Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Adventure Tour with EBC

Best Time

The centerpiece of our Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour is the land expedition to Everest Base Camp, the mind boggling Himalayan panorama along with the captivating sightseeing experience in the enchanting city of Lhasa.

Therefore, the prime season for our tour stretches from late September to early June. From September through November, the Everest region experiences the autumn season, characterized by high oxygen levels in the air, which significantly decreases the likelihood of altitude sickness.

The climate is also quite agreeable, with heat generally between 19 and 20 degrees Celsius.

March, April, and May are also fantastic months to visit, with temperatures climbing to a comfortable 25 degrees Celsius and the air filled with abundant oxygen.

If you take this trip in July or August, keep in mind that your chances of seeing the mountain are quite limited, although not entirely ruled out. These months coincide with the rainy season in both Nepal and Tibet, which can lead to prolonged periods of rain.

While Lhasa itself may not see much precipitation, Everest will be significantly affected by the heavy rains. The road track to Everest Base Camp is well-maintained, but landslides can occur.

During the winter months of December through February, Everest can be quite temperamental, often hiding behind clouds, especially in the early hours. However, a visit to Lhasa is enjoyable at any time of the year.

Weather and climate

From April through June, the northern EBC experiences daytime heat between 10 to 17 degrees Celsius, while the nights can be quite chilly, dropping to between -5 and 5 degrees Celsius. This period also sees precipitation levels between 8 and 31 mm.

September, November, and December bring a touch of warmth, with daytime heat between 10 and 19 degrees Celsius, and nighttime temperatures falling to between 5 and -10 degrees Celsius. Rainfall during these months can be 1 to 39 mm.

The EBC in Tibet experiences its wettest months in July and August, with rainfall accumulating between 94 and 108 mm. During this period, temperatures fall within the pleasant category with heat between 8 to 16 degrees Celsius.

However, come winter, the landscape transforms dramatically; the warmest days only reach 7 degrees Celsius, while nights can be very cold, falling to -12 to -17 degrees Celsius.

Difficulty

Our 8-day long Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour with EBC is a tremendous land journey where adventure meets ease. In fact, this expedition is designed for everyone where there is no pre-requirement of excessive fitness training or hiking or mountaineering skills.

Instead, each participant can solely focus on the wilderness of the amazing Everest region of Tibet along with the astounding visitation of Lhasa city. However, it still will take you to an altitude you may have never been before  (above 3500 m) so you must ensure you are free from chronic conditions, especially those affecting your heart or lungs.

In addition, this trip is void of any treks so you can completely forget about the long trek. All your travel will take place in a private van or bus. You will sleep in comfortable hotels where guests will be provided with air-conditioned rooms, private bathrooms, hot showers, and internet access.

We also have taken every measure of acclimatization so your bodies will be fully adjusted when reaching to the harsher environment of Everest base camp, making this adventure perfect for travelers of any fitness level.

Altitude Sickness

Most of the route in our Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour with EBC passes at an altitude of over 3,500 meters in Tibet. Even very healthy and physically fit tourists experience mild manifestations of altitude sickness, therefore special attention must be paid to acclimatization.

Slight headaches and difficulty breathing are common at altitude. It is recommended to consume more liquids – up to 3/4 liter per day. During stops, take short walks around the surroundings, and do not make sudden movements, you can also add lemon and garlic to your daily diet.

In Kathmandu, you can buy anti-altitude sickness tablets for Tibet- Diamox, and take one at a time after dinner. For any more serious manifestations of mountain illness (severe dizziness and nausea, loss of coordination, lethargy, difficulty breathing, etc.), it is necessary to inform our guide, and evacuation to a lower altitude is required.

Oxygen administration can also provide relief however, it is important to note that if your condition is mild, you should avoid overusing it or using it too frequently. Oxygen can relieve your symptoms temporarily, after its effect surpasses, the symptoms will be back.

Accommodation

When you choose our Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour with EBC, we will take care of all your accommodation details both in Nepal and Tibet sides. In Nepal, you will spend one night in the mountain town of Syabrubesi where a comfortable guesthouse awaits you with shared double rooms.

In Gyirong, a standard three-star hotel with twin beds will be your cozy resting place for the evening. After a short detour of the Everest Base Camp, your night will be spent in Tingri where the hotels are simple yet functional.

Continuing your journey to Shigatse and Lhasa, you will find yourself in a standard three-star hotel with double rooms, that come with hot showers, private baths, and internet access. We have also ensured that the hotel is well-stocked with oxygen supplies and efficient heating systems.

Dining

Throughout our Kathmandu to Lhasa overland adventure tour with EBC, we will offer breakfast only, while lunch and dinner will be at your own cost.

Approximately, you may have to spend around USD 30 per person daily for meals, including lunch, dinner, and drinks. In Syabrubesi, you can choose between typical Nepali dishes such as Dal Bhat, momos, Thukpa, and various egg preparations.

