Trekking to Everest Base Camp in 15 Days
Tour Route：
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Route Highlights:
The route features a diverse array of cultural and natural highlights, including visits to iconic Tibetan monasteries, breathtaking mountain passes, and the world-renowned Everest Base Camp.
Journey Features
Embark on a 15-day journey through the heart of Tibet, beginning with the ancient city of Lhasa, where you’ll explore iconic landmarks like the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street. Traverse the rugged terrain to Gyantse, marveling at the turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake and the grandeur of Kumbum Monastery. Continue the adventure to Sakya, where the ancient monasteries stand as testaments to Tibetan spirituality. Then, the journey reaches its pinnacle with a trek to Everest Base Camp, immersing you in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Himalayas. Concluding in Lhasa, the expedition leaves you with indelible memories of Tibet’s rich culture, majestic landscapes, and the towering presence of Mount Everest.
Itinerary Details
Itinerary Overview
Day 1:
Arrival in Lhasa by air or train, where you’ll be greeted by the crisp mountain air and the unique charm of Tibet’s capital city, situated at an altitude of 3660 meters.
Day 2:
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Lhasa with a visit to the awe-inspiring Potala Palace, once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama, followed by a journey to the sacred Jokhang Temple, a revered pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists.
Day 3:
Stroll through the vibrant Barkhor Street, an ancient circuit that encircles the Jokhang Temple, bustling with pilgrims and offering a glimpse into traditional Tibetan life and culture.
Day 4:
Embark on a scenic drive from Lhasa to Gyantse, traversing the breathtaking landscapes of the Tibetan plateau, with highlights including the turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake, the iconic Kumbum Monastery, and the majestic Nanchan Kangtsang Glacier.
Day 5:
Continue your journey with a drive from Gyantse to Sakya, where you’ll explore the historic Tashi Lhunpo Monastery and the ancient Sakya Monastery, both renowned for their architectural splendor and spiritual significance.
Day 6:
Journey deeper into the Himalayas with a drive from Sakya to Rongpuk, passing through the dramatic Gyalpo-la Pass and soaking in panoramic views of the surrounding mountain peaks.
Day 7:
Begin your trekking adventure with an acclimatization day, adjusting to the high altitude as you hike from Rongbuk to Everest Base Camp (EBC), where you’ll set up camp and prepare for the days ahead.
Day 8-11:
Embark on a challenging trek from EBC to Advanced Base Camp (ABC), navigating rugged terrain and crossing mountain passes as you ascend to breathtaking altitudes, with highlights including Camp 1, Interim Camp, and Camp 2. Depending on weather conditions, adjust your route accordingly to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
Day 12:
Conclude your trek with a return to Everest Base Camp, where you’ll bid farewell to the world’s highest peak before departing for the tent area or Rongpuk guesthouse for a well-deserved rest.
Day 13:
Begin your journey back to civilization with a drive from Rongpuk to Shigatse, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences and memories made amidst Tibet’s pristine wilderness.
Day 14:
Continue your homeward journey with a drive from Shigatse to Lhasa, retracing your steps through the rugged Tibetan landscape and marveling at the beauty of the Himalayas.
Day 15:
Bid farewell to the enchanting city of Lhasa as you depart by air or train, carrying with you the indelible memories of your epic Himalayan adventure.
Welcome to Lhasa
Our Tibetan tour guides will greet guests at the airport, and a private vehicle will transport you to Lhasa. Visitors are welcome to explore Lhasa’s historic old town at their leisure.
Overnight in Lhasa
Tibet Road Trip Co., Ltd
Potala palace – Johkang Temple
Visitors to the famous Potala Palace in the morning discover its stunning chapels, grand audience halls, and the jeweled and golden burial stupas of past Dalai Lamas. They also admire countless Buddhist frescoes, thangkas, intricate mandalas, and Buddha statues crafted from precious metals. In the afternoon, we make our way to Tibet’s holiest site, the Jokhang Temple, which was built in 647 A.D. by Princess Wencheng of the Tang dynasty during the reign of Songtsen Gampo. Inside the temple, the inner circuit features a prayer wheel and murals depicting a thousand Buddhas outlined in gold against a red background, alongside stupas and relief sculptures.
Overnight in Lhasa
Barkhor Street
Barkhor, the circular pilgrimage path surrounding the Jokhang Temple, rapidly evolves into the bedrock of the city. It is home to the most bustling marketplace in all of Tibet, the Barkhor Market, where travelers can purchase a variety of traditional Tibetan goods, such as Thangkas, religious artifacts, antiques, books, musical instruments, and traditional Tibetan attire, among other items.
