Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour via Everest Base Camp

Fly to Lhasa from Nepal. Enjoy a scenic one-hour trans-Himalayan flight over Mount Everest (8,848m), Kanchenjunga (8,536m) and other Himalayan peaks and glaciers in Nepal. If you choose to fly to Lhasa via mainland China, you can fly from any major Chinese city or take the world’s highest railway to Lhasa. Upon arrival in Lhasa, one of our representatives will transfer you from the airport or train station to our 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.

Accommodation: Hotel (3-star hotel)
Maximum altitude: 3,650 meters/11,976 feet.
Travel distance: 60 km
Driving time: 1 hour

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

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel (3-star hotel)
Maximum altitude: 3,650 meters/11,976 feet.

You will visit Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar today. 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 declined considerably, resulting in only a few hundred remaining. The history, culture and religious beliefs of the Tibetan people are firmly entrenched and concentrated in this amazing monastery. Sera Monastery is a preserved monastery with white painted walls and a golden roof. The main attraction of visiting this monastery is watching the monks debate.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel (3-star hotel)
Maximum altitude: 3,650 meters/11,976 feet.

Today, you will drive 110 km to Ganden Monastery, Dreyrpa Cave and Lhasa. Ganden Monastery is located on the peak of Wangbar Mountain (3,800 m) in Lhatse County, about 55 km east of Lhasa. It is the oldest of the six Gelug monasteries in Tibet and one of the ‘Great Three’. Ganden Monastery has extremely delicate and exquisite frescoes and sculptures. It also houses a jeweled armor, which was worn by Emperor Qianlong and was given to the monastery as a gift from Song Khapa, the founder of the Gelug sect. In the afternoon, you will visit Drayerpa Cave, which is located in a beautiful valley with a stunning landscape. There are more than 30 caves for lamas who want to meditate in a peaceful environment. In the evening, we return to Lhasa and spend the night in Lhasa.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel (3-star hotel)
Maximum altitude: 3,650 meters/11,976 feet.
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 110 km

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 also come across another pass, the Karo La Pass (5,045 meters). And from your vehicle, you will be able to enjoy the views of the huge glaciers that have fallen on the road before reaching Gyantse. In Gyantse, you will visit Khumbu Stupa, Phalkot Monastery and Gyantse Dzong (fortress), which is one of the best preserved dzongs in Tibet.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel (3-star hotel)
Maximum altitude: 3,950 meters/12,960 feet.
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 325 km

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, which is home to the Panchen Lamas, where holds both historical and cultural significance due to its establishment by the First Dalai Lama Gendun Drup in 1447 AD. After visiting Shigatse, the rest of the day will be free to relax, which will help you acclimatize to the weather and the long drive the next day.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel (3-star hotel)
Maximum altitude: 3,900 meters/12,796 feet.
Hiking time: 2 hours
Distance: 95 km

After breakfast, you will drive to Rongbuk, passing 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 be able to enjoy the stunning mountain views around you, including breathtaking views of the north face of Everest. Spend the night in Rongbuk.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel (guesthouse)
Maximum altitude: 5,100 meters/16,733 feet.
Hiking time: 7-8 hours
Distance: 390 km

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. On the way, you will enjoy spectacular views of the 3 eight-thousander peaks, including Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, and the mighty Everest, also known as Mount Chomolongma on the Tibetan side. Today, one of the major highlights of your journey will be completed, upon reaching the base camp of Mount Everest where you can catch a glimpse of the amazing Rongbuk Glacier. You will trek 16 kilometers round trip to Everest Base Camp. After spending some quality time at the base of Mount Everest, you will make your next destination, Kairong. This is the last contact with the Tibetan plateau where pilgrims stop to hang prayer flags, burn incense, and throw prayer notes into the air. And the final common overnight stay will be at Kairong.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel (hotel)
Maximum altitude: 5,364 meters/17,599 feet.
Hiking time: 7-8 hours
Distance: 335 km

After breakfast, after completing the border formalities, proceed to Kathmandu. The highway connecting Tibet to Nepal via Keirong will pass through the Nepali towns of Trishuli, Dhunche, Syabrubesi and Rasuwagadhi, passing through small mountain passes. Along the way, you will be able to catch a glimpse of numerous waterfalls, rivers, gorges and lush forests and enjoy the picturesque views. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the hotel, where you can relax for some time. Later in the evening, AlpineTrav Treks invites you to enjoy authentic Nepali cuisine at the farewell dinner organized by them. Spend the night in Kathmandu.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel (3-star hotel)
Maximum altitude: 1,350 meters/4,429 feet.
Travel distance: 130 km
Driving time: 8-9 hours

Your trip ends today. Our representative will transfer you to the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. Or, if you want to see more of this amazing country, you can extend your vacation and we will help you travel to another exciting destination.

Meal: Breakfast