Everest Base Camp Trek| Everest Trekking Tips

The latest news about Everest Base Camp from Tibet

December 19, 2018

On December 5th, 2018, according to the regulations of Tibet Tourism Bureau, any unit or individual travelers are prohibited from entering the above-mentioned tourism of the Rongbuk Monastery at the Everest National Nature Reserve, you can only arrive at Rongbuk Monastery and visit the beautiful sunset of Mount Everest. Before, from April to Oct, you can go to Everest Base Camp to visit Mount Everest, then stay overnight at Everest Base Camp tent. Now, the EBC tent is also canceled by Tibet Tourism Bureau.

You don’t feel so sad. At Rongbuk Monastery, you can also see the golden Mount Everest peak. It will be a wonderful Everest tour you have never had.

What documents you need if visiting Everest from Tibet?

Apart from passport and Chinese visa, all foreigner travelers are allowed to enter Tibet with Tibet Travel Permits which is issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau. If you enter Tibet from Kathmandu, you don’t have to apply for the Chinese visa in your home country, while you need to stay at least 3 working days in Kathmandu to get your China Group Visa so that you can enter Tibet.

Also, if you visit Everest, you need to apply for Alien's Travel Permit when you arrive in Shigatse. It takes about 30 mins to get it in Shigatse.

When the best time to visit Everest?

Usually, from April to June and from September to October is the best time to visit Everest from Tibet. The weather is getting warmer, you will not feel cold when you stay at EBC. Also, from April to June and from September to October, there is no rain and the clouds had rolled by, you can get a clear view of Mount Everest Peak. From July to August, Tibet will enter rainy seasons and there are many clouds, you possibly not see the clear Mount Everest Peak during that time.

What pack if you visit Mount Everest?

Clothing

We all know the mountain. Everest has accumulated snow for many years and EBC has 5100 meters. So whenever you start your Everest Base camp tour, you need to bring warm clothes. In the summer, EBC is not as cold as winter, but you should also wear a warm down jacket because the temperature drops a lot in the evening. We recommend wearing T-shirts, sweaters, thermal jackets, warm pants, and thermal underwear while wearing them. If you travel in winter, thick down jackets are also a must for keeping warm.

Sleeping Bag

Sleeping Bag is necessary to bring if you visit Mount Everest. It can help you keep warm at EBC and keep personal hygiene. The accommodation at EBC is not as good as the accommodations in big cities of Tibet like Lhasa and Shigatse.

Medicine

Before you start your Everest trip, it’s better to ask your doctor if you can get into the EBC. Also, you need to take enough medicine for treatment of altitude sickness because it is difficult to find prescription drugs on the Tibetan Plateau. We strongly recommend that you bring a first aid kit with bandages, painkillers, and medications for high altitude sickness, flu, headache or other diseases.

Free Entrance Tickets For Everest Everest Camp from Tibet in Winter

November 19, 2018

Mount Everest has always been a sacred place for explorers in all corners of the globe to visit. In fact, you can choose to visit the charm of Mt. Everest from the Everest camp in Nepal and Tibet.

Good news! If you are planning to visit EBC from Tibet this winter, you are lucky. In order to promote the development of winter tourism in Tibet, the Tibet Tourism Bureau announced that from November 1 this year to March 15th, 2019, all tourists can enjoy the preferential policy. There are many attractions in Tibet that are free. In the winter, traveling to Everest Base camp, you can enjoy a great night at the Rongbuk Guesthouse and will be shocked by the golden sunrise of Mt Everest.

Free entrance tickets for Everest Base Camp from Tibet

Generally speaking, entrance tickets for EBC will be charged 200 yuan. Now, this ticket is free! In addition, if you go to Everest Base Camp in the winter, you will enjoy a discounted price for the car fee, tour guide fee, and airfare price. This is really the best time to complete your Himalayan dream with the lowest price and the best quality.

"Very cold, and potentially dangerous." If this is your opinion of Mount Everest's feelings in the winter and you are afraid to visit Mt.Everest in the winter, you can check more guidance for traveling to Tibet in winter. In fact, most of the Everest region is frozen all year round. However, the temperature of EBC is much higher than most tourists’ expectations. Although winter is not the best time to travel to Everest Base Camp, it is really a surprise beyond your imagination. You can still view a beautiful sunrise of Everest Peak.

The Temperature of Everest Base Camp in Winter

According to the annual weather report, the maximum temperature of EBC is around 13 ℃, and in certain areas of the Everest Nature Reserve, the extreme temperature can drop to minus 20 ℃. In general, the average temperature of EBC in winter is minus 10℃ during the day and minus 5℃in the evening. In a way, it is even warmer than the rest cities in China like Beijing, Harbin etc. The temperature during the day is comfortable, and the sun-drenched sky usually dominates, although it can become below freezing at night.

