Eastern Tibet · China

EXPLORING EASTERN TIBET

Nyingchi to Lhasa along the G318, lodge to lodge

Private Tour · 8N9D

Glaciers, holy lakes and primeval forests along National Highway 318 — all roads leading to the holy city of Lhasa.

RouteNyingchi → Lhasa
Duration8N / 9D
Highest StayLaigu 4,200 m
StaysSongtsam Lodges & Glamping
Group2–8 PAX private

Design Philosophy

A kingdom called Shambala

"In Tibetan culture legend has it that in another time and space there is a kingdom called Shambala. It is a quiet and peaceful kingdom because everybody there knows the source of happiness. — Mr Pema Dorjee, Founder & Chairman of Songtsam"

Songtsam began when founder Pema Dorjee returned to his childhood home in Shangri-La and turned his family's small guesthouse into the first Songtsam lodge — a place where guests immerse themselves in living history rather than the usual hotel and gift shops. Working with local artisans and the community, his vision has grown to eleven properties across Tibet and Yunnan, and the Songtsam experience continues to grow with it.

Where Songtsam Began香格里拉的起点

From a family guesthouse in Shangri-La to eleven lodges across Tibet and Yunnan, built with local artisans and run with the community.

Living Heritage活着的传承

Slaked-lime walls, indigo carved windows and handcrafted copperware — architecture that pays respect to traditional artisans and Tibetan wisdom.

Guides from the Valleys本地向导

Songtsam guides all originate from local villages, each with stories of their hometowns that open deeper doors into culture and geography.

Comfort at Altitude高原上的舒适

Laigu's 24-hour oxygen-enriched rooms, Danish floor heating and triple-layer vacuum glazing; oxygen concentrators in every Lhasa room.

Lodge to Lodge山居到山居

One seamless private journey: your own vehicle, driver and guide connect five Songtsam properties from Nyingchi to Lhasa.

Trip Highlights

What makes this journey

Namcha Barwa & the high passes

·Cross the sacred Sejila Snow Mountain pass (4,728 m) for views of Namcha Barwa — the 15th highest peak on Earth (weather permitting)
·Drive the legendary G318 through the Palong Tsangpo river valley and dense primeval forest
·Lulang's immense forest, meadows and the famous stone-pot chicken lunch

Glaciers & holy lakes

·Two nights at 4,200 m facing the Laigu Glacier, with sunrise from the lodge terrace
·Duosong Tso — a holy, secret lake without any tourists
·Mirror-like Rawu Lake and turquoise Basomtso with Tsozong Gongba Monastery on Tashi Island

Tibetan life & faith

·Xiudeng, a 500-year-old pilgrimage monastery that once housed five living Buddhas
·A guided citywalk through old Lhasa: sweet tea houses, Chomsigkang Market and Tibetan courtyards
·Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and the sacred Barkhor circumambulation

The Songtsam way

·Hike Gang Village's original spruce forest with a picnic lunch
·A starry night glamping at Palpa, a hidden village of 37 families on the Niyang River
·Tibetan-medicine foot bath, welcome and farewell dinners at the lodges

Stays

Five Songtsam properties, Nyingchi to Lhasa

8 nights across five Songtsam properties: Lodge Bome (2,700 m, the 'Swiss Alps of Tibet'), Lodge Laigu (4,200 m, the brand's highest, facing glaciers with 24-hour oxygen supply), Glamping Palpa (3,200 m, riverside camp), Linka Basomtso (3,400 m, beside the holy lake) and Linka Lhasa (3,700 m, 5 km from the Potala Palace).

Lodge to lodge across eastern Tibet

Lodge-to-lodge24h oxygen at LaiguRiverside glampingGlacier & lake views

Itinerary

9-Day Itinerary

Exploring Eastern TibetTIBET · CHINA

Altitude profile

Highest point 4,750 m · gradual ascent for acclimatization

DAY 1

Arrive Nyingchi — over Sejila Pass to Bome

Pick up from Nyingchi Mainling Airport and drive over the sacred Sejila Snow Mountain pass to see Namcha Barwa Holy Mountain (weather permitting) — the highest peak in Nyingchi prefecture and the 15th highest in the world, its colossal triangle body covered in deep snow and mist year-round. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue along the Palong Tsangpo River through dense forest to Bome. Check into Songtsam Lodge Bome with welcome drinks and local snacks, followed by a welcome dinner at the lodge.

