A 7-day tour is a popular choice for Tibet travel, and there are several great itineraries to choose from. The most popular route is the Lhasa to Kathmandu overland trip via Everest Base Camp, which takes you to some of Tibet’s top highlights, such as the Potala Palace, Yamdrok Lake and Mount Everest.

Besides, depending on your interests, you can also spend the week exploring central Tibet’s rich culture in depth, or head to Namtso Lake for stunning natural scenery after completing the classic Lhasa sightseeing.

In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to plan a 7-day Tibet tour. Read to know the classic travel routes, costs, required documents, what to wear and pack, etc. Get ready for a smooth and pleasant one-week trip to Tibet!

Is 7 Days Enough in Tibet? Yes, It Can Cover Tibet’s Top Highlights

Many tourists wonder if 7 days is enough to tour Tibet, considering the vastness of the plateau. The answer is yes. And if you plan wisely, you can cover some of the top attractions in Tibet in one week.

Normally, the first 2 to 3 days are spent in Lhasa, sightseeing around this ancient charming city, visiting iconic attractions like the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street. The rest of the week is up to you to decide where to go.

You can travel overland from Lhasa to Kathmandu, which is the most popular route, with visits to Mount Everest along the way. Or you can focus on exploring central Tibet for a deep cultural immersion, or take a trip to Namtso Lake for breathtaking natural views.

No matter which route you take, be sure to allow enough time to acclimatize to the altitude in Lhasa before traveling elsewhere on the plateau. This can make your whole journey much more comfortable and safe.

Explore exotic Tibet on this overland journey across the Roof of the World.

What are the Classic 7-day Tibet Tours? Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland via Everest

The most classic and popular 7-day itinerary is the Lhasa to Kathmandu overland tour via Everest Base Camp. It is an epic road journey that combines both cultural highlights and natural wonders of Tibet.

The tour begins in Lhasa with three days of sightseeing and acclimatization. You will get the chance to visit the holy Jokhang Temple and the magnificent Potala Palace, and walk the kora route around the lively Barkhor Street. You will also witness the famous monk debates at Sera Monastery and explore the monks’ dormitories at Drepung Monastery.

After that, you will travel overland to Shigatse following the smooth Friendship Highway. En route, you will pass the stunning Yamdrok Lake with its breathtaking turquoise waters, and admire the Karola Glacier, the largest in Tibet.

On leaving Shigatse, you will head through Tingri Town to turn south to the famous Everest Base Camp (EBC). The base camp gives you the best close-up views of the stunning Mount Everest. If lucky, you may also witness a breathtaking sunrise, sunset, or even starry skies over the world’s highest peak.

After departing EBC, you will travel to the beautiful Gyirong Valley, and on down to the town of Gyirong. Here you will stop for the night before crossing the border the next morning. The final leg of the journey takes you on a scenic drive from the border to Kathmandu along the winding mountain roads.

Are There Other Personalized 7-Day Tibet Tours? Many Options for Different Interests

Yes! Besides the classic overland route, you can also customize a 7-day Tibet trip depending on your interests and needs.

A popular option is to travel north to Lake Namtso after sightseeing in Lhasa. Sandwiched between the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains and the vast Changtang Grasslands, Namtso Lake offers spectacular views. The trip takes about 6 to 7 days, and is suitable for those who prefer a more relaxed pace.

If you want to focus more on monasteries, local life and traditional Tibetan culture, you can travel from Lhasa to Shigatse and Tsedang. You will not miss highlights such as Tashilhunlpo Monastery and Yumbulakang Palace. This route is a classic one of Tibet culture tour, and is suitable for seniors or those who wish to avoid higher altitudes.

Besides, for trekking lovers, you can take a short and leisurely hike from Shalu to Nartang Monastery. Following an old trade path between two important Buddhist centers, the route takes you through several local villages and scenic canyons along the way.

Another excellent option is to combine a Lhasa tour with a visit to Nyingchi in eastern Tibet. Unlike other parts of the plateau, Nyingchi features lush valleys, verdant forests and rich oxygen, and thus is known as the “Switzerland of Tibet”. Here, you can have many chances to take some impressive pictures.

No matter which type of experiences you are looking for, Tibet offers plenty of choices. As the leading Tibet tour operator with years of experience, we can help you customize your perfect 7-day Tibet tour. Just contact us and share your travel ideas.

How Much Does a Typical 7-day Tibet Tour Cost?

The cost of a 7-day Tibet tour varies depending on many factors, such as the travel season, travel style, group size, and accommodation. To save on your Tibet travel costs, the best option is to join a small group tour.

Generally, a 7-day Lhasa to Kathmandu overland small group tour starts from $989 in the low season (November to February), and ranges from $1089 to $1189 in other months of the year. These include shared accommodation at 3-day hotels, transportation within Tibet, a local guide, attraction admissions, and more.

You should also budget for other expenses, such as international flights to and out of China, domestic flights or trains to Lhasa, meals not included in the tour package, tips to the guide and driver, souvenirs and other personal costs.

Check the best local prices and reasonable departures of our 7-day Lhasa to Kathmandu tour!

What Documents are Required for a 7-day Tibet Tour?

For any tour in Tibet, you first need to obtain a Tibet Travel Permit and a Chinese Visa. The good news is that if you are from a visa-free country such as Australia, Germany, France, Italy and Malaysia, you can stay for up to 15 days within China, including the Tibetan Autonomous Region, without a visa. In this case, you only need to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit.

As for the Tibet Travel Permit, we can help you obtain it smoothly and easily. Just send us the copies of your valid passport and Chinese Visa (if required), and we will handle the rest on your behalf. It takes about 8 to 9 working days to process the permit, so make sure to contact us in advance before your tour departure.

If you plan to visit remote areas outside Lhasa, such as Mount Everest Base Camp, extra permits like the Aliens’ Travel Permit will be needed as well. No worries - we will take care of all these Tibet travel documents for you when you book your Tibet tour with us.

What to Wear and Pack for a 7-day Tibet Tour?

First of all, it is recommended to wear layered clothing, such as T-shirts, sweaters, and a down jacket, since there are big temperature differences between day and night in Tibet. A warm coat is necessary to cope with the cool summer nights, while in winter, thermal underwear and thick down jackets are required throughout the day.

Comfortable, sturdy shoes or hiking boots are essential for walking on the rugged terrains on the plateau. Warm, windproof accessories such as hats, scarves and gloves are also important, especially at mountain passes, lake sides, and during cold mornings and evenings.

To protect yourself from the strong sunshine, you should also bring sunglasses, a sunhat and high-SPF sunscreen. Skin protection items such as lip balm and moisturizers are also necessary to cope with the dry air of the plateau.

Last but not least, don’t forget your personal medication and altitude sickness remedies, such as acetazolamide. If you carry a camera, also make sure to bring extra batteries, since the device will lose power quickly in Tibet’s cold environment.

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Conclusion

While you may only have a week to tour Tibet, this is usually enough for you to get a decent taste of Tibetan plateau life. In 7 days, you can explore some of Tibet’s top attractions, such as the Potala Palace, Yamdrok Lake, and Mount Everest. The key is to plan carefully and prepare well.

As the leading Tibet tour with years of experience, we can help you enjoy a smooth and fulfilling 7-day journey on the plateau without missing its best wonders. Just contact us and speak with our professional consultants and travel experts. Join us and let’s get you off to the Roof of the World.