10 days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp and Namtso Lake

Lhasa
⇀ Yamdrok Tso
⇀ Gyantse
⇀ Shigatse
⇀ Mount Everest
⇀ Namtso
⇀ Lhasa
Experience the mystical beauty of Tibet with Lhasa to Everest Base Camp and Namtso Lake Small Group Tour. This unique journey takes you through the heart of Tibetan culture in Lhasa, to the awe-inspiring Everest Base Camp, and the serene Namtso.
Type
Group, maximum of 12 person(s)
Duration
10 days
Theme
Culture and Heritage, Natural scenery
Trip code
FDT-07
Tour dates
From
CN¥ 8,300
Experience the mystical beauty of Tibet with the "10 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp and Namtso Lake Small Group Tour." This unique journey takes you through the heart of Tibetan culture in Lhasa, to the awe-inspiring Everest Base Camp, and the serene Namtso Lake. Ideal for adventure seekers and cultural enthusiasts, this tour combines breathtaking natural landscapes with rich historical sites, including Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. Perfect for those looking to explore Tibet's most iconic destinations in a comprehensive and immersive way.
Day 01 :
Arrival at Lhasa [3,658 m]

Upon your arrival at Lhasa airport or train station, you will be warmly greeted by your Tibetan guide. Around an hour drive will take you from airport to the holy city Lhasa. Driving along the Brahmaputra river and Lhasa river, you will not only amazed by the spectacular plateau scenery but also have a chance to see many kinds of wild birds. If you travel to Lhasa by train, a 20 minutes drive will deliver you to your hotel in Lhasa city. Be sure to have a good rest to acclimatize to Lhasa's high altitude.

Day 02 :
Lhasa city sightseeing, visit Drepung Monastery and Sera monastery (B)

Today is your first sightseeing day in Lhasa, you will be arranged to visit two renowned monasteries: Drepung Monastery in the morning and Sera Monastery in the afternoon.

Drepung Monastery was once the world's largest and the governmental seat before the Potala Palace, historically housed up to 10,000 monks. It's renowned for its significant role in Tibetan culture, religion, and education.

Sera Monastery is another the great Gelug university monasteries of Tibet. Renowned for its lively monk debates between 3 pm to 5 pm (daily except on Sunday) on Buddhist philosophy, the monastery is an important center for learning and culture.Your guide will provide a detailed explanation of how Tibetan monks participate in debates to acquire knowledge and progress in their academic studies.

You will have a welcome dinner with your fellow group members tonight.

Day 03 :
Another Lhasa City Tour - Visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street (B)

In the morning start your Lhasa city highlight tour to visit Potala Palace. It is most renowned as the residence of the lineage of Dalai Lamas (Avalokiteshvara), though the massive structure contains a small world within itself. It was first built by 33rd ruler of his dynasty, King Songtsen Gangpo in the 7th century, but still is in surprisingly good repair because of continual rejuvenation projects.

Then proceed to visit Jokhang temple, it is the most scared building in Tibetan Buddhism, located in the heart of Lhasa old town. It is the most sought after pilgrimage destination for all Tibetans.
The Barkhor Street, a renowned Kora (holy walking path) encircling the Jokhang Temple, is constantly bustling with Tibetan faithful. Visitors will discover the unique experience of mingling with local pilgrims along Barkhor Street. It also serves as a vibrant shopping district, offering the perfect opportunity to purchase gifts for your loved ones.

Following your sightseeing adventures, join your guide at one of Lhasa's most vibrant Tibetan sweet tea houses. Here, you can enjoy sipping traditional Tibetan sweet tea while sitting among local Tibetans. Your guide will provide valuable insights into Tibetan social dynamics and daily life, offering a deeper understanding of the culture.

Day 04 :
Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Gyantse [4,040 m] - Shigatse[3,840 m], 360 KM 7 Hours' Drive (B, L)

Make your first day's drive towards Everest, with today's highlights including Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, and Gyantse ancient city.

Yamdrok Lake, one of the three holiest lakes in Tibet, is easily accessible from Lhasa. Upon reaching Gampala Pass (4790m), you will get your first glimpse of Yamdrok-tso (4400m). The lake is encircled by numerous snow-capped mountains and offers breathtaking views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar (7191m), the tallest mountain near Lhasa. You will drive along the lakeshore for about half an hour, during which time you can step out of the car to touch the lake's blue waters and take photos. At the end of the lake, enjoy your lunch at a local Tibetan family.

Karo La Glacier, at an altitude of 5,100 meters, provides a stunning overlook of Mt. Nyenchen Kangsar glacier. A brief stop is scheduled here for an excellent photo opportunity.

Gyantse ancient city, referred to as the 'Hero City', is a historically significant town in Tibet, renowned for its well-preserved ancient architectural wonders. You will spend some time taking photos of Gyantse ancient city. 

Enjoy a beautiful drive along the Tibetan barley fields and farmland from Gyantse to Shigatse. Check into Shigatse, the 2nd largest city in Tibet. 

