Embarking on a 15-day Lhasa to Everest Base Camp (EBC) and Mount Kailash trek is a profound spiritual journey through the heart of Tibet. This unique overland tour from Lhasa to Kathmandu allows you to experience some of the most sacred and remote locations on Earth. From Lhasa, the spiritual capital of Tibet, to the world’s highest point at Mount Everest and the deeply revered Mount Kailash, every step of this journey connects you to the spiritual essence of the Tibetan Plateau.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through each day of this transformative journey, offering insights into the must-see destinations, spiritual significance, and practical travel tips to ensure a smooth and unforgettable experience.
Day 1: Lhasa Arrival | Pick-Up Service & Hotel Check-In
Your journey begins upon arriving in Lhasa, where you will be greeted at the airport or train station by your local guide. The high-altitude capital of Tibet, Lhasa (3,650 meters), is a city steeped in history and spirituality. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for a well-deserved rest after your long journey. Acclimatization is key to adjusting to the higher altitudes, so it’s important to relax and avoid strenuous activities on this first day.
- Key Activities: Airport pick-up, hotel check-in, acclimatization.
Day 2: Lhasa City Tour | Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, Barkhor Street
On the second day, you will begin your Lhasa city tour. Lhasa is the spiritual heart of Tibet, and it offers an incredible array of cultural and religious landmarks. Today, you’ll explore the Jokhang Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most sacred temples in Tibetan Buddhism. Pilgrims from all over Tibet visit Jokhang, making it a vibrant place for spiritual reflection.
- Jokhang Temple: Located in the heart of Lhasa, this temple is home to the Jokhang Buddha, one of the most important Buddhist statues. The surrounding Barkhor Street is bustling with pilgrims who walk in a clockwise direction around the temple, offering prayers and prostrations.
- Sera Monastery: Later, visit Sera Monastery, known for its beautiful architecture and the lively debates among monks. It’s one of the “great three” monasteries of Tibet, along with Drepung and Ganden. The debates are an integral part of monastic life, where monks engage in intense discussions on Buddhist philosophy.
- Highlights: Sacred temples, monk debates, spiritual practices.
- Insider Tip: For an authentic experience, take time to join the pilgrims in Barkhor Street and observe their rituals.
Day 3: Lhasa City Tour | Potala Palace, Drepung Monastery
On your third day, explore more of Lhasa’s spiritual and architectural wonders. Begin with a visit to the Potala Palace, one of Tibet’s most iconic landmarks. This grand palace, which once served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lama, rises majestically above the city and is a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism.
- Potala Palace: This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its awe-inspiring architecture and exquisite Tibetan art. It houses the tombs of past Dalai Lamas, numerous chapels, and sacred relics. The Potala Palace is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism.
- Drepung Monastery: In the afternoon, visit Drepung Monastery, once the largest and most influential monastery in Tibet. It is home to thousands of monks and serves as an important educational center for Buddhist teachings.
- Highlights: Potala Palace, Tibetan Buddhist art, religious sites.
- Insider Tip: Make sure to reserve enough time for the Potala Palace as it can take several hours to explore fully.
Day 4: Lhasa to Shigatse (3,850m) via Gyantse (3,950m) | Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, Pelkor Monastery
On day four, begin your overland adventure as you travel from Lhasa to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city. Along the way, you will pass through the Gyantse region, a town rich in history and Tibetan culture.
- Yamdrok Lake: One of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet, Yamdrok Lake is known for its stunning turquoise waters and surrounding snow-capped mountains. The lake is considered sacred in Tibetan Buddhism, and a visit here provides a serene moment of reflection.
- Karola Glacier: As you continue your journey, stop at the Karola Glacier, which offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. The glacier is one of the most accessible in Tibet, allowing travelers to get up close to its icy beauty.
- Pelkor Monastery: Located in Gyantse, the Pelkor Monastery is home to the Kumbum Stupa, an impressive 9-story structure filled with thousands of Buddha statues and murals. It’s a blend of architecture, culture, and spirituality that is unique to Tibet.
- Highlights: Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, Pelkor Monastery, Kumbum Stupa.
- Insider Tip: Keep your camera ready to capture the magnificent landscapes along the way.
