Drive to the roof of the world and stand at the northern base of Mount Everest in this extraordinary overland adventure. You will journey across the mystical Tibetan plateau, experiencing the world’s most accessible route to Everest Base Camp.
This comprehensive 8-day overland adventure seamlessly blends profound cultural immersion with the ultimate high-altitude experience, taking you by vehicle directly to Everest Base Camp at 5,000 meters. Unlike the southern base camp in Nepal, the Tibet Everest Base Camp (5000m) on the northern side is more accessible and easier to reach. As you journey through ancient Tibetan monasteries and sacred Buddhist sites, you’ll experience the cultural treasures of Lhasa, Shigatse and Gyantse, plus extraordinary lakes and glaciers. After spending the first three days in Lhasa appreciating the breathtaking wonders of the Potala Palace Jokhang Temple Drepung and Sera monasteries you’ll be properly acclimatized and ready to start your travel to Qomolangma base Camp .
Key highlights include:
Journey to Everest Base Camp (5,000m) – Stand at the northern base of the world’s highest mountain with unparalleled vehicular access
Experience the cultural treasures of Lhasa, Shigatse and Gyantse – Explore ancient monasteries, palaces, and traditional Tibetan architecture
Cross dramatic high passes – Traverse Gyatso La (5,248m) and Gawu La (5,198m) with spectacular Himalayan panoramas. On the top of Gawu La, we will be able to witness the spectacular view of the Himalayan Ranges
Visit sacred Yamdrok Lake – Witness the stunning turquoise waters of one of Tibet’s three holy lakes along with the glistening Karo La Glaciers
Explore Potala Palace – Marvel at the former residence of the Dalai Lama and Tibet’s most iconic landmark
Witness sunrise over Mount Everest – Experience the breathtaking dawn illumination of the world’s tallest peak and watch the sunrise the following morning
Three days of cultural acclimatization – Proper altitude adaptation while exploring the highlights of Lhasa, such as the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, and Sera Monastery
Visit world’s highest monastery – Explore Rongbuk Monastery at 5,000 meters above sea level
Ancient trade route exploration – Follow historic paths through Gyantse and the famous Friendship Highway
Comprehensive Tibet experience – From spiritual centers to high-altitude wilderness in one epic overland journey
Welcome to Tibet! Upon your arrival at Lhasa Gonggar Airport, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in the heart of this ancient spiritual capital. At 3,650 meters above sea level, proper acclimatization is essential for the epic overland journey ahead. Take time to rest and adjust to the high altitude while soaking in the mystical atmosphere of this legendary city. In the evening, we’ll hold a comprehensive pre-trip meeting where we’ll review your incredible 8-day Everest Base Camp adventure, discuss the cultural significance of the sites we’ll visit, and answer any questions about this ultimate Tibetan overland experience.
The first day in Lhasa is crucial for your body’s adaptation to high altitude, following the principle of gradual acclimatization that will serve you well as we ascend to even greater heights. Lhasa’s rich Tibetan atmosphere provides the perfect introduction to the profound cultural journey that awaits.
Points of Interest:
• Lhasa city center and traditional Tibetan architecture
• Barkhor Street district for initial cultural immersion
• Local markets and authentic Tibetan cuisine
• Pre-trip briefing and cultural orientation
• Rest and acclimatization preparation
Your profound cultural journey begins with exploration of Tibet’s most sacred spiritual sites. We start at the revered Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s most important religious sanctuary and the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism. This 7th-century architectural masterpiece houses the precious statue of Jowo Rinpoche and attracts pilgrims from across the Tibetan plateau. Experience the mesmerizing devotion of prostrating pilgrims as you circumambulate the temple following ancient kora traditions along the bustling Barkhor Street.
In the afternoon, we venture to Sera Monastery, one of the “Great Three” Gelug monasteries of Tibet. Here you’ll witness the fascinating spectacle of monk debates – animated philosophical discussions where monks clap, stomp, and gesture dramatically while testing each other’s understanding of Buddhist doctrine. After spending the first three days in Lhasa appreciating the breathtaking wonders of the Potala Palace Jokhang Temple Drepung and Sera monasteries you’ll be properly acclimatized and ready to start your travel to Qomolangma base Camp .
Drive Distance: Local sightseeing | Drive Duration: 2-3 hours total | Difficulty Level: Easy (city exploration with minimal walking)
Points of Interest:
• Jokhang Temple – Tibet’s most sacred Buddhist site
• Barkhor Street circumambulation and traditional markets
• Sera Monastery’s famous monk debates (afternoon sessions)
• Traditional Tibetan pilgrimage customs and kora walking
• Authentic Tibetan Buddhist ceremonies and rituals
Today we explore Lhasa’s most magnificent architectural achievements, beginning with the iconic Potala Palace – the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama and undoubtedly Tibet’s most recognizable landmark. This 13-story architectural marvel rises dramatically from Red Hill, containing over 1,000 rooms filled with invaluable artifacts, murals, and scriptures spanning centuries of Tibetan history. The palace represents the pinnacle of Tibetan architecture and offers breathtaking panoramic views across the Lhasa valley.
