Lhasa/Everest Base Camp Tour 9 Days

You can fly or travel overland to Lhasa (3650m), the capital city of Tibet. Once you arrive in Lhasa, you will be transferred to your hotel. After check-in, you can rest and relax in your hotel to acclimatize to the high altitude. You can also take a light walk around the hotel area. You stay overnight in Lhasa.

Today, you will explore some of Lhasa’s most iconic landmarks, which are rich in Tibetan culture and history. In the morning, you can visit Potala Palace, the majestic winter palace of the Dalai Lama, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism. The red and white palace sections, stunning murals, and statues can be seen. You can also get panoramic views of Lhasa city from the top. Afterward, you will visit Sera Monastery, renowned for its Buddhist debate sessions. It is also one of the “Great Three” Gelugpa University monasteries in Tibet. You can witness the lively monk debates and explore the stunning sand mandalas and ancient murals. In the afternoon, you can visit Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibet, and an important pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists. You can observe the sacred golden statue of Jowo Shakyamuni and the devotees performing prostrations outside the temple. In the evening, you can explore Barkhor Market and shop for Tibetan handicrafts, prayer flags, jewelry, and traditional clothing. You can also savor local Tibetan snacks or tea at nearby cafes.

Today, you will explore one of Tibet’s most significant monasteries, which offers deep insights into Tibetan Buddhism, monastic life, and Tibetan cultural heritage. In the morning, you will visit Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in the world. It was home to thousands of monks and served as the residence of the Dalai Lamas before the Potala Palace was built. Here, you can observe the Garden Palace, the Dalai Lama’s original residence, intricate murals, sacred shrines, and a peaceful atmosphere. In the afternoon, you will visit Norbulingka Palace, the summer residence of the Dalai Lama. This beautiful complex, set amidst lush gardens, is often called the “Jewel Park”. The palace is known for its elegant Tibetan architecture, delicate murals, and serene environment, offering a glimpse into the royal lifestyle of Tibet’s former leaders.

Today, you experience a scenic drive to Gyantse, passing by breathtaking landscapes and visiting the iconic Khumbum stupa. In the morning, you drive to Gyantse via Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s sacred lakes, with turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and Karo La Glacier, a stunning glacier descending near the road, offering an excellent photographic scenario. In the afternoon, you arrive at Khumbum Stupa, known as the “10,000 Buddha Stupa”, which features multiple levels and beautifully painted chapels. Each level represents a step toward enlightenment, filled with intricate murals and statues. You stay overnight in Gyantse.

Today, you enjoy a scenic drive from Gyantse to Shigatse (3900m), the second largest city of Tibet, and visit the historically significant Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama. In the morning, you drive to Shigatse. The journey is smooth through picturesque landscapes with views of Tibetan villages and farmlands. You can opt for short stops for refreshments and photography In Shigatse, you can explore local markets for Tibetan souvenirs. In the afternoon, you can visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, a major religious site in Tibet. It is an architectural marvel, with golden rooftops, massive prayer halls, and a tranquil atmosphere. You can visit Maitreya Chapel, which houses a 26m tall statue of Maitreya 9Future Buddha), one of the largest indoor statues in the world. You can also visit lavishly decorated stupas containing relics of past Panchen Lamas. You stay overnight in Shigatse.

Today, you will embark on an unforgettable journey to the Everest Base Camp (EBC) via the stunning route to Rongbuk. The drive is a true adventure, winding through the rugged Tibetan landscape, and offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan range. As you approach Rongbuk, the awe-inspiring sight of Mount Everest’s towering peak starts to dominate the horizon, leaving you in awe of the world’s highest mountain. After stopping at Rongbuk for some stunning photos and to take in the panoramic views, you will continue towards Everest Base Camp. The landscape here is out of the world, with rocky paths and vast open plains leading you to the base camp. At EBC, you will get a closer look at the mountain, and if the weather is clear, you will witness Everest’s grandeur up close. You stay overnight at Everest Base Camp.

Today, you travel from Shigatse to Shegar (4050m) (also known as new Tingri), a gateway town to Mount Everest. You pass through Gyatso La Pass (5220m), a high mountain pass with panoramic views of the Himalayan range, including glimpses of Mount Everest, along with picturesque Tibetan villages and fields dotted with yaks and prayer flags. Shegar is a quiet town surrounded by stunning landscapes and high-altitude plains. You can visit Shegar Dzong (ruins of Shegar Fort), an ancient fortress offering sweeping views of the valley below. You can explore the ruins and learn about its historical significance. You stay overnight in Shegar.

Today, you will embark on a scenic drive from Shegar to Zhangmu (2300m), descending from the Tibetan plateau to the lush landscapes near the Nepal border. The drive transitions from arid high-altitude plains to verdant valleys with cascading waterfalls and dense forests. You pass through Nyalam (3750m), a small town often used as a rest stop, offering beautiful views of the surrounding peaks. Finally, you arrive in Zhangmu, a vibrant border town perched on a hillside. It is surrounded by lush greenery, a refreshing change after days of traveling through Tibet’s stark landscapes. You can visit local markets for souvenirs and enjoy local food. You stay overnight in Zhangmu.

Today, you conclude your Tibet tour with a scenic drive from the Zhangmu to Kathmandu, crossing the Nepal-Tibet border and descending into the lush Kathmandu Valley. The drive takes you through scenic Nepalese countryside, passing terraced fields, rivers, and small villages. You can stop at Dhulikhel for a short rest or panoramic mountain views. After you arrive in Kathmandu, you can check in at the hotel and relax after the journey. In the evening, you can explore Thamel for shopping, dining, or souvenirs.

Note: The Lhasa/EBC tour can be taken fly-in drive-out and drive-in fly-out or fly-in fly-out and drive-in drive-out.