From Lhasa into the southeast: Nyingchi sits lower with richer air, making it a comfortable way to acclimatise, with a striking contrast of forest, snow peaks and gorge scenery.
Day 1 — Arrive in Lhasa
Airport or station transfer and hotel check-in, then rest to acclimatise.
Day 2 — Lhasa to Nyingchi
Head east along the Lhasa River, cross the Mira Pass, stop at Basum Tso, and reach Bayi (Nyingchi) in the evening.
Day 3 — Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon · Namcha Barwa
Visit the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon scenic area for views towards Namcha Barwa, then return to Nyingchi in the afternoon.
Day 4 — Nyingchi back to Lhasa
Return along the same road with a rest stop around Gongbo'gyamda, arriving in Lhasa in the evening.
Day 5 — Departure from Lhasa
Transfer to the airport or railway station according to your flight or train.
The Nyingchi road has many bends; travellers prone to motion sickness should prepare medication in advance.
Whether Namcha Barwa is visible depends on the weather and cannot be guaranteed.
Itineraries and prices are subject to the current published rates.
How should I spend my first day in Lhasa?
Take it easy: no strenuous activity on arrival, avoid a chill after bathing, skip alcohol, drink plenty of water and eat lightly. Save gentle city sightseeing for the second day and increase activity gradually.
When is the best time to visit Lhasa?
July, August and September are usually the most comfortable months; most rain falls then but days are often clear. Winter brings plenty of sunshine, fewer visitors and lower prices, though the temperature swing is large and some sites shorten their hours.
How do I get from Lhasa to Shigatse and what is along the way?
The usual route runs Lhasa–Yamdrok Lake–Karola Glacier–Gyantse–Shigatse, about a day of driving. Along the way you see the lake, the glacier, Gyantse Dzong and Pelkor Chode Monastery, and Tashilhunpo Monastery once in Shigatse. Road conditions are average, so a hired vehicle or small group works best.
How does the overland route from Lhasa to Kathmandu work?
Exit through the Gyirong port: drive from Lhasa to Gyirong town, cross the suspension bridge into Nepal and get an entry stamp at the immigration office about 1.5 km from the border, then take a country bus from the nearby town the next morning — about seven hours to Kathmandu. A valid passport and Nepali visa usually mean no separate border pass is needed.