10-Days Lhasa To Everest Base Comp and to Namtso Lake Small Group Tour
Tour Route: Lhasa - Yamdock lake- Karo la- Gyangtse-Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse -Shantsa- Lhasa- Namtso Lake- Lhasa
This is the most popular Everest Base Camp tour. At your arrival in Lhasa, you will be greeted by the lovely blue skies and an impressive glimpse at the gigantic Potala Palace, perched on a red hill. You’ll begin your stay at the holy city of Lhasa visiting its prominent historical and religious sites like the Potala Palace, Jokhang temple, Sera and Drepung monasteries. Then you will drive into the terrains of the young Himalayan region, the sprawling holy Yamdrok Lake, the thriving Karo la glaciers, the mystical Gyantse Khubum stupa and the Tashi Lhunpo monastery. The Himalayan terrain is comprised of many different geological formations and a superb panorama of the Himalayan mountain range. You’ll spend a night at the foot of the world, the tallest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest. You may take a short hike of 6km at the Mt. Everest Base Camp (EBC), quite challenging at the high altitude, then we will retrace the road back to Lhasa, driving along the Northern friendship highway
Highlights
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Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple.
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Roam around Drepung Monastery, the largest temple in Tibet, exploring the life of Tibetan monks in their practice.
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Immerse yourself in the daily life of Lhasa residents, visiting traditional homes, teahouses, and joining Tibetans in worship.
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Explore the most beautiful lakeside village in Tibet and savor a traditional lunch at a villager's home.
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Stay at Everest Base Camp, witnessing its sunrise, sunset, and marveling at the starry sky at night.
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Tour the world's highest and largest sacred lake—Namtso Lake.
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Visit Tsurphu Monastery, the oldest temple that initiated the world-renowned reincarnation system of Tibetan Buddhism.
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Time to Visit : Available All Year Around
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Tour Type: Small Group (Max 12) I.​
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Trip Level : Easy for All Agesi
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Tour Price from: 1289 US$ per person based on double occupancy in hotels.
Daily Itinerary
Day-1: Arrival in Lhasa, Get the First Impression of Tibet Welcome to Tibet! Upon arrival, our Tibetan guide will greet you at the airport or train station and present you with a Hada (the traditional Tibetan ceremonial scarf) to wish you good luck! You'll then be transferred to your hotel in downtown Lhasa by the guide and driver. Along the way, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery of Yarlung Tsangpo River, Lhasa River, and the typical Tibetan villages. After arriving at the hotel, take some time to rest and acclimate to the high altitude. It's helpful to take it easy for the first few days and remember to stay hydrated by drinking water. Later in the afternoon or evening, your guide will welcome you with traditional Tibetan gifts, provide travel guidance, and introduce you to the other members of your group. Stay overnight in Lhasa. Day-2: Lhasa Day Tour: Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery (B, D) Today, you will first visit the Drepung Monastery, the largest monastery in Tibet that once housed over ten thousand monks. Here, you'll explore the Coqen Hall, where your guide will provide a detailed explanation of the Tibetan Buddhist worldview and narrate the stories of renowned figures in Tibetan Buddhist history.Additionally, you'll tour the Loseling College (or an equivalent) within Drepung Monastery to understand monks' practices and studies. Exploring their dormitories will offer insight into their daily routines and living conditions. In the afternoon, the tour proceeds to Sera Monastery, established in 1419 and long regarded as a significant Buddhist seminary. Here, you'll observe the renowned monk debates, a highlight of Sera Monastery. Your guide will provide a comprehensive explanation of how these debates aid monks in acquiring knowledge and advancing through academic degrees. After today's sightseeing, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow group members. Stay overnight in Lhasa. Day-3: Lhasa Day Tour: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street (B) After breakfast, your guide will accompany you to visit the magnificent Potala Palace, where you'll stand atop its heights and gaze down upon the city of Lhasa. Your guide will narrate the life and tales of the successive Dalai Lamas within the Potala Palace and meticulously introduce the various halls and treasures housed within its walls. Once you've explored the grandeur of the Potala Palace, your next stop will be Longwangtan Park nestled at its base. This tranquil spot offers a unique vantage point to admire the majestic Potala Palace and partake in traditional Tibetan cultural experiences. In the afternoon, you'll head to the sacred Jokhang Temple—the heart of Tibetan faith and life. Within the temple resides the rare and revered 12-year-old statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, an image so lifelike that it resembles seeing the Buddha in person. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can take a clockwise kora, witnessing how local Tibetans practice their Buddhist beliefs. Following this, your guide will take you to the liveliest indoor Tibetan tea house in Lhasa, where you can enjoy Tibetan sweet tea with locals. Your guide will join everyone, sharing insights into the social relations and daily leisure life of Tibetans. Stay overnight in Lhasa. Day-4: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse (B, L) After exploring Lhasa, you'll travel overland to Shigatse, Tibet's second-largest city. Along the way, immerse yourself in Tibet's splendid scenery and discover the leisurely lives of local villagers. The first stop will be at Yamdrok Lake, one of the three holiest lakes in Tibet. This stunning lake unveils its beauty from the Gambala Mountain Pass (4790m), curving like a blue ribbon, while the towering Mt. Noijin Kangsang (7191m) can be seen in the distance. As you descend to the lakeshore, explore various viewpoints offering intimate encounters with the lake's shoreline. Towards the lake's end, you'll have the opportunity to visit a welcoming local family in the village and have lunch with them. Next, you'll pass by the Karola Glacier (5100m). Positioned right by the roadside, it resembles a serene maiden grooming herself while gazing from afar at the majestic snow-capped mountains. Continuing your journey towards Gyantse, you'll make a stop at Simila Mountain Pass. Here, you can hang prayer flags, offering prayers for global peace and the well-being of your loved ones. Upon arrival in Gyantse, seize the opportunity to capture memorable photos of the ancient city. En route from Gyantse to Shigatse, you will witness vast stretches of lush green barley fields (in summer) and golden fields (in autumn), alongside numerous farms. Finally, upon reaching Shigatse and checking into the hotel, take a moment to relax and prepare for the upcoming trip to Mount Everest the following day. Stay overnight in Shigatse. Day-5: Shigatse to Everest Base Camp (B) In the morning, you will set off towards Mount Everest after breakfast. Beginning with the Gyatsola Pass (5280m), the viewpoint offers your first glimpse of Mount Everest. Veiled within the mountain range, Everest resembles a budding lotus flower, a captivating sight along the roadside. Continuing into Mount Everest National Nature Reserve, the Gawula Pass (5198m) presents a panoramic view of the Himalayas. Here, you will see the breathtaking lineup of the five world's highest peaks in the Himalayan range, all towering above 8000 meters. This is your second glimpse of Mount Everest. Then traverse the new winding road toward Everest Base Camp (5200m), each turn reveals a closer perspective of the majestic Everest, gradually unfolding before you. This marks your third view of the Everest. Upon arrival at Everest Base Camp, the huge white pyramid peak stands tall before you. As dusk approaches, the setting sun casts warm golden hues upon Everest's northern face—your fourth view. As night descends, the glistening Milky Way alongside the snow-white peak of Mount Everest offers your fifth and final encounter with the majestic peak. Stay overnight at Everest Base Camp or in the nearby village if the EBC tent hotels close during the winter season. Overnight at Everest Base Camp Warm Tips: 
1. Everest Base Camp sits at an altitude of 5200 meters, and it's common to experience headaches and difficulty sleeping at night due to altitude. This is a normal occurrence, so there's no need to panic. Continue to take it slow, relax, and savor the beauty of Everest. The symptoms will gradually ease. 2. The visibility of Mount Everest depends on weather conditions and cannot be assured. 