LHASA-EVEREST BASE CAMP–KATHMANDU TOUR: 10 DAYS

TRIP OVERVIEW:

Starting point: Kathmandu OR any city of mainland China
Ending point: Kathmandu
Accommodation type: Middle class (standard)
Maximum altitude reached: 5320 m. (Everest Base Camp)
Mode of transport: 4WD Land Cruiser (TOYOTA) in Tibet & private transport in Nepal
Tour departure: Fixed Dates (Check Dates)

DAY TO DAY PROGRAM

DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN LHASA (3650 m/11972ft)
The adventure begins in Lhasa. There are two ways to arrive—via Nepal and via mainland China. The flight from Nepal to Lhasa is considered one of the most beautiful air routes in the world, as it provides sweeping views of Everest (8848m), Kanchenjunga (8536m) and other Himalayan peaks. If traveling via mainland China, there are a wide variety of flights in addition to the world’s highest train route to reach Lhasa. Upon arrival, you will be received by our Tibetan guide at the airport/train station. After approximately 1.5 hours of driving, you will reach Lhasa. It's advisable to rest and take it easy for the remainder of the day due to Lhasa's altitude. Overnight in Lhasa
O/N Hotel Kyichu

DAY 02: SIGHTSEEING IN LHASA (3650 m/11972ft)
The journey begins with a visit to Sera Monastery, accompanied by an experienced tour guide (who is also a translator). Sera is an exceptional space; its white-washed walls and golden roofs speak of Tibetan Buddhism’s ancient wisdom and tranquility. Equally breathtaking are the gardens and sacred spaces of the Norbulingka, the Dalai Lama’s summer residence. We will also visit the Jokhang Temple followed by Barkhor Markets – a bustling road lined with vendors where you can sample the smells and sounds of Tibet, or browse through the Thankas, masks, prayer beads and countless other treasures inherent to Tibetan custom and tradition. Overnight in Lhasa.
O/N Hotel Kyichu

DAY 03: SIGHTSEEING IN LHASA (3650 m/11972ft)
The highlight of the day is the visit to Potala palace – a UNESCO World Heritage celebrated for its priceless treasury of Buddhist artifacts and bejeweled tombs of past Dalai Lamas. The Potala was also the tallest building in the world for 200 years following its construction in 1645. The group will then move to Drepung Monastery, which was built in 14th century and was home to over 10,000 monks. Drepung was also the educational center for the lineage of Dalai Lamas, and is famed for attracting tens of thousands of pilgrims for its Thanka festival. Drepung has a poignant presence in the spiritual life of Tibetans, and is the most cherished of all Tibet’s monasteries. Overnight in Lhasa.
O/N Hotel Kyichu

DAY 04: SIHTSEEING IN LHASA (3650 m/11972ft)
First stop is the Tibet Museum, officially inaugurated in October of 1999, the museum houses a rich collection of prehistoric cultural relics, including ornate Buddha statues in different postures, imperial jade seals, gifts granted by emperors, colorful Thankas, and various printed Sanskrit and Tibetan scriptures. It is also possible to see variety of folk art such as handicrafts, costumes, jewelry, and pottery. Beyond the collections, the museum building itself is a work of art with its ornamented beams, pillars, lintels, banners and wall hangings in the traditional Tibetan style. In the afternoon, you will be free for shopping, relaxation and other personal activities. Overnight in Lhasa.
O/N Hotel Kyichu

DAY 05: LHASA TO GYANTSE (3950m/12956ft)
The group will travel along Friendship Highway, passing Khamba La (4794 m), where there will be the opportunity to appreciate majestic views of Yamdrok‐Tso Lake, a deep blue body of water renowned for its unique beauty. The group will also see Nazin Kang Sang glacier standing proud at 7252m. Ahead to the west, we will come across another Karo La pass at 5045m. Following a 261 km drive, we will enter the town of Gyantse, a stunning example of a traditional Tibetan village filled with beautiful stone farmhouses. Overnight in Gyantse.
O/N Hotel Gyantse

