lived and performed their daily affairs. The Red Palace (Potrang Marpo), on the other hand, was used for religious studies and administrative uses.
The palace has thousands of shrines, and its chapels are filled with valuable statues, murals, thangka paintings, carpets, and objects made of gold, silver and porcelain. However, the most valuable part of the Potala Palace contains the tombs of the past eight Dalai Lamas.
The tombs, distinguished by their golden stupas, bring Tibetan Buddhists from all around the world. Even though the palace sits void of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, the spiritual significance it holds is stronger than ever.
The Gems of Tibetan Buddhism - Jokhang Temple and Ramoche Temple
Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal and Princess Wenchen of the Tang Dynasty, China, both brought valuable statues of Buddha as a part of their marriage dowry to King Songtsen Gampo.
While the Nepalese Princess introduced the statue of 8-year-old Akshobhya Buddha, Princess Wenchen introduced the statue of 12-year-old Jowo Shakyamuni. Later, both the Queens played a critical role in the establishment of Jokhang Temple and Ramoche Temple.
Although Jokhang Temple was built to house the 8-year-old Akshobhya Buddha, which it did initially after the completion of the temple, it was moved to Ramoche Temple after the death of King Songtsen Gampo. This was done to save the statue of 12-year-old Jowo Shakyamuni from the invasion of the Tang Dynasty.
Eventually, these became their permanent houses after the swap. Today, both of them are important gems of Tibetan Buddhism. Although Ramoche Temple is frequented by fewer visitors, both of them are of equal value.
You can find the statues of Chenrezig, Padmasambhava, King Songtsen Gampo and his two Queens, along with 800 metal structures and thousands of thangkas inside Jokhang Temple.
On the other hand, Ramoche Temple serves as the Upper Tantric College, which was established in 1474 by Kunga Dondrup. It was also renovated by the Fifth Dalai Lama but was again damaged by the attack of the Red Guards during China’s Cultural Revolution.
Jokhang’s Kora Route - Barkhor Street
About 1000m long, Barkhor Street is located at the heart of Lhasa. It was built around Jokhang Temple to serve as the Kora route for the temple. For the local Tibetans, this street is an emotional and practical space.
If you go there today, you will still find devotees and pilgrims circumambulating and even doing full-body prostrations. However, the functionality of this street has been promoted by the establishment of restaurants and shops on its premises.
Despite being the oldest street in Lhasa, the street comes to life and becomes more vibrant than ever during festivities. You can walk in a clockwise direction and enter Jokhang Temple to pay your respects to Jowo Shakyamuni.
While you are around here, make sure to try traditional Tibetan food in the local restaurants. You can also have Chinese, Indian, and Nepalese cuisine. With many Western fast food chains opening around, you will have plenty of options in Barkhor Street.
Norbulingka, Amongst the Lush Gardens
It is said that the Seventh Dalai Lama, Kelzang Gyatso, used to bathe at a healing spring whenever he fell ill. After finding that out, the officials of the Qing Dynasty decided to build him a palace on that site.
Today, that palace is known as the Norbulingka Palace, Kelsang Potrang to be specific, as more palaces were built on its premises later.
The Eighth Dalai Lama, Jamphel Gyatso, added another palace in the treasure garden’s lake. Built in the middle of the lake, the palace is known as Tsokyil Potrang. This palace was used for meditation and reading.
On special occasions, this palace was also used to host feasts. The Eighth Dalai Lama played a major role in the expansion of Norbulingka.
The last addition was initiated by the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso. He built a different summer palace for his use, known as the Takten Mingyur Potrang.
All three palaces still have the same furniture that the Dalai Lamas used. It gives the visitors an insight into the daily affairs and travel patterns of the Dalai Lamas who lived there.
It was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its lush garden makes you forget about the Tibetan plateaus that you stand on. The small zoo inside its premises houses animals like Tibetan wolves, snow leopards, alpacas, and black bears.
Built over 36 hectares, Norbulingka has a vast collection of historical artworks. One of the most revered artworks is the mural of the Fifth Dalai Lama.
Religious Learning Centers - Sera and Drepung
The First Dalai Lama, Gedun Drupa, had a teacher named Je Tsongkhapa. Tsongkhapa, who was an influential leader of his time, made remarkable reforms in Tibetan Buddhism and founded the first Gelugpa school in 1409.
His teachings placed great importance on monastic discipline, which integrated the practice of sutra and tantra.
Later, his students Janchen Choje and Jamyang Choje carried his legacy forward by establishing Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery, respectively.
Sera Monastery
Established in 1419 by Janchen Choje, Sera Monastery is located about 5 km away from Jokhang Temple at the height of 3,700m above sea level. Presently, it houses three colleges: Sera Je Tratsang, Sera Me Trantsang, and Ngakpa Tratsang.
Built during the time of King Nedong Dagpa Gyaltsen, Sera Monastery once housed around 6000 monks. It is located at the base of Pubuchok Mountain and was named after the wild roses that bloomed around the monastery.
