Lhasa to EBC Self-Driving Tour
Tour Route： 8-Day Lhasa-Gyantse-Shigatse-Mt.Everest
$ From
Route Highlights:
Journey Features
Start on an unforgettable odyssey in Tibet with our 8-day Lhasa Yamdroksto Shigatse EBC Group Tour. Going with us towards the iconic Everest Base Camp for an inspiring meeting with the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest (8,848m). The tour promises more than just a journey – it’s a symphony of emotions, an expedition that takes you from the holiest city Lhasa to the getway of Himalaya passing through glaciers, lakes and farmland, villages and onward to the heights of 5,200m at Everest Base Camp.Join us on this amazing expedition, where the pulse of Tibetan culture harmonizes with architectural wonders, ancient treasures, and the marvels of nature.
Itinerary Details
Itinerary Overview
Day 01: Arrive in Lhasa
Day 02: Lhasa City Sightseeing
Day 03: Lhasa City Sightseeing
Day 04: Lhasa – Yamdrotso Lake – Gyantse – Shigatse
Day 05: Shigatse – Tingri-Everest Base Camp
Day 06: Mt. Everest – Dingyal – Shigatse
Day 07: Shigatse – Lhasa
Day 08: Lhasa Departure
Airport/Train Station Pickup, Check-in at the Hotel
Welcome to Tibet! Upon your arrival, our friendly guide and driver will warmly welcome you at the airport, presenting you with a traditional Tibetan white scarf called “Khata.” With just a one-hour drive on the expressway (70 kilometers), the driver will take you to comfortable hotel in downtown Lhasa. After checking in at the hotel, take the time to rest and acclimatize to the altitude (3,650 meters), ensuring a good and healthy start to your journey on the plateau.
Local 3-Star Hotel
Tibet Road Trip Co., Ltd
Visit Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery Debating
Today, you will apply driving license for road trip, and visit Sera Monastery which offering a unique insight into Tibetan Buddhism. You will visit the Buddhist halls, Buddhist colleges, and the monks’ kitchen, witnessing how they engage in special debates to study Buddhist teachings.
Sera Monastery is renowned for its lively Buddhist debates, showcasing the essence of Tibetan Buddhism. Monks employ exaggerated body language, engaging in dance-like discussions about Buddhist philosophy, demonstrating their knowledge in a spirited manner.
In the evening, the guide will accompany the group to a traditional Tibetan restaurant for a welcome dinner, marking the beginning of your journey in Tibet.
Breakfast Hotel：Local 3-Star Hotel
Visit Potala Palace and Johkang Temple
Today, let’s explore into the treasures of Lhasa, the Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama and acclaimed as the world’s highest palace. The Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street, the Center of Tibetan Faithboth, both designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Potala Palace, towering majestically over the red hills in the center of Lhasa, was once the religious and political center of Tibet. As you climb the 365 steps to the main building, you’ll explore the Dalai Lama’s former political hall, the prayer halls, and the tomb stupa. Here, you’ll encounter remarkable murals and exquisite Buddha statues, showcasing the accumulated wealth and treasures of ancient Tibet.
The Jokhang Temple, revered for housing the 12-year-old statue of Shakyamuni, is considered the holiest site in Tibet and a lifelong pilgrimage destination for Tibetans. You can join the pilgrims to walk in Barkor street and experience the soul of the city. The guide will also accompany you to a local Tibetan teahouse, offering insight into the social culture.
Meals：Breakfast Hotel：Local 3-Star Hotel
Yamdrotso Lake, Karola Glacier
Drive for approximately 7 to 8 hours (340 kilometers) to reach Shigatse. Along the way, you will visit two breathtaking natural landscapes – Yamdrok Lake and the Karola Glacier. You will enjoy a scenic 20-kilometer drive following the disappearing shoreline of the Lake.
After lunch, drive for approximately 1 hour to visit one of Tibet’s most beautiful glaciers – the Karola Glacier, the enormous glacier tongue extends to the roadside, resembling a frozen waterfall hanging over the road and above your head.
Following the Karola Glacier, we will pass by Lake Manla and the ancient town of Gyantse, proceed to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet.
Meals：Breakfast Hotel: Local 3-Star Hotel
Gyawula Viewing Point, Everest Base Camp
After breakfast, we will start a 6.5-hour drive (330 kilometers) to the top of the world – Mount Everest. Along the way, you will visit several viewpoints where you can catch glimpses of Everest. The journey culminates with an overnight stay at Everest Base Camp (EBC).
