Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour via Everest Base Camp

You can reach Lhasa by flying directly from Nepal or via mainland China. If you decide to fly from Nepal, you will enjoy a scenic one-hour trans-Himalayan flight over Mount Everest (8,848 meters), Kanchenjunga (8,536 meters) and other Himalayan peaks and glaciers. If you choose to reach Lhasa via mainland China, you can fly from any major Chinese city or take the world’s highest railway to Lhasa. Upon your arrival in Lhasa, our representative will take you from the airport or train station to your designated hotel in Lhasa. You are advised to get plenty of rest for the rest of the day to reduce the risk of altitude sickness. Spend the night in Lhasa.

Distance: 60 km Driving: 1 hour
Maximum Altitude: 3,650m/11,976ft
Accommodation: Hotel (Kyichu Hotel)

Today you will visit Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar. Built in the 14th century, Drepung Monastery is the largest monastery in the world and is believed to have once housed around 10,000 monks, but has now fallen into disrepair, leaving only a few hundred remaining. The history, culture and religious beliefs of the Tibetan people are firmly anchored and concentrated in this amazing monastery. Sera Monastery is a preserved monastery with whitewashed walls and a golden roof. The main attraction of visiting this monastery is watching the monks debate, which is held every day except Sunday from 3-5 pm. Jokhang Temple is another important holy site that reveals the deep secrets of Tibetan Buddhism. Inside you can see a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni at the age of twelve. You will further stroll through Barkhor Bazaar (market). With its open-air stalls, shops and crowds of pilgrims, it is the nerve centre of Lhasa. Spend the night in Lhasa.

Driving: 5-6 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 3,650m/11,976ft
Accommodation: Hotel (Kyichu Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will begin your exploration of Lhasa by visiting the beautiful Potala and Norbulingka Palace, known as the Winter Palace and Summer Palace respectively. Built in the 17th century, the Potala Palace offers amazing views of the entire city, and houses the private residences of the Dalai Lama. Norbulingka Palace features what is considered the largest man-made garden in Tibet. Next, you will visit the Tibetan Traditional Hospital, which is a center for treatment, training, research, and production of Tibetan medicine. Spend the night in Lhasa.

Driving: 5-6 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 3,700m/12,140ft
Accommodation: Hotel (Kyichu Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast

Today, you will take a scenic drive to Gyantse. On the way, you will cross the Khamba La Pass (4,794 meters) and stop briefly to enjoy the beauty of one of the three great sacred lakes of Tibet, Yamdrok Tso (Turquoise Lake), and the beautiful Najin Kang Sang Glacier (7,252 meters). Soon, you will come across another pass, the Karo La Pass (5,045 meters). From our vehicle, you can enjoy the views of the huge glaciers that have fallen on the road before reaching Gyantse. In Gyantse, you will visit the Khumbu Stupa, Falkot Monastery and Gyantse Dzong (fortress), which is one of the best preserved dzongs in Tibet. Spend the night in Gyantse.

Distance: 325 km - Driving: 5-6 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 5,045m/16,553ft
Accommodation: Hotel (Yeti Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, you will drive to Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet. On the way, you will visit Shalu Monastery. Founded in 1040 AD, Shalu Monastery is known for its beautiful and ancient murals. Then, you will head towards Shigatse. While there, you will visit the popular Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, home to the Panchen Lama, which holds both historical and cultural significance as it was founded by the First Dalai Lama Gendun Drup in 1447 AD. After visiting Shigatse, you will have the rest of the day free to relax, which will help you acclimatize to the environment and the long drive the next day. Spend the night in Shigatse.

Distance: 95 km - Driving: 2 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 3,900m/12,796ft
Accommodation: Hotel (Gesar Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will drive to Rongbuk to begin your journey through some beautiful villages and get your first glimpse of Mount Everest from the foot of Gyatso La Pass (5220 meters). On the way, you will visit Shakya Monastery, also known as Pel Shakya, the ancestral temple of the Shakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism that provides access to the teachings of the Buddha. After visiting Shakya Monastery, you will continue driving towards Rongbuk. Crossing the Lalung La Pass, you will reach Rongbuk Monastery, which is located at the foot of the mighty Everest and is the highest monastery in the world. While staying here, you will also enjoy the stunning mountain views around you, including breathtaking views of the northern flank of Everest. Spend the night in Rongbuk.

Distance: 390 km Driving: 7-8 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 5,150m/16,897ft
Accommodation: Hotel (Rongbuk Monastery Guest House)
Meals: Breakfast

Early in the morning, you will drive to Everest Base Camp (5,250 meters/17,220 feet), at the foot of the world’s highest mountain. Along the way, you will enjoy spectacular views of 3 eight-thousander peaks such as Shishapangma, Cho Oyu and Mount Chomolongma on the Tibetan side. Today, you will complete one of the major highlights of your trip, reaching Mount Everest Base Camp where you will catch a glimpse of the amazing Rongbuk Glacier. You will make a 16-kilometer round trip to Everest Base Camp. After spending some quality time at the foot of Mount Everest, you will make Kyirong your next destination. This is the last point of contact with the Tibetan plateau where pilgrims stop to hang prayer flags, burn incense and throw prayer notes into the air. Spend the night in Kyirong.

Distance: 335 km Driving: 7-8 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 5,250m/17,225ft
Accommodation: Hotel (Kyirong Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, after completing the border formalities, you will travel to Kathmandu. The highway connecting Tibet to Nepal via Kyirong passes through the Nepali towns of Trishuli, Dhunche, Syabrubesi and Rasuwagadhi, passing through small mountain passes. Along the way, you can catch a glimpse of numerous waterfalls, rivers, gorges and lush forests and enjoy the scenic views. Your journey ends when you arrive in Kathmandu. Spend the night in Kathmandu. (The cost of accommodation in Kathmandu is not included)

Please note that on rare occasions due to bad weather or political unrest, the local government may close the road to the Everest Base Camp for security reasons and without prior notice. (In Tibet)