15 Best Itineraries for Tibet Everest Base Camp Tours

Tibet Everest Base Camp Tour (North Base Camp)  is a phenomenal experience of witnessing the nature and culture of Tibet in addition to an up-close view of the highest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest. The Tibet Everest Base Camp tour traverses around the major attractions of southwestern, Central, and southeastern cities and valleys of Tibet influenced heavily by Buddhism. Another highlight of these tours is the visit to the Everest Base Camp (EBC) on the Tibetan side with picturesque views of Mt. Everest and the surrounding Himalayas.

Tibet also dubbed as the Roof of the World is most certainly a wonder in itself with the unique high plateaus and rams Himalayan landscape. These Tibet EBC tours open from the Land of the gods, Lhasa, also the capital of Tibet welcoming you to experience the confluence of ancient and modern practices. Lhasa is home to some of the iconic monuments like Potala Palace, Jokhang temple, Drepung, and Sera Monastery which reek of protected heritage. Tourists can visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites, monuments, interact with Tibetan families, and explore ancient art and craft practices.

Apart from the beauty of Lhasa, the routes leading to the Everest base camp introduce you to other cities and counties including Shigatse, Gyantse, Shakya, Nyingchi, Shegar, and more. These cities offer views of majestic mountain ranges, pristine high lakes, high passes, and villages. The Rongbuk valley along the way is home to the highest monastery, highest school, and highest mountain in the world. Get blessed with the panoramic views of four of the highest mountains over 8,000m in the coldest weather and the highest topography. The Everest Base Camp (5,200m/17,060ft) on the Tibetan side is not just easy to reach but also offers full-fledged views of the summit of Mt. Everest, a surreal experience. Some variations of this tour also take you to the geographically and culturally diverse country of Nepal.

The Tibet Everest Base Camp tours (north base camp of Mount Everest) can range from 6 to 19 days, some following classic routes while others are newer and more unique. The tours cater to individuals, families, professional photographers, nature and culture enthusiasts, adventurists, historians, and a vast group of tourists. Based on the preference of tourists, the tours are classified as easy, medium, and challenging based on the physical demand and number of days of the tour. Below, we have presented 15 of the best Itineraries for Tibet to Everest Base Camp tours that let you experience the Tibetan heritage, culture, and nature to the fullest.

1. Lhasa To Everest Base Camp Tour - 6 Days

Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Tour is the shortest tour that takes you from the capital city of Tibet to the foot of the pristine Mount Everest. This easy and classic Tibet Everest Base Camp tour is best suited for people who are seeking to explore the Tibetan Buddhist culture, plateaus, and mountains in a short period. This straightforward tour incorporates all the major attractions of Lhasa and Rongbuk valley and is thus the most classic and popular route.

The 6 days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp tour starts in the city of Lhasa, traverses to Shigatse city crossing Gampala Pass, Karola Glacier, Pelkor Monastery, and Barley fields. Eventually, the trail will head to Everest Base Camp for amazing views of Mt. Everest from Rongbuk. From there return to Lhasa via Shigatse for a final departure.

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2. Lhasa To Everest Base Camp Week Tour - 7 Days

Lhasa to Everest base Camp Week Tour is one of the most sought-after overland Tibet to EBC tours among tourists who want to spend a perfect week in the Tibetan Plateaus. This Tibet Everest Base Camp tour is a combination of the highlights of mountains, farmlands, glaciers, rivers, fortresses, and monasteries.

The tour begins with your arrival at Lhasa where you explore the majestic Potala Palace, circle around the Jokhang Temple, and shop around the vibrant streets of Barkhor. From Lhasa, a drive takes you to Shigatse city while enjoying up-close views of Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar. Enjoying the views of 4 of the top highest peaks in the world, we head to Everest Base Camp. After enjoying the early morning views of Mt. Everest heads back to Lhasa passing through Shigatse in the same route.

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3. Tour From Lhasa To EBC And Kathmandu - 8 Days

The overland Tour from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp and Kathmandu takes you across the trans-Himalayan landscape shared by Tibet and Nepal. This classic Tibet Everest Base Camp tour is best if you want to explore the significant landmarks influenced by Buddhist and Hindu religions in the two capital cities of Tibet and Nepal, respectively.

