Lhasa to Kathmandu Tibet Overland Tour-14 days

Trip Introduction

Tibet's historical, adventurous and spiritual highlands have long captured the hearts and minds of the travel enthusiasts around the world. Tibet - the origin of Mahayana Buddhism, home of the Dalai Lama and the target of devout pilgrimages as well as adventurers. Lhasa to Kathmandu overland tour covers a vast tract of this ancient land, crosses spectacular passes, through unforgettable landscapes and spiritual heart of the country. Inspiring landscapes and mountain views combined with its rich Buddhist history and culture, and contrasting with the recent development make visiting Tibet a truly unforgettable experience. From Lhasa's streets, to medieval towns of Tibet to ancient monasteries including world's highest monastery- the Rongbuk Monastery, and to the Everest Base Camp with the sheer grandeur of Everest's north face - we've combined everything that you are wishing to squeeze out in your two weeks Tibet tour.

Our Lhasa to Kathmandu Tibet overland Tour includes Lhasa's historical landmarks - a thriving city at such an altitude, functioning as the religious, cultural and economic hub of Tibet, as well as other famous places such as Tsedang, Namtso Lake, Sakya and Everest Base Camp. In Lhasa we visit most holy Jokhang temple, see the legendary eighth-wonder Potala Palace, Norbulinka Palace (the summer palace of the Dalai Lama), Drepung, Sera Monastery and more. After sightseeing in Lhasa and around area we visit other famous monasteries such as Gandan Monastery via Drayerpa Cave, Reting Monastery. We also make a detour of one of world's highest lakes - the Namutso Lake. Then we drive toward Everest Base Camp with stops in Gyantse, Xigatse and Sakya along the way to Rongbuk. Rongbuk is the home of the highest monastery in Tibet leaving plenty of time to explore this historic treasure.

Important Note and Optional Activities
Your safety is of paramount concern whilst traveling with Himalayan Glacier Trekking. Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, as this is adventure travel in remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it! Weather conditions, health condition of a member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Lhasa (3650 m/11972ft), transfer to Tsedang: 95 Km
You can arrive at Lhasa either from Kathmandu, Nepal or from the mainland China. While flying from Kathmandu, you will relish the astonishing views of the Himalaya, including Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga and the Tibetan valleys. We will be greeted at Gonggar Airport by our Tibetan guide. Transfer to Tsedang (2 hr). Check into our hotel. Take it easy today to acclimatize to the high altitude

Day 02: Morning visit Changzu Monastery, afternoon drive to Samye Monastery: 130 Km
Your encounter with Tibet will begin with a visit to the palace of Yambulakhang which was built by the first Tibetan king Nyatri Tsenpo in the second century BC. Local folklore has it that the king was descended from heaven. Next you will visit Chedruk Temple to round off our visit to Tsedang, afternoon drive 65 Kms to Samye Monastery (5050 m) which is on hill. Overnight Hotel Yalung River Hotel

Day 03: Morning Sightseeing and afternoon drive to Lhasa (3650m/11,972 ft): 90 Km
Morning visit Yongbulakhang Palace which was built by the first Tibetan king Nyatri Tsenpo in the second century BC. Local folklore has it that the king was descended from heaven. Tibet King's Tomb, afternoon drive to Lhasa, en-route visit the famous Mindrolin Monastery which covers a large area of over 100,000 square meters (approx. 119,599 square yards). It is one of the six most famous Tibetan Buddhism monasteries of the Nyingmapa Sect. The monastery was originally built in the late 10th century and has been renovated several times. Overnight at Kyichu Hotel or Similar hotel in Lhasa.

Day 04: Sightseeing in Lhasa
Our tour begins with a visit to Sera Monastery. An experienced tour guide also working as an interpreter escorts us to this preserved monastery of white-washed walls and golden roofs. Equally adventurous and exciting tempo builds up while touring Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. Jokhang Temple is another important sacred site which unravels more deep seated mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism. Visit to Barkhor Market can be quite a change from other visits as we roam around the city savoring every tiny detail from stall hawkers coaxing their clients to purchase their goods to exhibition of Tibetan culture, custom and tradition. Eventually, the tour for the day concludes as you return to the comforts of your hotel.

Day 05: Sightseeing in Lhasa
Like the previous day, you experience invaluable insights during your visits to Potala Palace and Drepung Monastery. This 17th century Potala Palace offers an awesome view of entire city and also has private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand state rooms and chapels. Ancient history has it that Drepung Monastery which was built in 14th century used to shelter around 10,000 monks but as now there has been quite a declination resulting in only few hundreds. Tibetans' respect and belief are immensely knotted with this monastery.