DAY 06: GYANTSE TO SHIGATSE (3900m/12792ft)
Gyantse Dzong and the Kumbum are the jewels of Gyantse. Gyantse Dzong is a historical fort built in the 14th century, and overlooks Gyantse and the surrounding Nyang Chu Valley. The Kumbum rises 35km above the town, and is crowned by a golden dome. The grounds boast a chorten (stupa ), several chapels and a stunning collection of Tibetan Buddhist murals, which inspired the name of the complex. The word ‘Kubum’ means 100,000 images in Tibetan. After exploring Gyantse, we will take a 90 km drive to Shigatse. The group will stop at Shalu monastery along the way; the structure embodies the Han, Tibetan and Indian styles of architecture. Following a brief look at Shalu, the journey continues in Shigatse, the second largest city of Tibet. Tashilhunpo Monastery is the highlight of Shigatse, as it is one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet. Overnight in Shigatse.
O/N Hotel Manasarovar

DAY 07: SHIGATSE TO SHEGAR (NEW TINGRI) (4150m/13612ft)
The drive to Shegar is defined by the picturesque landscape – we will pass the small towns of Lhatse and Gyamtso La pass at 5220m. You will have the opportunity to see Natang Monastery (12 kms from Xigatse), then Sakya Monastery, where you can see the largest book in the world in the great library. The book is written entirely in gold. In the evening we reach in Shegar. As the landscape opens into vast plains, many monasteries and camps of nomadic herders become visible in the distance. Overnight in Shegar.
O/N Hotel Chomolongma

DAY 08: SHEGAR TO RONGBUK (5050m/16564ft)
From Shegar, we drive to the south crossing of Pang La pass at 5150m/16890. Along the drive, we will bask in the splendor of Makalu and Shishapangma. After driving for 85 km, we will reach Rongbuk, where Mt. Everest is visible. The day will be filled by an exploration of Everest Base Camp. The drive to EBC is allowed only for expeditions, so it is necessary to walk 8 km (one way) or take a horse or local bus to reach the Base Camp. The group will also visit Ronbuk Monastery, a Buddhist pilgrimage site founded in 1902 by a Nyingmapa Lama. The cluster of meditation huts has been used by monks and hermits for over 400 years. In addition to the huts, hermits retreated to the many caves that dot the cliff walls around the monastery and valley below. We will walk the very paths used by hermits – ancient trails lined with hundreds of carved stones that embody sacred syllables and prayers. Overnight in Rongbuk.
O/N Hotel Everest View

DAY 09: DRIVE, RONGBUK TO ZHANGMU (2300m/7, 544ft)
At first light we will explore Base Camp and watch sunrise on Mt. Everest. It is a truly awe-inspiring place - the absolute north face of the highest mountain in the world soaring above you. The tour will continue on to Zhangmu. Driving past Tingri, we will cross Lalung La pass at (5124 m/ 16068 ft) and Shung La pass at (5200 m/ 17056 ft), Nalyam Pass (3800m/12464 ft) which offer enchanting views of Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, Menlungtse and Gauri Shanker. We then descend gradually from the dry Tibetan Plateau. After several hours, you will find yourself amidst the verdant and fertile vegetation of Zhangmu at 2300 meter in the Nepalese border.Overnight in Zhangmu.
O/N Hotel Caiyuan

DAY 10: CROSS THE BOARDER AND DRIVE TO KATHMANDU (1350m/4428ft)
A few kilometers drive from Zhangmu to the Friendship Bridge over the Bhote Koshi River brings you to Immigration Control in Kodari, where you will depart with your Tibetan guide and driver, and walk across the river to meet Nepalese guide to drive to Kathmandu. After 4 hours of driving through deep valleys, you arrive in Kathmandu. Here the journey ends. (please note that accommodations are not included in Kathmandu)

…..TOUR FINISHED…..