3. From November to March, the tent hotels at Everest Base Camp usually close. Hence, if you're traveling during this period, your accommodation choices are restricted to the nearby village near EBC. Day-6: EBC - Dinggye - Sakya - Shigatse (B,D) After marveling at the magnificence of Mount Everest, you will travel back to Shigatse along another Himalayan scenic route, once again appreciating the beauty of the Himalayas. Before departing from EBC, you'll visit the world's highest monastery, Rongbuk Monastery (5154 meters). This Tibetan Nyingma monastery sits in close proximity to Mount Everest and is a place where nuns and monks reside together. Then, you will travel back to Shigatse via Dinggye, following an alternative Himalayan route diverging from the traditional path. At the Dinggye Xilin Viewpoint, you'll pause to behold not only the majestic eastern slope of towering Mount Everest but also catch sight of Mount Lhotse, the world's fourth-highest peak, rising at an elevation of 8,516 meters. You'll also enjoy the expansive and charming wetland landscape at the foot of Mount Everest. While passing through Sakya Ancient Town, you will take a brief rest, spending some time taking a leisurely stroll around this ancient town. After returning to Shigatse, your guide will take you to the local Langma Hall, where you can watch a traditional Tibetan song and dance performance, and enjoy dinner with your fellow group members. Stay overnight in Shigatse. Please note: During heavy summer rains or winter snowstorms, your travel route back to Shigatse from Mount Everest may change. Instead of passing through Dinggye and Sakya, you might travel via Gawula Pass and Tingri. If this adjustment is necessary, we'll provide you with a written notice while you're in Tibet. Day-7: Shigatse - Nyemo - Lhasa (B) In the morning, you will explore the residence of the Panchen Lama, Tashilhunpo Monastery, which is also the largest monastery in Shigatse. This expansive monastery occupies the hillside, housing the world's largest statue of Maitreya Buddha, serving as the spiritual heart of Shigatse. You can see monks, wearing yellow hats and red robes, walking through the temple. If you are lucky, you will also see a Dharma ceremony held in the temple. Then, you will journey back to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River, revered as the Mother River of Tibetans. Stay overnight in Lhasa. Day-8: Lhasa - Namtso Lake - Damxung (B) Today, you'll visit Namtso Lake, one of the 'Three Holy Lakes in Tibet,' to admire the serene lake and the stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Following breakfast, your journey will take you northward through the vast and expansive Damxung Grassland, a pastoral region bustling with herds of cattle and sheep and located closest to Lhasa. During the journey, as you ascend the 5,190-meter-high Laken La Pass, a panoramic view of Namtso Lake will unfold, resembling an emerald jewel set amidst the northern Tibetan landscape. Descending from the pass, you'll reach Namtso Lake, covering an area of 1,920 square kilometers and considered one of Tibet's three sacred lakes. Following your guide, you'll reach the lakeshore and trek to Tashi Dor Island for a closer panoramic view of the lake. Standing here, the vista mirrors an expansive blue ocean. Under the warm sun, cattle and sheep leisurely graze, while the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains peacefully overlook the vast expanse of the northern Tibetan grasslands. Occasional passing trains stir the air, lending the pure plateau a radiant brilliance. Subsequently, your guide will lead you on a lakeside hike to marvel at mystical stone columns, peaks, meditation caves, and Buddhist sacred sites. If you wish, linger at Namtso Lake, savor warm sweet tea at a lakeside teahouse, or witness the magnificent sunset. Overnight stay at Damxung. Day-9: Damxung - Chimelong Nunnery - Tsurphu Monastery - Lhasa (B, L) Today you will return to Lhasa from Damxung. After breakfast, you will first visit Chimelong Monastery, the largest nunnery near Lhasa, where you'll encounter a community of devoted female practitioners. Roam over the peaceful small nunnery and get an idea of different Buddhist studies in Tibet, you may also spot a sky burial site (Tibet funeral site) in the distance. Then you will go to Tsurphu Monastery, the seat of the Karmapa branch of the Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism. Situated in a beautiful valley, Tsurphu Monastery holds historical significance as the foundation site of Tibet's reincarnation system for living Buddhas. It's here that the first Karmapa, a revered figure in Tibetan history, was born. The monastery houses numerous precious artifacts, including the unique relics of the 16th Karmapa, a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism. In the summertime, local Tibetans gather for a ‘Linka outing’(Tibetan-style picnic) in the valley of Tsurphu Monastery. If time allows, you may join them for a a pleasant lunchtime, or dine at the monastery's restaurant. After lunch, you will begin your return journey to Lhasa. Overnight in Lhasa. Day-10: Finish This Unforgettable Tour and Depart from Lhasa (B) Today your guide will transfer you to the airport or train station and help you get on board. Please confirm your departure flight or train details in advance with your guide. The tour ends.
What's Included?