Day 06:: Drive to Gandan Monastery via Drayerpa Cave, Drigung Tel & Terdrom Hot spring (4400 m/14,432 ft)
After breakfast drive to Mozugongar County via Drayerpa Cave, again visit the Gandan Monastery, After finishing your lunch drive to Drigung Tel Monastery & continuous drive to Terdrom hot-spring (75 Kms, off road) for overnight stay in Basic guesthouse.

Day 07: Drive to Reting Monastery (4100m/13, 450 ft): 180 Km
Drive to Damxung county via Reting Monastery (180 Kms, off road) Reting Monastery is the special temple for high Lamas like as Dalai lama`s teacher, again to Dangxung County (80 Km), southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, you can see the north Tibet Grass view. Overnight at local Guesthouse.

Day 08: Drive to Namutso Lake (4700 m/ 15,416 ft): 160 Km
After breakfast drive to Namutso Lake. Namutso is the highest lake in the world and is 4,718 meters above sea level. It is 72 kilomters long from east to west and 30 kilometers wide from south to north. It has an area of 1,940 square kilometers. Some 60 kilometers to the northwest of Damxung County seat, it is one of the three holy lakes in Tibet and receives high respects among the local people. On the Tibetan year of sheep, pilgrims from faraway come here to walk around the lake. It takes more than 10 days to circle the lake once. Afternoon walk around Lakeside area and this is one of the highest & more beautiful Lake in Tibet, overnight in Lakeside Guesthouse.

Day 09: Morning explore in Lakeside, then back to Lhasa via Yabachen Hot spring: 220 Km
Today visit the famous hot spring, and take shower if you are interested, accross North Tibet Grass, Great Nianchentangula Snowing Mt, lunch at Yangbachen small town, afternoon back to Lhasa city. overnight at Kyichu Hotel or Similar hotel in Lhasa.

Day 10: Drive to Gyantse via Yamtso Lake, visit Pekhor Monastery: 265 Km/5 hrs
Today we start our overland journey by jeep along the Friendship Highway we cross the Khamba La [4794m] from where we can see the stunning views across the waters of Yamdrok-tso Lake to the snowy summit of Nazin Kang Sa [7252m]. We continue westwards over another high pass the Karo La [5045m] where we are treated to the spectacular sight of a huge glacier tumbling down to within a few hundred meters of the road. After passing through beautiful valleys and colorful Tibetan villages we arrive in the town of Gyantse. Either same day evening or following day morning you will visit the famous Pekhor Monastery and you will stay overnight at the Gyantse Hotel.

Day 11: Drive to Xigatse (3900m/12797ft), en route visit Shalu Monastery: 112 Km/ 2 hrs
Before leaving Gyantse we have time this morning to visit the Gyantse Dzong and Gyantse Kumbum. The Dzong is a fort dating from the 14th century from which there are amazing views of both Gyantse itself and the surrounding Nyang Chu Valley. The Kumbum is a large gold-domed stupa and its many small chapels house an impressive array of Tibetan Buddhist murals. We then continue on to Shigatse, a short drive of only 90kms, arriving in time for lunch. Shigatse is the second largest city in Tibet and after exploring the local market we will make a detailed visit to the Tashilhunpo Monastery. This monastery is one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet and there is much to explore within its high surrounding walls. Overnight at Shengkang Hotel or Manasarover Hotel in Xigatse

Day 12: Drive to Rongbuk (5,050m/16,564ft), visit Everest Base Camp: 360 Km/ 6 hrs
Morning drive from Xigatse to Sakya, noon time arrive in Shegar, after lunch, away from Shegar, we will drive to the south crossing Pang La pass at 5150m. Along the drive we can bask in the splendor of majestic views of snow-capped peaks from Makalu to Shishapangma. After long driving we eventually reach Rongbuk at 5000m. We can then view spectacular sight of Mount Everest. We have the opportunity to explore Everest Base Camp (5,250m/17,220ft) [no tour vehicles, apart from expeditions and trekking, are allowed beyond Rongbuk so you have to walk (16 kms round trip) or take local minibus to visit Base Camp]. The base camp itself is dry and barren, but the views of Everest more than compensate for this. It is a truly awe-inspiring place with the sheer north face of the highest mountain in the world towering above you. Overnight at Everest View Hotel in Rongbuk.

Day 13: Drive down to Zhangmu (2300m/7, 544ft): 245 km/4-5 hrs
We will drive past Tingri crossing Lalung La pass at 5124m and Shung La pass at 5200m. Savor the enchanting views of the surrounding peaks of Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, Menlungtse and Gauri Shankar, you descend from the arid Tibetan Plateau to verdant Zhangmu on the Nepalese border. After driving for 181 km, we find ourselves amidst the lush and verdant vegetation of Zhangmu at 2300 meter. Overnight at hotel Caiyuan in Zhangmu.

