This 8-day tour from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp is an adventure of a lifetime. In Lhasa, in addition to exploring the majestic Potala Palace, you’ll delve into the lives of modern Tibetan monks at the largest monasteries in Tibet. On the journey to the Everest Base Camp, you will visit a local Tibetan family in a village near the picturesque Yamdrok Lake, having lunch with them and enjoying a serene lakeside stroll with their flocks of sheep. In the Himalayan region, we have exclusively selected four viewpoints for you to admire Mt.Everest from different locations. You will spend a night at the Everest Base Camp, witnessing the sunset and sunrise over the Everest, as well as the stars gracefully arching across the night sky. As the successive award-winning EBC tour operator in Tibet, our attentive and multi-lingual Tibetan guide, deeply passionate about the history and landscapes of his/her homeland, will not only immerse you in the traditional life of Tibet but also take you to see the REAL Tibet through his/her eyes. To ensure a hassle-free experience, we provide a complimentary Tibet Travel Permit and flexible travel solutions. Our continually updated hotel choices cater to your comfort. Don't worry about high altitudes – if our little 4-year-old guest and an 84-year-old German granddad can safely navigate our itinerary, so can you.
1. When you arrive in Lhasa, whether by train or flight, our friendly Tibetan guide will greet you with a Hada (the traditional Tibetan ceremonial scarf) and warm blessings
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Then, the guide and the driver will take you to your hotel in downtown Lhasa. You may view the Yarlung Tsangpo River/Brahmaputra River (the Longest and largest river in Tibet) and Lhasa River.
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After settling into your hotel, take some time to rest and adjust to the high altitude.
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In the afternoon or evening, your guide will meet you with traditional Tibetan gifts, provide travel instructions, and introduce your group members.
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If you need any help or specific needs, feel free to visit our service center at Lhasa Gang-Gyan Hotel.
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Stay overnight in Lhasa.
1. In the morning, you’ll explore the largest monastery in Tibet - Drepung Monastery, which was once the home to over 10,000 monks. As you walk through the Coqen Hall, your guide will provide detailed explanations of the worldview of Tibetan Buddhism and introduce notable figures in Tibetan Buddhist history.
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Next, you’ll visit the renowned Loseling College (or an equivalent), offering a glimpse into the study and life of Tibetan monks. Explore their dormitories to gain insights into the Tibetan monks' daily routines and living conditions.
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In the afternoon, you’ll head to Sera Monastery, another of the ‘great three’ Gelug monasteries of Tibet, to witness the famous Tibetan Monks Debate (15:00 - 17:00, from Monday to Saturday). Your guide will intricately explain how Tibetan monks engage in these debates to acquire knowledge and advance in their academic degrees.
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After today’s tour, enjoy a welcome dinner with your group members.
1. After breakfast, your first stop is the Potala Palace, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Lhasa Old Town. Discover the lives and stories of the Dalai Lamas through history within the palace, and the extraordinary treasures it holds. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.
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After touring the Potala Palace, you will visit Longwangtan Park at the foot of the Potala Palace. Here, you can appreciate the majestic Potala Palace from a different perspective and engage in local Tibetan folk activities.
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In the afternoon, you will head to the heart of Tibetan religion - the Jokhang Temple. Inside you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve. Outside, you can see pilgrims making prostrating in front of Jokhang Temple. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can do kora (a religious circle of a building or mountain) with pilgrims and locals, and explore the old market.
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Next, follow your guide to one of the liveliest indoor Tibetan tea houses in Lhasa. Sip traditional Tibetan sweet tea alongside local Tibetans as your guide shares insights into Tibetan social dynamics and daily life.
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Stay overnight in Lhasa.
1. First, drive over the Gampala pass (4790 m) to catch a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso (4400m). The Yamdrok Lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and in the distance you can have spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar (7191m), the highest mountain near Lhasa. Continue to explore the lakeshore from various viewpoints, and at the end of the lake, you could visit a local family in the village and have lunch with the locals.
