Lhasa-EBC Tour - 10 days

Lhasa- The Spiritual Capital of Tibet

With its great cultural, religious, and political importance, Lhasa is considered the spiritual capital of Tibet. For centuries, it has been the bastion of the Dalai Lama and accounts for some of the most sacred Buddhist sites on earth. The architectural marvel of the Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, symbolizes Tibet with its grandeur and spiritual stories, once the residence during winter days for the Dalai Lama. The Jokhang Temple-rendering her mythical statue of the Jowo Shakyamuni- known as the holiest of Tibetan Buddhist temples and acts as a magnet for pilgrims who circuit around it along the sacred Barkhor. Places such as the Sera and Drepung monasteries are centers not only of worship but also of study and debate; in particular, Sera is famous for its active debates among monks. The Dalai Lama's summer palace, Norbulingka, boasts beautiful gardens and Tibetan architecture, creating a perfect ambiance of peace. The spiritual culture of Lhasa relates closely to Tibetan Buddhism as monks, pilgrims, and locals observe daily rituals. Nevertheless, Lhasa remains the symbolic heart of Tibet today, a testimony to the convergence of history, spirituality, and Tibetan identity.

What to Expect during the Lhasa-EBC Tour?

The itinerary shows the striking contrast between deep cultural immersion and adventure of surreal Himalayan attractions-from Lhasa to the EBC. Lhasa is indeed the starting point where participants are driven straight into the heart of Tibetan Buddhist culture, trespassing through such iconic spots as the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street. Tibet's very land and centuries of history, spirituality, and daily life are all made known.

From scenic drives winding along beautiful high passes through such shimmering lakes as Yamdrok Lake to the breathtaking Karo La glacier on the other side, are in preparation for a truly spectacular tour from Lhasa to Gyantse, Shigatse, and into Everest Base Camp. Because of the vistas it affords of the Tibetan plateau below, meandering valleys beyond, and traditional villages along the way, the journey itself comes very close to rivaling the goal of worthiness. 

In Tibet, elevation creates at least some difficulty due to the high altitude at Everest Base Camp: 5200 m (17060 ft). The higher you get, the thinner the air becomes, and altitude sickness may occur when you are still unaware of it. Just slow down and follow your instincts because of this. Keep in mind that acclimatization could be considered a possibility of taking the scenic route. 

The grand finale for the whole tour is standing at the Everest Base Camp; somehow, the face of Mount Everest humbles an individual into feeling like a tiny creature next to a giant. The next moment is carefully engraved in your senses as you stand there, almost practically touching the supreme mountain.

You will experience Tibetan culture on this road through visits to monasteries, meeting local people, and witnessing rural Tibetan life. The untamed beauty of the Tibetan plateau will only add one more twist of awe to this already epic journey, with rugged mountains, vast plains, and crystal-clear lakes.

Travel Permits for Tour

Tibet is a politically sensitive area, and for this reason, special permits are required for travelers to visit the region. To go on the Lhasa-EBC Tour, you will need permits in the following way:

Tibet Travel Permit (TTP): This permit is essential for those entering Tibet. It is to be obtained through a registered travel agency and does not allow independent representation. The (TTP) also allows entry into Lhasa and different areas in Tibet.

Alien's Travel Permit (ATP): Travel to EBC involves traveling outside Lhasa; therefore, an ATP is required.

Military Permit: It is required for some areas adjoining the border or restricted zones (as with Everest).

Group Travel: Most foreign tourists are not allowed to travel independently; they have to travel in organized groups, even if only two or three people, with a licensed guide. Individual travel is forbidden in Tibet.

Permits for the Lhasa-EBC Tour can only be obtained through a licensed tour operator since individual applications are not allowed. The operator will make arrangements for the permits based on your passport and Chinese visa which typically take 15-20 days for processing depending on your nationality.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Tibet for the Lhasa-EBC Tour depends on each traveler's own weather and crowd preferences.

Spring (April-May) has mild weather and fewer tourists, but the weather can be a bit cold in the high-altitude areas. Summer (June-August) has warmer weather and, yet, occasional rain plus large numbers of tourists, all on account of the peak tourist season. 

The best time for the tour is said, by the majority of travelers, to be Autumn (September-October), when the weather remains cool and stable, with wonderful landscapes, albeit crowded, so booking ahead is advisable. Winter (November-March) has fewer tourists and lower costs, but it can be cold, especially at Everest Base Camp, and some routes will be blocked because of snow for a long time.

Packing Essentials

Here are the packing essentials for the Lhasa-EBC Tour:

• Warm Clothing

• Windproof and Waterproof Jacket

• Sturdy Hiking Boots

• Hat, Gloves, and Scarf

• Sunscreen and Sunglasses

• Personal Medications

• Water Bottle and Water Purification Tablets

• Camera

• Smart Phone

• Power Bank

• Personal Hygiene Items

• Travel Documents

• Snacks

Food, Accommodations during the Tour

Food and accommodation during the tour vary according to location. 

Lhasa is quite diverse with Tibetan and international restaurants where one can try yak meat, dumplings (momo), noodle soup (thukpa), barley flour (tsampa), and more. In the way of Everest Base Camp, the food becomes more basic with local guesthouses offering simple meals of noodles, rice, vegetables, and eggs.

Accommodations in Lhasa range from comfortable moderately priced hotels to very luxurious ones, with facilities like Wi-Fi and private bathrooms. The accommodation standard decreases with travel further into Tibet; most accommodations at Everest Base Camp are, therefore, basic with simple guesthouses or tents and shared facilities. At higher elevations, accommodation becomes a bit more rustic, but it serves its purpose by allowing one to take in the remote beauty and peace of the Tibetan plateau.

Cultural Etiquette

When in Tibet, it becomes mandatory to mind the local cultural understandings for the sake of Tibetan customs and refer to traditions: 

Respect for Monasteries and Religious Sites: Before entering any temples and monasteries, you should take off your shoes. When conversing within these religious setups, keep your voice low, and never point your feet at any religious figures or other people as feet are viewed as unclean in Tibetan culture. 

Photographing: Requests must be made before shooting pictures of anybody, especially monks and nuns. Some religious places may not allow it at all, so be watchful for signs or local advice.

Giving and Receiving: Offerings are made with both hands, while anything received is accepted using both hands as a form of respect.

Respect for Elders: An elder is raised high in Tibetan society. Respect should be given to elders by greeting them first, offering them a seat if necessary, and speaking respectfully to them.

Body Language: Be careful not to touch a person's head, which Tibetan culture considers sacred. Also, displays of affection between couples are frowned upon.

Pilgrimage Sites: Where sacred sites such as Jokhang Temple or Barkor Circuit are concerned, walk around in a clockwise manner in keeping with the traditions of respect in Tibetan religion. 

Dress Modestly: The dress code in Tibet is not a serious issue; however, when entering any shrine even a semblance of modesty will be appreciated. Avoid above-the-knee shorts and tops that reveal your stomach, especially in temples and monasteries.