7 Days Lhasa EBC Overland Tour

Upon our arrival at Gonggar airport/ Lhasa Train Station, after the immigration formalities, our guide will meet and greet you, offering you a Khada (Tibetan scarf) and transfer you directly to your hotel in Lhasa. After arriving at the hotel, the guide will help you with the hotel check-in formalities.

*Note: We advise you to rest sufficiently, to give yourself time to acclimate, and to minimize the effects of altitude sickness.

Overnight at Lhasa.

This morning, we visit the Potala Palace, the Dalai Lamas’s winter home and the world’s most famous landmark. Although the palace cannot be freely explored, you will experience some of its chapels, including the audience hall, the golden burial Chorten (Tomb) of Past Dalai Lamas, a tremendous number of paintings done on the wall, the Statue, Thangka, and Mandala, etc.

After lunch, we will visit Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism and an important sacred site in Tibet.  The Temple was founded during the reign of King Songtsen Gampo for his two brides, Princess Wencheng of the Chinese Tang Dynasty and Princes Bhrikuti of Nepal; both are said to have brought important Buddhist images and statues from Nepal & China to Tibet as part of their dowries. After visiting the Temple, explore Barkhor’s surroundings and watch the pilgrims prostrate themselves near the front gate of Jokhang Temple. Take part in a clockwise circuit, walking around the temple and walking around narrow alleys to explore old Lhasa city.

Overnight at Lhasa.

After breakfast, we drive to one of the nearest villages near Lhasa to fully immerse ourselves in experiencing the local Tibet village, Dadong Village, known as the most beautiful village in the Lhasa suburb.

In the afternoon, drive 5km from Lhasa to Sera Monastery, founded in 1419. This is another one of Tibet’s “great three” Geluk monasteries. The monastery is well known for the monks’ debate at around 3 – 5 in the afternoon.

Overnight at Lhasa.

Morning drive 265 km, 5 to 6 hours straight to Gyantse. We will drive over three spectacular high passes—the Khamba La at 5100m, Karo La at 5050m, and Simi La at 5000 m and over and along the Yamdrok Lake or Turquoise Lake. Many snow-capped mountains surround the lake, and we can enjoy spectacular views of Holy NyenchenKhangsar Mountain in the distance. Once we arrive in Gyantse town, we can enjoy the view of Gyantse Fortress.

After arriving in town, we will visit Khumbum Stupa. The giant octagonal Stupa is one of the outstanding architectural achievements built and decorated by a Gyantse Prince. Rising 35 meters high, the Stupa is said to have 108 Cells in the 9 levels/floor surmounted by a golden dome and contains 77 chapels that line its walls. Next to it is Pelkhor Chode Monastery. The monastery is located in the north of the town adjacent to the fort, containing 15 different chapels and halls belonging to other orders of Tibetan Buddhism.

After visiting Gyantse Khumbum, we drive 2 hours, 95 km straight to Shigatse, the second largest town in Tibet. Shigatse was one of the first towns to be visited by Westerners due to its close proximity to the Indian border.

Overnight at Shigatse.

In the morning, we visit the TashiLhunpo Monastery, which is of historical and cultural importance because it was founded in 1447 by the 1st Dalia Lama Gendun Drupa, a disciple of Tsongkapa. Hence, the monastery is also one of the biggest functioning monasteries of Gelugpa. The monastery is the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, the second highest-ranking tulku lineage in the Gelug tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.

After visiting the monastery, we will visit the local markets to shop and sightseeing, and then we will continue our journey to Shegar. Shegar/New Tingri is a small town situated at an altitude of 4300 meters. The Friendship High takes 4 – 5 hours to reach Shegar/New Tingri, crossing the highest Gyatso La pass at 5248 meters above sea level. If weather permitting, we can enjoy the first view of Mt. Everest and Mt. Cho Oyu on the descent.

Overnight at Shegar.

Early in the morning, we drive off route, leaving the Friendship Highway and driving towards Base Camp, driving over Pang La pass (5150m), from where we can see an incredible view of the Himalayan range stretching from Mt. Malaku to Mt. Shisapangma. Before arriving at the Qomolangma/Everest Base Camp, we stop at the world’s highest Rongbuk Monastery at (4980 m), and after taking a lunch break at the Monastery Guest House, we drive toward Base Camp. Enjoy the closer view of Mount Everest and drive the same way back to Shegar after taking a short break at Shegar.

We drive straight 323 km, which may take about 6 to 7 hrs. to reach Kerung/Gyirong Town. Gyirong means village of comfort and happiness in Tibetan. On the way to Gyirong, we may catch a glimpse of the majestic Mt. Everest and other peaks over 8000m, such as Shisapangma, a high pass over 5000 m, and Piku Tso Lake.  Today, the difference in the landscape is quite special, from the barren, rugged landscape of Tibet to the mighty Himalayas, where the scenery changes to rich forests typical of the Nepalese foothills. At the recent earthquake in Nepal, it serves as the main port of entry into Tibet when coming overland to and from Nepal.

Overnight at Kyirong.

After breakfast, we drive 24 km, approximately 1 hour downhill, to reach Chinese immigration (Rasuwa Gadi bridge) after the immigration process, we walk through the Bridge where vehicles from the Nepal side will be waiting; after driving for about 1.5 km, we do immigration formality in Nepal side and continue drive to Kathmandu by now you will have entered into a completely different landscape one which is vastly different from just where you were a few days ago. The Nepali foothills and the greenery will make the drive pleasant and enjoyable.

Overnight at Kathmandu.