8 Days Classic Tibet Tour with Everest Base Camp, Yamdrok Lake & Namtso Lake
No.1 in Sales
Details
Arrival in Lhasa – Airport/Train Station Pick-up & Hotel Check-in
Distance: 70 km (1 hr) from the airport; 20 km (30 min) from the train station
Tashi Delek! Welcome to Lhasa (3,650m), the holy city of Tibet. Whether you arrive at Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Railway Station, your Tibetan guide and driver will greet you in the arrival hall with a name sign and a hada, the traditional Tibetan ceremonial scarf. The drive to your hotel offers your first views of the vast Yarlung Tsangpo River. The rest of the day is set aside for acclimatization — light walking and plenty of rest are recommended, and your guide will brief you on altitude adaptation and the days ahead.
Tibet Yulong Advice:
- Free pick-up: Airport 8:00 am–10:00 pm; train station, 24 hours.
- Mild altitude sickness (fatigue, headache, nausea) may occur and usually eases within two days.
- Rest well and avoid strenuous activity, alcohol, smoking, or hot showers for 2–3 days.
- Stay hydrated and keep meals light.
- Contact your guide or hotel staff if you feel unwell.
Meals: Not Included
Accommodation: Lhasa
Lhasa City Tour – Drepung Monastery & Sera Monastery
Distance: 10 km
Today takes you back in time through two of Tibet’s most prestigious monastic universities, each offering a window into the living traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.
Morning: Drepung Monastery After breakfast, begin at Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in the world. It served as Tibet’s political center in the 17th century and was home to the Dalai Lamas before the Potala Palace was built, housing over 10,000 monks at its peak.
Afternoon: Sera Monastery Debates In the afternoon, continue to Sera Monastery, one of Lhasa’s three great Gelug universities. The highlight here is the famous monk debate session, held daily from 3:00 to 4:30 pm, where monks engage in lively philosophical debate using expressive clapping gestures and traditional techniques.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Lhasa
Lhasa City Tour: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street
Distance: 4 km (0.5 hrs)
After your first full day of acclimatization, today dives deeper into Lhasa’s spiritual and cultural heart.
Morning: Potala Palace After breakfast, visit the iconic Potala Palace, rising above the city as an architectural masterpiece. Inside, the Treasure Hall houses ancient manuscripts and artwork, the White Palace was once the Dalai Lamas’ winter residence and administrative center, and the Red Palace forms the spiritual core, filled with chapels, stupas, and countless Buddha statues.
Afternoon: Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street Continue to Jokhang Temple, the most sacred site in Tibetan Buddhism, home to the revered Jowo Shakyamuni Buddha statue believed to have arrived in Tibet in the 7th century. Its traditional wooden architecture and multi-tiered pagodas create a powerful sense of history.
Afterward, stroll Barkhor Street, the lively circumambulation route around the temple, following pilgrims walking clockwise, spinning prayer wheels, and browsing shops selling traditional Tibetan handicrafts.
Authentic Tibetan Cultural Experiences:
- Tibetan Sweet Tea Time: Relax at a traditional teahouse alongside local residents and sip authentic sweet tea.
- Traditional Tibetan Costume Photoshoot: Dress in traditional attire with authentic hairstyles and makeup, guided by a professional photographer through Barkhor Street’s historic alleys.
Evening: Tibetan Welcome Dinner – a festive feast celebrating your arrival, with authentic local delicacies and music.
Tibet Yulong Notice: The Potala Palace is closed every Monday; on other days, visits are subject to daily entry limits and timed admission
Meals: Breakfast | Tibetan Sweet Tea | Tibetan Welcome Dinner
Accommodation: Lhasa
Lhasa to Shigatse: Yamdrok Lake & Karola Glacier
Distance: 360 km (8 hrs)
Today you’ll leave Lhasa and cross the Tibetan Plateau westward, taking in sacred lakes, glaciers, and historic towns.