Namcha Barwa viewpoint at Sejila Pass
Welcome dinner at Songtsam Lodge Bome

No hiking today · 4,728 m altitude

Terrain: arrival + mountain pass + scenic drive
Transport: Airport pickup, then about 4.5 h drive over Sejila Pass to Bome
Meals: Breakfast: not included; Lunch: included; Dinner: included
Stay: Songtsam Lodge Bome (2,700 m) — Deluxe Room

DAY 2

Gang Village spruce forest hike — up to Laigu

After breakfast visit Gang Village (15 min drive) and hike into the original spruce forest, with a picnic lunch in the village (from November until the Peach Blossom Festival, picnics are replaced by boxed or hotel lunches). In the afternoon depart for Ranwu, driving along the Palong Tsangpo River. Check into Songtsam Lodge Laigu — the brand's highest property, set on a cliff side facing glaciers with 24-hour oxygen supply — adapt to the altitude and enjoy the Laigu Glacier view before dinner at the lodge.

Hike in Gang Village's original spruce forest
First glacier views from Songtsam Lodge Laigu

4 kmDistance+200 mAscent−200 mDescent4,200 mMax altitude

Terrain: spruce forest + hiking + picnic + glacier views
Transport: 15-minute drive to Gang Village, then about 4 h drive to Laigu
Meals: Breakfast: included; Lunch: included; Dinner: included
Stay: Songtsam Lodge Laigu (4,200 m) — Deluxe Room

DAY 3

Duosong Tso secret lake & Xiudeng Monastery

Experience the magnificent sunrise over the glaciers from the lodge terrace (weather permitting). After breakfast head out to Duosong Tso, a holy and secret lake without any tourists, where pristine forest, a blue lake and snow-capped mountains meet in near-perfect silence — take your time along the shore and let the stillness settle in. Return to Songtsam Lodge Laigu for lunch. In the afternoon visit the pilgrimage temple of Xiudeng, a 20-minute drive away: a 500-year-old monastery that accommodated five living Buddhas during its more glorious years. Dinner back at the lodge, with the Laigu Glacier fading into dusk beyond the windows.

Sunrise over the glaciers from the terrace
Duosong Tso — a holy lake without tourists
500-year-old Xiudeng pilgrimage monastery

3 kmDistance+150 mAscent−150 mDescent4,200 mMax altitude

Terrain: holy lake + lakeside walk + monastery
Transport: About 40-minute drive to Duosong Tso, then 20 minutes to Xiudeng Monastery
Meals: Breakfast: included; Lunch: included; Dinner: included
Stay: Songtsam Lodge Laigu (4,200 m) — Deluxe Room

DAY 4

Rawu Lake — return to Bome, Tibetan-medicine foot bath

After breakfast drive one hour to the mirror-like Rawu Lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and known for tranquil, colorful water that turns dark blue or turquoise with the changing seasons — time to walk the shore and watch the reflections shift. Then retrace the Palong Tsangpo River through dense forest back towards Bome and have lunch at Songtsam Lodge Bome. The afternoon is for recovery: an in-room Tibetan-medicine foot bath that, at high altitude, promotes blood circulation and increases oxygen supply, easing the symptoms of altitude sickness while relaxing the tense, sore muscles of travel, nourishing body and mind, and dispelling cold and fatigue. Dinner at the lodge.

Mirror-like Rawu Lake
Tibetan-medicine foot bath at the lodge

1 kmDistance+30 mAscent−30 mDescent4,200 mMax altitude

Terrain: alpine lake + scenic drive + wellness
Transport: 1 h drive to Rawu Lake, then about 3 h drive back to Bome
Meals: Breakfast: included; Lunch: included; Dinner: included
Stay: Songtsam Lodge Bome (2,700 m) — Deluxe Room

DAY 5

Lulang forest & stone-pot chicken — glamping at Palpa

Depart for Lulang after breakfast, passing its immense forest with views of snow-capped mountains, meadows, and cattle and sheep grazing below. For lunch, savor Lulang Stone Pot Chicken, a dish with strong local character and one of the region's signature tastes. Visit Zhaxigang Village in the afternoon, then continue to Palpa and check into Songtsam Glamping Palpa, set in a river valley by the Niyang River in a hidden village of only 37 families. After dinner at the camp, take a leisurely stroll through the grounds — on clear nights, simply look up into a sky completely full of stars.

