Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour-8 days

Tibet has enthralled travelers for centuries and a drive over the vast arid plateau coupled with a chance of meeting its people allow travelers of today a glimpse into what Tibet might have been before the Chinese occupation. The drive from Kathmandu to Lhasa promises to be an experience of lifetime as visitors get to look at the stunning landscape, architecture and the spiritual populace of Tibet. When flights to Lhasa are not operating the only way to travel Lhasa is by road from Kathmandu. However when flights are operating some prefer to go by road one way and fly the other.
 
The drive from Kathmandu to Lhasa, over spectacular Passes and revealing views of the majestic Himalayas, takes five-days over the "Friendship Highway". The drive is well worth as visitors encounter some enchanting Buddhist monasteries and remote villages untouched by modern civilization. While approaching the city, traveler will be able to notice the Potala Palace, a vast white and ochre fortress that dominates the Lhasa skyline. The historical seat of Tibetan power and the location of the tombs of previous Dalai Lamas, the Potala Palace has been reduced to serve as a symbolic feature for Tibetan aspirations. The Jokhang temple, 2 km to the east of the Palace, has become the spiritual hub of the country. Bustling with worshippers and redolent with mystery, the Jokhang is an unrivalled Tibetan experience. The medieval Barkhor Bazaar with crowds, street performers, hawker's stalls selling everything from prayer flags to jewel-encrusted yak skulls and the devout touching their foreheads to the ground at every step to Jokhang is an exotic brew that few newcomers can resist. A visit to Drepung monastery is well worth the effort and for some can be a very enlightening experience. The Norbulingka Palace (summer palace of the Dalai Lamas) along with a round of the Sera monastery is the other highlight of this package. Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour journey ends with two days sightseeing tour around Lhasa.

Route maps are just representation of the trekking routes. This does not represent the exact geographical conditions.Click here for Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour route map

What's Included

• Hotel, arrival/departure transfer
• All necessary Tibet travel permits
• Getting Chinese visa
• Kathmandu - Tibet boarder (Zhang-Mu) transportation by comfortable vehicle
• Zhang-Mu - Lhasa transfer by non AC Jeep or van or mini bus
• Accommodation in Tibet on twin sharing basis (except in Nyalam) with breakfast
• English speaking Tibetan guide
• Sightseeing and Monastery fees as per itinerary
• All applicable taxes and service charges

What's Not Include

• Chinese visa fee {US$ 175 for the US nationals and US$ 85 for other nationals (visa fee is subject to change without prior notice)}
• Nepal visa
• Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
• Your travel insurance
• Meals other than breakfast in Tibet
• Tips for staff
• Any additional expenses due to unforeseen circumstances
• Flight Lhasa/Kathmandu and flight tickets or train tickets to china

The Overland Journey to the Lhasa usually planned for those who do not want to walk. Therefore, this itinerary appeals the best magnificent view of the Trans Himalaya, Tibetan people and culture. The itinerary also demands 5-7 hours (220km) of driving over 4,000m (13123ft) everyday. And also we must need a positive attitude and a strong determination. Hence, previous high altitude experience will be preferred and walking is not mandatory on this trip.

A Day on your Overland Journey...
The first day journey commences early in the morning has interval for stop breakfast and lunch in route. the journey deserves rest at Nyalam. Most of journey on each day starts after our breakfast by 8.00am and have breaks for lunch in route at the pleasant surroundings. Finally, we go to bed where we will be at two-man occupied room with foam mattress for a well deserved night's rest.

Seven nights accommodations are included in the trip cost and we chose accommodation options based on the following criteria; standard of hygiene, standard of service, location, food standards and cost. Accommodations will be served in twin share room with attached bath except in Nyalam. During our tour we use Kyichu Hotel or similar hotel in Lhasa, Gyantse Hotel or similar hotel in Gyantse, Shigatse Hotel or similar hotel in Shigatse, Mansarovar hotel or similar hotel in Sakya and Snowland Hotel or similar in Nyalam. Single supplement will cost US$280.

Only each day's morning meals, Tibetan and continental mix taste, are included in the trip which will be served at the lodge or guest house or hotel we stay. We can order our dinner in the same place and there will be break for lunch in route to next destination. It is better to prepare Yuan 60 to Yuan 100(US$10 to US$16) for lunch and dinner to spend a day and also it can exceed up to our expectation. Any way, meals are cheaper.

Traveling to Tibet is a dream of many. Hence, Himalayan Glacier understands this and would like to assist us in making our Tibet tour an adventure of lifetime. Therefore, presented below is a list of rules and Tibet entry procedures we should know before traveling to Tibet. Read More

While packing for Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour certain equipments are essential. Please Click here for this trip's comprehensive checklist.

We are traveling overland to highest plateau in the world where the drive goes constantly above 4000m/13123ft during our journey except Lhasa (3,650m/11,975ft). Driving fast in such an elevation could cause medical conditions (Acute Mountain Sickness) which could be fatal. There is 50% less oxygen compared to sea level in high-altitudes places like in Tibet. The higher the altitude the lesser is the oxygen in the air. Our body needs few days to acclimatize to this less oxygen environment. Although Himalayan Glacier provides enough information regarding AMS precaution matters, if we get AMS, we do not have other options to treat it other than medication.

Sensible planning would help to minimize AMS during the tour. Thus, Himalayan Glacier advises tourists to take some trek or altitudes activities in Nepal or elsewhere before boarding such altitude.

So, travelers who are thinking to fly back to Kathmandu from Lhasa after taking Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour would be better. We fly to Lhasa from Kathmandu first and take the overland tour from Lhasa to Kathmandu, just vice versa so that we get time to acclimatize in Lhasa and on the way back.

Himalayan Glacier advises specially the guest(s) who have heart or lungs or blood diseases to consult doctor before traveling. Mild headaches, fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorder are symptoms of AMS.

Himalayan Glacier provides us the best tour leader with good command in English while touring in Tibet. Any trip to Tibet, Himalayan Glacier operates together with its Tibetan counterpart and hence there will some difference in attitude and customer service in between Nepal and Tibet. Himalayan Glacier always assure our best and high level of customer service.

We will have pre-trip meeting at Himalayan Glacier in Kathmandu prior to the tour departure. We should report Himalayan Glacier with original passport least 2 days prior to the tour departure and Himalayan Glacier can arrange a final trip briefing meeting a day before tour departure at 5:00 PM.

Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour do not include hotel in Kathmandu. But upon our request, Himalayan Glacier can help us to get any level of accommodation, airport pick up or other trips which we intend to do such as trek, walk, raft, safari, flight, sightseeing and more. For this we may contact at Himalayan Glacier's head office at Thamel, Kathmandu.

Himalayan Glacier Trekking (P) Ltd.
Thamel, Kathmandu Nepal
Telephone (Office Hours 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM)- 977 - 1 - 44 11 38 7
Cell Phone (Any time)
Sagar Pandey- 98510 32036 or Naba Raj Amgai- 98510 55684 or Narayan Regmi - 98510 10310

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Select Year 201320142015