8-Day Classic Overland Journey: Lhasa to Kathmandu via Everest Base Camp
Lhasa to Kathmandu
Details
Kathmandu – Zhangmu Border – Nyalam
Depart Kathmandu in the early morning for the Zhangmu Port. Complete departure procedures in Nepal, walk across the Friendship Bridge, and clear entry customs at the Chinese border. Drive up the winding mountain roads of Zhangmu Gorge to reach Nyalam. Today’s itinerary is mainly focused on border crossing and travel.
Meals:
Accommodation: Hotel in Nyalam
Nyalam – E.B.C
Depart Nyalam at 07:00, heading east along G318 with distant views of Mt. Shishapangma. Arrive at the Mount Everest Scenic Area to take in the panoramic views at Gyatsola Pass and Gawula Pass. Transfer to the eco-friendly shuttle bus to Mount Everest Base Camp and take photos at the 5,200M Monument.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: E.B.C
E.B.C – Shigatse
Wake up early for the Mt. Everest sunrise. Depart Base Camp at 08:00, retracing your path through the famous 108 Turns of Mt. Everest. Enjoy lunch in Tingri at noon and arrive in Shigatse in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Shigatse
Shigatse – Damxung
Depart from Shigatse along S304, enjoying the picturesque scenery of Nimu Grassland and Yangbajing along the way. Travel north to Damxung for overnight stay and early altitude acclimatization in preparation for Namtso Lake.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Damxung
Damxung – Namtso Lake – Lhasa
Depart from Damxung to Namtso Lake, spending 2.5 hours exploring Tashi Peninsula and passing through the Nagenla Pass. After the tour, return to Lhasa along the G109 National Highway, arriving in the downtown area by evening.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Lhasa
Lhasa Tour: The Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street
Following breakfast, your guide and driver will escort you to the iconic Potala Palace, the crowning jewel of the Lhasa skyline and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Perched high atop Red Mountain, this architectural wonder once served as the historic winter residence of the Dalai Lama. You will spend the morning exploring its two main sections—the White Palace and the Red Palace. As you wander through its winding corridors, you will discover sacred chapels, countless monastic dormitories, priceless gilded Buddha statues, and vibrant murals that collectively encapsulate the grand history of Tibet.
In the afternoon, we move on to the Jokhang Temple, universally recognized as the spiritual heart of Tibet. As the holiest temple in Tibetan Buddhism, it draws thousands of pilgrims daily. Here, you will witness the profound devotion of locals as they prostrate at the entrance and offer yak butter oil to keep the sacred lamps burning. Inside, the air is thick with the scent of incense and the low, rhythmic chanting of monks, all beneath a magnificent golden roof that offers a masterclass in ancient Tibetan art and spirituality.
We wrap up the afternoon with a leisurely walk around Barkhor Street, the ancient kora (pilgrimage circuit) and bustling marketplace surrounding the Jokhang Temple. This vibrant street is a captivating crossroads of the old and the new, where pilgrims spinning prayer wheels walk alongside locals and travelers. It is the absolute perfect place to shop for authentic Tibetan handicrafts, mingle with the locals, and fully immerse yourself in the living culture of Lhasa.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Lhasa
Lhasa Tour: visit Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery
This morning, we embark on an immersive cultural journey through Lhasa, beginning with a visit to Drepung Monastery. Once the largest monastery in the world—housing over 10,000 monks at its peak—Drepung remains one of the premier “Three Great Monasteries” of Lhasa. Its imposing, white stone architecture cascades grandly down the hillside. From afar, it resembles a giant heap of white rice, earning its poetic Tibetan name, which translates to the “Rice Heap” monastery.
In the afternoon, we will head to Sera Monastery, another cornerstone of Tibetan Buddhism. Sera is globally renowned for its high-energy Daily Monastic Debates, which take place from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM in the central shady courtyard (except Sundays). You will have the unique opportunity to witness monks engaging in lively, intellectual debates—using dramatic hand claps and passionate gestures to test and deepen their understanding of sacred Buddhist scriptures.
After a deeply enriching day of spiritual and cultural discovery, we will transfer you back to your hotel for a relaxing, peaceful evening in the holy city.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Lhasa
Departure from Lhasa
Following your final breakfast on the plateau, your guide and driver will escort you directly to Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Railway Station for your onward journey. Please coordinate your departure schedules with your guide beforehand to ensure a seamless transfer and allow plenty of time for check-in and security procedures.
Thank you for choosing Tibet Yulong Travel for your ultimate Himalayan adventure. We truly hope you carry home unforgettable memories of the sacred lakes, towering glaciers, and mystical temples. It has been an absolute honor hosting you, and we look forward to welcoming you back to the roof of the world in the future! Safe travels!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Dates & Prices
| Month | Date | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov | 2026-11 | $ 1115 | Book now |
| Dec | 2026-12 | $ 968 | Book now |
| Jan | 2027-01 | $ 968 | Book now |
| Feb | 2027-02 | $ 968 | Book now |
| Mar | 2027-03 | $ 1115 | Book now |
| Apr | 2027-04 | $ 1115 | Book now |
| May | 2027-05 | $ 1115 | Book now |
| Jun | 2027-06 | $ 1262 | Book now |
| Jul | 2027-07 | $ 1262 | Book now |
| Aug | 2027-08 | $ 1262 | Book now |
| Sep | 2027-09 | $ 1262 | Book now |
| Oct | 2027-10 | $ 1115 | Book now |
You are consulting 2025-04-12 8-Day Himalayan Crossing: Kathmandu to Lhasa via Everest Base Camp
Fee Description
Tour Inclusions:
Transportation: Comfortable 9–17 seat tourist vehicle throughout the journey. Airport or railway station transfers in Lhasa.
Accommodation: 7 nights in twin-sharing rooms (5-star standard, can be upgrade to 5-star comfortable hotel)
Entrance Fees: Admission tickets to all attractions listed in the itinerary.
Meals: Daily hotel breakfast. Tibetan Yak Hotpot, Tibetan Sweet Tea, Tibetan Farewell Dinner
Professional Guide Service: Experienced English-speaking, Chinese-speaking, or bilingual local guides.
Permits: Tibet Travel Permit processing and arrangement.
Insurance: Travel agency liability insurance. Vehicle seat insurance.
Drop-off Services: Airport (08:30–22:30), Train station (24 hours).
Tour Exclusions:
International & Domestic Transportation: Flights or train tickets to and from Lhasa. Ticket booking assistance is available upon request.
Meals Not Specified: Lunches and dinners not mentioned in the itinerary.
Personal Expenses: Laundry, telephone charges, beverages, shopping, and other personal expenditures.
Tips: Gratuities for guides and drivers are not mandatory but are appreciated for good service.
Single Supplement: Additional charge for travelers requesting a private room or when no roommate is available.
Additional Costs: Expenses resulting from personal activities, itinerary changes requested by travelers, force majeure events, or medical treatment. Any services not specifically listed under “Tour Inclusions.”
