8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour: Marvel at Mt. Everest Real Close from 4 Different Viewing Platforms
Route: Lhasa – Gyantse – Shigatse – Everest Base Camp – Shigatse – Lhasa | Tour Code: SG001A | Type: Join-in Small Group (min 2, max ~12) | Difficulty: Easy, suitable for all ages
Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa (3650m)
When you arrive in Lhasa, whether by train or flight, our friendly Tibetan guide will greet you with a Hada (the traditional Tibetan ceremonial scarf) and warm blessings. Then, the guide and the driver will take you to your hotel in downtown Lhasa. You may view the Yarlung Tsangpo River/Brahmaputra River (the Longest and largest river in Tibet) and the Lhasa River. After settling into your hotel, take some time to rest and adjust to the high altitude. Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Day 2: Lhasa Tour – Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery (B, D)
Today is Tibetan Monastery Day! In the morning, you’ll explore the largest monastery in Tibet – Drepung Monastery, which was once the home to over 10,000 monks. As you walk through the Coqen Hall, your guide will provide detailed explanations of the worldview of Tibetan Buddhism. Next, you’ll visit the renowned Loseling College, offering a glimpse into the study and life of Tibetan monks. In the afternoon, you’ll head to Sera Monastery to witness the famous Tibetan Monks Debate (15:00 – 17:00, Mon-Sat). After today’s tour, enjoy a welcome dinner with your group members. Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Day 3: Lhasa Tour – Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street (B)
After breakfast, your first stop is the Potala Palace, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Lhasa Old Town. The most valuable collections are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet. After touring the Potala Palace, visit Longwangtan Park at the foot of the Potala Palace. In the afternoon, head to Jokhang Temple — inside you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can do kora with pilgrims and locals. Next, follow your guide to a lively indoor Tibetan tea house in Lhasa. Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Day 4: Lhasa to Shigatse via Gyantse 360 km (B, L)
First, drive over the Gampala pass (4790 m) to catch a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso (4400m), surrounded by snow-capped mountains. In the distance, see Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar (7191m). Explore the lakeshore from various viewpoints, and visit a local family in the village for lunch. Next, pass the Korola Glacier on the roadside — the largest glacier in Tibet. Stop at Simila Mountain Pass to hang prayer flags. After arriving in Gyantse, take photos of the ancient city. Continue through Tibetan barley fields and farms to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city. Stay overnight in Shigatse.
Day 5: Shigatse (3850m) to Everest Base Camp (5000m) (B)
Head directly to Mount Everest. Pass Gyatsola Pass (5280m) for your first glimpse of Everest. Enter Mount Everest National Nature Reserve and enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayas at Gawula Pass (5198m) — your second glimpse. Drive along the new zigzag road to Everest Base Camp (5000m) for your third view. Witness the golden sunset on Everest’s northern face — your fourth view. As night falls, the sparkling Milky Way reveals your fifth and final encounter with Everest. Stay overnight at Everest Base Camp tent or Rongbuk guesthouse.
Day 6: EBC to Sakya via Dinggye and return to Shigatse (B, D)
Visit Rongbuk Monastery — the world’s highest monastery at 5154m where nuns and monks live together. Return to Shigatse via Dinggye, stopping at Dinggye Xilin Viewpoint to see Everest’s eastern slope and Mount Lhotse (8516m). Brief stop in Sakya ancient town. In Shigatse, your guide leads you to a local Langma Hall for Tibetan song and dance performances during dinner. Stay overnight in Shigatse.
Day 7: Shigatse to Lhasa (B)
Visit the home of Panchen Lama — Tashilhunpo Monastery, housing the world’s largest statue of Maitreya Buddha. Return to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River, the mother river of the Tibetan people. Enjoy leisure time at Barkhor Street. Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Day 8: Depart from Lhasa (B)
Your guide will take you to the airport or train station. Tour ends.
2026 Price (per person, USD) — Selected Standard Hotel
| Nov-Feb | Mar-May | Jun-Jul 9 | Jul 10-Aug 20 | Aug 21-Sep 19 | Sep 20-Oct 10 | Oct 11-31 |
| 949 | 1,059 | 1,109 | 1,189 | 1,109 | 1,189 | 1,059 |