9 day Blue Ice Tour in Tibet

Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa – Altitude Acclimatization

Key Stop: Lhasa (6-hour Stay)

• Experience: Upon your arrival in Lhasa, check into the pre-arranged Lhasa Guizang Manor Hotel, featuring diffused oxygen supply and a humidifier to ensure your comfort at high altitude. Given Lhasa’s elevation of 3,650 meters (where oxygen content is only 70% of mainland China), we strongly advise minimizing outdoor activities and resting well to adapt to potential altitude sickness. Most travelers experience varying degrees of altitude symptoms in the first two days—this is normal! The best prevention methods are maintaining a relaxed mindset, drinking plenty of water, eating fresh fruits, and getting adequate rest.
• Meals: Not included
• Accommodation: Lhasa Guizang Manor Hotel (Diffused Oxygen Supply + Humidifier)

Day 2: Lhasa → Basongcuo Lake → Niyang River → Nyingchi

1. Basongcuo (Basomtso Lake)

• Duration: 3 hours | Admission Included
• Highlights: Depart Lhasa and head to Basongcuo, a serene alpine lake known as the “Jade of the Snow Mountains.” Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush forests, its crystal-clear waters mirror the sky and mountains, creating a postcard-perfect scene. Wander along the lakeshore, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and immerse yourself in this idyllic natural beauty.

2. Niyang River

• Duration: 3 hours | Admission Included
• Highlights: Continue along the picturesque Niyang River, a lifeline of the Tibetan Plateau. Drive through valleys lined with willow trees, fertile farmlands, and traditional Tibetan villages, stopping at scenic viewpoints to capture the river’s turquoise waters winding through the landscape. Experience the peaceful coexistence of nature and rural life.
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel) + Dinner (Special Gift: Nyingchi Stone Pot Chicken – a local delicacy cooked with fresh ingredients in a traditional stone pot, boasting rich flavors and nourishing properties)
• Accommodation: Nyingchi Metropolo (Air-Conditioned)

Day 3: Nyingchi → Lulang → Bomi → Midui Glacier → Ranwu Lake

1. Lulang Forest

• Duration: 3 hours | Admission Included
• Highlights: Explore Lulang Forest, hailed as the “Swiss of Tibet.” This primeval forest is dotted with tall pines, cypresses, lush meadows, and gurgling streams. Walk through the forest trails, listen to the sounds of nature, and enjoy the cool, fresh air—an ideal escape from urban hustle.

2. Midui Glacier

• Duration: 3 hours | Admission Included
• Highlights: Visit Midui Glacier, one of China’s most spectacular and accessible glaciers. Marvel at towering ice walls, jagged ice peaks, and crystal-clear ice caves formed over thousands of years. Walk along designated viewing paths to get up close, feeling the icy chill and admiring the unique blue hues created by light refraction.

3. Ranwu Lake

• Duration: 3 hours | Admission Included
• Highlights: Arrive at Ranwu Lake, a stunning alpine lake nestled between mountains. Its color shifts from deep blue to turquoise with changing light and seasons, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and barren hills that enhance its dramatic beauty. Relax by the lakeside and capture photos of this breathtaking natural wonder.
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
• Accommodation: Ranwu Hotel

Day 4: Laigu Glacier (Blue Ice) → Yalong Glacier → Nyingchi

1. Laigu Glaciers

• Duration: 3 hours | Admission Included
• Highlights: Discover Laigu Glaciers, famous for their mesmerizing blue ice spectacle. Trek along gentle trails to admire the glaciers’ pristine ice formations—from shimmering ice fields to delicate ice crystals. The rare blue hues, formed by compressed ice filtering sunlight, offer a once-in-a-lifetime visual experience.

