Search
Pioneer of Tibet Tourism for Overseas Travelers since 1984!
Since I was a teenager, I have always been curious about visiting Tibet, and I finally fulfilled this dream in October 2025.
Recently, it has become easier to visit Tibet through approved tours, and Brazilians, as well as several other nationalities, are exempt from needing a visa to enter China. This made my journey to Tibet much simpler.
Travel Preparations and the Best Time to Visit Tibet
Even though there is no need for me to apply for a Chinese visa to visit Tibet, a special travel document called the Tibet Travel Permit is still required.
The Tibet Vista agency handled all the paperwork for us, and the whole process was smooth and hassle-free.
The ideal time to visit Tibet is during spring or fall, as winters are extremely harsh and summers can be affected by floods.
So I chose to start my journey in October, hoping for clearer views of Mount Everest along the way from Kathmandu to Lhasa.
October is one of the best months for clear views of Mount Everest from the Tibetan side. Crossing the Sino-Nepal Border: A Surprising Start to the Adventure
Our Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour was initially supposed to cross the Gyirong border, but the road collapsed a few weeks before our trip, so the agency rerouted us through the Zhangmu border.
Because the roads on the Nepalese side were in poor condition, the group was divided into several jeeps on the first day of the journey.
On the second day, after crossing the border, we switched to an extremely comfortable bus, and the road conditions in Tibet were excellent.
I was genuinely surprised by this - I had expected a rather underdeveloped region, but the infrastructure impressed me.
The highways are good, there are immense power transmission towers, almost ubiquitous internet coverage, and at times, absolutely breathtaking landscapes.
The road conditions in Tibet were better than I expected!Dealing with Altitude Sickness on the Tibetan Plateau
The biggest challenge of the trip is the altitude sickness in Tibet and its effects on the body. On our first night on the Tibetan side, we slept at about 3,600 meters above sea level.
I strongly recommend that travelers bring some form of medication to help alleviate altitude sickness symptoms. I bought mine in Nepal, took a few pills, and it helped a lot.
Enjoy a hassle-free overland journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa with Tibet Vista!
Visiting Everest Base Camp: A Once-in-a-Life Experience
On the third day, we visited the North Everest Base Camp on the Tibetan side, at around 5,000 meters above sea level. The walk itself has no technical difficulty, as the road takes you almost to the foot of the mountain, and you only need to walk the final stretch.
It was a magnificent day, and Everest appeared in all its splendor—an unforgettable experience. That night, we still slept at 4,200 meters above sea level.
Enjoying majestic Everest from Rongbuk Monastery near the base camp in Tibet. Arriving in Lhasa: A City Beyond Expectations
Arriving in Lhasa, the capital of the Tibetan Autonomous Region, was truly impressive. I had imagined a cramped city, but instead found an open, airy place with architecture that blends tradition and modernity. The main access avenue is wide, and the riverbanks are lined with flower gardens.
Luckily, we stayed in the historic center, which has been completely renovated. Several streets are pedestrian-only, and to enter the main square, you must pass through a checkpoint.
There are many shops aimed at tourists, though prices are high, comparable to those in European destinations.
Another highlight was visiting the Potala Palace. The palace dominates the city and is incredibly imposing. Climbing the Potala Palace can be challenging because there are many stairs, and visitors often stop to catch their breath or use oxygen canisters purchased or provided by travel agencies. I used mine, and it helped.
I even stayed an extra day in Lhasa to explore on my own before my flight. Being in the city center allowed me to browse the shops more leisurely, try different restaurants, and sample some street food.
Climbing the Potala Palace with hundreds of steps.Final Thoughts: A Journey Worth Taking
Overall, it was a wonderful trip from Kathmandu to Lhasa, and the group dynamics were great as well. It’s definitely a journey worth taking.
I found another angle to take a photo of the Potala Palace.
Before heading to Lhasa, we visited the Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet.
Join us for a seamless and unforgettable overland journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa.
"Overland Trip from Kathmandu to Tibet: A Long-Awaited Dream Come True"