The Everest North Base Camp Trekking route is truly a fascinating adventure as it takes you into the depths of the Himalayas with their stunning natural beauty and rich cultural and spiritual experiences from Tibetan traditions. Also covering some famous destinations like Everest Base Camp (North), Namtso Lake, Rongbuk Monastery, and ancient cities like Lhasa, Shigatse, and Gyantse, this Himalayan adventure also allows trekkers to witness the picturesque sight of Yamdrok-Tsomo Lake, Karo Glacier, and incredible views of Mt. Everest from the Tibetan side.
As an equal to the natural attractions, this trekking route discovers the cultural riches of Lhasa, including the following attractions: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery. The remaining attractions include Namtso, which is the second-highest alpine saline lake in Tibet and has an altitude of 4,718 meters above sea level. This lake has an extraordinary landscape as it presents itself with blue water reflecting mountains and blue skies.
Highlights of the Everest North Base Camp Trek
Trek Itinerary: How to Trek Everest North Base Camp
The journey kicks off in the capital, Kathmandu, as we embark on a drive to Kerung, the Nepal-China border post. After saying farewell to Nepal, we move on to Tingri in the Tibet Autonomous Region while passing the Tong La Pass of 5,100m altitude, to Rongbuk, where we tour the monastery as well as the Rongbuk Glacier Protected Region. Our trek further proceeds to the Everest Base Camp (North) as we enjoy exceptional views of the Everest peak. After the tour of the Everest Base Camp, we return to Rongbuk and then Tingri.
We move to Tingri, then to Shigatse, which is Tibet’s second-largest city. We proceed to Sakya, famous for the Sakya Monastery. Then comes Gyantse, where we pay a visit to the Palcho Monastery and marvel at the beauty of Yamdrok Lake. We proceed to Lhasa, where tourists can visit the Tibetan medicine center before proceeding to Namtso Lake, which involves crossing the Lagen La Pass to see the beauty of the lake and the mountains around it. Finally, we go back to Lhasa.
Best Time to Go
The Everest North Base Camp Trek is best undertaken during
Welcome! To Kathmandu, Nepal. You will be welcomed by an Asian Heritage Travel representative with a nameplate upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, and you will then be taken to your hotel located within the busy tourist district known as Thamel in Kathmandu. You will see some of the highlights of the city while traveling to the hotel, including Pashupatinath Temple, Narayanhiti Royal Palace Museum, and the peaceful Garden of Dreams. Once you arrive at your hotel, a representative will meet you to discuss your itinerary and answer any questions you might have about it. After you check into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore the busy streets, cafés, and shops of Thamel or relax at your hotel.
Includes: Private transport and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites and Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Begin your sightseeing excursion by meeting your guide and boarding your private vehicle. Your first stop will be Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you will walk among centuries-old royal palaces, intricate carvings on countless temples, and traditional courtyard-style buildings indicative of the venerable history of ancient Kathmandu.
Your next destination on your journey is Swayambhunath, commonly referred to as the Monkey Temple. Swayambhunath is a sacred stupa located atop a hill that contains both Buddhist and Hindu cultural influences, and provides fabulous views of the Kathmandu Valley and the distant peaks of the Himalayas.
The next stop on your tour is Pashupatinath Temple, one of the premier Hindu pilgrimage destinations in Southeast Asia. Pashupatinath Temple is built on the banks of the Bagmati River, where you will get a glimpse of the open-air cremation ceremonies and experience the spiritual practices surrounding the temple complex.
The last stop of the day is the incredible Boudhanath Stupa (another UNESCO World Heritage Site), which is one of the largest stupas in the world. The stupa dates back to approximately 600 A.D. and represents the center of Tibetan Buddhist culture, surrounded by local life, monasteries, and prayer wheels.
After an amazing day of cultural experiences, you will head back to your accommodation to rest and relax.
