7 Days
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The Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour takes you on an epic overland journey from the heart of Tibet to the capital of Nepal. In one week, you will explore historic monasteries, ancient cultural sites, sacred temples, and beautiful landmarks that reflect the spiritual heritage of Tibetan Buddhism. Your ride through the vast Tibetan plateau will introduce you to the local nomadic culture and mountain life. While traveling across sweeping highland valleys and scenic viewpoints, you will also enjoy dramatic vistas of Himalayan giants such as Mount Everest, Shishapangma, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
Your trip begins in Lhasa, where you visit the magnificent Potala Palace and Norbulingka, the former winter and summer residences of the Dalai Lama. You will explore the spiritual heart of the city at Jokhang Temple and walk through the bustling Barkhor Market. Visits to Sera and Drepung Monasteries allow you to observe monastic life up close, including the well-known monk debate sessions.
From Lhasa, you start your overland journey towards Shigatse, traveling via the turquoise Yamdrok Tso Lake and high mountain passes. In Shigatse, you visit the sacred Tashilhunpo Monastery, seat of the Panchen Lama, the second-highest spiritual authority in Tibetan Buddhism.
Your journey continues along the Friendship Highway as you travel through Lhatse and over the Gyamtso La Pass into Shegar. Along the way, you witness remote settlements, yak herders, rugged landscapes, and breathtaking high-altitude views of the Himalayan range.
From Shegar, you travel toward the Nepal border and arrive at Kerung, the current official border crossing between Tibet and Nepal. The next day, after completing border procedures, you descend from the Tibetan plateau into Nepal’s green valleys and drive to Kathmandu, where the trip concludes. The best time for this tour is spring, summer, and autumn.
Winter conditions bring heavy snow in Tibet, which can make travel difficult. This itinerary combines cultural exploration with incredible scenery and is ideal for travelers with limited time seeking a meaningful Himalayan journey. Although sightseeing is done on foot and most walking is on level ground, Tibetan altitude poses a challenge. You will be crossing passes over 5,000 meters and spending several days at elevation. Those with heart, lung, or mobility issues should consult a physician before joining this journey.
This Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour offers a rare opportunity to traverse the ‘Roof of the World’ by land, combining historic insight with dramatic landscapes. Travel across one of the most restricted and unique regions on Earth and experience Tibet in a way very few people ever do.
Arrive in Lhasa (3,660m / 12,004 ft) by flight or train. The journey into Tibet is exceptionally scenic, with remarkable views of the Himalayan ranges and the Tibetan plateau.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our Tibetan guide at the airport or train station and transferred to your hotel. Due to the altitude, it is recommended to rest and keep the remainder of the day light.
We spend our day visiting several monasteries in Lhasa in the company of a guide and interpreter. One of these is the Sera Monastery, a best-preserved monastery in Tibet within its whitewashed walls and golden roofs.
After lunch we visit Norbulingka, a summer palace of the Dalai Lama and the Jokhang Temple, a most sacred shrine in Tibet. Surrounding the Jokhang is the Barkor - a maze of narrow cobbled streets that is the central market of Lhasa.
We visit Potala Palace in the morning. It is a palace that dominates the city of Lhasa. It is a spectacular building containing private quarters of the Dalai Lama as well as numerous grand state rooms and many important chapels. There has been a Palace on this site since the 5th or 6th century, but the present Palace was constructed in the 17th century. After lunch, we visit the Drepung Monastery, which was founded in the 14th century. It used to be the largest monastery in the world, with a population of around 10,000 monks. These days the number has fallen down to hundred.
Our drive follows the Tsangpo River. We ascend up to 15,700-foot Khampa La. We see Yamdrok Lake below and in the near distance rises a great snow peak of Ningdzingzonka. We then head westward along the lake and drive toward Gyantse. In Gyantse, we visit the famous Pelkor Monastery.
The Pelkor Chode Monastery also includes Gyantse Kumbum. The Kumbum has nine floors and each tier has unique chapels. It is considered the largest of the three Kumbums in Tibet. After one and half hour drive, we arrive in Shigatse.
