8-Day Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu to Gyirong Town: Border Crossing & Welcome to Tibet
Distance: 130 km (7–8 hrs driving due to mountain roads) | Meals: Self-arranged | Accommodation: Hotel in Gyirong Town (2,800m)
Your cross-border expedition begins early in Kathmandu. Depart your hotel for a scenic mountain drive through Nepal’s rural foothills, passing terraced rice fields and river canyons toward the Rasuwagadhi border checkpoint.
Upon clearing Nepalese departure immigration, walk across the Resuo Bridge to the Chinese Immigration Hall at Gyirong Port. Your CHIBET Travel guide will meet you inside immigration with your original Tibet Travel Permit, assist with customs clearance, and escort you to your vehicle for a short, beautiful drive up the lush Gyirong Valley to Gyirong Town.
Overnight in Gyirong Town.
CHIBET Travel Advice:
- Visa & Entry Policy: You can enter Tibet from Nepal holding a valid individual Chinese Tourist Visa (L Visa). Our guide will meet you directly at the border holding the required original Tibet Travel Permit.
- Road Conditions in Nepal: The 130 km stretch from Kathmandu to Rasuwagadhi is a bumpy mountain road; carry motion sickness medication and snacks.
Day 2: Acclimatization Day in Gyirong: Optional Milarepa Cave Exploration
Distance: 5 km | Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: Hotel in Gyirong Town (2,800m)
Following yesterday’s long road trip, spend today resting in the oxygen-rich pine forests of Gyirong Valley (2,800m). This full day of acclimatization is essential to allow your body to adjust gently before driving up to high plateau elevations exceeding 4,500+ meters.
Optional Activity: Milarepa Cave Visit
If you feel energized, take a short trip to Milarepa Cave, a sacred meditation cavern used by Jetsun Milarepa, Tibet’s renowned 11th-century yogi and poet. View the ancient shrine built around the cave entrance, observe hand-and-foot imprints in the rock, and enjoy the tranquil mountain scenery favored by local pilgrims.
Spend the afternoon relaxing at local village cafes or strolling through town.
Overnight in Gyirong Town.
Day 3: Gyirong to Tingri via Lake Peiku Tso & Everest Base Camp
Distance: 480 km (10–11 hrs driving) | Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: Hotel in Tingri (4,300m) or EBC Tent Guesthouse (5,200m)
Ascend steeply out of the Gyirong gorge, climbing over Gongtang La Pass (5,236m) onto the open Tibetan Plateau.
Highlights Today:
- Lake Peiku Tso (4,591m): Drive past the serene blue waters of this alpine lake, reflecting the solitary snow wall of Mt. Shishapangma (8,027m).
- Gawula Pass (5,198m): Capture panoramic views of the central Himalayan range featuring five 8,000m summits: Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Cho Oyu, and Shishapangma.
- Mount Everest Base Camp (5,200m): Arrive at the 5,200m marker to stand face-to-face with Mount Everest’s colossal North Face. Take unforgettable photographs during golden hour before driving to your hotel in Tingri.
Overnight in Tingri (or EBC Tent Camp, depending on group booking preferences).
CHIBET Travel Advice:
You will experience a big altitude gain today (from 2,800m to 5,200m). Wear windproof down layers, stay hydrated, and move at a relaxed pace at EBC.
Day 4: Tingri to Shigatse via 318 Highway & Tashilhunpo Monastery
Distance: 239 km (4 hrs driving) | Meals: Breakfast, Tibetan Yak Hotpot | Accommodation: Hotel in Shigatse (3,840m)
Drive east along National Highway G318, stopping at the famous 5,000-kilometer milestone marker in Lhatse for photos. Arrive in Shigatse—Tibet’s second-largest city—by early afternoon.
Afternoon: Tashilhunpo Monastery
Explore Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded in 1447 by the First Dalai Lama and the seat of the Panchen Lamas. Walk the cobblestone pathways, view the world’s largest gilded bronze statue of Maitreya (Future Buddha, standing 26.2 meters tall), and marvel at the gold-adorned stupa tombs of past Panchen Lamas.
Evening Dining: Authentic Tibetan Feast
Tibetan Yak Hotpot: Gather with your group to enjoy a warm, steaming yak hotpot seasoned with Himalayan herbs—a perfect meal to nourish your body on the high plateau.
Overnight in Shigatse.
Day 5: Shigatse to Lhasa via Karola Glacier & Yamdrok Lake
Distance: 280 km (5–6 hrs driving) | Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: Hotel in Lhasa (3,650m)
Travel along the scenic Southern Friendship Highway toward Gyantse and Lhasa.
Morning: Karola Glacier
Stop at Karola Glacier (5,560m peak), where massive hanging ice fields extend right alongside the highway from Mount Nyenchen Khangsar.
Afternoon: Yamdrok Lake & Gampala Pass
Drive to Yamdrok Lake (4,441m), one of Tibet’s four sacred lakes. Cross Gampala Pass (4,794m) for panoramic views of its turquoise waters winding through alpine valleys, framed by snow-capped peaks. Descend to the shore for a walk along the water before completing the drive into Lhasa.
Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 6: Lhasa City Tour: Drepung Monastery & Sera Monastery Debates
Distance: ~10 km city driving | Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: Hotel in Lhasa (3,650m)
Begin your discovery of Lhasa by visiting two of the great Gelugpa monastic universities.
Morning: Drepung Monastery
Explore Drepung Monastery, which once housed 10,000 monks and served as the political center of Tibet before the construction of the Potala Palace. Walk up the hillside paths to view the grand Assembly Hall and historical Dalai Lama residences.
