Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour via Everest Base Camp-10 days

Trip Introduction

The Buddhist Kingdom of Tibet has captured the hearts and minds of the international world since long. Lost in its historical and spiritual treasures, we could spend happy weeks in the home of the Dalai Lama and the target of devout pilgrimages. This 10 day Tibet overland tour by 4 wheel drive (Toyota Land cruiser), from Lhasa to Kathmandu via Everest Base Camp offers a unique mystery and allure. This tour covers a vast tract of this ancient land, crossing spectacular passes, through unforgettable landscapes and spiritual heart of the country. Over ten days, our tour manages to take in a little bit of everything of the attractions this country has to offer.

Within this tour we will fly or drive to Lhasa and spend four nights in Lhasa, so that we could get time for acclimatization and sightseeing. We will visit the holiest Jokhang temple, see the legendary eighth wonder Potala Palace, Norbulinka Palace (the summer palace of the Dalai Lama), Drepung, Sera Monastery and many more. Upon our sightseeing program, we will leave Lhasa in our 4 wheeler for Kathmandu along the way stopping at quietly enchanting Buddhist monasteries like Sakya, Shalu, Natang, Rongbuk and remote villages untouched by modern civilization. Rongbuk is the home of the highest monastery in Tibet. Leaving plenty of time to explore this historic treasure, we go ahead to the highlight of the trip, Everest Base Camp, where the sheer grandeur of Everest's north face enchants us. We will continue drive via 'Friendship Highway' to Kathmandu. The mountain views and inspiring landscapes, rich Buddhist culture and history complementary with the recent development makes our Tibet visit a truly unforgettable experience.

If this trip gets our pulse racing, we may also like Himalayan Glacier's "Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour" or "Hot springs and monasteries around Lhasa" 10 days tours.

Important Note and Optional Activities
Your safety is of paramount concern whilst traveling with Himalayan Glacier. Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, as this is adventure travel in remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it! Weather conditions, health condition of a member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Lhasa (3650 m/11972ft)
The adventure begins with our arrival in Lhasa. Either a direct flight from Nepal or via Mainland China connects our gateways to Lhasa. If we choose to fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa we will have 1 hour 10 minutes Trans-Himalayan flight which is considered one of the most beautiful air route in the world that takes us over the Everest (8848m), Kanchenjunga (8536m) and other Himalayan peaks and views of Himalayan glaciers. If we are going via mainland China, we might fly from any major cities or take the world's highest train route to reach Lhasa. Upon our arrival we will be welcomed at airport or train station. For 1.5 hour's drive we will be taken into our arranged hotel in down town Lhahsa. It is advisable to rest and take it easy for the remainder of the day to minimize altitude sickness. Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 02: Sightseeing in Lhasa (3650 m/11972ft): Potala Palace and Sera Monastery
Foremost, we pay our visitto Potala Palace and Sera Monastery. The Potala Palace is the Dalai Lama's winter palace since the 7th century. There are two sets of Palaces in Potala: the White and the Red Palaces. The 15th century Sera monastery is famous for the "monk debates" which take place nearly every day of the week. The monks gather each afternoon to debate Buddhist teachings and philosophy. Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 03: Sightseeing in Lhasa (3650 m/11972ft): Norbulingka, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Bazar, Drepung Monastery
Equally adventurous and exciting rhythms build up while touring Norbulingka, Jokhan Temple, Barkhor Bazar and Drepung Monastery. Norbulingka, the Dalai Lama's former summer palace, constructed in the 18th century, is a masterpiece of Tibetan art and architecture. The Jokhang Temple is another important sacred site which unravels more deep seated mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism. Likewise, we further pay our visit to Barkhor Markets which can be quite different from other visits. As we roam around the city testing every details around the stalls encounter with some goods that displays Tibetan culture, custom and tradition. Similarly, the Drepung Monastery is known as the most important monastery of Gelugpa Order in Tibetan Buddhism. Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 04: Sightseeing in Lhasa (3650 m/11972ft): Tibet Museum and afternoon free
In the morning, we will visit at Tibet Museum. Officially inaugurated in October of 1999, the museum houses a rich collection of prehistoric cultural relics including Buddha statues in different postures, imperial jade seals, gold albums, gifts granted by emperors, colorful Thankas, and various printed Sanskrit and Tibetan scriptures. We can further see variety of folk art such as unique Tibetan handicrafts, costumes, jewelry, and adornments made of gold, silver, and jade, as well as fine Chinese pottery. Despite the collections the museum holds, the museum building complex with its ornamented beams, pillars, lintels, banners and wall hangings exhibit traditional Tibetan architectural styles. At noon, we will be free for shopping. Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 05: Drive to Gyantse (3950m/12956ft) - 265 km
Following Friendship Highway, while driving past Khamba La (4794 m), we will have a break to appreciate majestic views of Yamdrok Tso Lake, a lake deep blue in color and Nazin Kang Sang glacier standing proud at 7252m. Ahead to westwards, we come across another Karo La pass at 5045m. Upon glancing through the road, we can view huge glaciers tumbling down into the road. After hours of driving for 261 km, we enter town of Gyantse where we will encounter with beautifully landscaped Tibetan villages. Overnight in Gyantse.

