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Surreal Tibet 

A Songtsam Journey

From Nyingchi to Bome travelling along the National Highway 318, this journey is a collection of the most stunning landscapes found in eastern Tibet. From the river valley and canyon to the forest areas and agricultural region of Lhasa, the vitality of thousands of years is in full bloom here. The Buddhist temples bath in the sun, the monks walk piously, the glaciers shine brightly, and the birds fly high and come from afar. All roads lead to the final destination, the holy city of Lhasa, to witness and experience the converging faith of the “place of gods”. 

History & Culture

Distant Frontiers

Price On Request

When To Go?

APR
MAY
JUN
SEP
OCT

Highlights

Accommodations

The collection of Songtsam Lodges accommodations in Tibet is a remarkable network of luxury, Tibetan-style retreats strategically situated in untouched natural and cultural locations, offering a sophisticated and immersive journey throughout the region and the adjacent areas of Tibet.

Experiences

An epic journey that pays homage to the majestic landscapes, spiritual temples and wondrous nature of the Tibetan Himalayas while soaking in the surreal quiet contemplation of the pristine environment. 

Itinerary

DAY 1: Arrive Chengdu

DAY 1
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Arrive Chengdu Tianfu Airport this late afternoon and a short walk away (400m), rejuvenate in the Joyhub Cheer Hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day to unwind. 

DAY 2: Chengdu / Nyingchi / Namcha Barwa / Bome

DAY 2
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andbecause butterfly dark jade png (1).png
andbecause butterfly dark jade png (1).png

Early this morning, return to Chengdu Tianfu Airport for a short domestic flight to Nyingchi

Sichuan Airlines: Chengdu Tianfu 0755hrs / Nyingchi 1010hrs**

On arrival, we begin our Tibetan sojourn with a mesmerizing drive over the sacred Sejila Snow Mountain pass witnessing the Namcha Barwa Holy Mountain - the highest peak in Nyingchi Prefecture and the 15th highest in the world, with its peaks perennially covered in snow all-year-round. 

Our journey for the day continues driving along the Palong Tsangpo River through dense forest and a collection of stunning landscapes before arriving into Bome, known as the "Swiss Alps of Tibet" featuring primeval forests, snow-capped mountain ranges, stunning rivers, holy lakes and splendid glaciers. We will spend the night at the Songtsam Lodge Bome, situated at 2,700m above sea level and all guest rooms facing to the surreal Guixiang Lake

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DAY 3: Bome / Gang Village / Ranwu Lake / Laigu

DAY 3
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andbecause butterfly dark jade png (1).png
andbecause butterfly dark jade png (1).png

After breakfast, we visit Gang Village, with its rustic atmosphere, surrounded by spruce forests and natural beauty where we enjoy time for a comfortable hike (3 hours) including a picnic lunch in a scenic location. 

In the afternoon, we will drive along the shimmering Palong Zanpo River (3.5 hours drive), eventually opening to the captivating Ranwu Lake - the largest in Eastern Tibet at an elevation of 3,850m where we will admire its serene beauty of snow and glacier remnants on the turquoise lake famed for its unreal beauty. 

Not far away, we will finally arrive at the Songtsam Lodge Laigu at 4,200m above sea level - the highest Songtsam lodge, set on a cliff side facing glaciers and nestled among the area's snow-capped mountains and lakes. 

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DAY 4: Laigu (Lakes & Temples)

DAY 4
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andbecause butterfly dark jade png (1).png

Without doubt, this is one of the most incredible places to awake to where you truly experience the magnificent sunrise on the lodge's terrace. 

Our day starts with an excursion to Duosong Tso, a stunning and little-known lake away from the beaten path where we witness incredibly-pristine forests and the blue lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. 

In the afternoon, we make a visit to the Xiudeng Temple, a 500 year-old Gelug Buddhist monastery that is an important pilgrimage site for the semi-nomadic and agricultural families living around the Ranwu Lake. 

