Tibet Everest Base Camp and Namtso Lake Tour

Upon your arrival at Lhasa airport or train station, you will be greeted by your Tibetan guide. From the airport to Lhasa city, it is 68 km—a drive of around one hour that will take you to the holy city of Lhasa. Driving along the Brahmaputra and Lhasa rivers, you will be amazed by the spectacular plateau scenery. You’ll also have the chance to see flocks of black-necked cranes, wild ducks, and many other kinds of wild birds. If you arrive by train, it will typically be in the late afternoon or evening, and a 20-minute drive will take you to your hotel in Lhasa city. Check into the hotel and have a good rest to acclimatize to the high altitude. Overnight in Lhasa.

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.

Rest and acclimatize the high altitude in your hotel.

In the morning, begin your Lhasa city tour with a visit to Potala Palace, an iconic symbol of Tibetan culture and history. Originally constructed in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo and later rebuilt in the 17th century by the Fifth Dalai Lama, this architectural masterpiece served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas.

Next, proceed to Jokhang Temple, located in the heart of Lhasa’s old town. As Tibet’s most sacred temple, built in the 7th century, it is a central pilgrimage site. The temple is celebrated for its stunning architecture and houses many invaluable religious artifacts.

Surrounding Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street is a renowned Kora (holy walking path) bustling with faithful Tibetan pilgrims. This street provides a unique opportunity to mingle with local devotees. It also functions as a lively shopping district, offering the perfect opportunity to purchase gifts for your loved ones.

End today’s Lhasa city tour by joining 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.

In the morning, drive up to Kampala Pass [4794m] where you will catch a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso, celebrated as one of Tibet’s most sacred and visually stunning lakes. Perched at an altitude of 4450 meters, the lake is famous for its vivid turquoise hue. From there, you can also catch a glimpse of Mt. Nojin Kangtsang, towering at 7191 meters. After soaking in the beauty of the lake, your journey will continue to Gyantse. This mid-sized town, located at 3950 meters above sea level, is renowned for its impressive hilltop military fort and the Pelkor Chode Monastery, which is notable for housing Tibet’s tallest Tibetan Buddhist stupa. While in Gyantse, you’ll visit the Gyantse Kumbum stupa, a marvel of Tibetan architecture. Then head to Shigatse for overnight, the 2nd largest city in Tibet.

Morning you will visit Tashilunpo Monastery, one of the six prominent yellow hat sect monasteries and renowned as the seat of the Panchen Lama. Tashilunpo Monastery houses the world’s largest statue of Maitreya Buddha. The monastery’s impressive halls and intricate artwork provide a glimpse into Tibetan spirituality and culture. Visitors can explore the vibrant religious life within its walls and admire the stunning architecture. 
Afterwards drive to Sakya Monastery, the principal monastery of Sakya sect of Tibetan Buddhism in Tibet, it is famous for its collection of thousands of religious scriptures, artwork and its striking gray and red exterior, which symbolizes the sect’s name, “Sakya,” meaning “grey earth.” Hike around the monastery northern ruins to feel the 1000 history.

Continue driving to Shegar (or New Tingri) via Dinggye County. Make a stop at 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 distinct style of beauty. Arrive in Shegar in the late afternoon. Overnight at Shegar.

In the morning, 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 afternoon, visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest buddhism monastery at 5154 meters above sea level where nuns and monks live together and witness a splendid sunset (just depending on the weather) over Everest.

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

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.

After a morning of exploration, begin your journey back to Shigatse along G219 & G318 highway, stop at Gyatsola pass [5200m] for the last peek of Mount Everest in a clear day. 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.

Early in the morning, drive 80 km back towards Lhasa via the Northern Friendship Highway to Dazhuka. From there, cross the bridge over the Brahmaputra River and head through the valley northward to Namtso Lake. Along the way, you will pass many typical Tibetan villages set in peaceful environments. Cross the Shuege-la Pass, soaring over 5,300 meters high. In the afternoon, arrive at Namtso and take the sightseeing bus to the Tashi Do peninsula. Enjoy a leisurely hike around Tashi Dor and the Namtso lakeshore. Climb to the top of the hill on Tashi Dor for a panoramic view of Namtso Lake, where the circular lake resembles a boundless blue sea surrounded by snow-capped mountains. If the weather permits, witness the stunning sunset at Namtso Lake. Afterwards, return to Damxung County for an overnight, the nearest town to Namtso Lake.

In the morning, start your journey back to Lhasa, enjoying the beautiful, vast northern grasslands along with the Nyenchen Tanglha mountain ranges. Along the way, you’ll encounter happy nomadic families dwelling in cozy yak wool tents on the grassy pastures. With your guide’s help, some tents close to the road can be visited, offering a unique experience during the summer months. In the afternoon, explore Lhasa freely on your own and take your last chance to shop for souvenirs at Barkhor streets for your friends and family. Overnight in Lhasa.

Morning Lhasa airport or train station dropping off, the time come to say your farewells to your guide and driver, end the trip.