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Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Overland Tour

  • 12 days
  • moderate
  • Up to 12
  • Spring (April to June) & Autumn (September to November)
4.7

We guide you through the cultural heartland of Tibet to the northern face of Everest at 5250 m.

At a glance

Trip overview

Our twelve-day journey begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa at 3660 m, crossing high Himalayan passes to reach the northern face of Mount Everest. We designed this itinerary for travelers seeking both deep cultural immersion in Tibetan Buddhism and high-altitude overland exploration. We explore major historical sites, including the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and expansive monastic complexes like Drepung and Sera.

Leaving Lhasa, our route follows the Tsangpo River and crosses high passes such as Khampa La and Gyamtso La, offering views of Yamdrok Lake and surrounding peaks like Ningdzingzonka. We visit Pelkor Monastery in Gyantse as well as Natang and Sakya Monasteries before pushing toward Rongbuk and the base of the highest peak on earth.

This tour involves significant time spent at high altitudes, reaching a maximum elevation of 5250 m at Everest Base Camp. We maintain a steady pace to support proper acclimatisation, staying in comfortable hotels and local lodges along the overland route. We recommend this trip to travelers with good baseline fitness who are comfortable with remote high-altitude driving and basic accommodation facilities in places like Rongbuk.

6 Days Langtang Valley Trek — gallery 4

Why this trek

Trip highlights

  • Everest Base Camp North Face

    We hike to the northern base of Mount Everest at 5250 m to observe the massive rock and ice face up close.

  • Historic Lhasa Monasteries

    We explore ancient centers of Tibetan Buddhism, including the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Drepung Monastery.

  • High Mountain Passes

    We traverse high-altitude crossings such as Khampa La and Pang La, which offer sweeping views of the Himalayan range.

  • Yamdrok Lake Views

    We stop along the shores of turquoise Yamdrok Lake with distant views of the peak of Ningdzingzonka.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Kathmandu

Meals: B

We welcome you at Tribhuwan International Airport upon your arrival and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Our team conducts a brief pre-trip review to prepare you for the journey ahead.

Day 2

Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing

Meals: B / L / D

We spend the day visiting cultural heritage sites around the Kathmandu Valley while final travel permits and documentation are arranged.

Day 3

Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa

Meals: B / L / D

We board a morning flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa at 3660 m, taking in views of massive Himalayan peaks including Kanchenjunga and Everest during the flight. We settle into our hotel to begin our acclimatisation.

Day 4

Sightseeing Tour in Lhasa

Meals: B / L / D

We visit the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, walking through central Lhasa to observe daily pilgrim activities and ancient Tibetan architecture.

Day 5

Second Day Sightseeing in Lhasa

Meals: B / L / D

We explore the expansive compounds of Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery, where we observe monks engaging in traditional philosophical debates.

Day 6

Lhasa to Shigatse

Meals: B / L / D

We drive 350 km overland toward Shigatse at 3900 m over a period of 7 hours, following the Tsangpo River and crossing the Khampa La pass while viewing Yamdrok Lake.

Day 7

Shigatse to Tingri via Natang and Sakya

Meals: B / L / D

We travel 274 km over 6 hours to Tingri at 4150 m, stopping along the way to visit the historic Natang Monastery and the massive fortress-like complex of Sakya Monastery.

Day 8

Tingri to Rongbuk

Meals: B / L / D

We drive 68 km over 2 hours to Rongbuk at 5000 m, traversing Pang La pass to take in our first panoramic sightings of the high Himalayas before arriving near the base camp.

Day 9

Explore Everest Base Camp and Return to Shigatse

Meals: B / L / D

We hike up to Everest Base Camp at 5250 m to view the north face of Mount Everest, then begin our return drive covering 340 km back to Shigatse over 7 to 8 hours.

Day 10

Shigatse to Lhasa

Meals: B / L / D

We retrace our route back to Lhasa, giving us time to rest and review our photographs of the high plateau landscapes.

Day 11

Fly Back to Kathmandu

Meals: B / L / D

We board our return flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu, enjoying a final aerial perspective of the mountain ranges before checking back into our Kathmandu hotel.

