Welcome to Lhasa! Upon arrival at Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Railway Station, your guide and driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel (approximately 1 hour drive). The remainder of the day is dedicated to rest and acclimatization to the high altitude. Lhasa sits at 3,650 meters above sea level, so it is important to take it easy on your first day. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and do light walking around your hotel. Your guide will give a briefing about the 10-day journey ahead.

Morning visit to the magnificent Potala Palace, the iconic 13-story winter residence of the Dalai Lamas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace contains over 1,000 rooms filled with ancient murals, Buddhist relics, and gilded stupas. In the afternoon, visit the Jokhang Temple, the holiest temple in Tibet, housing the revered Jowo Shakyamuni statue. End the day walking the Barkhor kora circuit around the temple, following pilgrims spinning prayer wheels, and exploring the vibrant market stalls selling Tibetan crafts, thangkas, and incense.

Today explore two of Tibet's great Gelugpa monasteries. Start at Drepung Monastery (8km west of Lhasa), once the world's largest monastery with up to 10,000 monks. Climb through the whitewashed buildings to the Ganden Palace and main assembly hall. In the afternoon, visit Sera Monastery (5km north of Lhasa), famous for its lively monks' debating sessions held in the debating courtyard (3-5 PM, except Sundays). Time permitting, also visit Norbulingka, the Dalai Lama's former summer palace surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Depart Lhasa heading south across the Karo La Pass (5,010m) with spectacular views of the Nyenchen Tanglha mountain range and massive glaciers. Stop at the stunning turquoise Yamdrok Lake (4,441m), one of Tibet's three holy lakes, with Mt. Nojin Kangtsang (7,191m) towering in the background. Continue past the Karola Glacier to Gyantse, where you will visit the magnificent Pelkor Chode Monastery and the 35-meter high Kumbum Stupa with its 9 tiers and 77 chapels. Continue to Shigatse (3,900m), Tibet's second-largest city, for overnight.

Morning visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, the historic seat of the Panchen Lama. The highlight is the 26-meter-tall gilded statue of Maitreya Buddha, the largest gilded statue in the world. Then begin the drive south through increasingly dramatic landscapes. Cross the Gawu La Pass (5,200m) for your first breathtaking view of the Himalayan range, including Mount Everest (8,848m), Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Visit Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world (4,980m). Finally arrive at Everest Base Camp (5,200m) to witness the sunset over the north face of Everest. Overnight at the EBC tent guesthouse.

Wake up early to witness the spectacular sunrise over Mount Everest's north face — the peak catches golden light first, creating an unforgettable sight. After breakfast, begin the return journey north, retracing the scenic route through Tingri and Lhatse. Arrive in Shigatse by late afternoon. Enjoy a well-deserved rest and hot shower at your comfortable hotel.

Today we take the spectacular and less-traveled northern route through the Tibetan steppe. Cross the Lakpa La Pass (5,050m), passing through vast grasslands dotted with nomadic yak herders' black tents and grazing livestock. Keep your camera ready for wildlife. Arrive at sacred Namtso Lake (4,718m) in the late afternoon. Namtso, meaning 'Heavenly Lake' in Tibetan, is one of the highest saltwater lakes in the world. Visit Tashi Dor Island and watch the sunset over the turquoise waters reflecting the snow-capped Nyenchen Tanglha mountains. Overnight at a lakeside guesthouse.

Morning free to walk along the lake shore or hike the nearby hills for panoramic views of the lake and mountains. After breakfast, drive back to Lhasa crossing the Nyenchen Tanglha Pass (5,190m). Arrive in Lhasa by late afternoon. Rest of the evening free to explore or relax.

A full free day to explore Lhasa at your own pace. Options include visiting the Tibet Museum (excellent exhibits on Tibetan history and culture), taking a Tibetan cooking class (learn to make momos and thukpa), revisiting Barkhor Street for last souvenir shopping, or simply relaxing at a traditional sweet tea house and watching the world go by.

After breakfast, transfer to Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Railway Station for your onward journey. End of services. Tashi Delek! We hope your 10-day Tibet adventure with XZZY Trip has been unforgettable.