Small Group Tibet Tours · 2–12 Travelers · Permit Support

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TIBET GROUP TOUR · 8 DAYS

8 Days Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour

ROUTEKathmandu - Gyirong - EBC - Yamdrok - Lhasa

Overview

This 8-day overland group tour starts in Kathmandu and crosses the Himalayas into Tibet through Gyirong before continuing all the way to Lhasa. The first two nights stay in Gyirong, where the lower altitude gives the journey a gentler start before the road climbs onto the high plateau.

From Gyirong, the landscape opens quickly. Peiku Tso Lake and Shishapangma lead into Gawula Pass and Everest Base Camp, followed by Shigatse, Karola Glacier and Yamdrok Lake on the road east.

The final two full days slow the pace in Lhasa with monastery visits, monk debates and the old city around Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street. Day 3 is a long high-altitude drive, but the change from green Himalayan valley to Everest, open plateau and old Lhasa gives this route a strong sense of progression.

✓ Tibet travel permits support✓ Oxygen-equipped vehicle

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS

Why You’ll Love This Trip

  • Stand near Mount Everest and see the Himalayan skyline from Gawula Pass.
  • Cross from Nepal into Tibet through the green Gyirong Valley.
  • See Shishapangma and Peiku Tso Lake on the road toward Everest.
  • Travel past Karola Glacier and Yamdrok Lake on the way to Lhasa.
  • Explore Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street in Lhasa.
  • Watch the monk debates at Sera Monastery and visit Drepung Monastery.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

DAY 1Kathmandu - Gyirong Town | Cross the Nepal-Tibet Border

Distance: Approx. 130 km (about 7-8 hrs driving, depending on road and border conditions) | Meals: Self-arranged | Hotel: Hotel in Gyirong Town (2,800m)

Leave Kathmandu early and travel north through Nepal’s mountain foothills toward the Rasuwagadhi border. Terraced fields, river valleys and winding mountain roads fill most of the journey before you reach the immigration checkpoint.

After completing the Nepal-side departure formalities, cross the border into Tibet at Gyirong Port. Your local Tibetan guide meets the group on the Chinese side and assists with the entry process before you continue up the valley.

The final drive to Gyirong Town is short but noticeably different from the high plateau scenery ahead. Forested slopes and deep river gorges make this one of the greenest parts of Tibet.

Overnight in Gyirong Town.

CHIBET Travel Notice: For the current tour arrangement, travelers enter Tibet from Nepal with the required China visa and Tibet Travel Permit. Entry policies can change, so confirm the latest document requirements with your travel consultant before departure. The Nepal-side road is winding and can be rough in places; bring motion-sickness medicine if needed.

DAY 2Gyirong Town | Acclimatization Day & Optional Milarepa Cave

Distance: Approx. 5 km local driving if joining the optional visit | Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: Hotel in Gyirong Town (2,800m)

Today is deliberately light after yesterday’s border journey. Gyirong sits much lower than the Everest region, so a second night here gives the group more time before the big climb onto the Tibetan Plateau tomorrow.

There is no fixed sightseeing schedule. Rest at the hotel, walk around town or spend some time in the quieter streets and cafés nearby.

If you feel comfortable, an optional visit can be arranged to Milarepa Cave, a small pilgrimage site linked with the Tibetan yogi and poet Milarepa. The cave and shrine sit in a peaceful mountain setting outside town.

Overnight in Gyirong Town.

CHIBET Travel Advice: The Milarepa Cave visit is optional and not part of the fixed sightseeing program. Keep the day easy, especially if you are still adjusting after the long road journey.

DAY 3Gyirong - Peiku Tso - Gawula Pass - Everest Base Camp | From Green Valley to the High Himalayas

Distance: Approx. 480 km (about 10-11 hrs driving) | Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: Hotel in Tingri (4,300m) or upgraded EBC Tent Guesthouse (5,200m)

This is the longest and most dramatic road day of the tour. Leave the green Gyirong Valley and climb over Gongtang La Pass, where forest gradually disappears and the broad Tibetan Plateau opens ahead.

The road continues past Peiku Tso Lake, with Shishapangma rising beyond the open basin when the weather is clear. The combination of blue water, dry grassland and snow mountains marks a clear change from yesterday’s Himalayan valley.

Later, climb to Gawula Pass for one of the widest Himalayan panoramas on the route. On a clear day, Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Cho Oyu and Shishapangma can all be picked out along the skyline.

