Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour

This overland journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa offers a rare opportunity to travel across the Himalayas into the heart of Tibet, combining dramatic landscapes with profound cultural and spiritual encounters. Beginning in Nepal and crossing into Tibet via the Kyirong or Dram border, the route follows the legendary Himalayan plateau, with highlights including Everest Base Camp, sacred lakes, historic monasteries, and Tibet’s most important cities. Carefully paced for altitude acclimatization, the tour blends adventure, pilgrimage, and cultural exploration, culminating in the sacred city of Lhasa and its iconic landmarks.

ITINERARY A: Kathmandu to Lhasa via Everest Base Camp

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrival in Kathmandu. Meet our local representative for a briefing on the journey ahead and final preparations for the overland trip to Tibet. Overnight in Kathmandu.

A traveler walking aroiund Boudha Stupa.

Day 2: Kathmandu Exploration (Optional)

Today you may choose to explore the cultural and spiritual highlights of Kathmandu Valley. Visit Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, perched on a hilltop with panoramic views over the city and revered as one of the oldest Buddhist sites in Nepal. Continue to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism in Kathmandu, where pilgrims circumambulate the stupa while reciting mantras and spinning prayer wheels. This optional day offers a meaningful introduction to Himalayan Buddhism and provides additional time to rest and prepare for the journey into Tibet.

Day 3: Kathmandu – Kyirong (Tibet border crossing)

Drive from Kathmandu to the Nepal–Tibet border and complete border formalities. Continue to Kyirong, a scenic border town surrounded by forested valleys and snow-capped peaks. Overnight in Kyirong (Mustang Hotel or similar).

China Customs Building at Kyirong

Day 4: Kyirong – Peikutso Lake – Everest Base Camp / Rongbuk Monastery

Travel north across the Tibetan Plateau, passing the beautiful turquoise waters of Peikutso Lake. Continue toward Everest Base Camp, with distant views of the Himalayan giants. Visit Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world, located beneath the north face of Mount Everest. Overnight at a tent guesthouse near EBC.

Peikutso Lake and Mount Shishapangma in distance.

Day 5: Everest Base Camp – Shigatse

Morning at Everest Base Camp for views of Mount Everest (weather permitting). Drive east to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Central Tibet. Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lamas. Overnight at Tashi Choedar Hotel or similar.

Day 6: Shigatse – Gyantse – Yamdrok Lake – Lhasa

Drive from Shigatse to Lhasa via Gyantse. Visit the Kumbum Stupa and Pelkor Chöde Monastery, then continue over high passes to Yamdrok Lake and the Karola Glacier. Scenic drive along one of Tibet’s most sacred lakes before arriving in Lhasa. Overnight at Shangbala Hotel or similar.

Yamdrok Yumtso Lake

Day 7: Lhasa Sightseeing

Visit Drepung Monastery, one of the three most famous monasteries in Lhasa. Drepung is located just outside Lhasa on Gambo Utse Mountain. Once home to as many as 10,000 monks, the enormous monastic complex features many prayer halls, dormitories, and temples. Just below the monastery is the Nechung Temple, the former home of the state oracle. Afterwards, visit Sera Monastery, where you can watch monks debate in the courtyard. If you enjoy hiking, walk the hour-long circumambulation path around the monastery complex.

Sera monastery debating court

Day 8: Lhasa Sightseeing

In the morning, visit the Potala Palace, the greatest monumental structure in all of Tibet. The Potala is 13 stories high and holds countless treasures in its many rooms. Built in 637 AD, the Potala has been home to the Dalai Lama lineage for more than a thousand years. Also visit the Jokhang Temple, located in Barkhor Square in Lhasa. The Barkhor is a famous shopping street filled with goods and souvenirs from Tibet, Nepal, and India. Pilgrims from all over Tibet visit the Barkhor to pray in front of the Jokhang. From the roof of the monastery, you will have a view of prostrating pilgrims. Afterwards, visit Ramoche, a small monastery located in the city center. If time allows, explore the alleys of the Tibetan quarter and visit traditional workshops and handicraft stores.

Day 9: Depart from Tibet

Say goodbye to Tibet!