Compare Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour via Everest Base Camp by Himalayan Glacier Adventure vs 9 Day Classic Hawaii by Gate 1 Travel

Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa and transfer to hotel

Accommodation: Hotel (Kyichu Hotel)

Travel Distance: 60 km Driving: 1 hour

Maximum Altitude: 3,650m/11,976ft

We arrive in Lhasa either by taking a direct flight from Nepal or via mainland China. If we decide to fly from Nepal, then we get to enjoy a beautiful hour-long trans-Himalayan flight that takes us over Everest (8,848m), Kanchenjunga (8,536m) and other Himalayan peaks and glaciers. If we choose to go to Lhasa via mainland China, we may fly from any of the major Chinese cities or take the world’s highest train route to Lhasa. Upon our arrival in Lhasa, a representative from Himalayan Glacier will escort us either from the airport or the train station to our designated hotel in Lhasa.  We are advised to take plenty of rest for the remainder of the day in order to minimize altitude sickness. Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 2: Lhasa Sightseeing: Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel (Kyichu Hotel)

Driving: 5-6 hrs

Maximum Altitude: 3,650m/11,976ft

We visit Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar today. Drepung Monastery, which was built in the 14th century, is the world’s largest monastery and believed to have sheltered around 10,000 monks in the past, but as of now there has been quite a declination resulting in only a few hundred. The history, culture, and religious beliefs of the Tibetan people are strongly concentrated and centered in this marvelous monastery.  Sera Monastery is a preserved monastery of whitewashed walls and golden roofs.  The main attraction to visit this monastery is to see the monks debating which is held from 3-5 pm every day apart from Sundays. Jokhang Temple is another important sacred site which unravels more deep-seated mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism. Inside you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni when he was twelve-years-old.  We further stroll through Barkhor Bazaar (market). With its open air stalls, shops and crowds of pilgrims, it is the nerve center of Lhasa. Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 3: Lhasa sightseeing: Potala Palace, Norbulingka Palace and Tibet Traditional Hospital

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel (Kyichu Hotel)

Driving: 5-6 hrs

Maximum Altitude: 3,650m/11,976ft

After breakfast, we begin exploring Lhasa visiting the beautiful Potala and Norbulingka Palaces, better known as Winter palace and Summer Palace, respectively. Built in the 17th century, Potala Palace provides amazing views of the entire city, and houses the private quarters of the Dalai Lama. Norbulingka Palace houses what is considered to be the largest man-made garden in Tibet. Next, we visit the Tibet Traditional Hospital, which is the center for the treatment, training, research and production of Tibetan medicine. Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 4: Lhasa to Gyantse via Karo La Pass and Yamdrok Tso Lake

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel (Yeti Hotel)

Travel Distance: 325 km Driving: 5-6 hrs

Maximum Altitude: 5,045m/16,553ft

Today, we take a scenic drive to Gyantse. On the way we cross the Khamba La Pass (4,794m) with a brief halt to savor the beauty of the Yamdrok Tso (Turquoise Lake), one of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet and the beautiful Nazin Kang Sang glacier (7,252m). Soon, we come across another pass, The Karo La Pass (5,045m). From our vehicle, we can enjoy views of huge glaciers tumbling down into the road before reaching Gyantse. In Gyantse, we visit the Khumbum Stupa, Phalkot Monastery and Gyantse Dzong (Fortress), which is one of the best preserved dzongs in Tibet. Overnight in Gyantse.

Day 5: Gyantse to Shigatse via Shalu Monastery

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel (Gesar Hotel)

Travel Distance: 95 km Driving: 2 hrs

Maximum Altitude: 3,900m/12,796ft

In the morning, we drive towards Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet. On the way, we visit Shalu Monastery. Founded in 1040 A.D, Shalu Monastery is known for its beautiful and ancient mural paintings. Next, we continue to Shigatse. While there, we visit the popular Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, the home of the Panchen Lama, which holds both historical and cultural importance for being founded by Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama in 1447 A.D.  After sightseeing in Shigatse we will have the rest of the day free for resting, which will help us with acclimatization and the next day’s long drive. Overnight in Shigatse.

Day 6: Shigatse to Rongbuk via Sakya Monastery

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Guest House (Rongbuk Monastery Guest House)

Travel Distance: 390 km Driving: 7-8 hrs

Maximum Altitude: 5,000m/16,405ft

After breakfast, we drive to Rongbuk beginning our journey right through some beautiful villages and getting the first glimpse of Mount Everest from the foot of Gyatso la pass (5220m).

On the way, we visit Sakya Monastery, also known as Pel Sakya, the ancestral temple of the Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism which provides access to the Buddha’s teachings. After the visit to Sakya Monastery, we continue driving towards Rongbuk. Crossing the Lalung la pass, we reach Rongbuk Monastery, which is located at the foot of the mighty Everest and is the highest monastery in the world. While here, we also enjoy the stunning mountainous scenery all around us, including the breathtaking views of the north face of Mt. Everest. Overnight in Rongbuk.

Day 7: Rongbuk to Kyirong via Everest Base Camp

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel (Kyirong Hotel)

Travel Distance: 335 km Driving: 7-8 hrs

Maximum Altitude: 5,250m/17,225ft

Early in the morning, we will drive to Everest Base Camp (5,250m/17,220ft.), the foot of the world’s highest mountain.  On the way, we enjoy spectacular views of 3 eight-thousander peaks like Shishapangma, Cho Oyu and the mighty Everest, also known as Mt. Chomolongma on the Tibetan side. Today, we accomplish one of the major highlights of our trip, reaching the base camp of Mt. Everest where we get to catch a glimpse of the marvelous Rongbuk glacier. We make a 16km round trip to the Everest Base Camp. After spending some quality time at the base of Mt. Everest, we make Kyirong our next destination. This is the last contact with the Tibetan plateau where pilgrims stop to hang prayer flags, burn incense and throw prayer notes into the air. Overnight in Kyirong.

Day 8: Kyirong to Kathmandu

Meals: Breakfast

Travel Distance: 130 km Driving: 8-9 hrs

Maximum Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft

On completion of the border formalities after breakfast, we travel onward to Kathmandu. The highway connecting Tibet to Nepal via Kyirong passes through the Nepalese towns of Trishuli, Dhunche, Syabrubesi and Rasuwagadi driving along small mountainous road. On the way, we can have glimpses of numerous waterfalls, rivers, gorges and lush forests and enjoy the scenic views. Arrival at Kathmandu marks the end of our trip. Overnight in Kathmandu. (Cost of staying in Kathmandu not included)

Note that on rare occasions due to bad weather or political riots the local government may close down the road to the Everest base camp for safety reasons and without prior notice.