Today we traverse along the Friendship Highway amidst the picturesque landscape and drive through the small town of Lhatse and Gyamtso La pass (5220m). As the route opens into the plain, many monasteries and camps of nomadic herders become visible in the route to Shegar.
Travel to Kerung by crossing over the high pass of Lulang La (5,050m). Along the way, enjoy the stunning views of Mt. Xishapagma (8,212m) and Mt. Cho Oyu (8,201m).
Once the border formalities are completed, you can enjoy a scenic drive through the lush green countryside on your way to Kathmandu. It is important to note that the road conditions in Nepal can be rough and unstable and may be closed due to landslides and floods. As a result, delays are likely, and the journey back to Kathmandu may be lengthy.
Read our genuine feedback from past travelers with Nepal Hiking Team sourced from TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.
Experience of a lifetime! Leading up to the trip, I felt some excitement and uncertainty because I was traveling from New Jersey to Nepal, so it was a trip to the other side of the world. Also knowing we were going to trek to the highest region in the world.
Once we arrived in Kathmandu, we met up with our guide (Bhim). After a few minutes of talking with him, I felt a sense of calm and my excitement of joy grew from there. And I was right he and his team made sure we had the best experience possible.
The full trek going and coming was incredible. Our guide, Bhim, made sure we had the best experience. Can’t say enough of how wonderful he and his team made this one for the books!
I highly recommend booking with this company and Bhim! Namaste!
I just completed trekking in Nepal together with another solo traveler. The service of Nepal Hiking Team was exemplary from the start till the end. Nothing beats word-of-mouth good reviews.
Mr. Ganga has been very responsive to queries from Day 1 and was physically present even on the last day to officially close the loop for the package tour.
Our guide Bibek was very patient and sincere as he led us through the trek. He resolved issues with his heart and people skills and gave assurance whenever plans suddenly changed.
He ensured things were changed for the better. Our porter, Rajendran, was also good and always arrived ahead of time to ensure our rooms were confirmed.
- Guided by Bibek Dhamala
We had the best time in Nepal. The beautiful views and warm hospitality of the Nepali people are truly unparalleled.
Instrumental to our amazing experience were our guide, Netra, and porter, Vasu.
We were super well taken care of. Netra was quick to assess our physical abilities and was able to effectively set the pace for our hikes. He had very good knowledge of the route and terrain. Importantly, this was our first time attempting a hike at a high altitude, so he took extra care to check on us regularly.
On a personal note, proper gear, including a powerful down jacket for -20 degrees Celsius and a proper hiking backpack, is super essential.
Overall, I would highly recommend the Nepal Hiking Team and Netra/Vasu for your Nepal adventure!
We were a group of 17 people from California who had been preparing for a year for this trip. Nepal Hiking Team was referred to us by one of my friends. After talking to & interviewing several companies, NHT seemed very responsive, cost-effective & experienced. After the trip, they proved us nothing less.
Their guides are top-of-the-line, very kind, and helpful. They made sure we all were prepared for the next day, set our expectations rights, & guided us through managing altitude sickness.
We all made it to Nepal and came back happy and healthy.
We all thank NHT for making our dream come true, and looking forward to many more with them.
I highly recommend the Nepal Hiking Team for anyone planning to trek in Nepal. My spouse and I had a fantastic time on our trek and greatly credit our positive experience to the thought and care put into it by Nepal Hiking Team in coming up with a personalized plan that would enable us to succeed.
Every detail was considered to match us based on our abilities and interests. We also could not have felt more cared for minute to minute by the team that supported us from the minute we arrived in Kathmandu until our departure.
Our guide, Nim, was amazing -- so careful, thoughtful, warm, and supportive. And our porters, Sabin and Ganesh, were delightful. They were all unbelievably generous in terms of how much they worked to ensure we were comfortable and prepared. They thought of every detail along the way.