When you reach Kerung, you will have the choice between Tibetan, Indian, Chinese, and Nepali cuisine. At Everest Base Camp, Rongbuk, and

Tingri, your options will be more basic, featuring simple Tibetan dishes like noodles, bread, soup, and egg with fried rice.

However, in Shigatse and Lhasa, a wide array of Italian, Chinese, Nepalese, Tibetan, Indian, and other Western varieties will be available.

Transportation

Throughout our Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour, you will have the benefit of a private guide and driver, along with a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle at each stop.

This arrangement is to ensure that your travels are not only secure but also enjoyable, allowing you to fully engage with the stunning landscapes of Tibet without the fatigue often associated with public transportation.

Each vehicle is maintained to high standards, which provides a clean and inviting atmosphere. Your driver, who is both licensed and experienced, knows all the roads to Tibet.

We will use vehicles that offer sufficient space for you and your luggage, whether they are sedans, minivans, or larger buses, depending on your group size.

Flight Details ( If you choose to depart from Kathmandu)

If you are looking for a smart and budget-friendly alternative for your Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour with EBC, then, you can fly straight to Lhasa from Kathmandu.

Once you arrive in Lhasa, you can then travel by land in four-wheel to Shigatse, make a brief stop at Everest Base Camp, and then head back to Kathmandu via Gyirong.

The flight duration is short- only two hours from Kathmandu to Lhasa Airport. As of April 17, 2024, only three flights operate weekly, specifically on Fridays, Wednesdays, and Mondays.

If your travel date falls on Saturdays, Thursdays, Tuesdays, and Sundays, then you will make a transition flight to Chengdu before boarding to Lhasa.

You can also depart for Lhasa straight from home for which you must have Tibet Entry Permit on your hand. So, you must spend a minimum of five hours or stay overnight in a Chinese city, so we can supply you with the permit.

Travel Insurance

When you consider the harsh conditions in the Everest region of Tibet and its activities, it would be unwise to visit Tibet without the protection of travel insurance. If you are traveling to Tibet for a Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour with EBC, you may also need to purchase a specific type of travel and health insurance.

Additionally, medical facilities in Tibet may not be up to Western standards. Any serious medical condition will most likely require emergency medical evacuation which can cost up to $250,000.

If you do not have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation, you will need to pay for this out of your pocket. So please confirm that your insurance plan extends coverage to altitudes of 5500 meters or higher.

Also, booking a trip to Tibet is expensive, and if something unexpected happens before or during your trip, your financial loss can be huge. Therefore, you should also consider including trip cancellation coverage which is designed to protect your travel investment from unexpected events.

Physical Fitness and Health

Physical fitness is not the problem in our Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour with EBC. The problem is the physical health condition of the participants.

Patients with heart, lung, brain, liver, or kidney ailments as well as those with severe anemia or hypertension, should not blindly enter Tibet. It is because, in the early stage, such people are at a significantly higher risk of acute mountain sickness than others.

If they are to suffer from altitude sickness, the symptoms may be more severe than in other normal travelers.

On the other hand, if you are in good health, feel free to join us on our adventure. Simple activities such as walking, cycling, running, and swimming will make up for our exciting trip.

Before entering Tibet however, we advise you not to smoke or drink alcohol, avoid overwork conserve your energy, and get enough rest. You can take American ginseng and other foods appropriately to enhance your body’s ability to resist hypoxia. If you have a respiratory tract infection, you should wait until it is cured before entering the country.

In addition, good psychological quality is the panacea for overcoming and defeating altitude sickness and other physical discomforts. Maintain open-mindedness, and build an optimistic mood with strong self-confidence for a smooth experience on the tour.

Communication and network

After the opening of the 5G base station in Jim Township, Gegye County, the entire township of Tibet has achieved 5G network coverage including Mount Everest and its base camp. So accessibility to the internet is no problem at all in our Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour.

To fully use the 5G service, you may want to buy SIM cards from China Mobile, China Telecom, or China Unicom. Once you arrive in Tibetan territory, our guide will assist you in obtaining and activating your mobile service.

As for Wi-Fi, it’s not easily found everywhere; you will mainly find it in Lhasa and Shigatse, particularly in hotel lobbies, luxury rooms, restaurants, and bars.

Remember to add the VPN app to your smartphone so you can use Twitter, YouTube, Gmail, Facebook, WhatsApp, Google, and Instagram with ease as their usage in China has been banned.

Money Exchange

Our Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour commences with a transfer from Kathmandu to Gyirong, followed by a direct journey to the Base Camp.

We therefore suggest you convert your national currency to Chinese Yuan while in Kathmandu, since Kerung and Tingri may not provide easy access to foreign currency exchange services.

Many banks in Kathmandu, such as Everest Bank, Nabil Bank, Himalayan Bank, Nepal SBI Bank, or Standard Chartered Bank will convert your money into Chinese Yuan.

