8-Day Tibet Overland Tour from Kathmandu to Lhasa

  • Duration 8
  • Destination Nepal
  • Trip Grade Easy
  • Starts at Kathmandu
  • Ends at Kathmandu
  • Meals Breakfast
  • Accommodation 3-Star Hotels
  • Max. Altitude 5,220m
  • Activity Cultural Tour
  • Group Type Family, Couple
  • Group Size 1-35
  • Best Season April to October
Highlights

🚗 Overland journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa via the scenic Kerung Border

🏰 Visit the iconic Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple in Lhasa

⛪ Explore ancient Tibetan monasteries: Tashilhunpo, Sera, and Drepung

🏞️ Drive through high mountain passes, including Gyatchu La (5,220m) and Kambala (4,749m)

🏔️ Optional visit to Everest Base Camp for a close-up view of Mt. Everest

🌅 Breathtaking landscapes, including Yamdrok-Tso Lake and the Tibetan plateau

8-Day Tibet Overland Tour from Kathmandu to Lhasa Overview

Begin a scenic and memorable ride from Kathmandu to Lhasa over the spectacular Tibetan plateau via one of the world’s finest overland journeys. The 8-day Tibet Tour Tourblends spectacular Himalayan beauty, ancient monasteries, and deep spirituality.

Travel over dramatic mountain passes, visit some of China’s top sights like the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Tashilhunpo Monastery, and experience the vibrant life of Tibetan towns like Shigatse, Gyantse, and Lhasa. You will even have an opportunity to stop at Everest Base Camp to catch a glimpse of the world’s highest peak.

Day to Day Itinerary
Expand all

  • Early morning departure from Kathmandu.
  • Scenic drive through picturesque valleys and rugged mountains.
  • Cross the Nepal-Tibet border at Kerung after completing necessary immigration formalities at both the Nepalese and Chinese immigration points.
  • After border formalities, continue your drive to Kerung.
  • Overnight: Stay at a local guest house in Kerung.
  • Tea Guest House
  • Breakfast
  • 6–7 hours
  • 145 km

  • Early morning drive through the Tibetan plateau to Tingri, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Cross over Gyatchu La Pass (5,220m), one of the highest passes along the route to Lhasa.
  • Continue the drive to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city.
  • Overnight: Stay at a hotel in Shigatse.
  • Tea 3-Star Hotel
  • Breakfast
  • 9–10 hours
  • 390 km

  • Activities:
  • In the morning, visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, home of the Panchen Lama.
  • Continue the scenic drive, passing through Gyantse and visiting the Kumbum Stupa and Phalkor Monastery.
  • Drive through Karola Pass (5,010m) and Kambala Pass (4,749m), with breathtaking views of Yamdrok-Tso Lake.
  • Arrive in Lhasa, the spiritual heart of Tibet.
  • Overnight: Stay at a hotel in Lhasa.
  • Tea 3-Star Hotel
  • Breakfast
  • 8–9 hours
  • 260 km

  • Explore the iconic Potala Palace, the winter residence of the Dalai Lama.
  • Visit Jokhang Temple, one of Tibet’s most sacred temples.
  • Wander through the bustling Barkhor Bazaar, where you can buy local handicrafts and souvenirs.
  • Discover the spiritual vibe of Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery, two of the “great three” Gelug monasteries of Tibet.
  • Overnight: Stay at a hotel in Lhasa.
  • Tea 3-Star Hotel
  • Breakfast
  • Full day
  • NA

  • Visit Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas, surrounded by beautiful gardens.
  • Explore Tibet Museum to learn about the region’s rich cultural history.
  • Enjoy time at the Tibetan Museum or visit other hidden gems of Lhasa.
  • Free time for personal exploration, shopping, or relaxing.
  • Overnight: Stay at a hotel in Lhasa.
  • Tea 3-Star Hotel
  • Breakfast
  • Full day
  • NA

  • Early morning departure from Lhasa.
  • Drive to Xegar/Tingri, passing through dramatic landscapes and Tibetan villages.
  • (Optional) Visit Everest Base Camp (extra cost of $200 per person) for a closer view of Mt. Everest.
  • Overnight: Stay at a guest house in Xegar/Tingri.
  • Tea 3-Star Hotel
  • Breakfast
  • 9–10 hours
  • 494 km