- Guided By Nim Dahal
Nepal Hiking Team specializes in organizing seamless cross-border adventures. For the Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour, we provide expert local leadership with a Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) licensed Tibetan guide who manages all logistics, permits, and cultural insights. Our team handles every detail from private vehicle transport to accommodation, ensuring you navigate restricted Tibetan regions and the Nepal border crossing smoothly. We are known for responsiveness, personalized service, and genuine care, as reflected in our verified traveler reviews.
We manage all necessary permits and paperwork, including the essential Chinese visa and Tibet Travel Permit arrangements (cost not included, but we guide you). Our private transportation and licensed Tibetan guide are with you from arrival in Lhasa until the border at Kerung. With years of experience on the Friendship Highway and at high altitudes, our team anticipates challenges like road conditions or altitude effects, ensuring your journey focuses on the stunning monasteries, lakes, and Himalayan views.
Yes. Our service includes coordination through the Kerung border procedures on day 7. We arrange private transport from Kerung to Kathmandu and are well-aware that road conditions in Nepal can be rough, unstable, or delayed due to landslides. Our team monitors conditions to make the lengthy 11-12 hour drive as manageable as possible, providing a scenic and safe transition from the Tibetan plateau to Nepal's green valleys.
You require two different visas: a Chinese visa for entry into Tibet (Lhasa) and a Nepal visa. The Chinese visa must be obtained in advance from the Chinese embassy in your home country — we provide the necessary invitation letter. The Nepal entry or re-entry visa is not included in the package cost and can be obtained upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or at the border, depending on your travel flow. Note that this tour begins in Lhasa, so you will fly directly there or enter Tibet via train from mainland China.
Your journey begins with your arrival in Lhasa (3,660m) by flight or train. The package cost does not include airfare or train travel to Lhasa. Upon landing at Lhasa Gonggar Airport or arriving at the train station, our Tibetan guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. It's crucial to rest on the first day due to the high altitude. We recommend booking flights that arrive by midday to allow for a smooth transfer and acclimatization.
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory and is listed under the cost excludes. We strongly recommend a comprehensive policy that covers emergency evacuation, high-altitude travel (up to 5,220m), trip cancellation, and medical expenses. Given the remote nature of the Tibetan plateau and the altitude, having robust insurance is essential for your safety and peace of mind.
The minimum group size for the Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour is 2 persons. You can book directly through our website form, and our team will check availability and respond promptly with details on pricing and deposit. We tailor the trip to your group, and private departures can be arranged for solo travelers (additional costs may apply).
The cost includes all private ground transportation, entrance fees for monasteries and sights, accommodation with breakfast (3-star hotels in Lhasa/Shigatse, guesthouses in Shegar/Kerung), a licensed Tibetan guide, and government taxes. Excluded items you should budget for are: flights/train to Lhasa, lunches and dinners, travel insurance, Nepal visa, Chinese visa fee, personal expenses, and tips for your guide and driver.
Once you confirm your interest, we'll provide detailed payment instructions. A deposit is typically required to begin the Tibet permit application process, as these must be arranged well in advance. The final balance is due before departure. Our team will guide you through the secure payment options. Because this tour involves restricted areas, we recommend booking at least 30-45 days ahead to allow sufficient time for permit processing.
Traveling in Tibet is highly restricted. For this tour, we arrange the essential Tibet Travel Permit (TTB), which allows you to visit Lhasa and the route along the Friendship Highway to Shigatse, Shegar, and Kerung. This permit is processed through our local office in coordination with the Tibet Tourism Bureau. You cannot travel independently in these areas; having our licensed Tibetan guide and private vehicle is a legal requirement, which is fully covered in our arrangements.
Permits are pre-arranged based on your confirmed travel dates. They dictate your itinerary and must be strictly followed. For instance, our itinerary shows designated stops in Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, and Shegar. The border crossing at Kerung is the current official point of exit from Tibet. Our guide manages all checkpoint verifications along the route. It's vital that you do not deviate from the planned route, and we recommend you arrive with your Chinese visa already issued in your passport.
