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Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour
US$1200

Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour

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Recommended by 99% of travelers

Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Tour is 8 days itinerary that lets you explore four historical Tibetan towns, including the two biggest cities in Tibet: Shigatse and Lhasa.

Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Tour is not only the most accessible but also the most comfortable way to explore Tibet. Throughout the tour, you will travel in a spacious and well-maintained vehicle, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey between the cities and historical sites.

Trip Facts
Duration
8 Days
Trip Grade
Moderate
Country
Tibet
Maximum Altitude
3650 M
Group Size
4-20
Starts
Kathmandu
Ends
Kathmandu
Activities
Sight Seeing and Overland Drive
Best Time
May to September
Overview

Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour Overview

Embark on a journey along roads of white and blue, as the adventure to Tibet unfolds. Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Tour is not just a tour; it's a gateway to the roof of the world. This 8 day journey is designed to be easy, convenient, and affordable, offering you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture, tradition, art, and history of Tibet.

Tibet is known as the roof of the world. During the Kathmandu Lhasa Overland travel, you will feel like you are standing at the top of the world as you cross high mountain passes.

Overland travel from Kathmandu to Tibet is a gateway to Tibetan culture, tradition, art, architecture, and history. You will have the opportunity to visit palaces and monasteries that were built centuries ago by great Tibetan kings, offering a glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of Tibet.

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.

Rest assured, even though you will be reaching altitudes above 5,000 meters at some point during the tour, our Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Tour Itinerary is meticulously designed to ensure your safety and keep you away from altitude sickness.

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.

Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Tour offers unique experiences that you won't find in any other tour. You will witness breathtaking Tibetan landscapes and stunning views of the Himalayan mountains, such as Cho Oyu (8,188 m), Shishapangma (8,027 m), and the northern side of Mt. Everest (8,489 m), providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these majestic peaks up close.

Take control of your adventure with our customizable Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Tour. If you have a few extra days to spare, you can include the Nepal tour in the itinerary. This will not only make your tour more adventurous and memorable but also allow you to explore the ancient heritage of two Himalayan nations.

You and your family and friends can join our Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Tour. This tour does not involve prolonged walking or strenuous hiking, so anyone can join us.

Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour Highlights

  • Embark on an eight-day Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour 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, the Lhasa
  • 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

Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Tour Attractions

Discover the magic of Tibet with Outfitter Himalaya on a Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Tour. Don't just take our word for it, here's what some of our past travelers have to say: 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, we believe that travel should be a truly enriching experience. That's why we only hire the best guides who are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about the region. Our guides are trained to provide the highest level of service, ensuring your journey is not only memorable but also enjoyable.

Places to visit on 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 stupa's many levels, 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 experience 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.

Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Tour Itinerary

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. 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 or fly back to Kathmandu.

Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour Itinerary Outline
  • Day 01: Overland Travel from Kathmandu to Kerung border
  • Day 02: Travel from Kerung to Tingri
  • Day 03: Travel from Tingri to Shigatse
  • Day 04: Travel from Shigatse to Gyantse and to Lhasa
  • Day 05: Full-day tour in Lhasa
  • Day 06: Another day tour in Lhasa
  • Day 07: Drive from Lhasa to Xegar
  • Day 08: Xegar to Kerong Border to Kathmandu
Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Tour route map
Roadmap
Itinerary

You depart the Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Tour every Saturday from Kathmandu. This tour is a 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 (you can come earlier).
  • 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.

You can do day tours in and around Kathmandu and We start the overland tour early in the morning, and you will return to Kathmandu next Saturday.

Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour PlanExpand all

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.

During the drive, we will see beautiful views of hills and mountains. Once we reach the border, we'll complete the immigration formalities and continue driving to Kerung. It will be a long drive, so we will rest the remaining day.

Max Altitude: 2,900m / 9,514 ftAccommodation: Guest houseTravel Mode: Tourist Vehicle

The day begins with a delicious breakfast. From Kerung, we will follow an uphill road to Tingri. As the route follows a high plateau, we will see stunning Tibetan landscapes. It will feel like standing on the roof of the world.

Driving allows one to see Himalayan ranges like Cho Oyu and Shishapangma. On a clear day, one can also see Mt. Everest from Tingri.

Max Altitude: 4,340m / 14,238 ftMeals: BreakfastAccommodation: Guest houseTravel Mode: Tourist Vehicle

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.

It takes another four hours to drive from the pass to Shigatse. As we reach Shigatse by afternoon, we can rest and later visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of Panchen Lama. It is one of the most important monasteries in Tibet.

Max Altitude: 3,900m / 12,795 ftMeals: BreakfastAccommodation: Guest houseTravel Mode: Tourist Vehicle

As usual, the day begins with a warm, delicious breakfast. On this day, we'll pack our belongings and leave the hotel for Gyantse. 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 lovely. We'll cross Karola (5,010m) and Kambala (4,749m) passes along with a stunning view of turquoise Yamdrok Lake. Likewise, on the way to Lhasa, we will witness a view of Brahmaputra, the Tibetan lifeline river. During the drive, we'll stop at Manak Dam Lake and Korola Glacier.

Max Altitude: 5,110m / 16,765 ftMeals: BreakfastAccommodation: Guest houseTravel Mode: Tourist Vehicle

We'll spend two full days in Lhasa. On this day, we'll visit the famous Potala Palace, the winter palace of the Dalai Lama. Here, we will see the most valuable collections of the palace, which are the 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. We can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni, who was twelve years old, inside the Jokhang temple. 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.

Max Altitude: 3,650m / 11,975 ftMeals: BreakfastAccommodation: Guest houseTravel Mode: Tourist Vehicle

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

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

Max Altitude: 3,650m / 11,975 ftMeals: BreakfastAccommodation: Guest houseTravel Mode: Tourist Vehicle

The journey from Lhasa to Xegar is a scenic drive 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 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.

Max Altitude: 3,860m / 12,664 ftMeals: BreakfastAccommodation: Guest houseTravel Mode: Tourist Vehicle

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

Max Altitude: 1,345m / 4,412 ftMeals: BreakfastTravel Mode: Tourist Vehicle
Cost Details
Service Details
What's Included
  • 7 nights Lodge/hotel accommodation during the tour on twin share basis
  • Daily breakfast
  • All necessary transportation from Kathmandu - Lhasa and return
  • Sightseeing tour Tibet/Lhasa as per the program
  • An English-speaking Tibetan guide
  • And monastery entrance fees
  • Tibet travel permit
  • China/Tibet visa fee
  • All the Tax and Service fee
What's not Included
  • Additional US $90.00 per person Visa fee if you travelling on US or Canadian passport
  • Meals (Lunch and dinner) during the tour
  • All expenses of a personal nature
  • Travel Insurance
  • In the case of landslides, extra charge for porters and transportation
  • Anything not mentioned in the included section
Must-Know
Essential Information

Visa and Permit for Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Tour

  • Permit: You need a travel permit to travel to Tibet; we at Outfitter Himalaya apply for and obtain a travel permit 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 must also attend once to take a biometric test while applying for and getting a Chinese visa.

  • China visa cost: For other nationals, a Visa to China costs US $125.00, and for USA, Canadian, Argentina, and Romanian nationals, it is an extra US $90.

Kathmandu Lhasa overland tour difficulty and altitude sickness

Kathmandu Lhasa overland tour is leisurely. It is a perfect tour for people of all ages. You do not need any experience to do this tour. You only have to walk while exploring the historical sites. You must 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 to Lhasa Drive 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 the 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 the Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Tour

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

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