8-Day Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour
Lhasa · Lhasa · Lhasa · Shigatse · Everest Base Camp · Shigatse · Lhasa · Lhasa
This is the trip most travelers come to Tibet for, and it is our best seller. Over eight days you take in the cultural heart of Lhasa, drive the spectacular southern road past Yamdrok Lake and the Karola Glacier, visit the great monasteries of Gyantse and Shigatse, and then climb to the foot of the world's highest mountain.
From the viewpoint near Rongbuk Monastery at around 5,150m, the north face of Everest rises in a single clean sweep, often at its clearest in the early morning and at sunset. You stay overnight near Rongbuk to make the most of that light, then return to Lhasa via Shigatse. No trekking is required; the route is entirely by private vehicle on paved roads.
Foreign tourists must travel Tibet on an organized tour with a licensed agency. We arrange your Tibet Travel Permit, the additional Everest area permits, your guide, hotels, and transport throughout. There are no hidden fees, and our team is on call 24/7 during your trip.
Trip Highlights
- ◆See the north face of Everest from Rongbuk (around 5,150m), no trek required
- ◆Overnight near Everest for the best sunset and sunrise light
- ◆Cross the Gawu La pass (5,198m) with its panorama of Himalayan giants
- ◆Stand above holy Yamdrok Lake and pass the Karola Glacier
- ◆Climb the Kumbum in Gyantse and tour Tashilhunpo in Shigatse
- ◆Full Lhasa program with built-in acclimatization, oxygen on board
Upcoming Departures
Guaranteed fixed-departure dates for this small-group tour. Private departures can run on any date you choose.
| Departure | Days | From (pp) | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 9 – Jun 16, 2026 | 8 | $930 | Almost Full2 seats left | Enquire → |
| Jun 25 – Jul 2, 2026 | 8 | $930 | Guaranteed | Reserve → |
| Jul 15 – Jul 22, 2026 | 8 | $930 | Almost Full2 seats left | Enquire → |
| Aug 3 – Aug 10, 2026 | 8 | $930 | Guaranteed | Reserve → |
| Aug 25 – Sep 1, 2026 | 8 | $930 | Guaranteed | Reserve → |
| Sep 7 – Sep 14, 2026 | 8 | $930 | Open | Enquire → |
| Sep 23 – Sep 30, 2026 | 8 | $930 | Guaranteed | Reserve → |
| Oct 7 – Oct 14, 2026 | 8 | $930 | Open | Enquire → |
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Lhasa
Met at the airport or railway station and transferred to your hotel. Rest and acclimatize for the remainder of the day. Hydrate, avoid alcohol, and move slowly while your body adjusts to 3,656m.
Meals: None·Overnight: Lhasa
Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple
Morning at the Potala Palace, then the Jokhang Temple and the Barkhor pilgrim circuit in the afternoon. A gentle day that continues your acclimatization before heading to higher ground.
Meals: Breakfast·Overnight: Lhasa
Drepung and Sera Monasteries
Drepung Monastery in the morning and Sera Monastery in the afternoon, including the celebrated monk debates. Evening free in Lhasa.
Meals: Breakfast·Overnight: Lhasa
Lhasa to Shigatse via Yamdrok Lake and Gyantse
Drive over the Gampa La pass (4,790m) to the overlook of Yamdrok Lake (4,441m), continue past the Karola Glacier (around 5,000m), and stop in Gyantse to see the Kumbum stupa at Pelkor Chode Monastery. Carry on to Shigatse for the night.
Meals: Breakfast·Overnight: Shigatse
Shigatse to Everest Base Camp via Gawu La
Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery in the morning, then drive south toward the Himalaya. Cross the Gawu La pass (5,198m), where a string of viewpoints lines up Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Cho Oyu, and Shishapangma on a clear day. Descend to the Rongbuk valley and reach the Everest viewpoint near Rongbuk Monastery (around 5,150m) for sunset on the north face. Overnight in the area.
Meals: Breakfast·Overnight: Rongbuk / Everest Base Camp area
Everest sunrise, return to Shigatse
Wake early for sunrise on Everest, often the clearest view of the day. After taking in the mountain, begin the drive back north, recrossing the Gawu La and returning to Shigatse for a more comfortable night at lower altitude.
Meals: Breakfast·Overnight: Shigatse
Shigatse back to Lhasa
Drive back to Lhasa along the Friendship Highway beside the Yarlung Tsangpo river. Arrive in the afternoon with free time in the evening to relax or shop around the Barkhor.
Meals: Breakfast·Overnight: Lhasa
Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport or railway station for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast·Overnight: None
What's Included
- ✓Tibet Travel Permit, Everest area permits, and all required permits
- ✓Licensed English-speaking Tibetan guide
- ✓Private vehicle with experienced driver throughout
- ✓7 nights accommodation (hotels in Lhasa and Shigatse, guesthouse near Rongbuk), twin-share
- ✓Daily breakfast
- ✓All entrance tickets listed in the itinerary, including the Everest reserve fee
- ✓Eco bus fare to the Everest viewpoint
- ✓Airport or train station transfers
- ✓Oxygen available on the vehicle
- ✓24/7 support during your trip and no hidden fees
Not Included
- —China entry visa
- —Flights or train tickets to and from Lhasa
- —Lunches and dinners
- —Travel insurance
- —Tips for guide and driver
- —Personal expenses and optional extras
Accommodation
Hand-picked 3 to 4-star hotels in Lhasa and Shigatse. The night near Everest is in a basic guesthouse at Rongbuk with shared facilities and limited heating, which is the standard at this altitude. Bring warm layers.
Departures & Pricing
| Season | Per person |
|---|---|
| Winter (Dec-Mar) | $930 |
| Shoulder (Apr, Nov) | $1,050 |
| Peak (May-Jun, Sep-Oct) | $1,180 |
| Golden Week (early Oct) | $1,280 |
per person, twin-share. Fixed small-group departures run on set dates — tell us your month and we'll confirm the next available group.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. This is a drive-in tour. Your private vehicle and a short eco-bus transfer take you to the viewpoint near Rongbuk at around 5,150m, from which the north face of Everest is in full view. No trekking experience is needed.
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