Tibet Lhasa Tour with Everest Base Camp

Essential Info

Climate and Best Period for Tibet Lhasa Tour with Everest Base Camp

Tibet has variations in climate patterns depending on the altitude of the region. The major cities where our visit is concentrated are Lhasa, Gyantse, and Shigatse which offer a pleasant experience to their visitors any time of the year.

The climate here is predominantly dry and sunny even during the rainy period stretching from June through the latter days of August. However, the Everest region of Tibet is not so which is significantly affected by monsoon rains.

The area receives rainfall ranging from 94 to 108 mm during this time. On the other hand, the winter months commencing from December and stretching through the latter days of February bring the shivering cold with average heat ranging from -12 to -17 degrees Celsius.

Therefore, with these climatic conditions in mind, it is best that you undertake our Tibet Lhasa and Everest base camp tour during the spring and autumn time.

The spring period commencing from March and stretching to the latter days of May and the autumn period beginning from September and stretching to the latter days of November offer the most comfortable climatic conditions in Tibet.

In spring, the average heat all over Tibet lingers around 12 degrees Celsius and in autumn it significantly drops down to 8 degrees Celsius. The spring blesses Tibet with clear skies with occasional clouds in the morning and afternoon. However, the Tibetan lunar-like landscape including the Everest turns into a multicolored canvas.

On the other hand, autumn offers the clearest blue sky with excellent visibility of the towering Himalayas. June, July, and August on the other hand are the hottest months with an average heat of 25 degrees Celsius.

Although the three major cities may experience some protection from the monsoon rain from Nepal and India but the Everest region remains vulnerable with overcast skies, and heavy rainfall with reduced visibility.

In winter, light snowfall may occur in Lhasa, and mountain passes could be closed to traffic. During this time, many locals in the Everest area migrate to lower regions to escape the cold and undertake pilgrimages to monasteries.

Tibet Lhasa tour with Everest Base Camp Difficulty

Our Tibet Lhasa and Everest base camp tour is overall a uniquely distinct adventure that combines the pleasure of adventure with the convenience of comfortable travel.

If the fear of extensive hiking hours has been stopping you from reaching the crown of the planet, you should certainly engage in our short overland tour that also combines the ease of flying.

During the overland adventure in Tibet, 4-wheel private transportation with a Tibetan guide and driver will be constantly available while the nights will be spent in good solid hotels of Lhasa, Gyantse, and Shigatse.

However, you must be prepared for the basic night at the dormitory of the Rongbuk Monastery, which accommodates 4 to 6 beds per room. The dormitory may not meet your usual cleanliness standards, and the facilities will also be limited, with cold nights and outdoor bathroom facilities.

However, this is the authentic Tibet where you can enjoy the best this region has to offer. Also, being located at almost 5000 m, it is completely understandable for the rustic settings.

Likewise, the roads in Tibet have also been improved than ever before and the long Friendship Highway enhances the travel experience in cities. However, once we leave the Highway, the roads can at best be called a bad country road, although mostly a bumpy dirt road.

And more often it is not there at all, which is why you drive across the plains. There can be a lot of dust along the way, which is why a good scarf or a definite dust mask can be a good idea.

These minor inconveniences are manageable, the main challenge lies in the altitude when the average elevation during the tour will be 3500 m. As it is, the Tibetan air contains less oxygen than in many other regions, so precautions must be taken to prevent hypoxia.

As your true and caring travel companion, we have implemented the essential rule of acclimatization. So you will be thoroughly prepared before you set forth for the Everest Base Camp.

Therefore, this tour is open to everyone as it does not necessitate any previous experience in trekking or mountaineering.

Who can be a part of our Tibet Everest base camp tour?

Any healthy individual between the age group of 10 to 75 years of age is welcome to participate in our Tibet Lhasa tour with Everest Base Camp journey.

The tour contains no grueling trekking days through the undulated terrain. There will be no long suspension bridges, river crossings, or rustic lodging to test your strength. In fact, the entire tour is an overland journey with a gentle Tibetan guide and people as your everyday companion.

The minor setback will be at the Rongbuk Monastery which will be more than compensated by the stunning views of the solitary walls of Mount Everest.

The altitude, the harsher drier air, and the higher medical cost can be problematic for individuals suffering from asthma, respiratory infections, or heart disorders. They can also be harder to cope with for children under ten years and for people over 75 years.

Therefore, we suggest our guests suffering from severe health issues reach their physician and explain to them about the tour you intend to join. Only after his allowance can you join our tour.

