Lhasa: 17-Day Tibet Tour with Everest Base Camp

Traveling to Tibet is no small feat, but for those eager to witness some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes and spiritual sites, this 17-day tour offers a comprehensive and deeply rewarding experience. While we haven’t personally taken this exact journey, it’s clear from detailed reviews and itineraries that this trip balances iconic sights with authentic cultural encounters, all while navigating Tibet’s challenging high-altitude environment.

What we particularly like about this tour are the chance to see Mount Everest up close, explore the Potala Palace, and undertake the Kailash kora, a pilgrimage that’s both physically demanding and spiritually uplifting. The inclusion of visits like Rongbuk Monastery and Yamdrok Lake adds stunning natural views that are hard to match. However, one thing to keep in mind is the high altitude, which can be tough if you’re not prepared for it. This tour suits travelers who love adventure, want in-depth cultural insights, and are physically fit enough for some hikes and long drives.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: From Everest to Yamdrok Lake, landscapes are the highlight.
• Cultural Richness: Visits to Potala Palace, monasteries, and ancient ruins.
• Physical Demands: High-altitude travel and the Kailash kora require good fitness.
• Authentic Experiences: Tibetan welcome dinners and local markets.
• Comfort & Value: Hotels are star-rated, and most activities are included.
• Travel Logistics: Organized transfers, permits, and high-altitude medical supplies.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This 17-day adventure covers the essentials of Tibetan culture, history, and natural beauty. It’s designed for travelers who want a well-rounded experience without sacrificing comfort or authenticity. You’ll get to see Tibet’s most famous sights, plus some off-the-beaten-path treasures, all while enjoying the support of experienced guides and reliable transportation.

The Itinerary: Exploring Tibet’s Top Highlights

Arrival in Lhasa and Initial Acclimatization

After arriving in Lhasa, you’ll be greeted by friendly guides who will transfer you to your comfortable hotel. The first day is all about settling in and giving your body a chance to adjust to the 3,650-meter altitude. Relaxing at the hotel and light walks around the city help prevent altitude sickness, which is a prudent step given Tibet’s high elevations.

Discovering Lhasa’s Spiritual Heart

Over the next few days, you’ll explore key religious sites like Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery. Watching monks debate Buddhist teachings with animated gestures and lively exchanges is a highlight that gives insight into Tibetan spiritual life. Evening visits to Jokhang Temple and strolling through Barkhor Street reveal the vibrant pulse of Tibetan religious and cultural practices.

The Potala Palace, perched atop Lhasa’s Red Hill, is an awe-inspiring sight. Its white and gold exterior dominates the skyline, and inside, labyrinthine corridors and chapels tell stories of Tibetan leadership and spirituality. Travelers describe the experience as “an overwhelming sense of history and devotion,” emphasizing the importance of allowing enough time to absorb its scale.

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En Route to Everest: From Shigatse to Rongbuk

A scenic drive takes you through Tibet’s stunning highlands, stopping at Yamdrok Lake with its turquoise waters and the Karola Glacier. The journey is long—about 7-8 hours to Shigatse—but the landscapes are worth every minute. The Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse introduces you to the seat of the Panchen Lama and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

Heading toward Everest, you’ll visit Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world. The views here are jaw-dropping—craggy peaks, glaciers, and the vast expanse of the Himalayas. As one reviewer noted, “standing at Everest Base Camp, with the mountain looming above, is like witnessing the roof of the world.”

Everest Base Camp: The Ultimate Viewpoint

Reaching Everest Base Camp (EBC) is a major highlight. The drive itself includes stunning vistas of Shishapangma and Peku Co Lake. Once there, the sunset over Everest’s summit creates a magical moment. Many travelers find EBC to be an emotional experience—standing at the foot of the world’s highest peak, feeling its grandeur and the effort it takes to get there.

You’ll also experience the Rongbuk Monastery again, which is integral to Everest’s spiritual and cultural significance. The on-board medical oxygen supplies are a practical touch, helping mitigate the effects of high altitude and making the experience safer.

Exploring the Mysteries of Tholing and Zanda

From Everest, the journey takes a more archaeological turn with visits to Tholing Monastery—home to exquisite murals—and the ruins of the Guge Kingdom, which once flourished for 700 years before vanishing into legend. The Zanda region offers additional sites like the Buried Temple and East Tag Site, providing a window into Tibet’s ancient past.

The Pilgrimage and Kora Around Mount Kailash

This is the spiritual heart of the trip. Over three days, you’ll undertake the kora—a challenging circuit around Mount Kailash, revered by Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. Many travelers describe the walk as physically demanding but spiritually rewarding, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. The experience can be life-changing, especially if you’re prepared for the physical effort involved.