Includes: Breakfast, Private transport, an English-speaking guide, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Your adventure starts with an early morning drive from Kathmandu to Kerung. Our staff will pick you up from your hotel, and you can embark on the mountainous road journey towards the border of Nepal and China. You can enjoy the serene sceneries that flank the road, leading you to the border, from where you will complete all necessary immigration procedures from Nepal and then from China, followed by a journey towards Kerung Town.
Includes: Breakfast, Private transport, and an overnight accommodation at a 3* Hotel in Kerung.
After breakfast, we begin our journey for Tingri, which takes us through a scenic route lined up with breathtaking mountain views. While traveling, you get ample opportunities to relax and enjoy the scenic views of peaks covered in snow. The most enjoyable part of this journey would be passing through Tongla Pass, which stands at a height of 5,100 meters, and in front of you would lie the extensive range of the Himalayas.
Includes: Breakfast, Private transport, an English-speaking Tibetan guide, and an overnight accommodation at a 3* Hotel in Tingri.
This morning, we will continue our journey towards Rongbuk, which is about a 3 to 4-hour drive. On arrival, we will explore the historic Rongbuk Monastery, which was established by a local lama in the year 1899 and is known to be the highest in the entire world. After this, a short walk will help you reach the Rongbuk Glacier Zone. This is the largest glacier in the group of glaciers surrounding the majestic Mt. Everest. Finally, the end of the day will leave you in awe as you witness the golden light of the setting sun shining on the summit of the majestic Mount Everest.
Breakfast, Private transport, an English-speaking Tibetan guide, and an overnight accommodation at a 3* Hotel in Rongbuk.
Today is an auspicious day, which brings you all the way to the base of Mount Everest. After parking your luggage at the guest house, you can take a short 3 kilometers hike to board the bus that takes you to Everest Base Camp. Pass by the awe-inspiring surroundings of the highest mountain in the world before heading back to the Rongbuk guest house. When you get back, pack your things and get on the bus that takes you back to Tingri, which takes the same route.
Includes: Breakfast, Private transport, an English-speaking Tibetan guide, and an overnight accommodation at a 3* Hotel in Tingri.
The journey today leads to Shigatse, which is the second-largest city in Tibet. In the morning, we take a morning drive on the winding mountain road. It is better to rest or take medicines if you suffer from motion sickness, as there are many twists and turns on this route. Upon arrival at Shigatse, check into the hotel and get ready for an afternoon of exploring.
In Shigatse, we visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama and the most significant Gelug monastery in the region. Here you will find the towering statue of the Future Buddha, which is the largest in the world, decorated with pearls, turquoise, coral, and amber. Eventually, a visit is over, and we drive to our hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Includes: Breakfast, Private transport, an English-speaking Tibetan guide, and an overnight accommodation at a 3* hotel in Shigatse.
After breakfast, we leave for Sakya. On our arrival, we begin the day by visiting the historical Sakya Monastery, which represents the chief center for the Sakya sect of Tibetan Buddhists. “Sakya,” which translates to “gray soil” in the Tibetan language, refers to the natural, weathered gray color of the area surrounding the ancient Bonbori Hill where the monastery is located. This sacred place, often referred to as the “Second Dunhuang,” is famous for its collection of Tibetan scriptures, murals, and Thangkas. We spend the night in Gyantse.
Includes: Breakfast, Private transport, an English-speaking Tibetan guide, and an overnight accommodation at a 3* Hotel in Gyantse.
In the morning, we explore the intriguing Palcho Monastery, which is an exceptional example of the coexistence of three large sects of Tibetan Buddhism. Next to the monastery, we find the majestic Kumbum Stupa, measuring 35 meters in height, which contains 76 miniature temples that house more than 100 images of the Kriyatantras. This monument has been recognized as the largest of its type in the whole of Tibet. In the next place, we explore the historic Dzong of Gyantse, where the Tibetan forces had battled the British forces in the early 20th century.
Later, we leave Gyantse and move towards Lhasa. Meanwhile, you will be able to see the magnificent Karola Glacier on your left. A short while later, we make a short halt to appreciate the beauty of holy Yamdrok Lake, which is the biggest freshwater lake in the northern Himalaya, measuring 675 sq. km. Once we arrive in Lhasa, we check into our hotel to take some rest.
Includes: Breakfast, Private transport, an English-speaking Tibetan guide, and an overnight accommodation at a 3* hotel in Lhasa.
After enjoying your breakfast, we will start exploring Lhasa by visiting the beautiful Petal and Norbulingka Palaces, also referred to as the Winter Palace and the Summer Palace, respectively. Petal Palace was constructed in the 17th century and offered fantastic views of the whole city. It is also home to the Dalai Lama’s private chambers. Norbulingka Palace holds within its structures what is said to be the largest man-made garden in the whole of Tibet. Next to visit will be the Traditional Hospital of Tibet, which is the leading facility for the treatment and production of Tibetan medicines.
Includes: Breakfast, Private transport, an English-speaking Tibetan guide, and an overnight accommodation at a 3* hotel in Lhasa.
After breakfast, we depart for Lake Namtso, which is one of the four holy lakes and the world’s highest saltwater lake. During the journey, you will get to see the Nyenchen Thanglha ranges, which are snow-capped mountains. In the case of a summertime trip, you might witness the nomads, along with their yaks and sheep, that graze in the lush pastures. During this route, you would get to see the Sky-Road Railway against the beautiful mountain ranges.
After having breakfast, we move out of Lhasa and head towards Lake Namtso, one of the holy lakes of Tibet and also the highest saltwater lake in the world. On this journey, you can enjoy the sights of the Nyenchen Thanglha mountain range, topped with snow. During the summer months, you can also experience the sightings of nomads and their yaks and sheep roaming through the grasslands. Additionally, you can enjoy some sights of the Sky Railway along the way.
It will be possible to take in an extensive panorama of Namtso Lake from Lagen La Mountain Pass (5,190 m). Afterward, we can go for an easy trek around Tashi Island and see the sunset in Namtso. With the approach of nighttime, it would be an ideal spot to witness the Milky Way and the starry night sky in the Tibetan environment.
Includes: Breakfast, Private transport, an English-speaking Tibetan guide, and an overnight accommodation at a 3* Hotel in Namtso.
Today is a free day for you to wander around Namtso Lake. During the morning, you can take an easy walk from the lake to Tashi Island and find the meditation caves in the area. The rest of the day is free for you to wander through the area and take in the beautiful scenery surrounding this sacred lake.
Includes: Breakfast, Private transport, an English-speaking Tibetan guide, and an overnight accommodation at a 3* Hotel in Namtso.
After breakfast, we head back to Lhasa. It will be a long drive, so during this time, take it easy and unwind on the lovely scenery along the road as it takes you toward the city.
Includes: Breakfast, Private transport, an English-speaking Tibetan guide, and an overnight accommodation at 3* hotel in Lhasa.
After breakfast, we will visit the following top cultural and religious attractions in Lhasa: Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Bazaar. Drepung Monastery is the largest monastery in the world, built in the 14th century, said to have around 10,000 monks in the past, though now only a few hundred remain. Drepung Monastery is still an active center of Tibetan history, culture, and religious life.
Next up is the Sera Monastery, which is a very well-preserved complex featuring whitewashed walls and golden roofs. One of the highlights here is witnessing the lively debates among the monks, held daily from 3 to 5 pm, except on Sundays.
We will subsequently proceed to the Jokhang Temple, which is one of the most deeply sacred sites and an enlightening insight into Tibetan Buddhism. Inside, you will find a very sacred statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at age twelve. The day concludes with a stroll through Barkhor Bazaar, a bustling local market filled with open-air stalls, shops, and crowds of pilgrims, offering a glimpse into everyday life in Lhasa.
Includes: Breakfast, Private transport, an English-speaking Tibetan guide, and an overnight accommodation at a 3* hotel in Lhasa.
Our Tibetan agent will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to the airport or railway station according to your departure schedule. We wish you a safe and pleasant onward journey. Upon arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft), our Asian Heritage representative and driver will welcome you at the Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel.
Includes: Breakfast, Private transport, Airfare, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Your guide will give you a warm welcome this morning, then accompany you on your journey from Kathmandu to Patan. The first stop in Patan will be an exploration of the historic sites, particularly the Krishna Temple and Patan Durbar Square. The extraordinary craftsmanship and architecture of these structures are a testament to the culture and heritage of the people of Patan. In addition, visitors can visit the Patan Museum to learn about the royal past, the art, and the culture of Patan.
After you visit Patan, you will visit Bhaktapur, another city with preserved architecture. During your visit to Bhaktapur, you will explore the old city and see the wood-carved buildings, old squares, and temples. At Nyatapola Temple (the largest pagoda temple in Nepal), you will witness the grandeur and craftsmanship of Newari architecture. In Pottery Square, visitors can participate in the pottery-making process, where local artisans will guide them on how to create their own pot and decorate it with beautiful designs and inscriptions. This is a unique cultural experience!
Includes: Breakfast, Private transport, an English-speaking guide, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Today is the last day of your journey. Three hours before your scheduled departure back to your home or another location, our representative will pick you up in a private vehicle after breakfast and drop you off at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport.
We hope you travel safely and look forward to seeing you again soon.
Includes: Breakfast and private Transport.
Getting to Nepal as an international visitor is easy with the availability of an easy-to-use Visa on Arrival service at Tribhuvan International Airport and almost all the land border crossings into Nepal. Upon arrival at the airport, you will complete the visa form, submit the necessary documents, pay the applicable visa fee online, and then you will be given your visa within a very short time.
With several different types of Nepali visas available for various duration periods, visitors have the choice of whether they want to stay for a few days or months; however, some nationalities must obtain their visa in advance of travelling, so you must check the current visa requirements.
Learn more about visa guidelines and requirements: Tourist Visa Information
Nepal offers a wide variety of accommodation to meet the varying requirements of travelers at every budget level and personal comfort preferences.
Luxury Accommodation
Enjoy the luxury and the comfort of a highly rated hotel, and are looking for a high-end experience. You will find many luxury hotels in Nepal with an array of modern conveniences, such as spa treatments, fine dining, beautiful locations, breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and individual attention from the staff. These types of hotels are perfect for people who want to relax, unwind, and experience luxurious facilities while traveling throughout Nepal.
Budget Accommodation
Travelers who want to experience Nepal without breaking the bank will be happy to know that there are also many inexpensive accommodation options, including guesthouses, boutique lodges, and homestays, which are all clean, friendly, and very good value. Budget accommodation allows a traveler to stay within their budget while experiencing the generosity of local hospitality.
We ensure that your accommodation matches your preference, whether you seek luxury or convenience.
Explore available accommodation categories: Accommodations in Nepal.
Nepal has a lot to offer with its incredible natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Travelling can also come with risks, which is why anyone visiting Nepal needs to consider purchasing travel insurance, particularly those involved in adventure activities or trekking, as well as those who will be travelling to remote areas of Nepal. A well-rounded insurance policy can provide peace of mind through protection against the following:
Many trekking routes in Nepal are over 3000 meters (9842 ft); therefore, your policy should specifically state that high altitude travel is part of your Insurance plan, as well as the option to be evacuated in the event of an emergency. Choosing the right policy will help you receive the best possible care in your time of need.
Find out more about travel insurance for Nepal: Travel Insurance in Nepal
For hikers traveling to the Nepalese Himalayas, it’s essential to have the correct trekking equipment. Depending on what elevation you’re at, the weather might change drastically, so it’s crucial to use and carry the proper clothing and equipment in order to enjoy a safe and comfortable trip.
If you don’t want to travel with your own equipment, there are plenty of places in Nepal where you can rent or purchase what you need (particularly in Thamel, Kathmandu’s main shopping district). There are also locations within the city where you can find stores that offer a variety of high-quality trekking apparel and equipment at very reasonable prices.
See the complete trekking gear guide: Trekking Gear
