The Ultimate Tibetan Overland Expedition
This is the definitive Tibet journey. Over nine unforgettable days, you will traverse the breadth of the Tibetan Plateau—from the sacred temples and bustling pilgrim streets of Lhasa to the wind-scoured majesty of Everest Base Camp (5,200m) on the north side.
Travel by private 4WD along the legendary Friendship Highway, crossing high passes, turquoise lakes, and nomadic grasslands. Along the way, you will visit:
Yamdrok Lake – a turquoise jewel ringed by snow peaks
Gyantse – home to the magnificent Kumbum Stupa
Shigatse – seat of the Panchen Lama at Tashilhunpo Monastery
Rongbuk Monastery – the world’s highest monastery, with Everest as its backdrop
Everest Base Camp (North) – standing in the shadow of the world’s highest peak
This is not just a tour. It is a pilgrimage across the roof of the world—merging Tibet’s most sacred sites with its most awe-inspiring natural wonder.
Trip Highlights
Cultural Treasures
- Potala Palace: Iconic winter home of the Dalai Lamas
- Jokhang Temple: Spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism
- Barkhor Market: Pilgrim circuit & handicraft bazaar
- Sera & Drepung Monasteries: Great Gelugpa monastic universities
- Tashilhunpo Monastery: Seat of the Panchen Lama in Shigatse
- Pelkor Monastery & Kumbum Stupa: Gyantse’s architectural masterpiece
- Gyantse Dzong (Fortress): Historic Tibetan fort with valley views
Natural Wonders
- Yamdrok Lake: Sacred turquoise lake at 4,400m
- Korola Glacier: Dramatic roadside glacier
- Gyamtso La Pass (5,220m): High-altitude panorama
- Pang La Pass (5,150m): First view of Everest, Makalu & Shishapangma
- Rongbuk Glacier: The north face approach to Everest
- Everest Base Camp (5,200m): Face to face with the world’s highest peak
- Views of Cho Oyu, Shishapangma & Makalu: A Himalayan panorama
Necessary Information
1. Visa & Entry Procedure
Via Kathmandu (Most Common)
We arrange a group visa for Tibet.
Passport copy required at least 30 days prior to trip start.
Visa office of the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu processes visas Monday–Friday (9:00–11:00 AM).
Processing takes 3+ days.
Your original passport must be submitted for visa processing day.
Via Mainland China (Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xi’an, etc.)
You must obtain a Chinese visa in your home country before traveling.
Contact us for specific guidance.
Note: Tourism regulations in Tibet change frequently without notice. We will guide you through the current process.
2. Best Time to Visit
- April–October: Best time – Average daytime temperatures 15°C–25°C (59°F–77°F), blue skies, clear mountain views
- July–August: Possible brief afternoon showers; still excellent; wildflowers in bloom
- November–March: Very cold (nights below -10°C / 14°F); some passes may be closed by snow; fewer tourists
Nights can be very cold year-round at high altitudes – pack warm layers, especially for EBC (5,200m) and high passes.
Important Travel Tips
| Tip |
Advice |
| Acclimatization |
Lhasa at 3,650m. Rest on Day 1, avoid alcohol, drink 3–4 liters of water, and move slowly. |
| EBC Altitude |
At 5,200m, Everest Base Camp is extremely high. Expect shortness of breath, headaches, or nausea. Notify your guide immediately if unwell. |
| Cold at EBC |
Even in summer, temperatures at EBC can drop below freezing at night. Bring thermal layers, down jacket, hat, gloves. |
| Respect Local Customs |
Always walk clockwise around stupas, monasteries, and the lake. Ask permission before photographing monks, pilgrims, or nomads. |
| Sun Protection |
UV is intense at altitude. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. |
| Photography |
Interior photography is prohibited in most monasteries. Exterior shots are generally allowed. No drones near EBC without special permits. |
| Road Conditions |
The Friendship Highway is well-paved, but high passes can be rough. |
| Border Crossing |
Day 9 is a long travel day (7–8 hours). Prepare for immigration procedures at the Nepal-China border. |
Why This Tour?
“From the chanting halls of Lhasa to the windswept silence of Everest Base Camp – this is Tibet in all its spiritual and natural majesty.”
- Complete Tibet experience: Cultural heartland + Himalayan frontier
- Iconic monasteries: Potala, Jokhang, Tashilhunpo, Rongbuk
- High-altitude adventure: Three passes over 5,000m, EBC at 5,200m
- Stunning landscapes: Turquoise lakes, roadside glaciers, nomadic grasslands
- Seamless logistics: Permits, flights, 4WD transport, guides – all arranged
- Overland journey: The classic Friendship Highway route, from Lhasa to the Nepal border
Brief Itinerary
-
Arrive Lhasa → Transfer to hotel → Rest & acclimatization
3,650m
-
Potala Palace → Norbulingka → Sera Monastery (monk debates)
3,650m
-
Drepung Monastery → Jokhang Temple → Barkhor Market
3,650m
-
Drive Lhasa → Yamdrok Lake → Korola Glacier → Gyantse (Pelkor Monastery, Kumbum, Fortress)
3,940m
-
Drive Gyantse → Shigatse → Tashilhunpo Monastery
3,890m
-
Drive Shigatse → Lhatse → Gyamtso La Pass (5,220m) → Shegar
4,000m
-
Drive Shegar → Pang La Pass (5,150m) → Rongbuk → Everest Base Camp (5,200m) → Return to Rongbuk
5,200m (EBC)
-
Drive Rongbuk → Kyirong (last Tibetan town)
2,450m
-
Drive Kyirong → Nepal-China border → Kathmandu (175 km, 7–8 hours)
1,350m
