Day 1: Various locations → → Lhasa (★Lhasa gathering day) (3650m)
All day
Today, tourists from all over the country will arrive in Lhasa according to their own transportation options and check into their hotels. After checking in, it's recommended to rest and acclimate to the plateau before preparing for the upcoming trip. Tourists in good health can explore Barkhor Street, but it's best to take it slow on the plateau. If you feel unwell, please contact your tour leader and guide immediately for assistance.
Kind tips
Don't get too excited when you first arrive in Lhasa! On your arrival day, avoid showering. Drink plenty of water, eat plenty of vegetables and fruits, eat light meals (only until you're 80% full), and stay up late (going to bed early will cause you to wake up in the middle of the night and have trouble falling asleep). Avoid smoking and drinking. A positive mental state is the key to overcoming altitude sickness. Numerous studies have shown that maintaining an open-minded and optimistic attitude can alleviate the physical discomfort caused by altitude sickness.
Border Pass Related (Must Read)
There are many border checkpoints in Ngari Prefecture. Currently, the document processing hall is mostly used by individual tourists. Group tourists still need to go to the window to process in their own name, which can lead to long queues. In serious cases, it may affect the itinerary. Therefore, tourists are required to apply for a border pass in advance at their registered residence or place of residence, and then go to the nearby police station to provide their second-generation ID card. The pass is usually issued on the spot (subject to the processing time of the police station).
Reason for travel to Tibet: Fill in “tourism”.
Destination: Tibet Autonomous Region, Shigatse Prefecture, Shannan Prefecture, Ngari Prefecture (Must be typed, handwritten is not accepted!!)
Day 2 Lhasa (3650m) → Shigatse (3836m)
All day
This morning we had breakfast in Lhasa and officially set off
Crossing the 4,990-meter-high Gangbala Mountains, we arrive at Yamdrok Lake, the world's highest freshwater lake, known as the "Heavenly Holy Lake." Its waters are as clear as mutton fat, sweet and drinkable. The azure waters merge with the distant snow-capped peaks, and the diverse mountain ranges on both sides, distinctive Tibetan villages, and the teeming herds of cattle and sheep create a refreshing and soothing journey. We'll pass by the slumbering Karola Glacier, a glacial beauty, a geological history written not only by the passage of time and ice, but also a magnificent work of art sculpted by time. From a distance, we'll admire the heroic sites of the Anti-British Army. From the car, we'll gaze upon the ancient Dzongshan Fortress and appreciate the beauty of this heroic city. In the evening, we'll arrive in Shigatse, a major city in western Tibet, and check into our hotel.
Day 3 Shigatse (3836m) → Saga (4513m)
All day
After breakfast, depart from Shigatse and head to Sakya Monastery, which boasts over 900 years of history. The temple walls are painted in red, symbolizing Manjushri, white, symbolizing Avalokitesvara, and blue, symbolizing Vajrapani. This is why the Sakya sect is often referred to as the "Flower Sect." Afterward, we'll travel west through Lhatse County, known as the "Home of Tibetan Knives," to Saga. We'll also pass by Langcuo Lake, a small but exceptionally clear lake. In the evening, we'll check into a local hotel in Saga. Saga is a must-see town on the Mount Kailash pilgrimage, and many Indian believers stay overnight there. It also marks the starting point of the southern route to Ngari.
Day 4 Saga (4513m) → Tachin (4675m)
All day
Today, we travel along the asphalt road south of Ngari to Zhongba County, where we'll see the Maquan River, the upper reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River. We'll pass Payang Town, home to a vibrant Tibetan community. Continuing west, we'll cross the Mayumula Pass (5,200 meters above sea level). The emerald blue Kongzhu Lake will appear on the left side of the road, flanked by fertile grasslands and herds of cattle and sheep. After Kongzhu Lake, we'll soon see Mount Namunani. We'll then pass the sacred lake of Manasarovar. Lake Manasarovar is as calm as a mirror, its vast blue waters teeming with pilgrims. Just across the hill, the ghostly Laang Lake, with its turbulent waves and eerie presence, is deserted. These two lakes were originally one, but climate change has caused them to recede, creating two separate lakes. Today, we'll first visit Manasarovar and stay overnight in Tachin Town.
Day 5 Tachin (4675m) → Zanda (3700m)
All day
Today we're photographing Mount Kailash. Tourists gather here to take photos and share their creations. The moment we see Mount Kailash is truly breathtaking. The ever-changing weather and the mountain change with each passing minute. We call it a sacred mountain not just because of religious belief, but also because of its unpredictable and magical nature. From this vantage point, you can also photograph Mount Namunani!
