Tibet Overland - Lhasa & Everest Base Camp (11 Days)

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Fly to Chengdu, transfer to hotel
Arrival in Chengdu, your guide will be at the airport and will transfer you to hotel nearby Airport, you will be brief about train timing next day and pick up time. O/N Hotel in Chengdu (BB).

Day 02 – 03: Train Journey
You will have 4-seater cabin with bed and table, cabin crew do not speak much English, you have clean toilet, restaurant and you can also order meal in cabin itself, meal will be mostly Chinese if you do not like its best to bring your own food. If you are not 4 people you may want to book whole cabin or ready to share with local people. ON Train Journey.

Day 04: Arrival in Lhasa (3600m/11811ft) 65 km, 1hr
Your Tibetan guide will be waiting to welcome you at Train Station. After immigration formalities in train station, you will drive for around 30 minutes to reach the old city, Lhasa (3660 meters). After checking in at your hotel, you are advised to take rest, drink plenty of fluids and most importantly let your body get used to Lhasa’s high altitude. During afternoon you can go around the hotel area for light walk and sightseeing. O/N at Hotel in Lhasa (BB)

Day 05: Sightseeing Tour of Drepung Monastery & Sera Monastery
After breakfast you will be briefed in detail about the program and entertain last minute questions. Then your guide will take you on a tour to Drepung Monastery & Sera Monastery respectively.

Drepung Monastery: This Monastery is 8 km west of Lhasa. One of the three great Gelukpa Monasteries near Lhasa, the other two being Sera and Ganden. Until the occupation it served like its two sister monasteries as centre for learning and monastic training to which monks from all over Tibet would come to spend as long as 15 years methodically studying and debating the meaning of the Buddhist scriptures. For centuries it existed as a small monastic township housing thousands of fully ordained monks and other functionaries. It was founded in 1416 by Jam yang Chöje Tahsi Palden, a disciple of Tsong Khapa.

Sera Monastery: This monastery is approx. 5km drive away from Lhasa. Sera Monastery was founded in 1419. It sits in the prettiest and most charming atmosphere at the base of Mount Purbuchok. Sera Monastery used to be an important center for learning where in the past approx. 5,000 to 6,000 monks resided. Currently about 550 monks are supposed to be living there. The important structures inside the monastery include Coqen Hall, (the main assembly hall), three Zhacangs (Buddhist colleges) and twenty- nine Khangtsens (monk dormitories).The most intriguing feature here is the nine-meter image of Maitraya which was erected in 1419; here one can also witness the practicing of debate among the monks, who pitch their knowledge against each other.

This day at Drepung and Sera Monastery offers you the opportunity to dive deep into Buddhist culture and monastic life. You will experience the serenity and spiritual devotion at Drepung Monastery and the passion and dynamism of the debates at Sera Monastery – two sides of the same spiritual tradition that makes Tibet so unique.

After detail visit you will drive to hotel. O/N at Hotel in Lhasa (BB)

Day 06: Sightseeing Tour of Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Market
After breakfast you will be briefed about the day’s program. Then your guide will take you on a tour to majestic Potala palace, Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Market respectively.

Potala Palace: This Palace is also known as the “winter palace”. The imposing structure of the palace dominates the landscape of Lhasa. It is a 13 th storied complex monument rising to a height of above 117m which houses 10,000 shrines and over 200,000 images and about 1000 rooms.As you are guided through the ancient chambers of the palace, you get to see Tibetan art at its best. The Potala Palace has a vast array of intricate Tibetan murals and beautiful statues. You will also get to view the tombs of the eight Dalai Lamas. Only one hour is allowed to visit Potala due to tourist traffic.

Jokhang Temple: This temple is a seventh-century geomantic temple at the heart of Lhasa is the most sacred temple of all Tibet. It is considered to be a Power Place in all Tibet. Queen Bhrikuti, a Nepalese princess married to King Songtsen Gampo founded Jokhang Temple and in recognition of Queen Bhrikuti the main gate of the temple faces west towards Nepal. The most impressive structure of the Jokhang Temple is the many chapels surrounding the temple.

Barkhor Market: After detail visit of Potala and Jokhang temple you will stroll through the lively Barkhor Market, which stretches around the Jokhang Monastery. This traditional pilgrimage route is lined with colorful market stalls selling everything from handmade jewelry, Tibetan prayer wheels, and fabrics to religious artifacts and souvenirs. The atmosphere at the market is lively and full of energy as pilgrims and visitors immerse themselves in the bustling world of Barkhor. Here you can taste Tibetan specialties, haggle with vendors or simply watch the hustle and bustle go by, giving you an authentic insight into Tibetan life. Lhasa offers variety of Restaurant for both Lunch and Dinners.

After detail visit you will drive to hotel. O/N at hotel in Lhasa (BB).

Note: Since only a limited number of visitors are allowed inside the Potala palace every day, the order of sightseeing places will be decided upon by your guide.

Day 07: Drive to Shigatse (3950m) via Gyantse & Yamdrok Lake – 370 km, 6 hrs
After breakfast, leaving Lhasa and a drive of 370km, taking about 6 hours including break for lunch at one of the villages’ en-route. We will drive over two spectacular high passes – the Kampa La at 4750m and Karo La at 5010m, over, and along the beautiful deep blue green Lake called Yamdrok Lake or Turquoise Lake. The landscape of the Tibetan Plateau is truly unusual and spectacular. We will arrive in Gyantse an old Tibetan Town against a backdrop of magnificent 14 th -15 th century fortresses and temples. Here we will visit Pelkhor Chode Temple & Khumbum respectively.

