Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour

Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour: the high road to Lhasa

  • 12 days
Duration
12 days
Group size
6 People
Country
Tibet

Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour Overview

Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour: the high road to Lhasa

Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour: the high road to Lhasa

Join our Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour:
an overland journey from Kathmandu to Tibet, the roof of the world. Everest Base Camp can be added if you wish.
The Kathmandu to Lhasa highway offers views of the Himalaya and the Tibetan countryside. On the way, you visit Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet, and the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, and you can also include Everest Base Camp.

On our Kathmandu to Lhasa tour, the drive goes via Kerung and Lhatse to Shigatse. The Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, seat of the Panchen Lama, is a large complex with golden roofs and impressive chapels. Gyantse, our next stop, has suffered damage over time, but its Palkor Chode temple and Kumbum Chorten hold some of the most remarkable works of art in Tibet and give a view of a past era.

In Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, there is ample time to explore the Potala Palace, the former home of the Dalai Lama and Tibet’s best-known landmark, with over 1,000 rooms and 10,000 shrines. You also visit the Jokhang, Tibet’s holiest temple, with its priceless statues and frescoes, and the Norbulingka, or Summer Palace, from which the present Dalai Lama fled in 1959.

If you wish to shop, visit the Barkhor, the busy bazaar of old Lhasa, which lies on the pilgrims’ circumambulation route around the Jokhang.

At the end of the Tibet tour, you fly back from Lhasa to Kathmandu on a flight with close views of the Himalaya, including Everest. The trip begins and ends with three days in Kathmandu, with plenty of time to see the city’s many attractions.

Key highlights of the Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour

Itinerary

  1. Arrival day. You must arrive on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday morning, before 9:30 am. We meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free, followed by a briefing on the programme.

    Altitude
    1,400 m (4,590 ft)
    On foot
    None, arrival day
    Night in
    Hotel, Kathmandu
    Meals
    None
  2. A full day of sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley, including the Hindu temple complex at Pashupatinath (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa. You also visit Swayambhunath, the Monkey Temple (about 2,000 years old), and the city of Patan. Later, drive to Nagarkot (7,200 ft), a hill station with fine views of the Himalaya on a clear day.

    Altitude
    2,175 m (7,140 ft)+775 m
    On foot
    Easy walking, 2–3 hrs
    Night in
    Hotel, Nagarkot
    Meals
    Breakfast
  3. After watching the sunrise and mountain views from Nagarkot, hike down to Banepa (about 4 hours) and drive back to Kathmandu via the historic town of Bhaktapur. Overnight in Kathmandu, with breakfast.

    Altitude
    1,400 m (4,590 ft)−775 m
    On foot
    4 hrs
    Night in
    Hotel, Kathmandu
    Meals
    Breakfast
  4. Early in the morning, drive to the border at Kerung and complete immigration and customs formalities on both the Nepal and Tibet sides. This is a group tour, with at least 7 people on each departure. Please note that guest houses in Tibet are quite simple, especially as far as Xegar.

    Altitude
    2,800 m (9,190 ft)+1,400 m
    On foot
    None, 7–8 hr drive
    Night in
    Guesthouse, Kerung
    Meals
    Breakfast
  5. Sights along the way include the ruins of old dzongs (fortresses) and views of the mountains, including Mount Everest. The route crosses a high pass of about 5,200 m (Nayalu La). Please drink at least 3 litres of water each day while you are in Tibet. The road is rough in places, but the views are very good. Overnight in Xegar or Lhatse.

    Altitude
    4,350 m (14,270 ft)+1,550 m
    On foot
    None, 7–8 hr drive
    Night in
    Guesthouse, Shegar
    Meals
    Breakfast
  6. Drive to Shigatse, home of the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery with its golden roof, the seat of the Panchen Lama until his death in 1989. Overnight in Shigatse.

    Altitude
    3,900 m (12,800 ft)−450 m
    On foot
    None, 5–6 hr drive
    Night in
    Hotel, Shigatse
    Meals
    Breakfast
  7. In the morning, visit the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama. It has three large temples with golden pagoda roofs, one of which holds a statue of the Future Buddha, 13 ft wide and 26 ft high. The monastery is a fine example of Tibetan architectural and cultural heritage, with hundreds of monks walking around and chanting Om Mani Padme Hum for world peace. Drive to Gyantse and visit the Kumbum Stupa, a temple built in three architectural styles (Nepali, Chinese and Tibetan), with 108 rooms holding statues of 108 different deities. The Gyantse Dzong houses a British war museum with many old weapons and statues, each with its own history.

    Altitude
    3,977 m (13,050 ft)+77 m
    On foot
    Easy walking, 2–3 hrs
    Night in
    Hotel, Gyantse
    Meals
    Breakfast
  8. A scenic drive over the Karo La and Kamba La passes, with good views of Yamdrok Tso Lake. You then cross the Brahmaputra River and arrive in Lhasa.

