15 Days Challenge to Everest Advance Base Camp Trek (Highest Trail Close to the Summit, Reaching 6,500m)

Upon your arrival in Lhasa (3,650m), our Tibetan guide will welcome you at the airport or train station with a traditional white Hada.

You'll then be escorted to your hotel in Lhasa. Our guide will give you a brief overview of the itinerary and provide helpful tips for adjusting to the altitude. Once you've checked in, take some time to rest and allow your body to acclimate to the high altitude.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Insider Tips:
For the newcomers to Tibet, it's important to allow enough time to acclimatize to the high altitude. Having a good sleep in your hotel is a good option. Do not rush to visit attractions inside Lhasa city.

• Tibetan tour guide greets you at Lhasa Airport.
• Lhasa River

In the morning, you’ll explore the largest monastery in Tibet - Drepung Monastery, which was once the home to over 10,000 monks. As you walk through the Coqen Hall, your guide will provide detailed explanations of the worldview of Tibetan Buddhism and introduce notable figures in Tibetan Buddhist history.

Next, you’ll visit the renowned Loseling College (or an equivalent), offering a glimpse into the study and life of Tibetan monks. Explore their dormitories to gain insights into the Tibetan monks' daily routines and living conditions.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit Sera Monastery, which is another one of the “great three” Gelug monasteries of Tibet. The highlight is the monks' debate, held from around 3 to 5 in the afternoon, Monday to Saturday. In addition, you can tour the Tibetan religious scripture printing house. Inside the monastery, you‘ll also get the chance to see three sand Mandalas and a colorful Rock Painting of Buddha.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Drepung Monastery, one of the Great Three Gelug monasteries of Tibet
• Monk Debate is a highlight of Sera Monastery

After breakfast, your first stop is the Potala Palace, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Lhasa Old Town. Discover the lives and stories of the Dalai Lamas through history within the palace, and the extraordinary treasures it holds. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.

After touring the Potala Palace, you will visit Longwangtan Park at the foot of the Potala Palace. Here, you can appreciate the majestic Potala Palace from a different perspective and engage in local Tibetan folk activities.

In the afternoon, you will head to the heart of Tibetan religion - the Jokhang Temple. Inside, you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve. Outside, you can see pilgrims making prostrations in front of Jokhang Temple. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can do kora (a religious circle of a building or mountain) with pilgrims and locals, and explore the old market.

Next, follow your guide to one of the liveliest indoor Tibetan tea houses in Lhasa. Sip traditional Tibetan sweet tea alongside local Tibetans as your guide shares insights into Tibetan social dynamics and daily life.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Potala Palace is always the No.1 attraction for travelers visiting Tibet.
• A Tibetan pilgrim is worshipping Jokhang Temple

In the morning, you’ll start today’s journey to Gyantse (3,950m).

First, you’ll drive over the Gampala Pass (4,790 m) to catch a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso (4400m). The Yamdrok Lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains. In the distance, you can have spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar (7191m), the highest mountain near Lhasa.

After soaking in the stunning lakeside views, you'll visit a local family in a village by the lake. There, you’ll enjoy a home-cooked lunch and some authentic local snacks and drinks for a true taste of Tibetan hospitality.

Next, you will pass and enjoy the Karola Glacier on the roadside. It is the largest glacier in Tibet. As you see the ice tongue of the glacier climb the entire hillside, you will feel the magical power of nature.

Then, continue your journey to Gyantse. On the way, you will stop at Simila Mountain Pass, where you can hang prayer flags to pray for your family and friends.

After arriving in Gyantse (3,950m), you can spend some time taking photos of the ancient city of Gyantse and visit the Perklor Monastery and Kumbum stupa.

Stay overnight in Gyantse.

• Enjoy the fascinating scenery of the holy Yamdrok Lake
• Visit the famous Pelkor Monastery and Gyantse Kumbum

Today, you’ll have an early start in the morning and drive 244km from Gyantse to Sakya via Shigatse.

Upon arrival in Shigatse, you will visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of Panchen Lama. It is one of the most important monasteries in Tibet. The grand and magnificent halls of the largest local monastery occupy the entire hillside. This is the spiritual home of the Tibetan people in Shigatse, housing the world's largest statue of Maitreya Buddha.

Then, you’ll continue the journey along the Friendship Highway to visit Sakya Monastery (4,500m). The Sakya tradition inside Sakya Monastery is one of the four main Buddhist schools in Tibet. It was from here that the entire region of Tibet was governed during the period of Sakya hegemony, and even now, there are historic buildings of importance to be seen here.

After visiting Sakya Monastery, you’ll keep driving to Lhatse Town.

Stay overnight in Lhatse.

• Tashilhunpo Monastery, the home of Panchan Lama
• Sakya Monastery with Mongolian architectural style

After breakfast, you’ll start the journey to Everest Base Camp on the northern side of Mount Everest in Tibet.