Day 5: Shigatse to Everest Base Camp (5,200m) | Tashilhunpo Monastery, Gyawu La Pass, Rongbuk Monastery
Today’s journey takes you to Everest Base Camp (EBC), one of the most iconic destinations in Tibet. On your way to EBC, you will pass through Shigatse and visit the famous Tashilhunpo Monastery, home to the Panchen Lama.
- Tashilhunpo Monastery: This monastery is one of Tibet’s most important spiritual sites and offers insight into Tibetan Buddhism’s role in both politics and religion.
- Gyawu La Pass: Continue your journey over the Gyawu La Pass, which offers panoramic views of the Himalayas and Mount Everest itself.
- Rongbuk Monastery: The Rongbuk Monastery is located near Mount Everest and offers the closest views of the mountain. It is the highest monastery in the world, situated at an altitude of 5,000 meters.
- Highlights: Everest views, Rongbuk Monastery, Tibetan spiritual sites.
- Insider Tip: Early morning is the best time to view Mount Everest, as the mountain is often shrouded in clouds during the afternoon.
Day 6: EBC to Saga (4,640m) | Sunrise over Mount Everest, Mount Shishapangma, Pelkhu-tso
On day six, witness the majestic sunrise over Mount Everest from EBC, a moment that is sure to stay with you for a lifetime. Afterward, begin your journey towards Saga, passing Mount Shishapangma and the beautiful Pelkhu-tso lake along the way.
- Highlights: Mount Everest sunrise, Shishapangma views, Pelkhu-tso lake.
- Insider Tip: Be sure to dress warmly for the morning as temperatures can be extremely cold, especially before sunrise.
Day 7: Saga to Drongpa County to Darchen (4,575m) | Lake Manasarovar, Lhanag-tso
On day seven, you will continue your journey towards Mount Kailash. The drive takes you to Lake Manasarovar, one of the holiest lakes in Tibet. Pilgrims from all over the world come to Lake Manasarovar to purify themselves and prepare for the sacred Kailash Kora.
- Lake Manasarovar: The serene Lake Manasarovar offers a peaceful retreat for meditation and prayer. It’s a sacred lake for both Hindus and Buddhists.
- Lhanag-tso: Another beautiful lake, Lhanag-tso, lies along your route and provides stunning photo opportunities.
- Highlights: Sacred lakes, tranquil surroundings, spiritual reflection.
- Insider Tip: Spend time meditating by the lakes to soak in the spiritual energy of this sacred region.
Days 8-10: Mount Kailash Trek
The next three days are dedicated to trekking around Mount Kailash, one of the most sacred mountains in Tibet. The Kailash Kora is a 52-kilometer trek that takes three days to complete.
- For Day 8: Start your trek at Darchen and trek to Dirapuk.
- On Day 9: Continue your trek from Dirapuk to Dzultripuk.
- Day 10: Complete the trek from Dzultripuk back to Darchen.
- Highlights: Sacred trek around Mount Kailash, spiritual significance, rugged terrain.
- Insider Tip: The trek can be physically demanding, so make sure to acclimatize properly and carry enough supplies.
Day 11-13: Return Journey from Darchen to Lhasa
After completing the Mount Kailash trek, you will begin your return journey back to Lhasa, with stops at Saga and Shigatse along the way.
- Highlights: Reflection on the spiritual journey, visits to
monasteries.
Day 14: Lhasa City and Free Day for Exploration
Your last full day in Lhasa gives you a chance to reflect on your journey and explore any remaining sites of interest.
- Highlights: Free day for shopping, visiting sites, or relaxing before your departure.
Day 15: Departure from Lhasa
On the final day of your journey, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu or another destination.
- Highlights: Departure, reflecting on your spiritual adventure.
Practical Tips for Your Tibet Overland Tour:
- Acclimatization: Altitude sickness is a risk in Tibet, especially around Everest Base Camp and Mount Kailash. Ensure you take enough time to acclimatize.
- Permits: You will need special permits to visit Tibet, including the Tibet Travel Permit and Aliens’ Travel Permit. These must be arranged well in advance.
- Packing: Pack for both warm and cold temperatures, especially when trekking. Good trekking boots, a sleeping bag, and warm clothing are essential.
- Health and Safety: Carry essential medications, and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration in the high-altitude regions.
This Lhasa to Everest Base Camp and Mount Kailash overland tour offers a deep spiritual connection with Tibet’s sacred sites. With stunning natural beauty, incredible Tibetan culture, and a rich history of spirituality, this journey will stay with you long after you return home.