Shigatse 2-Day Private Car Tour - Shigatse Two-Day Private Car Tour Route/Cost/Price

In the morning, drive from Lhasa, take National Highway 318 to the bridge junction, and travel through the scenery of the Yarlung Tsangpo River to Gambala Pass (elevation 4990 meters), an excellent spot to overlook Yamdrok Lake (elevation 4441 meters), one of Tibet's three sacred lakes. From the Tibetan-style viewing platform with fluttering colorful prayer flags and a huge mani pile, gaze at the clear and calm lake surface under the sunlight, changing into various shades of light blue, deep blue, and sky blue, reflecting the washed blue sky, with the majestic snow-capped mountains in the distance—an extreme beauty unmatched in southern Tibet. If lucky, one may even see the wonder of dark clouds on one side, a brilliant rainbow on another, and infinite sunset glow on yet another. After lunch in Nagarze, continue driving to visit Karola Glacier (elevation 5000 meters). The glacier stands by the roadside like a giant thangka hanging on the mountain wall, crystal clear and flawless, so close that it seems touchable. Finally, pass through the ancient city of Gyantse to stay overnight in Shigatse, the capital of Tsang, at an elevation of 3750 meters.

After breakfast, take a car to visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of successive Panchen Lamas. Inside the monastery, incense smoke rises, butter lamps flicker, and the Buddhas have various dignified appearances. In the main hall, monks chant scriptures in an orderly manner, and pilgrims prostrate before the Buddha statues. Here is enshrined the world's largest indoor bronze seated Buddha, Maitreya Buddha, built in 1914 under the supervision of the 9th Panchen Lama, Chökyi Nyima, and it preserves the Kangyur and Tengyur scriptures written in gold powder. Then return to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River valley via the China-Nepal Highway. (Note: This price is for car rental with driver/chartered vehicle. Vehicle prices vary with peak and off-peak travel seasons; this price is for reference only. Please consult us for specific details.)