Overnight in Lhasa
Yamdrok-tso, Kumbhum Monastery, Nanchan- Kangtsang glacier
Today’s itinerary includes a journey of 90 kilometers to the impressive Tashi Lhunpo Monastery. We’ll also visit Sakya Monastery and enjoy a smooth drive along a well-paved blacktop road to Lhatse. The renowned Tashilhunpo Monastery, established in 1447 by a disciple of Tsongkapa, is one of the six prominent Gelukpa sites. In the evening, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the famous Tibetan market located beneath the Shigatse Zong. Following that, we will head to Sakya County, the site of the Sakya Monastery, which is one of the four major Buddhist schools in Tibet, representing the Sakya tradition. This area was once the center of power during the Sakya era, and you can still find historically significant structures that reflect its rich heritage.
Overnight in Gyantse
Sakya Monastery, Gyalpo-la pass, Rongbuk
As one of the four main Buddhist traditions in Tibet, you will start your day by visiting Sakya Monastery. During the Sakya period of dominance, this site was the center of power in all of Tibet, and many historically significant structures remain there. The extensive library at Sakya houses the largest book in the world, inscribed in gold. After exploring Sakya Monastery, we will journey along the rugged 180 km road to reach the base camp of Mount Everest. From the summit of Gyalpo-la Pass, you can witness the breathtaking sunrise illuminating the majestic Himalayan peaks.
Overnight in Rongpuk Tent Guest House
Everest Base Camp
Trek Day 1
On the first day of your trek, you will journey from Rongbuk Monastery to Everest Base Camp (EBC). Along the way, you’ll catch a view of the famous Rongbuk Glacier, the largest among the numerous glaciers surrounding Mount Everest. The icy waters of this glacier flow into a river that runs south of the monastery’s base. This river is referred to as the “Rongbuk River,” named for its exceptionally cold water.
Camping at EBC
Your first challenge will be a hike to Base Camp 1 (5,450 meters). As you make your way to C1, you’ll have the opportunity to appreciate the vast glacier while passing the Rongpuk Glacier. We’ll follow a trail that ascends to the east of this ice cap, heading toward the summit of Mount Everest. Although the hike isn’t particularly lengthy, many individuals might struggle with the high altitude. So, take it slow today and savor the experience of exploring this breathtaking location.
Camping
Everest Mount
Today, we will embark on our trekking adventure from the gravel hills to the west of the glacier. We will spend the night at a temporary camp, nestled among towering ice pinnacles that encircle us.
Camping
Everest Mount
Today, as we make our way toward the Changste glacier, we ascend even further to explore the intricate web of ice. Hiking up the highest peak on the planet is truly an incredible adventure! Our campsite is now far more breathtaking than it used to be, surrounded by an array of glaciers and hanging ice in every direction.
Camping
Everest Mount
Today, you have the choice to either spend the night at Base Camp 3 or hike there during the day and return to Base Camp 2. If we choose to stay at the second base camp, tomorrow’s trek will be a lot more enjoyable. However, if you prefer, we can sleep in a breathtaking location at a higher elevation. Camp 3 is situated next to the glacier amidst flattened gravel mounds, offering stunning views of towering pinnacles, ridges, and even the rocky summit of Everest. Just 2,400 meters stand between Camp 3 and the peak. Imagine the incredible sight that awaits you when you’re nearly at the top of the world!
Everest Base Camp-Rongpuk
We’re making our way back down to the initial base camp, which means today will be quite a long trek. The scenery is stunning as we descend from this remarkable summit.
Rongpuk-Shigatse
Travel back to Lhasa and spend one night in Shigatse.
Overnight at Shiagtse
Shigtse-Lhasa
Return to Lhasa.
Overnight in Lhasa
See you next time!
Depart Lhasa via train or airplane.
Dates and Prices
Prices
Service Included:
- Tibet Travel Permit application service and mailing service within China.
- Entrance tickets to the listed attractions and activities.
- Accommodations are in three-star hotels with breakfast throughout the journey.
- Comfortable and safe tourist vehicle.
- Excellent Tibetan English-speaking guide.
- Farm house lunch and welcome dinner.
- Travel accident insurance and high-altitude sickness insurance.
- Shuutle service between the airport/train station and Lhasa city.
- Exquisite Tibetan gifts and travel maps.
- On-board medical oxygen supply for travel in high-altitude areas.
Service Excluded:
- International and domestic transportation to and from Tibet.
- Single room supply for solo travelers who require a single room.
- Some meal expenses are not included in the tour (the guide will assist in arranging and recommending meals; you are responsible for the cost).
