Tibet Everest Base Camp and Namtso Lake Tour
Tibet Everest Base Camp and Namtso Lake Tour: The holy city of Lhasa marks the beginning of the popular Tibet Everest Base Camp and Namtso Lake Tour. As you arrive in this sacred city, you are greeted by the lovely blue sky and a breathtaking view of the gigantic Potala Palace perched on the red hill.
Your journey commences with a visit to notable historical and religious sites such as the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, and Drepung Monastery, allowing you to appreciate their significance.
During a couple of days for acclimation and jet lag alleviation, we carefully choose the mystical Potala Palace, divine Jokhang Temple, and sprawling Drepung Monastery. These sites offer a profound experience before embarking on an exploration of the young Himalayan region and the vast expanse of holy Yamdrok Lake.
The thriving Karo La glaciers, mystical Gyantse Khubum stupa, and Tashi Lhunpo Monastery continually captivate you with their awe-inspiring beauty. The terrain of the mighty Himalayas showcases different geological formations and presents a superb panorama of the Himalayan range. Spending a night at the foot of the world’s tallest mountain, you will have the opportunity to embark on a challenging 6km hike at Everest Base Camp, situated at a high altitude.
Following this, we retrace our steps along the Northern Friendship Highway, immersing ourselves in the Changthang (Northern nomadic grassland) within the impressive Oyuk Valley. Here, peacefully nestled in their remote location, you will encounter beautiful village farms and typical villages rarely visited by mass tourism. Crossing the Shogula Pass to Yangpache and eventually reaching Namtso Lake, one of the holy lakes in Tibet, completes this remarkable journey.
The Tibet Everest Base Camp and Namtso Lake Tour hold immense allure for travelers, particularly landscape photographers and adventure enthusiasts. These tours offer an unparalleled experience and make these destinations the most sought-after places to visit in Tibet.
Tour Itinerary Tibet Everest Base Camp and Namtso Lake Tour
DAY 01 - 03
Our representatives warmly greet you upon your arrival at the airport/train station, and we take a short drive along the Lhasa river to reach the holy city of Lhasa. The city is nestled within a valley surrounded by barren mountains, and even before entering the city, you’ll catch a glimpse of the magnificent Potala Palace, standing tall on the red hill.
Afterward, we assist you in checking into a hotel located in the old part of town, known as the Tibetan area. This area is centered around the mystical Jokhang Temple and the bustling Bakhor Street. Over the next couple of days, we have carefully planned visits to several world heritage sites and important Tibetan Buddhist locations, while also allowing time for acclimation and adjusting to the time zone. You’ll have ample opportunity to join devoted local pilgrims on the bustling Bakhor Street and explore the enchanting cobbled lanes surrounding the ancient buildings of Drepung and Sera Monasteries.
Our knowledgeable guides will provide detailed historical and cultural explanations to enhance your experience. These days are flexible, allowing you to freely explore the town and leisurely spend time on Bakhor Street.
Additionally, we offer special experiences such as short visits to typical Tibetan village families or rare sacred blessings from high lamas, based on your interests.
DAY 04:
After a few days of acclimation, we embark on an exciting journey driving through the western Tibetan plateau, crossing the Gampa La Pass and Karo La Pass to reach Gyantse and Shigatse. Along the Brahmaputra River, we ascend the Gampa La Pass (4900m) through a series of switchbacks, and from the pass, you’ll be amazed by the breathtaking view of the holy Lake Yamdrok and the snow-capped Mt. Nyenchen Kangsar in the background. We continue our journey to Gyantse and Shigatse, passing by blooming glaciers and scattered villages. Both Gyantse and Shigatse are renowned for their historical and religious significance dating back to ancient times. Gyantse, known as the hero’s town, witnessed the British troops’ defeat by Gyantse guerrillas in 1904. Moreover, these regions possess distinct cultures and traditions compared to Lhasa. We will visit the Gyantse Kubum Stupa and Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in these areas.
