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8 Days Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Adventure Tour with EBC Experience

Conquer the Himalayas

  • TD-TTB-018
  • 8 Days
  • Mount Everest (EBC) Tours, Tibet Private Tours

Expedition Overview

Traveling from Kathmandu in Nepal to Tibet is one of the most popular way to visit this mysterious holy land. Covering a distance of approximately 160 kilometers, the route leads up to the Gyirong Border, where the adventure begins. To fully immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of Tibet, we highly recommend our 8-day Kathmandu to Lhasa overland adventure tour. This journey of a lifetime allows you to explore the best of Tibet, including a visit to the majestic Mount Everest, all at an affordable local price that makes this experience even more irresistible.
Over the course of the first two days, you will travel from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi and enter Tibet via Gyirong Border. Then, you’ll reach the closest point to the sky at Everest Base Camp, where you can bask in the serene surroundings of this natural wonder. As you head to Shigatse, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the impressive Tashilhunpo Monastery, and explore the turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake and the breathtaking Karola Glacier on the way to Lhasa. In the holy city of Lhasa, you’ll witness the grandeur of its attractions, including the world-renowned Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Sera Monastery. Throughout the journey, you’ll travel in comfort and at a smooth pace, giving you ample time to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery and cultural treasures of Tibet.
With the border open in 2023, there has never been a better time to take our Kathmandu to Lhasa tour. This adventurous tour combines Tibetan culture, religious architecture and monasteries, ancient relics, natural wonders, and thrilling experiences, making it a truly unforgettable journey.

Itinerary

Altitude: 2700 meters | Distance: 137 km, about 7 hours’ drive

In the morning, you’ll be accompanied by a local guide and driver as they pick you up from your hotel in Kathmandu. From there, you’ll head towards Syabrubesi, situated near the border on the Nepalese side. As you travel along the winding mountain road, you’ll be treated to primitive views of cascading waterfalls, flowing rivers, majestic gorges, and lush forests. You have a chance to view LuangTang National Park.

In this evening, you will stay overnight at a charming local guesthouse in Syabrubesi.

Altitude: 2800 meters | Distance: 40km, about 4-5 hours’ drive

After breakfast, you will be transported to the border for entry into China, where you will be greeted by your local guide and driver on the Chinese side. Upon passing through the Gyirong Border, you will be escorted to Gyirong Town (about 1 hour’s driving), which sits at an altitude of 2800 meters and serves as a vital entry and exit point for travelers moving between China and Nepal, being located on the border between the two countries.

In this afternoon, you have the opportunity to explore the Paba Monastery, established in 637 AD. According to legend, when Nepalese Princess Bhrikuti married Songtsen Gampo and entered Tibet, she brought along three statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, one of which was the statue of Wadisambhava. This statue was placed in Gyirong Town, and the Paba Monastery was erected to house it. After your visit to the monastery, take some time to explore the surrounding area of Gyirong.

Stay overnight in Gyirong Town.

Altitude: 5200 meters | Distance: 480 km, about 10-11 hours’ drive

On this day, you will be transferred from Gyirong Town to Tingri. Along the way, you will pass by the breathtaking Pelkhu-tso Lake, a stunning cobalt blue lake and the largest in Shigatse, with an elevation of 4590 meters. Mount Shishabangma, regarded as a lucky holy mountain, stands nearby, while Pelkhu-tso Lake is the holy lake, shimmering like a diamond and complementing the mountain’s beauty. From Pelkhu-tso, you’ll be able to take in the awe-inspiring and majestic view of Mount Shishapangma. It is about 120km from Mount Everest and stands at an elevation of 8,027 meters, making it the 14th highest mountain in the world and the only 8,000-meter peak that lies entirely within Tibet.

