Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Odyssey
A Pilgrimage Through Tibet's Spiritual Heartland to the Foot of the World's Highest Peak
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in the Holy City of Lhasa
Arrival and Acclimatization
Upon arrival at Lhasa Gonggar Airport (altitude: 3600m), you'll be greeted by your Tibetan guide and transferred to your hotel. The 100km journey to Lhasa downtown takes approximately 1.5 hours. Today focuses on acclimatization to the high altitude, allowing your body to adjust gradually to the thin Himalayan air.
Meals: No meals Recommended Hotel: In Lhasa
Day 2: Exploring Lhasa's Spiritual Core
Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkor Street
Begin your Tibetan immersion at the magnificent Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama and an architectural marvel perched above Lhasa. Following lunch, visit the sacred Jokhang Temple, Tibet's most revered religious site, where pilgrims from across the plateau come to pay homage. Conclude your day exploring the vibrant Barkor Street, circling the temple alongside devout pilgrims and browsing traditional Tibetan handicrafts.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Recommended Hotel: In Lhasa
Day 3: Tibetan Culture and Monastic Traditions
Tibet Museum, Norbulingka, and Sera Monastery
Discover Tibet's rich heritage at the Tibet Museum, the region's first modern museum showcasing extensive cultural artifacts. After lunch, visit Norbulingka Park, the traditional summer palace of the Dalai Lamas, featuring beautiful gardens and traditional architecture. Your day culminates at Sera Monastery, where you'll witness the captivating monks' debates—a unique Tibetan Buddhist educational tradition held daily around 3:00 PM.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Recommended Hotel: In Lhasa
Day 4: Journey to Shigatse via Sacred Yamdrok Lake
Scenic Drive, Yamdrok Lake, and Pelkor Chode Monastery
Depart Lhasa for Shigatse, stopping first at the breathtaking Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet's three great sacred lakes, renowned for its stunning turquoise waters. Continue to Gyangtse to visit Pelkor Chode Monastery at the foot of Dzong Hill, notable for its unique architectural blend of Tibetan and Han styles. Arrive in Shigatse (3836m) by evening for overnight rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Recommended Hotel: In Shigatse
Day 5: Tibetan Buddhism's Great Monasteries
Tashilhunpo Monastery, Sakya Monastery, and Drive to Tingri
Explore Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of Tibet's six great monasteries and the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. Continue to Sakya Monastery, the principal monastery of the Sakyapa sect, distinguished by its fortress-like architecture and extensive collection of Tibetan scriptures. Conclude the day's journey in Tingri (4300m), a small town offering spectacular Himalayan views.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Recommended Hotel: In Tingri
Day 6: The Everest Ascent
Mount Everest Base Camp Expedition
Rise early (typically between 4:00-5:00 AM) for the highlight of your journey—the drive to Mount Everest Base Camp (5200m). After approximately 3.5 hours on rugged mountain roads, you'll arrive at the base of the world's highest peak. Spend precious time absorbing the majestic presence of Qomolangma before embarking on the return journey to Shigatse.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Recommended Hotel: In Shigatse
Day 7: Return to Lhasa via Scenic River Route
Yurlong Tsangpu River Drive
Following breakfast, begin your return journey to Lhasa along the picturesque Yurlong Tsangpu River, offering different perspectives of Tibet's dramatic landscapes than your outward route. Enjoy lunch en route during this approximately 5-hour, 265km drive back to the Tibetan capital.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Recommended Hotel: In Lhasa
Day 8: Departure from Lhasa
Farewell to Tibet
Enjoy a final breakfast in Lhasa before your transfer to Gonggar Airport for your departure. The 100km journey takes approximately 1.5 hours, concluding your remarkable 8-day Tibetan adventure from spiritual centers to the roof of the world.
Meals: Breakfast