Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Tour

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, you'll be warmly welcomed by our representative.

Our representative will assist you with the arrival formalities and ensure a smooth transition from the airport.

Transfer to Your Hotel in Kathmandu:

You will be transferred to your designated hotel in Kathmandu. Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal and serves as the gateway to the Himalayas.

Rest and Permit Day in Kathmandu:

You'll spend the day in Kathmandu, giving you time to rest after your journey and acclimate to the local time zone.

This day also allows for necessary preparations, including obtaining permits for your upcoming trek.

Explore Kathmandu Valley:

During your rest day, you have the option to explore the beautiful Kathmandu Valley. The valley is surrounded by hills, forests, and stunning snow-capped peaks.

You can choose to embark on a sightseeing tour to explore the cultural and historical gems of Kathmandu. The city is known for its ancient temples, palaces, and bustling markets.

Welcome Dinner:

In the evening, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a welcome dinner at a comfortable restaurant in Kathmandu. This is a chance to savor traditional Nepali cuisine and get to know your fellow travelers.

There will also be a short briefing about your upcoming trek, including important details and logistics.

Overnight Stay in Kathmandu:

You will spend the night at your hotel in Kathmandu, resting and preparing for the adventure that awaits.

Your arrival in Kathmandu is the start of an exciting journey into the heart of the Himalayas. The following day, you'll commence your trekking expedition, embarking on a trekking adventure that will take you through some of the world's most beautiful and challenging landscapes.

You'll start your overland tour by embarking on a picturesque drive along the Arniko Highway, heading towards the Nepal-Tibet border.

The Arniko Highway offers beautiful views and is known for its scenic landscapes. You'll enjoy the changing scenery as you make your way towards the border.

Nepali Border Post in Kodari:

After driving to the border area, you'll reach Kodari, which is the Nepali border post.

At Kodari, you'll complete immigration and customs formalities as you prepare to cross into Tibet.

Drive Uphill to Zhangmu (2,310m):

After finishing the border formalities in Kodari, you'll continue your journey and drive uphill to Zhangmu.

Zhangmu is a Tibetan border town located at an elevation of approximately 2,310 meters. It serves as the gateway to Tibet from Nepal.

Enter Tibet:

Once you arrive in Zhangmu, you'll go through additional formalities as you enter Tibet, where your Tibetan guide will meet your group.

The formalities include immigration and customs procedures to ensure a smooth entry into Tibet.

Scenic Gorge and Waterfalls:

As you continue your overland journey to Nyalam, you'll pass through a stunning gorge with fantastic views.

The gorge features deep valleys and occasionally, you may encounter picturesque waterfalls along the way.

Transfer to Hotel in Nyalam:

Your journey will bring you to Nyalam, a charming town that serves as a stopover point on your way to Lhasa.

You will check in to your hotel in Nyalam, where you'll spend the night.

Overnight at Nyalam:

You'll rest and acclimatize in Nyalam, preparing for the journey ahead. Nyalam is situated at a high altitude, which helps with acclimatization as you gradually ascend into Tibet.

Nyalam is located at an altitude of approximately 3,800 meters (or 12,467 feet) above sea level. This altitude adjustment is essential as you continue your overland tour into Tibet, gradually acclimatizing to the higher elevations you'll encounter on your journey.

After having breakfast in Nyalam, you'll embark on a full day's drive to Lhatse.

This leg of your journey involves a scenic drive through the Tibetan landscape as you make your way to your next destination.

Crossing Two Spectacular Passes:

During your drive from Nyalam to Lhatse, you'll encounter two spectacular mountain passes.

The first pass you'll cross is the Nyalam Pass, which is located at an elevation of approximately 3,815 meters.

Scenic Mountain Views:

Throughout the journey, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the high Himalayan mountains, including iconic peaks like Mount Everest (the world's highest mountain), Jugal Himal, and Mount Makalu.

Lalung La Pass (5,090m):

As you continue your drive, you'll reach the high mountain pass known as Lalung La Pass.

Lalung La Pass is situated at an elevation of approximately 5,090 meters (about 16,699 feet). This is one of the highest points of your journey, providing awe-inspiring panoramic views.

Overnight Stay in Lhatse:

After a day of adventurous driving and enjoying the remarkable vistas, you'll reach Lhatse.

Lhatse is a town where you will spend the night. It offers a place to rest and prepare for the next day of your overland tour.

Your overnight stay will be at a hotel in Lhatse, where you can relax and rejuvenate before continuing your journey towards Lhasa, the capital of Tibet.

You'll depart from Lhatse after breakfast and begin your drive to Shigatse.

The route takes you through the Tibetan landscape, and it's an approximate 6 to 7-hour drive.

Visit Tashilunpo Monastery:

During your drive, you'll have the opportunity to visit the renowned Tashilhunpo Monastery.

Tashilhunpo Monastery is an important religious site in Tibet and is known as the seat of the Panchen Lama, one of the most significant figures in Tibetan Buddhism.

The monastery is notable for its large Thangka wall, which is clearly visible from the north side of the road, and its impressive architecture.

Overnight Stay in Shigatse:

After visiting Tashilhunpo Monastery and completing your drive, you will arrive in Shigatse.

Shigatse is the second-largest city in Tibet and is known for its cultural and historical significance.

You will check in at a hotel in Shigatse, where you will spend the night, ensuring you're well-rested for the next leg of your journey.

This day allows you to explore an important Tibetan religious site and enjoy the scenic drive to Shigatse, where you can immerse yourself in the culture and heritage of the region.

Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery:

In the morning, you'll have the opportunity to visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse.

