13-Day Private Car Tour of the Great Northern Route in Ngari_Itineraries and Quotes for Ngari Private Car Tours in Tibet

In the morning, drive from Lhasa, traveling along the scenery of the Yarlung Tsangpo River to Gambala Pass (elevation 4,990 m), the perfect spot to overlook Yamdrok Lake (elevation 4,441 m), one of the "Three Great Sacred Lakes of Tibet." From the Tibetan-style viewing platform adorned with fluttering colorful prayer flags and a giant mani pile, gaze at the clear, calm lake surface shifting in the sunlight through varying shades of light blue, deep blue, and sky blue, mirroring the washed-clean blue sky, with towering snow mountains in the distance—an ultimate beauty unrivaled in southern Tibet. If you are lucky, you may even witness a wonder of dark clouds on one side, a brilliant rainbow on another, and endless sunset glow elsewhere. Then via Gyantse Ancient Town, arrive in Shigatse to visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of successive Panchen Erdenis. Built in 1447, inside the monastery incense smoke rises, butter lamps flicker, and Buddha statues have varied countenances; in the main hall, monks chant in orderly fashion, and pilgrims prostrate before the Buddha images. Overnight in Shigatse.

After breakfast, depart from Shigatse for the Everest Nature Reserve. Passing Wula Pass at 5,200 m, at Gyawu La Pass you can see four snow mountains over 8,000 m lined up spectacularly. From left to right: Makalu (8,463 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Everest (8,848 m), and Cho Oyu (8,201 m). Then take the eco-shuttle to Everest Base Camp to experience nature's grandeur; if lucky, you may see Everest's plume cloud drifting like a flame of life. Overnight at Everest Base Camp, where you can face the world's highest peak—Mount Everest—and witness its majestic form up close.

In the morning, depart from Everest Base Camp. After lunch in Old Tingri County, drive to the most stunning glacier group in the Himalayas—the Shishapangma Glacier Group. Shishapangma Peak at 8,012 m ranks 14th among the world's 14 peaks over 8,000 m and is the only 8,000 m peak entirely within China. The most captivating is the ice tower zone from 5,000 m to 5,800 m, statically beautiful like a glacier garden. Under the sun, Shishapangma is snow-covered and spectacular. Then pass the beautiful Peiku Tso, a plateau lake of about 300 square kilometers, where precious sunbirds, langurs, and wildlife can be seen everywhere in groups or singly. Finally arrive in Saga for overnight stay.

In the morning, depart from Saga for the sacred mountain and lake. First visit Lake Manasarovar, known as the "Mother of the World's Rivers," the place called "Jade Pool of the Western Heaven" by Tang Dynasty monk Xuanzang in his Great Tang Records on the Western Regions, and one of Tibet's famous Three Great Sacred Lakes, paired with Mount Kailash as the "Sacred Mountain and Lake." Manasarovar is currently the lake with the highest measured transparency in China, reaching 14 meters, crystal clear. The clear water mirrors the blue sky, vast and open. The lake is embraced by the Namnani Snow Mountains, with lake and mountain scenery of transcendent beauty. Separated from the sacred lake by a single embankment is the barren Rakshastal, known as the Ghost Lake. It is said that Manasarovar and Rakshastal are connected beneath the lake bed—one is the freshwater sacred lake, the other the saltwater ghost lake. Rakshastal is also a fascinating sight. After lunch at Paryang, pass through the Mayum Bridge border checkpoint to Tarchen, where you pay homage to the sacred mountain—Mount Kailash. At 6,638 m, Kailash is called "Shiva's Paradise" in Sanskrit and means "Mountain of the Gods" in Tibetan. Its form resembles a pyramid with highly symmetrical walls. Kailash is a globally recognized sacred mountain, acknowledged by Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, the indigenous Bon religion, and ancient Jainism as the center of the world. The mystery of the sacred mountain is that its sun-facing side, for unknown reasons, retains snow year-round, while the back side has no snow for long periods—even when covered, it melts as soon as the sun appears, contrary to natural norms. Overnight in Tarchen.

In the morning, set off from Tarchen, driving toward the morning glow between Mount Kailash and Mount Naimona'nyi, passing through the Earth Forest on the way to Zanda to visit the Ruins of the Guge Kingdom. The Guge Kingdom Ruins are an ancient plateau city. The entire site comprises over 300 houses and caves, 3 stupas (over 10 meters tall), 4 temples, 2 halls, and 2 underground tunnels, divided into upper, middle, and lower levels, which were respectively the royal palace, temples, and residences. An outer wall was built around the perimeter, with blockhouses at the four corners. Around the 10th century AD, after the collapse of the Tubo Dynasty, Kyide Nyimagon, great-grandson of the last Tsanpo Langdarma, led his followers in fleeing to Ngari and established the Guge Kingdom. The Guge Dynasty, which once had a splendid civilization lasting seven hundred years, remains a mystery as to why it disappeared. After the tour, return to Zanda County along the original route and visit Tholing Monastery, which has a history of over 900 years. The monastery blends Indian Kashmiri, Ladakhi, and Nepalese styles in both architecture and Buddhist statues, making it a culmination of architectural and statue styles from various regions. The Indian monk Atisha once preached and wrote here, spreading the Dharma. Since then, many eminent monks have left their footprints here. Overnight in Zanda.