Return Journey and Final Days

After completing the Kailash kora, the tour retraces its route back toward Lhasa, stopping at Jilong Valley, the lowest point in Tibet, with lush forests and lakes. The final days include a drive from Dingri back to Lhasa, where you’ll enjoy views of Shishapangma and other Himalayan giants.

Transportation and Accommodation: Comfort in the High Altitude

The tour features organized transfers with comfortable vehicles equipped for Tibet’s rugged roads. The hotels are rated star-level, providing a good balance of comfort and local flavor. Some included meals, like a farmhouse lunch and a welcome dinner, add authenticity and flavor. The tour also covers permits and fees, relieving travelers from logistical worries.

Practical Considerations

Traveling at high altitudes necessitates good physical condition and adequate preparation. The tour provides medical oxygen and encourages travelers to bring warm clothing, sunglasses, and snacks for the long days of sightseeing and driving. The tour’s layout allows for rest and acclimatization, but the physical demands of the Kailash kora should not be underestimated.

Value for Money

At $3,752 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive package that includes most major attractions, permits, accommodations, and some meals. When you consider the logistics involved—transfers, guides, permits, and entrance fees—it’s a solid deal for a pilgrimage and adventure experience that’s hard to match elsewhere.

While the price might seem steep, it covers the essential expenses for such a complex journey, especially considering Tibet’s remote location and high-altitude challenges. The inclusion of insurance and oxygen supplies adds an extra layer of safety and value.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for travelers who are adventure-minded and physically fit, eager to experience iconic landmarks and natural wonders in Tibet. It suits those seeking culture, spiritual fulfillment, and breathtaking scenery. It’s also great for travelers who prefer a well-organized itinerary with reliable transportation, permits, and guides.

However, it’s important to be aware of the altitude challenges—not suitable for individuals with respiratory issues, mobility impairments, or serious health conditions. The lengthy drives and physical effort involved in the Kailash kora mean this isn’t a casual sightseeing trip but rather an immersive experience for engaged and prepared travelers.

The Sum Up

This 17-day Tibet tour offers a balanced mix of stunning landscapes, spiritual experiences, and cultural insights. From the awe-inspiring vistas of Everest to the mystical circuit around Mount Kailash, the journey promises unforgettable moments. The thoughtfully included logistics, comfortable accommodations, and knowledgeable guides make it accessible despite Tibet’s remote and high-altitude terrain.

It’s best suited for adventurous travelers who want more than just sightseeing—those who crave authentic cultural encounters and are prepared for some physical exertion. The inclusion of iconic sites like Potala Palace, Rongbuk Monastery, and the Kailash kora means you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of Tibet’s spiritual heart and rugged beauty.

If you’re looking for an adventure that combines breathtaking scenery with meaningful cultural and spiritual discovery, this tour fits the bill perfectly. Just remember to pack warm clothes, be ready to adjust to high altitudes, and embrace the incredible journey Tibet offers.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, due to the physical demands of high-altitude travel and walking the Kailash kora, this tour isn’t recommended for those with mobility impairments.

What should I bring for high-altitude travel?
Bring warm clothing, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, water, snacks, and personal medications. It’s also wise to carry your passport or ID for permits.

Does the tour include all transportation costs?
The tour price covers transportation within Tibet, including airport transfers, sightseeing vehicles, and permits. International and domestic flights to Tibet are not included.

What about accommodation?
You’ll stay in star-rated hotels and local inns, providing comfortable bases for your explorations. Some breakfasts are included, with options for additional meals.

Are meals included on the entire trip?
Most meals are not included beyond specific mentions like the welcome dinner and farmhouse lunch. You’ll be responsible for roughly 30-50 yuan per meal, with guidance on where to eat.

Is altitude sickness a concern?
Given the high elevations (up to 5,200 meters at Everest Base Camp), altitude sickness is a real concern. The tour provides oxygen supplies and allows time for acclimatization.

How physically demanding is the Kailash kora?
The kora involves challenging terrain and long days of walking over several days, so good physical fitness is essential.

What is the best time of year for this tour?
While not specified, Tibet’s best weather for such trips tends to be spring and autumn when the weather is clearer and temperatures are milder.

This detailed journey through Tibet offers a compelling blend of natural beauty, spiritual depth, and adventure. If you’re ready to explore the roof of the world with guidance and support, this 17-day tour provides a memorable and authentic experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: