Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Tour

Duration: 8 Days
At a Glance
  • Duration 8 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Destination Nepal & Tibet
  • Start/End Kathmandu/Lhasa
  • Group Size 1-12
  • Max. Altitude 3650

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
  • 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) during 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

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. 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. Kathmandu Lhasa overland tour is the easiest and most affordable way of exploring Tibet. You will be using a comfortable to drive between the cities and historical sites throughout the tour.

Tibet is known as the roof of the world. During the Kathmandu Lhasa overland tour, you will feel standing at the top of the world while you cross high mountain passes. This tour introduces you to Tibetan culture, tradition, art, architecture, and history. You will be visiting 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 4 days. Some of the packages also involve trekking and are quite 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 in a way that will 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 tour 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. It will make your tour furthermore adventurous and memorable as you will be touring two Himalayan nations and their ancient heritage. You can join our Kathmandu Lhasa overland tour with your family and friends. This tour does not have long walking or strenuous hiking, so anyone can join us.

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 Lhasa overland 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 the rich culture and history of Tibet, visiting ancient monasteries, meeting local communities, and exploring the bustling streets of Lhasa, the historic capital of Tibet.

At Outfitter Himalaya, we believe that travel should be a truly enriching experience, and that's why we offer only the very best in terms of service, comfort, and safety. Our expert guides are knowledgeable and passionate and will ensure that your journey is both memorable and enjoyable.

Find the major attractions of Kathmandu Lhasa overland tour

Tashilhunpo Monastery

Tashilhunpo Monastery is one of the largest and most important monasteries in Tibet, located in the city of Shigatse. The monastery was built in the 15th century. It is the seat of the Panchen Lama, one of the most important figures in Tibetan Buddhism.

Visitors to Tashilhunpo can explore its many buildings and temples, which are adorned with beautiful sculptures, frescoes, and thangkas. The monastery is also home to a number of significant religious artifacts, including a giant statue of the Maitreya Buddha, which is said to be the biggest gilded bronze statue in the world.

Kumbum Stupa

Kumbum Stupa, also known as Ta'er Monastery, is one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist temples in China. 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 of which is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, and admire the beautiful views from the top.

Phalkor Monastery

Phalkor Monastery is a beautiful and remote Buddhist temple located 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. It is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. Jokhang temple 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 located in the old quarter of Lhasa. Here, visitors can purchase traditional Tibetan crafts, clothing, and jewelry, as well as sample local street food. 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 to have a travel permit to travel to Tibet, We at Outfitter Himalaya apply and get a travel permit for you to travel to Tibet once you book the trip with us.

Visa: A China visa is required to travel to Tibet, and a China visa is not included in our price. We need a color scan copy of your passport within a month to apply for a permit and visa. And, We need your passport for a few days, and you also need to attend once to do biometric while applying and getting a Chinese visa.

China visa cost

It cost US $125.00 for visa to China for other nationals and extra US $ 90for USA, Canadian, Argentina & Romania nationals.

Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Trip Departure

We Departure the Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Tour every Saturday from Kathmandu. And, this tour is a small group departure and we also call it a budget tour. You will travel with other people as there should be a minimum of 4 people to apply and get travel permits and visas for the tour.

If you are 4 or more people, you can do the private tour on your date too. We suggest you follow the following schedule to join this tour.

  • Monday: We suggest you arrive in Nepal at least on Monday (if you would arrive earlier, that is your choice).
  • Tuesday: We apply for Visa with your passport. (You may go on a tour in Kathmandu)
  • Wednesday: You will attend the Chinese embassy for biometrics. After this, you will be free to do your own activities/tours.

What to do before to join the Kathmandu Lhasa overland tour?

We suggest you to take Glimpse of Nepal tour or Taste of Nepal tour before to Join the Tibet Lhasa Overland tour. Or, We propose you do the following tours on these extra days while you are applying a visa.

Saturday: We start the overland tour early in the morning and you will return to Kathmandu next Saturday.

Itinerary

The Kathmandu Lhasa overland tour begins with a long drive from Kathmandu to Kerung. Upon reaching Kerung, you will do the immigration formalities and spend a night there. The next day, the tour continues to Tingri. You will be driving on an uphill road that offers wonderful Himalayan range views 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 the view of 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 & Phalkor Monastery. You will get to 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) & Kambala (4,749m). On the way, you will get to witness the gorgeous view of turquoise Yamdrok Lake and the BrahmaPutra, the Tibetan lifeline river. You will also stop at Manak Dam Lake and Korola Glacier during the drive.

Upon reaching Lhasa, you will head to the hotel to spend the night. For the next two days, you will visit tourist places like Potala Palace, Jokhang temple, Barkhor street, Drepung monastery, and Sera monastery. After visiting Lhasa, you will drive back to Kathmandu.

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We will be leaving Kathmandu early in the morning today. Our team will pick you up from your hotel in a jeep, and we'll begin our drive towards Kerung. Kerung is a Nepal-Tibet border. Leaving the bustle of Kathmandu, the drive goes along the countryside, passing by small towns.

We will see beautiful views of hills and mountains during the drive. Once we reach the border, we'll do the immigration formalities and continue our drive to the hotel in Kerung. It will be a long drive, so we will spend the remaining day resting.

  • AccommodationGuest House

The day begins with a delicious breakfast. From Kerung, we will follow an uphill road that goes to Tingri. As the road follows a high plateau of the world, we will get to see stunning Tibetan landscapes along the way. It will feel like standing on the roof of the world. Himalayan ranges like Cho Oyu and Shishapangma are seen while driving. In Tingri, we can also see the views of Mt. Everest on a clear day.

