Overland to Everest: 7-Day Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour via Everest Base Camp
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
7 days
Fitness Level
No technical fitness required, but be prepared for long vehicle days and high-altitude exposure; basic cardiovascular fitness and good mobility recommended.
Overview
A seven-day overland traverse from Lhasa to Kathmandu via Everest Base Camp that mixes high-altitude panoramas with deep cultural stops in Gyantse and Shigatse. Expect long drives, thin air, mandatory permits and unforgettable views of the world’s highest peaks.
Overland to Everest: 7-Day Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour via Everest Base Camp
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The bus eases out of Lhasa before dawn, diesel and prayer-flag wind scuffing the air as the Potala fades into a silhouette against the high Tibetan sky. For the next seven days the Sino–Nepal highway will dictate the rhythm: long hours on a well-driven van, sudden vistas of turquoise lakes, and the slow, inevitable thinning of the air as the route climbs toward Everest Base Camp (EBC). This is less a hike than a journey that forces you to pay attention — to the shape of valleys, to the steady cadence of yak bells, to how your own breath changes with altitude.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Acclimatize slowly
Spend the first 24–48 hours in Lhasa (3,650 m), avoid heavy exertion, hydrate, and monitor for altitude symptoms.
Bring hard copies of permits
Carry printed Tibet Travel Permit, passport and Chinese visa—digital copies may not be accepted in remote checkpoints.
Pack cash for remote stretches
ATMs are scarce beyond Lhasa; bring Chinese yuan and small bills for meals, tips and roadside purchases.
Plan for basic lodging at EBC
Guesthouses near EBC are simple and cold—sleeping in layers and using a good liner makes nights more comfortable.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Tibetan marmot
- Himalayan griffon vulture
History
The route follows ancient trade corridors and modern strategic roads; Gyantse and Shigatse were key nodes in Tibetan political and religious networks for centuries.
Conservation
This is a fragile high‑altitude ecosystem—minimize waste, avoid single-use plastics, and use established trails and vehicle routes to reduce erosion.
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Adventure Hotspots in Lhasa
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Insulated down jacket
Warm, compressible insulation is vital for nights at high elevations and cold mornings.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Supportive, broken-in footwear handles short walks on rough ground and gravel at viewpoints.
High-SPF sun protection (hat & sunscreen)
UV intensifies at altitude—shield skin and eyes even on overcast days.
summer specific
Reusable water bottle with filter or insulated flask
Staying hydrated is essential; an insulated bottle keeps liquids from freezing at high passes.