8 Day Lhasa and Everest Base Camp Adventure via Kerung

Difficulty Level

Okay, look, it’s not exactly a hardcore trekking experience, so don’t worry about it, you don’t exactly have to be a fitness to have a good time. Most of the travel will be by car or bus, and our sightseeing in Lhasa and other cities will be fairly relaxed. But, keep in  mind, that we are going to be at very high altitudes. Lhasa is near 3,600 meters and the Everest Base Camp will be over 5,200 meters. Because of the altitude, you may feel like you‘re running out of breath, you may have a slight headache, or you may just feel kind of tired compared to how you might normally feel.

The long on this plateau for long time could be exhausting for a lot of people, especially on those days when we’re driving a few hundred kilometers. The road is in fairly good condition, and quite frankly, the views are so beautiful that most of the time you’re too busy looking out the window to worry about how long it’s taking us to get there.

On the whole, if you’re in decent health, you’re going to have a blast with this tour just fine. You just need to take things slow, drink a ton more water than you think, you’re going to need, and just let your body get used to things at its own pace. It’s really more about being patient with yourself than anything else. Many people have found that any challenges they face are all well worth the view you get as a result.

Tibetan Culture and Monasteries

One of the coolest aspects of this whole trip is getting to experience the Tibetan culture. You’ll notice those colorful prayer flags flying in the wind, carrying prayers and wishes across the mountains. Walking through Lhasa or some of the other smaller towns in Tibet, you can’t help but run into these pilgrims who are spinning their prayer wheels and softly chanting their mantras as they make their way around the temples. It gives off an unbelievably calm feeling, almost like a spiritual feeling, unlike anything else.

Visiting monasteries is an experience like few others from the gigantic and well-known Potala Palace in Lhasa to many smaller and local monasteries located throughout the plateau. They will leave you in awe by the beauty of the buildings and the stunning artwork on the walls. You will see how monks live day-to-day at each of these sites. Many are over 100 years old and are still active centers for education, meditation, and daily life in the community.

In summary, Tibetan culture has been heavily influenced by religious customs. A trip like this offers an insider’s view of the local way of life through interacting with residents, participating in a traditional ceremony, and touring monasteries. This is more than just a sightseeing trip, you will have an opportunity to explore a thriving society that survives in one of the most difficult, isolated areas of the world.

Altitude and Acclimatization

Tibet is essentially a high-altitude country, so you really gotta be mindful of how your body is adjusting with it. And remember that the city of Lhasa is itself above 3,600 meters. That can be a little concerning for people on the first day. And as we continue our journey to Everest Base Camp, we’re essentially going to reach places that are above 5,200 meters. The air is thinner up there, and the body just needs a little more time to adjust.

The itinerary we have put together for you will help you get used to the altitude of where we are going by taking it slow, resting frequently during the first few long drives and staying flexible on your sightseeing days at all the important places.

The most important thing to remember is to walk at a pace slower than normal, drink lots of water, avoid too much physical activity for several days to allow time for your body to become accustom to the high elevations before starting to hike long distances and do other activities. Doing this will greatly increase the success of your body adjusting to the new altitude.

Because some travelers may experience a mild headache, slight shortness of breath, or just general fatigue, these types of effects to various degrees could be considered common at high altitudes. In order for you to feel the most comfortable, you should simply pay attention to your body and get sufficient rest as well as ease up on those days where you are at a higher altitude. By following these guidelines, you will be able to enjoy your trip and have the opportunity to experience all of the sights and activities without feeling tired out.

Accommodation and Food

For the tour, you’ll be staying in a combination of nice hotels and traditional tea houses on a twin-share room basis. In Lhasa, you’ll stay in modern hotels with most of the city facilities and comforts you are used to enjoying when travelling. As you travel to destination towns such as Shigatse, the hotels will become simpler.

Nevertheless, they will provide you with a single, clean place to sleep. Upon arrival at Mount Everest Base Camp itself, you will stay in basic tea house that aren’t luxurious but will be warm, secure, and offer an incredible opportunity to be near the mountains, therefore allowing you to create lasting memories.