Afternoon: Sera Monastery Monastic Debates
Transfer to Sera Monastery to attend the world-famous Monk Debates held in the courtyard garden (15:30 to 17:00). Observe monks using expressive gestures, hand claps, and energetic stance changes to test their understanding of Buddhist doctrine.
Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 7: Lhasa City Tour: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street
Distance: ~4 km driving | Meals: Breakfast, Local Sweet Tea, Tibetan Farewell Dinner | Accommodation: Hotel in Lhasa (3,650m)
Spend a full day immersed in the iconic heritage sites of Lhasa.
Morning: Potala Palace
Visit the Potala Palace (UNESCO World Heritage Site), exploring the historic White Palace administrative chambers and the sacred Red Palace containing golden stupa tombs of former Dalai Lamas.
Afternoon: Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street
Visit Jokhang Temple, housing the revered 7th-century Jowo Rinpoche statue. Step outside to walk alongside pilgrims along the ancient Barkhor Street circuit.
Authentic Tibetan Cultural Experiences:
Local Sweet Tea Break: Relax in a traditional Lhasa teahouse, sipping authentic Tibetan sweet tea.
Traditional Costume Photoshoot: Dress in traditional Tibetan robes for a professional photo session among Barkhor’s historic alleys.
Farewell Dinner: Celebrate the completion of your trans-Himalayan journey with a festive dinner with your group and guide.
Overnight in Lhasa.
CHIBET Travel Notice:
Potala Palace access is regulated by strict daily visitor slots. Your guide may adjust the sightseeing order today to match ticket departure times.
Day 8: Departure from Lhasa
Distance: 70 km to Gonggar Airport (1 hr) | 20 km to Lhasa Railway Station (30 mins) | Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: None
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Your CHIBET Travel guide and driver will transfer you to Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Railway Station for your onward journey, concluding your 8-day Kathmandu to Lhasa overland expedition.
Tashi Delek and safe travels onward with CHIBET Travel!
CHIBET Travel Transfer Notice:
Complimentary airport drop-offs operate from 08:30 to 22:30; train station transfers operate 24 hours daily.
8-Day Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour Date and Package Price
Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour Cost (Based on Travel Time)
| Hotel Class / Travel Time | Jan., Dec. | Feb., Mar., Apr., May., Nov. | Jun., Jul., Aug., Sept., Oct. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 pax | $969 | $1130 | $1262 |
Note: A single room supplement applies to solo travelers who request a private room.
2026 Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour Departures and Bookings
| Arrival Date | Booked | Book Now |
|---|---|---|
| Aug. 2026 | ||
| 2026-08-15 | $1262 | Book |
| 2026-08-20 | $1262 | Book |
| 2026-08-25 | $1262 | Book |
| Sept. 2026 | ||
| 2026-09-05 | $1262 | Book |
| 2026-09-10 | $1262 | Book |
| 2026-09-15 | $1262 | Book |
| 2026-09-20 | $1262 | Book |
| 2026-09-25 | $1262 | Book |
| Oct. 2026 | ||
| 2026-10-05 | $1262 | Book |
| 2026-10-10 | $1262 | Book |
| 2026-10-15 | $1130 | Book |
| 2026-10-20 | $1130 | Book |
| 2026-10-25 | $1130 | Book |
| Nov. 2026 | ||
| 2026-11-05 | $1130 | Book |
| 2026-11-10 | $1130 | Book |
| 2026-11-15 | $1130 | Book |
| 2026-11-20 | $1130 | Book |
| 2026-11-25 | $1130 | Book |
| Dec. 2026 | ||
| 2026-12-05 | $969 | Book |
| 2026-12-10 | $969 | Book |
| 2026-12-15 | $969 | Book |
| 2026-12-20 | $969 | Book |
| 2026-12-25 | $969 | Book |
Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour Inclusions:
- 1. Tibet Permits: Tibet Travel Permit
- 2. Transportation: 9-17 seat tourist vehicle
- 3. Accommodation:
7 nights in twin-sharing rooms (4-star standard in Lhasa and Shigatse, 3-star standard in other places);
Note: All domestic hotel star and diamond ratings listed follow Ctrip’s standard classification. - 4. Meals: Breakfasts in hotel, Tibetan Yak Hotpot, Tibetan Sweet Tea, Tibetan Farewell Dinner
- 5. Guide: Professional English-speaking local Tibetan guide
- 6. Entrance Tickets: All entrance tickets fees for all tourist sites listed in the itinerary
- 7. Lodging and dining subsidies for guide and driver
- 8. Arrangements include planning, handling, operational and communication charges
- 9. Insurance: Travel agency liability insurance, Vehicle seat insurance
- 10. Drinking water provided during the trip
- 11. A container of Oxygen for emergency use;
- 12. Drop-Off service: Free drop-off at Lhasa Gonggar Airport (8:30 am to 10:30 pm); Free drop-off at Lhasa Train Station (24 hours)
Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour Exclusions:
- 1. Personal expenses such as laundry, drink, fax, telephone call, optional tour activities, etc.
- 2. Single Room Supplement (if requested)
- 3. Meals: Lunch and dinner not mentioned in the itinerary
- 4. Tipping: Tips for guides and drivers
- 5. China Visa: Chinese Tourist Visa (L Visa) or China Group Visa application fees
- 6. International and domestic flight/train
- 7. Any losses incurred from the force majeure factor like government control, natural disaster, etc.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.