During the 1959 bombardment, many ancient texts and artworks were destroyed. However, most of the statues and chapels have been rehabilitated.
Its courtyard is known as the best place to watch the monks’ debates, which take place in the afternoon between 02:30 - 03:00 PM every day, except on Sundays.
Drepung Monastery
Built on the slope of Gambo Utse Monastery (Mt. Gephel) at a height of 3,800 m above sea level, Drepung Monastery is another major Gelug centre of learning. It was built by Jamyang Choje in 1416.
The main heritage sites within the monastery are Ganden Potrang, Tsokchen Great Hall, and Zhacang. The Ganden Potrang, also known as the Ganden Palace, was built by the Second Dalai Lama, Gedun Gyatso, as his presidential palace.
In the 1930s, the monastery had about 7,700 monks studying there. You can find about 300 monks there in the present day.
Travel Tip: Make sure to attend the celebration of the Shoton Festival at Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery, which takes place around late summer.
The Monks’ Debates of Intellectual Exchange
Je Tsongkhapa, as a reformer of Tibetan Buddhism, was very strict about monastic learning and discipline. He introduced monastic debates as a part of the learning curriculum. It is still practised in Gelug schools by monks to advance in their ranks.
The debates take place at the courtyards of Gelug monasteries every day except on Sundays. There are two parties in the debate: the challenger and the defender.
The challenger, as the name suggests, challenges the philosophical understandings of the defender.
The audience can notice the monks performing different gestures during the debate. Here are some of the gestures along with their meanings:
- Yelling: Monks often yell during debates to dispel ignorance. It is also done by the challenger to make the defender doubt his confidence and stance.
- Clapping: Similar to yelling, clapping can have different meanings. Sometimes, it is done to awaken compassion and drive away negative thoughts amidst a debate. Other times, it can be done to signal the end of their statement or to compel the monk to answer.
- Stomping: When monks stomp their feet, they are either trying to exaggerate their argument or demanding a response. Monks often stomp their left foot and clap their hands at the same time.
- Pulling prayer beads: Monks pull their rosaries/prayer beads to their left arm to maintain their composure.
Since debates are an important part of learning, visitors are strictly informed not to make noise or tease the monks.
It is done for the purpose of sharpening their understanding of Buddhist doctrines and philosophies. It involves questioning, reasoning, and critical analysis.
The Turquoise Treasure - Yamdrok Lake
There are three Great Holy Lakes in Tibet that are of great religious value to both Buddhists and Hindus. The three lakes are Lake Mansarovar, Namtso Lake, and Yamdrok Lake.
On this trip, you will be visiting only the Yamdrok Lake, the turquoise gem of the Tibetan plateaus. At an altitude of 4,441 m above sea level, Yamdrok Lake is a famous pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists.
Every year, thousands of them visit this lake to perform kora around the lake. It takes around 3 months on foot to walk around the entire lake. Many pilgrims perform kora on horseback or on a motorbike.
The lake has 21 small islands. Being a freshwater lake, Yamdrok has plenty of fish that are not eaten, as eating fish is a taboo in Tibetan Buddhism.
It is a popular place for birdwatching in the winters, as you can find various migratory birds like black-necked cranes, bar-headed geese, and brown-headed gulls. In summer, you can enjoy the view of the local birds.
You will also find Tibetan mastiffs and yaks around the lake. They are mostly kept for photographs by the locals. If you want to take a picture with them, you can pay a small amount to their owners before taking it.
If time permits, don’t forget to visit Rutok Temple and Samding Monastery nearby.
The Second-Largest City of Tibet - Shigatse
Shigatse, the second largest city of Tibet, is located at an average height of 3,850m above sea level.
Before the Fifth Dalai Lama’s government, Shigatse used to be the capital of the Tsang Kingdom. Given this history, Shigatse is a very important city in Tibet in terms of trade, history, and spirituality.
Before Tibetan Buddhism, the Bon was the dominant religion in Tibet. Its presence is said to be stronger in Shigatse to this day. The Yungdrungling Monastery is living proof of the Bon religion.
The most famous road to Shigatse, from Lhasa, is the Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway. This is the road you will be taking as well since you have to make a stop at Yamdrok Lake.
Shigatse, unlike Lhasa, has fertile soil, which is why the Tibetans call it the ‘Fertile Land’. The landscape shows a beautiful contrast of lush green forests and the mighty himalaya.
The best time to visit Shigatse is around the time of Tashilhunpo Festival, Gyantse Horse Racing Festival, and Shakya Cham Dance.
Pelkor Chode Monastery in Gyantse County
Before you reach Shigatse city, we will be making a stop at Pelkor Chode Monastery in Gyantse County. This monastery, at the altitude of 3,900m above sea level, is the main monastery of the region.
It was built during the 14th and 15th centuries, and it was run by the Shakya sect. It is known for Kumbum Stupa, the tallest and only one of its kind in Tibet.
Having 9 tiers, this stupa has images of 10,000 Buddhas painted. The images include those of Bodhisattvas, Dharma Kings, Vajras, and Arhats.
