Small Group Tibet Tours · 2–12 Travelers · Permit Support

Plan My Tibet Trip WA

TIBET GROUP TOUR · 8 DAYS

8 Days Tibet Winter Blue Ice Tour: Laigu & Yalong Glaciers, Yamdrok

ROUTELhasa - Nyingchi - Yamdrok - Lhasa

Overview

This 8-day winter group tour begins in Lhasa, then follows the road east into Nyingchi and Bomi. The change in scenery happens quickly: the dry plateau gives way to forested valleys, the Nyang River and snow-covered mountains around Lulang and Ranwu.

The glacier day is the reason to travel here in winter. From Bomi, the route reaches the Laigu Glacier Group and Yalong Glacier, where cold temperatures can expose deep blue ice, frozen lakes and huge blocks of glacial ice. After the visit, the group returns directly to Nyingchi rather than staying in Lulang.

The final part of the trip returns to Lhasa for the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street, followed by a day trip to Yamdrok Lake over Gangbala Pass. There is no Shigatse extension on this route. The journey finishes in Lhasa on Day 8.

✓ Tibet travel permits support✓ Oxygen-equipped vehicle

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS

Why You’ll Love This Trip

  • See Winter Blue Ice at the Laigu Glacier Group.
  • Look Across the 12-Kilometer Yalong Glacier.
  • Follow the G318 Through Lulang, Ranwu Lake and Bomi.
  • Travel from High-Plateau Lhasa into the Forested Valleys of Nyingchi.
  • Explore Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street.
  • Visit Yamdrok Lake on a Full-Day Trip from Lhasa.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

DAY 1Arrive in Lhasa | Rest and Acclimatize

Distance: Airport or railway station to hotel transfer | Meals: None | Accommodation: Senge Kangqiong Grand Hotel in Lhasa

Arrive at Lhasa Gonggar International Airport or Lhasa Railway Station, where your local guide meets you for the transfer into the city. The drive gives you an easy first look at the Lhasa River and the open plateau landscape before check-in.

Nothing else is scheduled today. Settle into the oxygen-equipped hotel, drink water and keep the first evening quiet while your body adjusts to Lhasa's 3,650-meter altitude.

CHIBET Travel Advice: Mild headache, tiredness or shortness of breath can occur during the first days at altitude. Eat lightly, avoid strenuous exercise and tell your guide if symptoms become stronger rather than improving.

DAY 2Lhasa - Basum Tso - Nyang River Valley - Nyingchi | From Plateau to Forest

Distance: Approx. 390 km | Meals: Breakfast, Nyingchi Stone Pot Chicken Dinner | Accommodation: Kaiyuan Mingting Hotel in Nyingchi

Leave Lhasa after breakfast and travel east toward Nyingchi. The road follows sections of the Nyang River before crossing Mila Pass at about 5,013 meters, then gradually drops into greener valleys and forested slopes.

The main stop is Basum Tso, an alpine lake enclosed by evergreen forest and snow mountains. Spend time along the shore and around the small island linked by a wooden bridge, where the lake feels much more sheltered than the open plateau west of Lhasa.

Continue through the Nyang River Scenic Area to Nyingchi. In the evening, the group sits down for the included Nyingchi Stone Pot Chicken, a local specialty served hot after the long drive.

DAY 3Nyingchi - Lulang Forest - Ranwu Lake - Bomi | Winter Along the G318

Distance: Approx. 380 km | Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: Hengxin Zangwang Hotel in Bomi

Head out from Nyingchi toward Lulang and climb over Sejila Pass. Forest spreads across the slopes below, and when the weather is clear the pass can open a distant view toward Mount Namcha Barwa.

The road then continues through the alpine scenery around Lulang before reaching Ranwu Lake. In winter, the lake can look steel-blue or partly frozen beneath snow-covered mountains, depending on temperature and recent weather.

Continue east to Bomi and check in for the night. This puts the group in position for tomorrow's glacier day without adding another long transfer in the morning.