    Altitude
    3,656 m (11,990 ft)−321 m
    On foot
    None, 6–7 hr drive
    Night in
    Hotel, Lhasa
    Meals
    Breakfast
  9. In Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, there is ample time to explore the Potala Palace, the former home of the Dalai Lama and Tibet's best-known landmark, with over 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines and a golden roof containing over 3,500 kg of gold. You also visit the Jokhang, Tibet's holiest temple, with its priceless statues and frescoes, and the Norbulingka, or Summer Palace, from which the present Dalai Lama fled in 1959. The Jokhang is the oldest temple in Lhasa and holds a statue of the Buddha at 11 years of age, given to Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century by the family of his Chinese queen. We also take you to the Sera and Drepung monasteries around Lhasa. If you wish to shop, visit the Barkhor, the busy bazaar of old Lhasa, which lies on the pilgrims' circumambulation route around the Jokhang and is a good place for souvenirs of Tibet.

    Altitude
    3,656 m (11,990 ft)
    On foot
    Easy walking, 2–3 hrs
    Night in
    Hotel, Lhasa
    Meals
    Breakfast
  10. Fly back to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free, or you can take optional sightseeing. In the evening, you can join a Nepali cultural show and dinner.

    Altitude
    1,400 m (4,590 ft)−2,256 m
    On foot
    None, flight day
    Night in
    Hotel, Kathmandu
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner
  11. Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

    Altitude
    1,400 m (4,590 ft)
    On foot
    None, departure day
    Night in
    No overnight
    Meals
    Breakfast

What's included

  • All airport pickups and drops, and services in Kathmandu
  • 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (depending on the package you choose)
  • Kathmandu Valley sightseeing with guides and entrance permits
  • Tibet visa and travel permit
  • Simple hotels in Tibet from days 4 to 11, on a twin-share basis
  • All entrance fees for sightseeing in Tibet
  • Transport by bus, van or jeep

Not included

  • Meals in Kathmandu and in Tibet (Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse or further)
  • Bar bills (soft drinks, beer, water, etc.) and other personal expenses
  • Nepal re-entry visa (for NRIs, Europeans and Americans)
  • Emergency rescue charges, if necessary
  • Tips and gratuities for staff
  • Photography charges, where applicable in Tibet

Photos

A look at the trail, the villages and the mountains.

Reviews

Exceptional5.0 out of 5Reviews from Tripadvisor
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Showing 10 reviews from 901 on Tripadvisor

Kathmandu -Lhasa Tibet Overland

September 2014, Tripadvisor

My friends and I recently did Overland Tour to Tibet from Kathmandu - Lhasa incl Everest Base Camp for 12 days . Earthbound made all arrangement for our group , from the Tibet group Permit to our flight back to Ktm from Lhasa. Prior to trip, i have been corresponding with Rajan and I would say that he has never failed to reply promptly. Rajan and his team are very helpful and professional. Our Tibetan guide , Tashi and our tibetan driver, named Tashi too, both of them are very patient and have much assisted us in every way throughout our trip. The accommodations that we were placed in were quite comfortable and clean. Most of the accommodations have free wireless access at the lobby area and hot shower. Overall , our group is very happy with this trip arranged by Earthbound.

-mochibuns-Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaRead on Tripadvisor

Kathmandu -Lhasa Tibet Overland

September 2014, Tripadvisor

My friends and I recently did Overland Tour to Tibet from Kathmandu - Lhasa incl Everest Base Camp for 12 days . Earthbound made all arrangement for our group , from the Tibet group Permit to our flight back to Ktm from Lhasa. Prior to trip, i have been corresponding with Rajan and I would say that he has never failed to reply promptly. Rajan and his team are very helpful and professional. Our Tibetan guide , Tashi and our tibetan driver, named Tashi too, both of them are very patient and have much assisted us in every way throughout our trip. The accommodations that we were placed in were quite comfortable and clean. Most of the accommodations have free wireless access at the lobby area and hot shower. Overall , our group is very happy with this trip arranged by Earthbound.

-mochibuns-Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaRead on Tripadvisor

Hand’s Down The Best Tour Group in Nepal

October 2019, Tripadvisor

From the moment we scheduled our trip from New York to Kathmandu, Earthbound Expeditions was completely accessible to answer our questions and provide a thorough itinerary and list of expectations. They made the transition from the airport to Kathmandu seamless in spite of our flight delay and every moment thereafter was treated with complete professionalism and personalization. The hotels were all super clean and comfortable and the guest houses along the trek had stunning views of the mountains and delicious food served at each. We can’t say enough good things about our guide, Rajan Prasad Neupane, who was organized, patient, an expert guide in the mountains, extremely knowledgeable in both culture and terrain, and brings a great amount of wit along with his good nature. Be prepared for an outstanding experience if he is your guide! Dandebhat mero sati! Bharat Bhatta was our porter and we could not have completed the trip without him. This company is extremely organized and will plan as much as you’d like to ensure your experience is fully customized and memorable. We will be back to do the Everest Base Camp and will be using Earthbound again!

