Kathmandu to Tibet (Lhasa) Overland Tour 08 Days
Along roads of white and blue, the journey to Tibet begins anew. Join us on our Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Tour departure and explore the roof of the world. This is an easy, convenient, and affordable Lhasa tour from Kathmandu, Nepal.
Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Tour is an eight-day program that lets you explore four Tibetan historical towns, including the two biggest cities in Tibet—Shigatse and Lhasa.
It is the most accessible and affordable way of exploring Tibet. Throughout the tour, you will use a comfortable vehicle to drive between the cities and historical sites.
Tibet is known as the roof of the world. During the Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Tour, you will feel like you are standing at the top of the world as you cross high mountain passes.
This tour introduces you to Tibetan culture, tradition, art, architecture, and history. You will visit palaces and monasteries built centuries ago by great Tibetan kings.
We have a few other Tibet tour packages, like the Nepal Tibet tour and Tibet Lhasa Tour for four days. Some of the packages also involve trekking and are pretty demanding. However, our Kathmandu Lhasa overland tour is the most convenient one.
Even though you will be going above 5,000 meters at some point during the tour, we have designed our Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Tour Itinerary to keep you safe and away from altitude sickness.
The Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Tour goes across the famous Friendship Highway. You will spend a night in Kerung, Tingri, Shigatse, and Gyantse and two full days in Lhasa before flying back to Kathmandu from Goggar Airport.
The Overland Trip lets you witness breathtaking Tibetan landscapes along with stunning views of the Himalayan mountains like Cho Oyu (8,188 m), Shishapangma (8,027 m), and the northern side of Mt. Everest (8,489 m).
You can customize the Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Tour and include the Nepal tour in the itinerary if you have a few extra days to explore. This will make your tour even more adventurous and memorable, as you will tour two Himalayan nations and their ancient heritage.
You can join our Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Tour with your family and friends. This tour does not involve prolonged walking or strenuous hiking so that anyone can join us.
Kathmandu to Tibet (Lhasa) Overland Tour Highlights
- Embark on an eight-day program that lets you explore four Tibetan historical towns
- A comfortable drive between the cities and historical sites throughout the tour
- Explore the roof of the world
- Feel like standing at the top of the world while you cross high mountain passes
- Introduce yourself to Tibetan culture, tradition, art, architecture, and history
- Visit palaces and monasteries built centuries ago by great Tibetan kings
- Witness breathtaking Tibetan landscapes along with stunning views of the Himalayan mountains
- It is a perfect tour package to do with your family and friends, as people of any age can join it
- Cross Gyatchu La (5,220 m), Karola (5,010m) & Kambala (4,749m) while driving from one city to another
- Get to see a striking view of turquoise Yamdrok Lake and the Brahmaputra, along with Manak Dam Lake and Korola Glacier
Why Go On Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Tour
Discover the magic of Tibet with Outfitter Himalaya on a Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Tour. Our expert guides will show you the best of what this remarkable region has to offer, from its stunning natural beauty to its rich cultural heritage.
One of the biggest attractions of our Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour is the chance to witness the majesty of the Himalayas up close. Our journey takes us over the towering mountains and along the beautiful valleys, giving you a front-row seat to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.
As we travel, we'll also immerse ourselves in Tibet's rich culture and history, visiting ancient monasteries, meeting local communities, and exploring the bustling streets of Lhasa, the historic capital of Tibet.
At Outfitter Himalaya, travel should be a truly enriching experience. That's why we offer only the best in terms of service, comfort, and safety. Our expert guides are knowledgeable and passionate and will ensure your journey is memorable and enjoyable.
Find the major attractions on the Kathmandu Lhasa overland tour.
Tashilhunpo Monastery
Tashilhunpo Monastery is one of the largest and most important monasteries in Tibet. It is located in Shigatse and was built in the 15th century. It is the seat of the Panchen Lama, one of the most influential figures in Tibetan Buddhism.
Visitors to Tashilhunpo can explore its many buildings and temples adorned with beautiful sculptures, frescoes, and thangkas.
The monastery is also home to several significant religious artifacts, including a giant statue of the Maitreya Buddha, which is said to be the most enormous gilded bronze statue in the world.
Kumbum Stupa
Kumbum Stupa, or Ta'er Monastery, is one of China's largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist temples. The stupa was built in the 15th century to commemorate the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
Visitors can climb the many levels of the stupa, each adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, and admire the beautiful views from the top.
