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8 Days Kathmandu to Lhasa Overview and Hightlights

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8 Days Kathmandu to Lhasa Overview and Hightlights

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8 Days Kathmandu to Lhasa Overview and Hightlights

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Overview

There’s no more thrilling and adventurous way to enter Tibet than by traveling overland from Kathmandu to Lhasa. Our 8-day overland expedition from Kathmandu takes you through the stunning Great Himalayas, showcasing high peaks, pristine alpine lakes, ancient glaciers, and Buddhist sites all the way to Lhasa, the spiritual heart of Tibet.Upon entering Tibet, you’ll wander in Gyirong Valley, a secret place known as one of the most beautiful valleys in the world. Along the winding mountain road, you will visit the Everest Base Camp, appreciate the majesty of Mount Everest from three distinct platforms, and marvel at the magic of nature. Then, the visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery will take you to explore the real life of local monks, and a stroll by Yamdrok Lake will bring you a different kind of tranquility. Finally, the journey will lead you to Lhasa, the holy city on the plateau. In Lhasa, you will have the opportunity to visit the ancient Jokhang Temple and the world-famous Potala Palace to experience Tibetan life and beliefs.For a safer and more enjoyable journey, we’ve extended the original 7-day tour to 8 days. This includes a day in Gyirong Town (2700m), which reduces the risk of altitude sickness when going from Kathmandu (1400m) to Tingri (4300m).As the only local Tibet travel agency with offices based in Kathmandu, Lhasa, and Chengdu, our Tibetan and Nepali staff will help you to get the Tibet Permit (for free) and the China Group Visa for Tibet entry from Kathmandu.Embark on a truly hassle-free overland adventure through the best of the Himalayas, awaiting your discovery.

Your Tour Itinerary

Kathmandu to Rasuwa Gadi

Kathmandu to Rasuwa Gadi

Today, you’ll drive to the Sino-Nepal border along the southern side of the Himalayas! In the morning, we will pick you up at your hotel in Kathmandu and drive to the Sino-Nepal border. After about 7 hours of driving (130km) you will reach the border town - Rasuwa Gadi.The scenery along the way from Kathmandu to the border will make you almost forget the bumpy road. Along the way, you will see many magnificent snow-capped mountains at the southern foot of the Himalayas, covered by vast forest, towering into the clouds. When pass through Langtang National Park, you will go through a very bumpy road section, with the vehicle swinging on the muddy road. But the exciting thing is that you may encounter some interesting wild animals on the way.Upon arrival in Rasuwa Gadi, check in at your hotel and have a good rest. Stay overnight in Rasuwa Gadi. Overnight in Rasuwa Gadi

Rasuwa Gadi to Gyirong (B)

Rasuwa Gadi to Gyirong (B)

Enjoy a day excursion at Gyirong to acclimatize the altitude rise to 2800 meters above sea level.After breakfast, you’ll take a 15-km drive to the border and enter China via the Gyirong border. Our Tibetan guide will meet you at the Gyirong side and take you to Gyirong town within a 1-hour drive.Upon arrival, you will explore Gyirong Valley described by British explorer Howard-Bury as the most beautiful valley in the world in his book 'Mount Everest: The Reconnaissance'. Here, you can visit the Sherpa villages and admire dense forests, serene villages, and beautiful snow peaks above the woods.Later, you'll enjoy a scenic hike through the ancient forests of Gyirong Valley and explore the sacred meditation cave of Master Tsongkhapa.Next, you'll visit the Pada Monastery, a great combination of Tibetan Buddhist devotion and architecture. It's truly a step into the spiritual heart of the Himalayas. Stay overnight in Gyirong.Overnight in Gyirong Breakfast

Gyirong to Everest Base Camp to Tingri (B)

Gyirong to Everest Base Camp to Tingri (B)

