Itinerary
- Day 1
Departure
Your Asian adventure begins as you depart for Tibet, heading toward one of the world's highest and most remote regions.
- Day 2
Chengdu to Lhasa
You arrive in Chengdu early morning, then fly over the Tibetan plateau to Lhasa. The scenic drive from the airport takes you through the Yarlung Valley, crossing the Brahmaputra River before checking into your hotel in Lhasa's old town at 3,600m altitude. After settling in, you'll take an easy guided walk around the sacred Jokhang Temple along Barkhor Road, watching Tibetan pilgrims at prayer. The day wraps up with dinner at a local Tibetan restaurant trying momos or thenthuk.
- Meals
- Dinner (Tibetan restaurant with momos (dumplings) or thenthuk (hearty soup with noodles, vegetables and yak meat))
Included Activities
- Guided pilgrimage around Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Road
- Visit Jokhang Temple with local Tibetan guide
- Meal at Tibetan restaurant
Landmarks Jokhang Temple Barkhor Road Yarlung Valley Brahmaputra River - Day 3
Lhasa
You walk through narrow alleyways back to Barkhor and see pilgrims performing their rituals. With your Tibetan guide, you enter the sacred Jokhang Temple to view the holiest Buddha statue, taking in yak butter lamps, chanting monks, and the atmosphere of believers. The afternoon is yours to explore Lhasa's old town at your own pace, though it's smart to move slowly at this altitude.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Jokhang Temple interior with Tibetan guide
- Walking tour of Barkhor area and pilgrims
Optional Activities
- Self-guided exploration of Lhasa's old town
Landmarks Jokhang Temple Barkhor Road - Day 4
Lhasa
Today you visit the Potala Palace, climbing numerous steps to explore this castle-like complex on Marpo Ri (Red Mountain). Your guide explains the Tibetan Buddhist symbolism throughout, showing you mandalas, murals, and shrines from the former residence of the Dalai Lamas. After, you walk the adjacent pilgrimage path and try turning prayer wheels clockwise. Lunch happens in a Tibetan teahouse in a park behind the palace, then the afternoon is free for exploring.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Tibetan teahouse lunch in park behind Potala Palace)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Potala Palace
- Visit pilgrimage path behind Potala with prayer wheels
- Lunch at Tibetan teahouse in park behind Potala Palace
Landmarks Potala Palace Marpo Ri (Red Mountain) - Day 5
Lhasa to Drak Yerpa
You head east of Lhasa to the cave monasteries of Drak Yerpa, a quieter spot than busier sites. Following locals through peaceful settings, you visit small caves where Tibetan Buddhist figures meditated for years. The altitude reaches around 4,400m today, and this is your last night in Lhasa.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Excursion to Drak Yerpa cave monasteries
- Visit meditation caves of Tibetan Buddhist masters
Landmarks Drak Yerpa - Day 6
Lhasa to Shigatse
Early departure on the Friendship Highway toward Shigatse takes you through Khamba La Pass at 4,794m with views of Yamdrok-Tso lake, where you'll have time for a shoreline hike. Continuing over Karo La Pass (over 5,000m), you reach Gyantse to explore the fortress and Pelkhor monastery complex with its famous Kumbum stupa. You drive through fertile valleys watching farmers, arriving in Shigatse at 3,860m for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Hike along shore of Yamdrok-Tso (Scorpion Lake)
- Visit Pelkhor monastery and Kumbum stupa in Gyantse
Landmarks Khamba La Pass Yamdrok-Tso (Scorpion Lake) Karo La Pass Pelkhor Monastery Kumbum Stupa (Gyantse) Gyantse Fortress - Day 7
Shigatse to Tashi Dzom
Starting with the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, you explore halls filled with statues, murals, and Buddhist art. Then heading toward the Everest region, you pass Gyatso La at 5,248m before winding up to Pang La viewpoint where six of the world's fourteen highest peaks appear: Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Cho Oyu, and Shishapangma. After photography time, you descend to Tashi Dzom at 4,200m.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Tashilhunpo Monastery
- Visit Pang La viewpoint for Himalayan panorama
Landmarks Tashilhunpo Monastery Gyatso La Pass Pang La Mount Everest (Qomolongma) Makalu Lhotse Cho Oyu Shishapangma Kanchenjunga - Day 8
Tashi Dzom to Kharta
You travel along unpaved roads through idyllic Tibetan villages and cross the Rongbuk River several times before reaching Kharta. After trekking formalities, your first tent camp is set up beside a small river as your dream trek into the Everest region begins.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek to Kharta with tent camp setup
Landmarks Rongbuk River - Day 9
Kharta to Dumpu Meadow
Leaving the last traces of civilization behind, you begin a short trekking stage entering the Tibetan wilderness. The ascent to Shao La Pass starts, and you set up camp early at Dumpu meadow to avoid overexertion. You have your first encounters with shy yaks and their friendly owners.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Kharta to Dumpu meadow camp
- First meetings with yaks and yak herders
Landmarks Shao La Pass - Day 10
Dumpu Meadow to Lake Xiuwutso
After breakfast from your field cook, you gain altitude steadily and reach camp at Lake Xiuwutso in just a few hours. The afternoon is yours to relax in this scenic setting, read, or simply enjoy the view. On clear days, Makalu and Chomolonzo reflect perfectly in the lake.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Dumpu meadow to Lake Xiuwutso camp
Landmarks Lake Xiuwutso Makalu Chomolonzo - Day 11
Lake Xiuwutso to Shomela River
This is a demanding day. You walk steadily from the lake and cross the 4,900m Shao La Pass where Makalu appears majestic. On clear days, Lhotse and Everest come into view. The descent gets steeper into a lush green valley with rhododendrons in May and June. Following the rushing stream downward and crossing it, your team has set up camp by the river with hot coffee waiting.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek over Shao La Pass (4,900m)
