Trans Himalaya Overland Tour

On this tried-and-true Nepal to Tibet trip with the best locations in and around Tibet, experience both modern and traditional life in the Tibetan region. Cross the Nepal-Tibet border to enter Tibet, and visit some of the most highlighted tourist spots such as Mt. Shishapangma, Peikutso Lake, Mt. Everest, Sakya, Shigatse, Gyantse, and Yamdrok Lake. Finally, make your way to the city of gods, Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet. Follow the local pilgrims around Barkhor, visit small art shops to see how Tibetan paintings are made, try traditional Tibetan clothes, and drink some yak butter tea in a local teahouse around Barkhor Street. Offer a butter lamp at the holy Jokhang Temple, and peek into the treasure storerooms of the Potala Palace.

Highlights

Historic sites of Lhasa
Beautiful countryside scenery
Everest Base Camp

Details

8-day trip begins and ends in Lhasa, Tibet
7 nights in hotels and guesthouses
Altitude from 2000-5200m

Itinerary:

Day 1: Kathmandu – border Nyalam(3750m)

Arrive at the border in the town of Dram or Zhangmu, meet our Tibetan guide and driver, and drive to Nyalam (3750m). Nyalam is located 30km east of Zhangmu and about 152km west of Old Tingri. The town lies in the valley of Matsang Tsangpo. It’s historically an important trading town.

Road trip in Tibet

Day 2: Nyalam – Milarepa’s Cave – Mt. Shishapangma – Peikutso Lake (4600m) – Old Tingri (4360m)

Drive to Milarepa’s Cave. The cave, which overlooks the entrance to the hidden valley of Lapchi Gang, is accessed from the gompa’s vestibule. Pilgrims’ offerings of decorated stones along the path and sweet-smelling herbs and wildflowers growing all around make this a place of great peace and beauty.

Then follow the Friendship Highway 318 for a short distance until you reach a fork, where one road leads north to Mt. Kailash and the other to Lhasa. Follow the northern road to see a striking view of Mt. Shishapangma on the left side. Mt. Shishapangma is one of the highest peaks in Tibet, with an elevation of 8012m. Continue driving north for about 30km to reach Peikutso Lake, a cobalt blue lake fed by the glacial streams of the Dachu and Lhachu rivers. Afterwards, drive to Old Tingri, where you will see some of the world’s highest mountains surrounding the town like protectors.

Peikutso Lake

Day 3: Old Tingri – Rongbuk Monastery – Everest Base Camp [5200m] – Shegar (4500m)

After passing through scenic valleys and driving over rocky mountains, you will reach Rongbuk Monastery, where you will have a fabulous view of Mt. Everest. Rongbuk Monastery is the highest monastery in the world. The distance from Rongbuk Monastery to Everest is about 8km, and along the way, there are spectacular views of the world’s tallest mountain. You can either take a two-hour hike or a bus to Everest Base Camp. Spend the night in a warm yak-hair tent run by a Tibetan family.

Our group poses a photo at Everest Base Camp in Tibet

Day 4: Shegar – Sakya – Shigatse (3860m)

In the morning, visit Shegar Monastery or climb up the ruins of Shegar Dzong for beautiful views. Shegar Chode Monastery was originally founded in 1266. Afterwards, drive over Tso-La pass (4500m) and Gyatso-La pass (5252m) to reach Sakya Monastery. The Sakya tradition is one of the four main Tibetan Buddhist schools in Tibet. It was from here that the whole of Tibet was governed during the period of Sakyapa hegemony (1268-1365). Then continue driving to Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet. In Shigatse, visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lamas, which was founded in 1447 by the First Dalai Lama.

Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse

Day 5: Shigatse – Gyantse – Karo-La Glacier – Yamdrok Lake – Lhasa (3600m)

In the morning, drive to Gyantse. In Gyantse, visit Pelkor Monastery and Kumbum Stupa (100 Thousand Buddha Pagoda), both of which were built in the 15th century and are located on the northwestern edge of town. Then continue driving to Yamdrok Lake via Karo-La Glacier. Yamdrok Lake is a holy turquoise-colored lake with stunning scenery. The stunning view of Mt. Nojing Kangsang over the lake in the distance is one of the most striking views you can see in Tibet. After crossing over the Kamba-La (4794m), you will reach the open valley of the Yurlung Tsangpo River. This is a pleasant drive along the river. Finally, arrive in the city of gods – Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet.

Lake iN Tibet

Day 6: 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 is the site of 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.

The view of Lhasa city from Drepung Monastery

Day 7: 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, the holiest temple in all of Tibet. From the rooftop, you will see pilgrims from all over Tibet prostrating in front of the Jowo Buddha statue inside the monastery. Afterwards, walk through the Barkhor, a famous shopping street filled with goods and souvenirs from Tibet, Nepal, and India. Spend some time drinking sweet tea in a traditional tea house located on a rooftop overlooking the bustling Barkhor.