Old Tingri to EBC Trek

This Old Tingri to Everest Base Camp (EBC) Tour starting in Lhasa, explore the majestic Potala Palace, the serene Norbulingka Summer Palace, the sacred Jokhang Temple, and the vibrant Barkhor market. As you leave the city, visit Sera Monastery to witness the lively debates of the monks, and explore the well-preserved temples of Drepung Monastery. Continue your journey by driving to historic Gyantse, crossing snowy mountain passes with breathtaking views, and onward to Shigatse and Old Tingri.

Begin your trek along the Ra Chu stream, passing through charming villages, and crossing the Lamna Pass. Ascend alongside the Draka Chu River, eventually reaching Rongbuk Monastery, the highest in the world. From Rongbuk, head to Everest Base Camp for stunning views of the North Face. On the return journey to Lhasa, consider taking a detour to the Nepal border for even more incredible experiences.

Highlights

• The Potala Palace and the Great Monasteries
• Rongbuk Monastery at Mt. Everest
• Nepal border

Details

• 12-day trip begins and ends in Lhasa, Tibet
• 8 nights in hotels, 3 nights camping
• Altitude from 3000-5000m

Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa [3650m]

Welcome to Lhasa! Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and get settled.

Day 2: Lhasa

In the morning, visit the Potala Palace, the most monumental structure in all of Tibet. Standing 13 stories high, the Potala houses countless treasures in its many rooms. Built in 637 AD, it has served as the home to the Dalai Lama lineage for over a thousand years. You will also visit the Jokhang Temple, the holiest temple in Tibet. From the rooftop, you can see pilgrims from across the region prostrating before the Jowo Buddha statue inside the temple. Afterwards, stroll through the Barkhor, a famous shopping street filled with goods and souvenirs from Tibet, Nepal, and India. Take some time to enjoy sweet tea in a traditional teahouse on a rooftop overlooking the bustling Barkhor.

Day 3: Lhasa

Visit Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. Explore its beautiful grounds, which include gardens, fountains, and a small zoo. Later, visit Sera Monastery, where you can watch monks debate in the courtyard. If you enjoy hiking, take the hour-long circumambulation path around the monastery complex.

Debating session at Sera

Day 4: Lhasa – Shigatse [3840m]

Begin your adventure in the Himalayas with a drive to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Central Tibet. Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama, who holds the second-highest rank in Tibetan Buddhism after the Dalai Lama. If time permits, explore the local market in Shigatse.

Day 5: Shigatse – Sakya – Old Tingri [4350m]

In the morning, drive to Old Tingri (4,350m, approx. 300km) via Tso-La (4500m) and Gyatso-La (5252m). If time allows, take a detour to visit the fortress-like Sakya Monastery (4,280 m). Arrive in Old Tingri in the afternoon and meet your trekking crew.

Day 6: Trekking Old Tingri – Lungchang [4350m]

Start your trek along the Ra Chu stream, passing through the villages of Choling and Lungchang (4350m). Camp overnight.

Day 7: Trekking Lungchang – Drokpa [4860m]

Continue trekking to Drokpa (4860m), an encampment located below Lamna La. Camp overnight.

Day 8: Trekking Drokpa – Draka Chu [4730m]

Cross Lamna La (5075m) and descend to the Draka Chu River (4730m). Camp overnight.

Day 9: Trekking Draka Chu – Rongbuk Monastery – Mount Everest Base Camp [5200m]

Trek along the Draka Chu River to Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world. Said to have been built during the time of the Fifth Dalai Lama, Rongbuk offers stunning views of Mount Everest, which stands 8,848 meters above sea level. Camp overnight.

Our group poses a photo at the Everest Base Camp

Day 10: Mount Everest Base Camp – Shigatse [3840m]

After witnessing the sunrise over Everest’s North Face, drive back to Shigatse. Along the way, enjoy spectacular views of some of the world’s highest mountains. In Shigatse, visit the Shigatse Dzong, a castle fortress and former residence of the kings of Tsang. Originally built in the seventeenth century, this fortress served as the model for the Potala Palace. Take in the beautiful views of the city from the fortress.

Day 11: Shigatse – Lhasa [3650m]

Upon your return to Lhasa, spend time strolling through the alleys of the old Tibetan quarter. Peek into workshops or stores that catch your interest. Enjoy local cuisine, revisit a favorite restaurant, or discover a new spot for dinner.

The view of Lhasa city from Drepung Monastery

Day 12: Depart Lhasa

Say goodbye to Tibet!

Itineraries are subject to change without prior notice.