Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour via Everest Base Camp-10 days

Trip Introduction

Offering a unique mystery and allure, the Buddhist Kingdom of Tibet has long captured the hearts and minds of the western world. Our Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour covers a vast tract of this ancient land, crossing spectacular passes, through unforgettable landscapes and heading right into the spiritual heart of the country; Lhasa. Over ten days, our tour manages to take in a little bit of everything of the attractions this country has to offer.

The drive from Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour via Everest Base Camp takes seven days over the 'Friendship Highway'; along the way stopping at quietly enchanting Buddhist monasteries like Sakya, Shalu , Natang and remote villages untouched by modern civilization. A generous one night will be spent at Ronbuk, time to take in some unforgettable views of the highest mountain on the planet. The road also passes through quiet Nyalam, the historical Shigatse and Gyantse, famed for the Gyantse Kumbum. And that's all before the road even comes into Lhasa itself; the spiritual heart of this country. For centuries the home of the Dalai Lamas and the target of devout pilgrimages, you could spend happy weeks lost in Lhasa's historical and spiritual treasures. Which is convenient as the tour finished after a day tour of the capital that's exactly what you're free to do. Become one of the lucky few to have experienced first-hand the spiritual energy and sheer beauty of this amazing country.

If this trip gets your pulse racing, you may also like our "Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour via Everest Base Camp -10 days and 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 Trekking. 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.

Route Map

Route maps are just representation of the trekking routes. This does not represent the exact geographical conditions.Click here for Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour via Everest Base Camp route map

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu to Nyalam -3,750m (12,300ft)-162Kms.
Early morning drive (Approx. 5 hours) from Kathmandu to Kodari (1,873m/6,140ft). After completing immigration and custom formalities drive up hill to Zhangmu (2,300m/75,44ft). This is Tibetan border town. The Tibetan Guide will meet the Group on arrival at the check post and we drive further road climbs and climbs to Nyalam for overnight. On the way you will see fantastic view of deep valley with some overflowing waterfalls.

Day 02: Nyalam to Lotingri/old Tingri (4050m) -147 Kms.
Drive (Approx. 5-6 hours) to Tingri crossing two spectacular passes. Nyalam pass (3800m) and Lalung La pass (5082m). This drive provides fabulous view of the high mountains including, Mount Everest (8848m) Jugal Himal, Mt. Makalu (8464m) and more. Overnight in Lotingri/old Tingri.

Day 03: Lotingri/old Tingri to Ronbuk (5050m/16564ft) - 105 Kms - visit Everest Base Camp (5,250m/17,220ft)
After breakfast easy and short drive to Rongbuk. Rongbuk monastery first, it is the highest monastery in Tibet. enjoy the unique view of Mt. Everest (Mount Quomolangma),you can have a face to face experience of Mt. Everest, afternoon drive to Base Camp by lcoal bus, walk (16 kms round trip)around base camp. evening time back to Ronbuk.The base camp itself is dry and barren, but the views of Everest more than compensate for this. It is a truly awe-inspiring place with the sheer north face of the highest mountain in the world towering above you. Overnight in Rongbuk.

Day 04: Ronbuk to Xegar to Lhatse (4050 M)- 245 Kms.
Morning enjoy the sunrise of Mt Everest and vist Rongbuk monastery first and it is the highest monastery in Tibet, then drive down to Lhatse via Xegar. Today we cross the highest pass on our journey, the Gyamtso La [5220m]. From here we descend to the plains, passing lonely monasteries and the camps of nomadic herders,Shortly after leaving Shegar, we turn off the Friendship Highway and head south over the Pang La [5150m] towards the main Himalayan range. The view from the top is incredible with uninterrupted views stretching from Makalu to Shishapangma. Below the pass, Everest initially is hidden from view, but as we turn the corner into the Rongbuk Valley it reappears, more impressive than ever.Overnight in Lhatse.

