Everest Base Camp Tour: 7-Day Adventure to the Roof of the World
The Everest base camp excursion will lead you to the "Top of the World", Mt. Everest, to explore the snow-covered mountains, alpine lakes, clear skies, sacred sites, and deeply devoted pilgrims. It combines Tibet's most renowned destinations into 7 action-packed days. This journey also offers an unforgettable camping experience near Mt. Everest, with the opportunity to capture stunning photos during sunrise and sunset.

Recommended Groups: Suitable for most individuals, though highly recommended for young people, couples, and students. Ideal for those with limited travel time but a desire to experience the "Top of the World".

Requirements: The tour itinerary is fast-paced, as it allows you to visit numerous attractions in a limited amount of time. Since you will only have 2-3 days to acclimate to the high altitude before heading to Mt. Everest, a relatively high level of physical fitness is necessary and some previous experience with high-altitude travel is recommended.

Expect to ascend and descend approximately 1,000 meters per day. Activities at Mt. Everest base camp are located at an elevation of around 5200m above sea level. Many of our clients will add an additional day for an outskirts tour of Lhasa or stay an extra night in Gyantse to allow sufficient time for acclimatization to the high altitude.

Best time: The best time to visit Mt. Everest is between April, May, and June, as you are more likely to have the optimal view of Mt. Everest. Avoid visiting in July and August, as these months are both peak season and rainy season. Roads may be closed during the winter and rainy season. It may be too cold to travel to Mt. Everest from October to March.

Everest Base Camp Itinerary

Day 1 Lhasa Arrival

Welcome to Lhasa! You'll be picked up and taken to your hotel in a private vehicle. Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the Yarlung Tsangpo River and observe Tibetan characteristics like Buddha carvings and prayer flags. After reaching your hotel, take the rest of the day to explore and adjust to the high altitude.

Day 2 Lhasa Sightseeing

Following breakfast, your first stop will be Norbulingka Park, the previous summer residence of the Dalai Lama. Discover the stunning gardens and immerse yourself in the profound history of one of the most sacred places in Tibetan Buddhism. Then, proceed to Drepung Monastery, which used to be the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery, accommodating 10,000 monks at its peak. Gain insight into the lives of Tibetan monks.

The tour concludes at Sera Monastery, where you will have the opportunity to witness the captivating "Buddhism Scriptures Debating". These debates are exclusive to Sera Monastery and are widely renowned. Enjoy the lively debates!

Day 3 Wondering Lhasa

The dominant Potala Palace is your initial destination. As the representation of Tibet, it was constructed in 641 AD and served as the winter residence of Dalai Lama, who is considered as the religious leader of Tibet. Remarkable Tibetan architecture, immense golden Buddha statues, crimson-clad monks, and devoted worshippers all contribute to its indispensability.

In the evening, you will explore the Jokhang Temple, the spiritual hub of Tibet. Each day, devotees from all corners of Tibet embark on long journeys to pay homage here. Lastly, stroll along the unique circular pilgrimage path, as the local adherents always do, at Barkhor Street.

Day 4 Lhasa - Gyantse

Today you will be driven from Lhasa to Gyantse. Along the way, you will make a stop to see Yamdrok Lake, one of the three most renowned sacred lakes in Tibet. For Tibetans, it is one of the four sacred lakes of Tibet and the abode of the "fierce deities". The view of the lake's turquoise blue water reflecting the surrounding snow-capped mountains is breathtaking.

After arriving in Gyantse, you will explore Pelkor Monastery to admire exquisite frescoes, statues, and sculptures. Spend the night in Gyantse.

Tips for today:

- Dress warmly to protect against the cold and wind.

- The road conditions from Lhasa to Gyantse via Yamdrok Lake are excellent.

- Feel free to ask your driver to make stops for you to stretch your legs or take photos.

Day 5 Gyantse - Shigatse

After breakfast, drive approximately 2.5 hours to Shigatse. After lunch, you will visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the residence of the Panchen Lama and one of the largest operational monasteries in Tibet, as well as the oldest and largest Gelugpa Monastery in Tibet. Here, you will see an enormous statue of the Future Buddha, the largest of its kind on earth, adorned with precious pearls, turquoise, coral, and amber. Spend the night in Shigatse.

Tips for today:

- The road conditions are quite good, making the 90km drive from Gyantse to Shigatse enjoyable. Don't hesitate to ask the driver to make stops for you to stretch your legs or take photos along the way.

- Show respect for Buddhist customs and engage in the appropriate conversation when visiting Tashilhunpo.

Day 6 Shigatse - Sakya Monastery - Tingri

Today, you will drive to Tingri and stay there overnight. Along the way, visit Sakya Monastery. In the 13th century, the monastic town of Sakya rose to prominence as a significant centre of Buddhist learning. With support from the Mongolian military, the Sakya lamas became rulers of all Tibet. Sakya Monastery, constructed in 1268, is a massive fortress-like complex with formidable defensive walls in its southern section.

Day 7 Tingri - Rongbuk Monastery

Viewing Mt. Everest from Rongbuk MonasteryAlthough it’s just 100km from Tingri (Shegar) to Rongbuk Monastery(altitude: 4,980m), it takes about 3 hours since the cracked winding roads demand great caution. But the views are stupendous on a clear day and feature a huge sweep of the Himalayas range including peaks over 8,000m, Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Gyachung, and Cho Oyu. When you finally get to the Base Camp, the first sight of the mighty Everest will be stunning. All the hardship you bear along the way will be well worth it.

The best time to watch Mt. Everest are early morning and late evening when the sun is rising or setting, bathing Everest in light.

Visit Rongbuk Monastery which is located at the foot of Mount Everest, and has earned the title of the world’s highest monastery standing at 4,980 meters high. Accommodate at a Tent or Guest House near Rongbuk Monastery.

Tips of today:1. Bring more food and drinks for long driving;2. Bring a warm and thick coat for low temperatures in Everest;3. Avoid strenuous activity.

Day 8 Everest Base Camp - Kyirong

Lhasa to Kathmandu Via Everest, HimalayaWake up early to capture the breathtaking sunrise on this summit of the world. After breakfast, drive the remaining 8 km to visit Everest Base Camp where you can get a superior view of Mt.Everest.

As you embark on a thrilling journey through the mesmerizing landscapes of Tibet, driving via Old Tingri towards Kyirong, prepare to be enchanted by the awe-inspiring beauty that unfolds before your eyes. The road will lead you through a cinematic panorama of the snow-capped Himalayan Range, a majestic sight that will leave you speechless. 

Kyirong, located in close proximity to Nepal, offers a unique blend of Tibetan and Nepalese cultures, creating an exquisite tapestry of traditions, customs, and landscapes. Spend your days in Kyirong exploring its enchanting surroundings. Venture into the nearby valleys and witness the cascading waterfalls that embellish the verdant landscapes. Hike through lush forests, breathing in the fragrant aroma of wildflowers, and listen to the harmonious melodies of birds singing. 

Tips of today:

- Sunrise begins around 6:30 am to 7 am;

- Be well prepared for a lengthy drive on the road.

Day 9 Kyirong - Border Crossing

After breakfast, drive to the border of Nepal and China. Your overland journey to Kathmandu concludes here. We can also arrange your pick up from the border to Kathmandu for you if you desire.

Today's tip: Our service ends at the Tibet-Nepal border. We can arrange transfer pickup to Kathmandu from there. Some customers share costs by hiring a private car with fellow travelers. Starting the tour in Kathmandu is an option, but slightly pricier.
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