Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Lhasa
You'll touch down in Lhasa today after flying over the Himalayas from Kathmandu or coming in via mainland China. A Tibetan guide meets you at the airport or train station, and from there it's roughly a 1.5 hour drive into the city. Plan to take things slow for the rest of the day so your body can adjust to the altitude (11,975 ft/3,650m).
- Day 2
Lhasa
Your guide takes you through Lhasa's main religious and cultural landmarks. First up is Sera Monastery with its white-washed walls and gold roofs, followed by Norbulingka, the Dalai Lama's former summer residence. After that, you'll see Jokhang Temple, which holds major significance for Tibetan Buddhism. Later in the day, wander through Barkhor Markets to pick up traditional Tibetan crafts and local goods.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Sera Monastery
- Tour Norbulingka (summer palace of the Dalai Lama)
- Visit Jokhang Temple
- Explore Barkhor Markets
Landmarks/POIs Sera Monastery Norbulingka Jokhang Temple Barkhor Markets - Day 3
Lhasa
Two of Lhasa's most iconic sites fill your schedule today. Start at Potala Palace, the 17th-century structure sitting on Mar Po Ri Hill with over 130,000 square meters of interior space including the Dalai Lama's private quarters and ceremonial rooms. You'll get sweeping views across the whole city from up there. Then move on to Drepung Monastery, founded in the 14th century and once housing around 10,000 monks.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Potala Palace
- Visit Drepung Monastery
- View city from Mar Po Ri Hill
Landmarks/POIs Potala Palace Mar Po Ri Hill Drepung Monastery - Day 4
Lhasa to Shigatse
You're headed 354 km southwest along the Friendship Highway toward Shigatse, Tibet's second city. The drive passes Yamdrok Tso Lake and brings you to Karo La Pass (16,550 ft/5,045m) where you can see the Nazin Kang Sang Glacier. Stop in Gyantse to check out the historical Gyantse Dzong and Kumbum. From there, continue to Shigatse and visit Tashilhunpo Monastery before settling in for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Scenic drive with views of Yamdrok Tso Lake
- View Nazin Kang Sang Glacier at Karo La Pass
- Explore Gyantse Dzong
- Explore Kumbum in Gyantse
- Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery
Landmarks/POIs Yamdrok Tso Lake Karo La Pass Gyantse Dzong Kumbum Tashilhunpo Monastery - Day 5
Shigatse to Rongbuk
Today you're traveling through striking Tibetan terrain along the Friendship Highway, passing the small town of Lhatse and crossing Gyamtso La pass at 17,100 ft/5,220m. Head south another 85 km to Rongbuk (16,560 ft/5,050m). You'll cross Pang La pass at 16,900 ft/5,150m with dramatic views of snow-capped peaks like Makalu and Shishapangma. By evening, you're at Rongbuk with Mount Everest on the horizon.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Scenic drive through Tibetan landscape
- Pass through Lhatse
- Cross Gyamtso La pass (5,220m)
- Cross Pang La pass (5,150m)
Landmarks/POIs Gyamtso La Pass Pang La Pass Mount Makalu Mount Shishapangma - Day 6
Rongbuk to Kerung
Morning brings a walk or ride to Everest Base Camp, either trekking 8 km one way or arranging a horse or local bus (vehicles restricted except for climbers). After that, spend time at Rongbuk Monastery, a Buddhist pilgrimage site from 1902 with meditation huts, hermitage caves carved into rock, and prayer-carved stones marking the paths. Later, you'll drive back to Kerung via Tingri, passing Mount Xishapagma (26,950 ft/8,212m) and Mount Cho Oyu (26,865 ft/8,201m).
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Explore Everest Base Camp (8 km walk or horse/local bus)
- Visit Rongbuk Monastery
Landmarks/POIs Everest Base Camp Rongbuk Monastery Mount Xishapagma Mount Cho Oyu - Day 7
Kerung to Kathmandu
Handle the border procedures, then head into Nepal's green countryside in a scenic descent from the Tibetan highlands. The landscape shifts dramatically as elevation drops, taking you through lush terrain on the way toward Kathmandu.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Scenic drive through Nepal countryside to Kathmandu
- Day 8
Departure from Kathmandu
After breakfast, you'll get transferred to the airport for your next leg. If you're interested, you can also arrange to stay longer in Nepal and add more activities to your trip.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Extend stay in Nepal with additional activities
