8-Day Tibet Discovery Tour: Lhasa, Shigatse & Everest Base Camp

Welcome to Lhasa. When you arrive at Lhasa Gonggar International Airport or Lhasa Railway Station, our warm Tibetan guide will greet you by presenting a hada, the traditional white silk scarf, and extend heartfelt Tibetan blessings to you. No sightseeing is scheduled today, so take the time to slow down, rest and begin adjusting to an altitude of over 3,600 meters — drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and take it easy this evening.

This morning, immerse yourself in traditional Tibetan crafts at our workshop alongside local artisans. Learn about the natural herbal ingredients, cultural heritage and Buddhist significance of Tibetan incense, then shape and press your own incense sticks to take home. You will also explore the sacred art of Thangka: grind mineral pigments, practise outlining and colouring on a pre‑prepared small canvas to create your mini Thangka keepsake. In the afternoon, visit Sera Monastery, one of Tibet’s most revered Gelug Buddhist monasteries. Dating back to the 15th century, it features impressive Tibetan architecture and quiet courtyards. It is celebrated for its centuries‑old, dynamic monk debates, a distinctive ritual for studying Buddhist teachings. You may witness this unique tradition, subject to the day’s schedule. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner to mark the beginning of the journey.

Visit the Potala Palace, whose grand halls embody Tibet’s intertwined religious and secular history. Then explore Zongjiao Lukang Park, a popular local spot with scenic views over the palace. Enjoy authentic Tibetan sweet tea and Tibetan noodles for lunch to experience local life. This afternoon, tour Jokhang Temple and stroll Barkhor Street, where pilgrims on the kora create the timeless heartbeat of old Lhasa. In the evening, relax at a traditional Tibetan tea house and discover local Lhasa social customs.

Depart Lhasa and travel across Gangbala Pass, where spectacular views open up over the turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake. Continue to Karola Glacier, an impressive glacier set against the rugged mountains of the Tibetan Plateau. Pass through Gyantse, a historic Tibetan town rich in cultural heritage, before arriving in Shigatse. Enjoy a relaxing evening and prepare for the journey toward Mount Everest (Qomolangma).

Journey into the Himalayan region toward Everest Base Camp. Along the way, stop at Gawula Pass, a spectacular viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks when weather conditions permit. Continue to the Everest Base Camp area, where the dramatic mountain scenery and immense scale of the world's highest peak create an unforgettable experience. Gather for a group dinner together this evening.

Enjoy the extraordinary scenery around Everest Base Camp, with opportunities for photography depending on visibility and local access conditions. Visit Rongbuk Monastery, renowned for its remarkable setting beneath Mount Everest, before beginning the journey back to Shigatse. Relax at your hotel after a memorable day in the Himalayas.

Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, known for its imposing monastic architecture, chapels and living religious atmosphere. Then return to Lhasa through the Yarlung Tsangpo Valley, where river, farmland and mountain scenery provide a gentle conclusion to the overland journey.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, followed by your private transfer to Lhasa Airport in line with your flight schedule. As you bid farewell to Lhasa, our local Tibetan guide will present you a hada — the traditional white silk scarf — with sincere blessings for a smooth and safe journey, leaving Tibet with precious memories of its profound cultural heritage, sacred scenery and the grand Himalayas.