10-Day Tibet Itinerary: Lhasa to Everest Base Camp
Challenging10 Days / 9 Nights

10-Day Tibet Itinerary: Lhasa to Everest Base Camp

The roof of the world — monasteries, lakes, and a view of Mount Everest

LhasaShigatseEverest Base CampGyantse

Overview

Journey to the spiritual heart of the Himalayas. Start in Lhasa — the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and debates at Sera Monastery. Then drive west across high passes to turquoise Yamdrok Lake, through Gyantse and Shigatse, all the way to Everest Base Camp. This is high-altitude travel at its most rewarding.

At a Glance

Duration10 days / 9 nights
Group TypePrivate (1-6 travelers)
Difficulty LevelChallenging
Best SeasonApril-October (not July-August rainy season)
Cities VisitedLhasa, Shigatse, Everest Base Camp, Gyantse
RegionsTibet

Top Sights & Experiences

Potala Palace

1,000 rooms rising above Lhasa — the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama and Tibet's most iconic landmark.

Explore Potala Palace
Jokhang Temple

The holiest site in Tibetan Buddhism — pilgrims prostrate themselves before its golden roof at dawn.

Explore Jokhang Temple
Sera Monastery

Watch monks debate Buddhist philosophy in a lively courtyard — clapping, gesturing, and challenging each other on doctrine.

Explore Sera Monastery
Yamdrok Lake

A turquoise holy lake at 4,440m — one of Tibet's three sacred lakes, framed by snow-capped mountains.

Explore Yamdrok Lake
Everest Base Camp (Tibet)

Stand at 5,200m on the north side of the world's highest mountain — sunrise over Everest from Rongbuk Monastery is unforgettable.

Explore Everest Base Camp (Tibet)
Sunrise over Mount Everest from Rongbuk Monastery

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Lhasa (3,650m)

Airport pickup. Rest and acclimatize. No activities planned.

Overnight: Lhasa hotel

Day 2Meals: Breakfast

Potala Palace & Jokhang Temple

Morning: Potala Palace (book early — daily visitor limit). Afternoon: Jokhang Temple and Barkhor pilgrimage circuit.

Overnight: Lhasa hotel

Day 3Meals: Breakfast

Sera & Drepung Monasteries

Morning: Drepung Monastery. Afternoon: Sera Monastery — watch the famous monk debates.

Overnight: Lhasa hotel

Day 4Meals: Breakfast

Lhasa to Gyantse via Yamdrok Lake

Drive over Kamba La pass (4,794m) to Yamdrok Lake. Continue to Karola Glacier and Gyantse. Visit Kumbum Stupa.

Overnight: Gyantse hotel

Day 5Meals: Breakfast

Gyantse to Shigatse

Morning drive to Shigatse. Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery — seat of the Panchen Lama.

Overnight: Shigatse hotel

Day 6Meals: Breakfast

Shigatse to Everest Base Camp

Drive over Gyatso La (5,220m) and Pang La pass. First view of Everest. Arrive at Rongbuk Monastery (5,050m) — world's highest. Continue to EBC tent camp.

Overnight: EBC tent camp

Day 7Meals: Breakfast

Everest Sunrise & Return to Shigatse

Sunrise over Mount Everest from Rongbuk. Hike or bus to EBC viewpoint (5,200m). Return to Shigatse.

Overnight: Shigatse hotel

Day 8Meals: Breakfast

Shigatse to Lhasa

Drive back to Lhasa via the Friendship Highway. Free afternoon.

Overnight: Lhasa hotel

Day 9Meals: Breakfast

Lhasa — Free Day

Free day for shopping, revisiting Barkhor, or an optional day trip to Namtso Lake.

Overnight: Lhasa hotel

Day 10Meals: Breakfast

Departure from Lhasa

Transfer to Lhasa Gonggar Airport.

What's Included & Excluded

Included

  • 9 nights hotel/guesthouse accommodation with breakfast
  • Tibet Travel Permit processing
  • Private English-speaking Tibetan guide
  • Private driver and 4WD vehicle
  • All entrance tickets
  • Everest Base Camp entry permit
  • Oxygen canisters in vehicle
  • Airport transfers

Not Included

  • International and domestic flights to/from Lhasa
  • China tourist visa fee
  • Travel insurance (must cover high altitude)
  • Lunches and dinners
  • Personal expenses and gratuities
#Tibet#adventure#Buddhism#high-altitude#Everest

Reference Price

$2899/ person

Based on double occupancy

Single supplement: +$680

Duration10 days / 9 nights
Group TypePrivate (1-6 travelers)
DifficultyChallenging
Best SeasonApril-October (not July-August rainy season)
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Licensed inbound tour operator (L-GD-103241)
English-speaking local guides
24/7 on-trip support

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