Tibet Overland to Everest Base Camp
- 7 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (April–June) & Autumn (September–November)
We guide you overland across the high Tibetan Plateau from Lhasa to the North Face of Everest, before descending into the green valleys of Nepal.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our seven-day overland journey across the Tibetan Plateau combines profound cultural immersion with high-altitude exploration. We begin our expedition in Lhasa, where ancient monasteries and bustling markets anchor daily Tibetan life, providing an essential foundation for our physical acclimatization before pushing toward higher elevations. We spend our initial days exploring monumental sites such as the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung, and Sera Monasteries, gaining deep insight into local traditions and spiritual practices.
Leaving Lhasa, our route takes us westward across sweeping plateau landscapes, past the turquoise expanse of Yamdrok Lake and the historic fortifications of Gyantse. We navigate high mountain passes including Gawula and Gyatsola, where panoramic views of multiple 8,000-metre peaks open up across the horizon. We travel by private tourist vehicle, ensuring reliable transport along remote mountain roads, while our experienced Tibetan guides and drivers manage complex logistics and border formalities seamlessly.
We reach the climax of our journey at the North Face of Everest Base Camp, situated at 5,200 m, staying overnight near the remote Rongbuk Monastery beneath the massive wall of Mount Everest. The physical challenge of this itinerary lies primarily in the altitude rather than technical terrain, making proper acclimatization and hydration critical throughout our travel. Following our time at Everest, we descend into the dramatically warmer and greener Gyirong Valley before crossing the border into Nepal and concluding our trip in Kathmandu.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Everest North Face
We stand directly below the massive North Face of Everest at 5,200 m, staying overnight near Rongbuk Monastery.
Lhasa Heritage
We explore the iconic Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and active monastic complexes of Drepung and Sera.
Gawula Pass Panorama
We catch sweeping views of several 8,000-metre peaks from Gawula Pass along the high plateau.
Yamdrok Lake
We stop at the striking turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake set against high-altitude desert mountains.
Gyirong Descent
We descend from cold high passes into the lush, oxygen-rich environment of the Gyirong Valley.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Lhasa
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Lhasa
Meals: B
We arrive in Lhasa via Lhasa Gonggar Airport or the Qinghai–Tibet Railway, where our licensed Tibetan guide welcomes us with a traditional Hada scarf. We transfer to our central hotel, driving through the expansive Yarlung Tsangpo and Lhasa river valleys.
The remainder of the day is dedicated entirely to resting and acclimatizing to the high altitude. We avoid strenuous exertion and focus on hydration and light meals to ensure proper adjustment to the thin air.
Day 2
Lhasa Sightseeing at Drepung and Sera Monasteries
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Lhasa Sightseeing at Drepung and Sera Monasteries
Meals: B / L / D
Today we visit two of Tibet's largest monastic institutions, Drepung and Sera Monasteries. We observe monks engaged in traditional philosophical debates in the courtyards of Sera.
Our guides provide context on Gelugpa traditions while we continue our gradual acclimatization process within the city.
Day 3
Lhasa Cultural Heritage Tour
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Lhasa Cultural Heritage Tour
Meals: B / L / D
We spend our day exploring the architectural masterpiece of the Potala Palace and the spiritual heart of Lhasa at Jokhang Temple. Afterward, we walk through the bustling Barkhor Street market circuit.
This immersion offers a closer look at daily pilgrim routes and traditional Tibetan craftsmanship.
Day 4
Lhasa to Shigatse via Gyantse
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Lhasa to Shigatse via Gyantse
Meals: B / L / D
Leaving Lhasa behind, our private vehicles wind along the shores of the brilliant turquoise Yamdrok Lake and cross high mountain passes toward Gyantse. We visit the multi-layered Kumbum stupa and its ancient murals.
We then continue onward to Shigatse, passing through agricultural valleys and traditional Tibetan settlements.
Day 5
Shigatse to Everest Base Camp (5,200 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Shigatse to Everest Base Camp (5,200 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We drive deeper into the Everest National Nature Reserve, crossing over Gawula Pass where a magnificent line of 8,000-metre peaks comes into view. The road climbs steadily toward the Tibetan side of Everest.
By afternoon, we arrive at our guesthouse accommodation near Rongbuk Monastery, situated directly beneath the formidable North Face of Everest at 5,200 m.
Day 6
Everest Base Camp to Gyirong Valley (2,800 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Everest Base Camp to Gyirong Valley (2,800 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We wake to early light on the peaks surrounding Rongbuk before beginning our long overland drive toward the Nepalese border. Our route leaves the barren high plateau behind.
We descend rapidly into the Gyirong Valley, where the dramatic drop in elevation brings a greener landscape, warmer temperatures, and significantly more oxygen.
Day 7
Gyirong Border to Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Meals: B
Day 7
Gyirong Border to Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Meals: B
We complete border formalities at the Gyirong Port checkpoint and transition to Nepalese transport. Our journey continues through the terraced green foothills of Nepal.