Continue toward Everest Base Camp and spend time at the main viewing area facing the north side of Mount Everest. The light and clouds change quickly here, so clear views are never guaranteed, but when the mountain is open this is the biggest moment of the journey.

Accommodation Options:

EBC Tent Guesthouse: the upgraded tent accommodation offers cleaner, more comfortable sleeping areas and improved shared toilet facilities. It is still simple high-altitude accommodation, but the location keeps you close to Everest for the evening and a possible sunrise.

Tingri Hotel: a private hotel room at a lower altitude and a more comfortable option after the long drive. Guests staying in Tingri are farther from Everest the following morning.

Overnight in Tingri or near Everest Base Camp.

CHIBET Travel Advice: Today involves a large altitude gain from Gyirong to passes above 5,000 meters. Move slowly at viewpoints and keep warm layers close. Everest and the Himalayan skyline are weather-dependent.

DAY 4Tingri - Shigatse | Tashilhunpo Monastery & Tibetan Yak Hotpot

Distance: Approx. 239 km (about 4 hrs driving) | Meals: Breakfast, Tibetan Yak Hotpot | Hotel: Hotel in Shigatse (3,840m)

After the high passes and Everest road yesterday, today is shorter. Travel east along the G318 through Lhatse, with a stop around the highway’s 5,000-kilometer milestone before continuing to Shigatse.

In the afternoon, visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas and still an active religious center. Walk through its courtyards and prayer halls, where monks and pilgrims move between the old red-and-white buildings.

Inside the Maitreya Buddha Hall, see the large gilded image of the Future Buddha before continuing through the monastery complex.

In the evening, sit down with the group for a warm Tibetan yak hotpot, a relaxed finish after several days on the road.

Overnight in Shigatse.

CHIBET Travel Advice: Photography may be restricted or require an extra fee inside some monastery halls. Ask your guide before taking indoor photos.

DAY 5Shigatse - Karola Glacier - Yamdrok Lake - Lhasa | Across the Southern Plateau

Distance: Approx. 280 km (about 5-6 hrs driving) | Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: Hotel in Lhasa (3,650m)

Leave Shigatse and travel east toward Lhasa on the southern plateau route. The day combines one close roadside glacier with one of Tibet’s best-known high-altitude lakes.

Stop first at Karola Glacier, where the ice descends unusually close to the highway. You can see the glacier from the main viewing area without a long hike before continuing toward the lake country.

Later, reach Yamdrok Lake and climb across Gampala Pass for the broad view over its long blue curves. The route then drops closer to the lakeshore, where the water, villages and grazing land feel much more immediate than from the high pass.

Continue to Lhasa and check in at the hotel in the evening.

Overnight in Lhasa.

CHIBET Travel Advice: Karola Glacier and Gampala Pass can be cold and windy even when Shigatse or Lhasa feels mild. Keep a warm outer layer in your daypack.

DAY 6Lhasa | Drepung Monastery & Sera Monastery Debates

Distance: Approx. 10 km local driving | Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: Hotel in Lhasa (3,650m)

After several days of long-distance driving, today stays entirely in Lhasa and shifts the focus from landscape to Tibetan monastic life.

Start at Drepung Monastery, once one of Tibet’s largest monastic communities. Walk through the hillside courtyards, assembly halls and old lanes while your guide explains how the monastery became an important center of Buddhist study.

In the afternoon, continue to Sera Monastery for the monk debate session. Questions, hand claps and quick gestures are part of the training, giving the courtyard a much livelier atmosphere than a typical temple visit.

Overnight in Lhasa.

DAY 7Lhasa | Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street & Local Experiences

Distance: Approx. 4 km local driving | Meals: Breakfast, Local Sweet Tea, Tibetan Farewell Dinner | Hotel: Hotel in Lhasa (3,650m)

Spend the final full day in the historic heart of Lhasa, moving from the city’s best-known palace to the pilgrimage streets of the old quarter.

Begin at the Potala Palace and climb through the White Palace and Red Palace. Former living quarters, chapels, murals and memorial stupas help explain how the complex was used beyond its famous exterior.

Later, visit Jokhang Temple, where pilgrims come to pray throughout the day. Step outside onto Barkhor Street and walk part of the traditional clockwise kora around the temple.

Around the old quarter, stop for Tibetan sweet tea and enjoy a traditional Tibetan costume photoshoot in the historic lanes.

