7 days Lhasa to Kathmandu group tour via E.B.C.

Your Tibetan guide will greet you at the Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa railway station, and transport you to your hotel in the city. From the airport to Lhasa is 68 km (42 mi), roughly an hour drive to your hotel. The drive from the train station is only 15 km (9 mi) and takes 20 minutes. After checking into the hotel, you will have the remainder of the day to rest and acclimatize to the high altitude. Stay 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.

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

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.

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. 

Start the morning with a visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, founded in 1447 by the 1st Dalai Lama. Tashilhunpo is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas and is renowned for its grand architecture, golden roofs, and impressive statues of the Future Buddha. It also houses the tombs of the Panchen Lamas and remains an important center of Tibetan Buddhism.

Afterwards, you’ll drive towards Shegar. En route, weather permitting, you'll catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest at Gyatso La Pass (5,280 m).

In the afternoon, as you enter the Mount Everest National Nature Reserve, the winding road takes you to Gawu la Pass  (5,250 m), where you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan range, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and several other majestic peaks. 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 (weather permitting).

Stay overnight at the tent guest house at E.B.C. or the monastery guest house near Rongbuk (dorm bed, with upgraded hotel options available for an additional cost).

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-altitude monastery at 5154 meters above sea level.

Then continue today's travel to Gyirong town, the border town between Tibet and Nepal, along this 380km drive journey, you will witness the dramaticaly changing landscapes, from towering snow-capped peaks to the verdant forests and scenic canyon views at approximately 2800m above sea level. En route, you'll pass by the tranquil Pelku Tso Lake, nestled in the grasslands and famous for its crystal-clear waters and scenic backdrop against the towering Shishabangma Mountain (8,027m) in the Himalayas.

After Pelku Tso lake, the altitude drops dramatically, leading you through mesmerizing forests, waterfalls, and bottomless canyons as you enter the edge of the Himalayas. 

Stay overnight at Gyirong town. 

After breakfast, your Tibetan guide and driver will drop you off at the Gyirong Border, officially concluding your Tibet tour.

If you choose to book our optional transfer service to Kathmandu (an additional $60 USD), our local driver will meet you on the Nepalese side after you clear customs. The driver will assist with your Nepal visa application and provide transportation to your hotel in Kathmandu. Alternatively, you can also opt to take a local car or jeep on your own for the journey to Kathmandu, though this will be at your own expense.

Please note that the drive from the border to Kathmandu can take 8-9 hours due to rough road conditions, so be prepared for a long journey.

Tips: After crossing the border and entering Nepal, you will need to clear customs at the Nepal Immigration office. If you don’t already have a Nepalese visa, you can apply for one on arrival. The fee is typically 30 USD for a single-entry visa, valid for 15 days. Please prepare a passport photo in advance.