Search
Pioneer of Tibet Tourism for Overseas Travelers since 1984!
Mount Everest has been on our bucket list for a while, one of the most iconic places to visit in the world. As one who likes challenges, it had to be done. A Huff and a Puff, but boy, it was worth it!
Here, I'd like to share my travel experience with Tibet Vista, from taking the long Tibet train journey from Guangzhou to finally standing before the world's highest mountain at Everest Base Camp.
Join the most popular Everest Base Camp tour and discover the best of Tibet, from the iconic Potala Palace to the breathtaking Mount Everest.
Taking the Qinghai-Tibet Railway: My 54-Hour Train Journey from Guangzhou to Lhasa
The adventure started in Guangzhou, a 54-hour train journey to Lhasa, all organized by the wonderful Gemma at Tibet Vista, who organized and guided us through the whole process.
The train journey from Guangzhou to Lhasa was long, but it was an experience on its own through the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Tibet.
The train to Tibet was fairly comfortable, but basic, bunk beds were made up and certainly enabled a good sleep. The onboard food facilities were okay, but nothing special, it’s always possible to bring food onboard though, or grab food at the stations where the stops were fairly long
The Tibet train change in Xining, to one more suited to the altitude, was painless, just a walk across the platform into an almost identical carriage. The addition to the carriages was a supply of oxygen, should it be needed, and a physician on call if needed in an emergency.
My Tibet journey begins on the Guangzhou to Lhasa train.Arriving in Lhasa: First Impressions and Meeting Our Tibetan Guide
The eventual arrival in Lhasa was impressive. First impressions were very positive, with spectacular views and the appearance of a clean-looking and welcoming place.
We were greeted immediately by a local guide and escorted to our hotel, which was to be our home for a couple of nights in order to acclimatize to the altitude.
Pasnan, who was to be our guide for the duration of the trip, met with us at the hotel and explained what was going to happen, when, and where. He was a very accomplished English speaker and very engaging.
The hotel accommodation in Lhasa and all throughout the journey was excellent. Great quality hotels, well located, centrally placed, and excellent food. Good 3 to 4 star value with an oxygen supply pumped into the room if needed, again, all organized by the amazing Gemma.
My first impression of Lhasa came from the railway station, which was modern and clean.Exploring Lhasa’s Monasteries and Tibetan Culture
The Lhasa city tour to visit places of interest and the Monasteries were organized very well. A spacious vehicle and a dedicated driver were ours for the whole trip, a comfortable ride, and that very important supply of oxygen available, just in case!
The tours around the monasteries were fascinating, but in particular, the views, the panoramic vistas, the sheer beauty of what was on show, are something to be remembered for a long, long time. Whilst the climb up the steps was sometimes exhausting, the reward at the summit was well worth the effort.
One standout feature was the visit to Sera Monastery, where the Trainee Monks debated various aspects of Buddhism as part of their ongoing training.
Enjoying a panoramic view of downtown Lhasa from Drepung Monastery.
Witnessing the lively monks’ debate at Sera Monastery.Climbing the Iconic Potala Palace: The Highlight of My Lhasa Visit
The icing on the cake in the Lhasa Tour was the Potola Palace, though. Now a museum, it was formerly the Winter Palace of the Dalai Lamas. At 3,700 meters above sea level, it was a challenging venture to climb the many flights to explore it. But seriously, well worth the effort to get up there and see the inside of the palace and admire the views from its walls.
The Potola Palace was where Pasnan, our guide, really excelled. His knowledge, his experience, and his personality really came out here. It was certainly an education second to none, and I came away from it feeling totally enriched by the whole experience.
In addition to his orations, his care and support regarding the well-being and health of his group were exemplary. I couldn’t fault him one bit.
It was at the Monasteries, particularly the higher ones, with a lot of steps, that we first started to feel the effects of the altitude and the atmosphere gradually becoming more and more rarified as we got higher and higher. I was beginning to think that the word monastery actually meant ‘Many Steps’.
Lhasa is a great city to visit, a blending of ‘the old’ with ‘the new’ in terms of architecture, a blending of ancient culture and religion with today's modern society and its needs. For anyone wondering whether Lhasa is worth visiting, the answer is definitely yes. It is a fascinating destination in its own right, not just a gateway to Everest Base Camp.