In the evening, meet the group for a Tibetan farewell dinner and a relaxed final night in Lhasa.

Overnight in Lhasa.

CHIBET Travel Notice: Potala Palace uses fixed entry times and daily visitor limits, so your guide may adjust the sightseeing order around the confirmed ticket time. Photography is restricted inside some areas.

DAY 8Depart Lhasa | Airport or Train Station Transfer

Distance: 70 km (about 1 hr) to Gonggar Airport; 20 km (about 30 min) to Lhasa Railway Station | Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: None

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and some free time before departure. At the scheduled time, your local Tibetan guide and driver will transfer you to Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Railway Station for your onward journey.

Your 8-day Kathmandu to Lhasa overland group tour ends here.

CHIBET Travel Advice: Complimentary airport drop-off is available from 08:30 to 22:30, while train station drop-off operates 24 hours. Please confirm your flight or train details with your guide on Day 7.

Group Departures and Prices

Prices are per person and vary by departure date and season.

Arrival DateReturn DateAvailabilityPrice p.p.
September 2026
10 Sep 202617 Sep 2026Check Availability$1262
15 Sep 202622 Sep 2026Check Availability$1262
20 Sep 202627 Sep 2026Check Availability$1262
25 Sep 202602 Oct 2026Check Availability$1262
October 2026
01 Oct 202608 Oct 2026Available
05 Oct 202612 Oct 2026Check Availability$1262
10 Oct 202617 Oct 2026Check Availability$1262
15 Oct 202622 Oct 2026Check Availability$1130
20 Oct 202627 Oct 2026Check Availability$1130
25 Oct 202601 Nov 2026Check Availability$1130
November 2026
01 Nov 202608 Nov 2026Available
05 Nov 202612 Nov 2026Check Availability$1130
10 Nov 202617 Nov 2026Check Availability$1130
15 Nov 202622 Nov 2026Check Availability$1130
20 Nov 202627 Nov 2026Check Availability$1130
25 Nov 202602 Dec 2026Check Availability$1130
December 2026
01 Dec 202608 Dec 2026Available
05 Dec 202612 Dec 2026Check Availability$969
10 Dec 202617 Dec 2026Check Availability$969
15 Dec 202622 Dec 2026Check Availability$969
20 Dec 202627 Dec 2026Check Availability$969
25 Dec 202601 Jan 2027Check Availability$969

Included and Excluded

Included

  • Hotel accommodation based on twin-sharing, including the listed hotels and Tingri hotel or upgraded EBC Tent Guesthouse according to the group arrangement
  • Group vehicle, driver and scheduled transfers according to the itinerary
  • English-speaking local Tibetan guide
  • Tibet Travel Permit and required local travel documents
  • Entrance fees and sightseeing shuttle buses for all listed attractions
  • Daily breakfasts, Shigatse Tibetan yak hotpot and Lhasa Tibetan farewell dinner
  • Tibetan sweet tea and traditional Tibetan costume photoshoot in Lhasa
  • Bottled water and oxygen support during the Tibet journey
  • Local operator liability insurance and vehicle passenger insurance

Excluded

  • China visa application fees
  • International and domestic flights or train tickets not listed in Tour Inclusions
  • Lunches and dinners not listed
  • Single room supplement
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Optional activities, including the Milarepa Cave visit, and other personal purchases

PLAN WITH CONFIDENCE

Ask About This Tibet Tour

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Tibet Travel Permit for this tour?

Yes. International travelers need a Tibet Travel Permit to enter and travel in Tibet. Travelers entering Tibet from Nepal must also meet the applicable China entry requirements for the Nepal-Tibet border crossing. Entry policies can change, so please confirm the latest document requirements with your travel advisor before departure.

How do I enter Tibet from Kathmandu?

The tour crosses from Nepal into Tibet through the Gyirong Port at the China-Nepal border. You travel from Kathmandu to the Nepal-side border area, complete the required departure procedures, cross into Tibet and continue to Gyirong Town. Your Tibetan guide meets the group on the Chinese side and assists with the entry process.

Why does the tour stay two nights in Gyirong?

Gyirong Town is at approximately 2,800 meters, considerably lower than the Everest region and the Tibetan Plateau. Spending two nights here gives travelers more time to rest after the border journey and adjust before the route climbs toward elevations above 5,000 meters.

What is the highest altitude on this tour?

