The awe-inspiring Himalayas and the holy city of Lhasa are dream travel destinations best experienced on an overland tour. It’s a region of the world like no other, with unforgettable, unique natural landscapes and cultures that keep alive ancient traditions.

If you are planning to fulfill your yearning for this amazing experience, here’s our definitive guide to traveling overland from Kathmandu to Lhasa. So, you can enjoy a hassle-free Kathmandu to Lhasa overland journey.

Why Should I Embark on a Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour

On a thrilling Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour, you can see the land transform from dense forests to jagged mountain peaks as you ascend to Everest Base Camp.

Instead of hopping from place to place by plane, you can immerse yourself in Tibetan culture and Buddhism while exploring temples, villages, and holy lakes. There’s no better way to gain insight into the devout local Tibetans and pilgrims than by experiencing their world face-to-face.

Overland, you can reach remote places not accessible otherwise. You can stop to enjoy the view from a high-altitude mountain pass or take a break to have lunch with local families. Our expert tour service ensures a smooth and hassle-free trip so you can focus all of your attention on the experience.

8 Days Driving Across Himalaya Overland Adventure from Kathmandu to Lhasa

Tour Route: Kathmandu - Gyirong - Everest Base Camp - Tingri - Shigatse - Gyantse - Lhasa

Price from USD1069 p.p

Is It Safe to Travel from Kathmandu to Lhasa by Road? Pretty Safe

The biggest risk during an overland tour is not wanting to go back home. Much of the road between Kathmandu and Lhasa is a well-maintained, modern highway.

The first stretch, from Kathmandu to Rasuwa Gadi, at the Sino-Nepal border, is a little bumpy, but with the stunning views of Langtang National Park, you might not even notice. Travel is safe, but a little slower on the gravel roads between EBC and Tingri. The rest of the way to Lhasa is on a modern highway, ensuring you a safe and pleasant travel experience.

We’ll make sure you have a safe vehicle, and our local Tibetan guide will be with you for the whole journey. All our guides are well-trained to deal with any difficulties that might come up. Whether it’s just translation or taking precautions to avoid altitude sickness, you can relax and let us take care of everything.

Travelers are havIng a great time on the Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour.

Best Day-to-Day Itinerary for Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Adventure

The overland journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa is around 1,300km. Our 8-day Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour across majestic Himalayas covers that distance in eight days with time to acclimatize and see all the highlights.

Day 1: Kathmandu to Rasuwa Gadi (1,983m)
The drive from Kathmandu to the Rasuwa Gadi at the border passes through amazing scenery, including Langtang National Park. There’s even a chance to see wild animals on the way.

Day 2: Rasuwa Gadi to Gyirong (2,774m)
It’s only a short drive to cross the border and arrive in Gyirong. The Gyirong Valley has been called the most beautiful valley in the world, and you’ll have a chance to admire the Sherpa Villages and dense forests.

Day 3: Gyrigon – EBC (5,150m) – Tingri (4,348m)
The ascent to Everest Base Camp crosses Kong Tang Lamu Pass (5,236m) and goes by Mount Shishabangma (8,027m) with Pelku Lake at its foot. Before EBC, there’s Gawula Pass (5,198m), where you can see five Himalayan Peaks over 8,000m. Then, it’s EBC (5,150m) to admire the towering mountain and visit the world’s oldest temple, Rongbuk Monastery (5,154m).

Day 4: Tingri to Shigatse (3,900m)
On the way to Shigatse via Lhatse, you’ll visit the 5000m G318 National Highway Milestone. Shigatse is home to Tashilunpo Monastery. The seat of the Panchen Lama is one of the most important monasteries in Tibet and home to the world’s largest statue of Maitreya Buddha.

Day 5: Shigatse to Lhasa (3,656m) via Gyantse
Overland from Shigatse to Lhasa, you can visit the ancient city of Gyantse and Perklor Monastery. The route passes by Korola Glacier, the largest glacier in Tibet, and stops at Yamdrok Lake (4,400m). It’s one of the Three Holy Lakes in Tibet, and there, you’ll explore and visit a local family in the village.

Day 6: Lhasa Tour – Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery
Explore the Drepung Monastery, which is the largest monastery in Tibet. You can see the study and life of Tibetan monks. In the afternoon, it’s time to witness the famous Tibetan Monks Debate at Sera Monastery—a lively argument over points of Tibetan Buddhist theology.

Day 7: Lhasa Tour - Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street are three of the most iconic attractions in Lhasa. At Potala Palace, you can discover the lives and stories of the Dalai Lamas and see the historical treasures.

Jokhang Temple is the heart of Tibetan Buddhism. The temple and its statue of Buddha Sakyamuni attract spiritual pilgrims from all over the region. You will see them walking the pilgrimage route around bustling Barkhor Street while you explore the old market. The day ends with a farewell dinner with your tour group members.

Day 8: Depart from Lhasa by flight or Tibet train

Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour map.

What Are the Best Times of Year for Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour

April to mid-June and September to November are the most recommended times for the best travel conditions for the Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour. At these times, temperature is mild, up to the low 20s, and rain is minimal. You’ll get great views of the landscapes and be comfortable outdoors.

Winter is the best time to go for saving money. Late October to February next year is the low season of Tibet tourism, and it’s possible to find good deals on flights, accommodations, and tours. The snow-covered landscapes and frozen lakes are particularly beautiful during winter but be prepared for cold weather.

