Forbidden Lhasa and Everest Base Camp - 9 Days

This is one of the most spectacular flights in the world as we follow the high mountain peaks before crossing over the Himalayan chain to the high Tibetan Plateau. On arrival at Gongkar Airport we are met and driven by coach to the fabled city of Lhasa, which lies at 3650 metres above sea level. Over night hotel

Guided sightseeing tour of Jokhang, the central cathedral of Tibet, Barkhor, the bustling Lhasa market encircling the Jokhang Temple, the Tibetan Medical Center & Norbulinka Palace. Again, we spend the day learning about the many fascinating sites that Lhasa has to offer. There is never a dull moment throughout our tour. Overnight again in Lhasa.

Guided sightseeing tour of Potala, the winter palace of the Dalai Lama, Drepung, the biggest monastic university of Tibet & Nechung Monastery, temple of the State oracle of Tibet. There are many fascinating sights to see in Lhasa, and this is just the beginning. Overnight in Lhasa.

We drive through Yamdrok, the Turquoise Lake to Gyangtse across Kampa La Pass (5050m) & Karo La (5045m) Pass. We drive a total distance of 350km today. Upon arriving at Gyangtse, we visit Kubum Stupa & Pelkor Chode Monastery.

The drive to Shigatse is roughly 90km. En route, we visit Shalu Monastery. When we arrive to Shigatse, we'll visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of Panchen Lama who is the 2nd in the Buddhist religious hierachy. If we have more time, we wander around Shigatse Market. Overnight in Shigatse.

We leave early in the morning from the hotel, branching off onto a small road that leads to Everest Base Camp. The day will be quite long (approximately six to seven hours driving), but extremely rewarding. The initial part of the journey involves climbs in a series of zigzags to the top of the Pang-la Pass (5150m), where we stop to take photos of Mount Everest before descending to the Rombuk Valley. We continue to the famous Rombuk Monastery and then on to the Base Camp itself, situated at 5150 metres above sea level. The views of Everest from here are sensational with the towering North Face dominating the horizon. This is certainly a major highlight on our incredible journey. Over night hotel

Today we travel for 225 kilometres, taking between seven to eight hours. From the hotel we pass through a check-post and continue to Tingri, where we enjoy more views of the world’s highest peaks, including the 8000-metre giants: Everest and Cho Oyu. From Tingri the road ascends to reach the Lalung-la (5050 metres), where the scenery is again fantastic. The panorama also includes the 8000-metre-high Xixapangma. From the top of the pass we descend nearly 3000 metres to the small town of kerung, As you near the border, the road is cut into the cliffs high above the valley floor. If you don’t like heights, sit on the left-hand side of the vehicle! Overnight in Kerung.

Today, after finalising departure formalities, you exit from China and enter Nepal. Descending steeply down the zigzag road, you reach the Nepalese immigration and customs at Tatopani. During the monsoon season there may be landslides, which may cause sections of the road near the border to be closed. Should this be the case, porters then carry our luggage as we walk across the border to our Nepalese vehicle. It is then a 4½-hour drive back to Kathmandu, where we return to our hotel. Celebratory dinner in the evening. Overnight at hotel.

We will transport you to the airport. Thanks for trekking with Adventure Himalayan Travels. We look forward to seeing you again!