The Lhasa to Everest Base Camp tour is a 10-day overland journey across the Tibetan Plateau to the north face of Everest. Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa for the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Sera Monastery, then drive past turquoise Yamdrok Lake, the Kumbum stupa of Gyantse and Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse to Rongbuk Monastery and Everest Base Camp (5,200 m).
Unlike the Nepal side, the Tibet base camp is reached by road, with an unobstructed view of Everest's great north face. The tour returns by road to Lhasa or to the Nepal border at Kerung. It is graded moderate, but the altitude is high throughout, so we build in time to acclimatise in Lhasa. Best from April–June and September–October. The Tibet travel permit, Chinese group visa, guide, vehicle and hotels are arranged by our team.
Tibet's side of Everest offers something the Nepal side cannot: a clear, uninterrupted view of the whole north face, rising above the Rongbuk Glacier, from a place you can reach by vehicle. Combined with the monasteries and palaces of Lhasa and the high-plateau towns of Gyantse and Shigatse, this is Tibet's classic journey.
Tours to Tibet must be organised through a licensed agency with a Tibetan guide and private vehicle. From Kathmandu, travellers use a Chinese group visa rather than a regular visa, and the Tibet Travel Permit and Everest region permits are arranged in advance. Regulations can change at short notice; we keep you updated before you book.
| Trip fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 10 days from Kathmandu |
| Route | Kathmandu – Lhasa – Gyantse – Shigatse – Rongbuk – Lhasa – Kathmandu |
| Highest point | Everest Base Camp (north side), about 5,200 m |
| Grade | Moderate, high altitude |
| Documents | Chinese group visa, Tibet Travel Permit, Aliens' Travel Permit |
| Accommodation | Hotels; basic guesthouse or tent at Rongbuk |
| Best time | April–June and September–October |
Lhasa is at 3,650 m and much of the route is above 4,000 m. We spend three nights in Lhasa to acclimatise before driving higher, and the night at Rongbuk (about 4,980 m) is the highest. Headaches and poor sleep are common; drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol.
The Nepal side requires a 12–14 day trek but is a classic walking adventure through Sherpa villages. The Tibet side is reached by road, suits non-trekkers and has the better view of Everest itself, but it's colder, drier and needs special permits.
Travellers entering Tibet from Nepal need a Chinese group visa, issued in Kathmandu, plus the Tibet Travel Permit. We need your passport copy about 30 days before departure and your original passport in Kathmandu for the visa. Rules can change at short notice.
The whole tour is at high altitude, reaching about 5,200 m. The Lhasa days are for acclimatisation. Talk to your doctor before the trip about altitude medication.
Days are sunny but nights are cold, especially at Rongbuk (well below freezing in spring and autumn). Winter tours are possible but very cold; some sites may close.
Insurance covering travel to 5,300 m and emergency evacuation is required.
Choose add-ons and quantities on the booking form.
More options, quoted on request:
Yes. Everest Base Camp on the north side is reached by road via Rongbuk, with the right permits.
About 5,200 m.
From Kathmandu you need a Chinese group visa, arranged by us, plus the Tibet Travel Permit.
No. Foreign travellers must join an organised tour with a licensed guide.
No, the whole tour is by vehicle with short walks.
April–June and September–October. Tibet can close to foreigners at short notice around sensitive dates.
We spend three days in Lhasa before going higher. Drink water, rest and tell your guide about symptoms.
In a basic guesthouse or tent camp near Rongbuk.
Tibet has the better view of Everest by road; Nepal has the classic trek through Sherpa villages.
Kathmandu–Lhasa flights are quoted separately at current fares.
Yes, via Kerung border when open.
Priced per person for a group of two or more, with group rates in the price box.
