Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Overland Tour

When you land in Lhasa, the air feels different — thinner, crisper, with a faint scent of incense from somewhere in the distance.

A local guide will meet you upon arrival and help with your bags. The drive into the city isn’t long, but you’ll notice prayer flags on the hills before you see the city itself.

Once at your hotel, the rest of the day is about taking it slow: drink plenty of water, rest, and maybe take a short walk nearby to get used to the altitude.

The first stop today is Drepung Monastery. Once the largest in Tibet, it feels like a small village built into the mountainside.

You might pass monks heading to class or hear the low hum of chanting from inside the halls.

Later, at Sera Monastery, the mood changes — the debating courtyard is lively, with claps, quick steps, and laughter as the monks exchange questions and challenges.

Climbing up to the Potala Palace is slow work at this altitude, but the view from the top and the sense of history inside are worth it.

Each chapel tells its story through murals, statues, and offerings left by pilgrims. The Jokhang Temple is quieter but feels just as sacred.

Outside, Barkhor Street loops around the temple — part market, part pilgrimage route — and it’s easy to lose track of time among the shops and prayer wheels.

The road west takes you past Yamdrok Lake, a stretch of turquoise water that seems to shift color with the clouds.

You’ll also cross the Karo La Glacier, where the ice lies so close to the road you can see deep blue crevasses.

In Gyantse, the Kumbum Stupa rises above the town before the final leg to Shigatse.

Leaving Shigatse, the road winds through empty valleys and over passes that seem to scrape the sky.

The first glimpse of Everest comes suddenly — one turn and there it is. By evening, you’ll be at base camp.

If the weather’s clear, the mountain turns pale gold as the sun sets. There’s no mistaking it: you’re standing at the foot of the tallest peak on Earth.

Mornings at base camp are cold, often silent except for the wind. You can watch the sun touch the summit before breakfast.

The return to Shigatse takes you past Sakya Monastery, known for its fortress-like walls and ancient manuscripts.

The drive back is unhurried, passing small farms and villages. In Nyemo County, there’s a chance to see locals making incense or traditional handmade paper.

Arriving in Lhasa by late afternoon leaves time for a quiet evening or a final stroll through the city.

After breakfast, your driver will take you to the airport or train station.

With the mountains fading behind you, the journey ends — though the rhythm of life in Tibet tends to stay with you long after you’ve gone.