Lhasa + Everest North BC 8 Days from Kathmandu

Leave the green valley and climb steadily onto the vast Tibetan plateau. Cross the high Tong La Pass (5,120 m), which rewards you with your first jaw-dropping views of the Everest massif, Shishapangma (8,013 m), and other Himalayan giants. Continue across barren, windswept plains dotted with nomadic camps to Tingri.

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  Transport:

  4WD Land Cruiser or van
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  Meals:

  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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  Accomodation:

  Basic but comfortable hotel in Tingri (private bathroom, electric blanket)

Early start for the short but spectacular drive to Rongbuk Monastery (4,980 m), the highest monastery in the world. From here, take the eco-bus or a short hike/jeep ride to Everest North Base Camp (5,200 m). Stand in awe of Everest’s dramatic north face just 8 km away. Visit the famous prayer-flag ridge for photos, explore the base camp area, and optionally stay for sunset over the world’s highest peak.

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  Transport:

  4WD to Rongbuk + eco-bus or jeep to EBC
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  Meals:

  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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  Accomodation:

  Rongbuk Monastery eco-guesthouse or basic dorm/heated tent (shared facilities, very simple)

Wake up early for final sunrise photos and prayer-flag hanging at EBC. After breakfast, depart and cross the stunning Gyatso La Pass (5,250 m), which offers one of the finest panorama views in Tibet: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu all in a row. Long but scenic drive across the plateau to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city.

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  Transport:

  4WD Land Cruiser or van
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  Meals:

  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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  Accomodation:

  3–4 star hotel in Shigatse (private bathroom, heating, Wi-Fi)

Morning visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery, seat of the Panchen Lama and one of the great monastic cities of Tibet. Explore its golden-roofed tombs, giant Maitreya Buddha, and chanting halls. After lunch, drive 90 km to Gyantse and visit the unique Pelkor Chöde Monastery complex and the magnificent Kumbum Stupa – a 3D mandala with 108 chapels filled with exquisite murals.

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  Transport:

  4WD Land Cruiser or van
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  Meals:

  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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  Accomodation:

  Comfortable 3-star hotel in Gyantse

Drive along the beautiful Brahmaputra Valley, cross the high Karo La Pass (5,010 m) with close-up views of glaciers, then descend to the breathtaking turquoise Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes. Photograph the lake and prayer flags before continuing over the final pass into the Lhasa Valley. Arrive in the holy city in the late afternoon.

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  Transport:

  4WD Land Cruiser or van
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  Meals:

  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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  Accomodation:

  3–4 star hotel in central Lhasa (private bathroom, Wi-Fi, good heating)

Full day guided exploration of Lhasa’s greatest treasures. Climb the steps of the majestic Potala Palace, former winter residence of the Dalai Lamas, and wander through its White and Red Palaces. In the afternoon, visit the holiest temple in Tibet – Jokhang Temple – and join thousands of pilgrims on the incense-filled Barkhor pilgrimage circuit.

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  Transport:

  Private vehicle + walking
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  Meals:

  Breakfast (lunch & dinner on your own in Barkhor – many restaurants)
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  Accomodation:

  Same 3–4 star hotel in Lhasa

Morning visit to either Sera Monastery (famous for monks’ debating, 3–5 pm) or Drepung Monastery (once the largest in the world). After the visit, transfer to Lhasa Gonggar Airport for the spectacular 1-hour trans-Himalayan flight back to Kathmandu. Cross the main Himalayan chain with views of Everest and other peaks from the plane window. Trip ends upon arrival in Kathmandu.

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  Transport:

  Private vehicle to airport + flight Lhasa–Kathmandu (~$380–$450 extra)
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  Meals:

  Breakfast
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  Accomodation:

  None (trip concludes in Kathmandu)