8-Day Tibet Tour Lhasa to Everest Base Camp
TRIP OVERVIEW
This is the classic overland journey from Lhasa to the north side of Mount Everest. The route starts gently with two days of culture in Lhasa, then crosses Yamdrok Lake and the farming valleys of Gyantse and Shigatse before climbing into the Himalayas.
The night near Everest Base Camp is the high point, but the journey is more than Everest: a Tibetan family lunch by Yamdrok, Himalayan viewpoints around Tingri, Rongbuk Monastery and Tashilhunpo Monastery all give the route a good balance of landscape and culture.
HIGHLIGHTS
🏜 Lhasa - You will visit all of Lhasa’s major sites (Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery).
🏞 Yamdrok Lake - You will cross Kambala Pass for the classic panoramic view over one of Tibet’s three great sacred lakes, then continue along its shoreline.
🧊 Karola Glacier - You will stop beneath the glacier on the road between Gyantse and Shigatse and see one of the most accessible high-altitude glaciers in central Tibet.
🏯 Shigatse - You will visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas and one of the most important monasteries in Tibet.
⛰ Everest Base Camp - You will spend one night near EBC! From there, you can watch Mount Everest from the Tibetan north side, with sunset, sunrise and stars depending on the weather.
ITINERARY
Day 1
Welcome to Lhasa
Welcome to Tibet! On arrival at Lhasa airport or railway station, your local Tibetan guide and driver will greet you and present you with a traditional white Khata scarf.
From the airport, the transfer to central Lhasa takes approximately one hour. After checking in, take the rest of the day to relax and begin adapting gently to the altitude.
🏔️ Altitude: 3,650 m
🚗 Distance: Approximately 70 km / 1 hour from the airport
🍽️ Meals: None
🛏️ Accommodation:
Eco: Xinding Hotel Lhasa (拉萨新鼎大酒店) or similar
Comfort: Thangka Hotel, Deluxe Room (拉萨唐卡酒店豪华房) or similar
*Free airport pickup is available at 10:00, 13:30, 16:00 and 18:30. A private pickup can be arranged for approximately RMB 400 if you prefer not to wait or arrive after the last shuttle. Train-station pickup is also included.
Day 2
Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery
Begin your discovery of Tibetan Buddhism at Drepung Monastery, once one of Tibet’s largest monastic institutions. Explore its assembly halls, courtyards and monastic buildings as your guide introduces you to the traditions and daily life of its monks.
In the afternoon, continue to Sera Monastery to watch its animated Buddhist debates. Through emphatic gestures, questions and responses, the monks test their knowledge of Buddhist philosophy using a centuries-old method of study.
This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travellers.
🏔️ Altitude: Approximately 3,650–3,800 m
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast and welcome dinner
🛏️ Accommodation:
Eco: Xinding Hotel Lhasa (拉萨新鼎大酒店) or similar
Comfort: Thangka Hotel, Deluxe Room (拉萨唐卡酒店豪华房) or similar
Day 3
Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street
Today introduces you to the cultural and spiritual heart of Lhasa. Visit the Potala Palace, the city’s most iconic landmark and the former winter residence of successive Dalai Lamas. Inside, explore historic halls, chapels, murals and sacred treasures while learning about Tibet’s religious and political history.
At Longwangtan Park, below the palace, you may see local residents dancing, exercising or gathering beside the lake. Continue to the Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s most revered pilgrimage site, before joining pilgrims along the traditional route around Barkhor Street.
Finish the experience in a local Tibetan teahouse, where you can enjoy sweet tea and observe an everyday side of life in Lhasa.
🏔️ Altitude: 3,650 m
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast and Tibetan sweet tea
🛏️ Accommodation:
Eco: Xinding Hotel Lhasa (拉萨新鼎大酒店) or similar
Comfort: Thangka Hotel, Deluxe Room (拉萨唐卡酒店豪华房) or similar
*Potala Palace entry times are allocated through the official reservation system, so the order of Days 2 and 3 may occasionally change.
Day 4
Lhasa to Shigatse via Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier
Leave Lhasa for a spectacular journey across central Tibet. Climb to Kambala Pass at approximately 4,797 metres, where the turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake unfold below, framed by mountains and distant snow-covered peaks.
Continue along approximately 20 kilometres of lakeshore, stopping at different viewpoints along the way. At a lakeside village, visit a local Tibetan farming family and enjoy lunch in their home—an opportunity to experience rural life beside one of Tibet’s most sacred lakes.
After lunch, travel higher into the mountains to Karola Glacier. At approximately 5,030 metres, the glacier’s immense tongue descends dramatically towards the roadside, creating one of the day’s most memorable landscapes.
Continue past Manla Lake and through the fertile farming valleys around Gyantse before arriving in Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city.
