Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey from Lhasa to the Everest Base Camp and back to Lhasa. This adventure is designed for those who desire to immerse themselves in the rich culture and breathtaking landscapes of Tibet. With acclimatization days in Lhasa, it is perfect for first-time visitors to Tibet, whether your’re a photography enthusiast or a culture lover. From the vibrant streets of Lhasa to the majestic peaks of Mount Everest, this trip promises memories that will last a lifetime.

Tour Map

Highlights:

Explore Potala Palace – Marvel at Tibet’s iconic architectural wonder and the residence of the Dalai Lama.
Visit Jokhang Temple – Step inside Tibet’s most sacred temple, where devout pilgrims gather daily.
Stroll Around Barkhor Street – Walk through the bustling market and join locals in their daily kora (pilgrimage circuit).
Discover Drepung Monastery – Explore one of Tibet’s largest monasteries with rich history and stunning views of Lhasa.
Witness Monastic Debates at Sera Monastery – Experience the lively philosophical debates among Buddhist monks.

Admire Yamdrok Lake – Take in the serene beauty of one of Tibet’s holiest lakes, set against snow-capped mountains.
Explore Gyantse’s Pelkor Monastery – See the unique fusion of Tibetan and Han architecture and the stunning Kumbum Stupa.
Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse – The seat of the Panchen Lama, offering a spiritual and historical experience.

Cross Scenic Passes – Drive through breathtaking passes like Karo La and Gyatso La, with panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Stop at the Gawu La Pass – Enjoy an unforgettable view of five of the world’s tallest peaks, including Everest.

Visit Rongbuk Monastery – The highest monastery in the world, offering incredible views of Everest.
Experience Everest Base Camp – Stand at the foot of the world’s highest mountain, with jaw-dropping views of Mount Everest.

Travel back to Lhasa along the banks of Tibet’s longest river, with scenic vistas throughout.

Visit a Local Tibetan Family – Immerse yourself in traditional Tibetan life with a visit to a family home, sharing stories and local customs.
Sip Butter Tea in a Tibetan Teahouse – Relax in a traditional teahouse, sampling authentic Tibetan butter tea.
Enjoy a Tibetan Song and Dance Performance – Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture with an optional evening of traditional music and dance.

Itinerary

Upon arrival in Lhasa, our team will greet you at the airport or train station and escort you to your hotel. The first day is about acclimatizing to the high altitude. As you drive through Lhasa’s streets, you’ll get a glimpse of the grand Potala Palace standing majestically against the sky.

Optional: Depending on your flight time or your acclimatization, this evening, you can take a peaceful stroll around the tranquil Dragon King Pond Park, a hidden gem near the Potala Palace. It’s a serene place where locals come to relax, surrounded by fluttering prayer flags and birds circling overhead. The pond offers a unique vantage point to photograph the Potala Palace from a different angle, bathed in the golden hues of sunset.

Tips: When you first arrive in Lhasa, we kindly suggest skipping the shower if you can, and taking it easy. During the whole trip, always walk slowly, drink plenty of water, and keep a calm and positive mindset. Remember to respect local customs and soak in the incredible beauty of this sacred plateau. Doing so will make your journey in Tibet feel even more comfortable, special and memorable.

Overnight Hotel in Lhasa

Your cultural exploration of Lhasa begins today with the visit to the world-famous Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama. Explore its grand halls, chapels, and terraces, absorbing the history and spiritual atmosphere.

After lunch, visit Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibet, where pilgrims from all over the region come to prostrate and offer prayers.

Later, wander through the bustling Barkhor Street, the circular street surrounding Jokhang Temple, where you can join the locals in their daily kora (circumambulation) or shop for traditional handicrafts. Here, feel the deep spiritual energy that fills the air, and experience the vibrant local life firsthand.

Overnight Hotel in Lhasa [Breakfast]

This morning, visit Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in the world, where thousands of monks gathered for Buddhist study and debate. The whitewashed buildings spread across the hillside offer magnificent views of the Lhasa Valley.

In the afternoon, visit Sera Monastery, famous for its lively monk debates held in the courtyard. The debates are a unique tradition where monks engage in animated discussions about Buddhist philosophy—an engaging spectacle for visitors to witness.

And then take a break at a cozy Tibetan tea house. Here, you can relax and savor authentic Tibetan sweet tea, known for its rich, creamy texture and subtle hints of salt and butter. The warm atmosphere, decorated with traditional Tibetan decor, invites you to unwind and soak in the local culture.

Overnight Hotel in Lhasa [B]

Today, your journey takes you from Lhasa to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city. On the way, you’ll stop at Gamba La Pass (4,990m) for panoramic views of the stunning Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s holiest lakes. From here, the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas begin to appear on the horizon, creating a breathtaking backdrop.