First, you’ll pass Gyatsola Pass (5,280m). At Gyatsola Pass viewpoint, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest. Hidden behind the mountain range, Everest resembles a budding lotus flower, a captivating sight along the roadside.

Shortly after we enter Mount Everest National Nature Reserve, you will enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayas at Gawula Pass (5,198m). From this viewpoint, you will marvel at the majestic lineup of the five highest peaks in the Himalayas, including Everest at the forefront.

Then, we drive along the new zigzag road to Everest Base Camp. As you get close to the base camp, the majestic Everest gradually unfolds before you, drawing nearer with each winding turn.

Upon reaching Everest Base Camp, the colossal white pyramid peak of Mount Everest stands towering before you. As the day transitions to dusk, you can witness the golden hues of the sun casting a warm glow on Everest's northern face.

Stay overnight at Everest tent hotel or Rongbuk Hotel.

• Drive along the zigzag road to Everest Base Camp
• Enjoy your group tour to Everest Base Camp

Today, you’ll go on a warm-up trek from Rongbuk Monastery to Everest Base Camp (5,200m).

En route, you’ll see the famous Rongbuk Glacier, the largest glacier formed around the northern side of Mount Everest. The glacier water flows south into a river passing by the foot of Rongbuk Monastery, which is called Rongbuk River.

Camping at Everest Base Camp.

• Mount Everest as seen from the Rongbuk Monastery - the highest monastery in the world
• Trek to the stunning Rongbuk Glacier

After breakfast, you’ll take the first challenge to trek to Base Camp 1 (5,450m). You’ll take a trail that rises to the east side of the ice cap and head toward the peak of Mount Everest.

Today’s trek is fairly short, but the high altitude may be challenging for many, so take a leisurely pace and enjoy exploring this amazing area slowly.

Stay overnight in Camp 1.

• Experience the high-altitude trek to ABC on the northern side of Everest in Tibet
• Reaching Camp 1 on the ABC trek

Today, you’ll start the trek from gravel hills to the west of the glacier. This is a scenic day that awaits as you spend the night at the interim camp (5,760m), surrounded on all sides by towering ice pinnacles. What an unforgettable experience!

Stay overnight in Interim Camp.

After breakfast, you’ll ascend further to the intricate maze of ice as you meet up with the Changste Glacier. It is an incredible experience to hike on the world’s highest mountain.

Finally, you’ll reach Base Camp 2 (5,970m), which is surrounded by varying glaciers and hanging ice.

Stay overnight in Camp 2.

Insider Tips:
Sometimes during the summer season, the river floods, making it impossible for yaks to cross. If so, you’ll start early from the interim camp, reach Advanced Base Camp (ABC), and return to the interim camp for the night stay.

It is completely up to you today to decide whether you want to spend the night at Advanced Base Camp (Camp 3 at 6,500m) or simply hike there during the day and return to Base Camp 2. The walk will be much more enjoyable tomorrow if you stay at Camp 2.

However, if you wish, you can spend the night at an even higher altitude and an impressive location. Camp 3 lies in the center of flattened gravel mounds next to the glacier. It is only 2400 meters from the top.

Today, you can observe many imposing pinnacles, ridges, and even the rock summit of Everest. What a sight it is to finally arrive at nearly the highest point in the world!

Stay overnight in Camp 3 or Camp 2, depending on your itinerary.

• Trekking to ABC
• Trekking from ABC to Mount Everest

Today, you’ll trek downhill back to Everest Base Camp. Enjoy the wonderful sights along the way as you leave this amazing Himalayan peak.

Stay overnight at Everest tent hotel or Rongbuk Hotel.

• A lovely snapshot with Everest North Face on Tibetan side
• Enjoy the view of Everest's summit from the restaurant at Rongbuk Hotel

After breakfast, you’ll take a drive back to Shigatse.

After arriving in Shigatse, you can enjoy your dinner at the Langma Hall, celebrating the success of the Everest trek. Here, you will experience a unique traditional song and dance performance.

Stay overnight in Shigatse.

• The view of Shigatse city with Tashilhunpo Monastery at the background.
• Enjoy Tibetan dancing and singing performances in Langma Hall

After breakfast, you’ll start a return journey to Lhasa along the scenic Yarlung Tsangpo River.

Upon your arrival in Lhasa, you can take a good rest and enjoy the rest of the way as you like.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Yarlung Tsangpo River in autumn
• Arrive in Lhasa, the Holy City in the Tibet Plateau

Today marks the end of your Tibet tour.

Please make sure to verify your departure flight/train details with our guide in advance. And your guide will take you to the airport or train station.

Thank you for choosing Tibet Vista, and we extend a warm welcome for your return to Tibet in the future.

• Big farewell to Lhasa, and may you have a safe and pleasant journey back home!
• Your guide will escort you to Lhasa Railway Station if you depart Tibet by train.