Highland Asia

Tibet Everest Basecamp Classic

12 Days 11 Nights Trip CodeTEB80

Overview

An overland adventure from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp and back on the high roads of Tibet.

A spectacular flight whisks us into the Gongar airport of Lhasa and we embark on the journey of a life time. We take 4WD land cruiser ride up to Rongbuk Monastery from where the Everest Base Camp is a less than an hour soft hike. We will be overwhelmed by the unobstructed views of the might mountain from the bottom to the top which is quiet impossible even after several days of strenuous hiking from the Nepal side.

The drive on the high roads of is very scenic with views of vast Tibetan plateau and snow capped mountains. We stop in the towns and village to visit the major Buddhist shrines and temples. We take optional hikes on the pilgrimage path around the monastery and stop in the farm or villages to experience the local culture.

Major Attractions:
~Ancient Samye Monastery-the first Buddhist monastery to be built in Lhasa.
~Ruins of Yambulakhang Palace-the first palace building of Tibet
~Tombs of the ancient Tibetan kings at Chongye Valley
~Scenic drive along the shores of holy Yamdrok Tso Lake.
~Spectacular views of snow capped mountains from the high passes of Tibet.
~Exploration of the major Buddhist monasteries of Kumbum, Shalu Monastery, Tashilunbo ~Monastery, Drepung and Sera Monasteries.
~Optional hike to Gyantse Fortress and other monasteries
~An unobstructed views of Mount Everest from the bottom to the top.
~Many opportunity to stop in the villages and interact with the locals.
~09 Nights 3 star or higher standard hotels in the cities, 1 night basic guest house accommodation and 1 night basic hotel.
~Trips lead by local Tibetan Guide
~Fly into Lhasa from Kathmandu or Beijing or other major Chinese cities.
~We will take care of all permits and entry formalities and internal airfare reservation.

Click on image to enlarge the map.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01~Flight to Gonkar airport of Lhasa and transfer to Tsedang.

Day 02~Explore the highlights of Yarlung Valley.

Day 03~Long day drive to Gyantse on the high roads of Tibet.
( Altitude 13, 467ft, distance 180 miles, approximately 6-7 hrs drive).

Day 04~Explore the monastery and hike the fortress at Gyantse town.

Day 05~Continue on to Shigatse-Tibet's second largest city after Lhasa.
(12,785ft, 57miles, 2 ½ hrs) .

Day 06~Drive across Gyatso la to Shegar .
(4050m/13500ft, 182km/121miles, 5 hrs)

Day 07~Drive to Rongbuk Monastery
(4980m/16,600ft, 63km/42miles, 2hrs)

Day 08~Hike to the Everest Base Camp and retrace drive to Shigatse.

Day 09~Take the Northern route along the shores of Yarlungdzangbo River to Lhasa.

Day 10-11~Explore Dalai Lama's palaces and major Buddhist monasteries of Lhasa.

Day 12~ Departure.

Itinerary

Day 01: Flight to Gonkar airport of Lhasa and transfer to Tsedang

Fly into Gongar airport of Lhasa from Kathmandu or Bangkok or Honkong or Beijing or Chengdu. Upon arrival at the airport, we are met by Tibetan Guide and we drive to Tsedang (58 miles, 2 hrs). Check in hotel and we take rest for acclimatization.

Accommodation in Tsedang Hotel or similar.

Day 02: Explore the highlights of Yarlung Valley

After breakfast, we embark on the tour of the Yarlung Valley. We begin from Tradruk Temple- one of the earliest and a demonesss subduing temple of Tibet-contemporary to Ramoche and Jorkhang Temple of Lhasa-lies about 5 miles from main Tsedang . From here, we continue to Yambulakhang Palace-the oldest building of Tibet. It is situated atop a craggy ridgeoverlooking the patchwork fields of Yarlung Valley and makes an impressive sight with a lovely setting.