This high-status monastery in Tibet boasts a mixture of Chinese, Indian, and Nepalese art/architecture. Another unique fact about this monastery is that it has 3 different schools of Tibetan Buddhism in its premises: Shakya, Gelug, and Kadam; a unique sight in Tibet.
The monastery turns vibrant during the Saga Dawa Festival, when Tibetans celebrate the birth, death, and enlightenment of Shakyamuni Buddha.
Tashilhunpo Monastery - Seat and Tombs of Panchen Lamas
Tashilhunpo Monastery was built by the First Dalai Lama in 1447. Located on the slopes of Mt. Nyiseri, this monastery sits at an elevation of 3,800 m and covers nearly 300,000 sq. m in area.
The Fifth Dalai Lama declared it as the seat of the Panchen Lama, the second-highest spiritual leader of Tibet. Since then it has served as the traditional seat of all the successive Panchen Lamas.
It is an important pilgrimage site, as it houses the tombs of the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, and Tenth Panchen Lamas. The most extraordinary tomb belongs to the Tenth Panchen Lama, Choekyi Gyaltsen.
Apart from the Panchen Lama’s magnificent palace, there is also Kelsang Temple. Inside its main chapel, there is the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha.
Tashilhunpo Monastery is also an important learning center of the Gelug school. This means that you can watch the monks’ debate here as well in late afternoons.
If your visit falls around the 3-day Tashilhunpo Monastery Festival, you can watch the unveiling of the thangkas of 3 Buddhas: Buddha Amitabha, Shakyamuni Buddha, and Maitreya Buddha.
North Everest Base Camp and Rongbuk Monastery
The North Everest Base Camp in Tibet is the best option for those who wish to see Mt. Everest up close without a strenuous trek. The base camp in Tibet is at an altitude above 5,150 m but is the most convenient choice, as you can drive there.
In the South Everest Base Camp of Nepal, you can not get a clear view of Mt. Everest because it is blocked by Mt. Lhotse. But from Tibet, Everest’s view is clear and can be seen right above the base camp.
Driving from Old Tingri, the road will take you past the Gawula Pass. There you will get a 180° panoramic view of some of the tallest peaks: Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Cho Oyu, and Mt. Shishapangma.
The sunset and the sunrise are magical in Tibet, and this package gives you the chance to experience that. We will make sure that your night at EBC is comfortable and safe.
Rongbuk Monastery - Where Padmasambhava Meditated
At the drop off point of North EBC, you will see a large monastery that has more than 20 halls. A little higher than that, you will find its older monastery, which is closed for international visitors.
The new and the old monastery are what make up the Rongbuk Monastery, one of the world’s highest monasteries.
At an elevation above 5000 m, this monastery was built by Dzatrul Ngawang Tenzin Norbu in 1902. The cave near the old monastery is where Padmasambhava was said to have meditated.
It is one of the very few monasteries where monks and nuns live and practice together. It belongs to the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Before the monastery was built in 1902, the site was used as a meditation retreat along hermit caves in the cliffs.
The new monastery serves as a guesthouse. You can visit the monastery and enjoy butter tea and tsampa with the monks there. And if you’re interested, don’t forget to taste yak meat too.
When the weather is harsh, Rongbuk Monastery is the best option to stay in North EBC. The monastery is decorated with mural paintings and the biggest treasure is the gold-plated statue of Guru Rinpoche.
There are 8 subsidiary temples below the main temple which you can walk around. Surrounded by prayer flags and the sound of chanting by the monks and nuns, we’re sure that it will be one of the most peaceful walks ever.
Kyirong Town, the Garden of Everest
Kyirong Town, also known as ‘Gyirong’, is one of the Nepal-China Borders; the most practical route used by tourists to reach Tibet. It is more than 300 km away from North EBC and takes around 6-7 hours by road.
Sharing borders with Nepal, Kyirong displays one of the most vibrant cultures. Once you enter Kyirong, you will be surrounded with rich forests and wildlife. In contrast to Lhasa and North EBC, the weather in Kyirong is warmer.
Because of its untouched greenery, Kyirong is often called the Backyard Garden of Mt. Everest.
Apart from being an important location for trade between Nepal and China, Kyirong is also an important hub of tourism. All the tourists travelling to Mount Kailash or Lhasa have to go via Kyirong.
If you have time in Kyirong, don’t forget to visit the Pakpa Lhakhang. It is a Tibetan Buddhist Temple built in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo for his Nepalese bride, Princess Bhrikuti. Other major attractions are Pelkutso Lake and the ruins of the Gongtang Kingdom.
Now that you know all the places this trip will cover, we hope your enthusiasm to travel to Tibet is at an all-time high. This 8-day tour will refresh your mind and your soul, and we look forward to hearing from you at Altitude Himalaya.
To help you make an informed decision, we have provided you with the itinerary and the trip guide below. The information provided will be crucial for you to plan a trip that is safe and comfortable.
3650m