Our afternoon takes us to Drepung Monastery, once the world’s largest monastery housing up to 10,000 monks at its peak. Founded in 1416, this sprawling complex of white buildings cascading down the hillside resembles a pile of rice, hence its name meaning “Rice Heap” in Tibetan. Explore the assembly halls, kitchen quarters, and debating courtyards while learning about the monastery’s role as Tibet’s most influential center of learning. You can spend 2-3 days exploring the highlights of Lhasa, such as the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, and Sera Monastery .
Drive Distance: Local sightseeing | Drive Duration: 2-3 hours total | Difficulty Level: Moderate (palace climb with stairs)
Points of Interest:
• Potala Palace – former Dalai Lama residence and UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Red and White Palace sections with ancient artifacts
• Panoramic views of Lhasa valley from palace heights
• Drepung Monastery – once world’s largest monastic complex
• Traditional Tibetan monastic life and Buddhist philosophy
Today marks the beginning of your spectacular overland journey toward Everest Base Camp as we depart Lhasa for the dramatic drive across the Tibetan plateau. Our route takes us over the breathtaking Kampala Pass (4,794m) where prayer flags flutter in the high-altitude winds, leading to our first glimpse of the sacred Yamdrok Lake. This stunning turquoise gem, one of Tibet’s three holy lakes, stretches across the landscape like a scattered piece of heaven, its pristine waters reflecting the surrounding snow-capped peaks in perfect mirror clarity.
Continuing our journey, we cross the Karo La Pass (5,045m) for spectacular views of the Karo La Glacier before descending into the historic trading town of Gyantse. Here we explore the remarkable Khumbum Stupa, a unique multi-story chorten containing 108 chapels with stunning murals and statues representing the entire Buddhist cosmology. We’ll stop by the holy Yamdrok Lake the glistening Karo La Glaciers Khumbum Stupa in Gyantse and Tashi Lhunpo monastery in Shigatse . Our day concludes in Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city and traditional seat of the Panchen Lama.
Drive Distance: 341km (212 miles) | Drive Duration: 7-8 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate (long drive with high passes)
Points of Interest:
• Yamdrok Lake – one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes with turquoise waters
• Kampala Pass (4,794m) with prayer flags and mountain views
• Karo La Pass (5,045m) and spectacular glacier views
• Gyantse’s historic trading post atmosphere
• Khumbum Stupa with 108 chapels and ancient murals
• Phalkhor Monastery complex
Today brings the most spectacular and challenging drive of your entire adventure as we journey from Shigatse toward the roof of the world. We begin with a visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama and home to a magnificent 26-meter-high statue of the Future Buddha Maitreya. After this cultural immersion, we embark on the epic drive across the Tibetan plateau toward Mount Everest, following the famous Friendship Highway through increasingly dramatic high-altitude landscapes.
Our route takes us across several magnificent high passes including Gyatso La Pass (5,248m) and the breathtaking Gawu La Pass (5,198m), where weather permitting, you’ll witness your first stunning views of the Everest massif along with Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. We will encounter a few high passes, Gyatso La, Gawu La, and Nyalam Passes. On the top of Gawu La, we will be able to witness the spectacular view of the Himalayan Ranges . Our destination is Rongbuk Monastery at 5,000 meters – the world’s highest monastery, perfectly positioned with unparalleled views of Everest’s north face. From there we’ll ascend to over 5000 meters above sea level to spend a night at Everest base Camp .
Drive Distance: 340km (211 miles) | Drive Duration: 8-9 hours | Difficulty Level: Challenging (high altitude and rough roads)
Points of Interest:
• Tashilhunpo Monastery and giant Future Buddha statue
• Gyatso La Pass (5,248m) with high-altitude plateau views
• Gawu La Pass (5,198m) with first Everest panorama views
• Rongbuk Monastery – world’s highest monastery at 5,000m
• North face of Mount Everest in full glory
• Traditional Tibetan high-altitude settlements
Rise before dawn for one of the most spectacular experiences on Earth – watching the sunrise illuminate Mount Everest from the northern base camp. As the first rays of sunlight kiss the summit pyramid of the world’s highest mountain, you’ll witness the peak transform from deep purple to brilliant gold in a display of natural beauty that few humans ever experience. The northern base camp offers unprecedented access compared to the southern Nepal side, allowing you to approach within mere meters of the Everest massif and watch the sunrise the following morning before returning to Lhasa .