Day 06: Sightseeing and drive to Shigatse (3900m/12792ft) - 90 km
Gyantse prides on Gyantse Dzong and Kumbum. Gyantse Dzong is a historical fort built in the 14th century and overlooks a mesmerizing view of entire Gyantse and surrounding Nyang Chu Valley. Kumbum has large gold domed 35m high chorten(stupa) and houses with several chapels and Tibetan Buddhist murals. Kumbum means 100,000 images in Tibetan. Upon enjoying and exploring Gyantse, we will take a 90 km drive to Shigatse. Shalu monastery built with Han, Tibetan and Indian style architecture is about one and half hour away from Gyantse on the way to Shigatse. After a brief observation of the monastery, wedrive further to Shigatse, second largest city of Tibet. Overnight in Shigatse.

Day 07: Drive to Sakya, Visit Natang Monastery en route - 150 km
Today, we make a morning downtown tour of Shigatse with sightseeing. Then, we visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery - a major attraction and one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet. Then we transverse along the Friendship Highway amidst picturesque landscape driving past small town of Lhatse and Gyamtso La pass at 5220m. On the way, we capitalise the opportunity to be Natang Monastery which is 12 Kms far from Xigatse.Aagain we further drive to Sakya Monastery, where we can see the largest book in the world in Sakya's great library written in gold. At the evening, we reach in Shegar. As the route opens into plains, many monasteries and camps of nomadic herders become visible in route to Sakya. Overnight in Sakya.

Day 08: Drive to Rongbuk (5050m/16564ft) - Explore Everest Base Camp (5250m/17,220 ft) - 190 km
Away from Sakya, we drive to the south crossing Pang La pass at 5150m/16890ft. Along the drive, we can laze around in the splendor of majestic views of snow capped peaks such as Makalu and Shishapangma. Upon driving for 190 km, we eventually reach Rongbuk from where we get spectacular sight of Mt. Everest. The program today is to explore to Everest Base Camp throughout the day. At this juncture Driving to Everest Base Camp is allowed only for expeditions. Since we need to walk 8 km (one way) or take a horse or local bus to reach the Everest Base Camp. We further capitalise our time to pay our visit to Rongbuk Monastery, a Buddhist pilgrimage site founded in 1902 by a Nyingmapa Lama in an area of meditation huts that had been in use by monks and hermits for over 400 years. Hermitage meditation caves dot the cliff walls all around the monastery complex and up and down the valley. Many walls and stones, carved with sacred syllables and prayers, line the paths. Overnight in Rongbuk.

Day 09: Drive to Zhangmu (2300m/7, 544ft) - 245 km
At the juncture of 8th day in case of bad weather or some consequences, if we fail to explore around Everest Base Camp, today's first light will be utilized to explore around Everest Base Camp and to watch sunrise on Mt. Everest. It is a truly awe inspiring place with the absolute north face of the highest mountain in the world soaring above us. From this point, we return back to the Friendship Highway to continue drive to Zhangmu. Driving past Tingri crossing Lalung La pass at (5124 m/ 16068 ft), Shung La pass at (5200 m/ 17056 ft) and Nalyam Pass (3800m/12464 ft) offer enchanting views of the surrounding peaks of Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, Menlungtse and Gauri Shanker. While enjoying the pristine views, we tumble down gradually from the dry Tibetan Plateau. Now, we find ourself amidst the verdant and fertile vegetation of Zhangmu at 2300 m in the Nepalese border. Overnight in Zhangmu.

Day 10: Drive to Kathmandu (1350m/4428ft) - 123 km
Upon few kilometers drive away from Zhangmu to Friendship Bridge across Bhote Koshi River brings us closer to Immigration Control in Kodari where we depart with our Tibetan guide and driver, and walk across the river to meet Nepalese guide to drive to Kathmandu. After 4 hours of driving through deep valleys, we finally arrive in Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu (hotel not included in Kathmandu).