Tashilhunpo Monastery is one of the most significant monasteries in Tibet and serves as the seat of the Panchen Lama. It is known for its large Thangka wall and impressive religious significance.

Explore Shigatse Open Market:

After visiting the monastery, you can explore the open market of Shigatse. It's a great place to experience local culture, buy souvenirs, and interact with the local people.

Drive to Gyantse:

After a delicious lunch, you will begin your drive to Gyantse.

The drive to Gyantse offers picturesque views of the Tibetan landscape and is an opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the region.

Visit Khumbum Stupa and Phalkot Monastery in Gyantse:

Upon arrival in Gyantse, you will visit the Khumbum Stupa and Phalkot Monastery.

The Khumbum Stupa is an iconic religious structure and one of the largest stupas in Tibet. It's known for its remarkable architectural features and religious significance.

Phalkot Monastery is another important religious site that you will explore.

Overnight Stay in Gyantse:

After a day filled with exploration, you will check in at a hotel in Gyantse for your overnight stay.

Gyantse is a historic town in Tibet with rich cultural and religious heritage, making it an intriguing place to spend the night.

This day allows you to delve into Tibetan religious and cultural sites, appreciate the natural beauty of the region, and experience the unique atmosphere of Gyantse.

Drive Through Karo La and Kamba La Passes:

Your journey begins with a drive through the Karo La Pass at an elevation of 5,010 meters and the Kamba La Pass at an altitude of 4,795 meters.

These high mountain passes offer breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks and are excellent vantage points for capturing the beauty of the Tibetan landscape.

Visit Yamdrok Tso Lake:

As you continue your drive, you'll have the opportunity to visit Yamdrok Tso Lake.

Yamdrok Tso is one of the most stunning alpine lakes in Tibet, known for its turquoise-blue waters and stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains.

Cross Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra River):

On your way to Lhasa, you'll cross the Yarlung Tsangpo River, also known as the Brahmaputra River. This major river flows through Tibet and is an essential geographical feature of the region.

Arrival in Lhasa:

After a full day of travel and sightseeing, you'll reach the city of Lhasa.

Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, is a city with deep cultural and religious significance. It's known for its iconic landmarks, including the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple.

Transfer to the Hotel in Lhasa:

Upon arrival in Lhasa, you will be transferred to your hotel where you can rest and prepare for your stay in this remarkable city.

This day of the journey allows you to enjoy the beauty of high mountain passes, experience the serenity of Yamdrok Tso Lake, and get closer to the heart of Tibetan culture in Lhasa.

Potala Palace:

Your first destination is the iconic Potala Palace, one of Tibet's most renowned landmarks. This historical palace, perched on a hill, is a stunning architectural masterpiece.

The Potala Palace once served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lama and is now a museum filled with priceless artifacts and treasures.

As you tour the Potala Palace, you'll be awed by its grandeur, both inside and outside.

Jokhang Temple:

After visiting the Potala Palace, your next stop is the Jokhang Temple, considered the holiest of all Tibetan shrines.

The Jokhang Temple is known for its spiritual significance and houses various religious treasures.

The bustling Barkhor Market surrounds the temple, where you can experience local culture and see pilgrims circumambulating the temple.

Explore Norbulingka, Drepung Monastery

Norbulingka:

On the second day of your Lhasa sightseeing tour, you'll visit Norbulingka, which served as the summer palace of the Dalai Lama.

Norbulingka is renowned for its beautiful gardens and serene surroundings, providing a pleasant contrast to the grandeur of the Potala Palace.

Drepung Monastery:

Your next destination is the Drepung Monastery, one of the largest monasteries in Tibet.

Drepung Monastery, founded in the 14th century, has been a place of study for many learned Lamas and is home to various ancient murals, scriptures, and precious artifacts.

These two days of sightseeing in Lhasa will offer you an in-depth understanding of Tibetan culture, history, and religion. You'll have the chance to explore ancient temples, grand palaces, and significant monasteries, all while experiencing the unique atmosphere of Lhasa and its people.

Transfer to Gonggar Airport:

Your day begins with a transfer to Gonggar Airport in Lhasa, where you'll catch your flight back to Kathmandu.

The journey to the airport offers you the opportunity to take in the stunning Tibetan landscape one last time.

Exciting Himalayan Flight:

The flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu is a thrilling experience that takes approximately 1 hour.

This Himalayan flight is one of the most picturesque and beautiful in the world, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan range.

Aerial Views:

As you fly, you'll want to secure a window seat on the right side of the aircraft. This position will allow you to witness a mesmerizing aerial view of the Yalung Tsangpo River, Lake Yamdruk, and some of the world's tallest peaks, including Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Mount Everest.

This flight will serve as a grand finale to your journey, as you soar over the majestic Himalayas one last time. It's a remarkable way to end your tour of Tibet and return to Kathmandu, filled with unforgettable memories of the Tibetan plateau.

As your remarkable journey through Nepal and Tibet comes to an end, it's time to make your way back to your home country. Here's what the final day of your itinerary entails:

Free Day for Last-Minute Activities:

Your last day in Kathmandu is a free day, allowing you to make any last-minute preparations or enjoy some special activities.

You might want to use this time for souvenir shopping, purchasing gifts for your friends and family, or simply savoring the last moments of your Himalayan adventure.

Transfer to the International Airport:

When the time comes for your departure flight, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

This airport serves as the gateway to the world for travelers departing from Nepal.

Your adventure may be concluding, but the memories and experiences you've gained during your visit to Nepal and Tibet will stay with you for a lifetime. We hope to see you again in this beautiful region, where the Himalayas and rich cultures await your return. Safe travels back to your home country!