Trip Fact

Destination

Tibet

Duration

7 Days

Difficulty

Easy to Moderate

Group Size

2-30 Persons

Max altitude

5000m.

Best time

Spring and Autumn

Activities

Sightseeing tour

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

Breakfast

Transportation

Private Vehicle

Start from

Lhasa

End at

Kathmandu

Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour overview

This 7-day overland journey from Lhasa to Kathmandu, with a special overnight stay at Everest Base Camp, is a trans-Himalayan adventure of a lifetime. The tour begins in the holy city of Lhasa, where you will explore the iconic Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and the great monasteries of Drepung and Sera, immersing yourself in the heart of Tibetan Buddhism.

Traveling westward, you’ll pass by turquoise Yamdrok Lake, vast glaciers, and charming Tibetan villages, before continuing to Shigatse and on toward the mighty Himalayas. The highlight of the trip is undoubtedly your night at Everest Base Camp, where you will witness the golden sunset, starlit skies, and sunrise over the world’s highest peak.

The journey then takes you across the Himalayas to the verdant Gyirong Valley, where snow-capped mountains give way to lush forests and deep canyons. Finally, you’ll cross the border into Nepal, where our team will ensure a smooth transfer to Kathmandu. As the only Tibet travel agency with offices in Lhasa, Kathmandu, and Chengdu, we ensure your journey is safe, flexible, and unforgettable.

Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour highlights

  • Explore the sacred landmarks of Lhasa – Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street.
  • Discover Drepung and Sera Monasteries, including the famous monk debates.
  • Admire turquoise Yamdrok Lake, the Karola Glacier, and charming Tibetan villages.
  • Overnight at Everest Base Camp – watch sunset, sunrise, and starry skies over Mount Everest.
  • Cross panoramic Gyatsola & Gawula Passes for breathtaking Himalayan views.
  • Visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest monastery at 5,154m.
  • Journey through the lush Gyirong Valley, descending from 5,000m to 2,800m.
  • Smooth border crossing with assistance and transfer to Kathmandu, Nepal.

Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour itinerary

Upon arrival in Lhasa by train or flight, your friendly Tibetan guide will greet you with a Hada (traditional ceremonial scarf) and blessings. Along the way to your hotel, enjoy glimpses of the Yarlung Tsangpo River and the Lhasa River. After checking in, rest and acclimatize to the altitude. In the evening, your guide will provide a trip briefing, travel tips, and introduce group members.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Today is dedicated to Tibetan monasteries. In the morning, explore Drepung Monastery, once home to over 10,000 monks, and learn about Tibetan Buddhism in the Coqen Hall and Loseling College. In the afternoon, visit Sera Monastery, one of Tibet’s great monastic universities, and witness the famous monk debates (3:00–5:00 pm).
Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Start with the majestic Potala Palace, once the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas, where you’ll admire its golden stupas, murals, and ancient meditation caves. Afterward, enjoy a stroll in Longwangtan Park for a different view of the palace. In the afternoon, visit the sacred Jokhang Temple, home to the 12-year-old Buddha statue, and join pilgrims on a kora around Barkhor Street, the vibrant old market of Lhasa. End the day sipping sweet Tibetan tea in a traditional tea house and exploring a historic Tibetan courtyard.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Drive over Gampala Pass (4790m) to enjoy stunning views of turquoise Yamdrok Lake (4400m) and snow-capped Mount Nyenchen Khangsar. Visit a local Tibetan family near the lake for lunch and insight into village life. Continue past the magnificent Karola Glacier and pause at Simila Pass to hang prayer flags. Arrive in Gyantse, famous for its historic fortress, then continue through barley fields to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet.
Stay overnight in Shigatse.

Travel along the Himalayan highway to Everest Base Camp. Stop at Gyatsola Pass (5280m) for your first distant view of Everest, then continue to Gawula Pass (5198m) for panoramic vistas of five towering Himalayan peaks. Follow the zigzag mountain road to the base camp, where Everest reveals itself closer with each turn. By sunset, watch the golden glow over its north face. At night, the Milky Way stretches above the snow-capped giant.
Stay overnight at EBC or a nearby village if tents are closed in winter.

In the morning, visit the world’s highest monastery, Rongbuk Monastery (5154m), with Everest in the background. Then descend through the Himalayas, passing by Mount Shishapangma (8027m) and shimmering Pelku Tso Lake. The landscape changes dramatically from barren highlands to lush forests and deep gorges as you enter the Gyirong Valley near the Nepal border.
Stay overnight in Gyirong.

Say farewell to Tibet and cross into Nepal. Our Nepali staff will assist you with your visa and luggage before transferring you through scenic countryside to your hotel in Kathmandu. Your trans-Himalayan journey ends here, with memories to last a lifetime.

Are you interested in planning a custom trip with us? It’s quick, easy, and takes only 2 minutes.

What’s Included

  • Tibet Travel Permit and all necessary local documents (excluding express processing)
  • Comfortable tourist vehicle (5–29 seats depending on group size)
  • All entrance fees listed in the itinerary
  • Meals listed in the itinerary
  • Knowledgeable English-speaking Tibetan local guide (other languages available upon request)
  • Accommodation in 3-star hotels or equivalent (upgrades available; single supplement applies if not sharing)
  • Free airport/train station pickup and drop-off in Lhasa
  • Service charges, government taxes, and planning/handling fees
  • Tourist accident insurance
  • Complimentary Tibetan souvenirs, tourist map, bottled water, portable oxygen, and medical oxygen in the vehicle

What’s Not Included

  • China Visa (assistance available if required)
  • Nepal Visa (USD 30 for 15 days, payable at Gyirong border)
  • International flights in/out of China
  • Border transfer service Gyirong–Kathmandu (USD 60 per person)
  • Meals not listed in the itinerary
  • Single room supplement where applicable
  • Tips for guide and driver (USD 7 per day per traveler recommended)
  • Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, snacks, optional activities, etc.)
  • Force majeure expenses (delays, natural disasters, etc.)

Interested in this trip? Start planning your adventure today!

Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour cost & dates

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Photos

Karo la Pass in Tibet
Tibet Everest Base Camp
Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to join the Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour?

The best time is from April to October, when the weather is clear and passes are accessible. This is also the ideal season for stunning Everest views.

Do I need a visa and permits for this trip?

Yes. You will need a Chinese Visa, a Tibet Travel Permit (arranged by us), and a Nepal Visa (USD 30 at Gyirong border). We handle all permit arrangements.

Is the tour suitable for all age groups?

Yes. With proper acclimatization in Lhasa, travelers from children to seniors (we’ve had guests from 4 to 84 years old) have safely completed this journey.

How difficult is the overland drive?

The roads are well-paved and scenic. However, the journey involves long driving days at high altitude. Our comfortable tourist vehicles and regular stops make it manageable.

Where do we stay at Everest Base Camp?

You’ll stay in EBC tent guesthouses (open from April to October). In winter, when tents are closed, accommodation is arranged in a local guesthouse at a nearby village.

Can I join the tour from Kathmandu instead of Lhasa?

Yes. You can join a Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour via the same route but in reverse. Contact us for details.

What type of accommodation is included?

We provide comfortable 3-star hotels in cities (upgrades available) and simple but authentic accommodation in remote areas like EBC and Gyirong.

What happens if there is bad weather or road closures?

Our guides are experienced and flexible. In case of adverse weather, we will adjust the itinerary safely while keeping Everest as the highlight.

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