Today, you’ll head from the border to Everest Base Camp and enjoy the wonderful changes of landscapes from 2800 meters to 5200 meters above sea level. After breakfast, you will leave Gyirong, which is densely covered with forests and snow-capped mountains, and officially head to Mount Everest region with an altitude of more than 4500 meters. On this 380-kilometer journey, you will see the scenery along the road changing as the altitude increases.First, you will be attracted by the forests, waterfalls, and bottomless canyons at an altitude of 2800 meters. Then cross the Kong Tang Lamu Pass at an altitude of 5236 meters and enter the plateau. When passing by Mt. Shishabangma (8027m) and Pelku Tso Lake at its foot, you will be shocked by the tranquil and peaceful beauty. After that, you will enter the Mount Everest area. When passing through the world's most beautiful Everest viewing platform - Gawula Pass (5198m), you will see five peaks above 8000 meters in the Himalayas lined up. The world-famous Mount Everest stands among them, and beneath the peaks is the churning sea of clouds.Later, you will arrive at Everest Base Camp (5000m), which is the second observation deck of Mount Everest. Here, you'll admire the world's highest peak from the foot of Mount Everest's North Slope and visit the world's highest temple, Rongbuk Monastery (5154m). After visiting Everest Base Camp, we will continue our journey to Tingri (4300m). Stay overnight in Tingri. Insider Tips: Since today’s itinerary rises sharply from low altitude to over 5000 meters, in order to ensure your travel safety and avoid altitude sickness, we choose to spend the night in Tingri County (4300m) instead of Everest Base Camp (5200m). Overnight in Tingri, Breakfast

Tingri to Shigatse via Lhatse (B, D)

Tingri to Shigatse via Lhatse (B, D)

The highlight of today’s journey is to visit the home of Panchen Lama - the Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse. Start the journey to Shigatse in the morning, you will first visit the 5000m G318 National Highway milestone in Lhatse on the way.After your arrival in Shigatse in the early afternoon, you will visit the seat of Panchen Lama - Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the most important monasteries in Tibet. The grand and magnificent halls of the largest local monastery occupy the entire hillside. This is the spiritual home of the Tibetan people in Shigatse, housing the world's largest statue of Maitreya Buddha.After today’s tour, you will enjoy dinner with your group at a local Langma Hall, where traditional Tibetan songs and dances are performed alongside fine local dishes.Stay overnight in Shigatse (3900m).Overnight in Shigatse, Breakfast | Dinner

Shigatse to Lhasa via Gyantse (B, L)

Shigatse to Lhasa via Gyantse (B, L)

Today, you’ll visit the ancient Gyantse Town and the sacred lake Yamdrok Yumco, and enjoy a wonderful lunch at a lakeside farmhouse.In the morning, start the overland journey from Shigatse to Lhasa, which includes visits to Tibet's most beautiful lake, glacier, and a charming Tibetan village.After arriving in Gyantse, you can spend some time taking photos of the ancient city of Gyantse and visit the Perklor Monastery and Kumbum stupa.Next, you will pass and enjoy the Korola Glacier on the roadside. It is the largest glacier in Tibet. As you see the ice tongue of the glacier climb the entire hillside, you will feel the magical power of nature.After that, drive to Yamdrok Lake, one of the ‘top three holy lakes’ in Tibet. The Yamdrok Lake, at 4400 meters above sea level, is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains. In the distance, you can have spectacular views of holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar (7191m), the highest mountain near Lhasa.Continue to explore the lakeshore from various viewpoints, and at the end of the lake, you could visit a local family in the village and have lunch with the locals.After a leisurely visit to Yamdrok Lake, continue your journey to Lhasa. Finally, you will arrive in Lhasa. After check in at your hotel, allow yourself a well-deserved rest following today’s lengthy journey.Stay overnight in Lhasa. Overnight in Lhasa, Breakfast | Lunch

Lhasa Tour - Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery (B)

Lhasa Tour - Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery (B)