The Lhasa to Everest Base Camp and Kathmandu tour itinerary begins with a visit to the significant Potala Palace, Jokhang temple around Barkhor street. A second-day tour in Lhasa explores Drepung and Sera monastery dripping with Tibetan Buddhist culture. From Lhasa, a westward drive will take you to Shigatse city across the zigzag road via Gyantse county.

The highlight of the tour is driving to the Everest Base Camp and staying overnight at the highest Rongbuk Monastery. From EBC, a drive takes you to the Gyirong Border passing vistas of Pekutso Lake. Then from the Tibetan border, we finally drive to Kathmandu City in Nepal filled with busy streets, temples, and ancient monuments.

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Recommended Read: How To Travel From Lhasa To Kathmandu?

4. Tour From Lhasa To Everest Base Camp - 8 Days

The 8 days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp is unique because you get to explore the Tibetan Buddhist monuments and places of worship in Lhasa while also visiting the pristine EBC. Considered as one of the best Tibet Everest Base Camp tours, the major highlight of the tour is visiting the monasteries and fortresses in Lhasa dating back to ancient times.

The tour begins by exploring the high and mighty Potala Palace, the winter palace of the Dalai Lama, and the spiritual Jokhang Temple in Barkhor Street. Another highlight of the tour is witnessing the lifestyle of the monks in the Drepung and Sera monasteries. From Lhasa, a drive takes you southwest to Shigatse then to Everest Base Camp for a night at the highest Rongbuk Monastery. After enjoying the sunrise over the summit of Mt. Everest, head back to Lhasa via the same road passing Shigatse to conclude the tour. 

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5. Kathmandu To Lhasa Overland Tour With EBC - 9 Days

Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour with EBC is one of the best Tibet Everest Base Camp tours because you get to start the tour uniquely from the heart of Nepal. The tour traverses from the city of temples; Kathmandu to the trans-Himalayan landscape north to the land of gods; Lhasa.

The tour commences from the capital city of Nepal; Kathmandu and heads northeast to Syabrubesi enjoying the Langtang range of mountains. From Syabrubesi, a short drive heads to the Kyirong border as you enter Tibet. Prepare to be astonished as you head to the highest monastery, Rongbuk to visit the Everest Base Camp to witness the highest mountain in the world.

A long drive proceeds to Tingri County then Shigatse city passing by the significant Tashilunpo Monastery. From Shigatse, the highway leads to Lhasa for a two-day sightseeing tour around Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Drepung and Sera monasteries.

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6. Lhasa To EBC Photography Tour - 9 Days

The 9 days Lhasa to EBC Photography tour lets you experience the beauty of Tibet through the lens of your camera while letting you take the memories back home. Gaze into the ancient cities of Tibet, the high plateaued and even higher mountains by taking closeup snaps and time-lapse photos. This tour is best for professional photographers, nature enthusiasts, and historians alike who want to explore the finest attractions of Tibet.

The 9 days adventure starts in Lhasa where a photography tour will take you around the historical Jokhang temple around vibrant Barkhor Bazaar, and Sera Monastery. Another day’s tour lands your lenses in Potala Palace, Ganden Monastery, and the kora circuit there. Drive to Gyantse on the next day making stops for photography in Yamdrok Lake, Gangbala Pass, Karola Glacier Tsulaklakang, and Palco Monastery.

The tour leads to Shigatse then Tingri county while making stops at Gyantse Fortress, Tashilhunpo Monastery, and Shigatse Dzong. From Tingri, you drive to Everest Base Camp for the night where you can click a time-lapse photograph of the night sky and even the sunshine the next morning. After enjoying the views to the fullest, drive back to Lhasa via Shigatse for a final departure.

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7. Tibet EBC Family Tour - 9 Days

Tibet EBC Family Tour is an easy and short adventure best suited to explore the wonders of Tibet with your family. The 9 days tour lets you experience the unique Tibetan language, religion, monastery dishes, and the base camp of Mt. Everest. Some of the best experiences are often with your loved ones and this is the best Tibet Everest Base Camp tour for just that.

Lhasa is the starting point of this tour with a two-day sightseeing visit in Lhasa’s major attractions including Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Tromzikhang farmers market, Ganden monastery, and Tibetan Village Trubshi. One of the most exciting experiences is interacting with the Tibetan families in Trubshi.

