Eco Holiday Asia

Lhasa, Everest Base Camp and Kathmandu Overland Tour

An 8–12 day overland journey through Lhasa, Tibet’s plateau and the north side of Everest, between Kathmandu and Lhasa.

This tour combines Lhasa’s cultural depth with the north (Tibet) side of Everest and the long, scenic overland route to Kathmandu. The route can run either direction, and stops along the plateau give you Shigatse, Tashilhunpo Monastery and Tingri en route.

Duration8–12 days
RegionLhasa – Everest north – Kathmandu
Trip typeOverland cultural & landscape tour
DifficultyModerate to challenging (high altitude)
Max altitudearound 5,200 m at EBC north
Best seasonApril – October
AccommodationTibet hotels & guesthouses; tented camp at EBC where permitted
MealsBreakfast at hotels; arrangements at EBC
TransportTourist bus & 4WD vehicle
GuideTibetan local guide
Permit / visaTibet Travel Permit, Aliens Travel Permit & Chinese Group Visa
Community experienceLhasa, plateau towns & EBC north
CustomizableYes
Overview

About This Tour

Cultural depth at Lhasa, then a slow drive across the plateau through Shigatse, Tashilhunpo and Tingri, with the north side of Everest as the high point of the trip. The route continues to the Kyirong border and into Nepal (or runs the reverse direction).

Highlights

Trip Highlights

  • Potala Palace, Jokhang and Barkhor in Lhasa
  • Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse
  • The north (Tibet) face of Everest
  • Long overland drive across the Tibetan plateau
  • Border crossing at Kyirong
  • Permit and document coordination
  • Tibetan local guide
Cultural & Landscape Significance

Two Sides of the Himalaya in One Journey

The journey sets cultural Tibet against the great Himalayan ridge. It is one of the most striking overland journeys in Asia, with Everest from the north as a quietly imposing landmark.

Community Tourism

Travel That Supports Local Communities

Local Tibetan guides, drivers and lodges run the journey on the Tibet side. On the Kathmandu side, our office handles permits, transport and accommodation. The journey supports local services along a remote route.

We follow current local guidance on EBC access and altitude precautions.

Talk to a Nepal Travel Expert

Lhasa Everest Kathmandu overland tour
Local Guide & Support

Local Guide and Logistics

A Tibetan local guide and driver accompany you on the Tibet section. The Kathmandu office coordinates Tibet permits and Nepal-side logistics and remains available 24/7.

Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary (Lhasa → Kathmandu direction)

Day 1 – Arrival in Lhasa
Arrive Lhasa Gonggar Airport; rest and acclimatise.
Day 2 – Lhasa cultural day
Potala Palace, Jokhang and Barkhor.
Day 3 – Lhasa monasteries
Sera and Drepung Monasteries.
Day 4 – Lhasa to Shigatse
Drive west via Yamdrok Lake to Shigatse.
Day 5 – Shigatse to Tingri
Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery; continue to Tingri.
Day 6 – Tingri to Everest Base Camp (north)
Drive to EBC north area.
Day 7 – EBC area & drive toward Kyirong
Morning at EBC; drive toward Kyirong.
Day 8 – Kyirong to Kathmandu
Cross the border to Nepal; drive to Kathmandu.
Day 9 – Kathmandu
Rest and free time.
Day 10 – Departure
Transfer to airport.
Includes & Excludes

What’s Included and What’s Excluded

What’s Included

  • All ground transport on the Nepal side (private vehicle)
  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (3 or 4 star or as chosen)
  • Daily breakfast in Kathmandu
  • Experienced English-speaking guide
  • Permit and document coordination through authorised channels
  • Trip briefing in Kathmandu
  • 24/7 in-country support
  • Pre-trip checklist and packing guidance
  • Tibet permits and Chinese Group Visa coordination
  • All ground transport in Tibet and Nepal
  • Tibet accommodation (hotels and guesthouses)
  • EBC tented camp accommodation where permitted
  • Daily breakfast in Tibet
  • Licensed Tibetan local guide
  • Entry tickets per itinerary