In the morning, after enjoying the sunrise over the Guge Dynasty hidden in the dust of history deep within the Earth Forest, return to Zanda for lunch. Then head to Shiquanhe Town, the starting point of the Ali Great Northern Route (Ali Loop), which is the central town of the Ngari Prefecture. The place is named after the famous Shiquan River, the upper source of the Indus River and one of the major rivers in western Tibet Autonomous Region. Overnight in Shiquanhe Town.

From today on, we will drive through a true wilderness, a desolate, mysterious, and lonely no-man's land, and also begin to explore the most essential part of the Great Northern Route. Countless lakes are hidden in this rarely visited land, and the stunning 'one lake after another' scenery is unfolding before us. After stocking up on dry food and instant noodles, set off from Shiquanhe, passing through Geji (elevation 4800m), known as the Roof of the World, Yare (elevation 5300m), and arriving at Rendo Township (elevation 5000m). The entire route offers enchanting plateau scenery. The vast and boundless wilderness and wasteland, endless mountain peaks and white clouds, occasional oases and flocks of sheep, and antelopes and wild donkeys racing with the car all come into view one by one. Finally arrive at Rendo Township and stay overnight in a Tibetan village.

Wake up with the first rays of dawn over the Northern Tibetan land, and after filling up on self-prepared dry food, continue the journey. Yesterday's scenery was merely a prelude; today's wonders will be even more stunning. After departing from Rendo Township, you'll encounter the breathtaking 'one lake after another' scenery: Ang Laren Co, hailed by locals as a fairyland on earth; the magical Renqing Xiubu Co with ever-changing views; the red lake Taro Co; and the most stunning and mysterious Zabuye Salt Lake. In addition, you'll pass by various unnamed small lakes along the way, each beautiful and amazing. Finally arrive at a Tibetan village in Coqên County for overnight stay.

After breakfast, set off from Coqên to Zhari Namco (elevation 4600m). Zhari Namco is the third-largest lake in Tibet. The Tibetan meaning of Coqên is 'big lake,' named precisely because of Zhari Namco. After a simple roadside lunch on the way from Zhari Namco, continue east to Tangra Yumco (elevation 4600m). Tangra Yumco is the largest sacred lake worshipped by Tibet's original Bon religion and the most moving lake on the Northern Tibetan plateau. The lake surface resembles a vajra, surrounded by mountains on all sides. In the minds of Tibetans, Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, Dargo Snow Mountain and Tangra Yumco, Nyenchen Tanglha and Namtso are listed as Tibet's three great sacred mountains and lakes. Drive along the shore of Tangra Yumco to reach Wenbu South Village, a village isolated from the world. This peach blossom spring surrounded by snow mountains and lakes is the soul of the Northern Tibetan land, called by travelers the 'most Tibetan' place, the 'dwelling of gods.' Don't miss the stunning spectacle of fiery clouds filling the sky at sunset.

In the early morning, set off from the tranquil Wenbu South Village and feel the unique beauty of colorful clouds illuminating Ngari. Head north for about 40 kilometers to Dangqung Co. Dangqung Co was once the same large lake as Tangra Yumco, but later split into two due to climate change and water level decline. By the lakeside is another ancient village—Wenbu North Village, as tranquil and serene as Wenbu South Village. Take a brief stop in Wenbu North Village for lunch, then set off northward to Nyima County—the youngest county in Tibet.

In the early morning, set off from Nyima County to Siling Co (elevation 4500m), the second-largest lake in Tibet. In Tibetan, Siling Co means 'Devil Lake Reflecting Majestic Light,' and like Ang Laren Co, it is a ghost lake. Despite the seemingly terrifying name, what you see is azure water, herds of cattle and sheep, and a plateau pasture scene. After finding a spot by Siling Co for a roadside lunch, continue onward, and you'll see many unnamed lakes of various sizes (Biluo Co, Guogen Co, Banggai Co, etc.), which were once part of Siling Co. Then drive all the way to Baingoin County (elevation 4750m). Overnight in Baingoin County. Tip: Tibetan antelopes and other wildlife are very afraid of people. Please do not startle them, and do not let the driver chase them; just take photos from a distance.

In the morning, set off from Baingoin, enjoying the alpine grassland scenery along the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains, then arrive at Namtso, one of Tibet's three great sacred lakes. This vast 'Heavenly Lake' like a sea is said to be the tears shed by a fairy at the foot of the Nyenchen Tanglha mountain god. Have lunch in Damxung or the Namtso scenic area, and in the evening watch the sunset glow and camp by the lakeside. The night at Namtso is very pure, with a low sky, as if you can touch the stars by raising your hand; although it's cold by the lake, the waves are endless, and the natural sounds are serene, making one feel attached and enjoy a relaxed and pleasant night. Tip: Accommodation at Namtso is in simple prefab houses by the lake. Due to the high altitude, keep warm at night.

In the morning, enjoy quietly waiting for the first ray of dawn by the lakeside. The vast lakeshore, grasslands surrounding the lake, lush water and grass, clear lake water reflecting the surrounding snow mountains, and beautiful scenery make it like a crystal pearl inlaid on the vast Qiangtang grassland. The picturesque scenery makes people linger, truly a paradise for photography enthusiasts. On the return trip, admire the Nyenchen Tanglha snow peaks again, with colorful prayer flags fluttering on the Northern Tibetan grasslands and the spectacular Qinghai-Tibet Highway. End the journey and arrive in Lhasa. (Note: This price is for car rental with driver/chartered car. Vehicle prices vary with peak and off-peak travel seasons; this price is for reference only. For specific matters, please consult us.)