Yes. The route includes crossing passes over 5,000 meters, such as Gyamtso La (5,220m) and Lulang La (5,050m). The itinerary also requires stays at high elevations (Lhasa at 3,660m, Shigatse at 3,900m, Shegar at 4,050m). This is a "Moderate to Strenuous" trip due to altitude, not physical difficulty. Travelers with heart, lung, or mobility issues should consult a physician. The tour does not operate during heavy winter snow as roads become difficult, with the best travel period from April to November.
All ground transportation throughout Tibet is by private vehicle, as specified in the cost includes. This ensures flexibility and comfort for your group as you cover long distances: 350 km to Shigatse (7 hrs), 244 km to Shegar, and 315 km to Kerung (5-6 hrs). The vehicle allows for stops at scenic viewpoints like Yamdrok Tso Lake and passes. From Kerung to Kathmandu (200 km, 11-12 hrs), you'll continue in a private vehicle to manage the rugged Nepal road conditions.
Flights or train travel to Lhasa are not included in the package cost. You are responsible for booking your own arrival into Lhasa (LXA) or the train station. We recommend coordinating your arrival date with our itinerary's Day 01. Many travelers choose to fly from Kathmandu or from major Chinese cities like Chengdu to Lhasa. Our team can provide advice on flight options, but the booking and cost are handled separately.
The final day is a 200 km journey from Kerung to Kathmandu, taking approximately 11-12 hours due to border formalities and road conditions. The road in Nepal can be rough, winding, and subject to landslides or delays, especially during monsoon season. We use a private vehicle to make this long journey as comfortable as possible. You'll enjoy a dramatic descent from the high Tibetan plateau into the lush, subtropical greenery of Nepal, ending your tour in Kathmandu.
This is an overland tour with sightseeing on foot. While you are not trekking for multiple days, you will be walking extensively during city tours in Lhasa (Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera and Drepung Monasteries) and exploring sites like the Gyantse Kumbum. The challenge is primarily the altitude, with time spent at elevations between 3,660m and 5,220m. The trip difficulty is rated "Moderate to Strenuous" due to the high altitude effects, not the distance walked.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want a cultural and scenic Himalayan journey with limited time (7 days). It's suitable for those who are comfortable spending several days at high altitude and can handle long drives on plateau roads. Due to the maximum elevation of 5,220m and the high-altitude environment, it is not recommended for those with heart, lung, or serious medical conditions. A good level of general fitness and previous high-altitude experience is beneficial. Children under 12 and those with mobility issues may find the extensive walking and altitude challenging.
The itinerary is designed with acclimatization in mind. You spend two full days sightseeing in Lhasa (3,660m) before driving higher. We recommend resting upon arrival, staying hydrated, walking slowly, and avoiding alcohol. Our guide monitors your well-being and is experienced in recognizing symptoms of altitude sickness. The tour includes no strenuous physical activity, but the altitude itself is a significant factor. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is essential.
Your safety is our priority. We provide a licensed Tibetan guide who is trained in first aid and familiar with the high-altitude environment. Our private vehicle allows for flexible pacing. We have established protocols for altitude sickness and access to local medical facilities in Lhasa, Shigatse, and Kathmandu. Because parts of the route are remote, we ensure you have a reliable means of communication. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for your protection.
In case of an emergency, our guide will coordinate with local authorities and our main office in Kathmandu for support. Evacuation from Tibet to Nepal or to major Chinese cities can be complex, which is why having travel insurance that specifically covers high-altitude evacuation is crucial. Our team's local knowledge ensures the fastest possible response. We also keep constant communication with our partner agencies in Tibet to stay updated on road and weather conditions.
While breakfast is included, you are responsible for lunches and dinners. We advise eating at reputable restaurants recommended by your guide. Avoid tap water; stick to bottled or boiled water. At high altitudes, appetite can decrease, but it's important to eat light, carbohydrate-rich meals and stay hydrated to help with acclimatization. Your guide can offer advice on safe dining options in each town.