From Lhasa, a drive takes you to Gyantse passing by Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, Palcho, and Tsulaklakhang Monastery. Drive to Shigatse after making stops at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery and Tsampa Mill. A drive from Shigatse takes you to the Everest Base Camp where you can enjoy the amazing Himalayan views with your family. After visiting the Rongbuk Monastery head back to Shigatse then Lhasa.

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8. Lhasa To EBC Motorcycle Tour - 9 Days

Lhasa to EBC Motorcycle tour is the best Tibet to Everest Base Camp tour for adventurers and nature enthusiasts who want to explore the roof of the World in their motorbikes. It is a dream for bikers who want to enjoy the Tibetan plateaus, cities, and mountains freely with the wind blowing against them and adventure on their feet.

The 9 days tour commences from the city of Lhasa where you get to stroll around the streets of Barkhor, visit the Jokhang temple, and get to Potala Palace. The next day a motorbike ride takes you to Ganden Monastery for ride testing and sightseeing. From Lhasa, we formally begin the riding tour to Gyantse while making brief stops at Yamdrok Lake, Gangbala Pass, Karola Glacier, and Simlila Mountain pass. Visit Palcho Monastery and Tsuklakhang monastery in Gyantse.

Ride to Shigatse county passing through Tashilunpo Monastery then visit Shigatse Dzong. Take a long ride to Everest Base Camp on the next day passing by three mountain passes and then to Rongbuk Monastery. After witnessing the sunshine in the Everest peak take a long ride to Shigatse then another back to Lhasa.

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9. Lhasa To Everest Base Camp Cultural Tour- 9 Days

Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Cultural tour is a one-of-a-kind Tibet Everest Base camp tour that offers a blend of immersing into Tibetan Buddhist religion and the thrill of exploring EBC. This is a tour more inclined towards understanding the traditions, religion, and culture of the Tibetans.

The 9 days tour initiates in Lhasa city exploring the UNESCO World heritage sites like Potala Palace, later to Jokhang temple following the Barkhor circuit and Buddha Shakyamuni statue. The next day’s tour takes you across the ancient Drepung and Sera monastery witnessing monks' debate and later stopping by an old carpet factory.

A drive takes you from Lhasa to Gyantse passing by the famous Pelkor Monastery and Nepali-styled Kumbum stupa. From Gyantse, another major highlight of the tour is heading to Shigatse’s TashiLhunpo Monastery to witness the largest statue of Jampa and Shakya monastery located to the west. From Shakya county drive to Everest Base Camp and witness the amazing views of Mt. Everest and surrounding peaks. Return to Shigatse then drive back to Lhasa for final departure.

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10. Central Tibet To Everest Base Camp Tour - 10 Days

The Central Tibet to Everest Base Camp tour is an immersive tour around central Tibet with a visit to the base of the tallest mountain in the south of Tibet. This is one of the best Tibet Everest Base Camp tours as it traverses to the major cities of southern and central Tibet giving the essence of the Tibetan civilization, religion, culture, and unique landscape.

The 10 days Central Tibet and Everest Base Camp tour begins with a drive from Lhasa to Tsedang in the Yarlung valley. Here you get to visit Khumbu Lhakhang, the first imperial palace built on the rocky hills, and Tibet’s first Buddhist monastery; Samye Monastery. Leaving Tsedang, drive past Karo Glacier to Gyantse then to the ancient Tashi Lhunpo and Shakya Monastery.

A long drive takes you through rugged roads and high plateaus to EBC. after enjoying the views of Mt. Everest and visit the highest Rongbuk Monastery, drive back to Shigatse then Lhasa. A two days sightseeing tour is enough to show you the Tibetan Buddhist culture through the Potala Palace, famous Jokhang Temple, Drepung and Sera monasteries, and interaction with the Tibetans.

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11. Tibet Everest Base Camp Nature Tour - 10 Days

The 10 days Tibet Everest Base Camp Nature tour is the best way to explore the natural beauty of Tibet from its high-standing mountains, plateaus to magnificent lakes. The major highlight of this tour is passing by the longest and largest rivers of Tibet, passing by the highest saline lake in the world around Lhasa. Moreover, you get to take a bath in the hot springs, visit the highest monastery in the world and get up-close views of the highest mountain in the world which is a lifetime adventure.

