Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour via Everest Base Camp

We arrive Lhasa either by flight from Kathmandu or via mainland China. If you decide to fly then we enjoy an hour long-trans-Himalayan flight that takes us over Everest (8,848m), Kanchenjunga (8,536m) and other peaks.

If you choose to drive via main land, we fly to main Chinese cities or take the world’s highest train route to Lhasa.

Upon your arrival in Lhasa, Nepal Horizon’s representative will receive you and transfer you to the designated hotel in Lhasa.

After breakfast, we explore the major landmarks of Lhasas – Potala and Norbulingka palaces which are known as the winter palace and the summer palace respectively.

Potala Palace was built in 17th century and it displays amazing view of ancient architecture and entire city. Likewise Norbulingka Palace is repository of the largest man-made garden in Tibet.

We also visit Traditional Hospital which is known as the center for the treatment, training, research and production of Tibetan medicine.

Today we visit Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Jokhang Monastery and Barkhor Bazar. Drepung Monastery, built in 14th century, is the world’s largest monastery with 10,000 monks few years back but now the monks has been declined to few hundreds. Drepung Monastery has very significant value for history, culture and religious beliefs of Tibetan people.

Sera Monastery is a whitewashed house with golden roofs. Here we can see the monks debating from 3 – 5 pm every day apart from Sundays.

Jokhang, an ancient temple, reveals the deep-easted mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism. Here we can witness the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni when he was twelve years old.

We also wander a Kora route of Barkhor Street to enjoy the fascinating open air stalls, shops and crowds of pilgrims. Kora with devotees helps to acquire the in-depth knowledge of Tibetan culture and tradition.

Early in the morning, drive from Lhasa to Shigatse. En route we drive across the Gampala Pass (4,790m), and get the astounding glimpse of Yamdrok-tso (4,400m). The lake is surrounded by the snow-capped peaks and the distance view of Nyechen Khangsar (7,191m), the highest mountain near Lhasa.

We also drive through the Korola Glacier along the roadside and at Manak Dam Lake, we can hang pray flag at SImila Mountain Pass. Then we arrive in Gyantse, the third largest city (after Lhasa and Shigatse). In Gyantse, we will explore the Pelkor Monastery and Gyantse Kumbum and enjoy the distance view of Gyangtse Fortress.

In the morning, we drive towards Shigatse, the second largest city in Lhasa. On the way, we explore Shalu Monastery which was founded in 1040 AD. The monastery is known for its beautiful and ancient mural paintings. Then we continue to Shigatse where we stay overnight.

Here we visit Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, the abode of Panchen Lama, which portrays the history of Tibet. It was built by first Dalai Lama in 1447 AD. After exploration, we enjoy the rest day which helps is with acclimatization.

After breakfast, we proceed for a drive to Rongbuk through some beautiful villages with the view of Mount Everest from the foot of Gyatso La Pass (5,220m).

On the way, we explore the Sakya Monastery which is also known as Pel Sakya. It is ancestral temple of Sakyapa sect which provides access to the Buddha’s teachings. After visiting Sakya Monastery, we continue driving towards Rongbuk via Lalung La Pass. We also gaze the spectacular mountainous scenery all around us, including the north face of Mt. Everest.

Early in the morning, we drive towards Everest Base Camp (5,250m/17,220ft), the base camp of world’s highest peaks. Today we enjoy the spectacular views of 3 eight-thousander peak like Shisapangama, Cho Oyu and the mightly Everest, also known as Mt. Chomolongma on the Tibetan side. We make 16km round trip to the Everest Base Camp.

After spending time at EBC, we drive towards Kyirong, our next destination. Today is our last day at Tibetan plateau where pilgrims stop to put prayer flags and throw prayer notes into the air.

After completing border formalities, we drive towards Kathmandu via the highway connecting Tibet to Nepal. On the way, we get the view of waterfalls, rivers, gorges, lush forest and countryside villages.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the designated hotel in Thamel where we take rest. Later in the evening, we will enjoy the typical Nepali cuisine on our farewell dinner organized by Nepal Horizon Treks & Expedition.