DAY 05 - 06
To acclimatize to the altitude gradually, we ascend through the mountainous Himalayan terrain, crossing several remarkable passes. From the ridge of the Gyatso La Pass (5400m), you’ll have your first panoramic view of the Himalayas, with numerous snow-capped peaks standing out like warriors among soldiers. Passing through barren mountains, breathtaking landscapes, and photogenic villages within the hilly valleys, we approach the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest, towering at an altitude of 8844.4m. The picturesque view of the majestic Everest reveals itself within the Rongbuk Valley. Spending a night at the foot of the world’s tallest mountain, you’ll have the opportunity to embark on a challenging yet memorable 6km hike from the tent guesthouse community to the Everest Base Camp marker. In the rocky mountains, herds of wild goats blend in perfectly. Everest Base Camp is a popular campsite for mountaineers, and during March and April, the area is adorned with colorful mountaineering camps from around the world. As we bid farewell to this mighty peak, its striking golden view under the morning sunshine leaves a lasting impression. We then retrace our steps back to Lhasa.
DAY 07 - 08
Driving through peaceful villages and farmlands within the Oyuk Valley, we traverse the high peak of the Shogula Pass (5400m) to reach Yangpachen and the northern nomadic grassland. This stunning valley remains hidden and is not yet frequented by mass tourism. Northern Tibet, known as Changthang Drogpa (Northern nomads), is home to sparsely populated nomadic communities spread across vast pastures. This region boasts hundreds of beautiful lakes teeming with wildlife, including Namtso Lake, one of the holiest and most gorgeous lakes in Tibet. It is also the world’s highest saltwater lake. We spend a night on the Tashi Do Peninsula, enjoying the cold breeze from the mystical lake and breathtaking views of snow-capped ranges all around. The next day, we drive back to Lhasa, completing the clockwise circumambulation. On this day, we visit a nomadic family’s tent along the way. These giant black tents, made of yak wool, provide excellent heat insulation and rain resistance, perfectly suited for the ever-changing plateau climate. Each tent serves as a complete complex, serving as a kitchen, bedroom, seating room, and storage room for the family. Spending a few minutes with the nomad family offers a unique experience of the plateau nomad lifestyle. You may be intrigued by the piles of yak dung just outside the tents, which serve as the primary fuel for cooking and heating during the chilly winter season.
DAY 09
Today marks your last day on the Tibetan plateau. Before your departure, we would appreciate it if you could spare a few minutes to evaluate our services for future improvements. You can either leave the feedback form with your guide or send us an email. At the time of your departure, your guide and driver will meet you in the hotel lobby and transfer you to the airport/train station according to your schedule. The trip officially concludes.
Tour Services of Tibet Everest Base Camp and Namtso Lake Tour
Included
- All necessary Tibet travel permits.
- Entrance ticket for all the attractions listed in the itinerary.
- Entrance for your Vehicle and guide for the Everest Natural Reserve.
- Private transportation in Tibet with experienced local Tibetan driver: Ranging from Business van to minibus depending on the group size.
- English speaking Proffesional Tour guide (Local Tibetan).
- Lodging in three star rating hotels: Hotel rooms are based on double occupancy ( with Breakfast).
- Free shuttle Pick-up and send-off services at the beginning/end of the tour.
- A mobile with local SIM card during the tour with your tour guide (it can receive international calls and text messages).
- An Oxygen tank and First Aid box in Car (Size of Oxygen Tank base on group member).
- Two water bottle each day/person.
- Lodging and meals for guide and drivers.
Excluded
- Travel insurance which covers tour cancellation and emergency evacuation (highly recommended to buy from your home country).
- Chinese Visa or Tibet Group Visa ( If coming from Nepal).
- International and domestic flight/train tickets.
- Lunches and Dinners averagely a meal in Tibet (Around USD5 per person).
- Gratuities (Tips) for the guide and driver. ( Highly recommend to give at end of tour).
Tour Map
Conclusion of Tibet Everest Base Camp and Namtso Lake Tour
In conclusion, the Tibet Everest Base Camp Tour offers an extraordinary journey through the rich cultural and natural wonders of Tibet. From the moment of arrival in the holy city of Lhasa, where the iconic Potala Palace greets you, to the exploration of ancient monasteries, bustling streets, and serene lakes, this tour is a captivating experience.