CHIBET Travel Advice: Mount Namcha Barwa is often hidden by cloud, even in winter. Treat a clear view as a bonus rather than a guaranteed part of the day.

DAY 4Bomi - Laigu Glacier - Yalong Glacier - Nyingchi | Into the Blue Ice

Distance: Approx. 300 km | Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: Kaiyuan Mingting Hotel in Nyingchi

Today's focus is Laigu Glacier, one of the strongest winter blue-ice experiences on this route. Around Laigu Village, several glaciers feed clear glacial lakes, and cold weather can reveal floating ice blocks, fractured blue surfaces and deep crevasses.

From the village viewpoint, look across the wider Laigu Glacier Group, which includes the Meixi, Yalong, Ruojiao, Dongga, Xiongjia and Niuma glaciers. Rather than one isolated tongue of ice, the glaciers spread through an entire high-mountain valley system.

Yalong Glacier is the largest of the group, stretching roughly 12 kilometers from the Gangrigabu Mountains toward the valley. Its long ice flow, blue crevasses and high ice walls give a better sense of scale than a roadside glacier stop.

After the glacier visit, turn west and return directly to Nyingchi. There is no overnight stop in Lulang today.

CHIBET Travel Advice: Blue ice, frozen-lake conditions and access close to the glacier vary with weather and local safety controls. Follow the guide's instructions and do not enter closed ice areas.

DAY 5Nyingchi - Kading Valley - Lhasa | Back Across the Plateau

Distance: Approx. 460 km | Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: Senge Kangqiong Grand Hotel in Lhasa

Leave Nyingchi in the morning and stop at Kading Valley Scenic Area beside the Nyang River. The narrow gorge is filled with forest, steep cliffs and clear mountain streams, a last look at eastern Tibet's wetter landscape before the drive west.

The main feature is Tianfo Waterfall, which drops nearly 200 meters down the cliff. Local tradition links natural rock shapes beside the waterfall with a seated Buddha and other Buddhist figures.

Continue west across the plateau and arrive back in Lhasa in the evening. The forest gradually thins during the drive, and the wider, drier valleys around the capital return.

DAY 6Lhasa | Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street & Tibetan Local Experiences

Distance: Local sightseeing in Lhasa | Meals: Breakfast, Tibetan Welcome Dinner | Accommodation: Senge Kangqiong Grand Hotel in Lhasa

Begin at the Potala Palace and take the stairways steadily. Inside, former living quarters, chapels, murals, scriptures and memorial stupas give more context to the palace than its famous exterior alone.

Later, continue to Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism, before walking onto Barkhor Street. Pilgrims circle the temple along the traditional kora while shops and old courtyard buildings keep the surrounding lanes busy throughout the day.

Authentic Tibetan Cultural Experiences:

Stop at a local teahouse for Tibetan sweet tea. The atmosphere is informal and everyday, with local customers sharing tables and dropping in throughout the afternoon.

A Tibetan dress photoshoot is also arranged around the old quarter. Traditional clothing, hair styling and makeup are prepared before the photographer works with you around selected lanes and Tibetan-style backdrops.

In the evening, meet the group for a Tibetan welcome dinner and try local dishes together after the day's sightseeing.

CHIBET Travel Advice: Remove hats and sunglasses before entering temples, do not touch religious objects unless permitted, and check with your guide before taking photographs indoors.

DAY 7Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Gangbala Pass - Lhasa | Holy Lake Day Trip

Distance: Full-day round trip from Lhasa | Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: Senge Kangqiong Grand Hotel in Lhasa

Leave Lhasa in the morning and climb toward Gangbala Pass. From the high road, the first wide view opens over Yamdrok Lake, with bright blue water winding between dry ridges and distant snow mountains.

Descend toward the lakeshore for a closer look at the water. Tibetan villages, grazing yak and sheep appear along the route, so the lake changes from a broad panorama at the pass to a more immediate landscape near the shore.

After the visit, return the same way to Lhasa for the final night. This route does not continue west to Shigatse.