Hotels near Mount Everest Base Camp

Many people suspect that there is no place to spend a night in Mount Everest in winter, even if they are eager to see the spectacular scenery immediately. To be honest, this is an unnecessary worry. Although the tents at the Everest Camp will be demolished from October to March each year, visitors can stay overnight at Rongbuk Guesthouse. If you don’t feel good, you can drive 120km to stay at Tingri hotel to stay a night.

Tour costs are much reduced for visiting Mt.Everest in winter

During the off-season, you can save a lot of money to travel to Everest Base Camp. There are always a lot of promotional discounts. In the winter, entrance tickets for Everest camp and other attractions in Tibet are free. In addition, the cost of hotels, tour guide, flights, etc. will also be reduced. You can enjoy an unforgettable time in Tibet and Everest Base camp with the lowest price and the best quality.

Now, join in a small group tour to Everest Base Camp in winter is the best choice for you!

How to get to Tibet Everest Base camp for Mt.Everest visit?

October 17, 2018

It’s nice travel experience to visit Mt.Everest in a lifetime. If you have a first time to go for a visit to Mt.Everest, you may have many confusions about this tour. Here are some sweet tips as below,

1 How to get to Tibet Everest Base camp?

As far as I know, there are no direct international flights to Lhasa except Kathmandu to Lhasa, you need to transfer to Lhasa from a China city like Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xining etc. There are eight flights from Chengdu to Lhasa every day, and it only takes 2 hrs to Lhasa from Chengdu by plane. The flight tickets cost about $USD250 depending on seasons and flight no. If you take a flight from Lhasa from Chengdu, don’t miss a yummy Hot Pot and cute Panda babies at Chengdu Panda Base.

Also, if you have enough time to enter Tibet, don’t miss a good chance to experience a wonderful Qinghai-Tibet Plateau train railway line. It starts from Xining, and end in Shigatse, which was called “sky road”. On the railway, you will visit the beautiful sunrise of the plateau, vast grassland, snow-capped Tanggula Mountains. For the train to Lhasa, you can also start from Chengdu, Xi’an, Beijing, Shanghai, Lanzhou, and Guangzhou etc.

2 Book a Tibet Everest tour with a local Tibet travel agency

When you have decided to travel to Mt.Everest, you need to find a local a Tibet travel agency online or from your friend's recommendation. You can send an inquiry to them online, then your trip advisor will give you a suitable Everest Base camp tour itinerary and count the money for this trip for you. After you booked this tour, they will arrange this tour for you and get all your Tibet permits to Tibet.

3 Tibet Permits needed if you visit Mt.Everest

For all foreign tourists enter Tibet, apart from a Passport and a Chinese Visa, you also need Tibet entry permit and Alien's Travel Permit if you go to Mt.Everest.

Tibet Entry Permit, issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau is a document to enter Tibet. After your tour booked with us. We could surely get this Tibet Entry Permit for you, and we need your passport and China visa copies to apply for them from Tibet Travel Bureau within 12 working days. Once we get it, we will mail it to your hotel in a China city. If you take a train to Lhasa(except for Xi’an, Chongqing, Lanzhou), we will send the copy of Tibet Entry Permit to you so that you can board the train to Lhasa.

Alien's Travel Permit, issued by the Bureau of public security is a document to visit Everest from Tibet Everest base camp. It’s easy to get when you arrive in Shigatse. It takes only 15 mins. After you get it, you will drive to Everest Base Camp from Shigatse.

4 Pack your luggage and go to Tibet for visiting Mt.Everest now!

Here are some sweet tips for you to visit Mt.Everest.

What to pack

a. Most Important Ones

The passport with Chinese visas and Tibet Entry Permit.

b. Clothes

In winter, from November to next March, you need to bring down jackets, warm sweaters, gloves, warm pants, woolen hats and so on. In summer, you can wear a T-shirt during the daytime. In Tibet, it is very cold in the morning and evening, the Jacket is also necessary.

Also, whenever you visit Tibet, if your plan includes overnight at Everest Base Camp, to keep warm is very important. The winter clothes are a must.

c. Skin care products

Wind and solar radiation are very strong in Tibet. It’s good for you to bring skin care products, such as lip balms, sunblock, and skin creams, sunglasses.

d. Cash

Remember to bring some cash in different denominations and prepare enough cash for the days you are out of Lhasa since ATMs are few in the more remote areas.

e. sleeping bag

When sleeping in EBC tent camp, a sleeping bag is a good way to keep your personal sanitary and keep warm.

