8 Days Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour
2. Comfortable hotels in cities and guesthouses in some remote places.
3. Flight and train are not included.
4. Tour cost is only for reference, please inquire for detailed quotation.
5. The more people, the cheaper cost.
- Is this trip for me?
- 8 days and 7 nightsTrip Length:
- Cultural Spiritual Experienc, Everest Base Camp Tours, Join-in Group Tours, Overland Driving ToursActivity:
- All Year AroundSeason:
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Explain>>Trip Level:In order to make it easier for you to choose the right trip, we have graded our trips with certain Trip Level System from 1 to 4 according to the degree of activities and altitude. We have also suggested the most suitable groups or individuals for each Trip Level.
In the Trip Overview of each itinerary there is also a brief description of what the Trip is like.
Our staffs at the Explore Tibet are always happy to answer any questions you have and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests and level of fitness.
1. Easy
Light walking and hiking that is suitable for all level of fitness, generally altitude range between 3500m/9800ft to 4000m/13000ft. Hotels and guesthouses accommodation.
Suitable for family with kids and senior groups.2. Moderate
May included moderate level of hiking, biking, horse riding and maximum altitude of 5000m/16000ft. Hotels and guesthouses accommodation.
Suitable for family with kids bigger than 12 years, individual having average level for fitness.3. Moderate to Strenuous
May include high altitude hiking up to 6 hours, long hour driving and sometimes overnight at around 5000m/16000ft, require a moderately high level of fitness, camping and basic lodging facility.
Suitable for adult family, individuals physically fit and have experiences of high altitude trekking.4. Strenuous
May include high altitude trekking and mountaineering, camping and basic lodging facilities, altitude range from 3600m/9800ft to 6000m/19000ft.
Suitable for adventures and individual with physically fit and healthy. - Inquiry Tailor-Made
Click on the map to enlarge
| Days | Trip Outline | Activity | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Lhasa (3680m) | Pick up and transfer to hotel rest at hotel. | Tashi Takgye / Heritage hotel |
| Day 2 | Lhasa sightseeing | Bakhor street Johkang Temple Potala Palace | Tashi Takgye / Heritage hotel |
| Day 3 | Lhasa sightseeing | Sera Monastery Drepung Monastery | Tashi Takgye / Heritage hotel |
| Day 4 | Lhasa-Shigatse (3900m) 350km approx 7hrs | Yamdrok Lake Karola Glacier Kumbum Stupa | Manasarovar/Gesar Hotel |
| Day 5 | Shigatse- Sakya - Shegar (4200m) 290km approx 6hrs | Tashi Lhunpo monastery Sakya monastery | Tibet Roof of World Grand Hotel |
| Day 6 | Shegar - EBC (5100m) 110km approx 2.5hrs | Everest base Camp Rongbuk monastery | EBC guesthouse |
| Day 7 | EBC - Old Tingri - Gyirong/Kyirong (3680m) 350km approx 6hrs | Mt. Shishapama Peikutso lake Kyirong Valley | Kyirong Local hotel |
| Day 8 | Depart from Tibet Border Gyirong Port | send off to the Gyirong Border and leave to KTM |
| Months | Cost of single room supplement fee in USD |
| Jan - Jun and Sept - Dec | USD161 |
| Jul and Aug | USD194 |
Fixed Departure Dates
– All necessary travel permits to Tibet;
– Entrance ticket fees for all the sight spots listed in the itinerary;
– Vehicle and guide entrances for the Everest Natural Reserve;
– Private transportation in Tibet with experienced local Tibetan driver: Ranging from 4WD land cruiser to minibus depending on the group size and trip route (car gasoline is included) See vehicle photos here;
– Private guide: English speaking local Tibetan guide;
– Lodging: Comfortable class hotel: Tashi Takgye hotel / Tashi Noda hotel in Lhasa Gesar hotel in Shigatse and local distinguished tent guesthouse at EBC local comfortable hotel in Kyirong;
– Free shuttle Pick-up and send-off services at the beginning (Check shuttle bus frequency below);
– Bottle water;
– A mobile with local SIM card for the group ( it can receive international call and text messages also);
– Oxygen: One big Oxygen tank in the car (4L or 7L);
– Meals: only breakfast is included ;
– Lodging and meals for guide and drivers;
– First aid kit;
-Travel insurance covers trip cancellation and emergency evacuation (recommended to buy from your home country before you leave);
– Expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages laundry phone call etc.);
– International and domestic flight/train tickets.(Note: we accept flights and train tickets bookings in advance please check the updated cost and tickets availability with our travel consultant);
– Meals – lunches and dinners averagely a meal in Tibet cost around USD5 per person;
– Gratuities for the guide and driver.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN LHASA AND MEET WITH YOUR FELLOW TRAVELLERS
To get to Lhasa you can take the panoramic flight over the Himalayas from mainland China or Kathmandu or the stunning rain journey to Lhasa which crosses the high Tanggula Mountain Range via the Tanggula Pass at 5076 meters. On your arrival in the Tibetan capital’s railway station or airport our guide and driver will be there to meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Lhasa. From the airport in Gonggar County it is a 60km hour-long drive back to the capital while the 25km trip from the railway station across the Lhasa River takes only 30 minutes. Once settled into your hotel you can meet your fellow travelers and rest for the remainder of the day to allow your body to acclimatize to the increased altitude.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Note: If your arrival time is different from our free airport shuttle bus (see bottom of this page to see airport shuttle bus timing) then we will arrange private airport pick up which cost CNY400 all the train station pick up and transfer can be arranged without any additional cost. Please let us know your arrival time and detail information of flights/train.
DAY 02. LHASA ESCORTED TOUR.
Attractions; Potala palace Jokhang temple and bustling Bakhor street
The first full day on the plateau may leave you with a mild headache from altitude sickness while you get used to the higher elevation of the Tibetan capital. This normally subsides within a day or two. Remember to take it easy and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
After breakfast your guide will meet you at your hotel to take you to the sacred Jokhang Temple the oldest Buddhist temple in Tibet and the main focal point of pilgrim worship. From there we will walk around the famous Barkhor Street which runs around the Jokhang Temple and serves as the ritual kora route for the Buddhist pilgrims. One of Asia’s most unique markets and a great introduction to modern Tibetan culture Barkhor Street is a unique experience in Tibet and is a great place for souvenir shopping.
In the afternoon we will visit the famous Potala Palace the most visited landmark in Tibet and a unique example of ancient Tibetan architecture. The modern palace is built on the site of a 7th century fortress that was constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo The fortress was badly damaged by the 17th century when the Red and White palaces of Potala were constructed on the orders of the 5th Dalai Lama. The palace was the seat of the Dalai Lama’s power until the monastic government was moved to Norbulingka in the 18th century.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.
DAY 03. LHASA ESCORTED TOUR II
Attractions; Drepung monastery and Sera monastery.
Today we will visit Drepung monastery which lies to the northwest of the capital and is one of the world’s largest monasteries. At the high point of the Dalai Lama’s rule of Tibet the monastery housed more than 10000 monks. Formerly the official residence of the Dalai Lama this huge monastery is filled with winding alleys and lanes through the monastic quarters which are great for exploring.
The day’s adventures will finish with a visit to Sera Monastery to the north of the city center of Lhasa. Home to over 600 monks this 15th century university monastery was constructed by a disciple of the Buddhist master Je Tsongkhapa the founder of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism. While we are here we will get the chance to see the unique theological and philosophical debates of the Buddhist monks and lamas in the debating courtyard. It is normally okay to take photos as long as the monks agree to it first.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.
DAY 04 LHASA(3600m) – GYANTSE (3900m) – SHIGATSE(3900m) 350 km 7hrs.
Attractions; Yamdrok lake Mt.Nyechen Kangsar glacier Gyantse Kubum stupa and Pelkhor Choede monastery.