Hand’s Down The Best Tour Group in Nepal

October 2019, Tripadvisor

From the moment we scheduled our trip from New York to Kathmandu, Earthbound Expeditions was completely accessible to answer our questions and provide a thorough itinerary and list of expectations. They made the transition from the airport to Kathmandu seamless in spite of our flight delay and every moment thereafter was treated with complete professionalism and personalization. The hotels were all super clean and comfortable and the guest houses along the trek had stunning views of the mountains and delicious food served at each. We can’t say enough good things about our guide, Rajan Prasad Neupane, who was organized, patient, an expert guide in the mountains, extremely knowledgeable in both culture and terrain, and brings a great amount of wit along with his good nature. Be prepared for an outstanding experience if he is your guide! Dandebhat mero sati! Bharat Bhatta was our porter and we could not have completed the trip without him. This company is extremely organized and will plan as much as you’d like to ensure your experience is fully customized and memorable. We will be back to do the Everest Base Camp and will be using Earthbound again!

Fantastic Annapurna Trekking Experience

October 2019, Tripadvisor

Our group of Brisbane (Australia) women were thoughtfully guided by experienced and knowledgeable staff at Earthbound Expeditions. Our guide appeared to be on duty 24/7 catering to our team, planning ahead to smooth our arrivals for lunch and evening accommodation, plus working closely with the Head Porter and the three porters assigned to our team. Everyone on staff was courteous, friendly and generous, particularly when we gained altitude each day. Awareness of the issues related to altitude was factored into the schedule so that we had time to adjust, as well as time to take in the vastness and beauty of the mountain-scapes. Stories told along the way, included answers to our many questions about local land use, domestic and wild animals, customs and religious beliefs, major sources of income and a host of tales about locals encountering trekkers from around the world. Curiosity was alive in our group and was met with an openness and willingness to engage and respond. Added to this, the staff greeted us with encouraging smiles and a delightful display of humour. Where language barriers may have existed there was ample enthusiasm, broad smiles and a willingness to show kindness when exhaustion and weariness may have been expected. Each trekker grew in admiration for our porters who went ahead each day and greeted us at our resting places, usually sitting on the rock fences or under trees. We were walking with day packs and felt the exertion that those mountain paths demanded, while our porters were carrying loads wiht seeming ease. Their willingness and exuberance monitored a steady growth of respect and empathy. We used terms that endeared them to us, like "Out Boys" and we quickly learnt their names so that we could show gratitude in ways that were sensitive and caring. The place is breath-takingly magnificent and everywhere seemed to be at a scale that was surreal. The waterfalls, the landslides, the white-water rivers, the sheer slops and those high peaks among the clouds or bather in sun-light ... The majesty of walking so close to the Gods with reminders that spirituality is marked in common practices of greetings and prayers along the way. It is hard to review that aspect of the Annapurna, but suffice it to say, that it is a felt part of the trail and our Guide was always ready with excellent explanations and illustrations of local beliefs, festivals and customs. Of course, the trekking was demanding and the courage to be on the trail was part of the preparation to be there and to experience it. However, the key experience was a growing connection with each other, our team and a reverence for the land we were walking on with the vistas that held us in constant surprise. How often did we say, I have to pinch myself to believe that we are here and standing with views so pristine that photographs did not prepare us for. Not in the picture were the sense of gravity that those mountains would reveal, as eagles preyed on marmots or other animals, and yaks feed on mountain pastures, or deer wandered down to graze in mountain meadows and goats, donkeys and horses could be heard as their bells rang down from further up the trail. The rhythms of mountain life and trekking were growing familiar as our Guide commentated in an easy unobtrusive style. And each day we felt fortunate to have these gentle people with us, doing their roles so well that we each felt a special connection to them. There is so much to see on this trail and to go there is to be transported to an extraordinary place. We kept expectations low on the food and accommodation side as we had read ahead and anticipated a complete absence of luxury. What we got was a taste of life, as lived by the Nepalese, and an appreciation of how fortunate we all are to take so much for granted in our own countries. However, there is no room for spoil alerts in those mountains or among people who are happy in the face of poverty and rich in their willingness to share what is surely a walk with the Gods. Huge gratitude to Earthbound Staff who were working with us for months before we arrived and stayed connected with us for the entire time we were there. Their days were devoted to our safe passage and positive experience and how tremendous was the result. Out team grew to include the staff and I suspect they came to know us and share the affection.

