Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour via EBC 7 Days Tour

Welcome to Tibet! Upon your arrival, our friendly guide and driver will warmly welcome you at the airport, presenting you with a traditional Tibetan white scarf called "Khata." With just a one-hour drive on the expressway (70 kilometers), the driver will take you to comfortable hotel in downtown Lhasa. After checking in at the hotel, take the time to rest and acclimatize to the altitude (3,650 meters), ensuring a good and healthy start to your journey on the plateau.

Meal: /
Accommodation: Lhasa

Today, you will explore two distinctive Monastery in Lhasa, Drepung and Sera, both offering a unique insight into Tibetan Buddhism. You will visit the Buddhist halls, Buddhist colleges, and the monks' kitchen, witnessing how they engage in special debates to study Buddhist teachings.

Sera Monastery is renowned for its lively Buddhist debates, showcasing the essence of Tibetan Buddhism. Monks employ exaggerated body language, engaging in dance-like discussions about Buddhist philosophy, demonstrating their knowledge in a spirited manner.

In the evening, the guide will accompany the group to a local  restaurant for a welcome dinner, marking the beginning of your journey in Tibet.

Meal: Breakfast, Welcome Dinner
Accommodation: Lhasa

 

Today, let's explore into the treasures of Lhasa, the Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama and acclaimed as the world's highest palace. The Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street, the Center of Tibetan Faithboth, both designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The Potala Palace, towering majestically over the red hills in the center of Lhasa, was once the religious and political center of Tibet. As you climb the 365 steps to the main building, you'll explore the Dalai Lama's former political hall, the prayer halls, and the tomb stupa. Here, you'll encounter remarkable murals and exquisite Buddha statues, showcasing the accumulated wealth and treasures of ancient Tibet.

The Jokhang Temple, revered for housing the 12-year-old statue of Shakyamuni, is considered the holiest site in Tibet and a lifelong pilgrimage destination for Tibetans. You can join the pilgrims to walk in Barkor Street and experience the soul of the city. The guide will also accompany you to a local Tibetan teahouse, offering insight into the social culture.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Lhasa

 

Drive for approximately 7 to 8 hours (340 kilometers) to reach Shigatse. Along the way, you will visit two breathtaking natural landscapes – Yamdrok Lake and the Karola Glacier. You will enjoy a scenic 20-kilometer drive following the disappearing shoreline of the Lake. We will stop at a village by the lake, where you can walk into the homes of lakeside farmers, explore their households, and indulge in a delightful farmhouse lunch.

After lunch, drive for approximately 1 hour to visit one of Tibet's most beautiful glaciers – the Karola Glacier, the enormous glacier tongue extends to the roadside, resembling a frozen waterfall hanging over the road and above your head.

Following the Karola Glacier, we will pass by Lake Manla and the ancient town of Gyantse, proceed to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet.

Meal: Breakfast, Farmhouse Lunch
Accommodation: Shigatse

 

After breakfast, we will visit Tashilunpo Monastery first, the set of Panchan Lama, the largest monastery of western Tibet. Then we will start a 6.5-hour drive (330 kilometers) to the top of the world – Mount Everest. Along the way, you will visit several viewpoints where you can catch glimpses of Everest. The journey culminates with an overnight stay at Everest Base Camp (EBC).

Departing from Shigatse, you'll be accompanied by rural farmland and villages. Approximately 4 hours into the journey, you'll approach Dingri County, where you'll have your first view of Everest from the Dingri Viewpoint. Upon entering the Everest scenic area, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan range from Gawula Pass. The 7000 to 8000-meter peaks of the Himalayas stand proudly above the sea of clouds, creating a majestic and awe-inspiring spectacle.

Next, you'll proceed on the dedicated road leading to Everest, with the mountain growing larger and closer until you reach the northern face base camp. From the base camp, Everest appears like a colossal pyramid standing before you. We will strive to arrive at Everest Base Camp before sunset, allowing you the opportunity to witness the magnificent natural phenomenon of the sunset casting golden hues upon the mountain.

During the winter season, when the Everest Base Camp tented lodges are closed, we will relocate accommodations to the nearest village to Everest, Basong Villageor Zhaxizong Village.

Meal: Breakfast, Farmhouse Lunch
Accommodation: Everest Base Camp (multiple share)

 

In the morning, you can enjoy the sunrise over Mount Everest (if weather permitting) or take a stroll near the Everest Base Camp to savor the beautiful morning moments. After breakfast, the guide will take you to visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world's highest temple, known as the place submerged by waves in the movie "2012." It is also an excellent location for capturing the natural and cultural landscapes of Everest.

Leaving Everest behind, we will drive you to the border town of Gyirong in Tibet. Along the way, you'll have a close encounter with another Himalayan peak, Shishapangma, standing at over 8,000 meters, and the picturesque Peiku Tso Lake at its foothills. Crossing the 5,200-meter Kongtang La Pass, the altitude will gradually descend as the vehicle traverses through the canyons on the edge of the Himalayas until reaching the border town of Kyirong.

Meal: BreakfastAccommodation: KyirongDistance: 390km, 8hrs driveAltitude: 5200m-2800m

 

In the morning, the Tibetan guide will accompany you to the Gyirong Port. Under the majestic Chinese border gate, there will be a photo opportunity, and it will be time to bid farewell. Crossing the Sino-Nepal Friendship Bridge that   spans the canyon, you will meet our Nepali staff who will welcome you at the border.

If you opt for our border-to-Kathmandu private border transfer service (60 USD/person extra), we will assist with luggage handling (tips are appreciated), escort you to the vehicle, and ensure your seating arrangement until the private car drops you off near your pre-booked hotel in Kathmandu. Along the journey, you will continue to enjoy the snowy peaks and canyon scenery on the southern side of the Himalayas until you reach the Kathmandu Valley.

The price does not include the shared jeep service from the border directly to the guest's hotel in Kathmandu, which costs $60 per person. If guests do not require this service, they can opt to take the public bus from the border to the nearby bus station in Kathmandu and then arrange a taxi to the hotel on their own.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: /
Distance: 130km, 8hrs drive (to Kathmandu)
Altitude: 2800m-1500m