Finally visiting the majestic Potala Palace, the symbol of Lhasa and Tibetan culture.Setting Off on the Epic Road Trip from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp
After our days in and around Lhasa, we loaded into our transport, a very spacious small bus with ample leg room, a lot more seats than passengers, so room to spread out. It came equipped with bottled water and, as we were to find out, a supply of essential oxygen cans for any altitude problems.
Each day was quite a long drive, but broken up into small chunks to allow for pit-stops, food, and places of interest along the way. All accompanied by excellent commentary from our guide along the way.
Our driver was excellent, drove very carefully and well, and we certainly felt safe all the time we were on the road. Speed was not excessive, and he also showed a lot of consideration to other road users along the way.
As we progressed and our altitude started to increase, the effects began to gradually show. Shortness of breath began to become evident, and the distance and amount of time during strenuous movement were shortened.
The scenery, the views, and the horizon were all very interesting, changing as we travelled along, passing beautiful lakes, dry river beds, barren areas of land, with the mountains in the distance becoming more and more prominent in our view as we journeyed along.
I have to mention that along the way, on our journey from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp, the food stops were superb. Being a bit of a foodie who very much embraces the Chinese philosophy of ‘You don’t eat to live, but you live to eat,’ I have a bucket list of food as well as travel targets. Yak was one I could now cross off the list. What a delight to try and then eat regularly in many different dishes.
As well as the food, the hospitality in our eating establishments was traditional but also welcoming and so friendly. At times it was almost like being in someone's living area in their house, other times a cosy eating place run by monks. Another time, a nice family-run diner. What a great gastronomic and culinary experience this was becoming.
Dinning with a local family in the Shannan area on the way to Everest Base Camp.Reaching Everest Base Camp and Watching a Spectacular Sunset
Pressing onwards towards the Everest Base Camp, the views became more and more stunning, the mountains more prominent, and views of Everest started to emerge.
Shortly before arriving at the Mt.Everest North Base Camp, we arrived at the Rongbuk Monastery, which is the world’s highest Monastery. It is also featured in the apocalyptic Movie 2012, where a huge wave sweeps across the Himalayas.
The interesting thought that came to me, having seen the movie, with all the people from all over the world rushing around to save themselves, not a single one of them got out of breath!
Here was I, having to grab a whiff of Oxygen at fairly regular intervals.
The short distance to the Base Camp concluded our outward journey. It was getting late into the afternoon, and sunset was coming; this was the aim: to see the Everest Sunset. It didn’t disappoint.
From the Base Camp, the view of the Great Mountain Qomolangma, to give it its Tibetan Name, meaning ‘Goddess, Mother of the World’, was outstanding. We were at around 5,000 meters and had achieved our goal.
As the sun came down, giving a lovely sunset, the temperature dropped considerably, and we were glad of our thermal layers, our Parkas, woollen hats, and gloves. We certainly would have struggled without them.
The North Everest Base Camp in Tibet has its own interest, good viewing, and an indoor information centre with facilities provided.
Seeing Mount Everest for the first time on the way to Everest Base Camp was unforgettable.
Fulfilling my dream of standing face to face with the north face of Mount Everest at Everest Base Camp!An Unforgettable Tibet Everest Base Camp Journey Worth Every Step
Following another comfortable overnight stay in a quality hotel, we set off on the journey back to Lhasa, taking a slightly different route to visit additional attractions and enjoy more Tibetan culture and food.
A truly amazing experience to have had, thoroughly enjoyable, informative, and eye-opening. A time of a lifetime.
Many thanks have to go to those who escorted us around, those in our group who made the experience even more interesting, and especially to those who arranged it all for us, looked after our needs, and made the trip worry-free and seamless.
So if you want to explore, see the top of the world, experience a different culture and way of life with the added bonus of excellent food, then I can thoroughly recommend this adventure to Everest Base Camp with Tibet Vista.
It's definitely worth the journey to experience Tibet's rich culture and breathtaking landscapes for yourself!
Join the most popular Everest Base Camp tour and discover the best of Tibet, from the iconic Potala Palace to the breathtaking Mount Everest.
"My Journey from Guangzhou to Everest Base Camp with Tibet Train Experience: Every Step Was Worth It"