1. Tibet travel documents such as Tibet Travel Permit (excluding expedited processing fees), and delivery of the permit to your hotel in mainland of China. 2. Standard tourist vehicles based on the number of group members, ensuring one seat one person. Experienced local drivers offer attentive service. 3. Three-star hotels throughout the itinerary (upgrades available for an additional fee; single room supplement required when not sharing). 4. All meals listed in the itinerary. (Meal fees are non-refundable if declined due to personal reasons). 5. Excellent local Tibetan English-speaking tour guide (Prices for guides speaking other languages may be subject to separate negotiation). 6. Admission tickets for all tourist attractions listed in Itinerary. 7. Travel accident insurance. 8. Free shuttle between Lhasa Railway Station and the downtown hotel. Free transfers between Lhasa Gonggar Airport and the downtown hotel during specific times. 9. Other services: exquisite Tibetan souvenirs, tourist map, portable oxygen, medical oxygen in the vehicle, bottled mineral water, and more.
What's Excluded?
1. Chinese Visa (for any visa assistance services, please contact us for details) 2.International airfare to and from China or Nepal 3. Flight or train tickets to Tibet out of Tibet (If you need ticket booking service, please let us know) 4. Single Room Supplement: Hotels are based on double occupancy (twin-bedded rooms) by default. If you prefer a single room or if room sharing isn’t possible, a single room supplement is required (please consult the travel consultant for specific price differences). 5. Lunch and dinner in the cities and all meals outside of Lhasa and Shigatse 6. Tips to the guide and driver based on your satisfaction with their services. We recommend paying a total of $7 per person per day for both the guide and driver. 7. Additional expenses resulting from force majeure events (such as natural disasters, traffic controls, loss of valuables, visa delays, flight delays, cancellations, Travel insurance and Medical expenses, etc.). 8. Personal expenses: laundry, shopping, phone calls, etc.
1. When is the deadline to book this 9-day Everest Base Camp and Namtso Lake Tour?
To ensure a seamless trip, it is recommended to book your Tibet tour at least 15-20 days before the departure date. Certainly, booking your tour 1-2 months or earlier in advance will assist us in arranging your Tibet Travel Permit and other necessary documents, as well as securing accommodations. Additionally, early bookings may qualify for early-bird discounts. This arrangement facilitates better preparation and a more relaxed journey.
2. What travel documents are required for a trip to Everest Base Camp and Namtso Lake?
For traveling to Tibet Everest Base Camp and Lake Namtso, various tourists require specific travel documents: 1) Foreign tourists: Passport, Chinese Visa, Tibet Travel Permit, Alien’s Travel Permit 2) Tourists from Hong Kong and Macau: Home Return Permit, Frontier Pass 3) Tourists from Taiwan: Mainland Travel Permit (MTP), Tibet Travel Permit, etc.
3. How to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit? How long does It take, and when can I get the permit?
For foreign tourists applying for the Tibet Travel Permit, photos or photocopies of a valid passport and Chinese Visa are needed. Holders of a working visa need to additionally provide a work certificate, while student visa holders require student certification. However, Taiwanese tourists only need to provide photos or photocopies of Mainland Travel Permit for the Tibet Travel Permit application. Generally, processing the Tibet Travel Permit takes 7-14 working days. Once the permit is successfully issued, we'll mail it to your address in mainland of China 3-5 days before your departure date, ensuring you have it in hand for your train or flight to Tibet.
4. What is the altitude of Everest Base Camp? What should I do If altitude sickness occurs?
Everest Base Camp in Tibetan side is situated at an altitude of 5200 meters, making it one of the highest points on this journey. Visitors who are new to high-altitude areas may experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness such as dizziness and headaches. Our thoughtfully planned 8-day itinerary from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp allows for 2-3 days of acclimatization in Lhasa, situated at an altitude of 3650 meters, before proceeding to higher altitudes like Shigatse and Everest Base Camp. This gradual ascent minimizes the chances of severe altitude reactions. If severe symptoms occur, such as intense headaches or breathing difficulties, promptly use oxygen, inform your guide, and seek medical attention as soon as possible. If necessary, immediate descent to lower altitudes like Shigatse Town or Tingri County may be arranged.
