Itinerary
- Day 1
Kathmandu to Lhasa
Your flight from Kathmandu arrives at Gonngar airport, and from there it's about an hour's drive into Lhasa. Once you reach the city, you'll have time to settle into your hotel and rest up. Since you're coming from lower altitude, taking it easy today helps your body adjust to being at 11,975 feet/3,650 meters.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks/POIs Gonngar Airport - Day 2
Lhasa
This morning you'll start exploring Lhasa's religious and cultural heart. Head to Barkhor Bazaar first, where you can wander through this traditional marketplace and see local goods and handicrafts. After that, check out Drepung Monastery, which is one of Tibet's largest, then make your way to Sera Monastery. If you time it right, you might catch the monks engaging in their philosophical debates there. You'll head back to your hotel for the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Barkhor Bazaar
- Visit Drepung Monastery
- Visit Sera Monastery
Landmarks/POIs Barkhor Bazaar Drepung Monastery Sera Monastery - Day 3
Lhasa
Today focuses on Lhasa's two most iconic sites. Potala Palace sits high above the city and served as the winter residence for the Dalai Lamas, so the views and the history make it worth the visit. Later in the day, go to Jokhang Temple, which is considered one of Tibet's most sacred places. Both sites require some walking and climbing, so pace yourself. Return to your hotel afterward.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Potala Palace
- Visit Jokhang Temple
Landmarks/POIs Potala Palace Jokhang Temple - Day 4
Lhasa to Xigatse
After breakfast, you'll start driving toward Gyantse, and the route takes you past Yamadroke Lake with views of high mountain passes. You'll cross Kora La at 16,433 feet/5,010 meters and Kamba La at 15,715 feet/4,794 meters, so the scenery is dramatic but the elevation can be intense. Once in Gyantse, explore Pholkor and Kumbum Monastery before continuing another 1.5 hours to Xigatse through typical Tibetan landscapes.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Drive via Yamadroke Lake
- Visit Pholkor Monastery
- Visit Kumbum Monastery
- Scenic drive to Xigatse
Landmarks/POIs Yamadroke Lake Kora La Kamba La Pholkor Monastery Kumbum Monastery - Day 5
Xigatse to Xegar
Start the day at Tashilhumpu Monastery in Xigatse, which is the seat of the Panchen Lama and contains significant religious artwork and architecture. After exploring there, you'll drive to Xegar, crossing Gyatchula pass at 17,060 feet/5,200 meters. By evening, you'll be settled at your hotel in this smaller town.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Tashilhumpu Monastery
Landmarks/POIs Tashilhumpu Monastery Gyatchula - Day 6
Xegar to Rongbuk
The drive to Rongbuk takes you through beautiful Tibetan countryside with wide valleys and distant peaks. Once you arrive, check out Rongbuk Monastery, which holds the distinction of being the highest monastery in the world at about 16,000 feet/4,880 meters. You'll stay overnight at a guest house here.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Rongbuk Monastery
Landmarks/POIs Rongbuk Monastery - Day 7
Rongbuk
This is the big day. You'll hike up to Everest Base Camp, which sits at 17,060 feet/5,200 meters, and spend time exploring the area where climbing expeditions set up. The hike itself isn't technical, but the altitude and distance make it demanding, so you'll move at a steady pace. After returning to Rongbuk, you'll drive to Kerong and check in for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hike to Everest Base Camp
Landmarks/POIs Everest Base Camp - Day 8
Kerong to Kathmandu
You'll drive to Rasuwagadi Border and go through the border formalities between Tibet and Nepal. Once that's handled, continue driving to Kathmandu, where your Tibet tour concludes. The drive takes several hours, so you'll be traveling most of the day.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks/POIs Rasuwagadi Border
