Kathmandu to Lhasa via Everest Overland 8 Days Tour

Day 1: Kathmandu - Syabrubesi (137km, 8-10 hrs depending on the road condition)

After breakfast, our driver will pick you up in your hotel during 9:00-9:30 am and drive to China-Tibet border. During the driving, we can see the deep gorges, snow-capped mountains on the way. We will also drive across the LuangTang National Park. Tonight we will stay overnight in village guest house in Syabrubesi

Notice: Please make sure you have the Chinese group visa applied properly in advance in Kathmandu!

Day 2: Syabrubesi - Gyirong (40km, 4-5hrs) (B)

After breakfast, we will drive to the border and acorss the customs. Our Tibetan guide will be waiting for you at the China side with your permit ready. Then we will drive to Gyirong  Town to take rest and get acclimatized. In the afternoon, you can take a stroll to visit Paba Temple (2850m), a Gelugpa temple built by Tibetan King Songtsan Gambo at the proposal of his wife Nepali princess Bhrikuti. The Nepali style temple with delicate murals is only within minutes’ walk from your hotel. Tonight we will stay at a basic hotel in Gyirong Town.

Day 3: Gyirong - EBC - Tingri (480km, 11 hrs) (B)

Today, we will first pass through Peikutso Lake and grassland then we continue to drive to Everest Base Camp and visit the world highest Monastery, the Rongbuk Monastery. On the way, you can view the splendid panoramic Himalaya Mountain Range at Gyawula Pass (5200m). After the fantastic view, we will continue to Tingri, a lower place to stay the night.

Day 4: Tingri - Shigatse (280km, 7 hrs) (B)

Today, following the G318 road, we will drive from Tingri back to Shigatse, where we will visit the seat of Panchan Lama - Tashilunpo Monastery, one of the most important monasteries in Tibet.

Day 5: Shigatse - Gyantse - Lhasa (375km) (B)

After breakfast, we will drive from Shigatse back to Lhasa via Gyantse. On the way, we can see many Tibetan farmer villages and visit the Pelkor Monastery, Manak Dam, Karola Glacier and Yamdrok Lake.

Day 6: Lhasa city tour

Today we will visit the famous Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery.

Drepung Monastery is the largest of all Tibetan monasteries that housed for more than 10,000 monks. It was the residence of the Dalai Lamas until the Great Fifth Dalai Lama constructed the Potala. It was known for the high standards of its academic study, and was called the Nalanda of Tibet. And then you also can visit the biggest monastery kitchen in the monastery and enjoy Buddhist sculpture carving workshop near Drepung.

Sera Monastery is one of the “great three” Gelug monasteries of Tibet. We will watch the Monks Debate at around 3 - 5 in the afternoon. In addition, you can tour  the Tibetan religious scripture printing house and see three sand Mandalas and colorful Rock Painting of Buddha inside the Monastery.

Optional: If you want to, we can arrange the Wencheng Princess Show at night. Price starting from 60 USD.

Day 7: Lhasa city tour

Today we will visit the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street.

Potala Palace is the winter palace of the Dalai lama. It was put to use since the 7th Century by the 33rd great king of Tibet. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and meditation Cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.

Jokhang Temple is known as the center of the Tibetan Buddhism, features Buddhist prayer wheels, reclining deer, golden sutra streamers. Around the temple, you can see a great many of pilgrims praying in front of the temple. If you want to, we can do kora with local pilgrims.

We will stroll in the old alleys of Barkhor Street where you can drink the sweet tea, chat with locals and even bargain with the street vendors to understand the real life in Lhasa.

Later we will have farewell dinner together with the whole group members.

Day 8: Lhasa departure

Our guide will drop you to the airport/train station based on your departure time. Tour ends.