Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Tour

This is the first day of your Lhasa to Everest Base Camp tour. On this day, you will arrive in Lhasa by airplane or by train, the heart and soul of Tibet. Depending on your arrival destination, our local tour guide will greet you at the Lhasa Gonggar International Airport or Lhasa Railway Station and transfer you to your hotel in the city.

Then, you will check into the hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and letting your body adjust to the high altitude. Or if you want, you may walk around Lhasa town and explore nearby markets. Overnight stay is in a comfortable 3 or 4-star hotel in Lhasa.

Today is all about Lhasa sightseeing, which you will start after breakfast. You will visit the most famous landmarks of Lhasa, which are the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street. First, you will explore the Potala Palace. It is the most iconic building in Tibet. It was once the winter home of the Dalai Lama. Now, it stands as a museum where you will find ancient art, statues, and religious treasures. The grand white and red palace also offers amazing views of Lhasa city lying below.

Next, you will visit the Jokhang Temple. It is the most sacred site in Tibetan Buddhism. It lies in the heart of old Lhasa, and many pilgrims from Lhasa and other countries come to pray and spin prayer wheels. It is said that the city’s name, “Lhasa,” comes from this temple. “Lha” means Buddha, and “Sa” means land. Together, it means the “Land of Buddha”. Similarly, while exploring near the temple, you’ll notice that no building is taller than the Jokhang Temple. It shows Tibetans’ respect for this holy site.

Walking clockwise around the temple, you’ll see pilgrims spinning prayer wheels, chanting mantras, and performing rituals. Stop at the front gate to watch the devotion of local pilgrims. Inside the temple, watch its rich history, Tubo-era architecture, murals, wood carvings, and a life-sized statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. After the temple visit, you will stroll along Barkhor Street. It is a lively market around the Jokhang Temple where you can shop for souvenirs, prayer flags, and handmade crafts while watching locals perform the kora. Afterward, you will return to your hotel and end the day.

Another day, another Lhasa sightseeing day. After breakfast, you will continue your Lhasa city tour by visiting two main attractions in Tibet, which are Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery. These are the famous monasteries in Tibet. You will start the tour from Drepung Monastery. It was once the largest monastery in the world, housing over 10,000 monks. It was also the government center before the Potala Palace was built. By walking through its whitewashed buildings, you can learn about Tibetan culture, religion, and traditional education.

In the afternoon, you will explore Sera Monastery, one of the great Gelugpa university monasteries in Tibet. The best thing to see here is the lively monk debate session held from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM (except Sundays). At the time of debate, monks gather in the courtyard to discuss Buddhist teachings to deepen their understanding of Buddhism. In the evening, enjoy dinner with your small travel group and share stories from your first few days in Tibet. Overnight stay at a comfortable hotel in Lhasa.

Day 04: Drive From Lhasa To Shigatse Via Yamdrok

On day 4, the Lhasa to Everest Base Camp tour route takes you to Shigatse. You will leave Lhasa and drive towards Shigatse. And from Shigatse, you will drive to Everest Base Camp the next day. The journey from Lhasa to Shigatse passes through several scenic spots. Along the way, you will visit Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, and the historic Gyantse city. First, you will stop at Yamdrok Lake. It is one of the three holiest lakes in Tibet, the other two are Namtso Lake and Lake Manasarovar. You can walk along the lakeshore, touch the blue waters, and take photos.

Later on, as you continue driving, you will reach Karola Glacier with an elevation of 5,100M. The glacier lies within a mountain range whose highest peak is Mount Nojin Kangsang, standing 7,191M tall. Afterward, you will stop at Gyantse, also called the “Hero City.” This historic town is famous for its ancient architecture and Tibetan culture. Here, you will visit Pelkor Chode Monastery.

After exploration, you will continue your drive through fields of barley and Tibetan farmland, and soon you will reach Shigatse. Shigatse is the second-largest city in Tibet. Check into your 3- or 4-star hotel and rest for the night.

Finally, the day is here when you will set your footsteps at the Tibet Everest Base Camp. It’s going to be a long day’s drive, but the fact that you will be at EBC and the mostly paved road throughout the journey will keep you motivated. Along the way, you will stop at Gyatso La Pass for your first view of Everest. However, if the weather is unclear, you won’t be able to see this view. You will also pass through Mount Everest National Nature Reserve.

Before reaching the foot of Mount Everest, aka EBC, the road passes through the famous 108 turns and climbs to Gawu La Pass. It is a spectacular viewpoint to enjoy the panoramic view of the five highest Himalayan peaks: Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Cho Oyu, and Shishapangma. Also, colorful prayer flags flutter in the wind, and the winding mountain road below adds to the scenery.

You will arrive at Everest Base Camp in the late afternoon. You will get to watch a sunset over Mount Everest, if the weather permits. You will stay overnight in a basic tent house here.

After breakfast at Everest Base Camp in Tibet, you will start your journey back to Shigatse. Before returning, you will visit the famous Rongbuk Monastery, located near the north side of Mount Everest. This historic monastery offers stunning views of the northern side of Everest and is a peaceful place to learn about Tibetan Buddhist traditions.

Later, you will hop on the vehicle. Enjoy the scenic drive through the Himalayan mountains, passing high-altitude passes, small villages, and dry Tibetan landscapes. You will arrive in Shigatse in the late afternoon. Check into your comfortable 3- or 4-star hotel. Rest and relax after a journey to the world’s highest peak.

You will start your day in Shigatse with a visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery. The monastery was founded in 1447 by the 1st Dalai Lama. It is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas and is famous for its golden roofs, large statues, and beautiful architecture. You can also see the tombs of the Panchen Lamas here. After that, you will return to Lhasa.

During the drive from Shigatse to Lhasa, enjoy the scenic road trip through Tibetan landscapes, passing small villages, farmland, and rolling mountains. You will arrive in Lhasa in the afternoon. Once you are back to Lhasa, spend the rest of the day relaxing or taking a short walk in the city before concluding your Lhasa to EBC tour.

On this day, we will transfer you to the airport or train station for your onward journey. This marks the end of your Tibet tour. Take with you wonderful memories of the Himalayan mountains, Everest Base Camp, and the rich Tibetan culture you experienced during your trip.