Trip Cost Includes

• Hotel, arrival/departure transfer
• All necessary Tibet travel permits
• Everest National Park admission fee and Grass dame charge
• Getting Chinese visa and Tibet Travel permit
• Tibet boarder (Zhang-Mu) to Kathmandu transportation by comfortable vehicle
• Lhasa to Everest Base Camp – Zhang-Mu transfer by non AC Land Cruiser (4WD Toyota)
• 9 nights accommodation in Tibet on twin sharing basis with breakfast
• English speaking Tibetan guide
• All fees for sightseeing and Monasteries as outlined in the itinerary
• All applicable taxes and service charges

Trip Cost Does Not Include

• Accommodation in Kathmandu
• Chinese visa fee {US$ 198 for the US client and US$ 114 for the other national people }
• International flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa (USD 379 ) and China to Lhasa
• Travel insurance
• Meals other than breakfast in Tibet
• Tips for guides and driver
• Nepal visa
• Train ticket from China to Lhasa

ACCOMMODATION:
All accommodation has been chosen for their standard of hygiene, standard of service, location and food quality. All accommodation is based on twin share basis. During your tour we will use Kyichu Hotel or similar hotel in Lhasa, Gyantse Hotel or similar hotel in Gyangtse, Mansarover Hotel or Shengkang Hotel in Shigatse, Qomolangama Hotel or similar hotel in Shegar, Everest View Hotel or similar hotel in Rongbuk and Zhangmu hotel or Caiyuan Hotel in Zhangmu.

Single supplement will be provided on request. The cost is US$200 per person. Bear in mind this is a standard overland package; for private or upgraded tour, please contact us.

MEALS:
Every day's breakfast is included in the package. This will be a dish of Tibetan or continental origin cooked by the lodgings you stay at. Lunch, dinner and any extra food are up to you; as a rough guide, budget Yuan 60 to Yuan 100 (US$10 to US$16) per day.

PACKING LIST:
While packing for “ Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour via Everest Base Camp,” warm clothing is essential to ensure comfort and safety, while non-essential gear such as a knife may simply come in handy. Here we have a suggested packing list to guide you in preparation:

01. Walking boots and sandals for rest (normal sports shoes also work)
02. A water & wind proof jacket
03. Woolen T-shirt/base layer
04. T-shirts
05. A thick pullover/fleece
06. Shorts / skirt for sunny days
07. Trousers / track suit or long pants
08. Thermal long underwear
09. Water bottle
10. Warm socks (woolen is best)
11. Swiss army knife
12. Torchlight with spare batteries
13. Sunglasses
14. Sun lotion
15. Personal medical supplies
16. Towel
17. Day pack for your valuables (camera, money, Passport etc.) and rucksack or duffel bag for your clothes
18. Warm hat with sun protection
19. Gloves

ACCLIMATIZATION:
Keep in mind that you are traveling overland to highest plateau in the world; we will be driving consistently above 5000m/16400ft during the journey with Lhasa (3,650m/11,975ft) being the exception. Driving fast at such elevation could lead to medical complications (Acute Mountain Sickness) which could be fatal. There is 50% less oxygen compared to sea level in high-altitudes places like in Tibet. The higher the altitude, the less oxygen in air. Your body needs few days to acclimatize to this environment, which is why we will begin by touring Lhasa. Although we provide information regarding AMS precaution, the only option for treatment is descending (evacuation). We advise that clients with known heart, lung or blood diseases, or clients over the age of 60 to consult their doctor before traveling. Symptoms of AMS include mild to severe headaches, dizziness, fever, loss of appetite or stomach pain; it is essential to alert our staff if you are feeling poorly to ensure that illness does not progress.

HEALTH & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
This tour involves five to six hours driving per day, but comparatively little walking (indeed, walking is not mandatory). However, it is all at very high altitude, which will take a physical toll. There are no special physical requirements, but high altitude experience is a plus.

BEST SEASON:
Autumn (August, Sept, & Oct), spring (March & April) & summer (May, June & July) are the best seasons for attempting this unforgettable Trans-Himalayan journey. No matter about the group size, this tour can be arranged for both individuals and groups upon request.

Fixed Departure Dates

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