Highlights
Tour to the roof of the world.
Visit to divine city Lhasa - Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera & Deprung Monastery.
Tashilumpho Monastery - residence of Panchen Lama.
Sakya Monastery - residence of Sakya Lama.
Itinerary
Lhasa’s mystical skyline and the towering presence of Everest await those seeking both cultural depth and natural grandeur. The "Tibetan Highlight: Lhasa Everest Base Camp Tour" begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu into the heart of Tibet, where travelers—particularly young adults and seasoned explorers—immerse themselves in a landscape that is as spiritually rich as it is visually breathtaking. The journey offers a seamless blend of heritage and high-altitude adventure, unveiling the treasures of Lhasa, from the sacred halls of the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple to the meditative serenity of Sera and Drepung Monasteries.
For those fascinated by Tibetan culture, this trip is a rare opportunity to witness centuries-old rituals and intricate architecture firsthand. A highlight is the side trip to Gyantse, where the remarkable Kumbum Stupa stands as a testament to Buddhist artistry, followed by an exploration of Shigatse’s Tashilumpho Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama. The route is carefully designed for those comfortable with moderate activity—expect short hikes, gentle acclimatization, and plenty of moments to soak in panoramic Himalayan vistas, including the legendary views of Mt. Everest and the stark beauty of the Ronbuk region.
The adventure reaches its pinnacle with a short hike to Everest Base Camp, an experience that etches itself into your memory. Here, amid prayer flags and snow-capped peaks, you’ll find yourself at the threshold of the world’s highest mountain—a moment that few journeys can rival. Throughout the tour, the unique blend of spiritual discovery and epic scenery forms an unforgettable narrative, making this tour package a standout for those craving both insight and adventure in equal measure.
What sets this trip apart is its seamless integration of cultural immersion and awe-inspiring natural wonders, ensuring that every traveler returns with not only remarkable photographs, but stories that linger long after the return to Lhasa.
day 1 - Fly to Lhasa from Kathmandu
After breakfast, drive to the Kathmandu International airport. Fly into Lhasa by Air China or Sichuan Airlines.
After landing at Gonggar Airport, meet our Tibetan guide, and drive to Lhasa where we will check into the hotel. It's advisable to rest and take it easy for the remainder of the day due to Lhasa's altitude.
day 2 - Sightseeing in Lhasa
The day will be spent exploring several of Lhasa's monasteries in the company of a guide and interpreter. One of these is the Sera Monastery, one of the best-preserved monasteries in Tibet. Within its whitewashed walls and golden roofs, several hundred monks live and study.
After lunch, we'll visit the Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, as well as the Jokhang Temple. This temple is possibly the most sacred shrine in Tibet and there is always a procession of devout Tibetans in the complex.
Surrounding the Jokhang is the Barkor - a maze of narrow cobbled streets that is the central market of Lhasa.
day 3 - Sightseeing in Lhasa
This morning, we will visit the Potala Palace, which dominates the city of Lhasa. A spectacular building, this palace contains the private quarters of the Dalai Lama as well as grand staterooms and many important chapels. There has been a palace on this site since the 5th or 6th century, but the present palace was constructed in the 17th century.
A visit to the Drepung Monastery this afternoon will complete a truly awe-inspiring day. Founded in the 14th century, this monastery was once the largest in the world with a population of around 10,000 monks. These days that figure is down to several hundred, but there is still much to see and do as it was left relatively unscathed during the Cultural Revolution.
The rest of the day is at leisure. You are free to further explore the city, revisit a favourite monastery or simply sit in a café overlooking the Barkor and watch the pilgrims, or shop at one o the many stalls lining the route of Jokhang.
day 4 - Drive to Gyantse and to Shigatse
Today, we start our journey to Kathmandu. Travelling by jeep/ van/ or bus along the Friendship Highway, we cross the Khamba La [4794 meters] end enjoy stunning views across the waters of the Yamdrok-Tso Lake.
We continue westwards over another high pass, the Karo La [5045 meters]. where we are treated to the spectacular sight of a huge glacier tumbling down to within a few hundred metres of the road. After passing through beautiful valleys and colourful Tibetan villages, we arrive in the town of Gyantse.
Before leaving Gyantse, we have time to visit the Gyantse Dzong and Gyantse Kumbum. The Dzong is a fort dating from the 14th century known for its amazing views of Gyantse and the surrounding Nyang Chu Valley. The Kumbum is a large gold-domed stupa and its many small chapels house an impressive array of Tibetan Buddhist murals.
We then continue on to Shigatse, a short drive away, arriving in time for lunch. Shigatse is the second largest city in Tibet and after exploring the local market, we will visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery. This monastery is one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet and there is much to explore within its high surrounding walls.
day 5 - Drive to Rongbuk
Today we continue along the Friendship Highway, marvelling at the barren yet spectacular landscapes of Tibet. Beyond the small town of Lhatse, we cross the highest pass on our journey, the Gya Tso La [5220 meters]. From here, we descend to the plains. We then continue drive over the Tibetan plateau, cross a small Tibetan town and reach Shegar. Shortly after leaving Shegar, we leave the Friendship Highway and head south over the Pang La [5150 meters] towards the main Himalayan range. The views from the top is incredible and you can see scenes from Makalu to Shishapangma. Below the pass, Everest initially is hidden from view, but as we turn the corner into the Rongbuk Valley it reappears, more impressive than ever.
day 6 - Hike to Everest Base Camp and back to Shigatse
Today, we hike to explore the Everest Base camp in the morning and drive back to Shigatse afterward.
day 7 - Drive to Lhasa
We continue the drive to Lhasa via the Friendship Highway following Yarlung Tsangpo River (Brahmaputra). This drive is considered to be especially beautiful.
day 8 - Fly to Kathmandu or China by train or flight
We drive to airport or train station as per your next destinations.
Get Trip Brochure & Exclusive Discount
Download a detailed PDF brochure and unlock an exclusive discount for this tour
What's Included
Optional Add-ons Available during check-out
What's Excluded
Request a Private, Customizable Departure
By design, this is a group tour. You can however request a private, customized version of this tour for yourself or your private group of people. Private departures are usually more expensive, but come with these benefits:
Itinerary can be tweaked and customized.
Access our Travel Specialists' insider knowledge.
Enjoy a tour focused solely on you or your travel group.
Travel within your own bubble.
Tour Availability
Select your preferred departure date and secure your spot
Loading availability...
Monthly Price Comparison
Good to Know
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions relating to this tour or destination.
Do you need help from our trip consultants?
If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Our travel experts are ready to help.
Why Book with Bookmundi
Earn USD 66+ in travel credits.
Best price guaranteed.
No credit card or booking fees.
100% financial protection.
Carbon neutral tours.
25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.
What are customers saying about Bookmundi
