• Duration 15 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate

    The moderate grade includes a one-week to fifteen-day itinerary. It can reach up to 5000 meter altitude range, but the trails will be moderate (neither easy nor tough). High altitude may affect walking speed and distance. You need to have acclimatization over 3000 meters.

  • Country Tibet

Over the years, Kathmandu (Nepal) has become one of the most popular destinations for travelers around the world to enter Tibet. You can travel to Tibet from Kathmandu either by driving or flying. Both options are comfortable, safe, and scenic. Traveling to Tibet from Nepal usually costs less money, and you also get to spend time in Kathmandu.

Our Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour is one of the fantastic packages for exploring Tibet. It is a 15-day tour during which you will explore historical sites in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, and Xegar, Shigatse, Gyantse, and Lhasa in Tibet. The tour starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Kerung via Rasuwagadhi. Likewise, you will end the tour by taking a flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu.

Explore two Himalayan nations: Nepal & Tibet

The Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour package is adventurous and culturally enriching. It is an easy tour that anyone can join. While traveling to Tibet, you will go above 3,500 meters, so there is a risk of altitude sickness. However, if you are mindful and practice precautions, you can complete the tour without suffering from altitude sickness.

The journey will take you from the bustling city of Kathmandu to the serenity of Tibetan towns, presenting the history, beliefs, art, architecture, and traditions of these two Himalayan nations. You will experience both city life and nature. Likewise, try delicious local delicacies and shop handicrafts, antiques, and whatnot. Trips like this allow you to make lifelong memories.

Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour itinerary

Upon arriving in Kathmandu, you will spend four nights there. During your time here, you will explore Pashupatinath Temple, Monkey Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square with one of our Nepali tour guides. These are some must-visit tourist sites in the city. Likewise, you will also get one full day to explore and shop souvenirs on your own.

The tour is not rushed at all, so you will have ample time to enjoy and explore. From Kathmandu, take an 8 to 9-hour jeep ride to Rashuwagadi. From here, you will enter Kerung, Tibet, in just 1-2 hours of drive. After completing the visa formalities, meet our Tibetan representatives on the other side of the border. They will welcome you in Tibet and drive you to your hotel in Kerung.

You will have one full day in Kerung to rest and acclimatize. The next day, you will drive to Xegar, crossing Nyalamu Pass (3,800 m) and Lalung La (5,050 m). Xegar is one of the closest towns to the north base camp of Mt. Everest. Our itinerary does not take you to the base camp, but you can definitely extend the tour. The views of Mt. Everest and the Tibetan plateau are stunning.

Continuing the tour from Xegar, you will cross the Gyatchu La (5,220 m) pass and drive to Shigatse, visiting Shakya Monastery on the way. Spend a night here and drive to Gyantse the next day. The road enters Nyangchu Valley, where you can see lovely yak and horse pastures. In Gyantse, you will visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, Kumbum Monastery, and Pelkor Chode Monastery.

The last city you will explore in Tibet is Lhasa. From Gyantse, you will drive, crossing Kora La Pass (5,010 m) and Kamba La Pass (4,794 m). You will explore Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Market, Drepung, Norbulingka, and Sera Monastery in Lhasa. Spend two nights in Lhasa and fly back to Kathmandu. You will have one more full day in Kathmandu, and your final departure will be on the 15th day of the tour.

Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour cost 2024 and 2025

Our Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour cost covers accommodation and breakfast in Kathmandu, Lhasa-Kathmandu flight ticket, accommodation and breakfast in Tibet, transportation, Tibet visa/permit fee, guide expenses, and the company's travel service. All accommodations and transportation will be arranged according to our itinerary.

Things like international flight tickets to/from Kathmandu, airport taxes, Nepal visa fees, tips for guides and drivers, shopping, lunch and dinner, and other personal expenses are not covered in our Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour price.

Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour packing list

While traveling from Kathmandu to Lhasa by road, you will need the following things:

  • Comfortable clothing
  • A few warm layering prices
  • Comfortable shoes and a casual pair of footwear
  • Breathable underwear, socks
  • Gloves & scarf (depending upon the season you are traveling in)
  • Daypack
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Toiletries (SPF, moisturizer, lip balm, toothbrush, wet tissues, etc.)
  • Necessary documents (passport, visa, passport-size photos, cash)
  • Camera, mobile, extra batteries, power bank, adapter
  • Snacks, journal/pen (optional), and other personal essentials

Guide during the tour

You will be accompanied by a professional, friendly guide in Nepal and Tibet. One of our local guides from both countries will accompany you on the tour. He/she will ensure you are safe and have a comfortable tour.

