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Take China Group Tours in 2026/2027 to enjoy 30% discount compared to private tour. Same Experience & Lowest Price! Check China Group Deals >>Take China Group Tours in 2026/2027 to enjoy 30% discount compared to private tour. Same Experience & Lowest Price! Check China Group Deals >>
Pair the unforgettable "Roof of the World" with the most classic Tibet route! This 8-day Tibet Tour from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp explores sacred palaces, monasteries, and holy mountains—offering what may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
In Lhasa, explore the iconic Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street, then witness monk debates at Sera Monastery and have local Tibetan family visit (special experience). En route to Gyantse, admire turquoise Yamdrok Lake and Kharola Glacier. The ultimate highlight is Mount Everest, where an overnight stay at Base Camp.
With our local office in Lhasa, we guarantee the most competitive local prices for your journey!
View Destinations
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | Lhasa | Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery, Local Tibetan Family Visit, Tibetan Cultural Experience |
| 4 | Gyantse & Shigatse | Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier |
| 5-6 | Mount Everest | Rongbuk Monastery, Everest Base Camp, Gyawu La Pass, Tashilumpo Monastery |
| 7-8 | Lhasa | Departure |
Lhasa
Gyantse & Shigatse (4 Day)Mount Everest
Lhasa
Tashi Delek! Welcome to Lhasa! Our team will meet you at the airport for the 100km (1.5-hour) drive to your downtown hotel. Rest there to acclimatize to the 3,650m altitude before beginning your Lhasa tour tomorrow.
Get to Lhasa (Air or Rail): Lhasa Gonggar Airport serves major hubs like Chengdu, Chongqing, Xian, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Kunming, Xining, Shangri-La and even Kathmandu. Alternatively, the iconic Qinghai-Tibet Railway connects Lhasa to cities like Lanzhou (24.5 hours), Chongqing (35.5 hours), Chengdu (36.5 hours), Xian (31 hours), Beijing (40.5 hours), Shanghai (47 hours), Guangzhou (52.5 hours), Shigatse (2.5 hours), Nyingzhi (4 hours).
1. Stay hydrated, keep warm, and avoid showers for the first 48 hours. Moving slowly and getting a good night's sleep.
2. Your health is our top priority, so please make sure to follow any altitude-related guidance your doctor has provided for you.
3. If you feel under the weather or need help, let your guide or the hotel staff know. They are well-trained in altitude care and are always happy to support you.
Dining:
Accommodation:
Pace:
First, explore Potala Palace, the world’s highest palace at 3,700m. After climbing 365 steps to the Red Palace, you’ll find incredible murals, jeweled treasures, and pilgrims who have traveled for months to pray here. Follow the path of pilgrims and learn how King Songtsen Gampo first built this landmark in the 7th century for his Tang Dynasty princess.
Second, visit the 1,300-year-old Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s spiritual center and a UNESCO site. Known as the "House of Buddha," it was built for King Songtsen Gampo’s brides. It houses the world’s holiest treasure: a life-size 12-year-old Sakyamuni statue. Witnessing the endless devotion of pilgrims praying before the temple is a timeless experience.
Third, stroll through Barkhor Street, an ancient pilgrim circuit turned vibrant market. Experience the traditional "kora" (pilgrim circuit) alongside locals while browsing local Tibetan, Nepalese, and Indian handicrafts.
Dining:Accommodation:Pace:
Morning: Cultural Experience at the Handicraft Center
Start your day at the Lhasa Traditional Handicraft Art Center. Immerse yourself in Tibetan culture through hands-on workshops. You will learn the delicate art of crafting traditional Tibetan incense using aromatic herbs and spices. Next, try your hand at Tibetan calligraphy and block printing. With guidance from a local teacher, you will write your name in Tibetan script, then engrave and print it yourself. Take home your handmade incense and unique print as a personal souvenir of your time in Lhasa.
Afternoon: The Debating Monks at Sera Monastery
After a 40-minute drive, arrive at Sera Monastery. Wander through its stunning compound, where white stone paths and walkways create a serene, almost Mediterranean atmosphere. The highlight of your visit is witnessing the monks’ debate (typically held between 15:00 and 17:00, except Sundays). Observe this fascinating tradition where standing monks pose questions to those seated. Watch for the dramatic palm-slapping and foot-stomping - gestures that signify the activation of wisdom rather than aggression.