Day 05: Lhatse to Sakya & Natang Monastery to Shigatse (3900m)- 185 Kms.
Morning drive to Sakya (30 Kms), visit famous Sakya Monastery. This is the ancestral temple of Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It was built in the 6thyear (1073) of the Xining reign of the Song Dynasty (960-1279) by Khon Konchog Gyalpo, the founder of Sakyapa sect of Lamaism. Sakya, meaning "Grey Soil" in Tibetan since the soil surrounding it is gray; it is the central monastery of Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. In the Yuan Dynasty, the fifth Sakya Throne Holder, Drogon Chogyal Phakpa, known as Phakpa, was appointed as the National Priest by Yuan Emperor Shizu. He took charge of the Buddhist and executive affairs of Tibet and initiated the history of monk's reign in Tibet. In the 2ndyear (1265) of the Zhiyuan reign of the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), Phakpa returned to the Sakya Monastery. Three years later, with the subsidy of Yuan government, the Sakya Monastery commanded a great number of Han, Mongolian and Tibetan craftsmen to rebuild the Sakya Monastery. It became the political center of Tibet at that time. At the end of the Yuan Dynasty, the Sakya Monastery's position was replaced by Kagyu sect. Sakyapa sect only retained its religious and political power in Sakya region. As a result, the Sakya Monastery gradually declined and fell into disuse.

After lunch, we drive to Natang Monastery, The Natang Monastery in Xigaze is one of the survivors. At its peak of prominence, the monastery had a population of some 3,000 monks and 13 sutra hall. Its sutra printing house was the oldest of the three major ones in the Tibetan -inhabited areas. It boasts a huge collection of Tibetan printing blocks and hand-copied Buddhist scriptures. Tripitaka engraved and printed in 1732 and 1742 were the oldest of their kind. Gangyur of the Tripitaka is legendarily the only authentic edition of the Gelug Sect. Evening time, we arrive in Xigatse, the second biggest city in Tibet.

Day 06: Shigatse to Gyantse via Shalu Monastery (3950m)-90kms
In the morning visit the Tashilunpo Monastery and the free bazaar of Xigaste. After lunch embark on a pleasant 2 hours drive to Gyantse. Here you visit the Khumbum Stupa and Phalkot Monastery.En route you visit Shaulu Moanstery. Shalu Monastery is located 20 kilometers southeast of Xigaze. It was first built in 1087. It demonstrates a combination of the Tibet and Han architectural styles. It is famous for its sandalwood slips carved with Buddhist scripture and a jar for filling sacred water. It is said that for years the water does not decrease or deteriorate. The murals in the monastery are rich in contents and excellent in workmanship and are one of the rare fine arts in Tibet.Overnight in Gyantse.

Day 07: Gyantse to Lhasa (3650m)-259kms.
The drive to Lhasa takes 08 hours, crossing 2 passes The Karo La (5010m) and Kamba La (4794m) pass and lake Yamdrok Tso(Turquoise Lake). You will cross the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahamaputra) river and see the distant views of the Potala Palace. O/nt. in Lhasa.

Day 08: Lhasa Sightseeing Tour
Foremost, our tour begins with a visit to Sera Monastery. An experienced tour guide also working as an interpreter escorts we to this preserved monastery of white-washed walls and golden roofs. Equally adventurous and exciting tempo builds up while touring Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. Jokhang Temple is another important sacred site which unravels more deep seated mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism. Visit to Barkhor Market can be quite a change from other visits as we roam around the city savoring every tiny detail from stall hawkers coaxing their clients to purchase their goods to exhibition of Tibetan culture, custom and tradition. Eventually, the tour for the day concludes as you return to the comforts of your hotel.

Day 09: Lhasa Sightseeing Tour
Like the previous day, you experience invaluable insights during your visits to Potala Palace and Drepung Monastery. This 17th century Potala Palace offers an awesome view of entire city and also has private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand state rooms and chapels. Ancient history has it that Drepung Monastery which was built in 14th century used to shelter around 10,000 monks but as now there has been quite a declination resulting in only few hundreds. Tibetans' respect and belief are immensely knotted with this monastery.

Day 10: Final departure from Lhasa or extend your tour
From today you are free; so make your own itinerary or contact us to extend your trip. You are responsible for making all the necessary arrangements and return journey to Nepal or towards to mainland China. However, if you would like to fly out from Lhasa to Kathmandu or any other city of mainland China, we can manage the air or Train ticket in advance.

