8 Days Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour
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Overview
8 Days Lhasa to Kathmandu overland tour was closed after the deadly earthquake in Kathmandu in April 2015 recently Tibet Tourism Bureau announced the opening of the border for foreign travelers and it brought dreams of many travelers around the world before 2015 the Tibet overland group tour one of the best selling Tibet tours.
This Tibet overland tour includes a couple of days in Lhasa to see the world-famous architecture of Potala Palace which is a World Heritage site in Tibet. Jokhang Temple livelihood Tibetan cultural street Bakhor and other monastic colleges then after the acclimatization in Lhasa.
The tour starts heading toward the great Himalayas and overnight at the Everest base Camp will remark this tour as a lifetime experience. With pictures of the world’s highest peak Mt Everest (8848m) right in front of your eyes after seeing the sunrise of Everest.
You will slowly go down to Gyirong Valley which is also known as Kyirong which has a lower altitude and sub-tropical climate. This overland group tour ends at the Nepal-Tibet Kyirong/Gyirong border and then crosses the border to Nepal. And will get a Nepal visa upon arrival. The Lhasa to Kathmandu overland tour is one of the most adventurous tours in Tibet.
Is Everest base Camp closed?
It is never closed and Rongbuk monastery is just at Everest base Camp you can check details of the rumor that says Everest base Camp was closed.
| Days | Trip Outline | Activity | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Lhasa (3680m) | Pick up and transfer to hotel rest at the 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 for KTM |
If you want to have a single room during the hotel nights or if no one else is sharing the room with you, then you need to pay the single room supplement fee, please check the single room supplement fee as in the below table;
| Months | The cost of a single room supplement fee in USD |
| Jan – Jun, and Sept-Dec | USD165 |
| Jul and Aug | USD196 |
Included/Exclude
- – 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.
Tour Amenities
Tour Plan
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.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 10,000 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.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.Attractions: Tashi Lhunpo Monastery Sakya Monastery.
This morning we will visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery and 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.)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 checkpoint 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 the Rongbuk Monastery guesthouse is available. Stay overnight at EBC.Attractions: Beautiful scenery over the Thong La Pass and an 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.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 it if you could spend a short time evaluating our services either by filling out 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.Calendar & Price
Fixed Departure Dates List
| Departure Dates | Price(per person) /Status | Single Room Supplement |
|---|
Free Airport Shuttle Bus:
In order to make it more convenient for our clients, we have arranged two shuttle buses a day, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. So when you are purchasing the flight tickets, please take the shuttle bus timing into consideration. Of course, if you don’t want to wait for the shuttle bus, we can arrange a private airport pick-up and transfer for you, this service costs USD60 per time.
Shuttle bus pick-up time at the beginning of the tour:
1st shuttle bus departs from the airport at 12:30 2nd shuttle bus departs from the airport at 16:00
Shuttle bus transfer time at the end of the tour:
1st shuttle bus departs from the hotel at 7:30 am 2nd shuttle bus departs from the hotel at 11:00 am
Note:
If you miss the free shuttle bus because of your flight delay or cancellation, then you will have to pay for the private airport pick-up, which costs USD60 per time. Also, please make sure to update your tour consultant about your new flight schedule.
Train station pick-up is totally free, but sometimes you may need to wait for other travelers’ arrival around the same time.
Our Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
We are 3 people that will travel from Chengdu to Lahsa by train, arriving around August 5th. We want to take 4 days tour in Lhasa. We need to know how to book the tour with you, the price, how to pay it and what are the documents we need to go there. We will get our tourist visa to visit China after we book the tour. Two of us will travel form Chile in South America and our son -also chilean- will do it form South Africa. Stay tuned to reply
Explore Tibet is one of the few Tibetan owned agencies based in Lhasa, we practice Responsible travel by using local services and employ locals as much as possible. We use Tibetan drivers and tour guides for their strong Tibetan Cultural and religious background to make your travel unique and authentic.
We are an agency based in Lhasa, not anywhere in mainland China. Since if something happened or you need anything during the tour, we local agency will be more convenient.
Tour information: Yes, you can join our group tour 4 Days Lhasa Highlight group tour departure on July 9th it will end on July 12th, For group tour, there will be at most 12 group members in one group, and the starting and ending dates are fixed, price will be cheaper. http://www.exploretibet.com/tibet-group-tours/4-Days-Lhasa-Highlight.html
The cost of the Group tour 4 Days Lhasa Highlight costs USD532 per person based on maximum 12 people in the group& triple-bed rooms
Best Regards
Mia (Trip Advisor)
Hi, I am interested in this tour. But I cannot exert myself much and was wondering if I can skip the Kailash Kora and use other forms of transportation. I do however want to see Mt. Kailash. Also are you able to provide oxygen?
Permit application：
Tibet travel permit process takes around 22 days and we need 3 days to send you the permit in mainland China . We also need your passport and China visa copy for the permit application. Please send me clear photos or scan copies. If your China Visa is not an “L” visa, then you must also provide additional documents such as student certificates, work permits, residence permits and so on. If you enter Tibet by plane, you need original permit which we will mail it to your last hotel in mainland China, if you by train, only need copy of the permit, which we will send you by email. Tour Information:
Here I recommend you 15 days Kailash group tour below, sorry, since this is group tour, basically everything is fixed, so, we cannot find other transportation for you to avoid the trekking. What’s more, there is no public bus.
Please check the details below. Also, please let me know if your nationality is India, thank you!
Have a wonderful day!
Best Regards,
Rex(Your personal trip advisor)
Hello! we would kindly like to know what’s the cheapest offer you have for this guided tour. We’re two people thank you!!
Explore Tibet is one of the few Tibetan owned agencies based in Lhasa, we practice Responsible travel by using local services and employ locals as much as possible. We use Tibetan drivers and tour guides for their strong Tibetan Cultural and religious background to make your travel unique and authentic.
As you have 2 pax, the cheapest way for this tour must be joining our group tour, in June, it’s still not high season, cost is USD900 per person. Max. 10 pax.
We have fixed dates starting on June 11th, 14th, 21st, 25th, and 28th. Which date is suitable for you?
In July, cost is USD1020 per person.
Best Regards
Sherry (Your Trip Advisor)
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