Late Afternoon: Authentic Local Tibetan Family Visit
Conclude your cultural exploration with a visit to a local Tibetan family. Gain an intimate look at a traditional home and learn about their authentic way of life. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with locals and sample traditional Tibetan cuisine, including zaba (roasted barley flour), butter tea, and other local snacks.
After the visit, you will be escorted back to your hotel in Lhasa.
Dining:Accommodation:Pace:
Today’s journey involves an 8 to 9-hour drive (340km) from Lhasa to Shigatse. Along the way, you will experience two of Tibet’s most spectacular natural landscapes: Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier.
After a 3-4 hour drive (200km), prepare for the 4,797m Kampala Pass. You’ll see the sacred Yamdrok Lake and Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar. As a holy site used to find the Dalai Lama’s soul, it’s truly special. You can also pay 5-10 yuan (Optional) to photograph local yaks or mastiffs, which helps support the nearby families’ income. Have your camera ready! Have specially arranged lunch around Yamdrok Lake.
Next, a 1.5-hour drive (70km) brings you to Karola Glacier (5,012m), famous from the film Red Valley. Backed by Naiqin Kangsang Peak (7,191m), this "frozen waterfall" is just 300 meters from the highway. You can view it from the car or walk to its base for a closer look. Across the road, enjoy stunning views of snow-capped Mt. Kalurong.
Karola Glacier Visiting Notes:
After that, drive 3.5 hours (170km) to Shigatse. Rest well before tomorrow’s unforgettable journey to Everest Base Camp.
Dining:Accommodation:Pace:
After breakfast, drive 6.5 hours (330km) to Mount Everest. Visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world's highest, before staying overnight at Everest Base Camp.
Leaving Shigatse, a 4.5-hour drive (240km) brings you to Gyawu La Pass (5,200m) for your first glimpse of Mt. Everest. You’ll marvel at the famous zigzag road winding toward the horizon. Along the way, you may spot dedicated hikers and cyclists journeying to Everest Base Camp, driven by personal goals or sacred beliefs.
Proceed 122km (3.5 hours) to Rongbuk Monastery, the highest elevated monastery globally at 5,154m. Beyond providing an iconic perspective of Mt. Everest, the site features historic chortens and 400-year-old cliffside meditation caves. It remains a vital destination for spiritual travelers and photographers alike. Witnessing devout pilgrims amidst the colorful prayer flags and rugged valley walls offers a profound introduction to the Everest region.
1. The designated viewing area for travelers is now centered at Rongbuk Monastery. You won't miss the view of Mt. Everest from here.
2. Lodging and food are basic today. At this high altitude, please stay hydrated and relax to help manage any symptoms.
Dining:Accommodation:Pace:
Start early to catch the Mount Everest sunrise before returning to Gyatso La Pass (122km, 3.5 hours) for a quick photo stop. Afterward, continue the drive back to Shigatse (240km, 4.5 hours) to explore the historic Tashilhunpo Monastery.
Discover Tashilhunpo Monastery, a massive spiritual center founded by the 1st Dalai Lama in 1447. Home to the Panchen Lamas, it features historic tombs, sacred remains, and exquisite paintings. Immerse yourself in the local culture by joining a kora or listening to Buddhist chants. Don't forget the hike to the top for an incredible vista overlooking the entire monastery and Shigatse.
Drive back to your hotel in Shigatse.
Dining:Accommodation:Pace:
After breakfast, your team will meet you at the hotel for the drive back to Lhasa. We’ll stop at a scenic viewing platform so you can soak in the last of the stunning landscapes. After a few hours on the road, we'll get you settled into your Lhasa hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Dining:Accommodation:Pace:
Your 8-day Tibet tour concludes today. After some free time to explore at your own pace, your guide will provide a transfer to the airport or train station for your onward travel.
Thanks for traveling with Asia Odyssey Travel! We’ve loved showing you China and hope to see you again for your next Asian getaway!
