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Tibet Cultural Tour: Lhasa to Everest Base Camp – 8 Days

Tibet Cultural Tour: Lhasa to Everest Base Camp – 8 Days

The Potala Palace, Yamdrok Lake and the north face of Everest

5.0/5 · 6 reviews From $2,450 per person
Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights
Region
Tibet
Max altitude
5,248 m (Gyatso La)
Difficulty
Moderate
Best season
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Group size
Up to 12

Overview

A journey through the Himalayas

The classic Tibet journey: Lhasa’s palaces and monasteries, then the Friendship Highway across the plateau to the north face of Everest. You see the mountain from Rongbuk, the world’s highest monastery.

Fly to Lhasa and spend two days at the Potala, Jokhang, Drepung and Sera. Drive past Yamdrok Lake to Gyantse and Shigatse, then over the Gyatso La to Rongbuk and the Everest viewpoint. Return to Shigatse and Lhasa to fly out.

Anyone in good health; walking is light, but nights at 3,650–4,980 m need care. Not ideal for people with heart or lung conditions.

Why book with us: We handle the Chinese group visa and Tibet permits from Kathmandu, with a licensed Tibetan guide and a Spanish-speaking tour leader on request.

Highlights

What you will see and experience along the way

  • Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple in Lhasa
  • Barkhor Street and Tibetan monastic culture
  • Yamdrok Lake on the high plateau drive
  • North-face viewpoint of Everest from Tibet Base Camp
  • High passes such as Gyatso La on the Friendship Highway corridor
  • Sera and/or Drepung monastery atmosphere in Lhasa
  • Classic overland introduction to central Tibet and Everest
Difficulty & fitness Moderate

5 to 7 hours a day with some steep sections. Suits active beginners.

Day By Day

Your itinerary

Trek route Tap a pin for the day stop
Altitude profile Highest point: 5,248 m
3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 Day 1: 3,650 m 1 Day 2: 3,650 m 2 Day 3: 3,650 m 3 Day 4: 4,794 m 4 Day 5: 3,840 m 5 Day 6: 5,248 m 6 Day 7: 5,200 m 7 Day 8: 3,650 m 8 5,248 m

Highest point reached each day, taken from the itinerary. Gradual gains give your body time to acclimatize.

A spectacular flight over the Himalaya to Lhasa, then a one-hour drive to the city. Rest to help acclimatise.

  • 3,650 m
  • Hotel in Lhasa

Visit the Potala Palace, former home of the Dalai Lamas, then the Jokhang Temple and the Barkhor pilgrim circuit.

  • 3,650 m
  • Hotel in Lhasa
  • B

Morning at Drepung, once the largest monastery in the world, and afternoon monk debates at Sera.

  • 3,650 m
  • Hotel in Lhasa
  • B

Cross the Kamba La (4,794 m) above turquoise Yamdrok Lake and pass the Karo La glacier. 6–7 hours.

  • 4,794 m
  • Hotel in Gyantse
  • B

Visit the Kumbum stupa and Pelkor Chode, then drive to Shigatse for Tashilhunpo Monastery. 2 hours.

  • 3,840 m
  • Hotel in Shigatse
  • B

Cross the Gyatso La (5,248 m) and the Pang La viewpoint, with five 8,000 m peaks on a clear day, to Rongbuk. Sunset on Everest’s north face. 7–8 hours.

  • 5,248 m
  • Guesthouse at Rongbuk
  • B, D

Sunrise on Everest and a visit to the viewpoint near base camp (about 5,200 m), then drive back to Shigatse. 7–8 hours.

  • 5,200 m
  • Hotel in Shigatse
  • B

Drive to Lhasa Gonggar airport and fly back to Kathmandu or onward. 5–6 hours by road.

  • 3,650 m
  • B

Good To Know

What's included

Included

  • Airport and border transfers
  • Hotels with breakfast as listed in the itinerary, twin sharing
  • Private vehicle with driver for all road travel in Tibet
  • Licensed Tibetan guide (English); Spanish-speaking tour leader on request
  • Chinese group visa when entering Tibet from Nepal
  • Entrance fees to monasteries and sites in the itinerary
  • Oxygen cylinder in the vehicle and first-aid kit
  • Tibet Travel Permit, Aliens’ Travel Permit and Everest (Qomolangma) National Park fee
  • Flights Kathmandu – Lhasa – Kathmandu

Not included

  • International flights
  • Nepal visa
  • Travel insurance with evacuation cover (required)
  • Lunch and dinner unless listed in the itinerary
  • Drinks and personal expenses
  • Tips for guide and driver
  • Single room supplement
  • Extra costs from permit delays, road closures or border changes

Best Time To Go

When to trek

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec
  • Best
  • Possible
  • Monsoon, not ideal

Recommended: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. We run this trek on the dates you choose. Tell us when you would like to go and we will check conditions for you.

Make It Yours

Tailor this trek to you

This itinerary is a starting point. Tell us what matters to you and we will shape the trip around it.

  • Private departure on the dates you choose
  • Extra rest or acclimatization days
  • Your choice of hotel level in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • A guide who speaks Spanish or English
Customize this trek

On The Map

Full route map

Day stops and the trail overview for this package. Exact paths on high trails can vary with conditions.

Open in Google Maps →

Questions

Before you go

If you fly in from Nepal, arrive in Kathmandu at least 3 working days early so we can get your Chinese group visa with your original passport.
No. Since 2019 tourists stop at a viewpoint near Rongbuk, about 4 km before the climbers’ camp, with a clear view of the north face.
Mild headaches are common on the first days. We spend two nights in Lhasa before going higher, and the vehicle carries oxygen.
Usually not inside chapels, or only for a fee. Your guide will tell you the rule at each site.

Reviews

What our travellers say

Rated 5.0 out of 5 by 6 travellers

My trekking experience in Nepal was absolutely incredible. From arriving in Kathmandu to the mountains of the Himalaya, everything was perfectly organised. The guides were professional, attentive and very knowledgeable about the region. I felt safe at all times, even travelling alone. Without a doubt, I recommend this...
C Carlos Martínez Spain
I went on a solo trekking adventure to the Everest region with Unique Nepal Treks and Expedition, and it was life-changing! The itinerary was perfectly planned, and the guides were knowledgeable and friendly. From arranging flights and hotels to transportation and trekking support, everything was seamless. I felt safe...
R Rohan Sharma Delhi, India · Everest Region
From the moment I landed in Nepal, everything was taken care of with professionalism and warmth. As a solo female traveler, I felt completely safe and supported throughout the trek. The landscapes were breathtaking, and the experience was life-changing. I highly recommend this agency — they are truly the best in Nepal...
Sophie Laurent Sophie Laurent France
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