Departing from Shigatse, you’ll be accompanied by rural farmland and villages. Approximately 4 hours into the journey, you’ll approach Dingri County, where you’ll have your first view of Everest from the Dingri Viewpoint. Upon entering the Everest scenic area, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan range from Gawula Pass. The 7000 to 8000-meter peaks of the Himalayas stand proudly above the sea of clouds, creating a majestic and awe-inspiring spectacle.
Next, you’ll proceed on the dedicated road leading to Everest, with the mountain growing larger and closer until you reach the northern face base camp. From the base camp, Everest appears like a colossal pyramid standing before you. We will strive to arrive at Everest Base Camp before sunset, allowing you the opportunity to witness the magnificent natural phenomenon of the sunset casting golden hues upon the mountain.
(During the winter season, when the Everest Base Camp tented lodges are closed, we will relocate accommodations to the nearest village to Everest, Basong Village.)
Meals：Breakfast Lodging：Everest Base Camp Guest House (dorm bed)
Everest East side Viewpoint, Farewell Dinner
Taking a stroll near the base camp to savor the beautiful moments of the early morning. After breakfast, the guide will take you to visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest-altitude monastery, famous for being the location where the sea waves engulfed the last piece of land in the movie “2012.” It is also an excellent vantage point for capturing the natural and cultural landscapes of Mount Everest.
After leaving Everest, we will drive you to the Xilin View point to admire the breathtaking views of the eastern slope of Everest, and Mt. Lhotse, and pass through the ancient town of Sakya before returning to Shigatse.
Meals：Breakfast Hotel：Local 3-Star Hotel
Tashilunbo Monastery, Yarlung Zangbo River
On the last morning of your return journey from Everest to Lhasa, you will visit the largest monastery in western Tibet, Tashilhunpo Monastery. It has been the seat of Panchen Lamas and is known for its grand scale and magnificent architecture. It houses the world’s largest gilded bronze statue, stupas of the Panchen Lamas, and exquisite Buddhist murals.
After the visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery, we will travel back to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River Valley. (Depending on the circumstances, We may arrange for guests to return to Lhasa by train.)
Meals：Breakfast Hotel：Local 3-Star Hotel
Airport/Train Station drop off
Your Tibet journey officially concludes today, and We will accompany you to the airport/train station. We appreciate to spend this wonderful time with us in Tibet. Wishing you a safe journey ahead!
Breakfast
Prices
| Date | April – 2025 | April – 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Pax | 6 | 6 |
| Pax per car | 3 | 2 |
| Price pax | $1,300 | $1,500 |
| Total | $7,800 | $9,000 |
Service
Service Included:
- Vehicle (TANK 300) rental
- Ctrip 3-diamond hotel, 2 standard rooms: reference or equivalent grade.
| Hotel Name | Duration |
|---|---|
| Lhasa Tibet Hotel | 4 nights |
| Yongze Lakeside International Hotel | 2 nights |
| Tingri Everest Hotel | 1 night |
- Tibet Travel Permit application service and mailing service within China.
- Entrance tickets to listed attractions and activities, Mt. Everest Environmental Vehicle Cost to Tibet.
- If worried about altitude sickness after entering Tibet, you can take a moderate amount of Rhodiola oral liquid or capsules before entering.
- During the Tibet tour, you are required to travel with the group throughout the journey and cannot leave the group activities at will.
- Pack vitamins and regular medications in your luggage.
- When traveling at high altitudes, drink plenty of water, engage in slow-paced activities, and consume fruits and vitamin supplements.
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol when you are new to high altitudes.
- Accommodation in 3-star hotels and local guesthouses with breakfast throughout the journey.
- Dedicated tourist vehicles for a wonderful road trip at Tibet.
- Excellent Tibetan English-speaking guide.
- Breakfast for entire travel.
- Travel accident insurance and High altitude sickness insurance.
- On-board medical oxygen supply for travel in high-altitude areas.
- Exquisite Tibetan gifts and travel map.
- Shuttle service between Airport/Train station and Lhasa City.
Service Excluded:
- Vehicle (TANK 300) deposit and fuels.
- International and domestic Transportation to and from Tibet.
- Single room supplement for solo travelers who require single room.
- Some Meal expenses not included in the Tour (the guide will assist in arranging and recommending meals; you are responsible for the cost).
Required Tips
While you traveling in Tibet, it is kindly required to tip the guide and driver if you are satisfied and appreciate their services. We recommend tipping $7 per day per person to be shared between the driver and guide.