2. Nyingchi County

• Duration: 3 hours
• Highlights: Return to Nyingchi County and spend time exploring its charming streets, local markets, and Tibetan villages. Immerse yourself in the region’s unique culture, browse handcrafted souvenirs, and interact with friendly locals to learn about their daily life.
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
• Accommodation: Bomi Renqing Inn

Day 5: Bomi → Lulang International Tourist Town → Lulang Forest Viewing Platform → Nyingchi

1. Lulang (Dragon King Valley)

• Duration: 3 hours
• Highlights: Located in Nyingchi County, Lulang translates to “Dragon King Valley” in Tibetan and is known as the “Switzerland in the Snow.” Situated 80 kilometers from Bayi Town on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, it lies deep within forests and is hailed as “Jiangnan of Tibet” for its lush scenery. Visit Lulang International Tourist Town to experience modern Tibetan-style architecture, then head to the Lulang Forest Viewing Platform for panoramic views of the forest, valleys, and distant mountains.
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
• Accommodation: Nyingchi Metropolo (Air-Conditioned)

Day 6: Nyingchi → Kading Waterfall → Lhasa → Mt. Yaowang Observation Deck

1. Kadinggou Scenic Spot (Kading Waterfall)

• Duration: 3 hours | Admission Included
• Highlights: Explore Kadinggou Scenic Spot, home to the spectacular Kading Waterfall. Hike through lush forests to reach the waterfall, where water cascades down rocky cliffs, creating a misty and refreshing atmosphere. Admire the surrounding greenery, exotic flowers, and birdsong as you soak in the natural beauty.

2. Yaowang Mountain (Lhasa)

• Duration: 3 hours | Admission Included
• Highlights: After returning to Lhasa, visit Yaowang Mountain (Medicine King Mountain). Climb to the observation deck for a stunning panoramic view of the Potala Palace—one of the best vantage points to capture the palace’s grandeur against the Lhasa skyline. Learn about the mountain’s cultural significance in Tibetan Buddhism.
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
• Accommodation: Lhasa Guizang Manor Hotel (Diffused Oxygen Supply + Humidifier)

Day 7: Lhasa → Yamdrok Yumtso Lake → Observation Decks 1, 2 & 3 → Lhasa

1. Yamdrok Yumtso Lake

• Duration: 6 hours | Admission Included
• Highlights: In the morning, depart Lhasa for Yamdrok Yumtso Lake—one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes and the world’s highest freshwater lake, sitting at 4,441 meters above sea level. Known as “Jasper Lake” in Tibetan, its turquoise waters shimmer under the sun. Visit three observation decks for varying perspectives, then descend to get up close to the lake. The serene blue waters, distant snow-capped mountains, colorful lakeside hills, distinctive Tibetan villages, and roaming cattle and sheep will leave you feeling calm and rejuvenated.
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
• Accommodation: Lhasa Guizang Manor Hotel (Diffused Oxygen Supply + Humidifier)

Day 8: Downtown Lhasa Cultural Tour – Potala Palace → Jokhang Temple → Barkhor Street

1. Potala Palace

• Duration: 3 hours | Admission Included
• Highlights: Tour the iconic Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbol of Tibet. Perched atop Red Hill, this majestic complex blends Tibetan and Han architectural styles, housing countless precious Buddhist relics, gold-plated stupas, and intricate murals. Your guide will share fascinating stories about its history as the former residence of the Dalai Lamas.

2. Jokhang Temple

• Duration: 3 hours | Admission Included
• Highlights: Visit Tibet’s most sacred Buddhist temple, founded in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo. Marvel at the revered Jowo Sakyamuni Buddha statue (over 1,300 years old) and immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere as you watch devout pilgrims performing prostrations and spinning prayer wheels.

3. Barkhor Street

• Duration: 3 hours | Admission Included
• Highlights: Wander along Barkhor Street, an ancient pilgrimage circuit surrounding Jokhang Temple. Browse colorful stalls selling Tibetan handicrafts, prayer flags, thangkas, jewelry, and local snacks. Observe pilgrims chanting mantras and experience the vibrant blend of religious devotion and daily life.
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel) + Dinner (Special Gift: Tibetan-Style Welcoming Dinner – featuring traditional dishes like tsampa, yak meat, and butter tea, paired with warm Tibetan hospitality)
• Accommodation: Lhasa Guizang Manor Hotel (Diffused Oxygen Supply + Humidifier)

Day 9: Departure from Lhasa

Key Stop: Lhasa (6-hour Stay)

• Experience: Your unforgettable Tibet journey comes to an end. Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before we transfer you to Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Railway Station according to your return travel plans. Take with you cherished memories of Tibet’s breathtaking landscapes, profound spirituality, and warm culture.
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
• Accommodation: Not included