The journey continues to Chongye Valley (40km/25 miles from Tsedang) which is enclosed by rugged peaks. The main attractions of the valley are the tombs of ancient Tibetan kings which are historical sites giving evidences of pre-Buddhist culture in Tibet. Accounts of the location and number of the mounds vary but we will visit the most revered of the mounds and closest to the road-the Tomb of Songtsen Gampo. Late afternoon, we retrace drive to our hotel in Tsedang.

Accommodation in Tsedang Hotel or similar.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 03: Tsedang-Gyantse

Altitude 13, 467ft, distance 180 miles, approximately 6-7 hrs drive)

After breakfast, we leave Tsedang for a great journey of a lifetime. About 20 miles from Tsedang, we stop and cross Yarlungzambo River by ferry and take a truck ride to the monastery of Samye. Samye is the first Buddhist Monastery of Tibet and most popular destination for travelers in the Ü region of Tibet. Samye Monastery’s design represents Buddhist universe and many of the constructions in the courtyard are cosmological symbols. We backtrack to the ferry crossing and continue our journey to Gyantse.

Near Tsangpo Bridge in Chusul, we join the main Lhasa-Gyantse Highway and the road climbs to Kambala Pass (15,700 ft) from where we will have the first view of dazzling Yamdrok Tso Lake that lies several feet below the road. This is one of the four holiest lakes of Tibet and the home of wrathful deities. The road runs almost 40 miles along the shores of the lake, making it the most beautiful drive of the trip. We have our lunch stop in Nangkartse, the only largest town on the lakeside. Leaving Nangkartse behind, the road climbs to Karo La (16,500ft), again offering stupendous views of the Himalayas and then descend to Gyantse. Gyantse is the third largest town of Tibet and its still very much Tibetan in character.

Accommodation in Gyantse Hotel, the only best hotel in the town.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 04: At Gyantse

Today, we leisurely explore the highlights of Gyantse. The town’s principal attractions are the Gyantse Kumbum, a magnificent tiered structure, Pelkor Chode Monastery and the Gyantse Dzong fortress. Kumbum and Pelkor Chode monastery share the same compound which ones contained 15 monasteries of different faiths.

We take a stiff hike to the historic Gyantse Dzong fortress. History is in its place, but what attracts most is fascinating views of Pelkhor Chode, the ancient alleyways, and the jagged surrounding peaks. We descend and visit the Tibetan dwellings where we will have opportunity to experience Tibetan culture and their lifestyle.

Accommodation in Gyantse Hotel, the only best hotel in the town.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 05: Gyantse-Shigatse

12,785ft, 57miles, 2 ½ hrs

Visit the highlights of Gyantse such as Pelkor Chode Monastery and Kumbum Stupa. From the stupa, we take rickshaw ride or just walk back to the parking lot and take car ride back to the hotel. We collect your luggage and set out for Shigatse-the second largest city in Central Tibet. About 20 km (12.5 miles) before Shigatse, we take a 4 km/2.5 miles detour of Shalu Monastery-one of the major attractions of the area. Upon arrival in the city, we check in our hotel and after some rest, we visit the famous Tashilunbo Monastery-the principal seat of Panchen Lama-the second most venerated religious leader of Tibet.

Accommodation in Shigatse Manasarovara Hotel, a 3 star hotel by local standard.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 06: Shigatse-Shegar

4050m/13500ft, 182km/121miles, 5 hrs

Drive to Shegar, also known as New Tingri. The journey involves crossing of two high passes Tropu La ( 16,236 ft) and Gyatso La (17,122 ft). Check in hotel and take rest for a while. Later visit the ruins of historic Shegar Dzong, once the capital of Tingri region. If time permits, visit Shegar Chode Monastery, which is a small Gelugpa institution.

Accommodation in Qomolongma Hotel, a 2 star hotel by local standard, the only hotel at the top end.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 07: Day Xegar- Dza Rongbuk Monastery.