Phalkor Monastery
Phalkor Monastery is a beautiful remote Buddhist temple in the Tibet Autonomous Region. The monastery is set on a hilltop surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. It is one of the most important centers of the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
Visitors to Phalkor can explore its many temples and shrines, observe the monks as they engage in their daily rituals, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere of this truly magical place.
Potala Palace
This magnificent palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama. The palace sits atop a hill in the center of Lhasa.
It is a towering structure with 13 stories and more than 1,000 rooms. Visitors can admire the stunning architecture and learn about the history of Tibetan Buddhism as they explore its many halls and shrines.
Jokhang Temple
Jokhang Temple is the spiritual heart of Lhasa and one of the world's most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
It dates back to the 7th century. It is a stunning example of traditional Tibetan architecture and is home to numerous sacred artifacts and images of the Buddha.
Barkhor Bazaar
Barkhor Bazaar is a bustling market in the old quarter of Lhasa. Visitors can purchase traditional Tibetan crafts, clothing, and jewelry and sample local street food here.
The market is also a great place to observe local life and get a feel for the city's vibrant cultural atmosphere.
Sera Monastery
Sera Monastery is located on the outskirts of Lhasa. It is one of the three largest monasteries in Tibet.
Visitors can tour the beautiful monastery grounds, observe the monks as they engage in their daily rituals and debates, and learn about the history and practices of Tibetan Buddhism.
Visa and Permit for Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Tour
Permit: You need a travel permit to travel to Tibet; we at Outfitter Himalaya apply and get a travel permit to travel to Tibet once you book the trip with us.
Visa: A China visa is required to travel to Tibet, and it is not included in our price. We need a color-scanned copy of your passport within a month to apply for a permit and visa.
We need your passport for a few days, and you also need to attend once to take a biometric test while applying for and getting a Chinese visa.
China visa cost
It costs US $125.00 for a Visa to China for other nationals and an extra US $90 for USA, Canadian, Argentina, and Romanian nationals.
Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Trip Departure
We Depart the Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Tour every Saturday from Kathmandu.
This tour is a slight group departure; we also call it a budget tour. You will travel with other people, as there should be at least four people to apply and get travel permits and visas for the tour.
If you are four or more people, you can also do a private tour on your date. Please follow the following schedule to join this tour.
Monday: We suggest you arrive in Nepal at least on Monday (if you would come earlier, that is your choice).
Tuesday: We apply for a Visa with your passport. (You may go on a tour in Kathmandu)
Wednesday: You will attend the Chinese embassy for biometrics. After this, you can do your activities/tours.
What should you do before joining the Kathmandu Lhasa overland tour?
- We suggest you take the Glimpse of Nepal tour or the Taste of Nepal tour before joining the Tibet Lhasa Overland tour.
Or, We propose you do the following tours on these extra days while applying for a visa.
- Chitwan Tour 3 days
- Chisapani Nagarkot Trek 3 Day
- You can do day tours in and around Kathmandu.
Saturday: We start the overland tour early in the morning, and you will return to Kathmandu next Saturday.
Tibet Lhasa Tour Itinerary
The Kathmandu Lhasa overland tour begins with a long drive from Kathmandu to Kerung. Upon reaching Kerung, you will complete the immigration formalities and spend a night there.
The next day, the tour continues to Tingri. You will drive on an uphill road that offers beautiful views of the Himalayan range and Tibetan landscapes.
The tour then continues to Shigatse the following day. On the way from Tingri, you will cross Gyatchu La (5,220 m). It is the highest point you will touch during the Kathmandu Lhasa overland tour.
From the top of the pass, you can see Mt. Kailash (6,638 m) in the west. Later in the afternoon, visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama in Shigatse.
The next part of the tour takes you to Gyantse. From Shigatse, it is a short scenic ride to Gyantse. In this town, you will visit the Kumbum Stupa and Phalkor Monastery.
You will learn a lot about Tibetan architecture in this monastery. From here, you will drive to Lhasa and spend two full days there.
The route from Gyantse to Lhasa crosses two passes: Karola (5,010m) and Kambala (4,749m). On the way, you will witness the gorgeous view of turquoise Yamdrok Lake and the Brahmaputra, the Tibetan lifeline river. During the drive, you will also stop at Manak Dam Lake and Korola Glacier.
Upon reaching Lhasa, you will head to the hotel for the night. You will visit tourist places like Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery for the next two days. After visiting Lhasa, you will drive back to Kathmandu.