Pelkor Chode: This Monastery is located in the northeast of Gyantse at 3900 meters above sea level. Pelkor Chode Monastery, or rather  Palcho Monastery in Tibetan language means "auspicious monastery". It was first built in early 15th century and took 10 years to complete. Because it was built when different religious sectors conflicted neck and neck in Tibet, Sakyapa, Kadampa and Gelukpa of Tibetan Buddhism coexist in it. Each religious sector has five to six "Dratsang" (schools) in the monastery. This Monastery occupies a stunning position in the history of Tibetan Buddhism. It features a mixture of pagoda and monastery, whose architectural style reflects the typical feature of monasteries in between late 13th century and mid 15th century. The most symbolic architecture in the monastery is the Kumbum Stupa, which is composed of nine layers of nearly 77 temple halls with a total of 10,000 Buddha statues in halls, niches and on murals, hence the nickname "Ten Thousand Stupa". Pelkor Chode Monastery is also noted for its distinctive sculptures and murals.

Kumbum: Gyantse Kumbum Chorten was commissioned by a Gyantse prince in 1427 and it is the town’s main attraction. The 35 meters high chorten, with its white layers trimmed with decorative stripes and its crown-like golden dome, is awe-inspiring.The interior is equally impressive. Kumbum means 100,000 images in Tibetan. Indeed, there is what seems to be an endless series of tiny chapels. Each chapel is decorated with wall paintings; some have various statues of Buddha’s, Bodhisattvas and deities. Most paintings date to the time of the construction of the stupa.There are nine levels, 108 cells and 75 chapels. At the higher levels you can go out to an outdoor terrace and enjoy an incredible view on the town, monastery and surrounding fort.

After detail visit you will drive to second largest city of Tibet, Shigatse. O/N at hotel in Shigatse (BB).

Day 08: Visit Tashilumpho Monastery & Drive to Shegar (4200m) – 260 km, 5 hrs
After breakfast you will be visiting Tashilumphu Monastery. This monastery is one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet and there is much to explore within its high surrounding walls. There are about 39 amazing chapels inside including the huge Maitreya Chapel coated with gold; its workmanship certainly impresses everyone.After detailed visit of Shigatse, we will visit the local markets for shopping and local sightseeing. Then travel along the Friendship Highway amidst picturesque landscape driving for approx 5 hrs. past small town of Lhatse. You will be crossing one of the highest Gyatso la pass (5220m) of the tour. As the route opens into plains, many monasteries and camps of nomadic herders become visible en route to Shegar. O/N at Hotel in Shegar (BB)

Day 09: Drive to Rongbuk (5100m/16728ft), visit Rongbuk Monastery & enjoy view of Everest & drive to Old Tingri (4300m/ 14107Ft.) 220 km, 3hrs:
After breakfast, away from Shegar, you will drive to the south crossing Pang La pass at 5150m route to reach Everest Base Camp. Pang La Pas is one of the most stunning Himalayan Passes at 5200 meters which is the highest altitude you will gain in Base Camp. It is also known as the Gawu la or Geu La Pass well known for its 64 switchbacks from the south and 41 from the north. From the pass, we can enjoy the panoramic vistas of Mount Everest, Mount Shishapangma, Mount Lhotse, Mount Makalu, and Mount Cho Oyu, to name just a few. We continue our journey till we reach the Base Camp of the world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest. You can visit Rongbuk Monastery & then view spectacular sight of Mount Everest.

Note: Our Vehicle is not allowed to drive till EBC, so we need to take Eco Bus from the eco bus station. The eco bus service is started by local government to reduce the impact and carbon emission of the cars at the Mount Everest Nature reserve. The eco-bus station is located 79 km within the north gate of the Everest National Nature Preserve and is just 20km to the base camp. Tourist buses or vehicles stop at the station and then transfer to the base camp. Each bus has 29 seats and runs every 10 mins from 7am to 9pm, to minimize the waiting time of tourists and to satisfy the need of tourist enjoying the sunrise and sunset of Mt. Everest.

After an awesome experience you will be drive back to Old Tingri for your overnight stay. O/N at Hotel/Guest house in Old Tingri (BB).

Note:Offer "Lungta" and prayers flag (printed prayers for the peace and good health/happiness) together with your Tibetan Guide. Offering Lungta in high passes and temple is believed to bring good fortune and long life in Tibetan culture.

Day 10: Drive to Kyirong (2600m) – 240 km, 5 hrs
After breakfast you will drive along Peku Tso (Lake) and arrived Dzonkha (Kyirong Xian), then drive further 70km cross high pass Yangdo La 5326m/17470ft to Nepal border town of Kyirong. Kyirong is also a famous religious and historical place, home of 11th Century great saint and Guru Milarepa known for his tantric wisdom as well a poet and folk singer, his song are still remembered by local herdsman and villagers. O/N at Hotel in Kyirong (BB)

Day 11: Drive to Kathmandu – 170 km, 7–8 hrs
Your last day in Lhasa, with a wealth of unforgettable impressions and experiences in your luggage, you will make your way to the airport as per your departure time, start your journey home and review the magical places and moments of this journey in your mind. After breakfast, drive 25 km to the border and the immigration point. After Chinese Immigration formalities we cross into Nepal by foot and meet Nepali representative and vehicle at the Nepal side called Timure, Rasuwa Ghadi. After Nepali immigration formalities, you drive to Kathmandu. It is an interesting combination drive of dirt and paved road along the Langtang national park through smaller town of Syabrubensi and Dunche (ideal place for lunch) and finally continue your journey via Nuwakot. You will experience more traffic along the road. Tour Concludes.