So, if you have excellent health, a positive attitude with the good adaptability skills, please don’t think twice about joining our tour today.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)/Altitude Sickness and Acclimatization

Our Tibet Lhasa tour with Everest Base Camp commences with a one-hour short flight from the lowlands of Kathmandu (1300 m) to 3650 high Lhasa. Within an hour, you will experience the altitude increase by almost 2400 m so it is common to feel some mild discomfort.

That’s the reason why we suggest all our guests take abundant rest in their hotel rooms as soon as they arrive in Lhasa rather than venturing out immediately.

We also have allocated two days in Lhasa with a brief exploration tour so all our guests can be properly and completely acclimatized to the Tibetan highland air.

However, as the journey continues, the altitude will rise even further, ultimately reaching 5200 m at Everest Base Camp. This constant increment in elevation heightens the hazard of altitude sickness which presents itself in the form of headaches, breathing difficulty, fatigue, dizziness, appetite loss, restlessness, and numbness.

In our extensive experience of organizing this tour, most of our guests have felt only one or more two symptoms which then disappeared within a day.

If you also feel unwell and manifest any one of the above symptoms, please rest in your hotel, where oxygen is available, and inform our Tibetan guide.

To reduce these risks, we advise you to avoid overexertion by taking comfortable walks and exploring at your own pace. We also suggest you keep away from smoking and alcoholic beverages and shift to consuming dark chocolates and sugar drinks.

For better acclimatization, on doctor’s consultations, you can also take Diamox before beginning the tour from Kathmandu. But be aware to seek supplemental oxygen even in mild discomfort as it may diminish its effectiveness at Everest Base Camp where you may be really in need.

Preparation for Tibet Lhasa and Everest base camp tour

We would like to emphasize that for our Tibet Lhasa and Everest base camp tour, mental strength is more important than physical one. First of all, this journey is a group adventure that needs team effort, social interaction, and of course mutual support.

Second, the Tibet and Everest base Camp may be completely different from what you have imagined and expected. So it is always wise to watch documentaries on YouTube to know precisely what you will see and find in the journey.

You may think there may be no need for physical readiness as the journey is exclusively overland by 4-wheel. However, you will still be touring the major sites, and you will still be at a high altitude where the uncertainties are higher. If you are physically prepared, you can easily overcome any unfavorable incidents with ease.

Concentrate on some aerobic routines such as mild walking, cycling, running, or swimming maybe twice a week. You can also plant one mountain outing at the weekend to gain your own altitude experience.

If you already have any ongoing health concerns, please consider joining our Tibet Lhasa and Everest base camp tour only after you are completely healed. After all, Everest is eternal and it will patiently wait for you until you return to your health.

Sleeping

You will be able to spend all your nights in Lhasa, Shigatse, and Gyantse in a solid tourist standard three-star rated hotel known for the utmost service and amenities for their guests.

Each room will have two nice comfortable beds to be shared among pairs of travelers of uniform genders. The room will feature central heating, an attached bathroom, hot water, with elegant furnishing. We will also determine that the hotel doesn’t lack oxygen supplies.

However, in Rongbuk, you will have to satisfy with the bed in the dormitory where each room will have 4 to 6 beds to be shared with fellow companions. The cleanliness here may not be up to your standard but the views will be beyond your imagination.

After all, this location is indeed the world’s roof so such a minor setting is completely understandable. So we suggest you pack a sleeping bag for a night and get ready to embrace the raw beauty of Tibet.

Eating

The dining option during our Tibet Lhasa tour with Everest Base Camp is self-catered except for breakfast which will be provided in your overnight hotel every morning.

Since the three main cities of Tibet boast wide choices of dining options, and every guest has their own taste and indulgence, we have endeavored to give each one of our guests the independence to choose their own menu.

In Gyantse, Lhasa, and Shigatse, you will find a wide selection of international cuisine along with Chinese and Tibetan specialties. However, in Rongbuk, you may not even have the menu and are offered only Tibetan Meals three times a day limited to noodles, bread, and soup.

But, when you are in three major cities, do not miss the opportunity to take a bite of Tsampa, lamb sausages, dried yak meat, and dumplings. Additionally, you can also explore various Nepali and international bars and pubs, such as Makye Ame, Nepali Low House Music Bar, Ganglamedo Cafe and Bar, and Dunya Restaurant Bar, which provide Western drinks and food with some international loud music.

Please note, the average meal cost including your beverages, lunches, and dinners can range between 25 to 30 US Dollars per person.