We begin our journey west by zigzagging up to the crest of the Gampa La pass (4794m) to get the most outstanding view of the holy Yamdrok Lake its turquoise waters shimmering in the sun and the snowy Nyenchen Khangsar Mountain in the distance. We will stop alongside the lake as we pass along the northern shores before heading to the small town of Nagartse for a locally-prepared lunch.
After a delicious lunch we will continue along the road to Gyantse passing through the delightful Tibetan villages along the route and stopping to view the beautiful Mount Nyenchen Kangsar glacier at Karo La (5150m). In Gyantse we will stop at the Pelkor Chode Monastery to tour the monastery and visit the amazing Kumbum Stupa. With nine levels and 108 separate chapels this 32-meter stupa is the only one of its kind in Tibet.
In the late afternoon we will make the short journey to Shigatse just 90km to the west.
Stay overnight in Shigatse.
DAY 05. SHIGATSE – SHEGAR (4100m) AND VISIT SAKYA MONASTERY 200km4hrs.
Attractions: Tashi Lhunpo monastery Sakya monastery.
This morning we will visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery then drive along the Friendship Highway to Shegar via Lhatse. En route we will visit the mysterious Sakya Monastery after crossing the Tso La pass which lies at 4500 meters above sea level. Sakya is unique for its color and is one of the most important sects in Tibetan Buddhism. Sakya literally means “Grey Soil” and the name was derived from the Bon Bon Hill (Grey clay hill). Sakya monastery has two parts divided by the Zongchu River. The Northern side of the monastery built by Kon Konchok Gyalpo is not active nowadays and was left in ruins. The southern part of the monastery built by Dromgon Choegyal Phakpa is where most of the rituals and praying happen. In the afternoon we will drive on to Shegar ready for the trip to Mount Everest.
Stay overnight at Shegar.
(Note: before leaving Shigatse your guide needs time to obtain the Alien’s Travel Permit (ATP) from the local Public Security Bureau (PSB). The ATP is a required permit that will be issued for the border check at Shegar.)
DAY 06. SHEGAR – EBC(5100m)/Rongbuk monastery 350km 7hrs.
Attractions; Rongbuk monastery and Mt. Everest base camp.
Today we will drive straight to EBC and Rongbuk Monastery crossing several passes along the way. Prepare yourself for your first view of the Himalayas at Gyatso La Pass (5400m). You can actually see Mt. Everest in the distance from the viewing point at the pass.
A few kilometers after the border check point we turn off the Friendship Highway and zig-zag our way up to Gawu La Pass (5250m) a great spot for a view of all the Himalayan Mountains above 8000 meters. From left to right you will see Mt. Makalu (8463m) Mt. Lhotse (8516m) Mt. Everest (8848m) Mt. Cho Oyu (8201m) and Mt. Shishapangma (8020m).
After arriving at Rongbuk Monastery we will settle into the Tibetan tent guesthouse where we will be staying the night. The Rongbuk Monastery houses both monks and nuns and is the “official” highest monastery in the world at 4980 meters. In the afternoon you will have time to explore around the Rongbuk Monastery area and get the best shot of the North Face of Mount Everest.
We’ll stay overnight in the tent guesthouse unless you are there between November and March when the tent guesthouses close and only Rongbuk Monastery guesthouse is available.
Stay overnight at EBC.
(Note: The original Everest base Camp was restricted in February 2019 and the tourist base camp was moved to a point close to Rongbuk Monastery. Now the Dza Rongbuk cave just a short hike past the monastery itself is the furthest point that travelers can go.)
DAY 07. RONGBUK (5000m) – OLD TINGRI (4390m) – KYIRONG(1800m)
Attractions: Beautiful scenery over the Thong La Pass impressive view of Mt. Shishapangma Peiku Tso Lake.
