Tibet Overland and Everest Base Camp Adventures

Tibet Overland 4x4 to Everest Base Camp

Everest Advanced Base Camp Trek,takes one up the North Face of Everest, to camp III. Heading out over the Tibetan Plateau, with an average altitude in excess of 3500m, Tibet is often described as the roof of the world. On this trip, we will follow the Friendship Highway through some of the most beautiful and picturesque landscapes on Earth. We'll pass small Tibetan settlements, nomadic herdsmen wandering across the wide arid plains and awe-inspiring mountain peaks. Equally as fascinating is the wealth of cultural interest and we will have plenty of opportunity to explore this side of Tibet, both in Lhasa and the other towns we pass through on our journey to Kathmandu. We spend 3 nights in Lhasa, staying right in the centre of the old city. This will allow both plenty of time for acclimatisation and easy access to the city's main attractions - the Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple. Leaving Lhasa in our Toyota Land Cruiser 4 wheel drive, we'll travel through this amazing country. In the towns of Gyantse and Shigatse we explore monasteries and fully immerse ourselves in the Buddhist culture. Without doubt, a highlight of this trip is the visit to Everest Base Camp, and the trek to camp 3 at 6340m., where the sheer grandeur of Everest's north face has to be seen to be believed. This trek takes you as close to the summit of Everest as any non-mountain climber can go, all the way to Camp 3 and the base of the North Col via the East Rongbuk Glacier.

TIBET OVERLAND TO BASE CAMP EVEREST

Day-1: Kathmandu

Day-2: Kathmandu

Day-3: Kathmandu to Lhasa (3660m)

Day-4: Lhasa

Day-5: Lhasa

Day-6: Lhasa to Gyantse (3950m)

Day-7: Gyantse (3950m) to Shigatse (3900m)

Day-8: Shigatse to Shegar (4050m)

Day-9: Shegar to Rongbuk (5000m)

Day-10: Optional morning walk to Everest base camp. Drive to Nyalam

Day-11: Drive Nyalam - Kathmandu

Day-12: Departure

Tibet Overland Tour to Everest Base Camp Itinerary

Day-1: Kathmandu

Arrive Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel

Day-2: Kathmandu

Explore the Kathmandu Valley and visit some of the world heritage sites.

Day-3. Kathmandu to Lhasa (3660m)

Transfer to the airport for the hour-long flight across the main Himalayan range. Afternoon at rest to acclimatise to Lhasa's high altitude.

Day-4: Lhasa

We will visit Lhasa's many monasteries and sites, such as the Sera Monastery, and the Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama.

Day-5: Lhasa

We visit the Potala Palace and Drepung Monastery founded in the 14th century, and once the largest in the world, with a population of around 10,000 monks. The afternoon, is a time to relax or further explore the area.

Day-6: Lhasa to Gyantse (3950m)

Travelling by jeep along the Friendship Highway we cross the Khamba La (4794m) and continue westwards over another high pass the Karo La (5045m) with incredible glacial views. We spend the night in a Hotel at Gyantse. (261km)

Day-7: Gyantse to Shigatse (3900m)

After an early morning tour of some of the Gyantse Dzong (14th Century fort) and the Kumbum, a large stupa, we head off on a short 90km drive to Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet. In the afternoon we will explore the area, local monasteries and market. Overnight at the Hotel. (90km)

Day-8: Shigatse to Shegar (4050m)

We continue along the Friendship Highway, marveling once more at the barren yet spectacular landscape of Tibet. Beyond the town of Lhatse we cross the highest pass on our journey, the Gyamtso La (5220m). From here we descend to the plains en route to Shegar and overnight at Hotel Quomolongma.(244km)

Day-9: Shegar to Rongbuk (5000m)

On our travels, we are rewarded with uninterrupted views stretching from Makalu to Shishapangma, with clear views of Everest as we turn into the Rongbuk Valley. Overnight Guest House.(68km)

Day-10: Rongbuk to Everest Base to Nyalam

We will explore the surroundings of the Rongbuk Everest base and then drive to a guesthouse in Nyalam.