CHIBET Travel Advice: Yamdrok Lake is much higher than Lhasa and can be windy even on a clear day. Keep a warm outer layer with you and move slowly at the viewpoints.

DAY 8Depart Lhasa | Tour Ends

Distance: Hotel to airport or railway station transfer | Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: None

After breakfast, check out of the hotel. Your driver will transfer you to Lhasa Gonggar International Airport or Lhasa Railway Station according to the confirmed departure schedule.

There is no sightseeing scheduled today. The tour ends with the departure transfer from Lhasa.

Group Departures and Prices

Prices are per person and vary by departure date and season.

Arrival DateReturn DateAvailabilityPrice p.p.
December 2026
20 Dec 202627 Dec 2026Check Availability$1178
25 Dec 202601 Jan 2027Check Availability$1178

Included and Excluded

Included

  • Hotel accommodation based on twin-sharing, including the listed hotels in Lhasa, Nyingchi and Bomi
  • Group vehicle, driver and scheduled transfers throughout the tour
  • English-speaking local Tibetan guide
  • Tibet Travel Permit and required local travel documents
  • Entrance fees and sightseeing shuttle buses for all listed attractions
  • Daily breakfasts, Nyingchi Stone Pot Chicken dinner and Lhasa Tibetan welcome dinner
  • Tibetan sweet tea and traditional Tibetan dress photoshoot in Lhasa
  • Bottled water and oxygen support during the Tibet journey
  • Local operator liability insurance and vehicle passenger insurance

Excluded

  • International and domestic flights or train tickets to and from Lhasa
  • Lunches and dinners not listed
  • Single room supplement
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Optional activities and other personal purchases

PLAN WITH CONFIDENCE

Ask About This Tibet Tour

Tell us your preferred date and what you need help with. We usually reply within one working day.

Prefer WhatsApp? +86 156 8208 3586

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is winter a good time to visit Laigu and Yalong Glaciers?

Winter brings colder temperatures to the Laigu Glacier area, which can make the ice appear deeper blue and the surrounding glacial lakes partly frozen. The combination of blue ice, snow-covered mountains and frozen water gives the landscape a very different appearance from eastern Tibet in warmer months.

What is the difference between Laigu Glacier and Yalong Glacier?

Laigu Glacier refers to a larger glacier group around Laigu Village, while Yalong is one of the major glaciers in this area and stretches for roughly 12 kilometers. The route allows you to see the wider glacier landscape as well as the long ice flow of Yalong Glacier.

Is blue ice at Laigu and Yalong guaranteed in winter?

No. Winter provides the best conditions on this itinerary for seeing blue ice, but the exact color and appearance depend on temperature, snowfall, sunlight and recent weather. Fresh snow can also cover parts of the ice. The tour is designed around the winter glacier landscape rather than guaranteeing a particular shade of blue.

Can we walk on the glacier or enter ice caves?

No. Travelers should stay in designated viewing areas and follow the guide's instructions. Glacier ice can contain hidden crevasses, unstable sections and other hazards, especially when conditions are changing. Do not walk onto closed or unmarked ice areas for photographs.

Will Laigu Glacier Lake be completely frozen in winter?

Not necessarily. Some sections of the glacial lakes may freeze during the colder months, while other areas can remain open. The extent of freezing changes with temperature, recent snowfall and local conditions, so the exact winter appearance cannot be predicted in advance.

How cold is the Laigu Glacier area in winter?

The glacier area can be significantly colder than Lhasa and the lower valleys of Nyingchi. Early mornings, shaded areas and periods of strong wind can feel particularly cold. Bring thermal layers, a warm down jacket, gloves, a hat and windproof outerwear.

Is this 8-day tour suitable if I have limited time in Tibet?

Yes. This itinerary is designed as a shorter winter route combining Lhasa, eastern Tibet's forests and glaciers, and Yamdrok Lake. It avoids the longer western Tibet extension to Everest, which makes it a practical option for travelers who want to experience winter blue ice without spending nearly two weeks on the road.

