Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by a representative from Explore Holiday Treks and transferred to your hotel. The day is free for you to relax and recover from your journey. You can explore the local area around Thamel or rest in your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers, where your trip will be briefed, and you will be given an overview of the coming days.
After breakfast, you will undertake on a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa, which offer rich cultural and spiritual experiences. After lunch, return to your hotel, where the Explore Holiday Treks team will assist you with the necessary travel permits and documentation for your Tibet journey. You will also have time to finalize your packing and make any last-minute preparations.
Today marks the start of your overland journey to Tibet. After an early breakfast, you’ll begin the scenic drive from Kathmandu to the Kyirung border town. The drive takes around 6 to 7 hours, passing through picturesque villages, lush forests, and rivers. Upon arrival in Kodari, you will complete the necessary immigration and border formalities before crossing into Tibet. From the border, it’s a short drive to Kyirung, a small town where you will stay overnight to acclimatize and rest.
After breakfast in Kyirung, continue your drive towards Tingri, a town located at an altitude of 4,300 meters. The drive takes you through spectacular landscapes, including the Tibetan plateau and scenic valleys, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. You will also pass through several Tibetan villages and monasteries. Upon arrival in Tingri, check into your hotel and take the rest of the day to rest and acclimatize to the higher altitude.
Today is one of the most exciting days of the trip. You’ll begin your drive early in the morning towards Rongbuk Monastery, situated at 5,200 meters, where you’ll be able to enjoy spectacular views of Mount Everest. From here, you’ll take a short excursion to the Everest Base Camp, where you will have the chance to gaze up at the world’s highest peak. After spending some time at the base camp, you’ll continue your journey to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet. The drive is approximately 6 to 7 hours. Upon arrival in Shigatse, you will check into your hotel for the night.
After breakfast, drive from Shigatse to Gyantse, a scenic town known for its rich cultural history. The drive takes around 3 hours, passing through the Tibetan countryside with beautiful views of the Himalayas and traditional Tibetan settlements. Once in Gyantse, you’ll visit the Pelkhhor Chode Monastery and the famous Kumbum Stupa, a unique multi-storied structure with intricately painted chapels. In the evening, you’ll have time to explore the town or relax in your hotel.
Today’s journey takes you from Gyantse to Lhasa, the spiritual and cultural heart of Tibet. The drive will take approximately 5 to 6 hours, and along the way, you’ll pass by stunning landscapes and high-altitude lakes. Upon arrival in Lhasa, you will check into your hotel and take some time to rest. Lhasa is located at a higher altitude, so it’s important to take it easy and allow your body time to acclimatize to the environment.
After a restful night, you’ll begin your exploration of Lhasa. Visit the world-renowned Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, head to the Jokhang Temple, the most sacred temple in Tibetan Buddhism, and wander around Barkhor Bazaar, where you can shop for local Tibetan crafts. In the afternoon, visit Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in Tibet. The day will end with an opportunity to explore the city at your own pace.
This morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before driving to Lhasa Gonggar Airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel, where you can relax, reflect on your trip, or explore any sites you may have missed earlier in your stay. The evening is free for you to do as you please, whether it’s shopping for souvenirs or enjoying a farewell dinner with your group.
After breakfast, your representative from Explore Holiday Treks will assist you with your transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. With unforgettable memories of your overland Tibet adventure, you will bid farewell to Nepal, concluding your trip with Explore Holiday Treks.
The Drive-In, Fly-Out Tibet Tour with Everest Base Camp, offered by Explore Holiday Treks, is an exclusive travel experience that allows you to explore Tibet’s cultural highlights and the breathtaking landscapes of Everest Base Camp without the need for an overland journey both ways. You’ll start your adventure by driving into Tibet from Kathmandu, Nepal, through the stunning Tibetan plateau, and then fly back to Kathmandu from Lhasa after completing the tour. This tour is designed for those looking for an adventurous yet efficient way to visit Everest Base Camp while enjoying the best of Tibet’s scenic and cultural beauty.