China group visa application from Kathmandu to Lhasa

September 18, 2018

It’s in September 14th now, we got the lasted news about China group visa application. As far as we know, if you enter Tibet from Kathmandu, you need to stay at least 3-working days in Kathmandu to apply for your China group visa. It means that you don’t have to apply for a Chinese visa in your home country in advance. If you have already Chinese visa, this visa also will be cancelled as you will take a flight or go to overland tour to Lhasa from Kathmandu.

Next, I will explain the process of Tibet travel. Now, the latest news from Tibet Tourism Bureau that from now on, if you have less than five people, they will not get you a Invitation letter about Tibet tour in Lhasa. In this way, you also can’t get your China group visa in Kathmandu without a invitation letter. So it becomes very difficult to enter Tibet from Kathmandu city if you have less than five people.

1）China group visa:

Chinese group visa is a special visa issued to a tourist group that includes at least five members who must travel together in China and Tibet. It’s a single entry visa and it is issued separately, not a visa label on an individual passport. In order to apply for a China Group visa, you need an invitation letter from the Tibetan tourist company you are booking. When you arrive in Kathmandu, you need to apply for it with your original passport and a passport-sized photo, and an invitation letter from your Tibet travel agency. You can get it within 3 working days. Kindly note: Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu accepts visa application from 10:00 ~12:00 on Mon/Wed/Fri only officially.

2）Chinese visa:

The Chinese visa is a document issued by Chinese Embassy in your home country. The Chinese visa authorities issue diplomatic, official or periodic visas to foreigners in accordance with their identity, purpose of visit or type of passport. The overseas Chinese visa authority is the Chinese Embassy in China, Consulate General and other institutions authorized by the Ministry of foreign affairs.

3）Tibet Permits:

Tibet Permits is a document issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau. You can’t travel in Tibet if you don’t have Tibet Permits. As Tibet tour is limited for foreign tourists, you need to book a Tibet Tour with a travel agency who can get your Tibet Permit before you go for a visit to Tibet.

But I also tell you a good news that for our travel agency, we find a good way to get your invitation letter even if you have less than five people and want to enter Tibet from Kathmandu. If you book Tibet tour with us, we will help you get a China group visa in Kathmandu no matter how many people you have.

If you want to travel in Tibet from Kathmandu, please feel free to contact me. This is my email address: support@greattibettour.com

Thank you!

A great journey to Everest Base camp!

August 14, 2018

Last time, I have been to Tibet and visited Potala Palace, Namtso Lake. Now, this is my first time to go to Everest base camp. I have always dreamed of reaching Mount Everest base and climbing the summit. Mount Everest, 8844.43 meters above sea level, is the highest mountain in the world, and also the main peak of Himalayas. I knew it was impossible to reach the summit of Mount Everest with my present physical condition and available money(Climb to Mount Everest will cost about 50 thousand dollars/per time), so it became my wish to do a Mt Everest Base camp tour and visit the grand Mount Everest as close as possible. The night before we went to Mount Everest, we had a few drinks at a bar in prayer for a nice trip. Cheers~

My friends and I have made a lot of preparations for this trip before the tour starts. We arrived in Shigatse the day before we arrived in Mount Everest, and adjusted for altitude changes. On the second morning, when the alarm clock did not ring, I woke up early. Too excited, ha ha. We left in early 8.30 and sat on a SUV with our tour guide, which was arranged by a local Tibet local travel agency.

The way to Everest Base camp is a mountain road. There are all kinds of S bends and elevation is slowly rising. Pray flags appeared from time to time. In such a severe natural environment, there are still life in the endless growth, which made us very admire.

As the car progressed, the fields, the hillsides, one after another appeared in many mountains, let our hearts beat faster. We are all excited about this. Most time, we were guesting which mountain is the real Mount Everest. The excitement completely overwhelmed the discomfort caused by rising altitude, and we knew that we were getting closer to the world's highest peak, Mount Everest.After passing a frontier guard, the car stopped for inspection. I raised my camera and took a picture of the snow mountain grazing. Then the driver told me that the top of the mountain was Mount Everest!!!

As the view of window grew more desolate and snow grew bigger, the scene indicate us that we are getting closer to the summit of Mount Everest!!! We were almost excited to shout in the car, but considering the other passengers on the car, we had to suppress ourselves!! You can only press the shutter continuously to express the joy and excitement in your heart!!!

Suddenly, there was a half of a mountain in front of us. It was so different that it came with a strong shock! The strong instinct in my heart tells me that it is the highest pearl in the world.