Day 05 :
Shigatse [3,850 m] - Tibet Everest Base Camp [5,200 m], 340 KM, 7-8 Hours' Drive (B)

Today, you'll undertake an exciting drive to reach Mount Everest Base Camp, immersing yourself in the stunning landscapes of valleys and mountains in the western part of Tibet, including the spectacular Himalayan range.

Start early to drive towards Shegar. En route, weather permitting, you'll catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest at Gyatsola Pass [5,280 m]. Lunch will be in Shegar, the last town before heading to Mount Everest.

In the afternoon, as you enter Mount Everest National Nature Reserve, the winding road takes you to Gawula Pass [5,250 m]. Here, you'll experience breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas, including a remarkable view of Mount Everest, which stands at 8,844 meters. You'll also see four other majestic peaks over 8,000 meters: Mt. Makalu (8,463 m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8,201 m), and Mt. Shishapama (8,020 m).

You will switch to the local sightseeing bus at Tashi Zong Village, and from there, it is another hour's drive before you reach Everest Base Camp (E.B.C.).
Arrive at Everest Base Camp in the late afternoon, just in time to witness a splendid sunset (just depending on the weather).

Stay overnight at the tent guest house at E.B.C or the monastery guest house near Rongbuk.

Day 06 :
Everest Base Camp - Dinggye Xilin Viewpoint - Shigatse, 340 KM, 7 Hours' Drive (D)

If the weather is favorable, you'll have the opportunity to witness a magnificent sunrise at Everest, with the first rays of sunlight turning the mountain into a glowing red spectacle.

Morning visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest buddhism monastery at 5154 meters above sea level where nuns and monks live together.

After a morning of exploration, begin your journey back to Shigatse via Dinggye County, taking a different route from Day 5. Stop at the Dinggye Xilin Viewpoint for a spectacular view of the majestic Mount Everest and Mount Lhotse, the world's fourth highest peak. Witness the vast and beautiful wetland at the foot of Mount Everest, which transforms into thousands of sand dunes in winter, offering a different style of beauty. As you pass through Sakya, take a brief stop to explore the ancient ruins of Sakya. Arriving in Shigatse in the late afternoon, your guide will take you to a local Langma Hall (a traditional Tibetan Dance Hall). Enjoy dinner with your fellow group members while experiencing traditional Tibetan dance and performances, celebrating your once-in-a-lifetime journey to Mount Everest.

Stay overnight in Shigatse.

Day 07 :
Return to Lhasa from Shigatse, 270 KM, 4-5 Hours' Drive (B)

After breakfast at your hotel, you will visit Tashilhunpo monastery, one of the six great Gelug monasteries, the seat of the Panchen Lama, features grand and magnificent halls that occupy an entire hillside. It is the spiritual heart of the Tibetan people in Shigatse and houses the world's largest statue of Maitreya Buddha.

Afterwards, you will drive back to Lhasa via the northern friendship highway. This scenic route, which runs alongside the Yarlung Tsangpo River, offers a diverse array of landscapes that are sure to capture your attention.
Upon your arrival in Lhasa and check-in at the hotel, enjoy the rest of the day exploring Lhasa. Barkhor Street is a great place to wander for last-minute shopping before you leave Tibet.

Day 08 :
Lhasa - Namtso Lake - Damxung, 310KM, 6 Hours' Drive (B)

Today, your journey takes you northward to the enchanting Namtso Lake, traversing the Northern Tibetan grasslands. In the summertime, these grasslands are alive with sprawling herds of yaks and sheep, beautifully contrasted against the imposing Nyenchen Thanglha snow-capped mountains.

As you approach Damxung, you'll ascend the Nagen-la pass at 5,190 meters, where you'll be greeted with breathtaking views of Namtso Lake. This lake is not only one of Tibet's three sacred lakes but also holds the distinction of being the world's highest salt-water lake. Your descent will lead you to Tashi Dor Island, offering a chance to wander along its shores or climb to its summit for a sweeping panoramic view of Namtso Lake, encircled by majestic snow-covered mountains. This serene island is also a site of spiritual significance, dotted with meditation caves and sacred Buddhist sites, which you can explore under the guidance of your Tibetan guide.

In the late afternoon, you'll return to Damxung to spend the night. However, if your group expresses a keen interest in experiencing the awe-inspiring sunset at Namtso Lake, this can be arranged. While awaiting the sunset, you'll be offered hot coffee or Tibetan sweet tea for your enjoyment.

Day 09 :
Drive from Damxung to Lhasa, 230KM, 4-5 Hours' Drive

After breakfast, your first destination will be Chimelong Nunnery (Phyirmil Lung Nunnery), the largest nunnery near Lhasa. Wander through the serene nunnery grounds and gain insights into the various Buddhist studies practiced in Tibet.

Next, proceed to Tsurphu Monastery, the most ancient monastery in Tibet. This monastery serves as the seat of the Karmapa branch of the Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism and is renowned as the origin of the reincarnated living Buddhas system in Tibet. Here, you will have the opportunity to delve deeper into the Karma Kagyupa school, often referred to as the 'Black Hats', of Tibetan Buddhism.

