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Tibet: Lhasa, Shigatse<br>and Everest Base Camp, 9 Days
Tibet · 3,600 m

Tibet: Lhasa, Shigatse
and Everest Base Camp, 9 Days

Lhasa · Potala Palace · Shigatse · Everest Base Camp · Namtso Lake. The itinerary climbs gradually to help you adjust to the altitude.

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Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Best season
April to October
Group size
2-8 guests
Departures
On request
Hotels
Central hotels in Lhasa and Shigatse, guesthouse in Rongbuk
In one line

A 9-day Tibet tour for foreign travellers covering Lhasa, Shigatse, Everest Base Camp and Namtso Lake, with permit handling and altitude pacing included.

Duration 9 days / 8 nightsBest season April to OctoberGroup size 2-8 guestsDepartures On request

Tibet needs its own entry process even within China. Foreign travellers cannot go independently, and must enter as a group arranged through an officially licensed travel agency. We handle that process from start to finish.

This trip starts in Lhasa at 3,600 m and climbs gradually through Shigatse to Everest Base Camp. Day one is rest only at your city hotel, and from there the itinerary is paced to give your body time to adjust.

Without a Tibet Travel Permit you cannot buy a flight or train ticket into Lhasa, and the permit cannot be applied for individually. We submit it on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Lhasa and acclimatise

Your guide meets you at Lhasa Gonggar Airport. At 3,600 m, the day is rest only at your city hotel, with nothing more than a short walk.

Day 2

Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor

Enter the Potala Palace on your reserved morning slot. In the afternoon see the Jokhang Temple, then watch pilgrims in the Barkhor streets.

Day 3

A major monastery and Norbulingka

Choose Sera, Drepung or Ganden to suit your pace, then explore Norbulingka, the old summer palace gardens, in the afternoon.

Day 4

Lhasa to Shigatse

Drive south along the Yarlung Tsangpo River. You pass through the Yashu area and reach Shigatse, gaining altitude steadily as you go.

Day 5

Tashilhunpo Monastery and Shigatse

Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery and walk through the streets of Shigatse. In the evening, try local food and turn in early to protect your energy.

Day 6

Shigatse to Everest Base Camp

Pass Mount Gaurishankar and cross the Gyatso La pass. By evening you reach Rongbuk and watch the sun set over Everest.

Day 7

Everest sunrise, back to Lhasa

Watch sunrise over Everest early, then return to Shigatse. From there you drive on to Lhasa, or adjust the route through the Pengqu and Shiga gorges.

Day 8

Namtso Lake and return to Lhasa

Visit Namtso Lake before heading back to Lhasa. At around 4,700 m we keep the stop short and check your breathing along the way.

Day 9

Departure from Lhasa

Your guide accompanies you to Lhasa Gonggar Airport and helps with check-in. Extensions to Mount Kailash or the Ngari region need extra permits and are arranged on request.

At a glance

Potala Palace

The winter palace of the Dalai Lamas, set on a hill above Lhasa. We enter on a reserved time slot.

Jokhang Temple and Barkhor

The heart of any Lhasa trip. Around it, the Barkhor streets are full of pilgrims walking, chanting and prostrating.

A major monastery

Pick Sera, Drepung or Ganden to suit the day. A morning visit often catches the monks in debate.

Yarlung Tsangpo and Yashu

The river that runs beside the road from Lhasa to Shigatse. Near Yashu it cuts through wide gorges and valleys.

Everest Base Camp

Watch sunset and sunrise at the base camp, around 5,200 m. You spend the night at Rongbuk and see the night sky.

Namtso Lake

A lake at around 4,700 m, with the Nyenchen Tanglha range to the south. We stop on the way back to Lhasa.

What's included / Not included

What's included

  • Tibet Travel Permit application handled for you
  • Help preparing permit copies and the itinerary
  • Private vehicle throughout
  • Dedicated Korean-speaking guide
  • Hotels with breakfast, plus a guesthouse in Rongbuk
  • Reserved tickets to the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Tashilhunpo Monastery and Everest Base Camp
  • Airport pickup and drop-off in Lhasa
  • Travel insurance guidance

Not included

  • International flights from Korea
  • Domestic flights and Qinghai-Tibet railway tickets
  • Personal expenses and free-time meals
  • Guide and driver gratuities
  • Personal travel insurance premium

Good to know

FAQ

Can I really not travel Tibet independently?

Correct, foreign travellers cannot go independently. You must enter as a group through an officially licensed agency, and we handle that for you.

How does the Tibet Travel Permit work?

It cannot be applied for individually and is only submitted through an agency. We file it for you and report on progress.

How long does the permit take?

Usually 7 to 14 working days, longer in peak season. Apply 30 days ahead, and note that you cannot buy a flight or train into Lhasa without it.

What about altitude sickness?

Day one is rest only and the itinerary climbs in steps. Lhasa is 3,600 m and Base Camp is around 5,200 m, so drink water and take it slowly.

Is February a good time to go?

For about two to four weeks around February and March, foreign entry is restricted. We suggest planning from April onwards.

How do I get a price?

It depends on your dates, group size and hotel category, so we quote on request. Message us on WhatsApp or WeChat with your dates and numbers.

Official sources

Always re-check the latest conditions on the official sites before you travel.

Related destinations

Southwest China · Tibetan PlateauTibet Travel:
Lhasa to Everest Base CampLhasa → Shigatse → Namtso Lake → Everest Base Camp, a route above 3,600 mNorthwest ChinaQinghai: Lakes and Salt Flats on the PlateauXining → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake → Ta'er Monastery, 4 daysSilk Road, ChinaGansu: Rainbow Rock and the Silk RoadLanzhou → Zhangye → Jiayuguan → connection to Dunhuang, 6+ days
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