Dining:Accommodation:Pace:
Professional Guide ServicePrivate Vehicle ServiceMeals as SpecifiedEntrance Fees & ActivitiesTibet PermitsPick up and Drop off ServiceOxygen and Water SupportComprehensive Service
Airfare & VisaPersonal ExpensesOptional ActivitiesTips for Guide and Driver
All foreign travelers are required to obtain a Tibet Travel Permit to visit Tibet. The permit can only be applied for through a registered travel agency in Tibet (we are local based Tibet travel agency with office setting in Lhasa) and is required to purchase flight or train tickets to Tibet.
The permit is necessary to enter Tibet and visit certain areas within the region, including Lhasa and Mount Everest Base Camp. Travelers should plan ahead and allow sufficient time for the permit application process, as it can take one to two weeks to obtain the necessary permits.
All foreign travelers are advised to make their bookings at least one week in advance. However, if you plan to visit Mount Kailash, it is recommended to book at least two weeks in advance.
It is very simple to book a private Tibet tour. Select the tour you are interested, and click “Make an Enquiry for Free”. Tell us your demands and likes while submitting the form. During this process, you don’t need to pay immediately.
After sending us your requirements, one of our professional travel experts will get back to you within 0.5 to 24 hours. When all the information have confirmed, then you make the deposit.
The above itinerary is a sample that most travelers prefer. However, the tour can be fully customized based on your likes, interests and budget. If you want to extend this tour, just tell us your favored destinations and things to do.
Our professional travel experts will redesign the trip totally for you at the best price. Tell us your ideas now >>
In a private tour, you will transfer to the tourist attractions by private vehicle. The cars we select are spacious, comfortable and air-conditioned, driven by experienced local drivers.
As for traveling between destinations, we use domestic flights (economy seat) or high-speed trains (second class seat). Local guides and drivers will pick you up at the airport/train stations and escort you to your hotel.
“B” (Breakfast): Provided at your hotel each morning.
“L” (Lunch): Arranged at designated tourist restaurants approved by the local bureau, ensuring good sanitary conditions. Your guide will assist with ordering.
“D” (Dinner): Usually excluded, giving you the chance to taste authentic local snacks and dishes at your own pace.
Special Dietary: If you are vegetarian, halal, kosher, or gluten-free, please let us know in advance. We will do our best to accommodate your needs.
A good night's sleep is essential during your China tour. In our private tours, you have the flexibility to choose your preferred hotel class: luxury 5-star, comfortable 4-star, or economic 3-star.
All hotels in each destination are carefully selected for their prime locations, situated close to vibrant commercial streets or major tourist attractions. We have maintained long-standing partnerships with these hotels to ensure they meet our high standards of service and comfort.
Room Amenities & Service:
Each room is equipped with windows, air-conditioning, hot water, showers, and Wi-Fi to ensure a luxurious and restful experience. Note: Accommodation at Mount Everest involves more basic conditions due to the remote location. Throughout your stay, English-speaking staff will be available to provide high-quality service and assist with any special requirements you may have.
Data in submission...Discover what our customers are saying about the latest Tibet Tours. Browse through their recent reviews and feedback on tour arrangements, guides, transportation, attractions, dining, hotels, and detailed itineraries to plan your own unforgettable China tour. View All Customers Reviews >>
Tripadvisor 4.9
4.9 | 16,674 reviews
This 10 Days Chengdu & Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour via Qinghai-Tibet Railway was one of the most meaningful trips of my life. Traveling across such vast landscapes—from the green valleys of Sichuan to the high plateau of Tibet and finally into the Himalayas—felt like crossing into another world. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway itself was an unforgettable experience, offering breathtaking views and a smooth, comfortable ride into Lhasa.
Every detail of the journey was thoughtfully arranged, from permits to border crossings, which could have been very complicated without a professional team. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and supportive, especially in helping us adjust to the altitude. Standing in front of the Potala Palace, visiting ancient monasteries, and finally reaching Kathmandu felt like completing a once-in-a-lifetime journey. I am deeply grateful for the care and professionalism of the team. This tour is truly for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and a deeper connection to the world.
