Yamdrok lake: Tibet family vacation

Welcome to Lhasa, the spiritual heart of Tibet and a modern utopia. Your friendly Tibetan guide and drivers shall eagerly wait to greet you at Lhasa Gonggar Airport. Upon arrival, you'll receive a traditional white Khada and a refreshing drink during a brief welcome ceremony. Relax and let our team handle your luggage as you enjoy the scenic ride to your hotel in Lhasa city. Your guide will assist with check-in and share the next day's travel plans. Enjoy a comfortable stay at one of Lhasa's luxury hotels, preparing for an exciting tour tomorrow.

Begin your journey at the majestic Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama. Climb the grand steps for breathtaking views of the city and explore the White Palace and the religious chambers in the Red Palace, including the gilded burial stupas of past Dalai Lamas.

After lunch, visit Jokhang Temple, Lhasa’s holiest Buddhist site. In its dimly-lit rooms, you'll hear the hum of Buddhist chants and see locals adding butter oil to lamps. Don’t miss the life-size statue of the 12-year-old Buddha Sakyamuni. Outside, join Tibetan pilgrims in the famous Barkhor kora. Shop for unique souvenirs along Barkhor Street, then relax in a local teahouse with sweet tea and local delicacies. End your day with a lively welcome banquet featuring traditional Tibetan dancing, singing, and delicious Tibetan dishes, making your night in Lhasa unforgettable.

Begin your day with a visit to Drepung Monastery, the largest Gelugpa monastery, just 8km west of central Lhasa. Enjoy a scenic hike, marvel at the enormous religious painting on the rock, explore the vast monk kitchen, and take in the breathtaking views of the Lhasa valley. Feeling tired? Refresh yourself with a sip from the mountain spring. If you're lucky to visit during the Shoton Festival, you'll witness the awe-inspiring Thangka unveiling ceremony.

After lunch, head to Sera Monastery, the second-largest Gelugpa monastery in Lhasa. Here, you can watch the famous "monk debate" in the lively debate courtyard, where monks energetically slap hands, yell, and jump. You can also admire the intricate sand mandala, visit the Buddhist scripture printing press, and explore the main assembly hall. In the evening, experience the grand Princess Wencheng Real-scene Musical in an open-air theater, showcasing the legendary marriage between Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wencheng from the Tang Dynasty, and immerse yourself in Tibetan culture and traditions.

Enhance your Lhasa luxury tour with a unique culinary experience: join our local guide to explore Tromsikhang market near Barkhor Street, a vibrant hub brimming with farm-fresh delights. Delve into the essence of highland cuisine as you sample unique ingredients and witness a skilled chef turn them into delectable dishes. You can even try your hand at cooking, leaving a memorable mark on your Tibet journey.

Later, embark on a scenic 2-hour drive southwest from Lhasa to the stunning turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet's revered holy lakes. Enjoy a traditional picnic (Linka) by the tranquil lakeside, where you can meditate or practice yoga in this sacred setting. Journey further to Gampala pass (4790 m) for breathtaking panoramic views of Yamdrok Lake framed by snow-capped Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar (7191m).

Get ready early and pack your camera gear for a thrilling journey to Namtso Lake, the world’s highest saltwater lake at 4,718 meters. As you drive along winding roads through picturesque villages in Lhasa Valley, you'll head north alongside parts of the Tibet train railway. Keep an eye out—you might even catch a glimpse of a speeding Tibet train on the vast Tibetan Plateau.

Approaching Damxung, capture shots of Tibetan yaks grazing and traditional yak tents scattered across hillsides and valleys. Before descending to Namtso Lake's shore, enjoy breathtaking views from the lofty Lagenla Pass at 5,190 meters.

At Namtso Lake, take a leisurely stroll along its heavenly shores, listening to the calls of gulls (especially in summer) and marveling at the stunning views of the lake against the snow-capped Mt. Nyenchen Thanglha—it’s truly surreal.

After a long drive, let's recharge with a visit to the renowned Yangpachen hot spring on our way back to Lhasa. Immerse yourself in the rejuvenating waters, enriched with minerals and embraced by towering peaks—it’s a heavenly experience.

Following our time at the hot springs, our journey leads us to Chimelong Nunnery (Phyirmil Lung Nunnery). Explore this serene nunnery, gaining insights into Tibetan Buddhist teachings amidst tranquil surroundings. If you look carefully, you might glimpse a distant sky burial site, a significant Tibetan funeral tradition.

Your guide will escort you to the airport or train station for your onward journey, marking the conclusion of your luxurious Lhasa tour.