4980m/16,600ft, 63km/42miles, 2hrs)

Drive from Xegar to Dza Rongbuk Monastery in the morning. The journey involves crossing over Pang La (5120m/16,794 ft) that rewards you with the views of several 8 thousanders like Makalu, Lhotse, Cho Oyu and Mount Everest. The journey mostly goes through dirt road, passing through several picturesque villages. Upon arrival at Rongbuk , check in the monastery guesthouse or and after refreshment; take an hour walk trek to the Everest Base Camp (5200m/17,333ft). If the mountains are covered by clouds, we may want to hike the next day morning.

Accommodation will be in a basic guest house with share toilet.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 08: Rongbuk-Xegar-Shigatse (B)

Retrace the way back to Shigatse.

Accommodation in Shigatse Manasarovara Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 09: Shigatse-Lhasa (B)

260 km/163 miles, 5-6 hrs)

Drive to Lhasa via Northern Friendshi Highway that follows the Yarlungdzangbo River. En route, we may visit Yungdrungling Monastery of Bön-the pre-Buddhist religion of Tibet. Before we arrive at Lhasa, we may also stop to visit Drolma Lakhang Temple and Blue Rock Carving of Buddha.

Accommodation in Kyichu or similar hotel in Barkhor area.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: At Lhasa (B)

Today, we will visit Drepung Monastery, Norbulingkha Palaces, Jorkhang Temple and explore the Barkhor Street.

Drepung Monastery, situated to the west of Lhasa city, was the largest and richest of the three major Yellow Sect monasteries in Lhasa. It owns many splendid murals, elaborate statues and other rich treasures.

On our return from Drepung, we stop to visit Norbulinka- the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas. The Norbilinka has three palaces, situated in a beautiful garden. Most visited is the private residence of current Dalai Lama that includes his private chamber, meditation room, the reception room and the throne room.

In the afternoon, we visit the Jokhang Temple, situated in the center of old Lhasa, was originalyl built in 647 AD. It is said the site was chosen personally by the wife of King Songtsan Gampo, the Tang Princess Wen Cheng. It was built by craftsmen from Tibet, China and Nepal and thus features different architectural styles. The Jokhang is the spiritual center of Tibet and the holiest destination for all Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims.

The Barkhor lies in the heart of Lhasa circling the Jokhang Temple. Barkhor means “ a pilgrim’s inner circuit”, and is the earliest street of old Lhasa city. Houses and small inns were built all around the street. As time went on, shops and businesses also set up in the Barkhor, and it slowly became a prosperous area.

Accommodation in Kyichu or similar hotel in Barkhor area.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11: At Lhasa (B)

We visit Potala Palace in the morning and afternoon visit Sera Monastery.

The world famous Potala Palace of the Dalai Lama is located on "Red Hill", to the west of old Lhasa and was the seat of Tibetan government, and with chapesl, cells, schools for religious classes and tombs of Dalai Lamas, it was a self contained world. Kora (pilgrimage path) hike of Potala that encircles the foot of the palaceis a nice walk and a wonderful experience.

After lunch break, we will head to Sera Monastery, the last of the three principal Yellow Sect monasteries to be built in Lhasa. Sera means” Hailstone” in Tibet, and legend tells that it hailed during the foundation of this famous monastery. Sera comprise a great sutra chanting hall, a college and 32 sections. It once housed nearly 10,000 monks, and is proud of its glorious history during the Ming Dynasty. At Sera, we will take chance to watch the monks debating session.

Accommodation in Kyichu or similar hotel in Barkhor area.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Departure

Transfer to airport for flight to your next destination.

Meals: Breakfast

Trip Info

Cost Includes

Accommodation on twin sharing
Daily Breakfast
All transfers and sightseeing by a private air conditioned car or coach
Sightseeing admission fees
English speaking Tour Guide
Tibet Travel Permit

Cost Does Not Include

International and internal air fare
Airport Taxes
Chinese visa fee
Lunch and dinner except as indicated
Drinks, tip and other expenses of personal nature
Travel & Health Insurance
All extra expenses caused due to nature or unforeseen events. Excess baggage charges
Optional tipping to local staffs, hotels etc.
Items of a personal nature (sodas, alcoholic beverages, laundry, telephone etc.

Passport and visa

Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months at the time of travel and there should be enough blank pages for entry and departure seals.

