Arrive in Kathmandu, the vibrant capital of Nepal, where you will be greeted by the Explore Holiday Treks team. After completing your immigration formalities, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, rest, or explore the lively streets of Thamel. In the evening, a welcome dinner will be held at the hotel, where you can meet your fellow travelers and receive a briefing about the upcoming Lhasa and Everest Base Camp tour.
After breakfast, enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, and the iconic Boudhanath Stupa. In the afternoon, return to the hotel to finalize your travel documents and permits for Tibet. Your guide will assist with the necessary paperwork to ensure everything is in order for the flight to Lhasa. Enjoy a relaxed evening in Kathmandu, with the option to shop for last-minute items or rest.
After an early breakfast, you will head to Tribhuvan International Airport for your scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa. The flight offers incredible views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest and other towering peaks, as you approach Lhasa, the spiritual heart of Tibet. Upon arrival at Lhasa Gonggar Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is dedicated to acclimatization to the high altitude of Lhasa. Rest at your hotel to adjust to the altitude (3,650m).
Today, begin your exploration of Lhasa with a full-day sightseeing tour. Start with a visit to the famous Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama and one of Tibet's most iconic landmarks. Continue to Jokhang Temple, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Tibetan Buddhism. Walk around the Barkhor Bazaar, a lively marketplace where pilgrims and locals gather. In the afternoon, visit Sera Monastery, where you can witness the monks’ debates, and then enjoy a relaxing evening back at your hotel.
After breakfast, undertake on a scenic drive from Lhasa to Gyantse, located about 95 km away (approximately 4 hours). The journey takes you through picturesque landscapes, including rolling hills and Tibetan villages. In Gyantse, visit the Pelkor Chode Monastery, home to the beautiful Kumbum Stupa, and explore the historic Gyantse Dzong for panoramic views of the surrounding valley. Afterward, check into your hotel and enjoy a traditional Tibetan dinner.
After breakfast, drive for about 90 kilometers (2-3 hours) from Gyantse to Shigatse, Tibet's second-largest city. Along the way, take in the stunning views of the Tibetan plateau. Once in Shigatse, visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama and one of Tibet's largest monasteries. After exploring the monastery and the town, you’ll have some free time to wander the streets or shop for local Tibetan crafts. Stay overnight in Shigatse.
Today is a long but thrilling day. After breakfast, drive from Shigatse to Rongbuk, located at an elevation of 4,980 meters, about 355 kilometers away (approximately 7-8 hours). This journey will take you through stunning Tibetan landscapes, and you will catch glimpses of the majestic Mount Everest along the way. Once you reach Rongbuk, you will have the opportunity to visit Everest Base Camp, which lies at an altitude of 5,150 meters. The views of Mount Everest from the base camp are awe-inspiring. Afterward, return to your guesthouse in Rongbuk for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, embark on the long drive to Kerung, located near the Tibetan-Nepalese border. The drive covers approximately 255 kilometers and takes around 7-8 hours. As you make your way through the Tibetan plateau, enjoy the serene and majestic landscapes. Once you arrive in Kerung, you will be able to relax at your guesthouse and reflect on the unforgettable views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, before heading back to Nepal.
Today, you will drive from Kerung to Kathmandu, a journey that takes approximately 8-9 hours. After passing through the immigration formalities at the Tibet-Nepal border, you will continue your drive into Nepal. The scenic drive offers dramatic views of the mountains, rivers, and valleys, as you make your way back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner with the Explore Holiday Treks team, reflecting on the incredible journey through Tibet.
After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. Your Fly-in, Drive-out Lhasa Tour with Everest Base Camp comes to an end, but the memories of the stunning Tibetan landscapes and spiritual sites will stay with you forever. We hope to welcome you on another adventure with Explore Holiday Treks in the future.
The best time to take this tour is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is more stable, and the views are clear. Winter months are cold, and summer can bring rain, but the tour is available year-round. Our team will help you prepare based on the season.
Yes, a Tibet Travel Permit is required for all tourists. When you book this tour with Explore Holiday Treks, we will assist you in obtaining the necessary permits for Tibet. Additionally, a valid Chinese visa is needed to enter Tibet, which we can help arrange as well.
Tibet is at a high altitude, which may cause altitude sickness for some travelers. To help you acclimatize, we arrange a gradual itinerary with rest days in Lhasa and Shigatse. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and take it easy for the first few days to help your body adjust.
Accommodation will vary based on the location. In Lhasa and Shigatse, you will stay in comfortable 3-star or 4-star hotels, while in more remote areas like Gyantse and Everest Base Camp, accommodations will be simpler but adequate, with guesthouses and lodges offering a cozy atmosphere.
Pack warm clothes for the varying temperatures in Tibet, especially for higher altitudes like Everest Base Camp. Items to bring include comfortable walking shoes, a warm jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera for the stunning views. It’s also recommended to carry some personal medications, as well as a good quality water bottle.
The tour is suitable for most travelers, but it’s important to be in good general health due to the altitude. While there isn’t much strenuous physical activity, the high altitude and long drives can be tiring. If you have concerns about your fitness level, it’s advisable to consult your doctor before the trip.
Tibet is considered safe for tourists, though it’s important to be cautious about altitude sickness and follow the advice of your guides. Explore Holiday Treks ensures that all logistics are handled with care, and our experienced guides will ensure your safety throughout the journey.
Tibet requires that all foreign tourists travel with a licensed Tibetan tour operator. Explore Holiday Treks arranges all the logistics, including permits, transportation, and accommodation, ensuring a smooth and safe trip to Everest Base Camp.