Then, continue your drive to Mount Everest Base Camp, the highlight of today’s trip. On the way, you will enjoy the beautiful and unique scenery of the pass, including incredibly snow-capped mountain ranges, blue skies, floating high clouds, and endless grasslands. You will finally arrive at Rongbuk Monastery for the first good view of Mt. Everest. At an altitude of 5,154m, Rongbuk Monastery is the world’s highest monastery and a must-visit for spiritual travelers. It is also photo-worthy. It used to be an area of meditation huts, and you can find hermitage meditation caves with a history of over 400 years, dotting the cliff walls all around the monastery and the valley. Along with brilliant Mt. Everest views, at Rongbuk Monastery, you will be touched by the breathtaking scenery, such as large white chortens, piles of mani stones, colorful prayer flags, and devout pilgrims passing by. After visiting EBC, make a stop at Gyawula Pass (5200m) where you can marvel at Mount Everest and other high peaks in the distance. You’ll be amazed by the winding road that seems to go on forever.

In this evening, you will accommodate in Tingri.

Altitude: 4000 meters | Distance: 280 km, about 7 hours’ drive

After breakfast, you will be transferred from Tingri to Shigatse. During the journey, you will visit the 5000m G318 National Highway Milestone in Lhatse. Upon your early afternoon arrival in Shigatse, you will pay a visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery. Founded by His Holiness the 1st Dalai Lama, Gyalwa Gedun Drup in 1447, Tashilunpo Monastery is the largest monastery in Tsang Area of Tibet.

In Tashilhunpo Monastery, you can visit the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, Tibet’s second-highest incarnation. Pay a visit to the ancient tombs of the fourth and tenth Panchen Lama, as well as the chortens, which hold the bones and remains of the sacred Tibetan lamas. Learn more from your guide about Panchen Lamas and Dalai Lamas while appreciating the brilliant religious painting on Tibetan architecture, listening to the Tibetan Buddhism chanting by local monks, and even participating in the kora like locals. Don’t forget to hike up to the top of the monastery for a stunning bird’s eye view of the monastery itself and Shigatse City.

Stay overnight in Shigatse.

Altitude: 4000 meters | Distance: 280 km, about 7 hours’ drive

In this morning, you will be taken from your hotel in Shigatse to Gyantse to first visit Pelkor Chode Monastery and Gyantse Kumbum.

Pelkor Monastery (Palcho Monastery) is an important site for Tibetan Buddhism, as it houses different sects including the Gelug, Sakyapa, and Kadampa. Pelkor Monastery, with a history over 600 years, is also renowned for its impressive architecture, which blends Tibetan, Nepalese, and Han Chinese styles. One of the main attractions of Pelkor Monastery is the Kumbum Stupa (Gyangtse Kumpum), which is a nine-story tower adorned with thousands of images of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. It is said to be the largest such structure in Tibet. Visitors can enjoy their time by witnessing the daily rituals and prayers of the monks, and have a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape from the top of the Kumbum Stupa (100-Thousand-Buddha Pagoda). You can also catch the far view of Gyantse Fortress ( Gyantse Dzong).

In the afternoon, you’ll be driven 280km to Lhasa, and you will pass over the Karola Pass (5010m) and Kambala Pass (4794m). While driving, you will see the beautiful Karola Glacier, Yamdrok Lake and Brahmaputra River and finally reach Lhasa.

Visit one of the most beautiful glaciers in Tibet – Karola Glacier, the filming location of the movie “Red Valley” (Hong He Gu). As one of Tibet’s three major continental glaciers, backed by the southern slope of Naiqin Kangsang Peak (7,191 meters), one of the four highest peaks in Tibet, this white glacier is also the source of the eastern part of the Nianchu River. The Karola Glacier (5,012m) is only 300 meters away from the highway connecting Lhasa to Gyantse town, and you can view it right from your vehicle. You can also easily walk to the foot of the charming glacier, which has a shape like a frozen waterfall right above the road and you. Besides the fantastic hike to the Karola Glacier, on the opposite side of the road, you can appreciate the beautiful snow-capped mountain of Mt Kalurong. After that, you’ll enjoy breathtaking view of Yamdrok Lake, a freshwater lake down below, as well as spectacular views of the holy Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar in the distance. It is one of the four largest sacred lakes in Tibet, along with Lhamo Latso Lake, Manasarovar Lake, and Namtso Lake. Yamdrok Lake offers stunning views of the Tibetan plateau and is said to be able to help Tibetans find the reincarnated soul of the Dalai Lama.

