Tibet – Shangri-La, the land of snows, the roof of the world. A land of ancient Buddhist culture, awesome landscape, and artistic monasteries and centuries old caravan trails. Tibet is a destination out of ordinary. Tibet covers an area of 1228400 sq. km and has a population of 3.03 million.
Lhasa – Everest Base Camp (EBC) – Kathmandu Overland Tour

Our Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour via Everest Base Camp covers many different sightseeing and cultural activities, in the shortest possible time, without missing out on some of the most popular landmarks of the entire region. It is a journey into the historical, adventurous and spiritual highlands that have long captured the hearts and minds of travel enthusiasts around the world. Tibet is the origin of Mahayana Buddhism, home of the Dalai Lama, and the target of devout pilgrims as well as adventure seekers. This 8-day adventure excursion covers Lhasa’s streets, Dalai Lama’s Potala and Norbulingka palaces, ancient monasteries like Tashilhunpo, Sera, Drepung, Rongbuk, and Sakya among others, and of course, the Everest Base Camp(in Tibet) which presents the sheer north face of Mt. Everest.

SUMMARY
ITINERARY
8 Days Itinerary of Lhasa & Everest Base Camp (EBC) Tour

DAY 01: Kathmandu to Nyalam (3,800m/12,467ft): 153 km, 5 hours

After breakfast, we start our journey along the Friendship Highway for the Tibetan border. Along the way, we pass through some really splendid sights- cascading waterfalls, rivers and hill-side villages. At the border, we have our lunch and pass through the Nepalese side of the customs and immigration. Upon crossing the Friendship Bridge, we will be at Tibet! Then, we take a 30-minute drive from Kodari to Zhangmu where we must pass another immigration checkpoint. From Zhangmu to Nyalam, we drive on a steep winding road. Overnight in Nyalam.

DAY 02: Nyalam to Lotingri/Dingri (4,050m/13,284 ft): 150 Km, 3 hours

In the morning, we stroll around Nyalam which would help us to acclimatize with the high altitude. We depart for Lotingri after lunch. On the way, we will visit Milarapha Cave and Chamda Hot spring for a little fun-filled afternoon. On our journey we encounter two spectacular passes: Thong La pass (5050m/16,568ft) and Lalung La pass (5082m/16,668 ft). Along with the two passes, we also get to enjoy fabulous views of the high mountains including, Mt. Everest (8848m/29,028 ft) and Shishapangma (8,013m/26,289 ft). We spend the night in Lotingri.

DAY 03: Lotingri/Dingri to Sakya (4,100m/13451ft) via Everest Base Camp(5,250m/17,220ft): 290 km, 5 hours

After breakfast, we drive towards Sakya. The drive from Lotingri to Rongbuk will be adventurous as the roads are coarse and bumpy. In Rongbuk, we visit the Rongbuk monastery which is the highest monastery in Tibet. Then we drive towards Everest Base Camp (5,250m/17,220ft) while enjoying views of high mountains like Cho Oyu (8,201m/26,906 ft), Shishapangma (8,013m (26,289 ft) and, of course, the mighty Everest also known as Mt. Chomolongma in the Tibetan side. We have therefore accomplished one of the major highlights of this tour.

It will certainly be a great experience to come face-to-face with the greatest mountain on earth. We make approximately a 16km round trip around the Everest Base Camp. The base camp itself is dry and barren, but the view of Everest is more than compensating. The base camp is indeed a truly awe-inspiring place with the sheer north face of the highest mountain in the world towering above us. Overnight in Sakya.

DAY 04: Sakya to Shigatse (3,900m/12,795 ft): 190km, 4 hours

In the morning after breakfast, we visit the Sakya Monastery which is the ancestral temple of the Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. We then continue our drive to Shigatse, the second biggest city in Tibet. Here, we visit another popular monastery called the Tashilhunpo Monastery, which holds both historical and cultural importance for being founded by Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama in 1447. Overnight in Shigatse.

DAY 05: Shigatse to Lhasa (3,650 m/11,972ft): 365 Km, 6 hours

After breakfast, we embark on a pleasant drive to Gyantse. In Gyantse, we visit the Khumbum Stupa, Phalkot Monastery and Gyantse Dzong (Fortress), which is one of the best preserved dzongs in Tibet.

From Gyantse, we continue to Lhasa crossing the Karo La (5010m/16,432 ft) and Kamba La (4794m/15,725 ft) passes and Lake Yamdrok Tso (Turquoise Lake), one of the three largest sacred lakes of Tibet, also believed to be the transformation of a Tibetan goddess. Furthermore, we cross the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahamaputra) River and see Potala Palace for the first time from a distance. Overnight in Lhasa.

DAY 06: Lhasa sightseeing: Potala Palace, Norbulingka Palace and Tibet Museum: 5 – 6 hours

We begin sightseeing in Lhasa after breakfast. Today is the day we visit the beautiful Potala and Norbulingka Palaces. Built in the 17th century, Potala Palace provides amazing views of the entire city and houses the private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand state rooms and chapels. Norbulingka Palace is the summer palace of the Dalai Lama and houses what is considered to be the largest man-made garden in Tibet. Next, we visit the Tibet Museum, the official museum of Tibet, which has a permanent collection of around 1000 artifacts related to the cultural history of Tibet. Overnight in Lhasa.

DAY 07: Lhasa Sightseeing: Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar: 5 – 6 hours

After breakfast we visit Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar. Drepung Monastery, which was built in the 14th century, is believed to have sheltered around 10,000 monks in the past but as of now there has been quite a declination resulting in only a few hundred. The history, culture, and religious beliefs of the Tibetan people are strongly concentrated and centered in this marvelous monastery. Sera Monastery is a preserved monastery of white-washed walls and golden roofs. Jokhang Temple is another important sacred site which unravels more deep-seated mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism. We further stroll through Barkhor Bazaar (market). With its open air stalls, shops and crowd of pilgrims, it is the nerve centre of Lhasa. Overnight in Lhasa.

DAY 08: Final Departure

Our adventure in the Himalayas comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize photos. If time permits, we can engage in shopping or sightseeing. A representative from Kailash Journeys will take you to the airport for our next journey. We can either go back to Kathmandu or continue to mainland China on our way home.
COST
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Cost Includes

Assistance in acquiring the Chinese visa
All the necessary Tibet travel permits
Pick up and drops from airport or train station and hotels
Everest National Park admission fee and Grass dame charge
Transportation from Kathmandu to Tibetan borders in a comfortable private vehicle and from Tibetan borders to Lhasa on Land Cruiser 4WD Toyota(No AC) or Hiace or bus
Accommodation in Tibet on twin-sharing basis with breakfast
English speaking, trained and experienced Tibetan guide
All fees for sightseeing and visits to monasteries as outlined in the itinerary
All applicable taxes and service charges
Cost Excludes

Accommodation in Kathmandu
Chinese visa fee which is US$ 175 for the US nationals and US$ 85 for other nationals (visa fees 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
About Lhasa – EBC – Kathmandu Overland Tour

Tour Facts

7 Nights / 8 Days Tour starting from Kathmandu, Nepal
Covers most of the places Sightseeing and Cultural Activities
Kathmandu – EBC – Lhasa
Cost

See Cost Tab above for Details