
The Heart of Tibet and Everest
Cultural heritage and the Everest base camp
Route at a glance
Duration
7 days
Distance
1100 km across Tibet
Maximum altitude
5200 m, the base camp viewpoint
Difficulty
Moderate: a night at 5000 m
Accommodation
3* hotels in the cities, a guesthouse at Rongbuk
Meals
Breakfasts and lunches on the way
Best season
April to October
About the route
The classics of Tibet plus a trip to the northern Everest base camp — the only one you can reach by car. Rongbuk Monastery at 5000 m and the face of Qomolangma right in front of you.
The night at Rongbuk is the highest in the programme, so for the first four days we gain altitude gradually: Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, Tingri.
Route highlights
Day by day
- Day 11
Arrival in Lhasa
Meeting, check-in and a day of acclimatisation without exertion.
Altitude: 3650 mTrek: — - Day 22
Lhasa. The Potala and the Jokhang
The Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple and a walk around the Barkhor together with pilgrims.
Altitude: 3650 mTrek: — - Day 33
Lhasa — Gyantse — Shigatse
The Kamba La pass, Lake Yamdrok, the Gyantse fortress and the Kumbum stupa. In the evening, Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Altitude: 3850 mTrek: 350 km - Day 44
Shigatse — Tingri
Driving to the foot of the Himalayas. In clear weather the Gyatso La pass offers a view of four eight-thousanders at once.
Altitude: 4300 mTrek: 240 km - Day 55
Tingri — the Everest base camp
The switchbacks of the Pang La pass and the road to Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world. An evening and a sunrise at the north face of Everest.
Altitude: 5000 mTrek: 110 km - Day 66
Rongbuk — Shigatse
The way back, losing altitude, with a night in Shigatse.
Altitude: 3850 mTrek: 350 km - Day 77
Shigatse — Lhasa. Departure
Back to Lhasa along the Brahmaputra, and the flight home.
Altitude: 3650 mTrek: 280 km
Route photos


What is included
- Accommodation as per the programme (3* hotels, guesthouses on the kora)
- Breakfasts and packed lunches on the route
- Transport within Tibet and transfers
- A Russian-speaking group leader for the whole route
- A local Tibetan guide and driver
- Permits for the Tibet Autonomous Region and the Mount Kailash area
- Entrance tickets to the monasteries in the programme
- Oxygen cylinders and the group first-aid kit
- A permit for the Everest base camp area
What is not included
- International flights to Kathmandu or Lhasa and back
- The Chinese visa and the group visa for Tibet
- Insurance covering altitudes up to 6000 m
- Dinners and drinks
- A porter or a horse on the kora
- Personal expenses, souvenirs and tips

Mount Kailash is not just a place on the map. It is a path to yourself that stays with you for good.— Alexey, expedition participant
Upcoming departures
Pick the dates that suit you and reserve a place in the group.
We will find the right route for you
Tell us what interests you, and a destination expert will get in touch, answer your questions about altitude, dates and preparation, and suggest a suitable programme. The consultation is free and commits you to nothing.
Request received
A destination expert will get in touch within one business day.