After the tour, drive back to Lhasa and accommodate there.

Altitude: 3650m

Today you will explore Lhasa for its brilliant architectures, culture, and history, then stroll through the famous Barkhor Street with locals and experience the daily kora life of Tibetans.

In the morning, you can walk up to the Potala Palace to explore. Not only is it the landmark of Tibet, but it is also the traditional residence and winter palace of the Dalai Lama (1649-1959). After climbing 365 steps from the gate of the Potala Palace to reach the Red Palace, you will arrive at the highest palace in the world at an altitude of 3,700m, where you can enjoy an excellent panoramic view of Lhasa city. As you explore the principal halls, chapels, and shrines of past Dalai Lamas in the Red Palace, you will be amazed and moved by its remarkable paintings, gorgeous jeweled works, skilled carving, colorful ornamentation, and the mystery stories behind the treasures. Inside the Potala Palace, you will meet many Tibetan pilgrims who come from afar to pray at this sacred site, making it a lifetime destination for them. You can also ask your guide to provide more stories about Songtsen Gampo, the 33rd king of Tibet, who first built the Potala Palace in the 7th century for his marriage to Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty. Please note that the visit order may be adjusted based on the visiting time specified on your Potala Palace ticket. All visitors are required to visit the palace with a tour group and remain inside for one hour. Please be advised that photography is prohibited inside the palace.

After exploring the Potala Palace Museum, move to the 1300-year-old Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of Tibet and a world cultural heritage site. It is said that the Jokhang Monastery is built for King Songtsen Gampo’s two brides: Chinese Princess Wencheng and Nepal Princess Bhrikuti. “Jokhang” means “House of Buddha”, it houses the statue of the life-size 12-year-old Sakyamuni which is the treasure of the Buddhism world. That is why Buddhist pilgrims take it as the holiest destination. The time seems to stand still when you watch them pray in front of the temple during the day and night.

Afterward, take a walk on busy Barkhor Street near the Jokhang Monastery, which was a place for Buddhists to do a kora (pilgrim circuit) in ancient times. Nowadays, it has become a thriving local market where you can drink a pot of yak butter tea, dress in Tibetan clothes for photos, and pick up some local Tibetan, Nepalese, and Indian handicrafts and souvenirs.

Altitude: 3650m

Today you will enjoy the culture tour of Lhasa via a visit to two of the “great three” Gelug university monasteries of Tibet, the Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery.

In the morning, drive about 35min (12km) to visit Drepung Monastery which was the largest Tibetan monastery (Gelug Sect, Yellow Hat) in Lhasa. It used to be Dalai Lama’s palace before he moved to the Potala Palace in the 17th century. Now it is famous for Drepung Shoton Festival held each August, people come to offer yogurt to the monks who finished the 100 days’ meditation while enjoying the grandest Buddha (thangka) unfolding ceremony. Besides the unique architecture and amazing buildings, you can watch monks debating in Tibetan Buddhism vibrant and active with expansive gestures, clapping, and stamping. After Drepung Temple, you will have about a 2-hour Tibetan culture tour, which includes an introduction, Tibetan incense making, and block printing.

In the afternoon, drive another 40min (14km) to visit Sera Monastery. Step on one of the most beautiful monastery compounds, and its white stone roads and walkways makes you feel almost Mediterranean. The highlight of Sera Monastery is watch the monks’ debate at around 15:00 – 17:00 (except Sundays). It is an interesting form of debate, you can see one monk, the questioner, standing while the answerer or group of answerers, sitting. The standing monk will ask question and slap his palms and stomp, each action has its special meaning, such as activating wisdom, and are not meant to be aggressive.