Transportation

We will manage your international flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, and all ground transportation throughout your stay in Tibet will be organized using private four-wheel options, including cars, vans, jeeps, or buses, depending on the size of your visiting group.

However, you will need to arrange your return journey from Lhasa to your next destination on your own. You also have the alternative choice to fly back to Kathmandu if you wish.

Lhasa Flight information

We kindly inform you that implemented from 17th April 2025, daily flights to Lhasa from Kathmandu are no longer available. As of now, Himalayan Airline offers direct Kathmandu-Lhasa-Kathmandu flights every Wednesday, Friday, and Monday.

Supposedly, if your travel program is scheduled on any other day, you will have to travel to Chengdu first and then catch a flight to Lhasa. You can also choose to fly from your hometown to Lhasa instead of coming to Kathmandu.

However, if you happen to select this option, please remember that you must have a Permit for entry into Tibet which is called a TTP (Tibet Travel Permit). Then only you can board in for Lhasa.

If so, you need to have transit of at least 5 hours in any Chinese City where we can send you your permit.

Travel Insurance

Traveling to Tibet is not an easy task and not very cheap as well. In addition, the medical facilities that are available in Lhasa, Gyantse, and Shigatse are very pricey although very high-quality. While the Everest area on the other hand lacks the proper medical amenities.

So if any serious health condition occurs, such as a severe case of AMS, or illness that may require emergency evacuation by air, then it can cost up to 250,000 US Dollars. In the void of insurance policy, you will have to pay this cost yourself.

So travel insurance when visiting Tibet is as important as packing your bags. Please ensure that your insurance policy provides coverage that includes the elevation of up to 5500 m with the added coverage of trip cancellations, theft, delays, or lost belongings, as well as medical expenses.

Mobile and Internet in Tibet

Your home carrier may offer roaming services in China that will allow you to use your own phone when in Tibet but you have to be cautious of the high roaming charges.

Therefore, the most economical way is to buy a local SIM card instead. When you land in Lhasa, you can ask our Tibetan guide for assistance to purchase a local China SIM card. There are several networks to choose from, but Unicom, China Mobile, and Telecom perform better in the Everest and Tingri regions.

All these networks also provide 5G coverage, even at Everest Base Camp! Additionally, you can opt for an eSIM from these providers, which can be activated after you arrive in Lhasa. It will be the most practical and easy option for communication in Tibet.

WiFi is also easily and readily available in Lhasa, Gyantse, and Shigatse, although it may be absent at Everest Base Camp and Rongbuk. Before you travel to Tibet, don’t forget to install a trustworthy VPN app on your phone, as China restricts access to many Western sites like Facebook, WhatsApp, Google, YouTube, and Instagram.

Currency, Exchange, Credit Cards, and ATM

The currency that you will be using when in Tibet is called the Chinese Renminbi Yuan (RMB). Already at the Lhasa Airport, you can easily exchange your currency into Chinese one or you can choose to exchange them at the bank counter of the Bank of China.

Please remember, that the bank remains closed on weekends just plan your exchanges on other days. You can also carry Euros or US Dollars for the on-spot exchange. Most hotels will also offer you this service at a hefty commission.

So the most convenient option would be to convert your money when you are in Kathmandu through banks like Nabil Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Everest Bank, Nepal SBI Bank, and Himalayan Bank.

In Lhasa, Gyantse, and Shigatse, you will be able to use ATM services that will allow you to take out the money with your debit or credit cards such as Master Card or Visa Card.

However, make sure to check with your bank about the additional charge that may cost during the cash withdrawal process and also ask about the limitation amount.

Instead of cash, you can also consider using your credit cards when you are in these three major Tibetan Cities where their acceptance and use are increasing every day.

However, in Rongbuk and EBC, you must have only cash as it is one of the primitive areas of Tibet. You can also install and load the amount in mobile e-wallets that are commonly used in Tibet such as Alipay, WeChat, and Apple Pay.

Protocols to Follow for Tibet Lhasa Tour with Everest Base Camp

Google may suggest you can travel on your own to Tibet but it is not so. Like Bhutan, the country also doesn’t allow any foreign travelers to explore Tibet independently. Instead, each traveler must engage the assistance from recognized travel agency.

Every detail of the tour must be well-planned and the proposed travel program must be specified clearly when applying for the permit to get into Tibet. Thus, please reserve our Tibet Lhasa tour with Everest Base Camp a month or two before your intended departure date.

Likewise, just like the Bhutan Government, the government of China will also allow the tour in Tibet only if you are in the company of a licensed local Tibetan guide, driver, and a private 4-wheel drive. Thus, the tour to Tibet becomes additionally expensive. Along with the transportation, the accommodation will also have to be pre-arranged and pre-booked.

