8-Day Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu to Syabrubesi: Hotel Pick-up & Acclimatization
Distance: 130 km (7 hr driving) | Meals: / | Accommodation: Hotel in Syabrubesi
Your journey begins with a morning pickup from your hotel in Kathmandu (around 9:00-9:30 am). The scenic drive to Gyirong takes you through the lush greenery of the Langtang National Park, offering views of towering snow-capped peaks and deep gorges along the way. You’ll pass by picturesque villages and enjoy the changing landscapes as you approach the Sino-Nepal border. Upon arrival, you’ll settle in Syabrubesi for the night, a charming town nestled in the Himalayas.
Overnight in Syabrubesi.
Day 2: Syabrubesi to Gyirong / Nyalam
Distance: 40 km (1 hr driving) | Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: Local Stay in Gyirong / Nyalam
After breakfast, you’ll drive a short distance (15km) to the Gyirong Border, where you will cross into China. Our local guide will meet you on the Chinese side, and you’ll continue your journey to Gyirong (2800m), a picturesque town surrounded by snow-capped mountains and dense forests.
In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely stroll to Paba Temple (2850m). This Gelugpa temple, built by Tibetan King Songtsan Gambo at the request of his Nepali wife Princess Bhrikuti, features delicate murals and a unique Nepali architectural style. It’s just a short walk from your hotel, offering a peaceful spot to experience the local culture.
TibetTrip Advice:
1. You can hold Chinese Tourist Visa to enter Tibet from Nepal via Gyirong Border and our Tibetan tour guide will wait you with the original Tibet Travel Permit.
2. If the Gyirong Border is closed, you will enter Tibet via the Zhangmu Border and will miss the Paba Temple and Pelkutso Lake.
Overnight in Gyirong.
Day 3: Gyirong / Nyalam to Everest Base Camp and Tingri
Distance: 480 km (11 hr driving) | Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: Hotel in Tingri
Today’s journey takes you through Pelkutso Lake and vast grasslands before reaching the Everest Base Camp (EBC), where you’ll witness the world’s highest peak up close. On the way, enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayan Mountain Range at Gawu La Pass (5198m), where you can admire the majestic snow-capped peaks.
Once at EBC, visit the Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world, located at the foot of Mount Everest. After soaking in the views of the towering Everest and its neighboring peaks, we’ll drive towards Tingri, passing Zhufeng Road and Gawu La Pass (5250m), where you’ll get another stunning view of several Himalayan giants, including: Mount Everest (8848m), Mt. Lhotse (8516m), Mt. Makalu (8463m), Mt. Shishapangma (8020m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8201m).
Overnight in Tingri.
Day 4: Tingri to Shigatse: Tashilunpo Monastery
Distance: 239 km (4 hr driving) | Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: Hotel in Shigatse
After breakfast, we depart Tingri and head towards Shigatse, driving along the G318 National Highway. On the way, stop by the 5000m milestone in Lhatse to capture the high-altitude scenery. We arrive in Shigatse by early afternoon, where you’ll visit the renowned Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama.
This historic monastery, established in 1447 by the First Dalai Lama, is Tibet’s second most important monastic institution after the Potala Palace. It holds significant cultural and spiritual value, being the traditional home of the Panchen Lama. Here, you’ll explore the tombs of seven Panchen Lamas, wander through the winding cobbled streets, and gain insight into daily monastic life.
Overnight in Shigatse.
Day 5: Shigatse to Gyantse and Lhasa
Distance: 280 km (5 hr driving) | Meals: / | Hotel: Hotel in Lhasa
After breakfast, we leave Shigatse and drive to Gyantse, where our first stop is the Pelkhor Chode Monastery, renowned for its unique Kumbum Stupa. Standing at 32 meters tall, this remarkable stupa has nine levels and 108 chapels filled with thousands of images and statues, offering a fascinating glimpse into Tibetan Buddhist artistry and spirituality.
Following our visit, we head towards Karola Glacier (5159m), where we will marvel at the striking ice formations descending from Mount Nyenchen Khangsar. The glacier’s pristine beauty and grandeur make it one of the most spectacular stops on the journey.
After lunch, we continue our drive towards Yamdrok Lake, passing Gampa La Pass (4794m), where we’ll be rewarded with our first breathtaking view of the lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The lake’s turquoise waters stretch across the valley beneath us, with the imposing Mount Nyenchen Khangsar in the background, adding a majestic touch to the scenery. We will descend to the lakeshore for a closer look, allowing you to fully absorb the serene beauty of the area.
Finally, we drive towards Lhasa, where your tour guide will drop you off at your hotel for the night.
Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 6: Lhasa Tour: Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery or Tibet Museum + Norbulingka
Distance: 10 km (0.5 hr driving) | Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: Hotel in Lhasa
After breakfast, we’ll drive to Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in Tibet, housing over 10,000 monks at its peak. Today, it remains one of the “Three Great Monasteries” of Lhasa. Its imposing white architecture, visible from afar, resembles a giant heap of rice—an iconic image in Tibetan Buddhism.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit Sera Monastery, renowned for its famous “Daily Scriptures Debating” activity, which takes place from 3:30 pm to 5 pm in the central courtyard (except Sundays). Here, monks engage in lively debates to deepen their understanding of Buddhist texts and teachings.
Alternatively, you can visit the Tibet Museum, where you can learn about the region’s rich culture, from daily life and traditional clothing to festive customs and unique architectural styles. Following this, we will head to Norbulingka, the Dalai Lama’s summer palace, which is set amidst a beautiful Tibetan-style royal garden.
After a day of cultural immersion, we will transfer you back to your hotel for a restful evening.
Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 7: Lhasa Tour: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
Distance: 4 km (0.5 hr driving) | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Hotel: Overnight in Lhasa
After breakfast, your guide and driver will escort you to the iconic Potala Palace, one of Lhasa’s most renowned landmarks. You’ll have the morning to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, which was once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama. The palace comprises the White Palace and Red Palace, a series of winding corridors, countless monks’ dormitories, stunning Buddha statues, murals, and the spiritual ambiance that defines Tibetan Buddhism.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibet. As the holiest temple in the region, it is an essential stop for pilgrims and visitors alike. Here, you’ll witness the devotion of pilgrims as they offer butter oil to light the lamps, hear the chants of monks, and observe the beautiful golden roof. The temple offers an insightful look into Tibetan Buddhism, spirituality, and art.
Afterward, we’ll take a leisurely walk around Barkhor Street, the oldest market street in Lhasa. This bustling area is filled with religious significance and cultural charm. You’ll find a mix of pilgrims, locals, and travelers, with shops selling traditional Tibetan handicrafts and souvenirs. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in Tibetan culture.
We’ll then transfer you back to your hotel for a relaxing evening.
Overnight at Lhasa.
TibetTrip Advice:
Potala Palace requires advance reservation and has a daily visitor limit.
Day 8: Lhasa Tour: Lhasa Departure: Transfer to Airport or Train Station
Distance: 70 km (1 hr driving) to the airport; 20 km (30 min driving) to the train station | Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: /
After breakfast, your guide and driver will escort you to Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Train Station for your departure. Please ensure that your travel details are communicated with the guide to allow sufficient time for check-in and security procedures.
Thank you for choosing TibetTrip for your Tibet tour. We hope you’ve had a memorable journey, and we look forward to welcoming you back in the future!
TibetTrip Notice:
Free drop-off: Airport (08:30–22:30), Train station (24 hours).
8-Day Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour Date and Package Price
All prices are in US Dollars / Person and based on 3-star hotels. Single room supplement applies to solo travelers requesting a private room.
| Hotel Class / Travel Time | Jan.1-Feb.28 Nov.1-Dec.31 |
Mar.1-May.31 Oct.10-Oct.31 |
Jun.1-Jul.5 Aug.28-Sept.18 |
Jul.6-Aug.27 Sept.19-Oct.9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economic 3-Star Hotels | $998 | $1098 | $1168 | $1218 |
| Comfortable 4-Star Hotels | $1140 | $1240 | $1315 | $1350 |
Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour Inclusions:
- 1. Tibet Permits: Tibet Travel Permit, Aliens’ Travel Permit, Military Area Entry Permit, etc.
- 2. Transportation: 7-29 seat tourist vehicle.
- 3. Accommodation: 7 nights in twin-sharing rooms (3-star standard)
- 4. Meals: 5 breakfasts in hotel; 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner in restaurants
- 5. Guide: Professional English-speaking local Tibetan guide
- 6. Entrance Tickets: All entrance tickets fees for all tourist sites listed in the itinerary
- 7. Border Transfer: Kathmandu to Border to Kathmandu transportation
- 8. Lodging and dining subsidies for guide and driver
- 9. Arrangements include planning, handling, operational and communication charges
- 10. Insurance: Tourists Accident/Casualty Insurance
- 11. Drinking water provided during the trip
- 12. A container of Oxygen for emergency use;
- 13. Free Shuttle Pickup Schedule:
Airport to Hotel: 9:30 am, 1:00 pm, 4:00 pm;
Hotel to Airport: 8:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm;
Train Station to Hotel: Free transfer available at any time.
Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour Exclusions:
- 1. Personal expenses such as hiring porter, yak and horse, laundry, drink, fax, telephone call, optional tour activities, etc.
- 2. Single Room Supplement (if requested)
- 3. Meals: Lunch and dinner
- 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.
- 8. Private Transfer:
If you miss the free transfer due to a flight delay or cancellation, a private transfer is available starting at USD 80/vehicle.
If you book your own hotel, please meet the group at the designated hotel on time. Transfers to your hotel are not included.
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