Spend the day exploring this legendary location where countless mountaineering expeditions have launched their summit attempts. Walk among the prayer flags and memorials that mark this sacred site, and visit the small museum that chronicles the history of Everest climbing attempts. The stark beauty of this high-altitude desert environment, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Himalayan giants, creates an otherworldly atmosphere that will remain etched in your memory forever. During monsoon season July and August changing weather conditions may affect the visibility of the peak. Sometimes the peak is still visible if you get up early enough in the morning .
Drive Distance: Local exploration | Drive Duration: 2-3 hours exploration | Difficulty Level: Moderate (high altitude effects)
Points of Interest:
• Sunrise over Mount Everest north face
• Everest Base Camp at 5,000m – closest vehicular access to Everest
• Rongbuk Monastery – world’s highest monastery
• Memorial stones and prayer flags from expeditions
• Spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, and Changtse peaks
• High-altitude Himalayan desert landscape
Begin your return journey from the roof of the world as we depart Everest Base Camp for the long but rewarding drive back to Lhasa. The route retraces our spectacular path across the high passes, offering final opportunities to capture the magnificent Himalayan panoramas and reflect on your incredible achievement of reaching Mount Everest’s base. The dramatic landscape transitions from the stark high-altitude desert around Everest back to the more temperate climate of central Tibet as we descend.
We pause in Shigatse for lunch and final exploration of Tibet’s second-largest city, perhaps visiting the traditional markets or taking final photos of Tashilhunpo Monastery if time permits. The final stretch to Lhasa provides time for reflection on this transformative journey while enjoying the changing scenery of the Tibetan plateau. Both Gyantse and Shigatse are slightly different from Lhasa and have their own value in Western Tibet tradition and culture . Arriving back in Lhasa feels like returning to civilization after your high-altitude odyssey, and tonight you can celebrate your extraordinary achievement with a traditional Tibetan farewell dinner.
Drive Distance: 341km (212 miles) | Drive Duration: 8-9 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate (long drive with gradual descent)
Points of Interest:
• Final views of Everest and Himalayan ranges
• Retracing spectacular high pass crossings
• Shigatse city center and traditional markets
• Tashilhunpo Monastery (optional revisit)
• Transition from high-altitude desert to Lhasa valley
• Celebration of incredible achievement
After breakfast, depending on your flight time, you’ll have some free time for last-minute shopping in Lhasa’s traditional markets or relaxation at your hotel while processing the incredible experiences of the past week. Our representative will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to Lhasa Gonggar Airport for your departure flight. As you prepare to leave Tibet, you’ll carry with you memories of an extraordinary overland adventure – having witnessed sunrise over Mount Everest, explored ancient monasteries, crossed dramatic high passes, and experienced the profound spiritual culture of Tibet.
This comprehensive 8-day journey represents one of the most accessible yet complete Everest Base Camp experiences possible, combining cultural immersion with high-altitude adventure in the world’s most spectacular mountain environment. The northern approach to Everest offers unparalleled access and views that the southern Nepal route simply cannot match.
Airport Transfer: Scheduled according to your flight time (typically 3 hours before international flights)
Points of Interest:
• Final shopping opportunities in Lhasa markets
• Airport transfer and departure
• Reflection on extraordinary 8-day overland adventure
• Memories of Everest sunrise and Tibetan cultural immersion
• Completion of ultimate Tibet overland experience
In Lhasa:
• Three star hotel on twin-sharing basis included in package
• Breakfast included at Lhasa hotels
• Private bathroom facilities with heating and hot water
• WiFi internet access available
• Located in central Lhasa for easy access to cultural sites
• Upgrade options available to four and five star properties
• Single accommodation readily available (additional charge)
• All hotels selected for reliable services at high altitude
During the Overland Journey:
• Standard hotels on twin-sharing basis in Shigatse
• Private bathroom facilities with heating in most locations
• Electricity and basic internet available
• Accommodation becomes more basic as we travel toward remote areas
• All hotels provide comfortable beds with blankets and pillows
• Hot water available though may be limited during peak times
• Single rooms available but limited in smaller towns
At Everest Base Camp:
• Guesthouse accommodation at Everest Base Camp (5,000m)
• Twin-sharing basis in basic but clean rooms
• Shared bathroom facilities are standard at this altitude
• Basic heating provided though temperatures can be extreme
• Limited electricity available for charging devices
• No internet or communication services at base camp
• Accommodation is the highest available on Earth at 5,000 meters
• Facilities are basic but adequate for the extreme location
• Additional blankets provided for sub-zero temperatures
Medical consultation is essential before your overland tour – consult with a doctor regarding any medications you plan to take or bring during the tour, as high altitude can affect how medications work in your body. Disclose all medications you plan to bring to your tour leaders and guides.
