Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Tour
What's the coolest destination in your mind? This tour might give you an idea: drive through glaciers towards to the roof of the world — Mt. Everest, ride a yak on the bank of Yamdrok Lake, and count the stairs of the Potala Palace. This tour gives you the most original experiences and most options. It is flexible so that you can change the itinerary and transportation. We offer a free Tibet travel permit and free connecting transportation suggestion. A caring and experienced local guide will ensure your safety and maximum comfort.
Highlights of the tour
- Stay in a Tibetan style guesthouse in the backstreets around the Jokhang Temple and see the local people doing kora under your window
- Challenge your breathing limitations — approach Everest Base Camp and feel the thin air
- Admire the sacred Potala Palace and count the steps
- Observe monks debating at Sera Monastery
- Explore the local culture at Tashilunpo Monastery, Shigatse
Tour cities:
- One-to-one consultancy with our travel expert
- Your own chauffeur and comfortable vehicle
- Hotel buffet breakfasts and local restaurant lunches
- The booking of internal transportation per your preferences
- Versatile and knowledgeable local guides
- Hand-picked hotels to suit your preferences
- Entry to all attractions on the itinerary
- A 24/7 helpline while you are traveling
Your private guide and driver will pick you up at Lhasa's airport or train station and accompany you to your hotel.
To prevent altitude sickness, we suggest you have a good rest and do not get too excited. We haven't arranged any activities for the first day of your trip in order to give you time to acclimatize.
There is a chance you might suffer from symptoms of altitude sickness, including abnormal tiredness or headaches. If you need any help, your guide is on 24-hour standby. If you feel good, feel free to explore this gorgeous ancient city on your own. Take it easy and move slowly.
Enjoy some time in the square in front of the Potala Palace at night. It's a good chance to see more of the locals as they like to get together there at night.
Accommodation: House of Shambhala
Enjoy breakfast in your hotel and start your day with a trip to Norbulingka. There, you can breathe in the fresh morning air and slowly get used to the altitude. Then drive for 15 minutes to see Drepung Monastery, where you will climb the stairs up to the hill and visit the delicate temples. If you are lucky, you will hear the monks chanting together, which sounds just like singing.
Have lunch in a local restaurant and try some Tibetan food, such as yak butter tea, which will help you to adapt to the altitude.
After lunch, visit Sera Monastery and watch the monks' debate. Guess the meaning of their gestures and grasp the chance to take photos.
Accommodation: House of Shambhala
This is your third day in Tibet, so you should be physically ready for the Potala Palace, which has a lot of steps. Prepare to enjoy the resplendent chambers and exquisite wall paintings.
The red part of the wall is made of special straw.
After lunch, visit the Jokhang Temple. You will see many pilgrims prostrating themselves near the temple. Take part with the locals in the 20-minute walk with prayer wheels, going clockwise around the Jokhang Temple. Take a stroll around Barkhor Street and see some Tibetan handicrafts.
Accommodation: House of Shambhala
Your adventure will take you southward, all the way to Shigatse. First, you will visit Yamdrok Lake. On sunny days, the lake appears turquoise. If it's good weather, you will enjoy a lakeside picnic including sandwiches, vegetables, and fruit.
You will also view the fabulous scenery of Karuola Glacier, one of the top three continental glaciers in Tibet. When you arrive at Gyantse, visit Palcho Monastery.
Stay overnight in Shigatse.
Accommodation: Tashi Choeta Hotel
Visit Tashilunpo Monastery and drive all the way to Tingri. The journey from Shigatse to Tingri takes about 4½ hours by car but you will not get bored; there are stunning views along the way.
Have a good night and be ready for Mt. Everest Base Camp tomorrow.
Accommodation: Dingri Zhufeng Hotel
After breakfast in your hotel, you will take a 4-hour trip towards the roof of the world. Driving along the zigzagging road, you will have many chances to take photos of the Himalayas.
When you reach Mt. Everest Base Camp, you'll see Mt. Everest right there in front of you. With a feeling of excitement and accomplishment, you'll find it's truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience; unless of course you return one day to climb the mountain.
Visit Rongbuk Monastery near the base, and see the hard life of the monks and nuns there. Take dramatic photos from different angles at Rongbuk Monastery.
After visiting the monastery, you will be driven back to Shigatse.
Accommodation: Tashi Choeta Hotel
After breakfast in your hotel, you will be driven back to Lhasa. The journey takes about 6 hours but there is marvelous scenery on the way. You'll travel along the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon. You'll see plateau lakes, rivers, snowy mountains, and traditional Tibetan villages. Your guide will know some interesting stops.
Accommodation: House of Shambhala
Your guide and driver will take you to Lhasa's airport or train station on time for your departure and will escort you to the correct security gate. Relax and leave any hassles to your tour team.