Fantastic Annapurna Trekking Experience

October 2019, Tripadvisor

Our group of Brisbane (Australia) women were thoughtfully guided by experienced and knowledgeable staff at Earthbound Expeditions. Our guide appeared to be on duty 24/7 catering to our team, planning ahead to smooth our arrivals for lunch and evening accommodation, plus working closely with the Head Porter and the three porters assigned to our team. Everyone on staff was courteous, friendly and generous, particularly when we gained altitude each day. Awareness of the issues related to altitude was factored into the schedule so that we had time to adjust, as well as time to take in the vastness and beauty of the mountain-scapes. Stories told along the way, included answers to our many questions about local land use, domestic and wild animals, customs and religious beliefs, major sources of income and a host of tales about locals encountering trekkers from around the world. Curiosity was alive in our group and was met with an openness and willingness to engage and respond. Added to this, the staff greeted us with encouraging smiles and a delightful display of humour. Where language barriers may have existed there was ample enthusiasm, broad smiles and a willingness to show kindness when exhaustion and weariness may have been expected. Each trekker grew in admiration for our porters who went ahead each day and greeted us at our resting places, usually sitting on the rock fences or under trees. We were walking with day packs and felt the exertion that those mountain paths demanded, while our porters were carrying loads wiht seeming ease. Their willingness and exuberance monitored a steady growth of respect and empathy. We used terms that endeared them to us, like "Out Boys" and we quickly learnt their names so that we could show gratitude in ways that were sensitive and caring. The place is breath-takingly magnificent and everywhere seemed to be at a scale that was surreal. The waterfalls, the landslides, the white-water rivers, the sheer slops and those high peaks among the clouds or bather in sun-light ... The majesty of walking so close to the Gods with reminders that spirituality is marked in common practices of greetings and prayers along the way. It is hard to review that aspect of the Annapurna, but suffice it to say, that it is a felt part of the trail and our Guide was always ready with excellent explanations and illustrations of local beliefs, festivals and customs. Of course, the trekking was demanding and the courage to be on the trail was part of the preparation to be there and to experience it. However, the key experience was a growing connection with each other, our team and a reverence for the land we were walking on with the vistas that held us in constant surprise. How often did we say, I have to pinch myself to believe that we are here and standing with views so pristine that photographs did not prepare us for. Not in the picture were the sense of gravity that those mountains would reveal, as eagles preyed on marmots or other animals, and yaks feed on mountain pastures, or deer wandered down to graze in mountain meadows and goats, donkeys and horses could be heard as their bells rang down from further up the trail. The rhythms of mountain life and trekking were growing familiar as our Guide commentated in an easy unobtrusive style. And each day we felt fortunate to have these gentle people with us, doing their roles so well that we each felt a special connection to them. There is so much to see on this trail and to go there is to be transported to an extraordinary place. We kept expectations low on the food and accommodation side as we had read ahead and anticipated a complete absence of luxury. What we got was a taste of life, as lived by the Nepalese, and an appreciation of how fortunate we all are to take so much for granted in our own countries. However, there is no room for spoil alerts in those mountains or among people who are happy in the face of poverty and rich in their willingness to share what is surely a walk with the Gods. Huge gratitude to Earthbound Staff who were working with us for months before we arrived and stayed connected with us for the entire time we were there. Their days were devoted to our safe passage and positive experience and how tremendous was the result. Out team grew to include the staff and I suspect they came to know us and share the affection.

Muktinath

September 2019, Tripadvisor

All expectations were greatly exceeded by the team at Earthbound Expeditions and our trip to Muktinath would not have been successful without the care and attention of all the team. Special thanks must go to Mr Rajan for his introduction to Nepal and Arjun for his charisma and accommodating all our requests with a smile (no demand was ever arduous); Kumar for his knowledge and stories of temples, Deepak and Manoj for excellent, safe driving through the Nepali valley (not for the faint hearted) and last but by no means least Badri for putting together such a bespoke package. The Himalayas have been an experience for us all and with Earthbound a second trip is a MUST. Thank you – Mandu Group (Champa and Friends)

Muktinath

September 2019, Tripadvisor

All expectations were greatly exceeded by the team at Earthbound Expeditions and our trip to Muktinath would not have been successful without the care and attention of all the team. Special thanks must go to Mr Rajan for his introduction to Nepal and Arjun for his charisma and accommodating all our requests with a smile (no demand was ever arduous); Kumar for his knowledge and stories of temples, Deepak and Manoj for excellent, safe driving through the Nepali valley (not for the faint hearted) and last but by no means least Badri for putting together such a bespoke package. The Himalayas have been an experience for us all and with Earthbound a second trip is a MUST. Thank you – Mandu Group (Champa and Friends)

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12 days

$2,587 per person

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