After that, visit the awe-inspiring Karo La Glacier, towering close to the highway. Before arriving in Gyantse, cross the Simi La Pass, where you can stop to hang colorful prayer flags, a Tibetan custom for blessings and good fortune.

Afterward, visit Pelkhor Monastery and the unique Gyantse Kumbum Stupa, an architecture wonder in Tibet.

Overnight Hotel in Shigatse [B]

After leaving Shigatse, you will embark on a breathtaking drive cross several high mountain passes including Gyatso La Pass (5,240m), the first place where you can catch a glimpse of Mount Everest on clear days, rising majestically above the surrounding peaks; and Gawu La Pass (5,198m), one of the highest and most spectacular mountain passes in Tibet, from which, you’ll get a stunning panoramic view of the Himalayan range, including five of the world’s 14 peaks that rise above 8,000 meters, such as Mount Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Shishapangma.

Then continue the new winding roads onward to Mt. Everest Base Camp (EBC) where you’ll get as close to the world’s highest point as most travelers ever will. Upon arrival, enjoy the sunset over the world’s highest peak marking one of the most unforgettable moments of the trip.

Tips:

Since Everest Base Camp is at an altitude of 5,200 meters, it’s normal to experience headaches or have trouble sleeping. There’s no need to worry! Just take it easy, relax, and soak in the stunning views. With a calm and peaceful mindset, you’ll find that the symptoms will gradually improve.
The visibility of Mount Everest varies with the weather, so it can’t be guaranteed. However, you’ll have many chances to see Everest along the way, with the majestic Himalayas accompanying you throughout the journey!
From November to March, there is often a better chance to see Mount Everest clearly. If the tent hotels at Everest Base Camp are closed during this time, we will arrange accommodation in the nearby village, ensuring that your experience with the highest mountain in the world remains unaffected.

Overnight Guesthouse or Tent near EBC [B]

Wake up early to experience the sunrise over Mount Everest. As the first rays of the sun illuminate the world’s highest peak, the view is nothing short of breathtaking.

After soaking in the natural beauty, pay a visit to Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world where nuns and monks reside together.

Then drive back to Shigatse, retracing the fantastic view of the Himalayan range via Tingri and Lhatse or an alternative route via Dinggye (xilin viewpoint) and Sakya ancient town. The alternative route is not always available and will be confirmed based on specific conditions.

At evening, if time permits, a vibrant Tibetan cultural performance featuring traditional dance and music can be arranged at your wish.

Overnight Hotel in Shigatse

After a morning visit to Tashilumpo Monastery in Shigatse, the residence of Panchen Lama, enjoy a leisurely drive back to Lhasa along the beautiful Yarlung Tsangpo River, known as the Brahmaputra in India. The river winds through lush valleys and rugged cliffs, providing an ever-changing landscape of natural beauty.

Before reaching Lhasa, you’ll pass by local Tibetan villages, where you can stop to visit a traditional Tibetan home and learn about rural life in Tibet. Please note that the family visit is a flexible arrangement and may take place in other locations along your journey.

Overnight Hotel in Lhasa [B]

Your Tibet adventure comes to an end today. After breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport or train station for your departure. Reflect on the breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and unforgettable moments that you’ve encountered throughout your journey. Tashi Delei! [B]

Private Tour Price Details

For a private tour, you can travel on any dates that work best for you — unlike the fixed departures of group tours. Our private tour price varies depending on group size, travel season etc. For reference, the $989/person rate is based on 4 travelers in low season. For other group sizes or season dates, please contact us for a custom quote 👉

✅ What’s Included in Your Private Tour

3-star hotel stays in Lhasa & Shigatse (near EBC: guesthouse or tent)
Breakfasts provided at hotels
Private vehicle with an experienced driver
Professional English-speaking Tibetan guide, exclusively for your group
All required Tibet travel permits
Entrance tickets to all listed attractions
Accident / casualty insurance
Service fees & government taxes
Emergency oxygen supply
Bottled mineral water

🌟 Free 4-star hotel upgrades in Lhasa & Shigatse (when available)

➖ What’s Not Included

International and domestic flights / trains
Meals not mentioned above
Tips for guide and driver
Personal expenses like souvenirs, snacks, drinks etc.

Group Tour Dates and Price Details

Looking for a more budget-friendly option?
In addition to this private tour, we also offer group departures with a similar itinerary. If you’re interested in joining a small group with fixed departure dates and shared costs, please check the detailed schedule and pricing below:

Group Tour Dates and Prices

Our Services Guarantee:

We pride ourselves on transparency. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges during your trip.

If you need to cancel your trip for any reason, we offer a full refund if the cancellation is made at least 3 months before the departure date.

As a trusted and experienced travel company, we have no difficulty in obtaining all the necessary Tibet travel permits for you. We guarantee that there will be no failure in securing your permits due to any fault on our part. Rest assured, you won’t need to worry about any documentation from our side.

