Overview
Why Choose Our Tibet Overland Tour?
- Explore authentic Tibetan towns like Shigatse, Gyantse, and Tingri
- Visit iconic monasteries and cultural landmarks in Lhasa
- Cross the highest motorable passes with epic mountain views
- Enjoy a comfortable itinerary with altitude awareness
- Travel in a small, friendly group with local expert guides
You get to visit various stunning Tibetan cities and villages. You’ll visit Potala Palace, which is listed in UNESCO world heritage. It is located in Lhasa, which is the capital of Tibet. Likewise, you'll visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, which is famous in Shigatse. Yarlung Tsangpo River in Sagar, which is a village on the banks. You’ll visit Darchen, a village at the foothills of Mount Kailash.
Deraphuk is a village near Kailash where you can witness stunning views. Likewise, the major destination is Lake Mansarovar. Last but not least, you’ll visit Kerong, which is a border town near Nepal. You can see the views of the Langtang Mountain Range from there.
Highlights
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You get to reach highest pass of Gyatso La Pass, 5220 m.
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You can explore Buddhism and Practice in Tibet
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You get to reach the border of Nepal and Tibet, Kerung
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You can explore culturally rich Lhasa City and places like Potala Palace, Sera and Drepung Monastery
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You can witness the panoramic views of mountains
Detailed Itinerary
Kathmandu – Kerung Border
Description
Your adventure begins the moment you leave Kathmandu behind. The drive to Kerung is a gradual transition from the familiar buzz of the city to something quieter and more raw. As you roll through the Nepali countryside, you start feeling the trip shift under your feet. At the Nepalese immigration checkpoint, you'll wrap up the border formalities before making your way into Kerung, sitting at 2,774 meters above sea level. From the border, you can hop on a short bus ride of about an hour, or if you're feeling adventurous, walk uphill for two to three hours to reach town. Either way, Kerung greets you with a calm, countryside feel that's a world away from Thamel. Tonight, you rest at a local guesthouse and let the journey sink in.
Kerung – Tingri / Lhatse
Description
Rise early, eat well, and get ready for the landscape to blow your mind. Today's drive takes you deeper into Tibet, and the scenery doesn't hold back. The plateau opens up around you, vast and silent in a way that feels almost unreal. Along the way, the Himalayas come into view, including the towering Mt. Cho Oyu at 8,201 meters and Mt. Xishapangma at 8,012 meters. One thing that surprises most travelers is how "small" these giants can appear against the sheer scale of the Tibetan Plateau. It's humbling in the best way. By the time you reach Tingri, on a clear day, Mount Everest appears on the horizon. Watching the sun rise or set behind it is one of those moments you won't forget. You'll overnight in a guesthouse, tired but genuinely happy.
Tingri / Lhatse – Xigatse
Description
Another early start, another remarkable drive. Today you'll cross the Gyatsu La Pass at 5,220 meters, the highest point you'll reach before Lhasa. Take your time here. The views of the Himalayan ranges stretch in every direction, and the altitude reminds you that you're somewhere genuinely extraordinary. From the pass, the road descends toward Xigatse, with a fork in the route offering a glimpse toward the direction of the legendary Mt. Kailash. You'll arrive in Xigatse after roughly four to five hours on the road, ready for a proper hotel bed and a good night's sleep.
Xigatse – Gyantse – Lhasa
Description
Start this morning with something special. Before hitting the road, you'll visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama, a place that carries centuries of spiritual weight. Walk through its courtyards, observe the monks, and take it all in before setting off. Your next stop is Gyantse, a town where Tibetan Buddhist culture feels particularly alive. The Kumbum Stupa and Palkhor Monastery are genuinely impressive, not in a touristy way but in the kind of way that makes you want to sit quietly and just look. The road to Lhasa from Gyantse is one of the most scenic stretches of the whole trip. You'll pass by Karola (5,010m), Kambala (4,749m), the brilliant turquoise waters of Yamdrok-Tso Lake, and eventually the broad sweep of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. It's a lot to take in, and that's exactly the point.
Sightseeing in Lhasa
Description
Lhasa rewards slow exploration, and today you have a full day to give it exactly that. After breakfast, you'll head out to some of the most significant sites in all of Tibetan Buddhism. The Jokhang Temple sits at the spiritual heart of the city. The faithful circumambulate its outer walls every day, rain or shine, and stepping inside feels like stepping into living history. Nearby, Barkhor Bazaar is the place to wander, pick up handicrafts, and watch city life unfold around you. Then there's the Potala Palace, rising above Lhasa like something from another era. Inside, the ancient artifacts, murals, and chapels tell the story of a civilization that has kept its identity through everything. Drepung and Sera Monasteries round out the day, each with its own character and charm.