Entering Tibet via mainland China:

You will apply Chinese visa at your nearest Embassy but do not disclose your Tibet intention, or they will direct you to apply for a group visa which has more disadvantages than advantages. Chinese visa validity can vary from 3 to 6 months from the date of issue and make sure your visa doesn't expire before you enter China. Usually, they allow 30 days stay in China from the date of entry. We advise you apply Chinese visa at least one and half month ahead of the trip and provide us a clear scanned copy of the passport and visa in mail or by email at least a month ahead of the trip for smooth Tibet permit processing. A origincal copy of the permit will be shipped to your local contact address (e.g. hotel) in the gateway city. You are required to present this permit when you check in flight to Lhasa.Your Guide will be holding all other necessary permits required for this trip.

Entering Tibet from Kathmandu Nepal:

In this case, you don't need to obtain Chinese visa beforehand. We will obtain visa invitation letter for you from Tibetan tourism bureau. Once you are in Kathmandu, we collect your original passport, have you complete the visa application form and submit the documents to Chinese embassy for you while you are enjoying sightseeing. Please, bring a passport size photograph. Visa fee varies based on the available processing time. We will invoice you for Chinese visa cost.

You can obtain Nepal visa beforehand from Nepalese embassies or consulates in your country or you can wait until you arrive at the port of entry to Nepal. Visa fee costs US$ 25 for 15 days and US$ 40 for 30 days multiple entry. Please, bring one passport size photo for Nepalese visa.

Accommodation:

In Lhasa, we will book a mid range tourist standard hotel in Barkhor Area. Our choice of hotels are Kyichu, Dhod Gu, Gorkha, Thangka, Yak and Kailash Hotel, all located in Barkhor Area and are locally managed and provide friendly and hospitable services. In Tsedang, we stay in the top end Tsedang Hotel which is a 4 star hotel by local standard. In the towns of Gyantse, Shigatse, the top end hotels are 2-3 star hotels by local standard. You will have heated rooms, en suite bathroom with hot water. But due to electric outage, hot water may be available only during certain time of the day.

Accommodation in Rongbuk is very basic, which are simple dorms but we make sure you have a private room for 2 persons. They have Tibetan style squat toilet that you will share with other guests. If hot shower is available, they charge extra. Hotels in Tibet have limited supplies of toiletries and so please, bring your own set. They may not also have hair dryer, iron and ironing boards.

If preferred hotels listed above are not available at the time of booking, we will obviously pick the next best available.

Food:

The trip cost includes breakfast only. The hotels cater Chinese, Tibetan, Indian, Nepali and western style breakfasts. Lunch and dinners are not included in tour cost. You can expect to spend US$ 10-12 per meal in regular tourist standard restaurants. There are wide ranges of Chinese, Tibetan, Nepali, and Indian and Western dishes served in the restaurants. You may want to bring some dry fruits, chocolates, energy bars, vitamin supplements etc.

Roads and Transportation:

We provide 4500 model Toyota Land cruiser or Toyota Hiace minivan or coaster bus depending on the group size for entire transfers and tours. Roads are generally good and well paved but from Shegar to Rongbuk monastery section, its a rough road. Bring a protection for your nose to avoid inhaling dust! Driver may or may not speak English but he knows the Tibetan roads and has skills to fix the vehicle in case of any mechanical problems.

Guide:

You will be accompanied by an experienced and knowledgeable English speaking Tibetan Guide throughout the tour. Besides guiding you on tour, your guide is also responsible in dealing with check posts and local bureaucracies and complete necessary paper works. Guide and driver are different persons.

Altitude sickness and health Issues

There is no mandatory vaccination required for traveling in Tibet but you may consider vaccination against rabies and Hep A. Travelers with cardiac-pulmonary issues or any other medical conditions are recommended to consult their physician. The main health consideration in Tibet is altitude related illness or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). You may experience some mild symptoms initially, such as headache, lethargy, nausea and sleeplessness, but these should lessen within a few days. A supply of bottled oxygen is carried in the vehicle at all times should it be required. Hotels in Lhasa are equipped with oxygen. Doctors will also be available on call.

