7 Days Lhasa, Yamdrok Lake and the Yarlung Valley
- Duration
- 7 Days / 6 Nights
- Pace
- Easy
- Group size
- 3–8 travellers
- Best season
- April to October
The trip at a glance
Three chapters of Tibet in one loop, without driving the same road twice. Lhasa, the ancient capital. Yamdrok Lake, the holy turquoise lake, where you walk along the shore for half a day, close to nature — or simply enjoy it from the vehicle if you prefer. And the Yarlung Valley, the cradle of Tibetan civilization, with Yumbulakhang, the first palace in Tibet, and Samye, the first monastery.
The ancient capital. Three days in Lhasa: the Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple and the Barkhor kora, Sera Monastery and the Tibet Museum.
Read the full overview
The holy lake. Over the Gampala Pass (4,794 m) to Yamdrok Lake, one of the three holiest lakes in Tibet. Along the shore you walk for half a day — close to the water, the grass and the yaks — or stay in the vehicle and enjoy the views. Then over the Zhila Pass and down to the warm, green Yarlung Valley, arriving in Tsedang for the night.
Where Tibet began. Tibetans say their story started in the Yarlung Valley. Yumbulakhang, on its hilltop above the barley fields, is remembered as the first palace of the first Tibetan king. Samye was the first monastery in Tibet. We keep the valley to these two: not one monastery after another, but the two places that tell the story best.
Three ways to know Yamdrok Lake. We sort our Yamdrok tours into three kinds: the kora, a full circle around the lake as pilgrims make it, part on foot and part by vehicle; the trek, real walking days with camping; and the loop, half a day by the lake on the way to the Yarlung Valley. See them all on Yamdrok Lake tours.
A loop, never the same road twice. Lhasa → Gampala Pass → along Yamdrok Lake → Zhila Pass → Yarlung Valley → Tsedang → Samye → back to Lhasa. For a shorter private trip to the Yarlung Valley, see 5 Days Lhasa & Shannan; for the same valley the other way round with more of its temples, see the Eastern Shannan Cultural Loop, a journey we ran for real guests. See also all our loop tours.
- Lhasa
- Gampala Pass
Yamdrok Lake- Zhila Pass
- Tsedang
- Yumbulakhang
Samye- Lhasa
Where you go, and how high you sleep
The route, stop by stop
Lhasa → Gampala Pass → Yamdrok Lake → Zhila Pass → Tsedang → Yumbulakhang → Samye → Lhasa
- Arrive in Lhasa (3,650 m) — a quiet first dayDay 1
- Lhasa — Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor koraDay 2
- Lhasa — Sera Monastery and the Tibet MuseumDay 3
- Lhasa → Gampala Pass → half a day walking along Yamdrok Lake → Zhila Pass → TsedangDay 4
- Yumbulakhang — the first palace in TibetDay 5
- Samye — the first monastery in Tibet → LhasaDay 6
- Departure from LhasaDay 7
Day by day
Days 1–3 · Lhasa
Arrive in Lhasa (3,650 m) — a quiet first day
Your guide meets you at Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa railway station with a white khata scarf and takes you to your hotel. The rest of the day is for resting: walk slowly, drink plenty of water and let your body get used to the height.
Lhasa — Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor kora
The Potala Palace in the morning, then the Jokhang Temple, the holiest temple in Tibet. In the afternoon, walk the Barkhor, the kora around the Jokhang, clockwise with the pilgrims and their prayer wheels. In Saga Dawa, the holiest month, the circuit is full of pilgrims from all over Tibet.
Lhasa — Sera Monastery and the Tibet Museum
Sera Monastery, with the monks' debate in the courtyard in the afternoon (except Sundays), and the Tibet Museum. A third easy day in Lhasa means your body is ready for the lake, about 800 metres higher.
Lhasa → Gampala Pass → half a day walking along Yamdrok Lake → Zhila Pass → Tsedang
Over the Gampala Pass (4,794 m) to the turquoise water of Yamdrok Lake. Walk along the shore for half a day — close to the water, the grass and the grazing yaks — or stay in the vehicle and enjoy the views. Then over the Zhila Pass (5,022 m) and down into the Yarlung Tsangpo valley, arriving in Tsedang, the main town of the Yarlung region, just in time for the night.
Yumbulakhang — the first palace in Tibet
Drive up the green Yarlung Valley to Yumbulakhang, standing on its hilltop above the barley fields, remembered as the palace of the first Tibetan king. Walk up for the view over the valley, the cradle of Tibetan civilization. The rest of the day is quiet: the villages and fields of the valley, and an easy afternoon in Tsedang.
Samye — the first monastery in Tibet → Lhasa
Along the Yarlung Tsangpo to Samye, the first monastery in Tibet, built as a model of the Buddhist universe. If you like, climb the small Hepori hill beside it for the view over the whole monastery. Then back to Lhasa.
Departure from Lhasa
Your guide takes you to the airport or railway station. Tashi delek — safe travels.
What is included
Included
- Tibet Travel Permit and all other permits for the route
- English-speaking Tibetan guide
- Private vehicle and driver for the whole trip
- Hotels in Lhasa
- Entrance tickets for the sights in the itinerary
- Airport or railway station transfers
- Hotel in Tsedang
- Oxygen cylinders in the vehicle throughout the trip
Not included
- Flights or trains to and from Lhasa
- China visa
- Lunches and dinners in Lhasa
- Personal expenses and tips
- Single room supplement
Photos from this route
Questions travellers ask
What is the cradle of Tibetan civilization?
The Yarlung Valley in Shannan, south-east of Lhasa. Tibetans say their history began here: Yumbulakhang is remembered as the first palace of the first Tibetan king, and Samye was the first monastery in Tibet.
Can I walk along Yamdrok Lake on this tour?
Yes. On Day 4 you walk along the shore for half a day, close to the water, then drive over the Zhila Pass to Tsedang for the night. Anyone who would rather not walk can stay in the vehicle and enjoy the views.
What is Yumbulakhang?
A small palace on a hilltop above the Yarlung Valley, remembered as the palace of the first Tibetan king and the first building in Tibet.
Why is Samye important?
Samye was the first monastery in Tibet, built in the 8th century as a model of the Buddhist universe. It is where Tibetan Buddhism took root.
How many days do I need for Lhasa, Yamdrok Lake and Samye?
Seven days is comfortable: three in Lhasa, one day with half a day of walking at Yamdrok Lake and on to Tsedang, one for Yumbulakhang, one for Samye and the drive back, and the last day to leave.