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Next, you will pass and enjoy the Korola Glacier on the roadside. It is the largest glacier in Tibet. As you see the ice tongue of the glacier climb the entire hillside, you will feel the magical power of nature.
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Then, continue your journey to Gyantse. On the way, you will stop at Simila Mountain Pass, where you can hang prayer flags to pray for world peace and the health of your family.
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After arriving in Gyantse, you can spend some time taking photos of the ancient city of Gyantse. From Gyantse to Shigatse, you will pass by green (in summer) and golden (in autumn) Tibetan barley fields and countless farms.
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Finally, we will arrive in Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet. After checking in to the hotel, you can take a good rest and prepare for the next day’s trip to Mount Everest.
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Stay overnight in Shigatse.
1. After breakfast, you will head directly to Mount Everest.
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First, you will pass Gyatsola Pass (5280m). At Gyatsola Pass viewpoint, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest. Hidden behind the mountain range, the Everest resembles a budding lotus flower, a captivating sight along the roadside.
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Shortly after we enter Mount Everest National Nature Reserve, you will enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayas at Gawula Pass (5198m). At this viewpoint, you will marvel at the majestic lineup of the five highest peaks in the Himalayas, including Everest at the forefront. This is your second glimpse of Everest.
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Then we drive along the new zigzag road to Everest Base Camp (5000m). As you get close to the base camp, the majestic Everest gradually unfolds before you, drawing nearer with each winding turn. This marks your third view of Everest.
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Upon reaching Everest Base Camp, the colossal white pyramid peak of Mount Everest stands towering before you. As the day transitions to dusk, witness the golden hues of the sun casting a warm glow on Everest's northern face—your fourth view.
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As night falls, the sparkling Milky Way and the snow-white peak of Mount Everest reveal your fifth and final encounter with Everest.
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Stay overnight at Everest Base Camp or in the local village near EBC if the EBC tent hotels are closed during the winter season.
1. In the morning, before departing from the base camp, you will visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest monastery, where nuns and monks live together at 5154 meters above sea level.
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Then, you'll return to Shigatse via Dinggye, taking an alternative Himalayan route different from the traditional path. Here, you’ll stop at the Dinggye Xilin Viewpoint. You can not only see the majestic eastern slope of the towering Mount Everest again, but also the world's fourth-highest peak, Mount Lhotse, standing at an elevation of 8,516 meters. Additionally, you can enjoy the vast and delightful wetland landscape at the foot of Mount Everest.
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Next, you’ll make a brief stop in the ancient town of Sakya to stroll around Saga Ancient Town.
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Finally, you’ll arrive in Shigatse. Upon arrival, your guide will lead you to a local Langma Hall, a local venue for Tibetan song and dance performances. Here, you can witness the traditional Tibetan performances and celebrate the success of your lifetime Mount Everest journey during dinner with your fellow group members.
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(Please kindly note: During heavy rain in the summer or snowstorms in the winter, there might be changes to your travel route back to Shigatse from Mount Everest. Instead of passing through Dinggye and Sakya, you may return via Gyawula Pass and Tingri. If this happens, we’ll provide you with a paper notice while you’re in Tibet.)
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Stay overnight in Shigatse.
1. In the morning, we will visit the home of Panchen Lama - Tashilhunpo Monastery. The grand and magnificent halls of the largest local monastery occupy the entire hillside. This is the spiritual home of the Tibetan people in Shigatse, housing the world's largest statue of Maitreya Buddha. Inside, you will see monks adorned with yellow hats and red robes, moving about the temple.
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Next, we will return to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River, the mother river of the Tibetan people.
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Finally, you will arrive in Lhasa. Enjoy leisure time wandering freely through Barkhor Street, where you can shop for gifts to bring back home for your family.
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Stay overnight in Lhasa.
1. Please make sure to verify your departure flight/train details with our guide in advance. And your guide will take you to the airport or train station.
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Thank you for choosing Tibet Vista, and we extend a warm welcome for your return to Tibet in the future.