The careful planning of the itinerary ensures a gradual acclimation to the high altitudes, allowing travelers to fully appreciate the breathtaking landscapes and majestic peaks of the Himalayas. The visit to Everest Base Camp offers an unforgettable encounter with the world’s tallest mountain, accompanied by a challenging yet rewarding hike.
Throughout the journey, the cultural heritage of Tibet is celebrated, from the historical sites and world heritage locations to the encounters with local pilgrims and nomadic families. The knowledgeable guides provide valuable insights into the region’s history, religion, and traditions, enriching the overall experience.
The tour takes travelers off the beaten path, exploring the remote and less-visited areas of Changthang and Namtso Lake, where the stunning natural beauty and peaceful surroundings create a sense of serenity and wonder.
For landscape photographers and adventure travelers alike, the Tibet Everest Base Camp Tour is a dream come true, offering remarkable opportunities to capture awe-inspiring vistas and immerse oneself in the mystical charm of Tibet.
As the journey comes to an end, the memories of the remarkable experiences and the warm hospitality of the Tibetan people will leave a lasting impression. The tour concludes with gratitude for the opportunity to explore and appreciate the wonders of Tibet, leaving travelers with a deep appreciation for its unique culture and natural splendor.
FAQs of Tibet Everest Base Camp and Namtso Lake Tour
How long is the Tibet Everest Base Camp Tour?
The Tibet Everest Base Camp Tour typically lasts for around 9 days, allowing ample time to explore the holy city of Lhasa, visit historical and religious sites, drive through the breathtaking Himalayan terrain, and reach Everest Base Camp.
What is the altitude of Everest Base Camp?
Everest Base Camp is situated at an altitude of 8844.4 meters, making it the highest base camp in the world. Travelers should be prepared for the effects of high altitude and follow proper acclimatization guidelines.
Is the Tibet Everest Base Camp Tour suitable for all travelers?
The Tibet Everest Base Camp Tour involves driving through mountainous terrain and includes a challenging hike at high altitudes. While the tour is designed to allow for acclimatization, it is important for travelers to be in good health and have a reasonable level of fitness to fully enjoy the experience.
Do I need a special permit to visit Tibet?
Yes, a special permit is required to visit Tibet. Our tour package includes assistance with obtaining the necessary permits. It is advisable to apply for the permit well in advance to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Are accommodations included in the tour package?
Yes, accommodations are included in the Tibet Everest Base Camp Tour. We arrange comfortable hotel stays in Lhasa and guesthouses near Everest Base Camp. Please note that accommodations in remote areas may be more basic in terms of amenities.
Is vegetarian food available during the tour?
Yes, vegetarian food options are available during the tour. Tibetan cuisine often includes vegetarian dishes, and our guides will assist in finding suitable food options based on dietary preferences.
What is the best time of year to take the Tibet Everest Base Camp Tour?
The best time to take the Tibet Everest Base Camp Tour is during the spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) seasons. These periods offer pleasant weather, clear skies, and better chances of enjoying panoramic views of the Himalayas. However, weather conditions in the region can be unpredictable, so it is advisable to check with your tour operator for the most suitable travel dates.
Is travel insurance recommended for the Tibet Everest Base Camp Tour?
Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended for the Tibet Everest Base Camp Tour. It provides coverage for unforeseen circumstances, such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and loss of belongings. It is essential to choose a policy that includes high-altitude trekking and adventure activities.
Can I customize the Tibet Everest Base Camp Tour?
Yes, customization options are available for the Tibet Everest Base Camp Tour. We understand that every traveler has unique preferences and interests, and we can work with you to tailor the itinerary to suit your specific needs. Please contact our team for more information on customization options.
Is it possible to extend the tour to visit other places in Tibet?
Yes, it is possible to extend the Tibet Everest Base Camp Tour to include visits to other destinations in Tibet. Popular extensions include exploring the ancient city of Shangri-La, visiting the holy Mount Kailash, or venturing into the remote regions of eastern Tibet. We can assist you in creating a customized itinerary that includes your desired destinations.
