8-Day Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Trip

Activities:

• Potala Palace: Begin your day visiting Potala Palace, an architectural masterpiece that was once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama. Explore its chapels, halls, and tombs of past Dalai Lamas, while enjoying panoramic views of Lhasa from its upper levels.
• Jokhang Temple: Continue to Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s holiest site, deeply spiritual and alive with the devotion of pilgrims as they prostrate their way around it. Observe traditional Tibetan rituals and enjoy the temple’s sacred atmosphere.
• Barkhor Circuit: Spend the remaining time browsing the surrounding Barkhor market, filled with shops selling prayer flags, thangkas, and local crafts.

Overnight Stay: Hotel in Lhasa

Activities:

• Drepung Monastery: Visit Drepung Monastery in the morning, once the largest monastery in the world. Wander through its vast complex of assembly halls, temples, and residences.
• Sera Monastery: In the afternoon, explore Sera Monastery, where you can witness the lively debates held by monks. These debates are part of their daily scripture-learning and are a fascinating glimpse into Tibetan monastic life.

Overnight Stay: Hotel in Lhasa

Distance: ~350 km

Activities:

• Scenic Drive: Depart Lhasa for Shigatse, passing the stunning Yamdrok Lake at the Kambala Pass (4,794m), one of Tibet’s holy lakes, known for its turquoise blue waters.
• Gyantse Kumbum: Stop in Gyantse to visit the famous Kumbum Stupa at Pelkor Chode Monastery, which boasts a unique architectural style and exquisite murals and sculptures.
• Arrival in Shigatse: Continue to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city, renowned for its vibrant market and important monastery.

Overnight Stay: Hotel in Shigatse

Distance: ~340 km

Activities:

• Tashilhunpo Monastery: Begin your day with a visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery, the historical seat of the Panchen Lamas. Walk through its golden-roofed stupas and explore monastic life.
• Drive to Rongbuk: Proceed with a scenic drive towards Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest monastery standing just below Everest’s majestic North Face. Experience unparalleled views of Mount Everest along the way.

Overnight Stay: Guesthouse at Rongbuk (basic accommodation due to remote location)

Activities:

• Everest Base Camp Visit: In the morning, either hike or take a shuttle to Everest Base Camp (5,200m). Enjoy the awe-inspiring sight of Everest, explore the base camp area, and take plenty of photos to capture this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
• Return to Shigatse: After the exhilarating morning, return to Rongbuk and then drive back to Shigatse, reflecting on the incredible views experienced earlier in the day.

Overnight Stay: Hotel in Shigatse

Distance: ~270 km

Activities:

• Scenic Drive: Drive back to Lhasa, journeying through Tibet’s picturesque landscapes and enjoying the scenery along the way.
• Free Evening: Upon arrival, enjoy a relaxing evening exploring Lhasa at your leisure or shopping for souvenirs.

Overnight Stay: Hotel in Lhasa

Activities:

• Transfer to Airport/Train Station: After breakfast, your guide will transfer you to Lhasa Gonggar Airport or the train station for your onward journey, marking the end of an unforgettable adventure in Tibet.

Book yourLhasa to Everest base camp trip today and experience the vibrant culture, welcoming hospitality, and stunning landscapes of Tibet. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

• The ideal times to visit are from late April to early June and from September to November. During these periods, the weather is generally stable and clear, offering optimal views of Mount Everest and comfortable trekking conditions.

• While some trekking experience is beneficial, the Everest Base Camp experience on the Tibetan side is more accessible than the trek from Nepal. The journey involves traveling by vehicle up to near the base camp, with short hikes, making it suitable for most travelers in good health.

• Acclimatization is crucial as you will be traveling to high altitudes, reaching over 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) at the base camp. It’s important to acclimatize properly in Lhasa and follow a gradual ascent plan. Drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol, and listening to your body are essential. Consult with a medical professional about medications like Diamox for altitude sickness prevention.

• Accommodations range from comfortable hotels in Lhasa and Shigatse to more basic options near the base camp, such as guesthouses or tented camps around Rongbuk Monastery. Facilities may be rudimentary at higher altitudes, reflecting the remote nature of the location.

• To visit Everest Base Camp in Tibet, you need a Chinese visa, a Tibet Travel Permit, and an Alien’s Travel Permit. These are typically arranged by your tour operator as individual travel to Tibet is not permitted for foreign nationals without a guided tour. Your travel agency will handle the necessary paperwork and submissions.