Day 12

Farewell

Meals: B

We provide a transfer to Tribhuwan International Airport for your departure flight home, concluding our service.

Inclusions

What’s included

Included

  • Airport pickup on arrival
  • Hotel accommodations in Lhasa and Shigatse
  • All necessary overland transport by private vehicle
  • English-speaking Tibetan guide and support staff
  • Tibet travel permits and entrance fees
  • Breakfasts during the tour

Not included

  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa and fees
  • Travel insurance covering high-altitude rescue
  • Lunches and dinners during the tour
  • Personal expenses, tips, and bar bills

Before you go

Good to know

Altitude & Acclimatisation

We spend several days at moderate elevations in Lhasa before ascending higher toward Shigatse and Rongbuk. Our itinerary is paced to help your body adjust to the changing oxygen levels, but mild headaches can still occur.

Our guides carry pulse oximeters to monitor your oxygen saturation levels daily. If severe symptoms of altitude sickness appear, our team is prepared to coordinate a prompt descent.

Fitness Expectations

This tour involves long hours of driving on both paved and unpaved mountain roads, combined with short walks and a moderate hike at 5250 m. You do not need technical mountaineering skills, but good cardiovascular endurance and stamina are essential.

We recommend engaging in regular aerobic exercise such as hiking, running, or cycling for several months prior to your departure.

Accommodation & Facilities

We arrange comfortable tourist-standard hotels in Lhasa and Shigatse with private bathrooms and modern amenities. As we travel further west toward Tingri and Rongbuk, accommodations become much more basic, featuring simple guesthouses and shared facilities.

Heating and hot water availability can be limited in remote overnight stops, so we advise packing warm thermal layers and sleeping bags.

Hydration and Drinking Water

Staying properly hydrated is one of the most effective ways to combat altitude sickness on the Tibetan plateau. We advise drinking 3 to 4 liters of water daily and carrying a reusable water bottle.

Boiled water or filtered water is available at hotels and teahouses along the route. We also recommend bringing water purification tablets or a reliable filter as an additional precaution.

Route

Route overview

Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill — route map

Altitude

Altitude profile

Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill — altitude profile

Pack list

What to pack

  • Down jacket (-20°C rating)Essential

    Clothing

    Essential for cold nights at Rongbuk and Everest Base Camp.

  • Thermal base layersEssential

    Clothing

    Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms.

  • Sturdy trekking bootsEssential

    Footwear

    Broken-in footwear with good ankle support.

  • Warm sleeping bagEssential

    Camping

    Rated to -15°C for unheated guesthouses.

  • UV protection sunglassesEssential

    Safety

    High-altitude sun glare requires category 3 or 4 lenses.

  • Valid passport and visa documentsEssential

    Documents

    Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond travel dates.

  • Water purification tabletsEssential

    Safety

    For treating drinking water along the overland route.

  • Daypack (30L)Essential

    Clothing

    To carry daily essentials during sightseeing and short walks.

Paperwork

Permits & paperwork

We arrange

Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.

  • Tibet Travel Permit

    Permit

    Required for all foreign travelers entering the Tibet Autonomous Region.

  • China Group Visa

    Visa

    Special group visa processed through our agency in Kathmandu.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum altitude reached on this tour?

The maximum altitude is 5250 m at Everest Base Camp, while our overnight stay at Rongbuk reaches 5000 m.

Do I need a special permit for Tibet?

Yes, visiting Tibet requires a Tibet Travel Permit and arranged group visas, which our team processes on your behalf prior to departure.

What kind of vehicle is used for the overland portion?

We use comfortable private land cruisers or minibuses depending on the size of our traveling group.

Are meals included in the tour package?

Daily breakfasts are included at your hotels, while lunches and dinners are left flexible so you can choose local cuisine along the route.

Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to high altitude?

Yes, provided you are in good health and prepare adequately. Our gradual ascent schedule helps your body adjust safely.

What should I pack for cold weather at Rongbuk?

We strongly recommend a down jacket rated for sub-zero temperatures, thermal base layers, sturdy boots, and a warm sleeping bag.

Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.

Book your trip

Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 12 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.

October 2026
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