Tibetan Festivals that take place during the year are a great chance to immerse yourself in local culture. Losar, Tibetan New Year, falls between January and March, depending on the lunar calendar. There will be people in traditional clothing, visiting temples and shrines to make offerings, cultural performances, and special food like guthuk, a noodle soup.

In addition, the Saga Dawa Festival (May), Shoton Festival (Aug.), and Horse Racing Festival (June to July) offer you the best time to immerse yourself in the joyful spirit of Tibetan culture alongside welcoming locals.

Local Pilgrims do kora around Mt. Kailash during Saga Dawa Festival.

What Should I Prepare for Traveling from Kathmandu to Lhasa by Road

The Chinese Group Visa and Tibet travel permit are the first things to prepare for an overland trip from Kathmandu to Lhasa. To enter Tibet from Nepal, international travelers need to obtain a Chinese Group Visa from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, and a Tibet Travel Permit. These can only be applied for by a local Tibet travel agency. Our service includes handling these documents.

The Chinese Group Visa takes 4-5 business days to process, so you need to arrive in Kathmandu in advance of your tour. The Tibet Travel Permit takes up to 14 days and is issued together with the group visa. After booking your tour, we will let you know what documents are needed and begin the application process.

A Sample of Chinese Group Visa.

Before traveling, see your doctor for a health check-up and to discuss altitude sickness. Your doctor can tell you what symptoms to look out for and recommend medication to bring with you.

One thing to mention is that if you already have a 10-year Chinese Visa and you don't want your Chinese Visa to be canceled for a Chinese Group Visa (30-day validity) for Tibet entry from Kathmandu by road.

A great solution is to use your Chinese Visa and Tibet Permit to fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa and book our 7-day Kathmandu to Lhasa overland small group tour for the epic ride. The perk is that you can stay overnight at EBC.

7 Days Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Small Group Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Gyirong - Kathmandu

Price from USD979 p.p

Essentials to pack:
- Warm clothes that can be worn in layers: sweaters, thermal base, thick coat, down jacket for winter.
- Sturdy boots or shoes: thick cotton socks and sturdy shoes for rocky or slippery surfaces
- Sun protection: high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat
- Wind protection: lip balm, skin moisturizer, scarf, or face mask
- Personal medications: daily medications, medication for altitude sickness, first-aid kit
- Personal electronics: camera, mobile phone, portable power bank

What to Eat for Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour

Bigger cities like Lhasa and Kathmandu will have various cuisines available. In Lhasa, restaurants offer Tibetan, Chinese, and international foods. Nepal’s cuisine has been heavily influenced by India and Tibet.

Make sure to try some traditional foods in Kathmandu, like lentils and rice, Masala Tea, and rotis (pancake bread). Desserts are very popular in Nepal. Rasbari milk balls, kheer rice pudding, and Juju Dhau yogurt are some of the most famous.

Enjoy authentic Tibetan hot pot at the Lhasa Restaurant.

In remote locations, smaller cities, and on the road, most of the food choices will be local Tibetan food. Tibet food is very nutritious, made to keep people warm and full of energy in the tough climate. Some of the great local Tibetan foods you should try are:

Tsampa: a staple food made from roasted, barely mixed with butter tea.

Thukpa: Tibetan noodles usually served with vegetables, diced beef, and scallions.

Momo: Tibetan dumplings stuffed with meat or vegetables, then steamed or fried.

Butter tea: served everywhere, often in small bowls instead of cups. It’s made by brewing strong tea leaves and then adding butter and salt. Butter tea definitely helps to keep you warm.

Where to Stay from Kathmandu to Lhasa by Road

Kathmandu, Lhasa, and Shigatse have accommodation choices ranging from guesthouses and hostels to 5-star luxury hotels. Our standard tour includes 3-star accommodations, but you can upgrade the package if you’re looking for more luxury.

Lhasa Hotels:
5-Star: Luxury St. Regis Lhasa Resort, Lhasa Manasarovar Hotel, Four Points Sheraton Hotel
4-Star: Lhasa Gang Gyan Hotel, Lhasa Thangka Hotel, Lhasa Yak Hotel
3-Star: Tibet Villa Hotel in Lhasa, Lhasa Dhood Gu Hotel, Gorkha Hotel in Lhasa

Shigatse Hotels
4-5 Star: Jiumu Yamei Hotel in Shigatse, Shigatse Manasarovar Hotel, Shigatse Zanglong Grand Hotel
3-Star: Shigatse Taixing Hotel, Shigatse Wutse Grand Hotel, Shigatse Yak Hotel

Smaller cities like the border towns and Tingri have fewer options. In Tingri the best hotel is the Tingri Qomolangma Hotel. It has clean rooms with private bathrooms. In Gyirong, the best hotel in the city is the Gyirong Hotel. Similar to Tingri, it has basic but clean amenities.

Can I Book an Extended Tour from Lhasa to Other Chinese Cities

The end of your tour in Tibet doesn’t have to be the end of your travel.

We can help you book a direct Tibet train ticket to one of the gateway cities in mainland China, where you can continue exploring. Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, Xining, and Lanzhou all have direct rail links to Lhasa.

Your guided tour with us can continue in these famous destinations to see sites like the Forbidden City in Beijing or the pandas in Chengdu.

Conclusion

The exhilarating Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour is one of the best ways to experience the Himalayan region and learn about the living ancient culture of the people there. Our professional tour service will handle all the details, ensuring you have a smooth trip and an unforgettable experience. If you have more questions, please feel free to email us for free and expert travel solutions.