When the speed of the car get slowly, everyone woke up, "Whoa!" In a loud voice, we lifted the camera in hand. And I just shouted, "stop! Parking! Stop the car! "

Mount Everest, you have jumped into our eyes like this! I felt the tears coming out of my eyes. Mount Everest, finally saw you with my own eyes! In order to achieve the time and cost paid here, the moment is not worth mentioning. Because in such a holy mountain, even life is insignificant. We arrived at the Gaura Mountain Pass, the legendary snow mountain viewing platform in the world. When the weather is fine, standing on the pass, we can see four peaks above 8000 meters above sea level closed in front of us. From left to right, Makarau is the highest fifth peak at 8463 meters above sea level, fourth meters above sea level and 8516 meters above sea level. If you look to the southwest, you can see the world's 14th meter elevation of 8027 meters towering Shishabangma. At that moment, we were all at a loss, but the breathtaking spectacle. There are 14 peaks in the world, over 8000 meters above sea level, and we see more than half of them at a time. We are so lucky!!!

Not far from the tourist destination of the Everest base camp, we visited Rongbuk monastery, which is the tallest temple in the world. When we arrived at the camp, it was more prosperous than we thought. There are more tents selling souvenirs, such as fossils. What attracts us is the Mount Everest post office. It is the highest post office in the world and the most convenient post office.

Our overnight tent is very windproof. The tent was heated with iron stove to heat yak excrement. The smell was not so bad, but the temperature rose and fell quickly. I can't sleep well because of the low air pressure at night.

We have really a good memory in Tibet and Mount Everest base camp.

8 days Kathmandu Lhasa overland tour included Mt.Everest

July 03, 2018

Behind the great Himalayas is Tibet, a Buddhist country with the highest plateau in the world. This ancient land has always been a mystery, but also attracts many travelers to explore this land. Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour via Mount Everest will take you to every place in Tibet. In this 8 days tour, you can experience the different cultures and characteristics of Nepal and Tibet. What’s the most important is that you can enjoy the comprehensive Himalaya mountains to achieve your lifetime Himalaya dream. You can enjoy the amazing scenery along the roadside through the land drive from Kathmandu to Tibet. The Karola Glacier and Yamdroktso lake will show you the natural beauty, while Tashilunpo Monastery, the Jokhang Temple, and Sera Monastery will take you with a close contact with the Tibetan mystical culture.

Day 1 Kathmandu-Gyirong

Our Nepal partner will pick you up from the Kathmandu hotel about 6:00 am,then drive to Gyirong. We will drive from Kathmandu to Rashuwaghadi on the China Nepal border along the way. You will enjoy the wonderful scenery such as Green hills, valleys, rivers and so on. After the entry procedures at Gyirong port, you will meet our tour guide and driver in Tibet, then proceed to the town of Gyirong .

Day 2：Gyirong to Tingri 300km

Today, you will go to Tingri county (4300 meters) from Gyirong. On the way, you will enjoy the snow covered mountains and evergreen forests. When you pass the Tongla Pass (5100 meters), you will enjoy the magnificent Himalaya mountains. At this moment, you will realize the dream of Himalaya in your life.

Day 3 Tingri - Rongbuk - EBC – Tingri

Today, you will travel from Tingri to EBC. On the way to EBC, you are expected to pass the famous Gawu La Pass (5198 meters), where is easy to see top 4 peaks of great Himalayas. From there, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalaya mountains. Then we will visit the long-awaited Mount Everest base camp in Tibet (5100 meters). Also, you can explore the highest Buddhist temple in the world (5154 meters)- Rongbuk Monastery(རོང་ཕུ་དགོན་པ།).

Day 4 Tingri - Shigatse

It takes about 7 hours to drive to Shigatse today. If you want to take beautiful scenery along the way, please ask your driver to stop at any time. After arriving in Shigatse, you can visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the Six Big Monasteries of Gelugpa in Tibet. It’s also called the Heap of Glory, located at the foot of Drolmari, Shigatse. Founded by the First Dailai Lama in 1447, the monastery's structure was expanded by the Fourth and successive Panchen Lamas. In summer, along the way, we can also visit the traditional barley mill and enjoy the beautiful wheat field.

Day 5 Shigatse - Gyantse – Lhasa

Today, you will drive to Gyantse to Shigatse via friendship highway. There is a short drive about 90km to Gyantse, which boasts a variety of important cultural and historical site -Khumbum Palkhor Chode Monastery, Gyantse old street.

Then, we drive 280 kilometers to Lhasa, and when you pass Manak Dam Lake, you may hang pray flag at the Simira mountain pass; The next is the close view of Korola Glacier, turquoise Yamdrok lake and snow capped Mount Nyenchen Khangsar. Finally, you will cross the Yarlung Zangbo River and finally arrive in Lhasa.