  • Morning visit to Everest Base Camp for a spectacular view of Mt. Everest.
  • Afterward, drive to Kyirung, crossing over the beautiful Himalayan foothills.
  • Enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
  • Overnight: Stay at a hotel in Kyirung.
  • Tea 3-Star Hotel
  • Breakfast
  • 8 hours
  • 250 km

  • Early morning departure for the return journey to Kerung Border.
  • Complete the immigration formalities at the Tibet-Nepal border.
  • Drive back to Kathmandu, crossing lush valleys, mountains, and beautiful rivers.
  • Tea NA
  • Breakfast
  • 8–9 hours
  • 395 km
Altitude Chart

Our team guides, porters and accompanying staff are locals with a broad knowledge about each and every location that we travel through.

Cost Includes

Transportation: Private 4-wheel drive jeep for the entire trip.

Tibet Travel Permit: All necessary Tibet Travel Permits arranged.

Tibetan Guide: English-speaking Tibetan guide throughout the journey.

Accommodation: Twin-sharing rooms with daily breakfast included.

Sightseeing & Monastery Fees: Entrance fees for all sightseeing and monasteries as per the itinerary.

National Grassland Conservation Fee: Pekutso conservation fee for all members, guides, and vehicles.

Yamdrok Lake Conservation Fee: Yamdrok Lake conservation fee for all members.

Daily Breakfast: Daily breakfast included at your accommodation.

Tibet Visa Fees: Tibet visa fees covered for all travelers, except USD 90 extra for American and Canadian passport holders.

Staff allowances and expenses

Cost Excludes

Lunch, Dinner, Drinks: Meals (lunch and dinner), and all kinds of drinks are not included.

Insurance: No insurance for any kind of natural or political disturbances beyond our control.

Personal Expenses: Any personal expenses, including drinks, tips, porter charges, etc. are not covered.

Chinese Visa Fee: Chinese visa fees are not included, and at least 5 working days are required for processing.

Tips and Gratitudes.

❌ Extra stay charges due to unforeseen circumstances.

Departure Dates
  • We have daily departures for this trip from March to May and from mid-September to mid-December. You can type in the number of passengers to book a reservation and select a date that is convenient for you. Due to group size, we never cancel a trip once you’ve made a reservation. If you would rather join the group, we will add more travelers on the selected date. You can let us know once you make a reservation or earlier.
FAQs
  • While basic sightseeing in Lhasa doesn’t require high physical fitness, it’s important to be prepared for high-altitude travel. If you plan to do a trek or visit higher regions, it’s essential to be in good physical condition. We recommend preparing with light cardio exercises before your trip.

  • Yes, Tibet offers incredible trekking opportunities, including the Mount Everest Base Camp trek, Namtso Lake trek, and Kailash trek. We can arrange trekking tours for adventurers who are looking for a more rugged experience.

  • Pets are generally not allowed in Tibet due to the extreme weather conditions, altitude, and the difficulty of transportation. Make sure your pet is well cared for during your trip.

    • Respect local customs: Always show respect for local Tibetan beliefs and practices.

    • Dress modestly when visiting monasteries or sacred sites.

    • Don’t touch religious objects or monks, unless invited.

    • When greeting locals, use a Tibetan “Tashi Delek”.

  • Photography is allowed in most areas, but it’s prohibited in certain government buildings and monasteries. Always ask your guide before taking photos in sensitive locations, especially near military zones or sacred sites.Drones are required to get registered.

  • Yes, Tibet is generally a safe destination. The primary concerns for tourists are altitude sickness and limited medical services in remote areas. Always follow the advice of your guide and take proper precautions when traveling at high altitudes.

  • No, independent travel in Tibet is not allowed for foreign travelers. You must join an organized tour with a Tibet Travel Permit. Our tours are guided by English-speaking local experts who are knowledgeable about Tibetan culture and history.

  • Travelers typically fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa. The flight takes approximately 1.5 hours. If you’re traveling by overland route, the journey will take a few days via Jeep or bus. We can arrange both options for you.

  • Yes, Wi-Fi is available in most hotels in Lhasa, but it may be slow. Note that social media apps like Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp do not work without a VPN. Install WeChat to stay connected locally.

  • Most places in Tibet accept only cash (Chinese Yuan). Credit cards are accepted only at large hotels and a few shops in Lhasa. It’s best to bring enough cash from mainland China or Nepal.

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