Trip Cost Includes

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
Kathmandu - Tibet boarder (Zhang-Mu) transportation by comfortable vehicle
Zhang-Mu - Everest Base Camp - Lhasa transfer by non AC Land Cruiser (4WD Toyota)
Accommodation in Tibet on twin sharing basis (Share bath in Nyalam) with breakfast
English speaking Tibetan guide
All fees for sightseeing and Monasteries as outlined in the itinerary
All applicable taxes and service charges

Trip Cost Does Not Include

Accommodation in Kathmandu
Chinese visa fee {US$ 175 for the US nationals and US$ 85 for other nationals (visa fee is subject to change without prior notice}
International flights to Kathmandu and out of Lhasa
Travel insurance
Meals other than breakfast in Tibet
Tips for guides and driver
Nepal visa

Health & Experience Required

The Kathmandu to Lhasa 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 accommodation lodgings have been chosen for their standard of hygiene, standard of service, location and food quality. All accommodation is based on twin share. During your tour we will use Snowland Hotel in Nyalum (Share bath ), Snow leopard hotel in Lotingri/old Tingri, Shanghai hotel or similor hotel in Lhatse, Everest view hotel or similar hotel in Ronbuk (optional: tent guest house in Everest base camp ), Xigatse Hotel or similar hotel in Xigatse, Gyantse Hotel or similar hotel in Gyantse and Kyichu Hotel or similar hotel in Lhasa. Single supplement will be provided on request it cost US$290 single supplement fee. Bear in mind this is a standard overland package; for private or upgraded tour, please contact us.

Meals

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

Information about Visa and Travel Permits

Aside from visas for China, travelers to Tibet must also obtain permits from the Tibetan Tourism Bureau. Himalayan Glacier Trekking will organize your Tibet travel permit. Please send copy of your passport if you are planning to enter Tibet via Nepal as soon as you book the trip. In the condition you are planning to enter Tibet via China; you need to send us copy of your passport and Chinese visa as soon as you book the trip. Read More

Equipments & Packing List

While packing for “ Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour via Everest Base Camp”certain gears are essential to be considered.
Please Click here for the comprehensive packing list for this trip.

Acclimatization

Keep in mind that you are traveling overland to highest plateau in the world; the drive goes constantly above 5000m/16400ft during your 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 less is the oxygen in air. Your body needs few days to acclimatize to this less oxygen environment. Although we provide enough information regarding AMS precaution matters, if you get AMS, we do not have other options to treat it other than medication.

Sensible planning would help to minimize AMS during the tour. Thus, before taking this tour, we advise tourists to take some trek or altitudes activities in Nepal or elsewhere. So our sincere suggestion for those travelers who are thinking to fly back to Kathmandu from Lhasa after taking Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour would be better you fly to Lhasa from Kathmandu first and take the overland tour from Lhasa to Kathmandu, just vice versa so that you get time to acclimatize in Lhasa and on the way back. We advise specially the guest(s) with known heart or lungs or blood diseases to consult their doctor before traveling. Mild headaches, fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorder are symptoms of AMS.

Leader(s) & Staff Arrangements

All our tour leaders speak fluent English and know all the complexities and history of the areas they travel in. All our Tibet trips are run in cooperation with our Tibetan counterpart, so you can be assured that authentic local touch. For the Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour via Everest Base Camp tour there will be one leader for each group. We can run the Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour for as few as two people and up to eight people. However if you'd like to make a group booking for more than eight people it can easily be arranged and you can choose the dates that best suit you.

Pre Trip Meeting

We will have pre trip meeting in our central office in Kathmandu prior to the tour departure.People should report us with their original passport least 2 days prior to the tour departure and we will arrange a final trip briefing meeting a day before tour departure at 5:00 PM. Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour do not include hotel in Kathmandu. But on your request we can help you to get any level of accommodation, airport pick up or other trip which you intend to do such as trek, walk, raft, safari, flight, sightseeing and more. Or you may contact Head Office at Thamel.

Himalayan Glacier Trekking (P) Ltd.
Thamel, Kathmandu Nepal
Telephone (Office Hours 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM)- 977 - 1 - 44 11 38 7
Cell Phone (Any time): Naba Raj Amgai- 98510 55684 or Narayan Regmi- 98510 10310

Best Season

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

Departure 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.

Trip Facts