8 Days Tibet Everest Basecamp Group Tour

Attractions: Jokhang Temple and bustling Bakhor Street.

On your first day in Lhasa, you might experience common symptoms such as headaches, nausea, or drowsiness due to the high altitude. Drinking plenty of water and limiting physical activity during the initial days can help alleviate these discomforts.

In the morning, we will visit the Jokhang Temple, the most sacred temple in Tibet and home to the famous Jowo Rinpoche Statue. The temple is a significant pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Buddhists from all over the plateau. After exploring the temple, we will spend some time in Barkhor Street, the ritual kora route encircling the temple in the heart of the Old City. As we stroll through the streets, we will encounter Tibetan pilgrims engaging in the same practice, reciting Buddhist sutras, spinning prayer wheels, and even prostrating at specific points along the route. Barkhor Street is also renowned as one of the best market streets in Lhasa, offering a wide range of unique souvenirs.

After lunch in the city, we will proceed to the grand steps of the Potala Palace, the former seat of the succesive Dalai Lama in Tibet. This iconic red and white palace was constructed in the 17th century on the site of an ancient 7th-century ruined fortress. While the ascent to the palace may be slightly demanding, the remarkable tour of this ancient Buddhist palace makes it worthwhile. Overnight stay in Lhasa.

Attractions: Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery.

In the morning, we will visit Drepung Monastery, located about 5km west of Lhasa center. At one point, it was one of the largest monasteries in the world, housing more than 10,000 monks. This unique university monastery served as the original residence of the Dalai Lama before he moved to Potala and then to Norbulingka. The winding alleys surrounding the monastery offer an exciting opportunity to explore and gain insights into authentic Tibetan culture.

In the afternoon, we will travel north of the capital to visit the renowned Sera Monastery. Located just a few kilometers from the city center, Sera Monastery is famous for its lively monastic debates, which take place in the debating courtyard every afternoon, except on Sundays. The monastery, built in the 15th century, is home to over 600 monks, lamas, and novices. Overnight stay in Lhasa.

Attractions: Yamdrok Lake, Mt. Nyechen Kangsar Glacier, Gyantse Kubum Stupa, and Pelkor Choede Monastery.

Leaving the Tibet’s capital, we will embark on a southwest journey towards the enchanting Yamdrok Lake. As we ascend the winding road to the Gampa La pass at 4794 meters, the first glimpse of Lake Yamdrok unfolds before us. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks, stretching across the entire landscape. In the distance, the sacred Mount Nyenchen Khangsar stands tall in the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountain Range.

We will descend to the lakeshore for a closer view before proceeding to Nagartse for a delightful local lunch. Continuing towards Gyantse after lunch, we will cross over the Karo-La pass (5159m), where we can admire the beautiful glacier cascading from the slopes of Mount Nyenchen Khangsar.

In Gyantse, we will make a stop at Pelkor Choede Monastery, where we can explore both the monastery itself and the remarkable 32-meter stupa, known as the Kumbum Stupa. This unique stupa consists of nine floors and 108 chapels, housing thousands of images and statues. In the late afternoon, we will continue our journey to Shigatse, reaching it before nightfall. Overnight stay in Shigatse.

Attractions: Rongbuk Monastery and Everest Base Camp.

After departing from Shigatse, we will drive directly to the basecamp of Mount Everest, located near the Rongbuk Monastery. The route will take us across several high passes, and the first breathtaking view awaits us at the Gyatso La pass, standing at 5400 meters. From this vantage point, you can witness the majestic Mount Everest in the distance.

Continuing our journey, we will reach Old Tingri, where we will diverge from the Friendship Highway and take the Zhufeng Road over the Gawu La Pass (5250m). This pass offers an incredible panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range, including mountains above 8000 meters, such as Mount Everest (8848m), Mt. Lhotse (8516m), Mt. Makalu (8463m), Mt. Shishapangma (8020m), and Mt. Cho Oyu (8201m).

Upon arrival at the Rongbuk Monastery, we will check into the tent guesthouse or Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse, depending on the season. Please note that the tent guesthouses are unavailable during the winter months from November to March and may be fully occupied during the peak summer months.

After a light lunch, we will have time to explore the renowned Rongbuk Monastery, the highest official Buddhist monastery in the world. This monastery, accommodating both monks and nuns, served as a regular stop for early explorers on their way to Mount Everest.

Overnight stay at EBC. (Note: Tourists can only go as far as the Dza Rongbuk Caves, a short hike past the monastery itself, as the Everest Base Camp for tourists has been moved from the original climber’s base camp since February 2019.)

Attractions: Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest monastery, Himalayan ranges.

After a pleasant night at the base camp or monastery guesthouse, we can rise early to witness the mesmerizing sunrise on the eastern slope of Mount Everest. The hill behind the monastery provides the best vantage point for capturing stunning early-morning photos of the mountain. We then bid farewell to the world’s highest mountain, pack up, and prepare for the return journey to Shigatse. The 342-kilometer trip typically takes around 6-7 hours.

Once back in Shigatse, you can enjoy a well-deserved rest and relax with a soothing hot bath. Overnight stay in Shigatse.

Attractions: Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, Nimo homemade incense factory, Brahmaputra River.

After breakfast, we will begin the morning by exploring the famous Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, before embarking on the journey along the Friendship Highway back to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet.

The Monastery was built in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama, this monastery holds immense historical and cultural significance as the spiritual residence of the Panchen Lama, Tibet’s second-highest religious incarnation. At Tashilhunpo Monastery, you will have the opportunity to observe the tombs of the seven Panchen Lamas, explore the labyrinthine cobbled streets, and gain insight into monastic life.

Our return route to Lhasa will pass through various local villages, including a stop in Nyimo, where we will visit a local homemade incense village. Here, primitive water-operated tools are utilized to process incense materials, and each incense stick is meticulously handcrafted. Please note that the village may be closed during the farming season or when the villagers are occupied with their own work.

Upon arriving in Lhasa in the late afternoon, you will have additional time to explore Barkhor Street once more and procure souvenirs for your loved ones, if desired. Overnight stay in Lhasa.

On this day, we will arrange transportation to the airport or train station, bidding you farewell. Before your departure, we kindly request that you take a moment to evaluate our services by completing our feedback form or sending us an email upon your return home.