🏔️ Altitude: Approximately 3,650 m / 5,030 m / 3,600 m
🚗 Distance: Approximately 360 km / 7–8 hours of driving
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast and Tibetan farmhouse lunch
🛏️ Accommodation:
Eco: Shiga-Yangcha Hotel (喜嘎央恰酒店) or similar
Comfort: Qo Mo Lang Zong Hotel (乔穆朗宗酒店) or similar
Day 5
Shigatse to Everest Base Camp
Today, travel deeper into the Himalayas towards the north face of Mount Everest. Leaving Shigatse, pass through farming villages and open plateau landscapes before crossing Gyatso La Pass, the highest point of the journey at approximately 5,280 metres.
Near Tingri, weather permitting, enjoy your first distant view of Mount Everest. Continue into the Everest scenic area and climb to Gyawula Pass, where some of the Himalayas’ greatest peaks rise together above the plateau, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and Shishapangma.
From here, follow the winding mountain road towards Everest Base Camp. Everest gradually grows larger until its immense north face dominates the horizon. The team will aim to arrive before sunset, giving you the chance to watch the mountain turn golden in the evening light when the weather is clear.
Spend the night near Everest Base Camp, surrounded by the extraordinary stillness of the Himalayas.
🏔️ Altitude: Approximately 3,600 m / 5,280 m / 5,200 m
🚗 Distance: Approximately 340 km / 7–8 hours of driving
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast
🛏️ Accommodation:
Eco & comfort: Everest Base Camp Guesthouse (珠峰大本营帐篷招待所)
*The guesthouse offers basic shared accommodation without private bathrooms. The Eco and Comfort distinction does not apply at Everest Base Camp but you can chose to upgrade to hotel.
**During winter, the guesthouse might be closed. In this case, we will stay in Basong Village or the nearest available accommodation. The next morning, we will travel directly to Shigatse without returning to Everest Base Camp.
Day 6
Everest Base Camp to Shigatse
Wake to the peaceful Himalayan landscape and, if the weather is clear, enjoy the morning view of Mount Everest. After breakfast, visit Rongbuk Monastery, dramatically located beneath the mountain and considered one of the world’s highest monasteries.
Leaving Everest, travel to Xilin Viewpoint for another perspective over the Himalayas, including the eastern side of Everest and neighbouring Mount Lhotse. Continue through remote plateau landscapes and pass the historic town of Sakya on the return journey to Shigatse.
This evening, celebrate the Everest experience with a traditional Tibetan dinner accompanied by local song and dance.
🏔️ Altitude: Approximately 5,200 m / 4,300 m / 3,600 m
🚗 Distance: Approximately 360 km / 8 hours of driving
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast and traditional Tibetan dinner with song and dance
🛏️ Accommodation:
Eco: Shiga-Yangcha Hotel (喜嘎央恰酒店) or similar
Comfort: Qo Mo Lang Zong Hotel (乔穆朗宗酒店) or similar
Day 7
Tashilhunpo Monastery and Return to Lhasa
Begin the day at Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas and one of the most important monasteries in Tibet. Explore its grand halls, Buddhist murals, sacred stupas and impressive gilded statue of Maitreya Buddha.
After the visit, return to Lhasa through the Yarlung Tsangpo River Valley. Depending on local arrangements, the return journey may be made by road or train.
🏔️ Altitude: Approximately 3,600–3,650 m
🚗 Distance: Approximately 280 km / 5 hours by road
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast
🛏️ Accommodation:
Eco: Xinding Hotel Lhasa (拉萨新鼎大酒店) or similar
Comfort: Thangka Hotel, Deluxe Room (拉萨唐卡酒店豪华房) or similar
Day 8
Depart from Lhasa
Your Tibet journey ends today. After breakfast, the team will accompany you to Lhasa airport or railway station for your onward journey. Thank you for travelling with us, and have a safe journey home!
🏔️ Altitude: 3,650 m
🚗 Distance: Approximately 70 km / 1 hour to the airport
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast
🛏️ Accommodation: None
*Free airport drop-off shuttles leave the hotel at 06:30, 08:00 and 12:00. If these times do not suit your departure, a private transfer can be arranged for approximately RMB 400.
PHOTOS
Get a glimpse of the tour experience!
DETAILS
Price
Tour Prices 2026/2027 (in RMB)
Low Season
January 1 to February 28 and November 1 to December 31
Eco hotel: ¥6,410 (~US$955) | single supplement: ¥1,020
Comfort hotel: ¥6,950 (~US$1,035) | single supplement: ¥1,410
Shoulder Season
March 1 to May 31 and October 11 to October 31
Eco hotel: ¥7,030 (~US$1,050) | single supplement: ¥1,080
Comfort hotel: ¥7,810 (~US$1,165) | single supplement: ¥1,560
High Season
June 1 to July 9 and August 21 to September 19
Eco hotel: ¥7,430 (~US$1,105) | single supplement: ¥1,140
Comfort hotel: ¥8,330 (~US$1,240) | single supplement: ¥1,740
Peak Season
July 10 to August 20 and September 20 to October 10
Eco hotel: ¥7,925 (~US$1,180) | single supplement: ¥1,260
Comfort hotel: ¥8,945 (~US$1,335) | single supplement: ¥1,980
*USD amounts are approximate and provided for reference only. Payments are based on the RMB price.