What’s Excluded

  • International flights to/from Kathmandu
  • Nepal visa (available on arrival for most nationalities)
  • Travel and medical insurance (mandatory, must include emergency evacuation)
  • Personal expenses, drinks and souvenirs
  • Lunch and dinner unless specified
  • Tips for guide, driver and support team
  • Emergency helicopter rescue (covered by your insurance)
  • Any cost arising from itinerary changes due to weather, permits or unforeseen circumstances
  • Kathmandu–Lhasa or Lhasa–Kathmandu flight (we can book on request)
  • Lunch and dinner in Tibet
  • Personal expenses, drinks and tips
  • Any extra night caused by weather or permit delays
Permits & Documents

Permits and Travel Documents

Tibet & Kailash permits: Travel to Tibet and Mount Kailash requires permits and arrangements through authorised channels. Rules, border access and document requirements may change. Eco Holiday Asia verifies the latest requirements before confirming your trip.

High altitude & remote travel: This journey involves high altitude and remote travel. Itineraries may change due to weather, border rules, permit conditions, health needs or local authority instructions.

Season & Weather

Best Season and Weather

April–October offers the best weather. EBC north access is most reliable in late spring and autumn; winter is largely closed.

Health & Altitude

Health and Altitude

EBC north sits above 5,000 m. Reasonable health, gradual acclimatisation and travel insurance with high-altitude evacuation cover are essential.

Travel Responsibly

Responsible Travel Notes

A few simple choices keep your visit respectful and low-impact in sacred landscapes.

  • Respect local customs, dress modestly and follow your guide at temples, monasteries and sacred sites.
  • Ask before photographing people, rituals and the inside of monasteries.
  • Walk clockwise around stupas, mani walls and sacred sites where this is the custom.
  • Carry a refillable water bottle and avoid single-use plastic in remote regions.
  • Support local guides, drivers, lodges, restaurants and community businesses.
  • Follow permit, border and conservation rules at all times.
International Travellers

Planning the Lhasa-EBC-Kathmandu Tour from Abroad

International travellers often plan Himalayan journeys several months ahead, especially for permit-based routes. Our team handles every Nepal-side detail end to end — permit and document coordination, private transport, lodge bookings and travel advice. We coordinate by email (info@ecoholidays.com.np) and WhatsApp (+977 9851207214) across every time zone, and tailor pace, comfort and group size to suit families, senior travellers, pilgrim groups and small private parties.

Direction Choice

Either direction is possible; we choose based on your dates and onward travel.

Permit Timeline

Tibet permits and the Chinese Group Visa need passport copies several weeks ahead.

Buffer Days

We recommend a buffer day in Kathmandu or Lhasa in case of weather.

Custom Departures

Departures run as small private groups.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Everest Base Camp the same as the Nepal one?
No. This route visits the north (Tibet) side of Everest, reached by road. The Nepal-side EBC is a multi-day trek.
How long is the tour?
Typically 8–12 days, depending on direction (Lhasa to Kathmandu or vice versa) and add-on days.
How high does the route go?
EBC north sits above 5,000 m. Passes on the route are also high. We build in acclimatisation.
What permits and documents are needed?
Travel to Tibet, including Everest Base Camp north, requires permits and arrangements through authorised channels. Rules may change and we verify current requirements before confirming your trip.
Can the direction be reversed?
Yes. We can start in Lhasa and exit to Kathmandu, or start in Kathmandu and exit at Lhasa. Visa and permit timing decides what works best.
Is the tour suitable for senior travellers?
It can be, with sensible planning. The drives are long and the altitude high; we plan a calm pace and shorter daily distances where helpful.
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Plan Your Lhasa-EBC-Kathmandu Overland Tour

Tell us your dates and direction. We will design the journey with permits and Tibet logistics handled.