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

Highlights

  • Everest Base Camp is the highest point on the planet. Everest
  • Take a look at the Rongbuk glacier
  • Enjoy the breathtaking views of Shishapangma Peak and Cho Oyu Peaks
  • Explore the mysterious Yamdrok Lake
  • Cross high passes like Karo La (Khamba La), Gyatso La (Gyatso La)
  • Visit famous Tibetan landmarks such as Potala Palace and Rongbuk monastery

Trip Overview with the Cost, Itinerary for 2024/2025

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.
 

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

When Is The Best Time To Visit Tibet?

Tibet is most famous from May to September, with warm weather and clear skies. Snow/ice melting in April has cleared the roads, making it easier to visit various Tibetan townships. Prices are high because it is peak season.

Tibet is cold, but only a few tourists visit, so you have more options for hotels and vehicles. There are fewer tourists and a colder climate, so there are more choices for hotels and cars. Winter (Dec.-Feb.) is the lowest season for tourists in Tibet. You can still enjoy the sights and attractions even though it is cold. You can save up to half on hotels and transportation.

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.

Passports And Visa Information

A Chinese visa is required to travel to Tibet. This can be obtained through a travel agency in Kathmandu (Tibet via Nepal). The Tibet Travel Permit is different from a valid passport for China. Those with a Chinese visa must apply for the Tibet Travel Permit. The permit is still needed for foreigners traveling from mainland China to Tibet. You must arrange a guide to accompany you throughout your trip and book private transportation for any trips outside of Lhasa. For trips outside of Lhasa, you will also need additional permits that your travel company arranges.

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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