Day 6 Lhasa tour

As a capital city of Tibet, Lhasa has a history of more than 1300 years. Today, you will visit the magnificent Potala Palace, the winter residence of Dalai Lamas. The first time you see its soaring fortress wall is the moment you will remember for many years. Even with modern standards to measure an architectural miracle, there are more than 1000 rooms on the 13 floor of palace height from 130m Marpo Ri. The Pilgrims and visitors shuffled through the three floor, the magnificent church in the past dozens, the golden pagoda and the main hall. In the afternoon, you will visit Jokhang Temple as part of the UNESCO World Heritage List 2000 as part of Potala Palace. The Jokhang Temple is located in the centre of Lhasa, which is the ultimate pilgrimage destination of the pilgrims in Tibet.

Day 7 Lhasa Tour

Today, you are going to visit the scenic spots in the suburbs of Lhasa. The Drepung Monastery is known as the most important monastery in Tibetan Buddhism. It is considered as one of three great monasteries in Tibet, and the other two are Ganden Monastery and Sera Monastery. Sera Monastery has been one of the earliest monastery educational institutions in Tibet since the early fifteenth Century.

Day 8 Departure From Lhasa By Flight/Train

Your trip end today. Our tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel to Lhasa Airport / railway station for your next destination.

What do you think of this Mt.Everest tour? If you're interested in it, you can contact me by email:support@greattibettour.com or Whatsapp： +86 15283357617

How to travel to Tibet from US

May 11, 2018

As the reputation of Tibet in Asian tourism, more and more tourists from the United States prefer to travel to Tibet. According to some statistics, the number of Tibetan American who live in American is over 9000, and Americans in the northeastern states are curious about Tibetan, and the talks about Tibetan culture has become one of the hot topics. It is the height of summer, and over a million Americans are flocking to the Mount Everest, the Potala Palace, the Drepung Monastery and other great monasteries across Tibet every year. The best time to travel to Everest Base Camp (EBC) is spring and fall for the clearer skies and better visibility.

Backpackers are not allowed to go to Tibet from foreign countries, and Americans are no exception. That is to say, you need to join a group from a registered Tibet travel agency. Each tour, even including one person only, should cover a tour guide, a private vehicle, and a driver. As a registered Tibetan travel agency, we specialize in arranging Tibet travel for foreigners and help more than 2000 clients every year to the magic and mystery of the holy land. We have listed some popular tour packages below.

Get to Tibet from the United States through Mainland China

With no direct flights to Tibet from American, you can choose to fly to Chinese major cities and then transfer to Tibet. There are many kinds of airplane classes. You can search websites to choose the suitable time and price. Many travelers choose to fly to Hong Kong firstly. The airplane ticket from American to Tibet transfers from 3000 dollars to 600 dollars. For most foreigners, Hong Kong is visa-free. It’s a free International arrival center with flexible international flights to most of the international cities in the world. After your arrival, we will send your TTB to your hotel and you can choose to fly to Lhasa from HK or board the Tibet train.

Get to Tibet from the United States through Nepal, Kathmandu

The second route we recommended is firstly fly to Nepal and then transfer to Tibet. From Kathmandu to Lhasa, the flights only take about 90 minutes with an average cost of 275 dollars. It goes across the Qinghai Plateau, and you can enjoy the scenery of the Mount Everest in the distance. But you should set aside at least 3 days to get the Group Travel Visa. And nowadays, you can decide to go by the overland route through the Gyiring Port since the reopening for foreigners.

Safety

It isn’t a problem to tourists. The Chinese government pays much attention to the safety in Tibet. Many guards patrol over and over again a day and some even don’t wear uniforms on duty. Security cameras can be seen everywhere and people will be checked when they go through highways. Although the public order is good in Lhasa, you should protect your own belongs.

If you want to know more information, please contact us: support@greattibettour.com

How to get Tibet Travel Permit when you travel to Everest Base camp

April 27, 2018

Who Needs a Tibet Travel Permit

A Tibet Travel Permit is required for all foreign citizens (non-Chinese passport holders) to enter Tibet. Chinese people who live overseas without holding a Chinese passport should also apply for the permit.

A Tibet Travel Permit is required for Taiwan

A Tibet Travel Permit isn’t required for Hong Kong and Macau residents, but Chinese SAR passport and Home Return Permits (or Mainland Travel Permits) should apply for it.

Requirements to Get a Tibet Travel Permit

Tibet permits are not allowed to be applied for foreigners on the person. A China-based travel agency, like China Highlights, is a need for you to get it. Above all, foreign residents can’t travel in Tibet on the person. You should go there with a tour guide.

A China visa is the first requirement to get a Tibet Travel Permit.

How to apply for a Tibet Travel Permit

*You should contact a reputable Chinese travel agency to arrange your Tibet tour, and they will show your tour itinerary on the permit.

*Then your travel agency will help you to apply for Tibet entry after you have sent your passport and China visa copies.

Your applications will be done successfully under the condition that：
If you are taking a train to enter Tibet, you are advised to send your passport and China visa at least 7 working days before departure. You’d better send it as earlier as you can.