Day-11: Drive Nyalam - Kathmandu

We arrive at the Chinese - Nepalese border, say goodbye to our Tibetan team, pass through customs and join up with our Nepalese staff. We then head back into Kathmandu, a trip which takes about 5 hours, depending on road and weather conditions. (153km) (1400m)

Day-12: Departure

Transfer to the airport

End of services

Lhasa Variations

Tibet Overland to Ghanden	Overland to Everest Base Camp
Day-1: Kathmandu Day-2: Kathmandu Day-3: Kathmandu to Lhasa (3660m) Day-4: Lhasa Day-5: Lhasa Day-6: Ganden Monastery and back to Lhasa Day-7: Lhasa to Kathmandu Day-8: Depart	Day-1: Kathmandu Day-2: Kathmandu Day-3: Kathmandu to Lhasa (3660m) Day-4: Lhasa Day-5: Lhasa Day-6: Lhasa to Gyantse (3950m) Day-7: Gyantse (3950m) to Shigatse (3900m) Day-8: Shigatse to Shegar (4050m) Day-9: Shegar to Rongbuk (5000m) Day-10: Optional morning walk to Everest base camp. Drive to Nyalam Day-11: Drive Nyalam - Kathmandu Day-12: Departure

Tibet Overland to Ghanden

Overland to Everest Base Camp

Day-1: Kathmandu

Day-2: Kathmandu

Day-3: Kathmandu to Lhasa (3660m)

Day-4: Lhasa

Day-5: Lhasa

Day-6: Ganden Monastery and back to Lhasa

Day-7: Lhasa to Kathmandu

Day-8: Depart

Day-1: Kathmandu

Day-2: Kathmandu

Day-3: Kathmandu to Lhasa (3660m)

Day-4: Lhasa

Day-5: Lhasa

Day-6: Lhasa to Gyantse (3950m)

Day-7: Gyantse (3950m) to Shigatse (3900m)

Day-8: Shigatse to Shegar (4050m)

Day-9: Shegar to Rongbuk (5000m)

Day-10: Optional morning walk to Everest base camp. Drive to Nyalam

Day-11: Drive Nyalam - Kathmandu

Day-12: Departure

Your Questions Answered

How long are these Tibet overland tours?

We have several options ranging from 7 to 12 days depending on how much of the country you want to see

When is the best time to travel to Tibet?

The best time to travel to Tibet therefore is April and May, or September and October � either side of the peak of the summer rains and the winter snow.

Do I need a permit to travel to Tibet?

All travelers need to have Tibet Travel Permit to enter into Lhasa or any other parts of the Tibetan Autonomous Region. When you book through us, we arrange the permit for you. When you take a flight or train to Lhasa, you will be asked to show this permit during check-in.

Do I need a Visa to travel to Tibet?

Tibet is new to tourism and as such, you may often encounter things running a little differently to the way they do in the west. Time adherence can be slow and facilities e.g. some restaurants and public toilets seriously "wanting." The roads are also prone to wash ways causing delays or detours and often sections of a road will be closed without prior notice. As such, a good degree of patience is required when travelling to Tibet. We do however, endeavour to make your journey run as smoothly as possible despite these issues. When entering Tibet from Nepal, Chinese Visas cannot be used. As such, the visa for Tibet must be obtained from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. As visa's are only issued on Mondays, Wednesday's and Thursdays (except if they fall on a Chinese Holiday), tours need to be arranged to suit these visa issue dates, i.e. any one going on a tour departing for Tibet from Nepal, needs to arrive in Kathmandu at least three days before entering Tibet. When you confirm your trip with us, we will organize your Travel Permit for Tibet, Visa Approval Documents and apply to the Chinese embassy to obtain your visa. We will thus require your full passport details, 3 weeks prior to your arrival at Kathmandu. The final documentation will be done on arrival in Nepal. Please note that visa for Tibet obtained elsewhere has still got to be endorsed by the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu.

What is the altitude on these tours?

Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet, is located at an elevation of 3,600m. In fact, most of Tibet lies above the altitude of 3,000m so the risk of altitude sickness is increased. For this reason your first few days is normally just sightseeing around Lhasa itself.

Is there a risk of altitude sickness?

This is one of the most often asked questions - "how will I cope with the altitude". To be honest, this is an 'unknown' factor as no-one can predict how your body will cope at altitude. People who have been to altitude many times in the past without problems, may on one trip suddenly develop problems. There are many factors that play a role. The only way to help combat this, is to take all of the necessary precautions, and walk slowly, acclimatise correctly, don't ascend too quickly and drink plenty of water.