Lhasa - Ganden Monastery - Samye Monastery - Lhasa
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Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Gyantse - Shigatse - Old Tingri - Trekking to EBC - Gyirong Port
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Lhasa - Drepung Monastery - Sera Monastery - Ganden Monastery - Lhasa
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This 10 Days Chengdu & Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour via Qinghai-Tibet Railway was one of the most meaningful trips of my life. Traveling across such vast landscapes—from the green valleys of Sichuan to the high plateau of Tibet and finally into the Himalayas—felt like crossing into another world. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway itself was an unforgettable experience, offering breathtaking views and a smooth, comfortable ride into Lhasa.
Every detail of the journey was thoughtfully arranged, from permits to border crossings, which could have been very complicated without a professional team. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and supportive, especially in helping us adjust to the altitude. Standing in front of the Potala Palace, visiting ancient monasteries, and finally reaching Kathmandu felt like completing a once-in-a-lifetime journey. I am deeply grateful for the care and professionalism of the team. This tour is truly for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and a deeper connection to the world.
We were on private trip to kailash- Mansarovar through Lhasa with Asia Odyssey travel.
It was a great experience booking with Asia Odyssey travel. Asia Odyssey provided agent Rex to work with us. Rex is amazing individual who helped us through out our journey like carving itenary the way we wanted, provided good comfortable vehicle with very good driver and a very
friendly and caring tour guide. We are also satisfied with hotel stay in each city.All stays were upto the standard as he promised they would be. Thank you Rex.we are happy with the deal we got. Rex was in constant touch with us before, during and ending our journey. We requested many changes during our journey due to changed interest and flight schedule . He was there to help us every time.
I would highly recommend to travel with Asia Odyssey specially having Rex by your side.
Just one thing I would like to mentions is that the meal plans. I would suggest that if all three meals included in itenary would be great help for vegetarian travellers like us. So we didn't have to worry about food.
Overall it was a very good experience with Asia Odyssey and travel and Agent Rex. Much appreciated
Simple
Canada
Our agent Chia is simply the best! She was in contact with us every step of the way from the time we committed to the Beijing - Xian - Chengdu - Lhasa - Shanghai tour. There was absolutely no stress with the entire tour ie. Pick ups, train/ plane tickets, payments. Each time Chia was able to answer any questions that we had almost immediately. The tour itself was great, met some really nice people from different parts of the world. Groups were a maximum of 12 so the guides were always very attentive - in Tibet, we only had 3 left in the group. We have travelled quite extensively but this is the first time we have engaged in a tour and it certainly did not disappoint. Highly recommended!
We had a very memorable trip in Tibet with Mt Kailash trek in September of 2025. First of all,I must say that Mr Isaac of Asia Odyssey was the most patient tour agent I have come across. Not only was he most patient with our questions, he was with us for a whole year into our preparation for this trip. Not only that, on more than one occasion,he was taking care of us as situations arose which affected our trip, like the flooding which occured at Gyirong border, the unrest in Nepal and such. The permits were applied in a timely manner and when things didn't work out for our group, Asia Odyssey made alternative arrangements as soon as possible to help our group. The guides arranged for us stayed with us till almost midnight to help us out when we had some difficulty. Most of the trip went smoothly and everything went like clockwork and hotels were good. We would definitely use Asia Odyssey for our travel plans again for this region. Asia Odyssey was outstanding and Mr Isaac was most helpful in arranging our trip and taking care of us.
Thank you Asia Odyssey for a wonderful trip! From planning stage to execution, we felt supported and taken care of the entire way.
Highly recommend Asia Odyssey - they planned a fantastic itinerary against our brief for Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan. Special shoutout to Ms. Mandy who planned our trip, answered all our questions, was incredibly responsive, and was always helpful. She checked in during our trip to make sure we were okay as well. On our trip, our local guides were knowledgeable and kind and our accommodation was comfortable. All-in-all a fantastic experience and highly recommended.
Thank you for a wonderful experience!!
