Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour via Everest Base Camp 8 Days

Trip Facts

  • Duration 8 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Destination Tibet
  • Transportation Tourist Bus, Van/Jeep
  • Activity Cultural and Historical Tours
  • Best Season Feb - Jun & Sept- Nov
  • Group Size Min. 2, Max 12 People
  • Trip Start/End Lhasa/ Kathmandu
  • Max Altitude 5,250m/17,225ft

Lhasa to Kathmandu Via EBC Tour Highlights:

  • Stand at the base camp of the world’s highest mountain, Mt. Everest.
  • Admire the breathtaking Rongbuk Glacier, a natural marvel.
  • Enjoy stunning views of the Shishapangma and Cho Oyu peaks.
  • Explore the beautiful and mystical Yamdrok Lake (Yamdrok Tso).
  • Cross spectacular high mountain passes like Karo La, Khamba La, and Gyatso La.
  • Visit iconic Tibetan landmarks such as the Potala Palace and Rongbuk Monastery.
  • Immerse yourself in the serene beauty and rich culture of Tibet.

Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour via EBC Overview:

The Lhasa-Kathmandu Overland Tour via Everest Base Camp starts in Lhasa and ends in Kathmandu. During the tour, we also visit other beautiful Tibetan towns and cities, such as Gyantse and Shigatse. On the seventh day of our journey, we reached the base camp for the world's tallest peak, Mt Everest. This Lhasa-Kathmandu Overland Tour with Everest Base Camp allows us to visit the Yamdrok Tso Lake and climb high passes like Karo La. Khamba La. Gyatso La. Lalung La. We can also see the Nazin Kang Sang Glacier. This tour takes us to famous Tibetan landmarks such as the Dalai Lama's Potala, Norbulingka Palaces, and Tibet Traditional Hospital. We also visit Barkhor Bazaar, Gyantse Dzong,Jokhang Temple, and Gyantse Dzong. We see several magnificent Tibetan monasteries, including but not limited to Sera, Drepung Phalkot Shalu Tashilhunpo Khumbum Stupa Sakya Rongbuk, the world's tallest monastery. This trip's highlights include reaching the base of Mt. Everest base camp, the Rongbuk Glacier, and the Shishapangma & Cho Oyu peaks.

The Lhasa-Kathmandu Overland Tour via Everest Base Camp takes you on an exotic journey through Tibet. You will enjoy the highland city and the unobstructed views of the mighty Everest (8.848m), also known as the roof of the World. Explore ancient cities with their historic monasteries and be fascinated by the views of the mighty peaks.

Lhasa is the cultural and historic heart of Tibet. It has a dense concentration of ancient monuments and cultural sites. We explore Potala Palace and Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Barkhor Market, Jokhang Temple, and Norbulingka Palace. Before heading to Everest Base Camp, we explore the main sites of this medieval town. We can gain a deeper understanding of local cultures and acclimatize properly.

After Lhasa, we drive to Everest Base Camp via Gyantse or Shigatse, important cities in Tibet. We visit fascinating cultural sites such as Old Tingri and Pelkor Monastery. Rongbuk, Sakya, and Tashi Lhunpa are also included. The best way to experience the Tibetan landscape is by seeing the stunning glaciers and shimmering lakes. This is the most comprehensive tour in Tibet, and it includes all of the major landmarks on the route between Lhasa and Kathmandu.

Note: This tour is only available on request. Contact us to find out more about dates and pricing.

Best Time for the Lhasa -Everest Base Camp Tour

The best time to visit Everest Base Camp via Lhasa is April to Jun and September to November. This is the best time to visit because it's warm and sunny, with little to no rain. The tour can be done in Winter, such as December, January, and February. However, it will be freezing. Temperatures drop to minus 15 degrees Celsius.

How is the food During the Tour?

On this trip, only breakfasts are provided. You'll need to pay for your lunches and dinners. Breakfast will be served where we stay overnight, and dinner arrangements can be similar. Lunch will be eaten while we're traveling to the next place. We suggest budgeting around Yuan 60 to Yuan 100 (US$10 to US$16) daily for lunch and dinner. Our meals will include Tibetan bread, dal (lentil soup), bhat (rice), tsampa porridge, and other essential local dishes.

Travel Documents Required for Entry to Tibet

Passport

All travelers must have a passport valid for at least 6 months.

Chinese Visa: This can be obtained from a Chinese Embassy or through China Highlights if entering Tibet from China.

Group Visa: Required for travelers entering Tibet from Nepal. After the Tibet tour, travelers can continue to mainland China with a valid group visa.

