Let’s go west and start with a visit to the largest lamasery in the world - the Drepung Monastery, aged over 600. It has a scale to hold a grand assembly hall, a palace for early Dalai Lamas, several colleges, lama’s living quarters - there were over 10,000 lamas at its peak time - and various chapels among other sub-structures! The name Drepung or “a pile of rice” describes what it looks - white buildings sprawl down the hillside, well resembling a rice heap, only that the roofs are red. It will also amaze you with rich collections of Thangka paintings, stupa-tombs, Buddhist statues, and curious artefacts like ancient porcelain ware and armors. You may come around the middle of August to encounter Shoton Festival, when tens of thousands of disciples and travelers would come from afar to worship the Buddha on a giant silk Thangka, which will be unfolded on a mountain side.

In the afternoon, you are going to visit the Sera Monastery - both Sera and Drepung are the greatest monasteries of Gelug Sect, the most popular school of Tibetan Buddhism. Besides appreciating static Buddhist artworks, here you can also witness an impassioned debating of lamas on Buddhist philosophy, which is held in a question-defend form. If the defender cannot answer the question, the audience will loudly boo, and he needs to remove the yellow hat until scoring off the questioner. Generally, the answer can only be "yes", "no" or "indefinite", so the outcome is quick and clear. Even for those who do not understand the Tibetan language, you will be lifted up by the boisterous atmosphere with lamas clapping hand and dramatically gesticulating. Enjoy some serene time next in the Norbulingka Park, Lhasa’s oasis. Originally the second home to Dalai Lamas to escape summer heat, the meticulously laid-out grounds provides beautiful palace shelters, lush gardens, ponds and sometimes cultural performances. Out of the park, transfer back to the hotel.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 Lhasa

The biggest landmark of the city, the Potala Palace, beckons this morning! Perched atop the Red Hill, this castle, 13 stories high and all wood-and-stone, has played a vital role in the politics and religion of the area for 1,300 years. Its main components are easy to recognize as we approach - the White Palace building for Dalai Lamas to live and work and the Red Palace in the center for housing stupa-tombs and religious rituals. Against the blue sky, the blend of white and red enjoys a vibrant beauty for you to marvel at. This holy site is so revered that it would be repainted every year on Buddha's Descent Day on the 22nd day of Tibetan Calendar, with the white paint said to be a mixture of white lime, milk, sugar, honey and other natural ingredients. Maybe come this day to witness the project! The Palace is also so popular that to preserve it, the management office even set a daily quota which makes its tickets in hot demand - of course, we will ensure that your ticket is booked in advance for a smooth trip.

Out of the Palace, navigate through local life to the spiritual heart of Tibet, the Jokhang Temple. There is an old saying goes that “First there was Jokhang Temple, and then Lhasa City”. Anyway, this is where the statue of 12-year-old Sakyamuni Buddha is worshipped, crafted life-size when Sakyamuni himself was still alive, so you know why it’s the ultimate destination of the Buddhist pilgrims! After the holy visit, continue onwards to the Barkhor Street just outside the temple, which is as prosperous just as it was a thousand years ago except that it has occupied by contemporary people - locals, vendors and travelers. Here you will find local-made handcrafts, street food, paintings, and traditional clothes, just to name a few. The last stop today is a Nunnery, where you’ll have a chance to dig into the life of local women lamas.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 Lhasa - Gyangtse - Shigatse

After breakfast, we will drive 230 kilometers (143 mi) southwards to Gyangtse. On the way, visit the Yamdrok Yumtso Lake, one of the three sacred lakes in Tibet. Lakes are thought to have spiritual power for Tibetans, so is Yamdrok Yumtso. Legend has it that it is the manifestation of the protective deity Dorje Geg Kyi Tso, and this is why sometimes you would see lamas and locals on the shore praying. You can meditate towards the pacifying turquoise lake water, which reflects the pure sky, making it a graceful beauty in the arms of the magnificent Himalayas. Also pass by the Karola Glacier. As it is not far from the highway, you can enjoy its splendid snow-capped peaks at a pretty close distance.

► Reminder on Altitude Sickness
While we are in mountain regions with rarified air, to prevent or alleviate altitude sickness, you’d better take in carbohydrate instead of fats and protein that use more oxygen to consume. Know about the symptoms and, if necessary, ask your doctor for some preventive medicines. As mountainous excursions require a good level of health and fitness, please let your guide know if you are feeling even slightly unwell for us to consider adjusting the itinerary or working out other solutions.

After arriving in Gyangtse, our first stop will be the Palcho Monastery on a hill, the only lamasery shared by three sects of Tibetan Buddhism, namely Sakya, Kadam and Gelug. The stunner here is the mandala-shaped, gold-capped Kumbum Stupa, in which you will find thousands of Buddha statues and delicate murals. Climb up to different levels of this multi-layered structure to appreciate these masterpieces as many as possible. Next, go down to the Gyangtse Old Street, an untouched traditional Tibetan quarter, and have a quiet stroll past old houses, cows, dogs, and original Tibetan people and their kids. After that, your trip will continue to Shigatse, the second largest city of Tibet, and check in at the hotel there.

► Suggestion on Where for Dinner
The most popular restaurant around your hotel would be Feng Sheng Tibetan-style Restaurant (Xi Ge Zi Pedestrian Street branch), 15-minute taxi ride from your hotel. In an environment perfect in Tibetan fashion, you may watch locals in traditional robes dance to stringed instruments called “Zha Nian” and sample Tibetan specialties. Here, Potato Stuffed Buns can be found almost on every table, while the Beef Buns are also worth trying. They offer Tsampa, fried barley flour, the staple food of Tibetan people; you might not like it at first taste but it can be a cultural experience! Please note that the service staff tend to recommend more than you can eat. Average cost per person at the restaurant is CNY 100 / USD 14.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 Shigatse - Dingri

Day 6 Dingri - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse

From Dingri, head to the Everest Base Camp - we know you’ve been waiting so long for this moment! Based on our experience, this is the perfect (the closest) place to view the world's highest peak Mt. Everest, which rises 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 ft.). Prepare to be awestruck as you gaze upon the sublime snow-dusted summit, with changeful clouds creating a magical display, a vista that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. On our way back down, stop by the Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest monastery just a little away from the camp. Though small in size, it is so inclusive as to allow monks and nuns to practice together. Continue with a 6-hour drive to Shigatse. Check in at the hotel upon your arrival.

Meals: Buffet breakfast; Lunch

Day 7 Shigatse - Lhasa

This morning, you will be accompanied to the grand Tashilunpo Monastery. For Tibetan Buddhists, the monastery holds an equally significant place as Potala Palace. Still remember that Potala is for Dalai Lamas? Tashilunpo is for Panchen Lamas, who are regarded as the Great Scholars and responsible for seeking out the next Dalai Lama. Here, the most eye-appealing structures would be those glorious stupa-tombs of the spiritual leaders.

Later, we will go back to Lhasa. On our 4 hours’ private drive, have your last glance at the scenic villages, mountains and streams you might have seen before. On the way, stop to visit a Tibetan family to experience local daily life. Have a glimpse of the local living conditions, examine the house’s layout and decorative elements, and chat with the friendly host over traditional butter tea. Maybe prepare some questions beforehand, such as what they do for a living and how they educate their children. Stay in Lhasa.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch

Day 8 Departure from Lhasa