Whenever possible, we strive to offer complimentary hotel upgrades to enhance your comfort and overall experience.

Once your tour is confirmed, we promise not to cancel it last-minute, unless unforeseen circumstances beyond our control arise.

We ensure that all transportation, accommodations, and activities meet the highest safety and health standards in Tibet, including measures for altitude sickness prevention.

Your tour guide and driver will be available 24/7 for support and assistance during the whole trip.

Travel Notes and Tips

Comparetively speaking, the ideal seasons to visit Everest Base Camp are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), when the weather is generally clear and stable, providing good visibility of Mount Everest. While summer (July-August) is the rainy season, most rain falls at night, leaving daytime clear and pleasant.

And winter (November to March) offers low temperatures but often very clear skies, allowing for spectacular views of the stars and the Milky Way. Traveling during the winter off-season can also help you lower the tour prices.

This tour is suitable for most travelers with moderate fitness levels. We include acclimatization days in Lhasa to minimize altitude sickness.

Absolutely! The tour includes stops at several mountain pass, Yamdrok Lake and Everest Base Camp etc, perfect for capturing stunning landscapes.

The direct distance from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp is roughly 450 kilometers; however, the winding mountain roads make the actual driving distance approximately 700 kilometers. The journey typically takes around 14 hours of travel time. To ensure comfort and safety, we recommend breaking the trip into two days, allowing for better acclimatization and the chance to appreciate the scenic views along the way.

In cities like Lhasa and Shigatse, you can choose from a variety of accommodations, ranging from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses based on your preferences. At Everest Base Camp, lodging consists of basic tent guesthouses with shared facilities. And these may close during winter, requiring stays in nearby towns / villages like Tashi Dzom or Basong.

Dining options along the route include Tibetan and Sichuan restaurants, ensuring diverse choices to satisfy different tastes, including vegetarian options.

Everest Base Camp on the Tibetan side is located at approximately 5,200 meters (17,060 feet). First-time visitors to high altitudes may experience mild altitude sickness symptoms like dizziness or headaches. Our carefully crafted 8-day itinerary allows for 2-3 acclimatization days in Lhasa, at an altitude of 3,650 meters, before ascending to higher elevations, which helps mitigate severe altitude reactions. Should serious symptoms arise, such as intense headaches or difficulty breathing, use oxygen immediately, inform your guide, and seek medical help. If necessary, we can arrange for an urgent descent to lower altitudes like Shigatse or Tingri.

There may be times when Mount Everest isn’t visible due to unpredictable weather, though this is rare. To maximize your chances of seeing the mountain, plan your visit during the spring, autumn and winter months when conditions are more favorable. Our itinerary allows multiple opportunities to view Everest, and even if weather conditions obscure it, take the time to enjoy Tibet’s stunning landscapes. Please remember, the journey is about more than just Everest; it’s an adventure through remarkable natural beauty of the highest plateau in the world.

The following documents are required for foreign tourists to travel to Tibet Everest Base Camp: Passport, Chinese Visa, Tibet Travel Permit (also called Tibet Entry Permit, which will be required for boarding the train / flight to Lhasa), and Alien’s Travel Permit (which is usually handled after you arrive in Tibet with your original passport).

Note: Tourists from HongKong, Macau and Taiwan needs different travel documentation. Please feel free to contact us for more info.

It is necessary to provide photos or photocopies of your valid passport and Chinese Visa to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit. Those on a working visa need to include a work certificate, while student visa holders must provide student documentation. Taiwanese tourists only need photos or photocopies of their Mainland Travel Permit. The permit processing typically takes 7-14 working days. Once issued (usually 3-5 days before the tour date), we will send it to your address in mainland China, such as your hotel. You are required to have this permit ready when entering Tibet.

Clothing: Bring thermal underwear, warm sweaters or fleece, and a thick down jacket. Windproof pants and thermal leggings are advisable. Sturdy hiking boots, scarves, gloves, and hats are essential for layering.
Personal Items: Include skincare products (cleanser, moisturizer, lip balm, sunscreen), hygiene essentials (toothpaste, toothbrush, towel), and sunglasses for sun protection. A U-shaped pillow can add comfort during long travels, along with a thermal flask for hot water.
Common Medications: Pack band-aids, motion sickness tablets, cold remedies, gastrointestinal aids, altitude sickness medication, and any personal prescriptions.
Electronics: Bring chargers, power banks, cameras, and earphones as needed.
Cash and Cards: While mobile payments are growing, having some cash and a bank card is wise for purchases in more remote areas.

Everest Base Camp currently has 5G coverage; however, WiFi is not available. Mobile networks can be used for communication, but high altitude may lead to slower speed or unstable connections. It’s best to download important apps in advance and inform family and friends about potential delays in responding to messages during your trip.