Xiudeng Temple (2).jpg

DAY 5: Laigu / Palong Tsangpo River / Bome

DAY 5
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After 2 days in Laigu, we will enjoy another chance to witness the tranquil and crystal-clear Ranwu Lake again before returning and driving along the Palong Tsangpo River once again on our return to Bome (2.5 hours drive).

Arriving back at Songtsam Lodge Bome for our second stay, we endeavor to focus on rejuvenation, enjoying traditional footbath with Tibetan medicine to stimulate blood circulation and recover from the symptoms of altitude sickness. 

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DAY 6: Bome / Lulang / Zhaxigang Village / Basong Tso

DAY 6
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andbecause butterfly dark jade png (1).png
andbecause butterfly dark jade png (1).png

Rejuvenated physically and spiritually, we depart this morning from Bome to Lulang, passing by spectacular forest and snow-capped peak settings as well as the calming rural landscapes. 

In the afternoon, we make a stop for a visit to Zhaxigang Village, one of the most beautiful in Tibet for its fields of barley and rapeseed (in season), beautiful Tibetan houses and buildings. We have the chance to interact with locals and experience their lifestyle.

Finally, our day culminates in our arrival at the Songtsam Linka Retreat Basong Tso, on the banks of the Basong Tso alpine lake surrounded by mountains and lush vegetation at an altitude of 3,400m. 

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DAY 7: Basong Tso / Lhasa

DAY 7
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Our morning starts with a visit of the Basong Tso holy lake and the Tsozong Gongba Monastery, situated in the middle of the lake on Tashi Island. Founded in the late Tang Dynasty, the monastery permeates the influence of Tibetan Buddhism architecture and is an important and sacred pilgrimage site. 

In the afternoon, we will embark on a 4 hour drive to Lhasa, arriving at the Songtsam Linka Retreat Lhasa for our 2 nights' stay. 

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DAY 8: Lhasa

DAY 8
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andbecause butterfly dark jade png (1).png
andbecause butterfly dark jade png (1).png

Quite nothing will prepare us this morning for our visit to the 6th Century Potala Palace, the iconic heart of Tibetan Buddhism, winter residence of the Dalai Lamas since the 17th Century and the highest palace in the world at 3,700m above sea level. 

Later, we will visit the Jokhang Temple, the spiritual beacon that has drawn Tibetan Buddhism pilgrims for more than 1,300 years. 

We will also take a stroll on Barkhor Street, experiencing some of the most bustling and atmospheric bazaars in Lhasa, while witnessing a large number of pilgrims from all over Tibet, paying homage to the spiritual destination. 

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DAY 9: Departure Lhasa 

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After an incredible sojourn of Tibet, we depart today to Lhasa Airport for your onward journey in China or a safe return home. 

Featured Hotels

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Songtsam Linka Retreat Lhasa

Built on a hillside, the Songtsam Linka Retreat Lhasa offers great views of the nearby Potala Palace. From the hotel's slaked lime colored walls to the indigo carved windows and fish-fin facade, all of these architectural details pay great respect to traditional artisans, Tibetan culture, and ancient wisdom. The interior design is inspired from the lifestyle of Lhasa natives; stylishly decorated with exquisite Thangka paintings and wall tapestries to revive an environment typical of noble families centuries ago.

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Privileges

Priority Upgrade to Suite with Potala Palace views

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Songtsam Lodge Laigu

Facing Laigu glaciers, Songtsam Lodge Laigu locates between snow mountains, glaciers and lakes under the sky in a mystical realm. As the highest property and most architecturally-challenging lodge built by Songtsam, the lodge received multiple accolades for architectural designs. With the prime consideration given to the preservation of natural and Tibetan cultural heritage, the building was designed with modular fabrication and embedded under a high cliff hidden from sight, harmoniously blending in. 

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Privileges

Priority Upgrade to Suite

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