Morning: Yamdrok Lake & Gampala Pass Depart early for Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s holiest and most scenic lakes. From Gampala Pass (4,900m), admire its striking turquoise waters set against snow-capped peaks.
Midday: Karola Glacier Stop at Karola Glacier, a dramatic ice formation showcasing untouched natural beauty. Walk along its base and take in the glaciers glistening in the sunlight.
Continue to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city, for the night.
Tibet Yulong Advice: Long driving day — stay hydrated, move slowly outdoors, and follow your guide’s acclimatization advice.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Shigatse
Shigatse to Everest Base Camp: Gyatso La, Gyawu La & Sunset at Everest
Distance: 340 km (8 hrs)
Morning: Gyatso La & Gyawu La Pass Depart Shigatse toward Gyatso La Pass (5,280m) for your first glimpse of Everest, peeking through surrounding peaks like a budding lotus. Continuing into the Everest National Nature Reserve, Gawula Pass (5,198m) offers a panoramic view of the Himalayas’ five highest peaks, with Everest at the forefront — your second encounter.
Afternoon: Approaching Everest Base Camp The new zigzag road gradually reveals more of Everest’s colossal form — your third view. Arriving at Base Camp (5,200m), you’ll stand before the towering white pyramid. At dusk, golden light illuminates the northern face for a fourth unforgettable view, and after nightfall, the Milky Way sparkling above the snow-covered peak offers a fifth and final encounter.
Evening Dining: Tibetan Yak Hotpot – a hearty, warming meal to replenish your energy at altitude.
Accommodation Options:
- EBC Tent Guesthouse: Double-bed rooms without private shower (public toilet only); the most authentic option, with close-up views of the Everest sunrise.
- Vienna International Hotel: More comfortable, though its location means missing the sunrise.
- Rongbuk Hotel (upgrade): The best hotel for Everest views; upgrade available for a seasonal price difference – ask us for current rates.
Tibet Yulong Notice: Views of Everest’s north face depend on weather conditions.
Meals: Breakfast | Tibetan Yak Hotpot
Accommodation: EBC Tent Guesthouse or Vienna International Hotel
Everest Base Camp to Saga: Sunrise at Everest, Shishapangma & Pelkhu Tso Lake
Distance: 370 km (8 hrs)
Morning: Everest Sunrise Rise early for a breathtaking sunrise over Everest’s northern face.
Afternoon: Mt. Shishapangma & Pelkhu Tso Lake Continue toward Saga, passing Mount Shishapangma (8,027m), the only 8,000-meter peak entirely within Tibet, and Pelkhu Tso Lake (4,591m), whose golden waters set against the snowy peak create a striking alpine panorama.
Arrive in Saga in the evening to rest.
Tibet Yulong Advice: Early start for the sunrise – dress warmly.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Saga
Saga to Darchen: Lake Manasarovar & Mount Kailash
Distance: 490 km (8 hrs)
Morning: Saga Valley & Gongzhucuo Lake Drive through Saga Valley, nestled between the Himalayan and Gangdise ranges, passing towering mountains, open pastures, and grazing yaks and sheep. Pause at Gongzhucuo Lake, a scenic green highland lake.
Afternoon: Mayum La Pass & Lake Manasarovar Cross Mayum La Pass (5,211m) into the Ngari Region. Descending, you’ll be greeted by sacred Lake Manasarovar, with Mount Kailash rising majestically in the distance.
Continue along the lakeshore to Darchen, the small town at Kailash’s foot, and prepare for the upcoming three-day trek.
Tibet Yulong Notice: If you’d like to hire a porter for the trek, let your guide know today so arrangements can be made (additional fee applies).
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Darchen
Mount Kailash Trek Day 1: Darchen to Dirapuk Monastery
Distance: 6 km driving; 13 km trekking
Morning: An eco-bus takes you from Darchen to Sarshung Valley, where the 13-kilometer trek begins along the base of Mount Kailash, taking in its southern and western slopes.