The highest accommodation is around 5,200 meters if you stay at the upgraded EBC Tent Guesthouse. The route also crosses high mountain passes, including Gawula Pass. Because the itinerary reaches very high elevations soon after leaving Gyirong, travelers should move slowly and keep warm layers easily accessible.

How long is the drive from Gyirong to Everest Base Camp?

This is the longest driving day of the tour. The route from Gyirong through Peiku Tso and Gawula Pass toward Everest Base Camp covers approximately 480 kilometers and normally takes around 10 to 11 hours, depending on road, weather and traffic conditions.

Will we visit Peiku Tso and see Shishapangma?

Yes. The route toward Everest passes Peiku Tso Lake, with views toward Shishapangma when weather and visibility are favorable. The combination of the lake, open plateau and surrounding snow mountains is one of the scenic highlights of the overland journey.

Will we visit Gawula Pass?

Yes. Gawula Pass is one of the main viewpoints on the route to Everest Base Camp. On a clear day, the Himalayan skyline may include Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and Shishapangma. Visibility depends on weather and cloud conditions.

Where will I stay near Mount Everest?

Depending on the confirmed group arrangement, accommodation is either an upgraded EBC Tent Guesthouse at approximately 5,200 meters or a hotel in Tingri at approximately 4,300 meters. The EBC option keeps you closer to Everest for the evening and a possible sunrise, while Tingri provides a private hotel room at a lower altitude.

Can I see Mount Everest at sunrise?

If you stay at the EBC Tent Guesthouse, you can get up early for a possible sunrise view of Mount Everest. Sunrise depends on weather and cloud conditions. Travelers staying in Tingri are farther from Everest and do not return to the Everest area for sunrise the following morning.

Is a clear view of Mount Everest guaranteed?

No. Views of Mount Everest and the Himalayan skyline depend on weather, cloud cover and visibility. The itinerary includes Gawula Pass and the Everest Base Camp viewing area, but clear mountain views cannot be guaranteed.

What happens if I feel uncomfortable at high altitude?

Tell your guide promptly if you experience symptoms such as headache, dizziness, unusual fatigue or breathing difficulty. The itinerary is designed with two nights in Gyirong before the major altitude gain, but altitude affects every traveler differently. Follow your guide's safety advice and seek medical attention when necessary.

Is oxygen available during the tour?

Yes. The tour includes an oxygen-equipped vehicle for the high-altitude sections of the journey. Oxygen is provided as a safety provision and does not replace proper acclimatization. Travelers should still take the altitude seriously and avoid strenuous activity when they do not feel well.

What will we see between Everest and Lhasa?

After the Everest section, the route continues to Shigatse for a visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery, then travels toward Lhasa via Karola Glacier and Yamdrok Lake. This section combines Tibetan Buddhist culture with some of the most recognizable landscapes of the southern Tibetan Plateau.

Can the sightseeing order in Lhasa change?

Yes. Potala Palace uses fixed entry times and daily visitor limits, so the guide may adjust the sightseeing order according to the confirmed ticket time. The main listed attractions will be kept whenever local conditions allow.

Can I visit Milarepa Cave in Gyirong?

Yes, an optional visit to Milarepa Cave may be arranged on the second day in Gyirong if you feel comfortable. It is not part of the fixed sightseeing program, and the day is intentionally kept light to allow time for rest and altitude adjustment.

Can the itinerary change because of weather or road conditions?

Yes. The route crosses high mountain passes and remote sections of the Tibetan Plateau. Snow, strong winds, poor visibility, road restrictions or other local safety conditions can affect travel times or require an itinerary adjustment. The guide will follow local road and safety requirements when changes are necessary.

What should I bring for the Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour?

Bring warm layered clothing, a windproof outer layer, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen and any personal medication you normally use. The Nepal-side road can be winding and rough in places, so motion-sickness medicine may also be useful if you are sensitive to mountain roads.

How large is the group?

This is a small-group Tibet tour for approximately 2–12 travelers. The final group size depends on the departure date and confirmed bookings. Sharing transportation and guiding services helps keep the cost lower than a private Kathmandu to Lhasa overland journey.

Where does the tour end in Lhasa?

The tour ends in Lhasa on Day 8 after breakfast and the scheduled airport or train station transfer. The complimentary airport drop-off operates during the stated service hours, while train station drop-off is available around the clock. Please confirm your onward flight or train details with your guide in advance.

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