For the meal only breakfasts will be provided at your hotel or guesthouse every day, to help you get going each day. You’ll have many opportunities to try Tibetan food such as momos which are excellent dumplings and thukpa, as well as Chinese or simple western meals in some of the larger towns.

Vegetarians will not have any problems finding vegetarian food because it is usually very easy to find. You do not have to eat meat, so you can take the opportunity to explore the area and visit local restaurants for lunch and dinner or stop and get some Tibetan snacks during your travels. This is also a good option to help you stay energized when you are on long drives across the plateau.

Permits and Travel Documents

Travel to Tibet is different from many other places, there are rules that apply specifically to Tibet and visitors to Tibet need specific types of permits. The most common permit is the Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) – this permit needs to be obtained by all entering Tibet. In addition, as you plan to leave Lhasa, you will also need an Alien Travel Permit, and, in order to visit Everest Base Camp (on the Tibetan side) you will need to obtain an Everest area permit before actually visiting Everest Base Camp (on the Tibetan side).

In addition to the necessary permits, you will also require a valid passport (check that it has at least six months of validity remaining) and a valid Chinese Tourist Visa before entering the country. The common tourist visa fee is usually $125 USD, however, if you live in the U.S., Canada, Argentina, or Romania, you will be charged an additional $115 USD to obtain the visa.

What we’ll need from you to get things moving:

A scan of your passport = This has to be with us at least 25 days before the trip starts, so don’t forget!
Your original passport = This has to be with us at least 3 official working days before the trip starts.
A passport-sized photo = This just has to be one with a white background, taken in the last 6 months or so.

Note: Any figures discussed are NET per person. Flight and visa fees are not part of the package and are extra; you will need to consider these separately when budgeting for your trip.

But honestly, don’t worry about trying to sort out all of that on your own. We Epic Trek Nepal takes care of all of the paperwork for you. Once you’ve signed up for your trek, we’ll take care of the details so that you won’t have to worry about the hassle of government offices and paperwork. It’s just so much more relaxed and stress-free, which is just the way you want to be before tackling the mountains. We’ve done it many times before, so we know the routine well.

Essential Trekking Items List

• Thermal wear: Top and Bottom
• Down Jacket: Waterproof and Windproof
• Waterproof and Windproof Pants
• Quick-Dry T-Shirts
• Trekking Pants
• Head Cap
• Gloves
• Trekking boots
• Amp Shoes or Sandals
• Warm Socks
• Day Pack: 30-40 liters with Rain Cover
• Adjustable Trekking Sticks
• Biodegradable Soap
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste
• Hand Sanitizer
• Toilet Paper
• Your Personal Medications
• High Altitude Medications: As prescribed by Your Doctor
• Sunglasses with U-V Protection
• Sunscreen: SPF-50
• Lip Balm with Sunscreen
• Head Lamp with Batteries
• Charging: Portable Charger
• International Adapter
• Travel Insurance
• Sufficient Cash in Small Denominations
• High-Energy Snacks
• Camera with Memory Cards

Cancellation Policy for This Tour:

At Epic Trek Nepal, we understand the changes in plan unexpectedly. That is why we designed it to be fair and clear.

Cancellation Notice:

If you decide to cancel your tour for any reason, please make sure to inform us at least 7 days before your scheduled tour start date.

Administrative Fee:

When a cancellation is made, 25% fee will be reduced from the total cost of tour as administrative fee. This fee covers the planning, preparation and booking cost we’ve already done for your tour.

Non-Refundable Period:

For any cancellation made within less than 4 days before the tour start date, no refund will be provided but by looking at the situation, if we feel the reason for cancellation is valid, then the amount will be refunded after deducting 70% of the total tour amount, as we have already submitted the cost and reserved the spots for you.

Documentation Support:

We know insurance claim can be important. In case if you cancel, we would provide the necessary document such as receipts to help with your insurance process.

Unused Accommodation:

Please note that we cannot offer refunds for unused accommodation or services if your tour is canceled due to personal reasons, illness or bad weather.

You can contact us with any questions or to discuss your situation, and we would be happy to assist you. Thank you for your understanding during this time and we hope to help you through your Kerung and Lhasa Tour safely.