Lhasa is the first point of entry into Tibet where you will get to enjoy the Potala Palace built in the 7th Century, the religious Jokhang temple, and Barkhor Street. From Lhasa, you drive to Lake Namtso, the highest saline lake in the world, which is a major adventure of the tour. Trek around Tashi Dor Island before heading back to Yampachen for a natural hot spring bath. Drive back to Lhasa then head to Shigatse County after passing through Gyantse Kumbum and Pelkor Monastery.

The second adventure of the tour is visiting the Everest Base Camp for a phenomenal view of the summit of Mt. Everest. You will visit the highest monastery in the world, Rongbuk, then drive back to Lhasa via Shigatse for a final departure.

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12. Educational Tour To Tibet Everest Base Camp - 10 Days

The Educational Tour to Tibet Everest Base Camp is the most popular and best Tibet Everest Base Camp tour for students who want to explore the essence of Tibet. The major highlight of the tour is to witness and interact with the students from the world’s highest school based near Everest Base Camp. This short yet inspirational tour is for all age groups of people who want to experience life in different corners of the world.

The 10 days tour begins from Lhasa with a day’s sightseeing tour around Potala Palace, Tibet Museum, and Sera Monastery to explore the ancient history, art, and religion. The next day’s drive will take you to the TUNBO Tibetan Incense, Thanka Production center, and Potala Tibetan Carpet Factory to explore different forms of Tibetan Art. Drive to Gyantse after passing by Yamdrok Lake and then to Shakya county to witness the three distinct Monasteries Shalu, Tashi Lhunpo, and Shakya learn about religion and different sects.

From Shakya drive to the Tashi Zong village and interact with the warm and welcoming people while enjoying views of 4 of the highest mountains in the world. The major highlight of the tour is visiting the world's highest primary school based in Tashi Zhong and interacting with the kids. Drive to Rongbuk on the same day then head to Everest Base Camp on the next day. After witnessing the mesmerizing sunshine, head back to Shigatse then to Lhasa on the final day for departure.

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13. Tibet Himalayan Expedition Tour - 10 Days

The Tibet Himalayan Expedition Tour is a one-off experience of visiting the base camps of Mt. Everest and Mt. Cho Oyu after exploring the ancient cities and counties of Tibet. This is one of the best Tibet Everest Base Camp tours as it comprises several adventures following city streets to off the beaten paths.

The 10 days Tibet Himalayan Expedition tour begins from the heart of Tibet, Lhasa to explore the 7th-century wonder, Potala Palace, Tibetan Buddhist Jokhang Temple, and two of the majestic Sera and Drepung monasteries. From thereon, a drive takes you over the Gampala pass, Pelkor Monastery, and Tashilhunpo Monastery to Shigatse and Shegar. From Shegar, the first climax of the tour is visiting the Everest Base Camp and the Rongbuk monastery. From there another adventure awaits as you drive off to the base camp of the sixth highest mountain of the world, Cho Oyu. After witnessing the peak and the majestic sunrise, the next day’s long drive takes you to Shigatse then back to Lhasa.

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14. Best Of Tibet Tour With EBC - 11 Days

The Best of Tibet Tour with EBC comprises all the major highlights of the central, southeastern, and southwestern prefectures of Tibet. This 11-day tour is perfect for those wanting to experience the natural and man-made attractions across Tibet along with the EBC adventure.

The tour initiates with a sightseeing tour around Lhasa’s famous Potala Palace, Jokhang temple in Barkhor Street, Drepung, and Sera Monasteries. Crossing the Gampala Pass, a long drive takes you past Yamdrok Tso lake, Pelkor Monastery to Gyantse. From Gyantse drive to Shakya county while making stops at Tashi Lhunpo and Shakya Monasteries to understand the Sakya sect of Tibetan Buddhism. From Shakya, drive past the Gawu La pass towards Everest base camp in the south.

After enjoying the views of four of the tallest mountains in the world, head to Shigatse then Lhasa for another major attraction waiting for you. Drive to the southeast of Tibet in the Nyingchi prefecture to enjoy the views of Basum Tso Lake, Nyiyang River, Great Cypress Nature Reserve Area, and Lulang Forest. After the amazing adventure in the tourist destination of Tibet, take your final departure from Nyinhi Airport.