What's Included

Hotel, arrival/departure transfer
All necessary Tibet travel permits
Everest National Park admission fee and Grass dame charge
Getting Chinese visa and Tibet Travel permit
Tibet boarder (Zhang-Mu) to Kathmandu transportation by comfortable vehicle
Lhasa to Everest Base Camp - Zhang-Mu transfer by non AC Land Cruiser (4WD Toyota)
9 nights accommodation in Tibet on twin sharing basis with breakfast
English speaking Tibetan guide
All fees for sightseeing and Monasteries as outlined in the itinerary
All applicable taxes and service charges

What's Not Include

Accommodation in Kathmandu
Chinese visa fee {US$ 175 for the US client and US$ 85 for other nationals (visa fees are subject to change without prior notice)}
International flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa and China to Lhasa
Travel insurance
Meals other than breakfast in Tibet
Tips for guides and driver
Nepal visa
Train ticket from China to Lhasa

Health & Experience Requirements

This Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour via Everest Base Camp involves five to six hours driving per day, but comparatively little walking (indeed, walking is not mandatory). However, it is all at very high altitude, which will take a physical toll. There are no special physical requirements, but high altitude experience is a plus.

Accommodations

All accommodations have been chosen for their standard of hygiene, standard of service, location and food quality. All accommodations are based on twin share basis. During our tour Himalayan Glacier employs Kyichu Hotel or similar hotel in Lhasa, Gyantse Hotel or similar hotel in Gyangtse, Xigatse Hotel or similar hotel in Xigatse, Qomolangama Hotel or similar hotel in Shegar, Everest view hotel or similar hotel in Ronbuk (optional: tent guest house in Everest base camp ) and Zhangmu hotel or similar hotel in Zhangmu. Single supplement will be served on request. But, it costs US$290 single supplement fee. We should bear in mind this is a standard overland package. For private or upgraded tour, please we can contact at Himalayan Glacier.

Meals

Every day's breakfast is included in the package. This will be a dish of Tibetan or continental origin cooked by the lodgings we stay at. Lunch, dinner and any extra food are up to us. As a rough guide we should budget Yuan 60 to Yuan 100 (US$10 to US$16) per day.

Visa and Travel Procedures

Traveling to Tibet is a dream of many. Since Himalayan Glacier would like to assist us in making our Tibet tour an adventure of a lifetime. Therefore, presented below is a list of rules and Tibet entry procedures we should know about before traveling to Tibet. Read More

Equipments & Packing List

While packing for Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour via Everest Base Camp certain equipments are essential. Please Click here for this trip's comprehensive checklist.

Acclimatization

We are traveling overland to highest plateau in the world. The drive goes constantly above 5000m/16400ft during our journey except Lhasa (3,650m/11,975ft). Driving fast in such an elevation could cause medical conditions (Acute Mountain Sickness) which could be fatal. There is 50% less oxygen compared to sea level in high-altitudes places like in Tibet. The higher the altitude the lesser will be oxygen in the air. Our body needs few days to acclimatize to this less oxygen environment. Although Himalayan Glacier provides enough information regarding AMS precaution matters, if we get AMS, Himalayan Glacier does not have other options to treat it other than medication. Himalayan Glacier advises specially the guest(s) with known heart or lungs or blood diseases to consult doctor before traveling. Mild headaches, fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorder are symptoms of AMS.

Leader(s) & Staff Arrangements

All Himalayan Glacier's tour leaders speak fluent English and know all the complexities and history of the areas they travel in. All Himalayan Glacier's Tibet trips are run in cooperation with company's Tibetan counterpart. So we can be assured to have authentic local touch. Himalayan Glacier can run this tour for as few as two people and up to eight people. However if visitors would like to make a group booking for more than eight people it can easily be arranged and we can choose the dates that best suit for us.

Best Season

Autumn (August, Sept and Oct), spring (March and April) and summer (May, June and July) are the best seasons for this wonderful Trans Himalayan overland journey. No matter about the group size, this tour can be arranged for both individuals and small group of travelers any time on upon visitors' request.

Trip Start Dates & Price

Additional Information

Our website contains as much information as possible about this trip. However, if you wish to discuss any aspect of this trip or your suitability for it please contact us.

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Trip Facts

Price From

$ 1660 USD

Trip Code

HGTCN-0104

Activities: Cultural Tours & Sightseeing, Overland Tours, 4x4 Driving
Trip Duration:10 Days
Altitude:Max:5,250m/17,220ft
Accommodation: We will be served at standard hotel in Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse and best available en route.
Meals:Bed and breakfast will be served during the entire tour.
Transportation: We will be served by Land Cruiser (4WD TOYOTA).
Group Size: Minimum 2 people