Lhasa to Everest Base Camp: Himalayas, Monasteries, Culture & Scenic Views

Today you will board a flight to Chengdu.

Overnight on board.

Upon arrival at airport. Our vehicle will pick you and transfer to the hotel.

Overnight in Chengdu.

As per your flight time transfer to the airport for the flight to Lhasa. Today you will arrive in Tibet’s capital, the holiest city Lhasa. Our representative will meet and greet you at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Once you arrive, our local Tibetan tour guide and driver will greet you at Lhasa Airport to transfer you to the hotel. From the airport to downtown Lhasa, it takes about 1-2 hours, but it will provide stunning views of the Yarlung Tsangpo River and its backdrop of snowcapped mountains. After being transferred to the hotel, you will be free to wander around the city on your own for the rest of the day but try not to overtax yourself. The first day’s well-rest is crucial to acclimatize to the high altitude. Remember to drink lots of water, eat light, and not take a shower if you can help it.

Overnight in Lhasa.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will pick you up to take you for a Lhasa tour. Visit Jokhang temple. The Jokhang Temple is the holiest in Tibet, housing the life-size image of Buddha Jowa Sakyamuni. The outstanding architectural style and devoted pilgrimage are the best highlights of this 1300-year-old monastery. You will also visit Barkhor Street. Barkhor Street (sometimes spelled Bakhor Street) is the most famous walking street in Lhasa. It is in the heart of the Old Town – the oldest part of the capital. Barkhor Street is the kora route around the 7th-century Jokhang temple; therefore, you should walk there in a clockwise direction. Later, visit Sera monastery, one of Tibet’s great three Gelukpa University monasteries, where you can observe the lively monk debates that take place throughout the day.

Overnight in Lhasa.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will pick you up to take you to visit Potala Palace, one of Tibet’s most iconic landmarks and once home to the Dalai Lama. It was built by the 33rd great king of Tibet – Songtsen Gangpo in the 7th Century. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation Cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet. Later, you will visit Norbulingka, which is a typical Tibetan-style royal garden, the summer resort of the Dalai Lama.

Overnight in Lhasa.

Today you will start your scenic road trip, coming to one of Tibet’s most incredible landscapes – Yamdrok Lake (at an altitude of 4,441m) and its surrounding snowcapped mountains. We will pass by Kampala Pass (4,790m) on the way from Lhasa to Shigatse and visit Yamdrok Lake, one of the three holy lakes in Tibet. Standing at the lakeside, you can see its blue water shimmering with charming light, as well as the snow-capped holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar (7,191m) in the distance. The lake is one of Tibet’s three holy lakes, and it’s believed to be the essence of the country. Next, we will pass and enjoy the Karola Glacier (5,400m) on the roadside. It is about 300m from the main highway on your way to Gyantse. Then visit the main monastery in Gyantse – Pelkor Chode Monastery, famous for its exquisite architecture and intact murals and statues. Afterwards, drive to Shigatse (3,900m).

Overnight in Shigatse.

Today is the day you’ve been waiting for and the culmination of all your efforts. You’re indeed proceeding to the base of the world’s highest mountain- Mount Everest! In the morning, you will leave Shigatse to Lhatse, a small town located 150 km from Shigatse, and you may have lunch in the local restaurant. After a short rest, you will go ahead to Tingri. You will pass through the first high mountain pass – Tsola Pass (4,600m), then the second one-Gyatsola Pass(5,248m), the mountain pass of Mt. Everest National Nature Reserve, with countless prayer flags flying in the wind. Afterward, you will keep ascending to Gawula Pass (5,198m), where you can enjoy the panorama of the Himalayas. Then you will drive along the zigzag road to the Everest Base Camp (5,200m).

Arriving at Rongphu in the late afternoon, you’ll walk up the little hill near Rongphu Monastery (the world’s highest temple) for an amazing sunset view (weather permitting), located only 25 miles from the majestic mountain’s peak Everest Base Camp. Remaining time at your leisure which you may choose to rest or hike around, in the company of your Tibetan guide, take photo opportunity to capture Mt. Everest, enjoy the stunning views, and spend the night amongst the monumental mountains. You will stay at Rongbuk Monastery’s guesthouse (subject to availability as monastry can not be booked in advance, weather permitting). If Rongbuk Monastery guesthouse is not available you’ll return to Basum TSO village (30 miles from Rongbuk) for overnight stay.

Overnight in Rongbuk/Basum TSO.

Wake up early to catch and enjoy the sunrise over the tallest Himalayan peaks in the world, a view that you won’t soon forget. After breakfast, you’ll drive back to Shigatse enjoying fabulous views along the way.

Overnight in Shigatse.

In Shigatse, we will visit Tashilhunpo Monastery – the home of Panchen Lama. It was founded by the 1st Dalai Lama in 1447 and is a historic and culturally important monastery in Shigatse. It’s located on the central hill of the city, the full name in Tibetan of the monastery means “all fortune and happiness gathered here” or “heap of glory”. Drive back to Lhasa from Shigatse along the Friendship Highway, the northern route to Lhasa. On the way, you’ll see the Yarlung Tsangpo Valley.

Overnight in Lhasa.

Today after breakfast, your guide and driver will escort you to the airport for your flight back home. It’s now time to say farewell to this unique part of the world and take innumerable memories from the journey of the lifetime with you forever.

Tour Ends