Date
2026 Departure Dates
October: 14, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 27, 29
November: 1, 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29
December: 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27, 31
2027 Departure Dates
January: 3, 7, 10, 15, 24, 29
February: 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28
March: 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26, 28, 31
April: 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30
May: 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31
June: 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 30
July: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30
August: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30
September: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29, 30
October: 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 27, 28, 30
November: 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26, 28
December: 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29, 31
Included
- Documents: Tibet travel permit
- Airport pickup and dropoff on given time
(Airport Pick-up Schedule: 10:00, 13:30, 16:00 and 18:30; Airport Drop-off Schedule from hotel: 06:30, 08:00, 12:00)
- Comfortable tourist vehicle with experienced driver
- English-speaking local Tibetan guide
- Accommodation listed in the itinerary, or a similar local standard
- Meals specifically listed in the itinerary
- Entrance fees for the sightseeing sites listed in the itinerary
- Shared airport/train-station transfers in Lhasa at the published transfer times
- Travel accident insurance
- Everest scenic-area shuttle/eco-bus where required
- Vehicle oxygen support on the high-altitude section
Excluded
- Flight or train to and from Tibet
- Meals not mentioned in "included" (most meals are about 30-100rmb/meal)
- Tips to tour guide and driver
- Single Room Supplement
- Personal expenses
Cancellation Fee
Between booking and 15 days before departure: RMB 500
14 to 5 days before departure: RMB 2,000
4 to 1 day before departure: 50% of the tour price
Departure day or no-show: 100% of the tour price
Cancellation Policy
If severe weather creates a safety risk, or a government restriction makes the trip impossible to operate, we will cancel the affected tour and refund the tour prepayment. Flight and train cancellation charges are not covered and must be handled directly with the airline or railway provider.
Important Notes
If the Tibet Travel Permit is not approved, or a change in government regulation means the trip cannot operate, the tour prepayment will be refunded. M2Adventure does not cover cancellation fees for flights or train tickets.
Important Information
Permit: Foreign travellers need a Tibet Travel Permit. M2Adventure handles the application process; passport and China visa documents must meet the current requirements.
Altitude: This itinerary reaches about 5,200 m at Everest Base Camp. The first days in Lhasa are designed to allow time to adapt before travelling higher.
Potala Palace: The visiting time is allocated through the official reservation system, so the order of the Lhasa days can change.
FAQ
Do I need special permits to visit Everest Base Camp in Tibet?
Yes. Foreign travellers require a Tibet Travel Permit, as well as the relevant documents for the Everest region. M2Adventure arranges the required permits as part of the tour once your booking and travel documents are confirmed.
Is the Everest Base Camp tour fully conducted in English?
Yes. The entire guided tour is conducted in English by a professional local Tibetan guide. Your guide accompanies the group through Lhasa, Shigatse and the Everest region.
What accommodation should I expect?
You can choose Eco or Comfort hotels in Lhasa and Shigatse:
Lhasa Eco: Xinding Hotel Lhasa (拉萨新鼎大酒店) or similar.
Lhasa Comfort: Thangka Hotel, Deluxe Room (拉萨唐卡酒店豪华房) or similar.
Shigatse Eco: Shiga-Yangcha Hotel (喜嘎央恰) or similar.
Shigatse Comfort: Qo Mo Lang Zong Hotel (乔穆朗宗酒店) or similar.
At Everest Base Camp, both categories stay in the EBC Tent Guesthouse (帐篷招待所). This is simple shared accommodation without a private bathroom.
What transportation is used on the Everest route?
The group travels in a comfortable, air-conditioned tourist vehicle with an experienced local driver. The vehicle size depends on the group size. Inside the Everest scenic area, travellers use the official shuttle or eco-bus where required.
How high does the tour go?
The route reaches approximately 5,200 metres in the Everest Base Camp area, with several high mountain passes along the way. The first days in Lhasa and the gradual journey through Shigatse are designed to support acclimatisation. Vehicle oxygen support is carried on the high-altitude section.
Can you guarantee a clear view of Mount Everest?
No. The itinerary provides opportunities to see Everest at different times, including around sunset and sunrise, but mountain visibility always depends on the weather. This is something no operator can guarantee.
What is the accommodation at Everest Base Camp really like?
The guesthouse is warm and atmospheric but very basic. Rooms are shared, bathroom facilities are communal, and services are limited because of the remote location. It is part of the Everest experience rather than a conventional hotel stay.