- Trek descent to Shomela River camp
Landmarks Shao La Pass Makalu Lhotse Mount Everest (Qomolongma) - Day 12
Shomela River to Tangsun Camp
After breakfast at Zokshan camp, you set off with uphill and downhill sections and Makalu always in view. You occasionally encounter yak herders and other trekking groups. By evening, tents are pitched at Tangsun Camp where the steep white flanks of Chomolonzo seem close enough to touch. Everest and Lhotse loom to the west.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Shomela River area to Tangsun Camp
Landmarks Zokshan Camp Makalu Chomolonzo Mount Everest (Qomolongma) Lhotse - Day 13
Tangsun Camp to Pathang
Today you relax and prepare for strenuous days ahead. Descending from the shallow plateau and crossing a small stream, you set up a two-night camp at Pathang at the foot of the Chomolonzo flanks. You enjoy the varied vegetation, photograph discoveries, complete your travel diary, chat with the cook, or simply rest.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek descent to Pathang camp with two-night setup
Optional Activities
- Complete travel diary
- Observe cook preparing meals
- Botanical photography
Landmarks Pathang Chomolonzo - Day 14
Pathang to Eastern Everest Base Camp
At dawn, you start the royal stage walking from Pathang meadows along bush-lined paths, then tackle a steep climb over stony ground. Chomolonzo shines spectacularly in morning sun to the left. Reaching alpine meadows, Lhotse and Everest reveal themselves as you reach eastern base camp at Pethang Ringmo at 5,090m. You return to camp exhausted and satisfied.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek to alpine meadows with views of Everest and Lhotse
- Optional trek to Pethang Ringmo (eastern Everest base camp) at 5,090m
Optional Activities
- Trek to Pethang Ringmo (eastern Everest base camp)
- Rest at first alpine meadow viewpoint
Landmarks Chomolonzo Lhotse Mount Everest (Qomolongma) Pethang Ringmo (Eastern Everest Base Camp) Kangshung Glacier - Day 15
Pathang to Lake Toshutrima
With satisfaction from reaching so close to the world's highest mountain, you make your way back with confidence. Stopping at Lake Toshutrima en route, you set up camp at your highest elevation of 4,900m. All previously seen peaks are visible from this fantastic setting.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek descent toward Lake Toshutrima with high-altitude camp setup
Landmarks Lake Toshutrima - Day 16
Lake Toshutrima to Shomela River
The ascent to the 5,240m pass is exhausting, but the view afterwards makes up for all the effort. You find yourself in a high mountain amphitheater surrounded by Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Chomolonzo, plus lesser-known peaks. Descending to Shomela River camp closes out this incredible trek section.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek over 5,240m pass with panoramic views
- Trek descent to Shomela River camp
Landmarks High Mountain Pass (5,240m) Mount Everest (Qomolongma) Lhotse Makalu Chomolonzo Pethangtse Tshertse - Day 17
Shomela River to Rongbuk Base Camp
You return to civilization with your vehicle arriving at the trek's starting point. From there, heading directly to northern base camp, the landscape becomes much more arid like a lunar landscape. The Rongbuk Monastery, the world's highest monastery with Everest as backdrop, is worth visiting. You spend the night in a communal tent in a large camp.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Return trek to vehicle pickup point
- Drive to northern Everest base camp area
Optional Activities
- Visit Rongbuk Monastery (highest monastery in the world)
Landmarks Rongbuk Monastery Mount Everest (Qomolongma) - Day 18
Rongbuk to Sakya
You leave your tent at sunrise for the North Face Base Camp, less than an hour away. Returning via Pang La viewpoint, you visit a cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated for years. After the town of Lhatse, you leave the Friendship Highway for a detour to Sakya at 4,300m. Your guide offers an optional walk in the northern part of Sakya monastery. Overnight happens in a Tibetan hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit North Face Base Camp area at sunrise
- Visit Guru Rinpoche's meditation cave
Optional Activities
- Optional walk in northern part of Sakya monastery
Landmarks North Face Base Camp Guru Rinpoche's Meditation Cave Pang La Lhatse Sakya Monastery Mount Everest (Qomolongma) - Day 19
Sakya
You explore the 'Flower Sect,' another mainstream of Tibetan Buddhism. The main monastery houses cultural treasures including a library with over 84,000 documents, earning the nickname 'Second Dunhuang.' Originally built as a fortress over 700 years ago, you take a guided tour exploring halls and statues. Afterwards you explore freely, walking along monastery walls or browsing pilgrim shops. The evening brings a comfortable farewell dinner in Shigatse.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Farewell dinner)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Sakya monastery
- Return drive to Shigatse
- Farewell dinner at hotel in Shigatse
Optional Activities
- Walk along Sakya monastery wall
- Shop at pilgrim stores in Sakya
Landmarks Sakya Monastery - Day 20
Shigatse to Lhasa
After a final night in Tibet, you slowly make your way home on a scenic drive along the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) to Gongkar Airport. From the plane, you'll catch unforgettable views of the Himalayas before departing Tibet.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Scenic drive along Yarlung Tsangpo to Gongkar Airport
Landmarks Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra River) Gongkar Airport - Day 21
Arrival
You return home with unforgettable impressions from your Tibetan adventure, carrying memories of mountains, monasteries, and the remarkable people and landscapes you encountered.
