- Twin Sharing room (hotel) and dormitory rooms (guest houses) for Budget Fixed departures
- Daily Breakfast
- English Speaking Tibetan Guide
- Private Transportation(Van/Mini Bus)
- Monastery Entrance Fee as per an itinerary
- Tibet Travel Permit
Journey overview
The experience at a glance
TIBET- Discover the Majesty of the Roof of the World
If you have ever dreamed of visiting the extraordinary Himalayan destination of Tibet, then look no further. Known as the “roof of the world.” Tibet offers a mesmerizing experience that captivates every traveler’s heart. With its vast expanse, it’s impossible to explore the entirety of Tibet in a single trip. However, certain must-see places truly showcase the essence of this remarkable region.
Lhasa, Tibet’s holy city, is a must-visit for almost everyone. Despite being at the forefront of Chinese-led modernization, Lhasa still retains its enchanting old town. It is home to famous monasteries, breathtaking views of the world’s highest peaks, and some of the warmest and most welcoming people you will ever meet.
One of the most renewed itineraries to travel from Kathmandu to Lhasa is the 7 Nights 8 Days Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Tour via the Kerung border crossing. This journey offers an economical and unforgettable experience of exploring the Tibetan highland and the city of temples and monasteries, Lhasa. The classic overland route covers approximately 1000 kilometers along the Friendship Highway between Kathmandu and Lhasa.
Your adventure begins in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, from where you will embark on a scenic drive through the Rasuwagadi Kerung route (150 km). Upon reaching the Kerung border crossing, you will complete the necessary border formalities. Once through, a Tibetan guide will meet you, and your official Kathmandu Lhasa overland tour will commence. As you traverse Tingri County, be prepared to be awe-struck by the magnificent view of Mt. Cho Oyu. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to visit Shigatse, where the impressive Tashilhumpo Monastery awaits, as well as the captivating Khumbum and Phalkhor Monasteries in Gyantse. From Gyantse, you can continue your journey to the mesmerizing Yamdrok-Tso often referred to as the coiling scorpion lake.
On this 7 Nights 8 Days Kathmandu Lhasa overland tour itinerary, we can offer an exciting add-on option: an excursion to Everest Base Camp (EBC). Please note that the permission to enter EBC is subject to change, as it depends on the latest rules and regulations set by the Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB).
The Lhasa sightseeing portion of the tour spans two days and offers a different perspective of Tibet’s wonders. There is an abundance of attractions to explore in and around Lhasa. Highlights include the awe-inspiring Potala Palace (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the sacred Jokhang Temple, and the bustling Barkhor Pilgrimage circuit. Additionally, on the outskirts of Lhasa, you will find the grand monastic institutions of Drepung and Sera monasteries.
Embrace this opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and spiritual essence of Tibet. Our meticulously crafted itinerary ensures that you witness the most captivating sights and experience the true essence of this extraordinary land.
Important Information for Tibet Overland Tour Participants:
We would like to bring to your attention some crucial details regarding your upcoming Tibet Overland tour from Kathmandu. Please read the following information carefully to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.
Arrival in Kathmandu: You must arrive in Kathmandu no later than Tuesday to commence the Tibet overland tour on Saturday. As we need at least 3 working days to process the Tibet Group Visa in Kathmandu. Please plan your travel accordingly to accommodate this requirement. The China Embassy in Kathmandu closes on weekends (Saturday and Sunday).
Tibet Group Visa (TGV) processing: The Embassy of China in Kathmandu will hold your original passport for a minimum of three working days to process the Tibet Group Visa. This visa is mandatory for your entry to Tibet from Kathmandu.
Biometric Requirement No Longer Required
Minimum Group Size: According to the new regulations, a minimum of five people must be present in a group in order to obtain the necessary permits and Visas for the Tibet tour. Kindly ensure that your group meets this requirement.
Tibet Group Visa Check List
Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) Permit, Entry Permit
Original Passport (minimum of 6 months validity)
Recent MRP size photo with white background
Chinese Visa Form
We understand that these requirements may require some adjustments to your travel plans. However, they are essential to ensure a successful land-legally compliant journey into Tibet.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the above information or any other aspect of your tour, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team is dedicated to providing assistance and guidance to make your Tibet overland tour a memorable experience.