Today is Tibetan Monastery Day! You’ll have a full day to explore the largest monastery in Tibet, delve into the knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism, and immerse yourself in the daily life of Tibetan monks.In the morning, you’ll explore the largest monastery in Tibet - Drepung Monastery, which was once the home to over 10,000 monks. As you walk through the Coqen Hall, your guide will provide detailed explanations of the worldview of Tibetan Buddhism and introduce notable figures in Tibetan Buddhist history.Next, you’ll visit the renowned Loseling College (or an equivalent), offering a glimpse into the study and life of Tibetan monks. Explore their dormitories to gain insights into the Tibetan monks' daily routines and living conditions.In the afternoon, you’ll head to Sera Monastery, another of the ‘great three’ Gelug monasteries of Tibet, to witness the famous Tibetan Monks Debate (15:00 - 17:00, from Monday to Saturday). Your guide will intricately explain how Tibetan monks engage in these debates to acquire knowledge and advance in their academic degrees.Stay overnight in Lhasa.Overnight in Lhasa, Breakfast

Lhasa Tour - Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street (B, D

Lhasa Tour - Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street (B, D

Today’s Highlight is a visit to UNESCO World Heritage Sites Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, providing a glimpse into the daily beliefs and lives of the people of Lhasa.After breakfast, your first stop is the Potala Palace, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Lhasa Old Town. Discover the lives and stories of the Dalai Lamas through history within the palace, and the extraordinary treasures it holds. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.After touring the Potala Palace, you will visit Longwangtan Park at the foot of the Potala Palace. Here, you can appreciate the majestic Potala Palace from a different perspective and engage in local Tibetan folk activities.In the afternoon, you will head to the heart of Tibetan religion - the Jokhang Temple. Inside you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve. Outside, you can see pilgrims making prostrating in front of Jokhang Temple. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can do kora (a religious circle of a building or mountain) with pilgrims and locals, and explore the old market.Next, follow your guide to one of the liveliest indoor Tibetan tea houses in Lhasa. Sip traditional Tibetan sweet tea alongside local Tibetans as your guide shares insights into Tibetan social dynamics and daily life.Finally, you will have a farewell dinner with your group members. Share your Tibet travel experiences and say your goodbyes at the end of the tour.Stay overnight in Lhasa.Overnight in Lhasa• Breakfast | Farewell Dinner

Package Included

  • Tibet Travel Permit and all required local travel documents for this tour (excluding expedited processing fees);
  • Local tour transfers, 5-29 seats comfortable tourist vehicle according to the group size;
  • All entrance ticket fees for all tourist sites listed in the itinerary;
  • All meals listed in the itinerary;
  • Knowledgeable English-speaking Tibetan local tour guide shared in your group (For prices of tour guides in other languages, please inquire);
  • All hotels listed in the itinerary or equivalent three-star hotels. Upgrades are available for an additional fee. (Single room supplement required when not sharing the room);
  • Free shuttle between Lhasa Railway Station/Lhasa Gonggar Airport and the downtown hotel;
  • Service Charge & Government Taxes;
  • Arrangements including planning, handling, operational, and communication charges;
  • Tourist accident/casualty insurance;
  • Additional services include fine Tibetan souvenirs, a tourist map, portable oxygen, medical oxygen in the vehicle, bottled mineral water, and more.

Package Excluded

  • China Group Visa (Need to be applied through the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu);
  • International flight to and out of China;
  • Single Room Supplement: Hotels default to double occupancy with twin-bedded rooms. If you prefer a single room or room sharing isn’t possible, a single room supplement is necessary. Please consult the travel consultant for specific pricing details.
  • Meals not listed in the itinerary;
  • Tips for the guide and driver. If you are satisfied with their service, it is suggested to tip $7 (50 RMB) per day per person to be shared between the driver and the guide;
  • Other expenses caused by force majeure events (such as natural disasters, traffic control, loss of valuables, visa delays, flight delays or cancellations, etc.);
  • Personal expenses, like laundry, phone calls, snacks, soft drinks (please do your best to avoid alcoholic beverages during your Tibet trip), optional tour activities, etc.
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