If you enter Tibet by plane, you are recommended to send passport and China visa at least 15 days before departure. Because you should show your original permits when boarding, and mail delivery also needs extra time.

You shouldn’t write diplomat, journalist, or government official on the occupation list of the permit. Or else, you have to get an entry permit through the Tibet Foreign Affairs Office.

And your departure city to Tibet is fixed on the list of your itinerary. For instance, if your departure city is Beijing, you can’t use the permit at other cities' airports except in Beijing. We can help you to apply for another permit if you want to change your departure city in the case of informing us in advance.

How to Use Your Checked Tibet Travel Permit

You can ask help from you Tibet travel agency. They will help you to apply for the permit and send it to you before your departure.

When you board a train/flight, Workers will check your Tibet Travel Permit:

When you board a train, the workers of the train station will check a copy of your Tibet Travel Permit. So you have to prepare at least two copies.

When you board a plane, the workers of the airport will check your original Tibet permit, but only in Nepal, you can use copy instead.

In Tibet, your Entry Permit will always be checked from time to time, especially when you check in at your hotel and when you enter Lhasa.

It’s better to give permits to your Tibet tour guide in case losing it.

When you enter Tibet from China, you should know these detailed requirements

If the passport you hold is not valid for at least 6 months, all foreign individuals can not go to Tibet.

Additional Supplement for F Visa and Z Visa Customers:

If you hold an F (business) or Z (work) visa, additional information is required to be provided to get a Tibet Travel Permit. You will get the requirements from you travel agency after booking the tour.

If you have a Z visa and are working in China, these documents are required：

*A current Residence Permit (like a visa in passport)

*Certification in Chinese from your company/school in China (a letter paper from your company which includes your name and passport number, and a company seal on it.)

If you have an F visa and are invited to China for business, research, lecturing; scientific, technological, or cultural exchange; short-term advanced studies, or intern practice for a period of no more than six months, you need this document:

* Certification from your Chinese travel agency.

When You Enter Tibet from Nepal, you need Group Visas

When you enter Tibet from Nepal, you need a valid "group visa" (at least 3 people in a group) for Tibet. You can get it from the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu in two weeks.

*First, a reputable Chinese travel agency, such as China Highlights, is helpful for you to obtain Tibet Permits.

*After getting an invitation letter and Tibet itinerary from your Chinese agency, you should find a Nepal travel agency, such as our partner in Kathmandu, to help you gain your Tibet Group Visa.

When You Travel Outside Lhasa, You Need Extra Tibet Permits.

If you only want to visit Lhasa’s city attractions, such as The Potala Palace, Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple, you only need to have a Tibet Travel Permit. But if you want to travel outside Lhasa, you may need to obtain extra Tibet permits. Take it easy. You can ask your travel agency, and tour guide for help. Keep reading to know what kind of permits you may need to go to different Tibet destinations:

Tibet Travel Permits and Aliens’ Travel Permits are Required in These Places

*Shigatse: Sakya Monastery, Mt. Everest, Rongbuk Monastery

* Gyangtse: Pelkor Chode Monastery, Kubum Stupa

*Tsetang: Samye Monastery, Tomb of Tibetan King, Trandruk Temple, Yumbulakhang

*Nyingchi Region: Basum-tso, Pomi, Rawo-tso

You can only apply for an Alien's Travel Permit after entering Tibet. You can seek help from your tour guide to apply for it with your passport and Tibet Travel Permit.
Tibet Travel Permit, Aliens' Travel Permit and Military Permit are Required in These Places

*Ngari Region: Mt. Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, Tsaparang, Ali

Before entering Tibet, you can get a Military Permit from the Military Office in Lhasa with the help of your travel agency. Only taking this certification and Tibet Travel Permit, can your tour guide apply for an Aliens' Travel Permit in Tibet.
If you want to pay a visit to places requiring a Military Permit, you need to apply for your Tibet permits at least one month before departure for Tibet.

The Earlier the Better to Plan Your Tibet Tour

Please remember to plan your Tibet Tour earlier, because your travel agency has much work to do after you send the required documents.
Tibet permits procedures may seem to be complicated. Take it easy. We will guide you and help you from beginning to end.

7 days Lhasa Mt.Everest Kathmandu overland tour

March 12, 2018

Lhasa Mt.Everest Kathmandu overland tour is really one of the most exciting and exotic travel packages in the world. Starts this tour from Lhasa, and ends in Kathmandu along with great friendship expressway. All the way, you will go through Gyantse, Shigatse, Mount Everest base camp, Gyirong Border, finally arrived in Kathmandu. Throughout the process, you can witness many truly unparalleled charming and natural beauty both in Tibet and Kathmandu.