The Drive-In, Fly-Out Tibet Tour typically lasts between 10 to 12 days. This duration includes time for the scenic drive to Everest Base Camp, visits to major Tibetan landmarks like the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street, as well as the drive and trek to Everest Base Camp. The final leg of the trip involves a flight back to Kathmandu. The itinerary is designed to allow for proper acclimatization while also covering all the must-see spots in Tibet.
The ideal time for the Drive-In, Fly-Out Tibet Tour is from April to October. During this period, the weather is more favorable for both driving and trekking, with clear skies, moderate temperatures, and better accessibility to Everest Base Camp. The winter months, from November to March, can bring harsher weather conditions and snow that may limit access to certain regions, so it is best to avoid traveling during this time.
For this tour, you will begin your journey with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Tibet, crossing the border at the famous Zhangmu or Kerung border post. From there, you’ll travel through the Tibetan plateau, passing through the town of Shigatse, and continue to Lhasa, with stunning views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest. Along the way, you’ll stop to explore Tibet’s rich culture, monasteries, and natural landscapes.
After your time in Lhasa, you will travel by jeep along the Friendship Highway to Everest Base Camp. The journey offers breathtaking views of the Tibetan landscape and the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. At Everest Base Camp, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy panoramic views of Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks, including the famous North Face of Everest. Depending on your itinerary, you may also enjoy a short trek or hike in the area before heading back to Lhasa.
Lhasa sits at an altitude of 3,650 meters (12,000 feet), and Everest Base Camp is at approximately 5,360 meters (17,600 feet). To ensure your safety and comfort, the itinerary is designed with careful acclimatization days. These rest days allow your body to adjust to the higher altitudes gradually, reducing the risk of altitude sickness. Our expert guides will monitor your condition throughout the tour and provide guidance on how to handle any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Yes, the Drive-In, Fly-Out Tibet Tour is suitable for both first-time travelers and beginners. While the high altitudes and mountainous terrain may be challenging, the itinerary is designed to provide ample time for acclimatization. The drive and flight components of the tour make it more accessible for travelers who prefer not to trek long distances. Additionally, our experienced guides ensure that everyone is comfortable and safe during the journey.
Accommodation during the Drive-In, Fly-Out Tibet Tour varies based on location. In Lhasa, you will stay in well-equipped, comfortable hotels with modern amenities. As you venture toward Everest Base Camp, accommodations will become more basic, consisting of guesthouses and Tibetan-style lodges. These are clean and comfortable but may not have the same luxuries as city hotels. However, the focus of the tour is on the stunning surroundings and the adventure itself, making the accommodations simple but suitable for the journey.
Yes, a Tibet Travel Permit is required for foreign nationals visiting Tibet. As part of the Drive-In, Fly-Out Tibet Tour, Explore Holiday Treks will arrange the necessary permits on your behalf. The permit process involves approval from the Chinese government, and we will ensure that you have all the required documentation to travel to Tibet. Note that independent travel is not permitted in Tibet; travelers must be part of an organized tour like this one.
For the Drive-In, Fly-Out Tibet Tour, it’s important to be prepared for a range of weather conditions. Essential items include warm clothing for the higher altitudes, including a waterproof jacket, gloves, hats, and sturdy hiking boots. You should also bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a good camera to capture the amazing views. A packing list with additional recommendations will be provided after booking your tour to ensure you are fully prepared for the trip.
Yes, your safety is our top priority. Explore Holiday Treks has years of experience organizing tours in Tibet, and our guides are trained in high-altitude trekking, emergency response, and first aid. We adhere to strict safety protocols to ensure a smooth and secure journey. Our team will assist you throughout the trip, providing advice on acclimatization, health, and safety during your travels in Tibet.
Booking the Drive-In, Fly-Out Tibet Tour is easy. Simply contact Explore Holiday Treks through our website or by phone. Our team will provide you with all the information you need, assist with your booking, and answer any questions you may have. We recommend booking early to secure your spot on this popular tour.
