8 Days Tibet Tour from Kathmandu

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival at Gyirong Port and Drive to Gyirong

   Today, you will leave Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal for Gyirong Port - a gateway for border trade between China and Nepal. The drive takes about 6 hours. Upon reaching the port, a local tour guide will be waiting for you after passing through customs. Pick you up and then drive to Gyirong town, where we will stay overnight.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: in Gyirong Town

2. Day 2: Everest Base Camp Tour
   Closely Marvel at Mount Everest, The Roof of the World

   Today, we will drive from Gyirong to the sacred Mount Everest. Throughout the car ride, you will get a visual feast of the changing landscape, including beautiful valleys, clear lakes, and snow-covered peaks.

   Upon arrival, we will transfer to a tourist bus that will take us to Rongbuk Monastery. Located at the end of the Rongbuk Glacier at the foot of Mount Everest, 5150 meters above sea level, Rongbuk Monastery is a rare mixed temple of monks and nuns. The whole temple is built on the mountain, and there are five floors, now only two floors still in use. It is a good location for viewing Mount Everest, especially the Mani Stones Pile and the White Pagoda at the entrance of the temple.

   

   After a short rest, have an expedition to Everest Base Camp. It is the starting point for mountaineers aiming to conquer the world's highest summit. You will see a lot of Mani Stones, each inscribed with prayers. Take photos with the iconic stone tablet with Mt. Everest in the background. Today, you will stay overnight in a tent (shared by 8-12 people). Please note that the tented camps have very limited facilities and food choices.

   If you join the Tibet tour during the period from November to March, you will be arranged to stay overnight at a guesthouse near Everest Base Camp because of the cold weather. Due to the high altitude and freezing weather, you are advised to keep warm and drink plenty of water to reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: at Everest Base Camp

   

3. Day 3: Drive to Lhatse
   Shoot the Breathtaking Sunrise on Mount Everest

   Today, you can get up early to witness the spectacular sunrise over Mount Everest. You will see the morning light coloring the snow-covered mountain top in gold and pink. This is something you will never forget. You may see the elusive milky white "flag clouds", a unique spectacle on Mount Everest. From a distance, the clouds look like a flag flying over the peak.

   

   Then drive to Gyirong Town. Along the journey, you will see the peaks that surround you. Upon arriving in the town, check into your hotel and take some time to relax.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Lhatse

4. Day 4: Lhasa to Shigatse Tour
   Get a Glimpse of the Tibetan Buddhism

   Your Tibet tour today starts at the Sakya Monastery, which is the main monastery of the Sakya School of Tibetan Buddhism, divided into two monasteries, the North and South. The North Temple had suffered great damage. We now see the Sakya Monastery as the South Temple. The temple houses vast treasures and many cultural relics, especially the murals of the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). You will also see a large number of cultural relics such as seals, canonical books, and statues of Buddha.

   

   Following that, take a 4-hour drive to Shigatse. Upon arrival, have a rest and then continue your cultural tour to Tashilhunpo Monastery. It was founded by the first Dalai Lama and served as the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. You can wander through the alleys, marvel at the tall statues of Buddha, and witness the prayers of the devoted monks.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Shigatse

5. Day 5: Shigatse to Lhasa Tour
   Take a Leisurely Walk along the Sacred Yamdrok Lake

   After breakfast, we drive to Lhasa and make stops along the way. First, be guided to visit the Palcho Monastery and the Kumbum Stupa. The Monastery is a typical Tibetan Buddhist monastery building combined with a pagoda and a temple. Your tour guide will show you around and tell you the cultural significance of these sacred sites.

   After that, continue driving to Karola Glacier, the nearest glacier to the highway in Tibet, only more than three hundred meters. As a result of years of highway dust, the glacier as a whole was black and white layered form, but the upper part of the glacier in the sunlight is like a giant Thangka painting hanging on the mountain wall.

   

   Then, we arrive at the beautiful Yamdrok Lake, which is known as the three sacred lakes of Tibet with Lake Manasarovar and Namtso Lake. In the hearts of Tibetans, the lake is regarded as "the goddess's turquoise earrings". You can take a leisurely walk along its shores and capture the breathtaking beauty with your camera. If interested,you can pat extra to ride a yak for a unique photo by the lake. (at an additional cost)

   Note: You are suggested to pack some snacks and drinks for today's Tibet tour. So you can stay refreshed and energized throughout the day.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Lhasa

   

6. Day 6: Lhasa City Tour
   Discover the Cultural Gems of Lhasa - Potala Palace & Jokhang Temple

   Start your day with an impressive guided tour of Potala Palace, a sacred place in the hearts of all pilgrims! Here, you can not only admire many historical relics such as pagodas, sculptures, murals, Thangka paintings, jade, porcelain, enamel, and admire the wonderful architectural art of the Tibetan ethnic group, but also undergo a spiritual baptism in that sacred atmosphere. The Potala Palace is one of the top ten earthen buildings in the world, consisting of the White and the Red Palaces.

   

   In the afternoon, you will be led to the spiritual heart of Lhasa - Jokhang Temple. With a history of more than 1,300 years, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a blend of Tibetan, Tang, Nepalese and Indian architectural styles. After that, stroll through the surrounding Barkhor Street, the busiest commercial street in Lhasa where you can purchase unique Tibetan souvenirs and experience vibrant local culture.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Lhasa

   

7. Day 7: Lhasa Tour
   Witness the Monks Engaging in Traditional Debates

   In the morning, your tour guide takes you to visit the tranquil Norbulingka Park. This is a typical Tibetan-style garden established in the 18th century as the summer palace for successive Dalai Lama. Following that, we will transfer to Drepung Monastery, which is surrounded by mountains on three sides. Founded in 1416, this sprawling monastery houses exquisite carvings, solemn statues of Buddha, and a large number of Thangka paintings, embroidery, murals and other valuable art treasures. It showcases Tibetan architectural brilliance and artistic splendor.

   

   Sera Monastery is the last attraction on your 8-day Tibet tour. It is one of the three major monasteries in Lhasa where you will witness the monks debating. Besides, you can see tens of thousands of Vajra Buddha statues, most of which were made locally in Tibet, and many bronze statues brought from India. What’s more, you will enjoy a large number of colorful murals.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Lhasa

   

8. Day 8: Departure from Lhasa

   Enjoy a leisurely morning and you may seize the last chance to wander the city at your own pace. Then your driver will pick you up at your hotel and escort you to the airport for your onward journey. We believe this trip to Tibet from Kathmandu will be your lifelong memory.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: N/A