We follow winding mountain roads southward until we reach Kathmandu, where our overland expedition officially concludes.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Three-star hotel accommodation in Lhasa and Shigatse with breakfast
- Best available guesthouse accommodation at Rongbuk and Gyirong with breakfast
- Private tourist vehicle transportation throughout the Tibet overland journey
- Professional government-licensed English-speaking Tibetan guide
- Experienced Tibetan driver including fuel, tolls, and staff insurance
- Tibet Travel Permit and Alien's Travel Permit
- Everest National Nature Reserve entry and regional restricted permits
- Chinese Group Visa processing and service fee submission
- All sightseeing entrance fees for monasteries and monuments per itinerary
- Airport transfers in Lhasa by private vehicle
Not included
- International airfare to and from Nepal
- Kathmandu to Lhasa flight if applicable
- Nepal entry and re-entry visa fees
- Personal travel insurance including high-altitude medical evacuation
- Lunches and dinners throughout the Tibet tour
- Personal expenses such as Wi-Fi, laundry, and charging fees
- Tips and gratuities for guide and driver
- Additional costs from weather delays, road closures, or landslides
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
Our itinerary begins with multiple days in Lhasa at lower elevations to let our bodies adapt to the thinning oxygen levels before we ascend higher. We monitor hydration and physical exertion closely throughout the journey to mitigate altitude sickness.
Reaching 5,200 m at Everest Base Camp requires steady pacing and awareness of our physical limits as temperatures drop significantly at night.
Best time to travel
We operate our Tibet tours primarily between April and November when weather conditions are most stable for overland travel. Spring (April to June) brings clear skies and blooming landscapes, while autumn (September to November) offers crisp air and unobstructed mountain visibility.
Winter months bring extreme cold and potential road closures due to heavy snowfall on high passes.
Accommodation standards
In major centers like Lhasa and Shigatse, we accommodate our groups in comfortable three-star hotels offering twin-share rooms and daily breakfast. As we travel into remote regions such as Rongbuk and Gyirong, facilities become much more basic.
Guesthouses near Everest Base Camp feature simple twin-share rooms with shared facilities, reflecting the extreme remoteness and altitude of the location.
Permits & documentation
Independent travel is not permitted in Tibet, so all arrangements must be coordinated through a licensed operator in advance. We secure your Tibet Travel Permit, Alien's Travel Permit, and Restricted Area permits prior to your arrival.
We also handle Chinese Group Visa processing through Kathmandu to ensure a smooth border crossing.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking bootsEssential
Footwear
Comfortable footwear for walking around monasteries and uneven terrain.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Essential for cold nights at high altitudes like Everest Base Camp.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Required for freezing temperatures near Rongbuk Monastery.
Fleece jacketEssential
Clothing
Versatile mid-layer for variable plateau weather.
Windproof outer shellEssential
Clothing
Protection against strong winds on high mountain passes.
Woolen beanie and sun hatEssential
Clothing
Protection against intense high-altitude sun and freezing wind.
UV protection sunglassesEssential
Safety
Crucial for intense glare at high elevations.
Valid passport and visa documentsEssential
Documents
Must be kept accessible for frequent checkpoint inspections.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Tibet Travel Permit
PermitRequired for all foreign visitors entering the Tibet Autonomous Region.
Alien's Travel Permit
PermitRequired for travel to non-open areas outside Lhasa, including Shigatse.
Restricted Area Permit for Everest and Gyirong
PermitSpecial clearance required for entering the border regions and Everest reserve.
Everest National Nature Reserve Entry Permit
PermitPermit for entering and visiting the protected Everest region.
Chinese Group Visa
VisaMandatory visa issued in Kathmandu for entering Tibet from Nepal.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Can I travel independently in Tibet?
No, independent travel is not permitted by regulations. All visitors must book through a registered agency and be accompanied by a licensed guide throughout the trip.
How do we handle altitude sickness on this tour?
Our itinerary is deliberately structured with multiple days in Lhasa for proper acclimatization before driving to higher elevations. We also maintain steady hydration and limit strenuous activity during the first few days.
What are the sleeping arrangements like at Everest Base Camp?
Accommodation near Rongbuk Monastery is in basic guesthouses on a twin-share basis. Facilities are simple due to the remote high-altitude location.
What permits are required for this tour?
You need a Chinese Group Visa, a Tibet Travel Permit, an Alien's Travel Permit, and regional restricted area permits for Everest and Gyirong, all of which we arrange for you.
Are meals included during the tour?
Daily breakfast is included at all hotels and guesthouses. Lunches and dinners are excluded to allow you to choose from local restaurants along the route.
What vehicle do we use for the overland journey?
We use private tourist vehicles with professional Tibetan drivers to navigate the high plateau roads comfortably and safely.
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 7 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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