Everest Base Camp Tour
9 Nights / 10 Days

Trip Grade: Moderate
Best Season: Cultural tours are best done from April to November while trekking in Tibet is best June to October.

Highlights of Lhasa:
Everest Base Camp Tour 10 Days, with a breathtaking trans-Himalayan flight, takes you to Lhasa, the majestic Potala Palace, the former home of the Dalai Lamas; Drepung Monastery, the biggest monastic school of Lhasa, accommodating 7,700 monks in its heyday; Jokhang Temple, the holiest shrine of Tibet situated in the heart of Lhasa; Norbu-Linka, Sera Monastery, Ganden Monastery, and the Tibetan Medical Center, where ancient Tibetan medical practice is still pursued. Then, we visit the Barkhor Market filled with attractive traditional souvenirs where nomadic traders, pilgrims and visitors alike get together.

The second part of the trip involves a spectacular overland journey on the 920 kilometer stretch of Friendship highway between Lhasa and Kathmandu with en-route stopover in Rongphu (Rongbuk) to see the North face of Mount Everest (8848m) with two hours trek from the lodge to Everest Base Camp (5090m) and numerous stops and excursions to some of the famous sites such as Kumbum Stupa, Phalkor Monastery, Tashilunpo Monastery, and the Free Tibetan Market. The trip offers a impressive insights into the life and culture of the friendly Tibetan people, from the ancient monasteries with chanting monks to the tranquil shores of the Turquoise Lake (Yamdrok Tso) to the Kumbum (literally 100,00 images), the most stunning architectural wonder of Tibet along side the spectacular mountains.

Itinerary: Flight in and drive out to Kathmandu.

Day 1 Kathmandu to Lhasa (3650m).
Upon arrival at Gonggor Airport, you will be met by your Tibetan guide and transfer Lhasa city (2 hrs drive).
Overnight at hotel.

Day 2-3 Guided Sightseeing Tour of the Potala Palace, Norbulinka, Drepung and Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 4 Drive to Gyantse (3650m) crossing The Kamba La (4794m) & Kara La (5010m) pass via The Lake Yamdrok - Tso.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 5 Mornign, visit Kumbum Stupa and Phalkor Monastery, and drive to Shigatse (3900m).
Afternoon: Sightseeing tour of The Tashilunpo Monastery and the Free Tibetan Market.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 6 Drive to Lhatze.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 7 Drive over rocky terrain on 4WD to the village of Dza Rongphu (4920m).
Overnight at hotel.

Day 8 For a clear, full length panoramic view of The North Face of Mount Everest (8848m) a 2 hour trek from the lodge at Dza Rongphu will begin early morning to Everest Base Camp (5090m) then drive to Old Tingri.
Overnight at guesthouse.

Day 9 Drive downhill to Nyalam (3750m) crossing two spectacular passes - Lalung La Pass (5082 M) & Nyalamu Pass (3800m).
Overnight at hotel.

Day 10 Drive downhill to Zhangmu and to The Friendship Bridge (Kodari),
where transportation awaits for the group for final journey to Kathmandu (1200m). Tour service ends when you arrive in Kathmandu.

Everest Base Camp Tour 9 Nights / 10 Days
Tour Cost Per Person In US Dollars Valid till October 2008

Meal Rates: Lunch & dinner would be approximately USD 15 per meal

Lhasa to Kathmandu one-way airfare US$295 per person
Airfares are current and subject to change.

Tour Cost Includes:
Nine nights accommodation on twin sharing with breakfast (Chinese or Tibetan),
Sightseeing tours as mentioned in the itinerary,
Entrance fees to monasteries and monuments,
English speaking Tibetan Guide,
Ground transfers and applicable airport transfers,
Tiber travel permit,

Tour Cost Excludes:
Lhasa to Kathmandu one-way airfare US$295 per person.
Kathmandu US$17 and departure tax in Lhasa US$11,
China visa fee US$45 per person and additional US$14 per person for US Passport holders and express visa processing fee US$35 per person,
Nepal visa fee Single entry US$50 for 30 days and Multiple entry US$80 for 60 days,
Beverages not mentioned in the program, meals such lunch and dinner,
expenses of personal nature, Nepal re-entry visa fee,
charge for photography, travel Insurance, emergency evacuation charges, visa fee, travel insurance, extra cost in the event of landslide for hiring portage or additional transportation.

Chinese Visa:
Chinese Visa: The Chinese Embassy changes the rules for visa time to time. Normal visa fee at present is US$45 per person and additional US$14 per person for US Passport holders. If the visa is to take on the same day an additional fee of US$35 will be applicable. You are required to make the group visas for any tour to Tibet.

Hotels Used for the Above Tour:

Optional: Kathmandu Stopover Hotel and Tour Cost.
2-12 people US$644 per person

Kathmandu Stopover Cost Includes:
Five nights accommodations in quality 3 star boutique hotel and resort in Kathmandu and Nagarkot on twin sharing and breakfast (3 nights before and 2 nights after tour),
Three full day tour program as mentioned in the itinerary,
all ground transportation including on arrivals and departures,
tour guide service throughout the tour,
entrance fees to monuments visited,
meals as stated in the program. Please ask for details.
Remark: Three days in Kathmandu prior to Tibet tour is suggested for better acclimatization.