Gyirong Border is the only channel connecting Tibet and Nepal. It’s opened for foreign travelers in last year. So it’s a great chance for you to travel in Lhasa, EBC tour, and Kathmandu. As a cultural bridge, it brings countless travelers to have a close contact with charming Himalaya Ranges and unique culture in Tibet and Kathmandu.

When you go through the lake, stunning glaciers and a wild profusion of vegetation, you will see the most varied scenery. In addition to outstanding natural beauty, this tour also lets you explore the Dalai Lama of the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Yamdrok Tso lake, Gyantse in some mysterious and religious sites. You can also visit the world's highest monastery, Rongbuk Monastery, and many other beautiful monasteries. When you visit these influential monasteries, you will meet the most dedicated pilgrims in the world. Every year, thousands of travelers from all over the world do trekking to Everest base camp, where you can see the world's highest peak at Mount Everest. It provides a vast and breathtaking view of Himalaya mountains range, including the world's four highest mountain peaks.

Itinerary for 7 days Lhasa Mt.Everest Kathmandu overland tour,

Day 1 Arrive in Lhasa

After arriving in Lhasa, you can relax at the hotel for a day, as you will adapt to high altitude on the first day. If you’d like to, you can also explore the local’s life around Barkhor Street, but do not engage in hard activities.

Day 2 Lhasa tour

After breakfast, you will visit Potala Palace, which is regarded as a symbol of Tibet. It was built in AD 641 and was once the Winter Palace of the great Dalai Lama. Its huge golden Buddha and excellent Tibet architecture are impressive. This is the seat of the Tibet government. All the national ceremonies are held here. It sets up a school for religious training of monks and administrators. Because of the tomb of Dalai Lama, it is one of Tibet's main pilgrimage destinations.

After lunch, you will visit Jokhang Temple, where is largest and the most secret Buddhist temple in Tibet. Jokhang Temple is the spiritual center of Tibet and is the one of most sacred pilgrim destination for locals. The others were included in the Potala Palace and Norbulingka world cultural heritage. It was built by Srongtsen Gampo in the seventh Century, and the four-story building is located in the central area of the old city of Lhasa, surrounded by Barkhor streets.

The roof is covered with gold-plated bronze tiles. It shows the Buddhist world outlook of China, Tibet, India, and Nepal. Today it is often referred to as the location of the mountain, meaning "the house of the Buddha". Visit the Jokhang Temple, was the real voyage of discovery in the mystery of the divine land, you can be close to Tibet's religious experience, Tibetans dedication. Going back to Barkhor Street, you can buy a variety of Tibet traditions and religious items as a memory or gift.

Day 3 Lhasa tour

Today, you will visit Drepung Monastery, which is one of the world's largest monasteries. Many precious sculptures, paintings, and pagodas are displayed in many churches in the monastery. You can also visit Sera Monastery on the same day, where you can enlighten yourself by a high - quality debate on the Buddhist sutra.

Day 4 Lhasa to Gyantse and Shigatse

It's time to move from Lhasa to Gyantse and Shigatse. The delicate and tranquil lake of Yamdrok will be on the way. Lake Yamdrok, Lake Namtso, and Lake Manasarovar are three sacred lakes in Tibet. It is said that Yamdrok Lake may help the Tibetans find the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. After the death of the Dalai Lama, the senior monks were responsible for finding the boy who had been to the soul of the Dalai Lama reincarnation. They came to Yamdrok Lake to chant and pray and put Hatta (a silk as a blessing) and other sacred objects in the lake to reflect the specific position of Dalai's Lama soul.

About two hours' drive from Yamdrok lake is an amazing sight of the Karola glacier. At 5560 meters above sea level, it is a dreamy scene. Though glacier is not a large glacier when the glacier disappeared, its original white surface is a spectacular spectacle of the highway, and it is even more amazing near it. After that, it began in Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet.

Day 5 Shigatse to Everest base camp

Today's journey is the highest mountain in the world – Mount Everest. When you leave Shigatse, you will see the spectacular scenery on the plateau and enjoy the wonderful dark blue sky, the charming sailing clouds, the luxuriant grassland and the extended snow mountain. In the end, you will find the magnificent Mount Everest Stop- Rongbuk Monastery.

Since the 1920s, Mount Everest has attracted intrepid men and women. The exploits of legends such as George Mallory, Sir Edmund Hillary, and Tenzing Norgay put the mighty mountain on the map. Thousands of people followed them and made great sacrifices for their summit even lives. But today, Mount Everest base camp tour has become an achievable goal for all travelers from all walks of life who want to catch a glimpse of the world's highest peak.

Day 6 EBC to Gyirong Border

Today, you can wake up early and see the beautiful sunrise of the world's greatest peak. Then you'll get to the Mount Everest camp about 4 kilometers from the Rongbuk monastery. Here you will have the best view of Mount Everest. The peak of the mountain is covered with snow all the year round. When the sun falls on it, it looks like a beautiful white Pyramid.