During the summer months, from June to September, you may opt for a 'Linka outing' (a Tibetan-style picnic) for lunch in a quaint village at the base of Tsurphu Monastery's hill. Alternatively, lunch at the monastery's restaurant is also an option.

Upon returning to Lhasa and check-in at the hotel, enjoy the rest of the day exploring Lhasa. Barkhor Street is a great place to wander for last-minute shopping before you leave Tibet.

Day 10 :
Lhasa train station or airport send off (B)

Your guide and driver will see you off at train station or airport, end the trip with WindhorseTour.

New calendar for this tour will be posted on December 1st, 2024. If you have a question about this tour or wish to be notified when it is published, please let us know

Tour notes:

Complementary train station pick up and drop off is included.
Free Airport Pick-up: We have 4 scheduled arrival pick-up shuttles that depart from the airport for Lhasa city at 10:00 AM, 1:30 PM, 4:00 PM, and 6:30 PM.
Free Airport Drop-off: We have 3 scheduled departure drop-off shuttles that depart from Lhasa city to Lhasa airport at 6:30 AM, 8:00 AM, and 12:00 PM.
Please note prices are based in CNY.

General inclusions:

All required government taxes and fees.
All required Tibet permits and domestic travel documents.
3 Stars hotel (shared twin room, private bathroom and daily breakfast)
Lodging at E.B.C. will be at either Rongbuk Monastery's Guest House or E.B.C Tent Guest House (dormitory bed with semi-private bathroom)
Lodging at Namtso Lake will be in the local Guest House (dormitory bed with semi-private bathroom)
All entrance tickets as noted in the tour's itinerary.
Environment friendly local bus between Rongbuk and EBC.
Local Tibetan guide fluent in English, Chinese or Japanese that is certified by the state tourism build. (If your native language is not listed please let us know, we are certain we can assist your needs.)
Transportation will we be provided via a comfortable and clean car, minivan or tourist bus depending upon the groups size.
Vehicle and guide's entrance tickets to Everest Natural Reserve Region.
Welcome dinner.

General exclusions:

Personal expenses such as laundry, drinks, internet access, fax, telephone calls etc.
Tips for your guide and driver.
Meals that are not specified in the tour itinerary.
Flight tickets or train tickets in and out of Lhasa (Please note: We can offer you train and/or plane tickets in and out Lhasa from all cities within China. Please check the latest price with us via email.)
Private Lhasa Train station or Airport transfer if your arrival time isn’t within our free service time. 250 CNY per vehicle from/to train station and 400 CNY per vehicle from/to airport.
Tour dates
From
CN¥ 8,300

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Comments

Ines VIDAL
Ines VIDAL
Sun, 07/29/2018

Hello.
My name is Ines and I am from Argentina.
I'm travelling to China for 5 weeks in september/october. The first three weeks I will be travelling with my mother and then I am planning to spend 2 weeks in Tibet by myself.
This will be between the 26/09 and the 10/10/2018 aproximately.
Is there an organized tour with your agency for those dates? Can I spend a couple of days in Lhasa by myself and then join the group?
Thank you in advance for your help.
Best regards, Ines

Replied by
Yuki from WindhorseTour
Yuki Yi
Mon, 07/30/2018

In reply to by Ines VIDAL (not verified)

Hello Ines,
Thanks for the comments.
We do have group tours in Tibet from 4 days up to 15 days, I have sent the details via email, please have a look and kindly share your thoughts on it. I'd like to share that overseas travelers are not allowed to visit any sites without guide accompanied.
Look forward to hearing from you back soon.
Best regards,
Yuki

advan
advan
Tue, 10/24/2017

hi what do you mean by twinroom?

Replied by
Victoria Zhu
Victoria Zhu
Wed, 10/25/2017

In reply to by advan (not verified)

Dear Advan,

Thank you for your inquiry! This is Victoria from WindhorseTour responding to you. I am very glad to help you with Tibet tour planing.
Based on your information, I have send you a email with detailed information, please read over it and feel free to get back to me for any questions you might have.

I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Best regards,
Victoria

Kamaljit Kaur
Kamaljit Kaur
Tue, 08/01/2017

I will be travelling alone and would like to join your tour group , dates of travel between end Aug - end Sept.
Please quote on the cost for 1 pax.

Replied by
Victoria Zhu
Victoria Zhu
Tue, 08/01/2017

In reply to by Kamaljit Kaur (not verified)

Dear Kamaljit,

Thanks for your inquiry. This is Victoria from WindhorseTour responding to you. I am very glad to be your trip adviser and assist you on your Tibet trip planning.
Based on your information above, a detailed proposal with quotation has been emailed to your mailbox, please read over it and kindly share me your comments and thoughts. With your replies, we can offer you some further assistance.
I am looking forward to hearing from you soon! Thank you!
Best regards,
Victoria