Tibet 8 days EBC tour

Tibet
Moderate
Available Departures: Spring and Autumn
8 days
Trip Code: TEBCTCN

Tibet 8 days EBC tour

At a glance
  • Trip Start: Kathmandu
  • Trip End: Lhasa
  • Group Size: 4-16
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Standard
  • Service: Full Board

There’s no more thrilling and adventurous way to enter Tibet than by traveling overland from Kathmandu to Lhasa. Our 8-day overland expedition from Kathmandu takes you through the stunning Great Himalayas, showcasing high peaks, pristine alpine lakes, ancient glaciers, and Buddhist sites all the way to Lhasa, the spiritual heart of Tibet.

Upon entering Tibet, you’ll wander in Gyirong Valley, a secret place known as one of the most beautiful valleys in the world. Along the winding mountain road, you will visit the Everest Base Camp, appreciate the majesty of Mount Everest from three distinct platforms, and marvel at the magic of nature. Then, the visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery will take you to explore the real life of local monks, and a stroll by Yamdrok Lake will bring you a different kind of tranquility. Finally, the journey will lead you to Lhasa, the holy city on the plateau. In Lhasa, you will have the opportunity to visit the ancient Jokhang Temple and the world-famous Potala Palace to experience Tibetan life and beliefs.

For a safer and more enjoyable journey, we’ve extended the original 7-day tour to 8 days. This includes a day in Gyirong Town (2700m), which reduces the risk of altitude sickness when going from Kathmandu (1400m) to Tingri (4300m).

As the only local Tibet travel agency with offices based in Kathmandu, Lhasa, and Chengdu, our Tibetan and Nepali staff will help you to get the Tibet Permit (for free) and the China Group Visa for Tibet entry from Kathmandu.

Embark on a truly hassle-free overland adventure through the best of the Himalayas, awaiting your discovery.

Itinerary

Today, we will drive to the Sino-Nepal border along the southern side of the Himalayas!

In the morning, we will pick you up at your hotel in Kathmandu and drive to the Sino-Nepal border. After about 7 hours of driving (130km) you will reach the border town - Rasuwa Gadi.

The scenery along the way from Kathmandu to the border will make you almost forget the bumpy road. Along the way, you will see many magnificent snow-capped mountains at the southern foot of the Himalayas, covered by vast forest, towering into the clouds.

When pass through Langtang National Park, you will go through a very bumpy road section, with the vehicle swinging on the muddy road. But the exciting thing is that you may encounter some interesting wild animals on the way.

Upon arrival in Rasuwa Gadi, check in at your hotel and have a good rest.

Stay overnight in Rasuwa Gadi.

Insider Tips:

  1. For Chinese Group Visa application, make sure you arrive in Kathmandu in advance and please visit Tibet Visa’s office in Kathmandu at least 4 working days before you go.
  2. You need to provide the original passport and pay the visa fee and service fee, so that our staff can apply for the Chinese Group Visa on your behalf.

Enjoy a day excursion at Kerung to acclimatize the altitude rise to 2800 meters above sea level.

After breakfast, you’ll take a 15-km drive to the border and enter China via the Kerung border. Our Tibetan guide will meet you at Kerung side and take you to Kerung town within a 1-hour drive.

Upon arrival, you will explore Kerung Valley described by British explorer Howard-Bury as the most beautiful valley in the world in his book 'Mount Everest: The Reconnaissance'.

Here, you can visit the Sherpa villages and admire dense forests, serene villages, and beautiful snow peaks above the woods.

Stay overnight in Kerung.

Today, you’ll head from the border to Everest Base Camp and enjoy the wonderful changes of landscapes from 2800 meters to 5200 meters above sea level.

After breakfast, you will leave Gyirong, which is densely covered with forests and snow-capped mountains, and officially head to Mount Everest region with an altitude of more than 4500 meters. On this 380-kilometer journey, you will see the scenery along the road changing as the altitude increases. First, you will be attracted by the forests, waterfalls, and bottomless canyons at an altitude of 2800 meters. Then cross the Kong Tang Lamu Pass at an altitude of 5236 meters and enter the plateau. When passing by Mt. Shishabangma (8027m) and Pelku Tso Lake at its foot, you will be shocked by the tranquil and peaceful beauty.