Diamox (Acetazolamide) is commonly used for altitude sickness prevention, but should only be taken after consulting with your doctor about proper dosage and potential side effects.
Tibet Travel Permit is mandatory for all visitors and cannot be obtained independently – must be arranged through registered tour operators only. Processing typically takes 10-15 business days and requires passport details, photos, and Chinese visa documentation.
Chinese visa is required for Tibet entry and must be obtained before arrival. Processing can take 3-10 business days depending on your nationality and processing type chosen.
Spare days are essential – plan 2-3 additional days beyond the standard itinerary to avoid missing international flights due to unpredictable Himalayan weather and road conditions. Schedule your international departure at least 2-3 days after your planned tour completion.
High-altitude vehicle-dependent travel – Unlike trekking routes, this tour depends entirely on road conditions and vehicle access to reach Everest Base Camp at 5,000 meters. Weather, landslides, or road maintenance can affect the itinerary. Unlike the southern base camp in Nepal, the Tibet Everest Base Camp (5000m) on the northern side is more accessible and easier to reach.
Specialized high-altitude insurance covering vehicular travel up to 6,000m minimum is mandatory. Standard travel insurance excludes high-altitude activities above certain elevations. Emergency helicopter evacuation coverage essential.
Weather-dependent objectives include crossing high passes and Everest Base Camp access. During monsoon season July and August changing weather conditions may affect the visibility of the peak. Sometimes the peak is still visible if you get up early enough in the morning . No refunds for weather-related cancellations or incomplete sections.
Proper acclimatization schedule – After spending the first three days in Lhasa appreciating the breathtaking wonders of the Potala Palace Jokhang Temple Drepung and Sera monasteries you’ll be properly acclimatized and ready to start your travel to Qomolangma base Camp . Do not alter the acclimatization schedule.
Extreme temperature clothing rated for -25°C minimum required at Everest Base Camp. Four-season sleeping bag and high-altitude gear essential for survival at 5,000 meters elevation.
Communication limitations – No internet, phone service, or communication available at Everest Base Camp. Limited mobile coverage in major towns only. Emergency communication via guides’ satellite phones.
Cultural sensitivity requirements – Respect for Tibetan Buddhist customs mandatory at all monastery visits. Photography restrictions apply at religious sites. Modest dress required and specific etiquette must be followed.
Emergency evacuation costs $3,000-$6,000 USD from high altitude and must be covered by proper insurance. Helicopter rescue is weather-dependent and may not be possible during storms or extreme conditions.
Road condition dependency – Multiple high passes including Gyatso La (5,248m) and Gawu La (5,198m) can be affected by weather, requiring flexible itinerary adjustments. On the top of Gawu La, we will be able to witness the spectacular view of the Himalayan Ranges .
Physical preparation timeline should begin 2-3 months before departure with cardiovascular training and practice at altitude if possible. While this is vehicle-based travel, you’ll still need fitness for altitude and walking at base camp.
Success rates depend on weather conditions, road accessibility, proper acclimatization, and individual response to extreme altitude. Individual limitations may affect group progress and safety decisions are made by guides based on conditions.
Key items for Tibet EBC Overland Tour include:
• Layered clothing system – Base, mid, and outer layers for extreme temperature variations from Lhasa to 5,000m elevation
• Extreme cold weather gear – Rated for at least -25°C temperatures at Everest Base Camp
• Comfortable walking shoes – For monastery visits and base camp exploration on foot
• Warm sleeping bag – Rated for sub-zero temperatures in basic guesthouse accommodation
• UV-protecting sunglasses – For protection against intense high-altitude sun and snow glare
• Camera equipment with extra batteries – Essential for capturing spectacular Himalayan scenery
• Modest clothing for cultural sites – Respectful attire for monastery visits throughout Tibet
• Personal comfort items – For long vehicle journeys and basic accommodation facilities
view full listWe never force our customers to follow our set itinerary. You can customize your itinerary exactly the way you want. Please share with us your ideas.
As one of the core guiding principles for Mountain Kick, we always give back to the mountain community in any way we can as a means of gratitude. The people who live in the Himalayas and share their homes with us deserve to have all their little problems fixed which seem very basic for outsiders but are commonplace in rural Nepal. The people lack proper access to healthcare, sanitation and education but a little effort from travellers goes on a long way to solve these issues. Mountain Kick has made it its corporate social responsibility to help improve the living standards of the local community. We make donations to their cause, organize social campaigns and programs and also have a few trips designed to mix a little volunteer work in your holiday.
READ MORE ABOUT CSR