Our guides are professional and English-speaking. There will be no communication issues with them. Their deep knowledge of Nepali and Tibetan cultures will allow you to learn about both heritages in depth. Likewise, they will make sure the tour is hassle-free.

If you have any questions or complaints, you can freely share them with them. Likewise, one of our drivers and private vehicles will also be there with you throughout the tour.

Highlights

  • Learn about Nepali and Tibetan culture, art, architecture, and traditions
  • Explore Pashupatinath Temple, Monkey Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa
  • Explore the three durbar squares: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square
  • Enjoy a comfortable, scenic drive from Kathmandu to Kerung (Tibetan border)
  • Drive across the Tibetan plateau, relishing stunning mountain views and arid landscapes
  • Cross high passes like Nyalamu, Lalung La, Gyatchu La, Kora La, and Kamba La Pass
  • Explore Xegar, Shigatse, Gyantse, and Lhasa
  • Visit tourist sites like Tashilhunpo Monastery, Kumbum Monastery, and Pelkor Chode Monastery
  • Visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Market, Drepung, Norbulingka, and Sera Monastery in Lhasa

Why do this cross-country tour with Adventure Treks Nepal?

While doing a cross-country tour like Kathmandu Lhasa, it is important that all the necessary permits, visas, and reservations are done accurately for a smooth venture. We, Adventure Treks Nepal, have more than three decades of experience in organizing cross-country tours.

Our vast network and supportive teams in each country where we offer tours make all trips safe and hassle-free with us. You will not have a hard time. Likewise, you will also get the best price and no hidden costs.

Consider us if you are looking for a local Nepali travel agency to do Nepal Tibet or Nepal Bhutan tours.

Itinerary
Trip Plan
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Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our representatives will greet you at the Tribhuvan International Airport and escort you to the hotel. Please ask our representative if you have any immediate questions or need help. The remaining day is free.

  • Accommodation: Hotel

Today, you will spend the day with one of our friendly, English-speaking tour guides and visit some famous tourist sites around Kathmandu. You will visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Monkey Temple, and Patan Durbar Square. It will be an enlightening tour, and you will learn about Nepali culture, traditions, art, and architecture.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel

This is another tour day in Kathmandu. Today, you will visit Pashupatinath Temple, one of Nepal's important pilgrimage sites for Hindus. Likewise, you will visit the Boudhanath Stupa, the largest stupa in Nepal and the epicenter of Tibetan Buddhism in the country.

The final monument for this day is Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The art, architecture, and rich cultural heritage surrounding this site are phenomenal. After the tour ends, the guide will drop you back at the hotel.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel

We have kept this day's leisure for you. If you want to do anything specific, it will be a perfect time. We highly recommend exploring the second-highest tourist hub in the Kathmandu, Jhamsikhel, and Sanepa areas. There are lots of nice restaurants, cafes, and shops.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Leaving Kathmandu early in the morning. Following a well-made highway alongside lush hills and rivers, you will drive to Rashuwagadi. The landscapes are fantastic. It will be a long ride. Enjoy the rest of the day relaxing.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel

After breakfast, check out of your hotel in Rasuwagadhi and drive to the border. Our team will help you do the border formalities, and you will meet with our Tibetan representatives on the other side of the border. They will welcome you to Tibet and drive you to Kerung. It is a short ride from Rashuwagadi to Kerung, so you will have a lot of time to rest and acclimatize.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Start the morning with a delicious Tibetan breakfast. After breakfast, you will drive to Xegar, enjoying beautiful landscapes and mountain views. You will literally be standing on the roof of the world while crossing Nyalamu Pass (3,800 m) and Lalung La (5,050 m). On a clear day, the mountain views are spectacular. You will even see Mount Everest and the surreal vastness of the Tibetan plateau.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Continuing the tour from Xegar, you will visit Shigatse. The road ascends to Gyatchu La (5,220 m) pass. The mountain views are fantastic along the way. En route, stop at Shakya Monastery.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Leaving Shigatse, you will drive to Gyantse. Pass by beautiful Tibetan villages and towns on the way. The road goes via the Nyangchu Valley, where you can see vast yak and horse pastures. You will visit the Tashilhunpo monastery, which is home to the Panchen Lama.