Lulang forest and meadows
Lulang Stone Pot Chicken lunch
Stargazing at Songtsam Glamping Palpa

1 kmDistance+50 mAscent−50 mDescent4,728 mMax altitude

Terrain: forest drive + meadows + village visit + glamping
Transport: About 4.5 h drive via Lulang and Zhaxigang to Palpa
Meals: Breakfast: included; Lunch: included; Dinner: included
Stay: Songtsam Glamping Palpa (3,200 m) — Deluxe Camp

DAY 6

Palpa valley morning — afternoon tea at Basomtso

A free morning at the camp: join optional activities such as Via Ferrata, rock climbing, Ziptreck or horse riding (not included in the tour cost; extra charges apply), or simply stroll through the forest and visit Baiba Village at your own pace. After lunch at Songtsam Glamping Palpa, depart for Basomtso and check in at Songtsam Linka Basomtso. Give the rest of the day to slowness: savor afternoon tea while admiring the stunning scenery of the quiet, rolling snow-capped mountains and the lake unfolding before you, watching the light change across the water. Dinner at the Linka.

Optional Via Ferrata / horse riding at Palpa (extra charge)
Lakeside afternoon tea at Songtsam Linka Basomtso

2 kmDistance+80 mAscent−80 mDescent3,400 mMax altitude

Terrain: valley morning + forest stroll + lake arrival
Transport: About 3 h drive from Palpa to Basomtso in the afternoon
Meals: Breakfast: included; Lunch: included; Dinner: included
Stay: Songtsam Linka Basomtso (3,400 m) — Deluxe Room

DAY 7

Basomtso holy lake & Tsozong Gongba — G318 to Lhasa

After breakfast visit Basomtso holy lake and Tsozong Gongba Monastery, set on Tashi Island in the middle of the lake. Basomtso is a turquoise alpine lake in the middle and upper reaches of the Ba River, the largest tributary of the Nyang River — itself the longest tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo. After lunch at the Linka, follow the G318 highway to Lhasa. Check into Songtsam Linka Lhasa, only 5 km from the Potala Palace, with welcome drinks and local snacks, then dinner at the Linka.

Tsozong Gongba Monastery on Tashi Island
Arrival in the holy city of Lhasa

2 kmDistance+60 mAscent−60 mDescent4,750 mMax altitude

Terrain: holy lake + island monastery + long drive
Transport: Morning at the lake, then about 5 h drive along G318 to Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast: included; Lunch: included; Dinner: included
Stay: Songtsam Linka Lhasa (3,700 m) — Superior Suite Room

DAY 8

Lhasa: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple & Barkhor citywalk

Follow your Songtsam guide on a citywalk through the ancient city of Lhasa — sweet tea houses, Chomsigkang Market and traditional Tibetan courtyards. In the morning visit the magnificent Potala Palace, built in the 6th century, the iconic heart of Tibetan Buddhism and the highest palace in the world. After lunch at the Linka, visit Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of Tibet and holiest destination for Tibetan pilgrims, then experience Barkhor Street — 'a sacred road' and Lhasa's most vibrant bazaar, alive with pilgrims from all over Tibet. Farewell dinner at Songtsam Linka Lhasa.

Potala Palace — the world's highest palace
Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street
Citywalk with a Songtsam guide
Farewell dinner

4 kmDistance+150 mAscent−150 mDescent3,700 mMax altitude

Terrain: citywalk + palace + temple + bazaar
Transport: 30 minutes to Potala Palace, 20 minutes to Jokhang Temple, plus walking
Meals: Breakfast: included; Lunch: included; Dinner: included
Stay: Songtsam Linka Lhasa (3,700 m) — Superior Suite Room

DAY 9

Departure from Lhasa

After a final breakfast at Songtsam Linka Lhasa, transfer to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (about one hour) for your onward flight — the close of a nine-day arc through eastern Tibet, from Nyingchi's forests and the glaciers of Laigu to the holy lake of Basomtso and the sacred city of Lhasa.