Sacred Stops Along the Way:
- Tarboche (Prayer Flag Square): Site of the Saga Dawa Festival, where pilgrims raise flagpoles to celebrate the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing.
- Yam Dwar (Two-Legged Stupa): Marks the entrance to the sacred kora path.
- Choku Monastery: The first monastery on the kora, known for its sacred silver conch shell and traditional teapots.
Afternoon: Arrive at Dirapuk Monastery and check into the local guesthouse. Explore with your guide, photograph the ancient stupas, and, weather permitting, enjoy a golden sunset over Kailash.
Tibet Yulong Advice: Trek at a slow, steady pace and bring warm layers, as mountain weather can change quickly.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Dirapuk Monastery Guesthouse (multi-bed sharing)
Mount Kailash Trek Day 2: Dirapuk Monastery to Zutulpuk Monastery
Distance: 22 km trekking
Today is the most demanding — and spiritually rewarding — day of the kora, crossing Dolma La Pass, the highest point of the trek.
Morning: A 4-kilometer climb from Dirapuk leads to 5,430m, with a stunning sunrise over Kailash’s northwest slope. Continue 2 km further to Dolma La Pass (5,630m), where prayer flags flutter and glaciers stretch across the Himalayan panorama.
Afternoon: Descend to the emerald-green Gauri Kund (Cibei Lake), believed to purify sins, then continue to Zutulpuk Monastery, associated with Milarepa’s meditation cave — a peaceful end to a demanding day, with wildlife and glaciers visible along the way.
Optional Extension: A deeper spiritual experience – an extra day trekking to the west slope glacier to touch Kailash’s sacred rock face – is available as part of our 16-day Kailash Charan Sparsh Tour.
Tibet Yulong Advice: Icy, rocky sections may appear near Dolma La Pass even in summer — trek carefully with proper footwear.
Accommodation: Zutulpuk Monastery Guesthouse (multi-bed sharing)
Mount Kailash Trek Day 3: Zutulpuk Monastery to Darchen, then to Saga
Distance: 6.5 km trekking; 4.5 km driving to Darchen; 344 km (6 hrs) to Saga
Morning: Complete the kora with a gentle 6-kilometer downhill walk from Zutulpuk to Zongto, then take an eco-bus back to Darchen, officially concluding the trek.
Afternoon: Continue driving toward Saga, with further views of Lake Manasarovar, open grasslands, and distant Himalayan peaks along the way.
Accommodation: Saga
Saga to Gyirong: Gyirong Valley
Distance: 344 km (6 hrs)
The drive south reveals a dramatic shift from the high Tibetan plateau to lush Himalayan valleys. Entering Gyirong Valley, you’ll find rolling grasslands, dense forests, and dramatic canyon scenery — one of Tibet’s most beautiful valleys, known for its mild climate and rich vegetation, a striking contrast to the arid landscapes further west.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Gyirong
Gyirong to Gyirong Border: Departure from Tibet
Distance: 40 km (1 hr)
After breakfast, your guide and driver will escort you to the border exit point, marking the conclusion of your Tibet journey. Your guide will assist with exit procedures before saying farewell.
Thank you for traveling with Tibet Yulong – it has been our pleasure accompanying you across the sacred lands of Tibet, and we look forward to welcoming you back.
Tibet Yulong Notice: Transfer vehicles from Gyirong Border to Kathmandu are available on request; transportation fees are not included in the tour price.