Does this tour visit Everest Base Camp?

No. This 8-day itinerary does not include Everest Base Camp. After returning to Lhasa from eastern Tibet, the route finishes with a day trip to Yamdrok Lake. If seeing Mount Everest is important to you, a longer Tibet itinerary that includes EBC would be more suitable.

Does this tour visit Namtso Lake?

No. Namtso is not included in this 8-day route. The final sightseeing day is a full-day trip from Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake and back. This keeps the itinerary focused on eastern Tibet's glaciers, forests and lakes rather than adding another long high-altitude excursion.

How does this itinerary help with altitude acclimatization?

The tour begins in Lhasa at about 3,650 meters, then travels east to Nyingchi at approximately 2,900 meters and Bomi at about 2,700 meters. The route therefore moves into lower-altitude eastern Tibet before returning to Lhasa. This gives travelers several days in lower valleys before the final high-altitude sightseeing day at Yamdrok, although individual responses to altitude vary.

What is the highest point on this winter tour?

Mila Pass reaches approximately 5,013 meters during the journey between Lhasa and Nyingchi. Sejila Pass is also a high mountain crossing on the route. These passes are mainly viewed from the road, so travelers do not need to undertake a strenuous climb, but the altitude can still be noticeable.

Can I see Mount Namcha Barwa on this tour?

There may be a view of Mount Namcha Barwa from the Sejila Pass area when the weather is clear. However, clouds can cover the mountain even when conditions elsewhere are good. A clear view should therefore be considered an extra benefit rather than a guaranteed sightseeing stop.

What is Ranwu Lake like in winter?

Ranwu Lake can look very different in winter, with cold blue water, snow-covered mountains and partially frozen sections depending on the weather. The lake is visited during the drive between Nyingchi, Lulang and Bomi, giving you an opportunity to see the changing winter landscape of eastern Tibet.

What is Basumtso Lake like in winter?

Basumtso is surrounded by forest and snow-covered mountains, making it quite different from the open plateau lakes around Lhasa. The lake is visited on the way from Lhasa to Nyingchi, when the route descends from the higher plateau into the greener valleys of eastern Tibet.

Are there long driving days on this tour?

Yes. This is a road-focused itinerary and several days involve long drives. The route includes approximately 390 kilometers between Lhasa and Nyingchi, about 380 kilometers from Nyingchi through Lulang and Ranwu to Bomi, and around 460 kilometers on the return from Nyingchi to Lhasa. Actual travel time can vary with road, weather and sightseeing conditions.

Can the glacier visit change because of winter weather?

Yes. Snow, ice, road conditions, visibility and local safety controls can affect access to glacier viewing areas. If conditions require an adjustment, the guide will follow local road and safety requirements and arrange the sightseeing as safely as possible.

What should I bring for the winter glacier days?

Bring warm thermal layers, a down or insulated jacket, windproof outerwear, gloves, a warm hat and comfortable shoes with good grip. Sunglasses and sunscreen are important because snow and ice can reflect strong sunlight. A spare camera battery or power bank is also useful in cold conditions.

Is oxygen support available during the tour?

Yes. Oxygen support is included during the Tibet journey. Even with oxygen available, travelers should still rest properly, stay hydrated and avoid unnecessary strenuous activity at high altitude.

How much walking is required at the glacier sites?

The glacier sightseeing involves walking around designated viewing areas rather than a technical glacier trek. The exact amount depends on the access conditions on the day. Because winter surfaces can be icy or uneven, comfortable shoes with good traction are recommended.

Can the sightseeing order in Lhasa change?

Yes. Potala Palace uses scheduled entry times and visitor controls, so the order of Lhasa sightseeing may be adjusted according to the confirmed ticket time. The listed attractions will be visited whenever local conditions and opening arrangements allow.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Recommended Tibet Tours

Ask About This Tour
Laigu Glacier in Tibet Winter Blue Ice Tour
Plan My Tibet Trip
Scroll to Top