Given the high altitude and variable weather, layering is key. Pack thermal base layers, a fleece or down jacket, a waterproof and windproof outer shell, and comfortable trekking pants. Daytime temperatures can be warm, but mornings and evenings are cold. Essential items include: sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses with high UV protection, lip balm, sunscreen, a warm hat, gloves, and a reusable water bottle. A daypack for your camera, water, and layers during sightseeing is very useful.
Beyond standard clothing, focus on protection from intense sun and cold. The Tibetan plateau has strong UV rays—a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen are vital. Lip balm with SPF is a must. Due to dry air, moisturizer can be helpful. Pack any personal medications, especially for altitude, in your carry-on. A power bank can be useful for charging devices on long driving days, and we recommend bringing copies of your permits and passport.
Yes. The tour involves multiple days of driving (e.g., 7 hours to Shigatse, 5-6 hours to Kerung). Prepare by packing snacks, entertainment (books, music), and a neck pillow for comfort in the vehicle. Keep your daypack with essentials like water, a camera, and layers easily accessible. Motion sickness medication may be helpful for some travelers on the winding mountain roads.
Accommodation is carefully selected for comfort and location. In Lhasa and Shigatse, you'll stay in 3-star category hotels with breakfast included, and you will share a room. In the smaller towns of Shegar and Kerung, accommodation is at a comfortable guesthouse with breakfast provided. This mix ensures you have a comfortable base while traveling through remote regions. The standard is clean and reliable, suitable for the environment.
Wi-Fi is generally available in hotels and guesthouses in Lhasa, Shigatse, and sometimes in Shegar and Kerung, though speeds can be limited. Mobile phone coverage is available in towns but can be unreliable on the high passes and remote stretches of the Friendship Highway. Your guide will have a local phone for essential communication. For international connectivity, we recommend checking with your home provider about roaming options in China (Tibet) and Nepal, or purchasing a local SIM card in Lhasa or Kathmandu before departure.
Electricity is available in all hotels and guesthouses, though in more remote areas (Shegar, Kerung), power outages or voltage fluctuations can occur. It's a good idea to bring a universal travel adapter and a portable power bank to ensure your devices stay charged, especially during long driving days.
The tour includes breakfast at all accommodations (hotels in Lhasa/Shigatse and guesthouses in Shegar/Kerung). Lunches and dinners are not included, as listed in the cost excludes. This gives you the flexibility to choose restaurants that suit your taste and budget, with guidance from your Tibetan guide. We recommend budgeting for these meals separately.
In Lhasa and Shigatse, you'll find a variety of restaurants serving Tibetan, Chinese, Nepali, and some Western options. In smaller towns like Shegar and Kerung, options are more limited, often featuring Tibetan or Sichuan-style Chinese cuisine. Your guide can recommend reliable places. Because you're at high altitude, it's important to eat well and stay hydrated, even if your appetite is reduced.
Safe drinking water is critical. We strongly advise drinking only bottled water, which is widely available for purchase. Avoid tap water. You can also bring a reusable bottle and purification tablets, but purchasing bottled water is the most convenient and reliable option. Your guide can help you purchase water in bulk at the start of each day.
Yes, absolutely. We specialize in creating individualized travel plans. If the standard 7-day itinerary does not meet your needs, we can adjust the pace, add extra days in Lhasa or Shigatse, or tailor the route based on your preferences and schedule. The tour is offered on a private basis for groups of 2 or more, which allows for a highly personalized experience.
The standard minimum group size is 2 persons. This is essentially a private tour for your party, meaning you have your own private vehicle and guide. This offers maximum flexibility, privacy, and the ability to move at your own pace. It ensures that the itinerary can be tailored to your interests and that you receive dedicated attention from your guide.
Tipping is not included in the package cost and is a personal gesture of appreciation for good service. The recommended amount is at your discretion, based on your satisfaction with the service. As a guideline, we suggest budgeting approximately $8-$10 USD per day for the guide and $5-$6 USD per day for the driver per group. Your guide will provide excellent service throughout the journey, ensuring your safety and cultural immersion.