Note: An individual Chinese visa in your passport will be canceled if a group visa is issued.

Tibet Entry Permit

Issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau, this is a mandatory document for all foreigners entering Tibet.

Additional Permits for Specific Areas

Travel Permit: Required for access to restricted areas within Tibet. This permit is issued after your arrival in Tibet.

Military Permit: Necessary for visiting certain militarily sensitive regions in Tibet. Ensure all required documents are in order before your trip to enjoy a smooth and hassle-free journey to Tibet.

Visa Process for Tibet Overland Tour from Nepal

According to the latest regulations from the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, a minimum of four people is required to apply for a Tibet group visa. The application process in Kathmandu involves submitting the original passport and typically takes 3–4 official working days to complete.

Please note that visa requirements and regulations are subject to frequent changes. We recommend confirming the latest requirements with Adventure Club Trek before booking your Tibet tour to ensure a smooth process.

The Chinese government frequently updates its visa regulations. If any new rules are introduced in the future, we will promptly provide updated information.

Itinerary

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We will arrive in Lhasa by direct flight from Nepal or mainland China. Flying from Nepal will allow us to enjoy an hour-long trans-Himalayan flight, which takes us past Everest (8.848m), Kanchenjunga (8.536m), and many other Himalayan peaks. We can fly to Lhasa from any significant Chinese city or take the Highest mountain route. A  representative will meet you at the airport or train station and take you to our hotel. Rest well for the rest of the day to avoid altitude sickness. Overnight in Lhasa.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • Max. Altitude3,650m/11,976ft

After breakfast, we explore Lhasa's most important landmarks: the Potala Palace and Norbulingka Palace, also known as the Winter and Summer Palaces. Potala Palace, built in the 17th century, offers an amazing view of the city and ancient architecture. Norbulingka Palace houses Tibet's largest artificial garden. The Traditional Hospital is a center for training, research, and production of Tibetan medicine.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Max. Altitude3,650m/11,976ft

After breakfast, we begin our exploration of Lhasa by visiting the Potala Palace and Norbulingka Palace, also known as Winter Palace and Summer Palace. Potala Palace, built in 17, is a stunning palace that offers a panoramic view of the city and the Dalai Lama's private quarters. Norbulingka Palace is home to the largest man-made garden in Tibet. We then visit the Tibet Traditional Hospital, a center for treatment, training, and research in Tibetan medicine. Overnight in Lhasa.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Max. Altitude3,700m/12,140ft

Today, we will drive through the scenic countryside to Gyantse. We will cross the Khamba La Pass (4.794m), stopping briefly to admire the Yamdrok Tso, one of Tibet's three largest sacred lakes, and the Nazin Kang Sang Glacier (7.252m). We will soon encounter another pass - The Karo La Pass (5045m). We can see massive glaciers sliding down the road from our vehicle before we reach Gyantse. We visit the Khumbum Stupa in Gyantse. Also, we see the Phalkot Monastery and the Gyantse Dzong, one of the best preserved Dzongs of Tibet. Overnight in Gyantse.

  • AccommodationHoel Yeti Home
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Max. Altitude5,045m/16,553ft

After breakfast, we drive towards Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet. On the way, we visit Shalu Monastery. Founded in 1040 A.D., Shalu Monastery is known for its beautiful and ancient mural paintings. Next, we continue to Shigatse. While there, we visit the famous Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, the home of the Panchen Lama, which holds both historical and cultural importance for being founded by Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama, in 1447 A.D. After sightseeing in Shigatse, we will have the rest of the day free for resting, which will help us with acclimatization and the next day's long drive. Overnight in Shigatse.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Max. Altitude3,900m/12,796ft

After breakfast, we drive to Rongbuk, passing through beautiful villages on the way and catching our first glimpse of Mount Everest at the foot of Gyatso la Pass (5210m). We visit Sakya Monastery on the way. Also known as Pel Sakya or the ancestral Temple of the Sakyapa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, this temple provides access to Buddha's Teachings. We continue our journey towards Rongbuk after visiting Sakya Monastery. After crossing the Lalung la Pass, we arrive at Rongbuk Monastery. This is the highest monastery on earth, right under the Everest. We also get to enjoy the beautiful mountainous scenery around us. This includes the most breathtaking views of Mt. Everest. Rongbuk Overnight Stay

  • AccommodationHoel.
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Max. Altitude5,150m/16,897ft