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
| Month | Date | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul | 2026-7-10 | $ 2350 | Book now |
| 2026-7-20 | $ 2350 | Book now | |
| Aug | 2026-8-10 | $ 2350 | Book now |
| 2026-8-20 | $ 2350 | Book now | |
| Sep | 2026-9-10 | $ 2350 | Book now |
| 2026-9-20 | $ 2350 | Book now | |
| Oct | 2026-10-10 | $ 2350 | Book now |
| 2026-10-20 | $ 2350 | Book now | |
| Apr | 2027-4-10 | $ 2200 | Book now |
| 2027-4-20 | $ 2200 | Book now | |
| May | 2027-5-10 | $ 2200 | Book now |
| 2027-5-20 | $ 2200 | Book now | |
| Jun | 2027-6-10 | $ 2200 | Book now |
| 2027-6-20 | $ 2200 | Book now |
You are consulting 2025-04-12 12-Day Lhasa, Everest & Mount Kailash Group Tour to Kathmandu
Fee Description
Price Includes
- Tibet Permits: Tibet Travel Permit, Aliens’ Travel Permit, Military Area Entry Permit, and other required documents
- Transportation: 9–17 seat tourist vehicle
- Accommodation: 8 nights in twin-sharing rooms (3-star standard); 1 night at EBC Tent Guesthouse (multi-bed sharing) or Vienna International Hotel; 1 night at Dirapuk Monastery guestroom (multi-bed sharing); 1 night at Zutulpuk Monastery guestroom (multi-bed sharing)
- Meals: 6 breakfasts at hotels, 3 breakfasts at restaurants, Tibetan Sweet Tea, Tibetan Welcome Dinner, Tibetan Yak Hotpot at EBC
- Guide: Professional English-speaking local Tibetan guide
- Entrance Tickets: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, Everest Base Camp entrance fee and eco-bus, Lake Manasarovar, Mount Kailash entrance fee and eco-bus
- Oxygen and Water: 1 bottle of portable oxygen for emergencies; a 4L medical oxygen cylinder in the vehicle; 1 bottle of 300ml drinking water per person per day
- Travel Insurance: Travel agency liability insurance, vehicle seat insurance
- Service Fees: All taxes, fees, and handling charges; reservation fee for the Potala Palace visit; lodging and dining subsidies for guide and driver
- Pick-up and Drop-off: Free pick-up at Lhasa Gonggar Airport (8:00 am–10:00 pm); free drop-off (8:30 am–10:30 pm); free pick-up and drop-off at Lhasa Railway Station, 24 hours
Price Excludes
- Personal Expenses: Laundry, drinks, phone calls, optional activities (Lhasa Traditional Handicraft Center, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Tibetan village, etc.)
- Single Room Supplement (if requested)
- Meals: Lunch and dinner
- Tickets: International and domestic flight or train tickets
- Tips for your guide and driver
- China Visa: Chinese Tourist Visa (L-visa) application fees
- Exceptional Events: Extra charges arising from unforeseeable circumstances (e.g., weather, road closures)
Why Travel with Tibet Yulong?
Best Experience at an Affordable Price – Our Tibet tours are designed to deliver an unforgettable experience without the premium price tag. Traveling with us, you’ll take in stunning scenery, enjoy authentic local flavors, and get a genuine look into Tibetan culture and customs.
Tibet Travel Permit Guaranteed – As Tibet tour specialists, we offer a one-stop service that handles all necessary travel documents on your behalf, including the Tibet Travel Permit, Aliens’ Travel Permit, and Military Area Entry Permit.
24/7 Attentive Service – Our team is available around the clock. Dedicated travel consultants, guides, and drivers are on hand at every stage to provide expert guidance tailored to your needs, ensuring a smooth, worry-free trip from start to finish.
Professional Tour Guides – Our guides bring genuine expertise to every tour, sharing insights into local traditions and customs for a richer cultural experience. Warm, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic, they’re dedicated to giving you an authentic look at life in Tibet.
Seasoned Drivers and Comfortable Vehicles – Your safety and comfort are handled by experienced drivers and well-equipped support vehicles, ready to assist at any point along the journey. Oxygen cylinders are kept on board to help ease the effects of altitude.
Tibet Train, Flight & Hotel Booking – We can arrange your train or flight tickets into Tibet and take care of accommodation throughout your stay, carefully selecting hotels and guesthouses that offer a comfortable place to rest and recharge.