Likewise, you will also visit Kumbum Monastery and Pelkor Chode Monastery in Gyantse. Situated amidst barren hills, the Pelkor Chode monastery's exquisite architecture, and centuries-old murals and statues are worth exploring.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Starting the drive from Gyantse, you will ascend to Kora La pass (5,010 m), from where you can see the stunning view of Karola glacier. The highway then takes you to the top of Kamba La Pass (4,794 m), which offers another phenomenal scenery, including a superb view of Yamdrok Lake. On the way, you will also get to see the view of Brahmaputra Lake.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Today is your first day of sightseeing in Lhasa. You will visit the Potala Palace, one of the finest architectural marvels in Tibet. The intricate designs and art in rooms, halls, chapels, and antique furnishings will leave you in awe.

After exploring this place, you will return to your hotel, rest, and later visit the Jokhang Temple. It is one of the notable temples in Tibet. The aurora surrounding the temple is exceptionally divine and soothing.

Likewise, you will end the tour exploring the lively streets of Barkhor Street. It is a popular tourist market in Lhasa with many prayer wheels, souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel

You will spend one more day exploring a few other tourist sites in Lhasa. Start the morning with a delicious Tibetan breakfast, and then get ready for the full day of the tour. You will first visit Drepung Monastery.

After exploring the palace, you will drive to Sera Monastery. It is one of the three main monasteries in Tibet. You can see monks engaging in lively debates here, along with unique traditions that have been passed down for centuries.

The final destination for the day is Norbulingka, which once was the palace of the Dalai Lama. This palace's complex architecture and wood/metal craftsmanship are a must-see. It is surrounded by lovely gardens and ponds.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Today, you will travel back to Kathmandu. Take an early or late flight from Lhasa's Gonggar Airport to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Enjoy a scenic flight. Upon landing, our team will drop you at the hotel. The remaining day is free in the city.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel

You have a free day in the city. Get plenty of rest and enjoy your time in Kathmandu. Explore local markets, try Nepali food, and do window shopping. You can also go to a spa, get a massage, etc. Likewise, you can join a yoga session, cooking class, or pottery class. The options are limitless. Note that you have to pay fees for the activities.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel

You will fly back to your home on this day. Our team will take care of your airport departure.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
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Cost Details
Included
  • All private transport.
  • All Sightseeing in Nepal and Tibet with entrance fee.
  • All Hotels in Nepal and Tibet with Breakfast.
  • An English Speaking Guide.
  • Tibet Visa / Permit fee. (If American and Canadian Passport Holder extra US$  Per person).
  • Lhasa-Kathmandu Flight ticket.
  • All Government taxes Income tax plus VAT.
  • Office services charge.
  • Farewell dinner with cultural program (In Kathmandu).
Excluded
  • Your Travel Insurance
  • International Airfare (Country to Nepal).
  • Lunch and Dinner.
  • Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, Charge for photography etc.
  • Nepal visa fee (Nepal re-entry visa fee),
  • Any additional cost due to Natural calamities and Unforeseen Circumstance.
  • Tips for Guides and Drivers.
FAQs

There are chances of altitude sickness during the Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour, but whether you will suffer from it depends on how quickly you can adjust to the elevation. Get ample rest and have lots of fluid and warm food to help you acclimate.

Yes, there are many stops for rest and sightseeing during the overland trip. You will explore most of the tourist sites in Xegar, Gyantse, Shigatse, and Lhasa.

Be respectful to the locals and their beliefs. Do not wear sunglasses and a hat while entering monasteries. Likewise, ask permission before taking pictures, especially inside a monument. You can also donate to show your goodwill. Do not touch religious statues, paintings, or antiques with your hand.

You can change the currency in Kathmandu while traveling in Tibet. Ask our team to help you with this, and make sure to stay updated with ongoing rates to get the best deal.

WiFi and cell service are widely available in big cities like Shigatse, Gyantse, and Lhasa. However, they can be inconsistent or nonexistent in small villages and remote areas.

In Kathmandu and Tibet, you can buy a range of things, such as local snacks, teas, coffee, incense, handicrafts, paintings, thangka paintings, clothes, pashmina, cashmere, rugs, singing bowls, beads, stones, jewelry, etc.

To pack for the tour, follow our packing list. Comfortable, modest clothes, hiking shoes, SPF, lip balms, toiletries, sunglasses, water bottle, daypack, etc are some common things you will need for the tour.

Get a handy power bank to charge your phone while touring monuments. Likewise, pack a few spare batteries for your camera.

You will need a Tibet visa and related documents to enter Tibet and re enter Nepal. Our team will help you with all the formalities.

Yes, the road in Tibet is safe and well-maintained. You will have a comfortable drive between the cities and towns.

There is only one international airport in Tibet, located in Lhasa. You can easily drive from anywhere in Tibet to Lhasa and take a flight from there. Another option is a helicopter flight to Lhasa.

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