5. When is the best time to visit Everest Base Camp and Lake Namtso?
The best season to visit Tibet Everest Base Camp and Lake Namtso is spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these periods, the weather tends to be stable and clear, providing favorable conditions for observing Mount Everest and the holy lake. Additionally, in the summer months (July-August), although Tibet experiences its rainy season, most rainfall occurs at night, and daytime skies remain mostly clear with comfortable temperatures, making it a viable option. During winter (November to March of the following year), temperatures are lower, yet days are often clear, allowing for a better appreciation of Mount Everest's starry skies and the Milky Way. But heavy snowfall frequently occurs in the region, often causing road closures. So visiting Namtso Lake during this time depends on the weather conditions.
6. Are there instances when mount Everest might not be visible? What should I do If that happens?
Due to factors like high altitude and ever-changing weather, there might be times when Mount Everest isn't visible during the visit. However, this isn't a common occurrence. To increase the likelihood of seeing Mount Everest, it's best to plan your visit to Everest Base Camp during the stable weather seasons of spring and autumn. Even if there's rain, showers around Mount Everest tend to pass quickly. Of course, you can always reach out to our experienced travel advisors before your trip to get insights into Mount Everest's weather conditions. To maximize your chance of spotting Mount Everest, our itinerary provides four opportunities to witness its beauty; at least one should offer a clear view. Furthermore, before heading to Mount Everest, keeping a positive mindset and appreciating the diverse beauty of Tibet, not solely focused on Mount Everest, is important. Even if you miss seeing Mount Everest, the surrounding breathtaking natural scenery and unique plateau landscapes will still captivate you. Missing a sunset may lead to a stunning sunrise. The journey to Mount Everest is about more than just the mountain itself; it's an adventure embracing natural marvels and the mesmerizing plateau scenery.
7. How about the road condition to Mount Mount and Lake Namtso?
The road conditions for this tour are generally good. The route from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp follows the well-known Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway, fully paved with asphalt, providing a smooth journey. Even the last 90 kilometers to Everest Base Camp have been recently upgraded with smooth pavement, eliminating any concerns about rough roads. However, the final stretch of the road from Lhasa to Lake Namtso passes through mountainous areas where heavy snow during winter might block some sections. Nonetheless, the majority of the route consists of well-maintained paved roads.
8. How about the accommodation along the route from Lhasa to Mount Everest?
In cities like Lhasa and Shigatse, there's a range of accommodation options available, from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. You can choose based on your budget and preferences. However, at Everest Base Camp, the only lodging option is the tent guesthouse, which provides basic accommodation with relatively simple facilities, often consisting of several beds in one tent. During winter, the tent guesthouses at Everest Base Camp might close, necessitating accommodation in places like Tashi Dzom Town or Basong Village.
9. What to pack for traveling to Mount Everest and Lake Namtso in Tibet?
1)Clothing:Upper garments can include thick underwear (or thermal underwear), a sweater/fleece, and a thick down jacket (thick winter jacket). Lower wear can consist of windproof pants and warm thermal leggings. Footwear can be non-slip sports shoes or hiking boots. Additionally, scarves, gloves, and hats are essential. Layering clothing is advisable for adjusting to temperature changes. 2)Personal items:Skincare products like facial cleanser, moisturizer, facial masks, body lotion, lip balm, and sunscreen. Personal hygiene items such as toothpaste, toothbrush, and towels. Shampoo and shower products can be selectively packed based on personal needs. Sunglasses are a must due to Tibet's strong sunlight. Given the long distances between Tibetan attractions, carrying a U-shaped pillow for comfort during long journeys is recommended. Also, prepare a thermal flask to ensure access to hot water anytime. 3)Common medications:Adhesive bandages, motion sickness medicine, cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, anti-inflammatory drugs, eye drops, altitude sickness medication, and other commonly used medications should be carried for emergencies. (Always follow medical advice and avoid misuse of medication.) 4)Electronic devices:Bring chargers, power banks, cameras, earphones, or other electronic devices as per personal requirements. 5)Small amounts of cash and bank cards:Although mobile payment methods are becoming more common in Tibet, there might still be instances in remote areas where cash is needed. It's advisable to carry a small amount of cash and at least one bank card.
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