15 Days Tibet Overland with Everest Base Camp

The classic route across the roof of the world

Departing From Kathmandu or Chengdu and returning back to Kathmandu

DETAILED ITINERARY: (What you will see & do)

  DAY

1. Arrival in Kathmandu or Chengdu and transfer to Hotel.
2. Free day - Overnight in a Kathmandu hotel
3. The flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa / Chengdu to Lhasa is spectacular. From Gongkar airport it is about a 90 minute drive to Lhasa, first along the Yarlung Tsangpo then into the Kyi Chu Valley. Overnight at Yak Hotel or similar Hotel
4. Lhasa tour - With a relaxed pace to allow for the effects of altitude, explore this fantastic city on the roof of the world. The spiritual heart of Tibet is the Jokhang Temple and every morning is full of life as pilgrims bring offerings of butter and barley flour. The Potala Palace rises above the city and, more than any other sight, symbolizes the history and culture of Tibet. Overnight at Yak Hotel or similar Hotel.
5. Lhasa tour (continued) - Nearby are the huge monastic universities of Drepung and Sera (still active institutions). Overnight at Yak Hotel or similar Hotel.
6. Free day in Lhasa. Overnight at Yak Hotel or similar Hotel.
7. A long, yet scenic days drive across the Khamba La and Kora La (passes), along the shores of Lake Yamdrok Tso to Gyantse. Once an important trading town, Gyantse retains a feel of "old" Tibet. Overnight at Utse Hotel or similar Hotel.
8. In the morning visit a Gyantse monastery, Pelkor Choede, and the justifiably famous Kumbum, within the same complex. There may also be time to visit the dzong (fort) that towers above the town. In the afternoon we make the short (2-3 hour) drive along the valley to Shigatse. Overnight at Mansarovar Hotel or similar Hotel.
9. Morning Tashilhunpo is the seat of the Panchen Lama, second only in importance to the Dalai Lama. Its numerous halls contain a 21.6-meter wooden statue of Maitreya, the future Buddha and elaborate, jewel encrusted reliquary chorten. The afternoon is free to explore the old market, or perhaps visit the carpet factory where hand-woven carpets are made to traditional designs. Overnight at Sakya Hotel or similar Hotel.
10. Turn off the Friendship Highway for a stunning drive through Qomolangma National Park to reach the tiny Rhongphu Gompa at 5000m. The view from here is utterly spectacular! Overnight at Guest House.
11. Trek or drive the 7kms to Everest Base Camp (5200m) before heading to Lao Tingri via a rough, yet scenic track crossing small rivers and passes. Overnight at Guest House.
12. Another high pass gives a last spectacular view of the Himalaya before we leave the Tibetan Plateau, descending to Zhangmu. On the China-Nepal border and after the immigration formalities we proceed to Dhulikhel for a well deserved rest at this hill station. Overnight at hotel
13. After breakfast we proceed to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel
14. Free day in Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel
15. Airport transfer