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15. Lhasa To Everest Base Camp Biking Tour - 19 Days

Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Biking Tour is the longest Tibet Everest Base Camp Tour that lets you explore the major attractions in Lhasa, Shigatse, and Rongbuk Valley. It is most certainly every cyclist's dream to visit the acclaimed Everest Base camp on their two wheels. Hence, this tour is targeted at those adventure and sports enthusiasts who are physically fit and mentally undeterred to reach such heights in 19 days.

The tour initiates from the famed Lhasa city where you explore Potala Palace, Jokhang temple, Drepung, and Sera Monastery in 2 days. From Lhasa, the bicycle ride begins along the Tsangpo river to the foot of Kamba La Pass. The next day’s short ride leads to Yamdrok Tso Lake followed by a ride along the Friendship highway to Karo La Pass. From there a long drive leads to Gyantse county with rewarding views of high mountains.

The next step is to Shigatse where you can arrange for a sightseeing tour around the city. Visit the TashiLhunpo and Gyanchung monastery then ride to Lhatse from where you will continue to Shegar passing by Gyatso La Pass. An exciting day awaits as you ride over the Pang Pass along a rugged and zigzag road while enjoying views of 4 of the tallest mountains in the world.

Reaching the Rongbuk valley and visiting the foot of the highest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest, and the highest monastery is yet another feat and the last bike riding day. After enjoying the beauty of Tibet on your bike, take a car ride back to Shigatse and Lhasa for the final departure.

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Major Faqs Of Tibet Everest Base Camp Tours

1. How difficult is the Tibet Everest Base Camp Tour?

Everest Base Camp tour in Tibet is relatively easier as the tours are mostly on well-paved roads. Hence, most tours are less physically demanding except biking and cycling tours. Altitude sickness is something to be aware of as Everest Base Camp sits at a high altitude of 5,200m/17,060ft. Some travelers may experience mild symptoms such as dizziness, headache, and heavy breathing while reaching high passes. However, the itinerary is planned to acclimate your body against the rising elevation. Also, to adjust to the difficulty, you can take precautions like staying hydrated and calm. In essence, the Tibet Everest base camp tour is not difficult and is open to all age groups of people.

2. What is the best time to visit Tibet Everest Base Camp Tour?

The ideal time to visit Tibet Everest Base Camp is in April to early June and September to November which are spring and Autumn months respectively in Tibet. The visibility during these months is clear so you will have higher chances of witnessing the 4 eight-thousand mountains. During the day the temperature can go to a maximum of 10 to 12 degrees which means the air is cool and perfect for long drives.

3. What is the accommodation like in Everest Base Camp in Tibet?

The accommodation facility is fairly decent in Tibet’s Everest Base Camp. You can either opt for camping or the guesthouse of Rongbuk Monastery. The tented camps can accommodate about 12 people and have cooking utensils, stoves, beds, blankets, and pillows. You can not enjoy shower facilities due to water shortage and there is only a pit toilet available. On the other hand, the Rongbuk guest house is pretty decent with beds, furnishing, electronic blanket, showering, and full cooked meal facility. The only issue is that they have a concrete pit toilet. Make sure to take your hygiene products with you when you travel. What lacks in the accommodation is fulfilled by the mesmerizing views of Mt. Everest before you.

4. What to wear on the Everest Base Camp tour in Tibet?

Tibet sits in the high trans Himalayan landscape so most of its cities are above 3,000m/9,842ft. Moreover, the Tibet Everest Base Camp tour reaches an altitude over 5,000m/16,404ft so the temperature is cold at all times. Hence, you need to carry warm clothing for this tour. Due to the chilly weather, it is advised that you wear thermals, a down jacket, a windproof jacket, pullover, gloves, socks, and also carry t-shirts and pants. Besides clothing, you can also protect yourself against sunburn by applying lip balm and sunscreen.

Conclusion

Tibet Everest Base Camp tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience of witnessing the amazing Tibetan Buddhist religion, culture, history, art, and the mighty Mt. Everest up close. The 15 best Tibet Everest Base Camp tours are a testament to the beauty of the different cities of Tibet and the Everest Base Camp. If you wish to embark on a comprehensive journey into the heart of the roof of the world and around the highest mountain in the world, then these tours are for you. To know more details about these tours feel free to get in touch with our expert representatives and plan out one of the best adventures of your life.