No hiking today · 3,700 m altitude

Terrain: departure + airport transfer
Transport: Private transfer to Lhasa Gonggar Airport, about 1 hour
Meals: Breakfast: included; Lunch: not included; Dinner: not included

Seasons & Pricing

When to go, and what it costs

Songtsam's 2026 tariff runs in three date bands; the quieter shoulder windows often bring the clearest mountain views.

Per person · based on 2 travelers · 4+ travelers from $5,300 pp

Shoulder

Best value — clear skies on the passes in late spring, early autumn and early winter

24 Feb–9 Mar · 21–30 Apr · 6 May–9 Jul · 26 Aug–27 Sep · 8 Oct–9 Dec 2026

Best

From $6,700 pp

Peak

New Year, summer holidays and late December

1 Jan–12 Feb · 10–19 Mar · 11–20 Apr · 10 Jul–25 Aug · 10–31 Dec 2026

Good

From $7,200 pp

Holiday

Losar, Nyingchi peach-blossom season, May Day & Golden Week

13–23 Feb · 20 Mar–10 Apr · 1–5 May · 28 Sep–7 Oct 2026 — book 2–3 months ahead

Good

From $7,700 pp

Converted from Songtsam 2026 CNY tariff at 7.15. Tibet Travel Permit (CNY 700 pp) and Nyingchi/Shannan/Changdu travel documents (CNY 150 pp) are already included; the permit fee is non-refundable once submitted. Single room supplement from $1,200. Final pricing is confirmed by your consultant.

Cost Details

From (2 travelers, shoulder dates)

6,700USDper person

Included

Transport: All land transfers on well-maintained local transportation indicated in the itinerary
Airport pickup at Nyingchi Mainling and drop-off at Lhasa Gonggar
Stay & meals: All accommodation based on double occupancy
All meals from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the last day
Standard drinking water and snacks throughout the trip
Complimentary minibar in guest rooms
Experiences & permits: All admission fees and activities as indicated in the itinerary
Service of local guides
Tibet entrance fee and travel document fee for foreign guests (permit CNY 700 pp + district documents CNY 150 pp, application assisted by Songtsam)

Not Included

Not included: - Medical, travel insurance, or evacuation insurance plans
- Personal telecommunication
- Domestic or international airfare to Nyingchi and from Lhasa
- Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary (e.g. Via Ferrata, rock climbing, Ziptreck, horse riding at Palpa)

Difficulty

Trip Expectations

This journey is considered moderately strenuous when touring and moderate when hiking, with full days of activities that start early in the morning and end in the evening.

Highest stay

4,200 m (Laigu)

Highest pass

Sejila 4,728 m

Longest drive

~5 h (Basomtso → Lhasa)

Altitude

Each person responds to altitude differently; in the event of altitude sickness we move to a lower altitude, and after plenty of rest symptoms usually subside. Laigu offers 24-hour oxygen supply and Lhasa rooms have oxygen concentrators. Not recommended for travelers with heart disease, high blood pressure or respiratory disease — consult your doctor for more information.

Roads & transport

Depending on group size you travel in well-maintained SUVs or vans driven by experienced Songtsam drivers. Some sections follow winding mountain roads and can be bumpy, especially where under construction. Stops are made at beautiful villages and scenic spots, with water and snacks prepared for the road.

Weather & packing

Temperatures can swing from 20°C to 5°C within a single day. Dress in layers, and bring 50+ sunblock and sunglasses against the plateau's strong ultraviolet radiation.

Meals & emergencies

Expect Tibetan cuisine — barley-flour dumplings and noodles, yak and mutton — with set menus combining Tibetan and Chinese cuisine at Songtsam properties. We suggest all travellers purchase an International SOS Service Plan providing emergency evacuation to the nearest medical facility of international standard.