After that, you will enter the Mount Everest area. When passing through the world's most beautiful Everest viewing platform - Gawula Pass (5198m), you will see five peaks above 8000 meters in the Himalayas lined up. The world-famous Mount Everest stands among them, and beneath the peaks is the churning sea of clouds.

Later, you will arrive at Everest Base Camp (5000m), which is the second observation deck of Mount Everest. Here, you'll admire the world's highest peak from the foot of Mount Everest's North Slope and visit the world's highest temple, Rongbuk Monastery (5154m).

After visiting Everest Base Camp, we will continue our journey to Tingri (4300m).

Stay overnight in Tingri.

Since today’s itinerary rises sharply from low altitude to over 5000 meters, in order to ensure your travel safety and avoid altitude sickness, we choose to spend the night in Tingri County (4300m) instead of Everest Base Camp (5200m).

The highlight of today’s journey is to visit the home of Panchen Lama - the Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse.

Start the journey to Shigatse in the morning, you will first visit the 5000m G318 National Highway milestone in Lhatse on the way.

After your arrival in Shigatse in the early afternoon, you will visit the seat of Panchen Lama - Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the most important monasteries in Tibet. The grand and magnificent halls of the largest local monastery occupy the entire hillside. This is the spiritual home of the Tibetan people in Shigatse, housing the world's largest statue of Maitreya Buddha.

Stay overnight in Shigatse (3900m).

Today, you’ll visit the ancient Gyantse Town and the sacred lake Yamdrok Yumco, and enjoy a wonderful lunch at a lakeside farmhouse.

In the morning, start the overland journey from Shigatse to Lhasa, which includes visits to Tibet's most beautiful lake, glacier, and a charming Tibetan village.

After arriving in Gyantse, you can spend some time taking photos of the ancient city of Gyantse and visit the Perklor Monastery and Kumbum stupa.

Next, you will pass and enjoy the Korola Glacier on the roadside. It is the largest glacier in Tibet. As you see the ice tongue of the glacier climb the entire hillside, you will feel the magical power of nature.

After that, drive to Yamdrok Lake, one of the ‘top three holy lakes’ in Tibet. The Yamdrok Lake, at 4400 meters above sea level, is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains. In the distance, you can have spectacular views of holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar (7191m), the highest mountain near Lhasa.

Continue to explore the lakeshore from various viewpoints, and at the end of the lake, you could visit a local family in the village and have lunch with the locals.

After a leisurely visit to Yamdrok Lake, continue your journey to Lhasa. Finally, you will arrive in Lhasa. After check in at your hotel, allow yourself a well-deserved rest following today’s lengthy journey.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Today is Tibetan Monastery Day! You’ll have a full day to explore the largest monastery in Tibet, delve into the knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism, and immerse yourself in the daily life of Tibetan monks.
In the morning, you’ll explore the largest monastery in Tibet - Drepung Monastery, which was once the home to over 10,000 monks. As you walk through the Coqen Hall, your guide will provide detailed explanations of the worldview of Tibetan Buddhism and introduce notable figures in Tibetan Buddhist history.
Next, you’ll visit the renowned Loseling College (or an equivalent), offering a glimpse into the study and life of Tibetan monks. Explore their dormitories to gain insights into the Tibetan monks' daily routines and living conditions.
In the afternoon, you’ll head to Sera Monastery, another of the ‘great three’ Gelug monasteries of Tibet, to witness the famous Tibetan Monks Debate (15:00 - 17:00, from Monday to Saturday). Your guide will intricately explain how Tibetan monks engage in these debates to acquire knowledge and advance in their academic degrees.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Today’s Highlight is a visit to UNESCO World Heritage Sites Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, providing a glimpse into the daily beliefs and lives of the people of Lhasa.
After breakfast, your first stop is the Potala Palace, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Lhasa Old Town. Discover the lives and stories of the Dalai Lamas through history within the palace, and the extraordinary treasures it holds. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.
After touring the Potala Palace, you will visit Longwangtan Park at the foot of the Potala Palace. Here, you can appreciate the majestic Potala Palace from a different perspective and engage in local Tibetan folk activities.
In the afternoon, you will head to the heart of Tibetan religion - the Jokhang Temple. Inside you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve. Outside, you can see pilgrims making prostrating in front of Jokhang Temple. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can do kora (a religious circle of a building or mountain) with pilgrims and locals, and explore the old market.
Next, follow your guide to one of the liveliest indoor Tibetan tea houses in Lhasa. Sip traditional Tibetan sweet tea alongside local Tibetans as your guide shares insights into Tibetan social dynamics and daily life.
Finally, you will have a farewell dinner with your group members. Share your Tibet travel experiences and say your goodbyes at the end of the tour.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Today marks the end of your Tibet tour.
Please make sure to verify your departure flight/train details with our guide in advance. And your guide will take you to the airport or train station.
Thank you for choosing Tibet Vista, and we extend a warm welcome for your return to Tibet in the future.