I completed a 16 day Tibet tour with Asia Odyssey Travel which included Lhasa, EBC, Kailash kora and Guge kingdom, and was very satisfied with all the detailed services, transport arrangements (despite some days with long drives), and hotels provided. Our tour guide Samdrup was very attentive to the groups needs. I am grateful that the company was one of the few that was able to expedite my necessary Tibet permits within less than 2 weeks of my travel due to my last minute planning and visa delay. My travel agent Ashley communicated closely throughout the process for reassurance. All in all, it was a good experience and makes me more confident in other potential tours with this company.
Five months ago, I was amazed by the glowing reviews for Asia Odyssey Travel. Now, having just returned from our Tibet tour, I can wholeheartedly confirm every single one. They absolutely deserve their stellar reputation.
From start to finish, every detail was handled with utmost professionalism and kindness. The admin and paperwork were seamless, and our consultant, Aliny, was a tremendous help, expertly accommodating our flight delay into Lhasa due to extreme weather.
During the tour itself, the "hardware" was excellent—modern, comfortable buses and hotels. But the true highlight was the "software": the people. Our guides and drivers were not only competent and considerate but also a genuine joy to be around.
Our main guide, Daniel, was exceptional. He fostered a wonderful sense of community within our group, handled any curveballs with ease, and made us all feel truly cared for. His love for life was contagious! He’s also a gifted photographer, patiently helping us capture key moments, like the breathtaking sunset and sunrise on Mount Everest we were blessed to witness.
While Tibet's nature and architecture are stunning, it was the people—Daniel, our fellow tour members, and even the locals we met—that made this a trip of a lifetime. With AOT, you're not just booking a smooth and comfortable tour; you're signing up for genuine joy and beauty. I cannot recommend them highly enough.
My private tour with Nor Bu was really enjoyable and engaging. After a few days of scheduled group tours, we wanted a free day to explore the city at our own pace and just relax—and Nor Bu was exactly the right guide for that. He’s incredibly knowledgeable about Buddhist culture and art, has a really laid-back and friendly personality, and knows all the best local spots where you can unwind with tea and find great souvenirs at fair prices. As a true local who’s well-connected in the community, Nor Bu knows many people around Lhasa, which gave us a genuine glimpse into daily life in the city beyond the usual tourist experience. I left Lhasa feeling like I’d not only learned so much about the culture, but had also made a real friend.
Ten of my friends and I embarked on an unforgettable 3-week overland journey from Beijing to Kathmandu, travelling via Everest Base Camp and the sacred Mount Kailash. We covered approximately 7,500 kilometers by train, bus, van, and domestic flight—an epic and deeply spiritual journey that will stay with me forever.
We began with six vibrant days in Beijing, immersing ourselves in the rich history, food, and culture of China’s capital. From there, we boarded what turned out to be the most breathtaking train ride I’ve ever taken—a 30-hour, 3,750-kilometer journey from Beijing to Lhasa, crossing vast landscapes and climbing into the thin air of the Tibetan plateau.
This extraordinary trip was made possible by Asia Odyssey, and especially our dedicated agent Lea Zhang, who worked tirelessly for over a year to plan every detail. Coordinating such a complex journey remotely from mainland China—with so many moving parts and challenges—was no small feat, but Lea did it with meticulous care, professionalism, and passion.
In Tibet, we traveled through majestic Himalayan canyons, visited ancient monasteries, and stood in awe at the glowing summit of Mount Everest at sunrise from the Tibetan side base camp—a truly humbling and magical sight.
The 52-kilometer pilgrimage trek around Mount Kailash, reaching up to 5,630 meters in elevation, was the spiritual centerpiece of our journey. Though physically demanding, it was also deeply transformative—a once-in-a-lifetime experience that connected us with something far greater than ourselves.
We also had the profound privilege of visiting Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha in Nepal, adding yet another spiritual layer to this unforgettable trip.
The local guides and drivers arranged by Lea were of the highest quality—warm, trustworthy, and knowledgeable. They became more than facilitators—they became our friends.
This journey was not just a vacation. It enriched my life in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. It was the trip of my life so far—a rare and beautiful blend of adventure, friendship, culture, and spirituality.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank Lea Zhang and Asia Odyssey for crafting and executing this extraordinary experience. I will treasure it always.
