The classic Tsang route: Yamdrok Lake, the old town of Gyantse and Tashilhunpo Monastery, ending at Everest Base Camp. This route enters the border area and requires a border pass.
Day 1 — Arrive in Lhasa
Airport or station transfer and hotel check-in, then rest to acclimatise.
Day 2 — Lhasa city
Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, continuing to acclimatise.
Day 3 — Lhasa to Shigatse
Pass Yamdrok Lake and the Karola Glacier, cross the Kamba La Pass, and reach Shigatse in the evening.
Day 4 — Shigatse to Everest Base Camp
Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, then drive west over the Gawu La Pass to Everest Base Camp in the evening for sunset.
Day 5 — Everest to Shigatse
Watch sunrise over Everest in the early morning, then return to Shigatse.
Day 6 — Shigatse back to Lhasa
Return along the Yarlung Tsangpo, passing the old town of Gyantse, arriving in Lhasa in the evening.
Day 7 — Departure from Lhasa
Transfer to the airport or railway station according to your flight or train.
This route enters the border area, so a valid border pass is mandatory — please choose the ticket type that includes border pass processing when booking.
Everest Base Camp sits at about 5,200 m and accommodation is basic; bringing a warm sleeping bag liner is recommended.
Not recommended for travellers with serious heart or lung conditions or high blood pressure.
Itineraries and prices are subject to the current published rates.
What do I need for the Everest base camp direction?
Besides the Tibet Travel Permit you need a border pass listing Shigatse prefecture, Dingri county and the Everest area. Foreign travellers and Taiwan compatriots normally have it declared through the receiving service, while mainland travellers can apply free of charge at their place of registration. The route is long and high, so allow plenty of time.
How do I get from Lhasa to Shigatse and what is along the way?
The usual route runs Lhasa–Yamdrok Lake–Karola Glacier–Gyantse–Shigatse, about a day of driving. Along the way you see the lake, the glacier, Gyantse Dzong and Pelkor Chode Monastery, and Tashilhunpo Monastery once in Shigatse. Road conditions are average, so a hired vehicle or small group works best.
What is the difference between the permit and a border pass?
The permit covers entering Tibet; the border pass covers entering border areas such as Everest, Ngari, Yadong and Zhangmu. They cover different scopes, and itineraries touching border areas usually need both.
When is the best time for Shigatse and what should I see?
May to July is generally the most comfortable window with plenty of clear days, and Everest occasionally shows itself; without the Everest leg, Gyantse and Shigatse can be visited year round. Highlights include Yamdrok Lake, Gyantse Dzong and Pelkor Chode, Tashilhunpo, Shalu and Sakya monasteries, with Lhatse knives and silverwork as local specialities.