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 international visitors. Himalayan Glacier's 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, this trip takes into 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 is 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, visitors could spend happy weeks lost in Lhasa's historical and spiritual treasures. At Himalayan Glacier become one of the lucky few to have first-hand expeerience at the sheer beauty of this amazing country.

If this trip gets into our pulse, we may also like Himalayan Glacier's"Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour via Everest Base Camp -10 days and Hot springs and monasteries around Lhasa and Cradle of Tibetan civilization -10 das ".

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.

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) - 162 Km
Upon early morning drive (Approx. 5 hours) from Kathmandu we will be at Kodari (1,873m/6,140ft). Upon completion of immigration and custom formalities we drive up hill to Zhangmu (2,300m/75,44ft). This is Tibetan border town. The Tibetan Guide will meet the our group on arrival at the check post and we drive further road climbs and climbs to Nyalam for overnight. On the way we encounter with fantastic view of deep valley with some overflowing waterfalls.

Day 02: Nyalam to Lotingri/old Tingri (4050m) - 147 km
Upon Driving approximately 5-6 hours to Tingri we come across two spectacular passes,the Nyalam pass (3800m) and the 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 or old Tingri.

Day 03: Lotingri or old Tingri to Ronbuk (5050m/16564ft) - 105 km - visit Everest Base Camp (5,250m/17,220ft)
Upon our delightful breakfast, we head for easy and short drive to Rongbuk. At Rongbuk, we visit for Tibet's highest Rongbuk monastery wher we enjoy the unique view of Mt. Everest (Mount Quomolangma) with face to face experience. At noon, we drive to Base Camp by lcoal bus and walk (16 km round trip)around base camp. At the sun set we back to Ronbuk. The base camp itself is dry and bestarren, but the views of Everest more than compensate. It is a truly awe-inspiring place with the sheer north face of the highest mountain in the world towering above us. Overnight in Rongbuk.

Day 04: Ronbuk to Xegar to Lhatse (4050 M) - 245 km
Beofre driving to Xegar, we enjoy the views of morning sunrise at Mt Everest and vist Rongbuk monastery. Upon our journey to Xegar we cross the highest Gyamtso La [5220m] Pass. From the Pass, 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. While passing through the highlands we will have incredible uninterrupted views stretching from Makalu to Shishapangma. Below the pass, Everest is initially 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 and Natang Monastery to Shigatse (3900m) - 185 km
Upon morning we drive for Sakya (30 km) and visit to famous Sakya Monastery, 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.
Further, in the Yuan Dynasty, the fifth Sakya Throne Holder, Drogon Chogyal 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.

After lunch, we drive to Natang Monastery, one of the survived monasteries in Xigaze. At its peak of prominence, the monastery had a population of some 3,000 monks and 13 sutra halls. 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. At evening, we arrive in Xigatse, the second biggest city in Tibet.

Day 06: Shigatse to Gyantse via Shalu Monastery (3950m) - 90 km
In the morning, we visit the Tashilunpo Monastery and the free bazaar of Xigaste. Upon our lunch, we embark on a pleasant 2 hours drive to Gyantse where we visit the Khumbum Stupa and Phalkot Monastery. En route we visit Shaulu Moanstery, located 20 km 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 workmanships and are one of the rare fine arts in Tibet. Overnight in Gyantse.

Day 07: Gyantse to Lhasa (3650m) - 259 km
The drive to Lhasa takes 8 hours. On our drive we cross The Karo La (5010m) and Kamba La (4794m) passes and Lake Yamdrok Tso(Turquoise Lake). We further cross the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahamaputra) river and see the distant views of the Potala Palace. Overnight 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 us into this preserved monastery of white-washed walls and golden roofs. At the same time, we will be at 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. We further visit to Barkhor Market. The stroll in the 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 we return to the comforts of our hotel.

Day 09: Lhasa Sightseeing Tour
Like the previous day, we experience invaluable insights during our 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 extension our tour
From today we are free. Since we make our own itinerary or contact at Himalayan Glacier to extend our trip. At this junctuare we are responsible for making all the necessary arrangements and return journey to Nepal or towards to mainland China. However, if we would like to fly out from Lhasa to Kathmandu or any other city of mainland China, Himalayan Glacier can manage the air or Train ticket in advance.

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
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

What's 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 Requirements

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) can be required. 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 accommodations are based on twin share. During our tour Himalayan Glacier employs Snowland Hotel in Nyalum (Share bath ), Snow leopard hotel in Lotingri or 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 served on request and it costs US$290 single supplement fee. We should bear in mind this is a standard overland package; for private or upgraded tour, it is better to 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

Travelling to Tibet is a dream of many. Hence, 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 Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour via Everest Base Camp certain equipments are essential. Please Click here for this trip's comprehensive checklist.

Acclimatization

Keep in mind that 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 is the oxygen in 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.

Sensible planning would help to minimize AMS during the tour. Thus, before taking this tour, Himalayan Glacier advises Visitors to take some trek or altitudes activities in Nepal or elsewhere. So Himalayan Glacier suggests travelers who are thinking to fly back to Kathmandu from Lhasa after taking Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour it would be better visitors fly to Lhasa from Kathmandu first and take the overland tour from Lhasa to Kathmandu, just vice versa so that travelers get time to acclimatize in Lhasa and on the way back. The company 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

Himalayan Glacier's tour leaders speak fluent English, know all the complexities and history of the areas they travel in. All Tibet trips are run in cooperation with Himalayan Glacier's Tibetan counterpart, so we can be assured that authentic local touch. For the Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour via Everest Base Camp there will be one leader for each group. Himalayan Glacier can run the Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour for as few as two people and up to eight people. However if would 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 us.

Pre Trip Meeting

We will have pre trip meeting at Himalayan Glacier office. Traveler should report the compay with their original passport least 2 days prior to the tour departure and the company will arrange a final trip briefing meeting a day before tour departure at 5:00 PM. Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour does not include hotel in Kathmandu. But upon our request, the company can assist us to get any level of accommodation, airport pick up or other trip which we intend to do such as trek, walk, raft, safari, flight, sightseeing and more. Or we 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 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 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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