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  • AccommodationGuest House

After Tingri, we cross Gyatchu La (5,220 m) en route to Lhasa. It is the highest pass we will come across during our trip. From the top of the pass, we can see a striking view of Mt. Kailash in the west. From the pass, it takes another four hours of driving to reach Shigatse.

As we'll reach Shigatse by afternoon, we can take some rest and later visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of Panchen Lama. It is one of the most important monasteries in Tibet.

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  • AccommodationGuest House

As usual, the day begins with a warm, delicious breakfast. We'll then pack up our belongings and leave the hotel for Gyantse on this day. We will then begin the drive to Gyantse, which takes three hours to reach. We get to see Tibetan villages.

We will then drive to Lhasa, Today. The drive will be very beautiful. We'll cross Karola (5,010m) & Kambala (4,749m) passes along with a stunning view of turquoise Yamdrok Lake. Likewise, we will also get to witness a view of BrahmaPutra, the Tibetan lifeline river, on the way to Lhasa. Similarly, we'll also stop at Manak Dam Lake and Korola Glacier during the drive.

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  • AccommodationGuest House

We'll spend two full days in Lhasa. On this day, we'll visit the famous Potala Palace. It is the winter palace of the Dalai Lama. Here, we will see the most valuable collections of the palace, which are gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation Cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.

After exploring the Potala Palace, we will take a small break for lunch and then head to Jokhang temple. This temple was built in the 7th century by the 33rd king of Tibet. Inside the Jokhang temple, we can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve.

From here, we'll visit Barkhor street, where we'll do the kora with pilgrims and locals. And end the day, by exploring the local market.

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  • AccommodationGuest House

Today, we'll drive to Drepung monastery after having breakfast. It is one of the great three Gelug monasteries of Tibet. Drepung monastery was built by Jamyan Choge, one of the Tsongkhapa’s main disciples, in 1416. We will get to see Buddhist sculptures and carvings.

From here, the tour continues to Sera monastery, where we can see the monks debating. We'll end the tour visiting the Tibetan religious scripture printing house, where we get to see sand Mandalas and colorful rock paintings of Lord Buddha.

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The journey from Lhasa to Xegar is a scenic drive that takes you through the heart of Tibet. As you leave the bustling city of Lhasa, you'll pass through small villages and towns, surrounded by stunning mountain ranges and vast open plains. The road winds its way through the rugged terrain, offering breathtaking views at every turn. After several hours of driving, you'll arrive in Xegar, a small town nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas.

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Embarking on a journey from Xegar to Kathmandu, we set out early in the morning and make our way towards the Kerong Border. From there, we continue our drive towards Kathmandu, enjoying the breathtaking scenery along the way. Although it is a long journey, the stunning views make it well worth it.

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Is the offered itinerary not suitable for you?

Looking for a customized itinerary? Reach out to our experts.

Map & Altitude Graph

Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Tour map

Inclusions

  • Lodge/hotel accommodation during the tour with breakfast on tiwn share
  • All necessary transportation from Kathmandu - Lhasa and return
  • Sightseeing tour as per the program
  • An English speaking Tibetan guide
  • And monasteries entrance fees
  • Tibet travel permit

Exclusions

  • Meals (Lunch and dinner) during the tour
  • All expenses of personal nature
  • Nepal re-entry visa fee
  • Travel insurance
  • In the case of landslides, extra charge for porters and transportation
  • Anything not mentioned in the included section
  • China Visa fee

Add-Ons & Options

Optional Add ons

At Outfitter Himalaya, we understand that every traveler has unique needs and preferences. That's why we offer a range of optional add-ons to our Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Tour. For instance, as you need to stay few days in Kathmandu to apply for a Chinese Visa, we can arrange for a comfortable hotel room and even organize tours in and around the city before or after your Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Tour. Get in touch with us for more information and personalized proposals.

Single Traveller

If you are single and joining a group tour and prefer to have single room throughout the tour. We can book the single room at additional US $150.00.

Essential Info

Kathmandu Lhasa overland tour difficulty and altitude sickness

The Kathmandu Lhasa overland tour is an easy tour. It is a perfect tour for people of all ages. You do not need any kind of experience to do this tour. You only have to walk while exploring the historical sites. You have to be healthy and fit to join the Kathmandu Lhasa overland tour.

There is also no risk of altitude sickness during the Kathmandu Lhasa overland tour as you will not spend much time at high elevations. We keep moving and sleeping at low elevations, which will keep us away from altitude sickness.

Best time to go on the Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Tour

You can go on a Kathmandu Lhasa overland tour throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Tibet is during spring and autumn, when you can enjoy a range of floras and Tibetan vegetation. Moreover, the mild temperature during this time of the year makes the journey pleasant.

Accommodations on Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Tour

You stay overnight in the hotel/guesthouse during the Kathmandu Lhasa overland tour, and You get all kinds of modern facilities and services in the hotel. You can book either a single or double room as per your choice. The rooms are simple, well-furnished, and clean.

Meals on Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Tour

Meals are served as per the menu of the hotel. Only breakfast is included in the price, and you need to pay for the other meals like lunch and dinner.

Optional tour packages

We have many tour packages in Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. Some of our best-selling cross-country tour packages are Nepal Bhutan Tour, Nepal Tibet Bhutan Tour, and Short Nepal Bhutan Tour.

Likewise, here are some of our best tour packages in Nepal- Nepal Luxury Tour, Nepal Summer Tour, Nepal Student Tour, Taste of Nepal Tour, Spirit of Nepal Tour, Nepal Honeymoon Tour, Nepal Family Adventure, and Glimpse of Nepal Tour.

For travelers who are looking for a short hike and trek, find them here.

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