As for the permits, since our destination will be a special Everest Base Camp as well, so we must have other obligatory permits which we will soon be mentioning.

If you decide to get into Tibet from Kathmandu (chosen method by most of the international tourists due to easiness), then please remember you must arrive 4 to 5 days early.

From Nepal to China visit, a valid Chinese Group Visa is obligatory different from the individual Chinese Visa needed when you decide to step in the Tibetan border from other locations.

The duration for managing for the Chinese Group Visa from Nepal will take approximately 3 to 4 business days. This duration is necessary for your agency (we if you choose us) to complete the processing of the visa.

After receiving the advance booking payment from your side, we will need the following documents from you:

• White background 51 mm X 51 mm Recent Photos, free of make-up, and glasses at the time of registration
• Colored scanned copy of your original Passport
• Your passport must have more than six months of validation period counted from your departure date
• Must have three blank pages on your Passport

Chinese Group Visa and Obligatory Permits for the Tibet Everest base camp tour

As your travel ally for traveling to Tibet in Nepal, we will guide you through the process of securing the Chinese Group Visa and will also manage the initial procedures of acquiring the Tibet Tourism Bureau permit.

Please note that the TTB Permit is part of our Tibet Lhasa tour with Everest Base Camp package cost along with the admission fee for the Everest Base Camp and Grass dame charge. However, the charge for the Chinese Group Visa does not fall under our service fee.

• TTB (Tibet Tourism Bureau) Permit

If you are a non-Chinese citizen and don’t have a legally valid Chinese Passport, then you must have the TTB Permit more commonly referred to as Tibet Travel Permit/TTP or Tibet Visa to step into the confined territory of Tibet.

This permit is granted only by the Tourism Board of Tibet which is issued to the visitor through the licensed local travel agency of Tibet. Remember, it cannot be obtained elsewhere: not in the embassy or in consulate office.

Once your Tibet Lhasa tour with Everest Base Camp is finalized, and you make the pre-payment for the tour, we will request you to submit us the documents that we have listed above.

Then, we will forward all your documents along with the travel plan, number of days, and accommodation details to our authorized Tibetan tour and travel agency.

You need to remember that once we forward all the details of your travel program, it cannot be modified. To change your travel destination and route, a new set of permits has to be re-applied.

Once the TTB verifies your travel program and documents, they will send us the authorization letter through our Tibetan agency which we will then use to apply for the Chinese Group Visa.

You will need to show this Group Visa when boarding your flight to Lhasa, while the TTB permit will be collected by our assigned Tibetan guide who will present it at the Lhasa Airport.

• Chinese Group Visa

When you decide to board for Lhasa from Kathmandu, remember, that you need to have a Chinese Group Visa but not a Chinese Visa. A Chinese Visa is granted for one traveler while the Chinese Group Visa is provided as a single document for all participating members of the group.

It means, all the guests partaking as a group must all at once enter and leave Tibet. Please also understand that this group visa cannot be processed in advance as your original passport and biometric registration must be completed at the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu.

Thus, you must arrive in Kathmandu 4 to 5 days before your planned trip date. Once you are in Kathmandu, we will assist you with the Group Visa application and take you to the Embassy of China in Kathmandu where you need to deliver the original copy of your passport along with your fingerprints.

The embassy officials will retain your passports for 2 to 3 days and will return them with your official Visa. There are two ways we can process your Group Visa: one is the standard way which costs fairly less than the express way.

The standard method will take four office days to process your Group Visa while the Express way will give your Visa within three office days. The rate per the method of application is as follows:

For US Nationals:

• Standard Chinese Group Visa Fee: USD 175 per person
• Express Chinese Group Visa Fee: USD 185 per person

For Non-US Citizens

• Standard Chinese Group Visa Fee: USD 70 to USD 170 per person (based on our home country
• Express Chinese Group Visa Fee: USD 90 to USD 180 per person (based on our home country)

• Other Mandatory Permits

Because the Everest Base Camp of Tibet belongs to the military-controlled and unopened area of Shigatse, our tour will need several additional permits including a Military Permit, a Foreign Affairs Permit, and an Aline’s Travel Permit.

Among these, Aline’s Travel Permit will be available on-site at the office of the Tibetan Local Public Security Bureau, whereas the other two require a minimum of 15 days of processing before the beginning of the tour.

Our Tibetan partner will oversee the processing of all necessary permits, which will be gathered by our Tibetan guide.