Afterwards, we set off and arrived at the Zada Earth Forest a few hours later. I was amazed by the wonders of nature's creation. Is this Earth? It felt like a planet in outer space, desolate, majestic, and with incredible shapes.
Continuing deeper into Ngari, we enter the Guge Kingdom, the highlight of Ngari. Deep within this area lies the birthplace of Ngari's ancient civilization. The Guge Kingdom, once a flourishing dynasty, suddenly vanished without a trace around the 17th century, leaving only a few records and various mysterious legends. As the dawn deepens, we ascend the hillside. Strong-staminaed tourists must reach the summit for a panoramic view of Guge.
We'll spend the night in Zanda County, the heart of the ancient Ali Kingdom! Zanda was the heart of the ancient Ali Kingdom, so enjoy a good night's sleep under a starry sky!
Day 6 Zhada (3700m) → Purang (3900m)
All day
In the morning, we'll lead you to visit Toling Monastery, a first-class national cultural relic protection site. Afterward, we'll depart from Zhada and head to Laangcuo. As we continue along the national highway, we'll admire Mount Kailash once again. In the evening, we'll arrive in Purang County and check in. On clear days, we'll be able to see the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas.
Day 7 Purang (3900m) → Saga (4513m)
All day
Early risers can enjoy the sunrise over the snow-capped mountains near Purang on their own. The entire group, bathed in the highland sunshine, will admire the beautiful scenery along the way before returning to Saga, bidding farewell to the sacred mountain and lake. At Mayumula Pass, we'll reminisce about our time in Ngari. We'll stop at the Zhongba Sand Dunes on the upper reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River (optional if you've already visited them on Day 4). Return to Saga in the evening.
Day 8 Saga (4513m) → Mount Everest Scenic Area (4300m)
All day
This morning, we departed Saga, a small border town west of Shigatse, and arrived at Pekutso Lake, where we might spot wild donkeys and other animals, and admire the sacred mountain's reflection in the lake. After a brief stop, we continued our journey, photographing the vast snow-capped mountains and grasslands along the way, as well as the herds of yaks. We then continued along Highway G318, where we saw Shishapangma, 8,012 meters above sea level, known as the "Auspicious Mountain." The snow-capped peak, bathed in sunlight, loomed majestically.
Continue to Nailong Township. Under ideal weather, you'll be able to see four peaks over 8,000 meters: Makalu (8,463 meters), Lhotse (8,516 meters), Everest (8,843 meters), and Cho Oyu (8,201 meters). After arriving in Laodingri, we'll continue to the Mount Everest Scenic Area. Climb the winding Everest Road to Everest Base Camp, where you'll take photos at the Mount Everest 8,844.43-meter monument. Afterward, you'll have some free time to visit Rongbuk Monastery (not included in your admission ticket). You can also purchase a Mount Everest postcard from the world's highest post office, get it stamped with the commemorative Everest stamp, and send this memory to the world.
We will leave in due time and take a bus, spending the night in a standard room at the foot of Everest Base Camp.
9th Day: Mount Everest Scenic Area (4300m) → Shigatse (3836m)
All day
We will get up early and have breakfast before heading to Shigatse. If the weather is good, we will see four snow-capped mountains over 8,000 meters high again when we pass through the Gyalwa Lama Pass. After arriving in Shigatse, we will first visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the monastery where successive Panchen Lamas resided. With the sincere explanation of the guide, we will visit the Jampa Buddha Hall, the mausoleum of the 10th Panchen Lama, the mausoleum of the 4th Panchen Lama, the mausoleum of the 5th to 9th Panchen Lamas, the Cochin Hall, etc.
After the tour, China-TravelNote prepared a celebratory Tibetan hotpot dinner for everyone! Everyone toasted and reminisced about the journey, hoping the friendships among the group would continue.
After dinner, check in to the hotel in Shigatse city.
Day 10 Shigatse (3836m) → Lhasa Gonggar Airport → Lhasa (3650m) (Dismissal Day)
All day
After breakfast, we gathered to return to Lhasa. After a 3.5-hour drive, we were dropped off at Lhasa Gonggar Airport. The unforgettable Ali South Line journey ended here, and everyone said goodbye with emotion.
Tourists who want to continue their trip to Lhasa can follow our bus back to Lhasa where we will be dispersed near the Civil Aviation Administration.
You can go to Barkhor Street on your own and bring back some gifts for friends and family, but you need to bargain sincerely and use your own taste. Our advice is: enjoy small purchases, but be cautious with expensive items.