Finally, back to the Ronbuk, you will drive about 8 hours of Gyirong Border. On the way, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of Mt.Shishapangma ranges and Pekutso lake.

Day 7 Gyirong Border to Kathmandu

Today, you will depart from Tibet and go to Kathmandu via Gyirong Border.

Since last year, travelers can travel in Tibet and Nepal via Gyirong Border by land. In this route, you enjoy the amazing land-based tourism from Lhasa to Kathmandu. If you’re interested in it, please feel free to contact me an email at support@greattibettour.com

Tips for senior people tour Mount Everest Base Camp

December 28, 2017

Can the senior people tour Mount Everest base camp? The senior people are more vulnerable to the plateau environment because of the high altitude area and relatively weak physical condition. However, no one can deny the fact that there are a lot of senior people who traveled to Tibet, and some of them even went to the Mount Everest base camp.

Actually, there is no age limitation for people to travel to Tibet. As for our clients over 60, it's also hard to define the age as the boundary of whether being able to travel to Tibet. Things are not always absolute considering the age of traveling to high altitude places. Previously, our oldest client who came from the US and even made it to Everest Base Camp is at the age of 81 with his 76-year-old wife. So suggest you consult with your doctor and staying physically strong and healthy are a must before making the decision to travel to Tibet.

Why do you need to visit the Mount Everest base camp in a lifetime?

From Tibet to Mount Everest base camp, you can clearly see the world's highest peak-Mount Everest. The north of the Mount Everest is considered to be one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. Besides, the 8 kilometer north of Mount Everest base camp from Tibet is Rongbuk Monastery, which is the highest monastery in the world and nearly 5000 meters above sea level. You can appreciate the magnificent scenery of Mount Everest and experience the traditional temple life in Rongbuk Monastery.

Is the Mount Everest base in Tibet like a hiking traveler from Nepal?

Since Mount Everest is located on the border of Tibet and Nepal, it has two base battalions in Tibet side and Nepal. To reach the Mount Everest base from Nepal, you will have to trek the whole route from Lukla, because there is no road to drive. A hiking trip from Lukla to Everest base camp from Nepal takes 10 or 12 days to finish the trip.

You can also trek to Mount Everest base camp from Tibet. It takes 3 or 4 days to trek to Mount Everest base camp from Tibet. But there is a road along the HWY318 to Mount Everest base camp from Lhasa. The best thing about Mount Everest base camp from Tibet is that you don't have to trek like Nepal. As a senior people, it wise for you to simply drive to Mount Everest base camp. In fact, many people agree with me, the view of Mount Everest from Tibet is much better than in Nepal.

Is the Mount Everest base in Tibet like a hiking traveler from Nepal?

You can also trek to Mount Everest base camp from Tibet. It takes 3 or 4 days to trek to Mount Everest base camp from Tibet. But there is a road along the HWY318 to Mount Everest base camp from Lhasa. The best thing about Mount Everest base camp from Tibet is that you don't have to trek like Nepal. You can simply drive to Mount Everest base camp. In fact, many people agree with me, the view of Mount Everest from Tibet is much better than in Nepal.

What types of accommodation are there near the Mount Everest base camp from Tibet?

There are three options for the Everest base camp. As Mount Everest is far away from Lhasa, all accommodation options in Mount Everest base camp are very basic, but there is not any problem to stay overnight.

Rongbuk Hotel, located on the opposite side of Rongbuk Monastery. This place is often overestimated, rather cold, dirty, and really not recommended.

Another option is a small hotel which operated by Rongbuk Monastery. The room is very simple, but it is run by the happy people in Rongbuk Monastery. Besides, from there, you can have a beautiful view of the Mount Everest.

Located 5 kilometers from Rongbuk Monastery and 3 kilometers from the Mount Everest base camp, Everest base camp tent is the last place before the Mount Everest base camp. It has about 35 yak woolen tents and provides a bed, a large number of blankets, basic food, and drink. The tents are very basic, not providing any tap water. It is opened only from late April to Mid-October.

For security's sake, you may stay 2 nights at Tingri. The altitude of Tingri is about 4300m but 5300m at EBC. If you really want to stay overnight at EBC, we will make another plan for you.

No matter the tents at Everest Base Camp or the guesthouse in Rongbuk Monastery, the elevation is over 5,000 meters, which is too high for elders to stay overnight. Besides, we need about three hours to drive from EBC or Rongbuk to Tingri (the nearest town to Everest). If there is some unexpected situation, for example, the customers feel uncomfortable at night because of the high altitude sickness, it’s hard to get to the hospital in time.