You should start some physical exercises like jogging, swimming, cycling, hiking and aerobics about several weeks ahead of the trip that keeps you fit and lessens the chance of getting altitude sickness. You should have a good sleep the night before you fly in to Lhasa and take complete rest on the first day. Its also advisable to drink 3-4 liters of water daily and consume liquid food.

Clothing & Packing List

During the day a light shirt or jumper and lightweight pants will be suitable, but a warm fleece or sweater is recommended for the evenings and mornings. Night temperatures can fall below freezing point even in summer.

Warm fleece top
Thermal underwear (top and bottom)
Cotton shirts (short and long sleeved)
Warm and cotton trousers
Sun polarized sunglasses
Beanie or warm woolen hat and gloves
Scarf (to keep out dust as well as cold)
Sandals (flip-flops)
Towel
Rain and wind proof jacket
Strong sun cream and lip protector
Moisturizer
Water bottle
Camera (and plenty of film and spare batteries)

Note on Itinerary

Although we will do our very best to adhere to the itinerary schedule as listed; it is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

Booking and Cancellation

When you are sure you are traveling, please don't delay in booking.A deposit of US$200 on land plus the cost of internal airfares is requested along with complete trip application form and passport copies.Balance payment is due 60 days prior to your departure. Depending on the number of applicants, we may set an early payment date. If balance of payment is not received by the requested date, we reserve the right to cancel your booking without prior notice.

Cancellation Fee

• 90 days prior departure: Administrative fee US$ 50 per person.
• 60-89 day's prior departure: US$ 250 or 25% of the land cost whichever is higher.
• 45 days to 59 days prior departure: US$ 450 or 50% of the land cost whichever is higher.
• 30 days to 44 days prior departure: US$ 600 or 75% of the land cost whichever is higher.
• Less than 30 days: 100%

Highland Asia Travel

We are an active adventure travel company, based in Minneapolis, USA with destination management offices in Kathmandu, Thimphu and Lhasa. We are BBB acredited business and an active member of American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). We have set the standard for adventure travel and have a strong reputation for excellence that we do everything we can to maintain. Our managers and guides have more than 15 years of experience in organizing and leading adventure trips in the highlands of Asia. For us travel is not just a business, but a way of life.

Travel Protection Plan

While we plan and do our best to make your trip smooth and seamless, there may be chances of unforeseen events and conditions such as illness, accident, inclement weather, and flight cancellation or missed connection or loss of baggage etc. that may cause interruption or delay or total cancellation of your trip putting your hard earned travel investment in jeopardy. It’s also possible that you may need medical assistance, emergency evacuation or medical transportation when you get ill or involve in an accident when you are traveling in remote areas. Highland Asia’s Tour cost does not cover any of these expenses or losses and so we strongly recommend you that you should protect yourself and your travel investment against those unfavorable conditions.

Trip Dates

This trip does not have any scheduled departure date. Please click on the button below to inquire for a private trip.

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Trip Snapshot

Difficulty LevelModerate: This is moderate trip !
RatingPopular
Destination(s)Tibet
Highest AltitudeGyatso La ( 5, 220m)
Group Size2-10 Person
Trip Price
Mar-June 2012
US$ 2185 (2-3 persons)
US$ 1925 (4-5 persons)
US$ 1625 (6-9 persons)
US$ 370 (Single Room Supp)

Jul-Oct 2012
US$ 2530 (2-3 persons)
US$ 2298 (4-5 persons)
US$ 1890 (6-9 persons)
US$ 395 (Single Room Supp)

Nov 2012-Mar 2013
US$ 1950 (2-3 persons)
US$ 1780 (4-5 persons)
US$ 1550 (6-9 persons)
US$ 360 (Single Room Supp)

Flight to and out of Lhasa extra
Tour cost is subject to change.
Please ask for a special price for a private and family tour.
Trip Start FromLhasa
Trip Ends atKathmandu
AccommodationHotels and guesthouses