We will drive early in the morning to Everest Base Camp (5.250m/17.220ft). We will go to Everest Base Camp (5,250m/17,220ft) in the morning. We enjoy the spectacular views of three eight-thousander peaks, Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, and Everest. Chomolongma, on the Tibetan side. We reach the base camp of Mt. Everest, where we can glimpse the magnificent Rongbuk Glacier. We travel 16km to reach the Everest Base Camp. After spending time at the foot of Mt. And at the base of Mt., It is the last time pilgrims will come into contact with the Tibetan plateau. They will stop here to burn incense, hang prayer flags, and throw prayer notes. Overnight in Kyirong.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • Max. Altitude5,250m/17,225ft

After breakfast, we complete the border formalities and travel to Kathmandu. The road connecting Tibet and Nepal via Kyirong drives through the Nepalese cities of Trishuli Dhunche Syabrubesi Rasuwagadi. As we travel, we can enjoy scenic views and glimpses of many waterfalls, rivers, and gorges. Our trip ends when we arrive in Kathmandu. We stay overnight in Kathmandu. (The cost of the stay is not included.)

 

Due to bad weather conditions or political unrest, the local government can close the road leading to Everest Base Camp without notice for safety.

  • Max. Altitude1,350m/4,429ft

Cost Details

Price Includes

  • All Pickup and drops from the airport and hotel
  • Everest National Park admission fee and Grass dame charge
  •  Hotel accommodation during the tour is on a twin-sharing basis with breakfast
  • All the necessary Tibet travel permits and Visa fees
  • Transportation on the private vehicle(s) (van or Hiace or bus)
  • Sightseeing by an experienced Tibetan English Speaking guide
  • All fees for sightseeing and visits to monasteries as outlined in the itinerary
  • All applicable taxes and office service charges

Price Excludes

  • Nepal visa or reentry visa fee
  • Accommodation in Nepal or mainland China
  • Chinese visa fee
  • Airfare or train tickets to any destination 
  • Travel Insurance
  • Lunch and Dinner during the Tour
  • Tips for guide(s) and driver(s)

Useful Info

How To Get To Tibet

From Nepal:

By Air. So far, Air China and Sichuan Airlines have two direct flights from Lhasa to Kathmandu. Flying to Tibet from Nepal offers a stunning view of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest, the highest peak in the world.

By Road: The most common method of entering Tibet is by road. Many tourists prefer to fly into Kathmandu to enter Tibet by land. This is because there are many direct flights from abroad to Kathmandu. If you're already in Nepal, you can still enter Tibet through the Kerung, Simikot, or Kodari borders. Kodari is temporarily closed due to the 2015 earthquake in Nepal. The Kerung border, which is 3 hours from Kathmandu, is used instead. The Simikot border, however, is mainly used by tourists who wish to trek/tour Kailash. The Kerung border is a popular destination for cars, vans, and buses.

What Is The Drinking Water In Tibet?

It is not a good idea to drink tap water or ice that has been made with tap water. In urban areas like Lhasa, most hotels boil water before serving it hot or cold. When trekking in remote regions, boiling your water or using water purification tablets before drinking is best. You can drink tea without problems, but avoid drinking locally brewed alcohol because it is often made from contaminated water. Most supermarkets sell large 5-liter bottles of water.

You must boil the water for 10 minutes in Tibet because it is "hard water." For long trips, consider purchasing a water purifier (which is often more cost-effective than bottled drinking water). Total filters can remove all bacteria, viruses, and parasites from water, making it safe for drinking. Puritabs and Steritabs (e.g.) are chlorine tablets that kill most pathogens but not amoebic cysts or giardia. Iodine tablets (Potable Aqua, for example) and liquids (Lugol's solution) are more effective at purifying water. Remember to follow the instructions and not use too much iodine.

Electricity System In Tibet

The power sockets in Tibet are type A, C, and I. The standard voltage in Tibet is 220V, with an average frequency of 50Hz. Imagine that the standard voltage of your country falls between 220 and 240 V, as it does in Europe, Australia, the UK, and much of Asia and Africa. You can use your electrical appliances in Tibet if the voltage is between 220 and 240 V. You will need a voltage converter in Tibet if your country has a standard voltage between 100 V and 127 V, as in the US, Canada, or most South American countries. Bring one if you need help finding a voltage converter in Tibetan shops. You can also purchase them in Kathmandu from Nepal to Tibet. The label of your electric appliance should read "INPUT: 100-240V 50/60Hz". This means that the appliance is compatible with all countries. Chargers for tablets/laptops and cell phones are standard.

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