After that, be escorted back to your hotel in Lhasa.

It is time to end your 8-day Nepal Tibet overland tour. You will have some free time in Lhasa and explore more on your own till your guide escorts you to the airport/train station for your flight or train to your next destination.

Extension Ideas: If you prefer to travel longer in Tibet, you can extend your trip to other highlighted parts of Tibet, including Namtso Lake, Mount Kailash and Ancient Guge Kingdom. Tell us your likes.

Thank you for choosing Tibet Daily for your China tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia. Safe journey!

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  • A wide shot of the Potala Palace complex against a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds.
  • A sunny day at Barkhor Street featuring traditional yellow Tibetan walls and decorative prayer wheel lamp posts.
  • A pilgrim performing prostrations along Barkhor Street, with traditional shops and red flags in the background.
  • A vibrant night view of Barkhor Street with colorful lights reflecting on the wet pavement under a deep blue sky.
  • Tourists visiting the majestic inner courtyard and white facade of the Potala Palace in Lhasa.

Accommodation & Hotel Condition for Your Tibet Tour

Have a good sleep everyday is very important during your China tour. In a private tour, you can decide on your own which hotel class you want – luxury 5 star, comfortable 4-star or economic 3-star.
All the hotels in each destination we selected are at good location, close to commercial street or tourist attractions. And, all the hotels we use have a business relationship for many years and they have windows, air-conditioners, hot water, showers, wifi… (except for basic accommodation condition when travel to Mount Everest) to ensure you luxury and comfortable sleep experience. The staff can speak English and they will provide you the high quality service. If you have any requirements, you can ask them to help.

  • Tibet group tour hotel room style
  • Tibet group tour hotel room
  • Tibet group tour hotel

What’s Included & What’s Not Included

•  The price is based on a group tour for 2 people sharing one standard double-bed room in comfort hotels.
•  Price varies depending on travel date, group size, hotel class, program in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate.

What’s Included

Transportation
•  Regular licensed tourist vehicles (7–26 seats).
•  If there are fewer than 4 travelers for Lhasa city sightseeing, your guide will accompany you by taxi, and the taxi fare will be covered by the travel agency.
•  This is a join-in group tour, so changes of vehicles or guides may occur. Thank you for your understanding.
•  Due to Tibet’s limited tourism infrastructure, vehicles are generally older than those in mainland cities.
•  Most vehicles do not use air conditioning, as high altitude and temperature differences can cause mechanical issues and increase the risk of catching a cold.
•  There are driving speed limits in certain regions of Tibet (e.g., specific sections must not be completed in less than two hours). Your driver may stop at random points for rest or waiting—please be patient and enjoy the scenery.
•  When joining a group, pickups may involve waiting while collecting guests from multiple hotels. Please be punctual; if you voluntarily give up any day’s travel, the vehicle fee cannot be refunded.
•  Luggage policy: To ensure safety and comfort at high altitude, each traveler may bring one 26-inch suitcase and one small backpack. The guide will assist in storing excess luggage at your Lhasa hotel if necessary.

Accommodation
•  Standard twin rooms in basic hotels (double occupancy). Single-bed rooms (king-size) are not guaranteed; no extra bed or breakfast is provided for travelers not occupying a bed.
•  In case of odd-numbered travelers, the agency may arrange triple rooms, room-sharing, or charge a single supplement.
Fixed hotels are pre-arranged for group tours; specific hotel requests cannot be accepted.

Meals
•  Daily hotel breakfasts included.
•  Onecomplimentary local specialty meals (non-refundable if not used):
Lhasa Specialty Meal (Tibetan or Nepalese cuisine)
Other meals are self-arranged. If you are unaccustomed to Tibetan food, you may bring your own side dishes.
•  Complimentary meals may be arranged as lunch or dinner.

