Travel Days: – Day tour
Altitude Range:3650m (Lhasa) → 4998m (Gambala Pass) → 4441m (Yamdrok) → 5020m (Karola Glacier)
Total round distance: approx 350 km
A classic one-day highland journey departing Lhasa, passing Gambala Pass to admire the stunning turquoise panorama of Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s three sacred holy lakes with winding blue waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows. Proceed to Nagartse County for authentic local Tibetan and Sichuan-style lunch, featuring yak delicacies and traditional plateau snacks with a comfortable altitude rest. Continue to Karola Glacier, Tibet’s easily accessible roadside glacier beneath Nyenchen Kangsa Snow Peak, offering close views of ancient blue ice walls and raw wild highland scenery. The whole route runs along paved highways with constant Yarlung Tsangpo river valleys, snow mountain ranges and pure plateau sky views, perfect for landscape photography and experiencing original Tibetan highland natural charm.
Baisic Route
Lhasa 3650m → Gambala Mountain Pass 4998m → Yamdrok Lake 4441m → Nagartse (Lunch) → Karola Glacier 5020m → Back to Lhasa
Total round distance: approx 350 km
Detailed Highlights
Gambala Pass
• Classic high mountain pass on the way to Yamdrok Lake, the best natural panoramic viewing spot for the entire Yamdrok Lake
• Standing at high altitude, overlooking the whole stretch of turquoise lake winding among rolling snow mountains and alpine grasslands
• Open plateau terrain with vast sky, endless mountain ranges and pure Tibetan wilderness scenery
• Perfect spot to capture the full shape and iconic layout of Yamdrok Lake from a bird’s-eye perspective
Yamdrok Lake
• One of Tibet’s three great sacred lakes, renowned for its striking emerald-turquoise glacial lake water
• Encircled by snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows and undulating mountain ridges
• Multiple lakeside viewing platforms offering close-up lake views and tranquil shore scenery
• Deep sacred status in Tibetan Buddhism, cherished as a holy guardian lake by local Tibetans
• Pristine natural scenery with clear lake water, wild pasture and distant snow summits
Nagartse (Lunch Stop)
• Authentic highland Tibetan county with traditional local town style and original folk atmosphere
• Taste genuine Tibetan home-style dishes, yak meat specialties and simple plateau meals
• Comfortable midway stop for rest and altitude adaptation before heading to the higher glacier zone
• Quiet local streets with traditional Tibetan houses and simple pastoral plateau vibes
Karola Glacier
• One of Tibet’s most easily reachable roadside glaciers along the Lhasa–Shigatse route
• Magnificent ancient ice wall, thick layered glacier ice surrounded by towering snow mountains
• Wooden boardwalk allows walking close to the glacier front to admire raw ice formations up close
• Grand primitive alpine glacier landscape with fresh cold air and pure snow mountain scenery
• Stunning combination of ice, rock and snow peaks creating dramatic plateau natural views
Travel Reminders
Prepare warm windproof clothing, strong sun protection, sunglasses and portable oxygen; move slowly at high altitude, avoid running or heavy physical activity. Suitable for landscape lovers, photography and plateau cultural sightseeing.
Yes, all international visitors require a valid Tibet Travel Permit, which we will arrange for you fully.
Absolutely. This gentle 3-day Lhasa tour is designed for all age groups with slow altitude adaptation.
All accommodation, private guide, driver, transportation, entrance tickets and permit services are fully included.
Beautiful spiritual journey, perfectly planned gentle Lhasa tour with incredible local guide service. Very smooth experience for first-time Tibet travelers.
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