In addition, there are no options for card payments, and no ATMs in EBC and Tingri, so it’s essential to bring enough cash for your journey.

On the other hand, Shigatse and Lhasa offer a different experience, with ATMs and banks readily available for cash withdrawals. Additionally, you will have the advantage of making payments with cards or mobile apps at numerous bars, hotels, pubs, shops, and restaurants.

What to expect?

Setting out on a journey to the north base camp of Everest is a real expedition into the heart of Tibet where the breathtaking tapestry of Tibetan scenery will constantly overshadow you everywhere you go.

The Friendship Highway alone will take you on a smooth travel trip with the stunning encircling mountains and highlands. Tingri on the other hand will give you the sighting of old Tibetan life of herders.

En route, the exciting crossing of the high Tibetan passes including the Lalung and Pang La add spiciness to the trip. Moreover, the Chomolungma, Chomo Lonzo, Makalu, Shishapangma, Lhotse, and Langtang will frequently raise their heads between the clouds.

You will also get the privilege of exploring the Rongbuk Gompa founded in 1899 by the Red Sect Lama Awang Tenzin Norbu, with an altitude of 4,980 meters.
Then at the EBC, you will be at the base of the top of the earth. The silver peaks of Everest along with others make up the holiest scene you can ever encounter.

In the next segment of your journey, you will take a different path through Shigatse, navigating the Lhakpa La or Gyatso La Pass. While in Shigatse, you will have the opportunity to visit the illustrious Tashilhunpo Monastery.

Ultimately, in Lhasa, you will find yourself in the midst of the spiritual vibrancy of Tibet as you take your steps to Bakhor market, Jokhang Temple, Sera, and Drepung Gompas with a detour to Potala Palace.

Visa and Permits

Anyone planning a journey to Tibet must have a Visa, a travel permit, a private local guide, a private transport, and a driver. Therefore, all your trips to Tibet must be organized through a certified travel agency. Without the proper permits, you won’t be able to enter Tibet either by plane or train. Every 50 km outside Lhasa, there are checkpoints that will check your papers. Another key point to remember is solo Tibet travel is not allowed.

For our 8-day Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour with EBC, we will be journeying into the military-protected zone of Shigatse. Therefore, along with the Chinese Visa and Tibet Travel Permit, we will also require the Foreign Affairs permit, Aline’s Travel Permit, and Military Permit.

To ensure we have all the needed permits on our hands, you must reach out to us at least a month before your trip. Please read carefully our travel plan, as once the permits are issued, any alterations in the travel program will not be possible.

We kindly request you to provide us with the following documents for the permits:

•  Clear, color scan of your passport with no cropped sections
•  51 mm x 51 mm passport-sized photo against a white background with no makeup and no glasses

•  TTP (Tibet Travel Permit)

This is the most crucial permit for venturing into Tibet that is solely issued by the tourism office of Tibet. No other consulate or embassy in China will provide this permit.

After your Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour with EBC is validated from Kathmandu, and we have all your papers in order, we will proceed to apply for your permit through a certified Tibet travel agency.

Once we receive approval, an invitation letter will be sent to us, which we will then take to the Chinese Embassy to obtain your Chinese Group Visa. Meanwhile, our Tibetan Guide will take care of TTP and show it when we reach the Gyirong border.

•  Chinese Group Visa

Advance application for the Visa is not possible as you must be present at the Embassy of China for the submission of your fingerprints. So after all our group members land, our guide will take you to the embassy the next day and take care of all the formalities.

The embassy will hold your original passport until the group visa issuance. This Visa will be presented as one document for the whole group so everyone enters and exits Tibet together.

•  Foreign affairs permit, Military Permit, and Aline’s Permit

The Foreign Affairs Office of Tibet grants the Foreign Affairs permit and the Military of China will grant the Military permits. The application for both permits must be submitted at least 15 days before your trip.

After our Tibetan guide obtains your Travel Tibet Permit, along with a copy of your Chinese Group Visa and passport, he will manage the entire permit process in advance.

Aline’s Permit is granted on the office of the Tibetan Local Public Security Bureau at your personal presence. Again, our guide will process the permits once we approach Shigatse.

South EBC vs North EBC

The southern Everest Base Camp (EBC) in Nepal is located at least two weeks away, whereas the northern EBC in Tibet can be reached in approximately two to three days by private vehicle.

In Nepal, permits are relatively easy to obtain, but visiting Tibet involves certain complications. The journey to the northern EBC is comfortable, characterized by a browner and drier landscape, while the experience in Nepal needs hiking through a greener environment.

The EBC trek in Nepal is renowned not only for its proximity to Everest but also for other peaks in the Himalayas, particularly Ama Dablam, which is often regarded as one of the most picturesque mountains that resemble a child’s drawing of a mountain.

So, both EBCs offer the same excitement and the same rewarding experience.