Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour via Everest Base Camp-8 days

Trip Introduction

Tibet - also famous as the Roof of the World, and the once Mahayana Buddhist Kingdom, has captured the hearts and minds of the travelers from all around the world since the ancient times. Whether visitors are a spiritual seeker in search of the mystery of life or seeking an adventure to challenge theirself, join at Himalayan Glacier's rendezvous epic journeys across the Tibetan Plateau into the remotest and mystical highlands. The highland of Tibet and its typical geographical position has been exploited since the ancient times by explorers and adventurers, pilgrims, traders, and even missionaries. Drive through wonderful scenery dominated by green meadows, river gorges, snow-capped mountains, waterfalls and enchanting flora and fauna. Besides, mingle with the people, who are following the same lifestyle for thousands of years, enjoy their reception with Tibetan Yak butter tea.

The 8 day Tour via Everest Base Camp explores Lhasa as well as other famous places such as Yamutso Lake, Pelkhor and Tashilunbu onasteries, and Everest Base Camp. In Lhasa, we visit most holy Jokhang temple, see the legendary eighth-wonder Potala Palace, Norbulinka Palace (the summer palace of the Dalai Lama), Drepung, Sera Monastery and more. Then we head for Everest Base Camp passing through a wide range of the highlands, crossing magnificent passes, and through remarkable landscapes. We also visit world's highest monastery, the Rongbuk Monastery. Then via Zhangmu, we drive back to Kathmandu after crossing the international border at the Friendship Bridge.

If visitors wish to make a reverse jouney from Kathamandu to Lhasa Overland Tour, consider Himalayan Glacier's Kathmandu to Lhasa with Everest Base Camp Tour. Himalayan Glacier also has program packages that focus the spiritual and natural highlights of Tibet, such as: All monasteries of Kham: Dzogchen, Dzongsar, Litang, Dege etc - 15 days, Hot springs and monasteries around Lhasa & Cradle of Tibetan civilization - 10 days.

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 downtown 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, Drepung
Foremost, we visit 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): Sera, Norbulinka, Jokhang, Barkhor
Our tour begins with a visit to Sera Monastery with an experienced tour guide also working as an interpreter. This is a preserved monastery of white-washed walls and golden roofs. 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: Lhasa to Yamutso Lake to Gyangtse (3950m/12956ft) - 265 km
Following Friendship Highway, while driving past Khamba La (4794m), we will have a break to appreciate majestic views of Yamutso 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. Glancing through the road, we can see huge glaciers tumbling down into the road. After hours of driving for 261km, we enter town of Gyantse where we will see beautifully landscaped Tibetan villages. Overnight in Gyantse.

Day 05: Morning visit Pekhor Moanstery in Gyantse afternoon drive Shigatse - visit Tashilunbu Monastery
Gyantse prides on Gyantse Dzong and Pelkhor Monastery. Gyantse Dzong is a historical fort built in the 14th century and overlooks a mesmerizing view of entire Gyantse and surrounding Nyang Chu Valley. At the center of Pelkor Chode Monastery lies the Kumbum which has large gold domed 35m high chorten (stupa) and houses with several chapels and Tibetan Buddhist murals. Kubum means 100,000 images in Tibetan. After enjoying and exploring Gyantse, we head for Shigatse. Tashilhunpo Monastery, the major attraction of Shigatse is one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet. Overnight in Shigatse.

Day 06: Drive to EBC (5,250m/17,220ft): enroute visit Sakye Monastery
Today we head for Everest Base Camp. Traversing along Friendship Highway amidst picturesque landscape, we drive past small town of Lhatse and Gyamtso La pass at 5220m. We also visit the Sakya Monastery, where we can see the largest book in the world in Sakya's great library written in gold. Away from Shegar, we drive to the south crossing Pang La pass at 5150m/16890 eventually reaching Rongbuk. From this juncture we head for Everest Base Camp. Driving is only allowed for expeditions, so we need to walk 8 km (one way) or take a horse or local bus to reach the Everest Base Camp. Everest Base Camp is really an awe inspiring place with the absolute north face of the highest mountain in the world soaring above us. We further visit world's highest Monastery at Rongbuk. Overnight at Rongbuk.

Day 07: Drive to Zhangmu (2300m/7, 544ft) - 245 km
From our hightest destination, we return back to the Friendship Highway to continue drive to Zhangmu. Driving past Tingri crossing Lalung La pass at (5124 m/ 16068 ft) and Shung La pass at (5200 m/ 17056 ft), Nalyam Pass (3800m/12464 ft) offers enchanting views of the surrounding peaks of Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, Menlungtse and Gauri Shanker. We further tumble down gradually from the dry Tibetan Plateau. At this point we find ourself amidst the verdant and fertile vegetation of Zhangmu at 2300m in the Nepalese border. Overnight in Zhangmu

Day 08: Drive to Kathmandu (1350m/4428ft) - 123 km
Few kilometers drive away from Zhangmu to Friendship Bridge across Bhote Koshi River brings, we come closer to Immigration Control in Kodari where we depart with our Tibetan guide and driver, and further walk across the river to meet Nepalese guide. Nepalese guide takes us 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)
7 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 (USD 400) 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 Overland 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

$ 1450 USD

Trip Code

HGTCN-0174

Activities: Overland Tours
Trip Duration:8 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 services are included.
Transportation: We will be served bu Land Cruiser (4WD TOYOTA).
Group Size: Minimum 2 people