Day 14:

Drive to Kathmandu (1350m/4428ft): 123 km/4-5 hrs
Cross the Friendship Bridge at the Nepal-China border across Bhote Koshi River. Some customs formalities. Continue drive to Kathmandu. About 4 hours of drive through deep valleys takes us to Kathmandu. Evening in the calm of the hotel. Overnight at Kathmandu.
Note: If all the group wants to get back to Lhasa, we drive Lhasa from Everest Base Camp on Day 13, and on Day 14, you can make departure from Lhasa to your onward journey.

Trip Cost Includes

Hotel, arrival/departure transfer
All necessary Tibet travel permits
Everest National Park admission fee and Grass dame charge.
Getting Chinese visa and Tibet Travel permit
Tibet boarder (Zhang-Mu) to Kathmandu transportation by comfortable vehicle
Around Lhasa car/min bus and Lhasa to Zhang-Mu transfer by non AC Land Cruiser (4WD Toyota)
Accommodation in Tibet on twin sharing basis (except in Terdrom, Dungxung and Namutso Lakeside) with breakfast
English speaking Tibetan guide
All fees for sightseeing and Monasteries as outlined in the itinerary
All applicable taxes and service charges

Trip Cost Does Not Include

Accommodation in Kathmandu
Chinese visa fee {US$ 175 for the US client and US$ 85 for other nationals (visa fees are subject to change without prior notice)}
International flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa or China to Lhasa
Travel insurance
Meals other than breakfast in Tibet
Tips for guides and driver
Nepal visa

Tour Cost

2-3 people = USD 2390 per person
4-8 people = USD 1950 per person

Health & Experience Required

Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour involves five to six hours driving per day, but comparatively little walking (indeed, walking is not mandatory). However, it is all at very high altitude, which will take a physical toll. There are no special physical requirements, but high altitude experience is a plus.

Accommodations

All accommodation lodgings have been chosen for their standard of hygiene, standard of service, location and food quality. All accommodation is based on twin share except in Terdrom, Dungxung and Namutso Lakeside. During your tour we will use Yalung River or similar Hotel in Tsedang, Kyichu Hotel or similar hotel in Lhasa, Gyantse Hotel or similar hotel in Gyantse, Shengkang Hotel or Manasarover Hotel in Xigatse, Rongbuk Guest House in Ronbuk, Qomolangma Hotel in Tingri, Zhangmu hotel or Caiyuan Hotel in Zhangmu and guest house in Terdrom, Dungxung and Namutso Lakeside . Single supplement will be provided on request it cost US$990 single supplement fee. Bear in mind this is a standard overland package; for private or upgraded tour, please contact us.

Meals

Every day's breakfast is included in the package. This will be a dish of Tibetan or continental origin cooked by the lodgings you stay at. Lunch, dinner and any extra food are up to you; as a rough guide, budget Yuan 60 to Yuan 100 (US$10 to US$16) per day.

Information about Visa and Travel Permits

Aside from visas for China, travelers to Tibet must also obtain permits from the Tibetan Tourism Bureau. Himalayan Glacier Trekking will organize your Tibet travel permit. Please send copy of your passport if you are planning to enter Tibet via Nepal as soon as you book the trip. In the condition you are planning to enter Tibet via China; you need to send us copy of your passport and Chinese visa as soon as you book the trip. Read More

Acclimatization

Remember that you are traveling on highest plateau in the world and so Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is something you should be aware of. This potentially fatal medical condition is caused by gaining altitude too fast. The higher you get, the less oxygen there is in the air and if the body is not given time to adjust, it can cause serious problems - even death. Your body needs sufficient time to adapt, so we highly recommend allowing for sufficient time to acclimatize before beginning this journey. AMS is a very unpredictable condition, but all of our guides are very experienced with the symptoms and treatment of AMS. We do strongly advise people with known heart, lungs or blood diseases to consult their doctor before traveling.

Leader(s) & Staff Arrangements

All our tour leaders speak fluent English and know all the complexities and history of the areas they travel in. All our Tibet trips are run in cooperation with our Tibetan counterpart, so you can be assured that authentic local touch. For the Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour there will be one leader for each group. We can run the Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour for as few as two people and up to eight people. However if you'd like to make a group booking for more than eight people it can easily be arranged and you can choose the dates that best suit you.

Best Season

Autumn (August, Sept, & Oct), spring (March & April) & summer (May, June & July) are the best seasons for attempting this wonderful Trans Himalayan overland journey. No matter about the group size, this tour can be arranged for both individuals and small group travelers any time on your request.

Departure Dates & Price

Additional Information

Our website contains as much information as possible about this trip. However, if you wish to discuss any aspect of this trip or your suitability for it please contact us.

Trip Facts