Sightseeing in Lhasa
Description
Lhasa has a way of offering more the longer you stay. Today is yours to go deeper. Wander the local markets, revisit a place that caught your eye yesterday, or simply sit in a teahouse and watch the city move at its own gentle pace. There's no rush today. Whether you're drawn to the architecture, the religious sites, or the everyday life of the people who call this city home, Lhasa has plenty to give. You'll return to the hotel in the evening for an overnight stay.
Lhasa – Xegar
Description
Today is a long drive, but an important one. Xegar sits at the base of Mount Everest on the Tibetan side, and reaching it feels like arriving at the edge of the world. The town is also known as Shekar Dzong or Tingri, and at 4,300 meters, the altitude is real. Dress in layers, stay hydrated, and take it easy when you arrive. The reward for getting here? On a clear day, you can see five of the world's fourteen eight-thousanders from the surrounding area, including Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,463m), Cho Oyu (8,201m), and Shishapangma (8,012m). That's a mountain lineup that doesn't exist anywhere else on the planet.
Xegar – Kerung Border – Kathmandu
Description
The last day arrives with mixed feelings. You leave Xegar early, tracing your way back through the Tibetan countryside toward the Kerung border. The tundra forest, mountain streams, and wide-open skies feel different on the way back, maybe more familiar, maybe more precious now that you know you're leaving. Once across the border, a bus takes you back to Kathmandu, and the city wraps around you again. You'll be transferred to your hotel, and just like that, the trip is a memory. But honestly, not the kind you forget.
Trip Information
Best Time to go For The Tibet Overland Tour
The ideal seasons for this overland journey are spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October). During these months, you can enjoy crystal-clear views of the Himalayas, mild temperatures, and stable weather. Wildflowers bloom in spring, while autumn offers golden landscapes and excellent light for photography.
Traveling during the off-season (winter or monsoon) is possible but requires extra preparation for cold temperatures or potential roadblocks due to snowfall or landslides.
Cultural Insights
This overland route offers deeper insights into Tibetan lifestyle and Buddhist traditions. From remote Himalayan towns to bustling markets, every stop gives you a new perspective on the Tibet tour from Kathmandu. In Lhasa, you’ll walk through Barkhor Bazaar, observe monks debating at Sera Monastery, and climb the steps of the majestic Potala Palace, once the winter residence of
🗺️ Top Treks and Tours to Experience in Nepal
With Nepal Outdoor Expeditions, your adventure is more than a journey—it’s a deep dive into nature, culture, and discovery. Whether you crave high-altitude trails or peaceful cultural escapes, here are a few experiences you won’t want to miss:
the Dalai Lama.
Tibet’s spiritual essence is deeply felt in every monastery and prayer flag you encounter. The highlands, valleys, and sacred structures form an unforgettable journey across the “Roof of the World.”
Inclusions & Exclusions
✓ Included
- Permits and entry fees: The entry and permit charges to various landmarks and sites are included in the cost.
- Transportation: The transportation charges within Tibet, Bus Fare From and To Tibet
- Accommodation: Twin sharing accommodation on BB basis
- English–speaking guide: A knowledgeable and fluently speaking Tour guide with prior site information is included.
- Sightseeing and activities: Entrance fees for Major attractions, cultural activities, and guided tours are generally included.
- Support staff: Team members like drivers and porters can be included on demand
✗ Not Included
- Visa fees: Chinese visa or Tibet Travel Permit is generally not included and must be obtained individually.
- International airfare: The cost of international flights to and from Kathmandu is not included and should be arranged by yourself.
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner are not included in the cost
- Personal expenses: Souvenirs, gifts, additional meals, drinks, laundry, and personal expenses are not covered.
- Travel insurance: Travel insurance is essential, yet it is not included in the tour package and should be managed independently.
- Optional activities: Optional activities, side tours, or recreational activities are not covered by the main cost.
- Extra services: Customized itineraries, facilities, plus expenses not mentioned in Cost Included are not covered.
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FAQs
It is a tour that involves traveling through Tibet, covering major cities like Lhasa, Shigatse, and Ghyantse and remote areas like Lake Yamdrok and Mount Everest Base Camp.
The best time is in the spring and autumn seasons.
Yes, you need a Chinese visa and a Tibet travel permit.
The journey involves high-altitude travel (3000-5200 m) and driving on rugged roads.
In the city area there is availability of hotels and basic amenities. Likewise, in remote areas there is availability of basic guest houses or lodges.
The cost of the Tibet Overland Tour ranges between $1500 and $3000 per person.
The tour typically takes around 7-15 days.