Trip highlights
What makes this journey
- 01
Classic Itinerary for Kathmandu to Lhasa overland
- 02
The most popular Kathmandu Lhasa budget Tour 8 Days
- 03
Economic way to explore Tibet with a multi-country group
- 04
Explore the historic Lhasa and Dalai Lama's Potala Palace
- 05
Scenic drive through Tibetan highland and Yamdrotso
Day by day
8 days · 1 region
Walk the route one day at a time — meals, overnight stays, and the details that shape each stage.
Early in the Morning scenic drive to Kerung Border Nepal Tibet Border through the beautiful Nepalese countryside after necessary border formalities at Nepali immigration and crossing the bridge process for all necessary formalities in Chinese immigration continue the drive to Kerung Town. Stay Overnight at the Guest House. Please read: It is a MUST to arrive in Kathmandu on Tuesday to join the Tibet overland and start the tour on Saturday. The Embassy of China in Kathmandu holds your original passport for at least three working days (Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday) to process the Tibet Group Visa (TGV). Therefore, your arrival in Kathmandu, at least on Tuesday or early Wednesday, is required. Now, every application requires a Biometric, and the applicant must be present at the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu after the visa application is submitted. As per the new regulation, there must be at least 4 people in a group to get the permit and visa for the Tibet tour.
After Breakfast drive uphill to the height plateau of the world with the typical view of the Tibetan landscape offering the sheer feeling of standing off the roof of the world from where weather permitting, a breathtaking panorama of beautiful Himalayan ranges including Mt. Cho Oyu (8,201m) and Mt.Xishapangma (8,012m) but dwarfed by the vastness of the Tibetan plateau. From Tingri, one can enjoy the magnificence of Mt. Everest (8,848m) Stay Overnight at the Guest House.
After Breakfast continue to drive scenic crossing over Gyatchu La (5,220m), the highest pass en route to Lhasa via Lhatse from where a road to Mt.Kailash Bifurcates to the west. Stay overnight at Hotel.
After Breakfast Morning Sightseeing at the Panchen Lama’s Tashilhumpu Monastery. Drive to Gyantse and visit Kumbum Stupa and Phalkhor Monastery. Stay Overnight at the Hotel.
After Breakfast full day picturesque drive crossing over Karo La (5,010m), Kambala (4,749m), Colorful Yamdrok- Tso Lake, and the Tibetan lifeline river Brahma Putra (Yarlung Tsangpo). Stay Overnight at the Hotel.
After breakfast, we proceed for a full-day sightseeing tour of Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace; this legendary palace built atop a single hill is synonymous with Tibet by the first foremost king Songtsen Gompa. Jokhang Temple; situated in the heart of Old Lhasa, houses Tibet’s most precious religious relic, a golden Shakyamuni Buddha which was brought as a gift by the Chinese Princess Wen Cheng on the occasion of her wedding to the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gompo. After Sightseeing, you will be transferred to a hotel for you. Overnight at the hotel in Lhasa
After breakfast full-day sightseeing tour of Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Barkhor Market. Sera Monastery; 5 Km north of Lhasa, Sera Monastery setting is one of Lhasa’s prettiest monasteries. Once a community of more than 5,000 monks resided here and was virtually extinguished by the Chinese. Drepung Monastery; On the slope of the Wuze Hill in Genbei Five kilometers northwest of Lhasa, the Drepung monastery was built in 1416 and is the largest of the monasteries of the Gelug Sect. Barkhor Market (Bazaar); the best-preserved street in Lhasa, Barkhor Street surrounds the Jokhang Monastery. Some free time for shopping or your own activities. Overnight at hotel
After Breakfast drive to Gonggar Airport or Train Station for your departure flight to Kathmandu or to your onward destination. Note: The direct flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu is yet to be scheduled (update May 2023). Therefore, we would have the following options after the tour ends in Lhasa. Option A: Drive back to Kathmandu via the same route (3-4 days) Option B: Fly Lhasa to Chengdu and take the next flight to Kathmandu Option C: Take a train/flight to mainland China.
Private vehicle & English-speaking guide throughout · Kathmandu to Lhasa
Places covered
Destinations on this trip
The places this journey moves through, in the order they shape the experience.
Kathmandu
Kerung
Shigatse
Gyantse
Lhasa
Trip essentials
What your journey covers
A clear split between what we arrange and what you budget yourself.
- Lunch and Dinner
- Tibet Group Paper Visa Fee
- Train or Air Fare of any Sector
- Insurance of any Kind
- Natural or Political Disturbances which are Beyond Our Control
- Personal Expenses such as Drinks
- Tip
Before you go
Trip Information
Before you go
Frequently asked
More about travelling in Tibet
