8-Day Tibet Tour: Fly-In Drive-Out to Everest Base Camp & Lhasa Highlights
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
8 days
Fitness Level
Moderate to good cardiovascular fitness recommended—able to handle multiple long drives, short hikes and high altitude conditions.
Overview
Fly into the rarefied air of Lhasa, drive the legendary Friendship Highway and stand near Everest’s Tibetan base in eight concentrated days. This fly-in, drive-out tour balances cultural immersion with high‑altitude landscapes.
8-Day Tibet Tour: Fly-In Drive-Out to Everest Base Camp & Lhasa Highlights
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The plane drops you into thin, clear air and the runway seems to rise up to meet the sky. You step out at Gonggar and feel the mountains inhale around you — distant ridgelines that will dominate the next week. From the whitewashed courtyards of Lhasa to the scrubby high plains on the Friendship Highway, this eight-day loop moves fast: a brief flight into altitude, an overland odyssey across passes and turquoise lakes, and a final, cinematic flight home over the Trans-Himalaya.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Acclimatize before pushing hard
Spend your first day in Lhasa resting—headache, nausea and fatigue are signs to slow down; use scheduled rest to adapt to 3,650 m.
Bring cash and small bills
ATMs are unreliable outside major towns; have cash for simple purchases at remote guesthouses and markets.
Respect monastery etiquette
Dress modestly, remove hats inside temples, and walk clockwise around mani walls and stupas with quiet reverence.
Prepare for variable roads
Expect long drives over high passes and some rough road sections—bring motion-sickness remedies and comfortable seating layers.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Tibetan gazelle (chiru) and marmot
- Yaks and Himalayan griffon vultures
History
Lhasa’s major monasteries and the Potala Palace reflect centuries of Tibetan Buddhism; the Friendship Highway opened mid-20th century and reshaped regional travel.
Conservation
High-altitude ecosystems are fragile—stick to trails, pack out waste, and respect local water sources to minimize impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Lhasa
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Insulated down jacket
Nights and mornings at altitude can be frigid; a warm layer is essential.
winter specific
High‑SPF sun protection & sunglasses
UV intensifies with altitude; sunburn and snow/oxbow glare are real concerns.
summer specific
Sturdy hiking boots
Rigid soles and ankle support are useful for monastery steps and the Everest Base Camp approach.
Hydration system or water purifier
Carry a liter-plus capacity and a means to treat water when plumbing is inconsistent.