About the Area

Eastern Tibet, along the G318

From Nyingchi to Bome, National Highway 318 threads the most stunning landscapes of eastern Tibet. Bome, in the neighbouring area between the Himalaya and the Nyenchen Tanglha range, is known as the "Swiss Alps of Tibet" — warm in winter, cool in summer, a paradise of primeval forests, snow-capped ranges, holy lakes and splendid glaciers. Above it all rises Namcha Barwa, the 15th highest peak in the world, its colossal triangle body wrapped in snow and mist year-round.

Eastward the road climbs past Rawu Lake to Laigu, where glaciers calve above 4,200-metre meadows, then loops back through the Lulang forest toward the Niyang River valley. Basomtso, the great turquoise alpine lake of the Ba River, shelters Tsozong Gongba Monastery on its island — snowy mountains, crystal water, lush trees, monastery and villages composing what Tibetans regard as a perfect paradise.

All roads lead at last to Lhasa, the "place of gods": the Potala Palace rising above the old town, pilgrims circling the Jokhang along Barkhor Street, sweet tea houses humming with daily life — the converging faith of Tibet, witnessed at journey's end.

Journey details

Exploring Eastern Tibet — Nyingchi to Lhasa, Lodge to Lodge (8N9D)

From Nyingchi to Bome along National Highway 318, this private journey gathers the most stunning landscapes of eastern Tibet — river valleys, glaciers, holy lakes and primeval forests — before all roads lead to the holy city of Lhasa.

From Nyingchi to Bome travelling along the National Highway 318, this journey is a collection of the most stunning landscapes found in eastern Tibet. From the river valley and canyon to the forest areas and agricultural region of Lhasa, the vitality of thousands of years is in full bloom here. Buddhist temples bathe in the sun, monks walk piously, glaciers shine brightly, and birds fly high from afar. All roads lead to the final destination, the holy city of Lhasa, to witness and experience the converging faith of the "place of gods". You stay 8 nights across five Songtsam properties — Lodge Bome (2,700 m), Lodge Laigu (4,200 m, the brand's highest, facing the Laigu Glacier), Glamping Palpa (3,200 m), Linka Basomtso (3,400 m) and Linka Lhasa (3,700 m) — with private vehicle, driver and Songtsam guide throughout.

Route: Nyingchi → Bome → Laigu (Rawu) → Bome → Palpa → Basomtso → Lhasa
Stops: Nyingchi · Bome · Laigu · Bome · Palpa · Basomtso · Lhasa
Departure city: Nyingchi
Suitable for: Couples · Friends & small groups · Photographers · Culture & nature lovers
Highlights: Cross the sacred Sejila Pass for views of Namcha Barwa, the 15th-highest peak on Earth (weather permitting) · Two nights at Songtsam Lodge Laigu (4,200 m) — the brand's highest lodge, facing glaciers above Rawu Lake · Duosong Tso, a holy and secret lake without tourists, plus the 500-year-old Xiudeng pilgrimage monastery · A starry night at Songtsam Glamping Palpa in a hidden 37-family river-valley village · Basomtso holy lake and Tsozong Gongba Monastery on Tashi Island · Lhasa citywalk with a Songtsam guide, then Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street · Tibetan-medicine foot bath, welcome and farewell dinners at Songtsam lodges

Before you book

Included: All land transfers on well-maintained local transportation indicated in the itinerary · All admission fees and activities as indicated in the itinerary · All accommodation based on double occupancy · All meals from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the last day · Standard drinking water and snacks throughout the trip · Complimentary minibar in guest rooms · Service of local guides · Tibet entrance fee and travel document fee for foreign guests
Excluded: Medical, travel insurance, or evacuation insurance plans · Personal telecommunication · Domestic or international airfare to Nyingchi and from Lhasa · Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary (e.g. Via Ferrata, rock climbing, Ziptreck and horse riding at Palpa)
Booking notes: Tibet Travel Permit is required for all foreign travelers and can only be arranged through authorized agencies — Songtsam assists with the application. Allow at least 30 days before departure. · Tibet Travel Permit (CNY 700 pp) and travel documents for Nyingchi, Shannan and Changdu districts (CNY 150 pp) are already included in the quotation. The fee is non-refundable once the application is submitted. · High-altitude itinerary with stays up to 4,200 m: not recommended for travelers with heart disease, high blood pressure or respiratory disease. · Plateau UV is strong — bring 50+ sunblock and sunglasses.