Summit International Pvt Ltd
Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour
Central Tibet

Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour

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Duration

10 Days

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Difficulty

Moderate

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Start/End

Kathmandu - Kathmandu

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Best Season

Aug-Nov & Apr-Jun

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Trip Area

Central Tibet

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Max Altitude

5220m

Overview

Discover an exotic overland journey between two of the Himalayas' most captivating capitals on the Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour. This adventure combines the vibrant Hindu and Buddhist heritage of Kathmandu with the ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture of Lhasa, crossing from Nepal into Tibet along one of the most dramatic overland routes in the world. Traveling through the high altitude Tibetan plateau, with an average elevation exceeding 4,000 meters, this journey leads to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet sitting at 3,650m, home to iconic sites such as the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Barkhor market, and the peaceful Norbulingka Palace, the traditional summer residence of the Dalai Lama.

The Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour is a unique and unforgettable adventure offering travelers the opportunity to explore the highest plateau in the world, with an average elevation of over 4,000 meters. This exotic journey allows you to experience the Hindu cultural richness of Kathmandu alongside the deep Buddhist heritage of Lhasa, connected by a dramatic overland route through some of the most striking high altitude landscapes on earth.

The tour begins with a classic exploration of Kathmandu city before beginning the overland journey toward Tibet via the Kyirung border. As the route climbs onto the Tibetan plateau, travelers pass through settlements such as Tingri or Lhatse, Shigatse, and Gyantse, each offering their own cultural landmarks, ancient monasteries, and dramatic mountain scenery along the way.

Arriving in Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet, travelers are rewarded with rich cultural and natural beauty alongside centuries of ancient artifacts and living tradition. Famous sites throughout the city include the Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama, the Sera and Drepung Monasteries, the sacred Jokhang Temple, the lively Barkhor market, and the Norbulingka Palace, the traditional summer residence of the Dalai Lama.

Throughout the journey, travelers can expect warm Tibetan hospitality, cultural performances, and evening sightseeing around the city, alongside delicious traditional meals that reflect the region's unique culinary heritage. The return journey retraces the dramatic overland route back through Tibet and across the Kyirung border into Nepal, concluding back in Kathmandu.

Combining the natural grandeur of the Himalayan plateau with centuries of Tibetan Buddhist culture and the warm hospitality of local communities, the Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour offers a truly unforgettable journey into one of the most remarkable regions on earth.

hotel_class Trek Highlights

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  • Cross one of the most dramatic overland border routes in the world between Nepal and Tibet
  • Explore the iconic Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama
  • Visit the sacred Jokhang Temple, one of the most important religious sites in Tibetan Buddhism
  • Discover Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery, two of Lhasa's great centers of Buddhist learning
  • Wander through the vibrant Barkhor market and its historic pilgrimage circuit
  • Visit the peaceful Norbulingka Palace, the traditional summer residence of the Dalai Lama
  • Travel across the highest plateau in the world, with an average elevation exceeding 4,000 meters
  • Pass through historic towns including Tingri or Lhatse, Shigatse, and Gyantse along the overland route
  • Experience the warm hospitality and cultural performances of local Tibetan communities
  • Enjoy a complete cultural immersion spanning both the Hindu heritage of Kathmandu and the Buddhist heritage of Lhasa

route Day-by-Day Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m / 4,264ft)

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Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. After checking in, you can relax or explore the streets of Thamel. In the evening, you will attend a detailed briefing where your guide reviews the itinerary and prepares you for your overland journey into Tibet.

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Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Kyirung Border (2,850m / 9,350ft)

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After breakfast, you will begin the overland journey from Kathmandu toward the Kyirung border, crossing from Nepal's lush hills into the high altitude landscape of the Tibetan plateau.
Driving Duration: Approximately 6 to 7 hours
Distance: 145 km

3

Day 3: Drive from Kyirung to Tingri or Lhatse (4,300m / 14,108ft)

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The journey continues deeper into the Tibetan plateau, climbing toward Tingri or Lhatse depending on the route taken. This stretch offers dramatic high altitude scenery and early views of the Himalayan range as the road gains elevation across the plateau.
Driving Duration: Full day
Distance: 225 km / 244 km

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Day 4: Drive from Tingri or Lhatse to Shigatse (3,900m / 12,795ft)

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Today's drive continues to Shigatse, Tibet's second largest city, passing through further high altitude terrain and traditional settlements along the way.
Driving Duration: Full day
Distance: 244 km

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Day 5: Drive from Shigatse to Gyantse (3,950m / 12,959ft)

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The journey continues to Gyantse, a historic trading town known for its ancient fortress ruins, traditional architecture, and significant monastic heritage.
Driving Duration: Approximately 2 to 3 hours
Distance: 90 km

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Day 6: Drive from Gyantse to Lhasa (3,650m / 11,975ft)

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Today's drive brings you to Lhasa, the spiritual and cultural capital of Tibet. On arrival, you will check into your hotel, with the evening free to rest after a full day of overland travel.
Driving Duration: Approximately 4 to 5 hours
Distance: 261 km

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Day 7: Sightseeing in Lhasa (3,650m / 11,975ft)

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A full day is dedicated to exploring Lhasa's most iconic sites, including the Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama, and the sacred Jokhang Temple, one of the most important religious sites in Tibetan Buddhism.

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Day 8: Sightseeing in Lhasa (3,650m / 11,975ft)

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A second full day continues exploring Lhasa, with visits to Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery, two of the city's great centers of Buddhist learning, along with the Norbulingka Palace, the traditional summer residence of the Dalai Lama, and the lively Barkhor market.

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Day 9: Drive from Lhasa to Kathmandu

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Today begins the return overland journey, retracing the dramatic route back across the Tibetan plateau toward the Kyirung border and on to Kathmandu. Depending on road and border conditions, this leg may be split across additional days.

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Day 10: Final Departure

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Your Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour comes to an end today. Depending on your flight schedule, our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey.

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USD 1650

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