Everest Base Camp Experience

Welcome to Lhasa! Upon your arrival at Lhasa airport or train station you will be greeted by your guide and warmly welcomed with a pure white katak scarf (prayer scarf).
The station is on the outskirts of the city whilst the airport is 100km away in the next valley. On the way enjoy the highland views along the Lhasa River and stop occasionally for pictures of local villages. There are no planned activities – rest, relax, drink plenty of water and adjust to the altitude.

Accommodation:
• Shang Bala Hotel or similar (3 nights)
Meals Included:
• There are no meals included today

Today visit the two largest university monasteries in Tibet – Drepung and Sera, both built on the lower slopes of the hills north of Lhasa. Drepung was founded by one of Tsongkhapa’s disciples in 1416 and once had up to 10,000 monks. The main assembly hall is incredible, and you will often have the chance to hear monks chanting here.
Nearby is Nechung, temple of the Oracle, adviser to the Dalai Lamas and powerful controller of Tibet’s destiny.
In the afternoon visit Sera where the monks practice lively philosophical debating in the afternoons (except Sundays).

Accommodation:
• Shang Bala Hotel or similar (3 nights)
Meals Included:
• Breakfast

One of the most iconic structures ever built; the Potala Palace was the seat of the Tibetan government and winter residence of the successive Dalai Lamas. A visit is an awe-inspiring experience. Perched 130meters above the city, it is divided into two parts, the White Palace (secular) and the Red Palace (religious - home to chapels, shrines, and tombs of Dalai Lamas). Although you must stick with your guide whilst exploring, this in no way lessens the impact of seeing what is a true architectural wonder.
Later, visit the Jokhang; the spiritual heart and most sacred temple of Tibet which always attracts steady waves of pilgrims. Spend some time exploring this large World-Heritage listed site and learn of its rich history. According to legend, the temple was built over a lake after many failed attempts to build monasteries in other nearby locations. Feast your eyes on the golden Buddha which stands in the center. After the visit join the pilgrims walking around the Barkhor (in a clockwise direction) considered a sacred kora by Tibetans.
*Potala visit times are assigned when tickets booked so may visit Jokhang first, Potala later depending on ticket time.

Accommodation:
• Shang Bala Hotel or similar (3 nights)
Meals Included:
• Breakfast

Today it is a full days’ drive from Lhasa to Shigatse. A total distance of 360km taking 7-8 hours.
From Lhasa we drive down the Kyichu Valley to the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) before ascending to the Khamba La (Pass) at 4750m. The views are outstanding – in the foreground is the vast freshwater Yamdrok Tso or Turquoise Lake, while to the south the snow-capped ranges merge with the main Himalayan range. We drive along the western shores the lake before crossing the Karo La (5045m) to reach Gyantse.
Here we visit Pelkhor Choede monastery famous for its Kumbum Pagoda; an 8-storey, 3-dimentional mandala containing 100,000 images. This is the only monastery in Tibet which is not home to a single sect of Tibetan Buddhism. After visiting we continue our journey to Shigatse (3836m). On the way, we shall visit a local family for a glimpse of their everyday Tibetan life.

Accommodation:
• Tangka Hotel Shigatse or similar
Meals Included:
• Breakfast & lunch

Today is another long days’ drive of 335km. Follow the Friendship Highway west via Lhatse and Shegar before turning south and climbing into the Himalaya toward Everest.
The world’s highest monastery, at 5000m, was first built in 1902 by a Nyingma Lama and originally housed more than 500 monks. Today, only about 50 monks and nuns remain, sharing a prayer hall, but maintaining separate residences. The nuns here are great fun and will be delighted to have you join their evening prayers. From here the view is directly up the valley to Base Camp and Qomolangma/Mount Everest (8849m) beyond.

Accommodation:
• Rombuk guesthouse ( 1 night)
Meals Included:
• Breakfast & lunch

After marveling at the sunrise descend back to the highway and head to Sakya. The Sakya-pa is one of the main traditions of Tibetan Buddhism and the colouring of the buildings (and town) is quite distinctive.
The famous Sakya gompa is often known as the “second Dunhuang”, for its huge collection of thousands of volumes of sacred Buddhist scripts. Just one single, long bookshelf holds around 10,000 ancient scriptures.

Accommodation:
• Sakya Hotel or similar ( 1 night)
Meals Included:
• Breakfast & lunch

It is 170km back to Shigatse. Here visit Tashilumpo, one of the most important and (historically) politically powerful monasteries outside Lhasa. It is the seat of the Panchen Lamas, founded by the 1st Dalai Lama in the C15th. Tour the buildings, each with their own intricate decorations, legends and religious imagery. Then you can either join pilgrims on their kora around the site or head to the market area.

Accommodation:
• Tangka Hotel Shigatse or similar (1 night)
Meals Included:
• Breakfast & lunch

Five hours journey back to Lhasa, following the Yarlung Tsangpo River. The rest of the day is free for you for some shopping, join the locals in a teahouse or follow pilgrims circuiting around the Barkhor.

Accommodation:
• Shang Bala Hotel or similar ( 1 night)
Meals Included:
• Breakfast & lunch

Today is free and includes a transfer to the airport for your departure.

Meals Included:
• Breakfast