Guide Service
•  Chinese-speaking, English-speaking, or bilingual (Chinese-English) guides.
Guides are arranged according to the group composition. If both Chinese and English speakers are in one group, a bilingual guide will be provided.
•  In shared group tours, guide or vehicle changes may occur – your understanding is appreciated.

What’s Not Included

Single Room Supplement
•  Tour prices are based on twin-room occupancy (except for dormitory-style rooms).
•  If you require a single room, an additional single supplement fee will apply.

Hotel Changes or Hotel Cancellation Loss
•  Since hotels are prepaid in full, no refunds will be issued for any unused nights or itinerary changes after check-in.
•  Any damage to hotel property or extra charges incurred will be the traveler’s own responsibility.

Personal Expenses
•  All personal expenses are not included, such as:
Laundry, telephone, fax, or pay TV
Drinks, snacks, tobacco, or alcohol
Any other items or services of a personal nature

Unforeseen Circumstances
•  In case of force majeure or events beyond the control of the travel agency (such as natural disasters, war, strikes, epidemics, flight delays or cancellations, or insufficient group size),the agency reserves the right to cancel or adjust the itinerary.
•  Any extra costs incurred as a result will be borne by the traveler.

Transportation to and from Tibet
•  The tour price does not include flights or train tickets to and from Tibet. If you would like the travel agency to assist with booking, additional costs will apply.

Cancellation Policy

In the event that you need to cancel your trip, please ensure that you submit a written cancellation request. The calculation of cancellation fees will begin from the date we receive your written request.
The cancellation fees will be calculated as follows:

• If the cancellation is made between 45 and 30 days before the scheduled departure date, a fee of 10% of the full payment per person will apply.

• If the cancellation is made between 29 and 15 days before the scheduled departure date, a fee of 30% of the full payment per person will apply.

• If the cancellation is made between 14 and 7 days before the scheduled departure date, a fee of 50% of the full payment per person will apply.

• If the cancellation is made between 6 and 0 days before the scheduled departure date, a fee of 100% of the full payment per person will apply.

Important Trip Notes

All foreign travelers are required to obtain a Tibet Travel Permit to visit Tibet. The permit can only be applied for through a registered travel agency in Tibet (we are local based Tibet travel agency with office setting in Lhasa) and is required to purchase flight or train tickets to Tibet. The permit is necessary to enter Tibet and visit certain areas within the region, including Lhasa and Mount Everest Base Camp. Travelers should plan ahead and allow sufficient time for the permit application process, as it can take one to two weeks to obtain the necessary permits.
All foreign travelers are advised to make their bookings at least one week in advance and send the necessary documents to us for obtaining the permits. However, if you plan to visit Mount Kailash, it is recommended to book at least two weeks in advance, as it may take longer to obtain the necessary permits.

Typically, small group tours in Tibet will have 1-16 travelers, and you will have the opportunity to meet and travel with tourists from different parts of the world. This can be a great chance to make new friends and connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Yes, if you are traveling with a group of friends or with your family, you can customize your own group tour. Please contact your professional travel consultant to discuss and arrange a customized group tour that meets your needs and preferences.

 
•  “B” stands for breakfast. You will have it at your hotel in the morning.
 
•  “L” stands for lunch. The restaurants we will arrange for you are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. All are in good sanitary conditions. Lunches are usually included if you have a full day tour in one destination. Your guide will assist you with ordering the dishes. If you will travel from one city to another, lunches are excluded and you can ask the guide for some suggestions about where and what to eat.
 
•  “D” means dinner. All dinners are excluded in the itinerary. You have the chance to taste some authentic Chinese food and local snacks.
 
•  If you have special dietary requirements (vegetarian, halal, kosher, Indian, or gluten-free), please let us know before your booking. We will try our best to take care of you.

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