As we wake the next morning a striking view of luminous peaks is highlighted by the rising sun and it is bittersweet to say goodbye to this landscape that we have gotten to know so well. Next we will drive south to Nepal and traverse the Thong La Pass (5150m). Then we will drive alongside the Peiku Tso lake where we get a great view of Mt Shishapangma (8027m) the only mountain over 8000 meters that is wholly in Tibet. As we gradually descend into the Kyirong Valley through a series of switchback bends the dry climate changes into a warm moist environment and it is clear that we are drawing into the area of the Indian subcontinent. Our destination is the Tibet border town of Kyirong which recently opened as the border crossing for travelers. Previously the Zhangmu border crossing was closed after the deadly Nepal earthquake in April 2015.
Stay overnight in Kyirong.
DAY 08. KYIRONG (2300m) – SABRUBESI.
Attractions; Sino-Nepal Friendship Bridge typical Nepalese villages and Langtang national park.
Today we drive down to the Friendship Bridge and our guide will help you to clear the Chinese Customs. From there our Tibetan staff are not allowed any further and it is time to say your farewells. Before your departure we appreciate if you can spend a short time to evaluate our services either by filling the feedback form or simply sending us an email.
Once you have crossed the bridge into Nepal your Nepal Entry Visa can be obtained on arrival by paying US$25 for a 15-day tourist visa. You can easily find jeeps and buses from the Nepalese border town to Kathmandu City. It is 149km from the border to Kathmandu and you will pass through the stunning Langtang National Park.
– All necessary travel permits to Tibet;
– Entrance ticket fees for all the sight spots listed in the itinerary;
– Vehicle and guide entrances for the Everest Natural Reserve;
– Private transportation in Tibet with experienced local Tibetan driver: Ranging from 4WD land cruiser to minibus depending on the group size and trip route (car gasoline is included) See vehicle photos here;
– Private guide: English speaking local Tibetan guide;
– Lodging: Comfortable class hotel: Tashi Takgye hotel / Tashi Noda hotel in Lhasa Gesar hotel in Shigatse and local distinguished tent guesthouse at EBC local comfortable hotel in Kyirong;
– Free shuttle Pick-up and send-off services at the beginning (Check shuttle bus frequency below);
– Bottle water;
– A mobile with local SIM card for the group ( it can receive international call and text messages also);
– Oxygen: One big Oxygen tank in the car (4L or 7L);
– Meals: only breakfast is included ;
– Lodging and meals for guide and drivers;
– First aid kit;
-Travel insurance covers trip cancellation and emergency evacuation (recommended to buy from your home country before you leave);
– Expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages laundry phone call etc.);
– International and domestic flight/train tickets.(Note: we accept flights and train tickets bookings in advance please check the updated cost and tickets availability with our travel consultant);
– Meals – lunches and dinners averagely a meal in Tibet cost around USD5 per person;
– Gratuities for the guide and driver.
Important information for touring to Mt. Everest.
· Best Season to Travel
· Best part of the Tour
· Unique Tour Attractions
· Altitude Changes of Tour
· Top Hotels
2. Oxygen Cylinder
All our cars are equipped with an oxygen cylinder (4L to 7L) for group use and if the oxygen runs out our guide will refill the cylinder either in Lhasa or Shigatse.
3. Bottled Waters
As Tibet has a dry and sunny climate staying hydrated is very important. But since tap water in Tibet is not safe for consumption we provide bottled mineral water for all of our groups.
4. Mobile Phone with Local SIM Card
When we say 24-hour service we mean it. Every tour group comes with a dedicated mobile phone with all of our contact information already loaded and a local SIM card so you can reach us at any time.
5. Specially Designed Explore Tibet Lhasa Map
Our itineraries hit the right balance of arranged activities and free time. To make the most of your free time we’ve prepared a specially designed handy Lhasa guide and map with our recommendations of what to eat and see.
And there are more surprises and extra services from Explore Tibet that will enrich your Tibet tour with full of wonders and excitement please check with your Trip Advisor what are other extra services that only Explore Tibet can provide.