Includes/Excludes

Includes

  • Transportation by van/ bus
  • Tibet travel permit.
  • English speaking Tibetan guide.
  • Accommodation on twin sharing room basis.
  • Sightseeing and monastery entrance fees as per our itinerary.
  • Daily breakfast.
  • Border pick up and Drop

Excludes

  • Client and travel insurance and Unseen natural problem
  • Lunch and dinner.
  • Personal expenses such as a drink, tips& etc. If Lhasa to Chain ticket is extra ( Flight / Train)

Equipments

Clothing and Equipments List
» Pack to pack out - bring enough waterproof bags to carry all non-biodegradable rubbish back down the mountain.
» Remove all unnecessary packaging before leaving home.
» Bring enough warm dry clothes so that you can wrap up rather than burn firewood in the evenings.
» If you are going to trek higher than 5000m or you know it will be cold, buy an aluminum water bottle which can also be used as a hot water bottle at night.
» The easiest way to keep hydrated while trekking is to buy a 1 x liter platypus-drinking bladder to carry in your day pack.
» Make sure to buy proper trekking socks. Don’t buy synthetic socks as these promote sweating and can give you blisters. Always carry a few blister pads in your first aid kit and keep them handy in your day pack.
» Walking poles are very useful while trekking and helpful when descending.
» Please remember that waste disposal and recycling facilitates are limited in Nepal. When buying batteries make sure they are rechargeable and/or high quality so they last longer, and take them home to recycle.

More Lists
There is no definitive list. What you bring will vary according to the area, time of year and the length of your trek. Below is a suggested check list which you should adapt to your own needs. Ask yourself: Will there be snow/how long /high is the trek/are we camping?

» Good quality trekking boots with ankle support
» Lightweight shell/raincoat with hood
» Detachable fleece liner or separate fleece
» Fleece trousers
» Shorts and / or convertibles trousers- quick drying
» Sunglasses
» Sun hat and warm hat(good quality)
» Gloves
» Spare T-shirt x 3
» Sweat towel x 2
» Spare socks x 3 ( walking sock and thin inner sock)
» Small day sack
» Sun cream
» Small water bottle aluminum doubles as a hot water bottle.
» Iodine or water purifying kit,
» Soluble vitamin tablets to taste water or powder fruit drink
» Talcum powder
» Walking sticks or Trekking poles(good quality)
» Camp shoes/trainers/flip flops to wear in evening.
» Spare underwear 3
» Toilet kit
» Tissues
» Pen knife
» Bum bag
» Head torch(good quality)
» Biodegradable washing liquid / soap
» FILM
» CAMERA
» Ear plugs
» Sleeping bag liner(good quality)
» Sleeping bag(good quality-30)
» Bin bag/ gasbag to keep kit dry
» Small towel
» Lip balm
» Available in KTM

Personal First Aid (Aids Kit)
» Antiseptic
» Bandages
» Blister plasters
» Decongestant
» AMS medication like Diamox
» Eye drops – it can get very dusty on trails
» Paracetamol and/or ibuprofen
» Rehydration sachets, Imodium and antibiotics for traveler’s diarrhea
» Scissors
» Sterile dressing
» Sticking plasters and tape
» Throat lozenges / sweets
» Tweezers
» A sewing needle etc.

This trekking equipment list has been prepared by Adventure Zambuling Treks (P) Ltd.

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