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Pioneer of Tibet Tourism for Overseas Travelers since 1984!
Visiting the mysterious land of Tibet has always been a dream for me. I rarely go anywhere with a tour, preferring to explore on my own, but Tibet Vista made this off-limits place accessible to us in the best way possible. Even before leaving, Holly was on top of everything, from all the complicated visas and Tibet travel permit to our seemingly endless questions.
The bustling Barkhor Street in downtown Lhasa, alive with culture and energy.
Embark on an epic Lhasa to Kathmandu overland journey, with seamless border crossings and stunning views.
My First Impressions of Lhasa: A City Steeped in Rich Buddhist Traditions
Arriving in Lhasa felt like stepping into another world, with architecture and traditions so different from the rest of China. Our first Lhasa tour in the city brought visits to monasteries that were built like towns, full of Buddhist symbolism and the voices of Tibetan monk debating in their native language.
Our guide, Phurbu, expertly explained each site, ending at the magnificent Potala Palace, which was once the winter home of previous Dalai Lamas.
Our group members took photos before the majestic Potala Palace.
Monks passionately debate Buddhist doctrines at Sera Monastery.
Immersing in Tibetan Culture: From Monasteries to Local Traditions
I loved watching locals of all ages joining in the large group dance in the park, trying traditional Tibetan food like momo and shabhalep (Tibetan bread), and learning some of the Tibetan language. Hello in Tibetan is “Tashi Delek,” and thank you is “Thuk Je Che.” Don’t forget to practice!
The old Lhasa square quickly became one of my favorite spots in town. All the buildings there were in the traditional style (including the KFC), and many people were out in traditional clothes.
Buddhists make a pilgrimage here, walking clockwise around Jokhang Temple and spinning their hand-held prayer wheels. Outside the main square, we found a local market and practiced our bargaining skills to buy cheap jackets for the cold journey ahead.
Travelers in traditional Tibetan attire, posing for souvenir photos in Lhasa.
We explored the Drepung Monastery, the largest monastery in Lhasa.
Embark on an epic Lhasa to Kathmandu overland journey, with seamless border crossings and stunning views.
Enjoy the Scenic Drive from Lhasa to Shigatse and Beyond
From Lhasa, our driver Gyeltze expertly navigated us through winding mountain passes with stunning views. After admiring the glassy blue Lake Yamdrok from above and below, we stop at a local house complete with yak dung walls and a fine spread of food.
A set of twins has their birthday today, so Phurbu prepared a lovely cake, and everyone in the group chimed in to sing happy birthday in their native languages. Our adventure continued. The beautiful scenery never seems to end as we stop for a look at the icy Karola glacier on the way to Shigatse town.
Clean and modern Tibetan homes near the Yamdrok Lake.
Strolling along the turquoise shores of Yamdrok Lake.
Epic Drive Along G318 HWY: Reaching the Highest Point of the Journey
The next day brought an even more amazing drive along G318 National Highway, the most beautiful highway in the country.
Here we reached the highest point of the trip (Gyatsola Pass at 5,248 meters), caught a glimpse of some wild blue sheep scampering up the side of a mountain, and entered the high Himalayas of Mt. Qomolangma (Mount Everest in Tibetan) National Nature Reserve.
Cheers at Gyatsola Pass as our group celebrated the milestone with beers.
A Moment of Pure Awe: Watching the Sunrise Over Mount Everest
Words cannot describe the sheer awe of standing in front of the highest mountain in the world, and on the Tibetan side no less. The hotels at the Tibet Everest Base Camp were even surprisingly comfortable, with oxygen pumped in throughout the night.
Nothing can possibly compare to waking up for sunrise over Mt. Everest on this amazing adventure. There was no one else around, so we got a private viewing as the sunlight leaked across the snowy peak.
We visited the Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world, warmed up with delicious instant Tibetan milk tea, and befriended a yak before taking off on a long drive west.
Gazing at the breathtaking sunrise over the north face of Mount Everest.
Excited to capture the moment with the Mount Everest marker.
Embark on an epic Lhasa to Kathmandu overland journey, with seamless border crossings and stunning views.
Before Crossing into Nepal: Birthday Surprises and Heartfelt Moments in Tibet
The landscape changed immensely from towering snow-capped mountains to desert-like flatlands to dense green forests and waterfalls. We stopped in Gyirong, the border town, for our final night at a nice hotel with a lovely birthday surprise.
Dinner was made even more special when Phurbu brought out a cake for me. His friend hand-wrote a beautiful banner wishing me happy birthday in both English and Tibetan. The restaurant owner even came over to bestow on me a white khata scarf. These were core memories for me, and I’m so glad I trusted Tibet Vista to make this day and the whole trip extra special.
I had a special birthday during my journey through Tibet.
The Final Adventure: Crossing Borders and Heading to Nepal
The last day of my 7-day Lhasa to Kathmandu overland tour was border crossing day. The road had to be closed at certain times due to recent intense flooding, so our tour bus was stopped for a while.
Our group, being adventurous, accepted our guide’s offer to walk the three to four kilometers to the border instead of waiting for the road to open. It was a long journey over rocks and streams with all our luggage, but I loved the sense of adventure and the team bonding moment.
The transfer at the Nepal border was as seamless as could be expected. The private drive to Kathmandu bumped along steep cliffside roads, offering great views and a natural “massage.”
Lush forested valleys along the China–Nepal border.
Embark on an epic Lhasa to Kathmandu overland journey, with seamless border crossings and stunning views.
Looking Back on My Unforgettable Journey from Lhasa to Kathmandu
Overall, I couldn’t have asked for anything more from this tour and had such a wonderful time. These are memories I will cherish for the rest of my life. I was so amazed by Tibet’s wonderful diversity and the open friendliness of its people.
My groupmates were fun and interesting, with ages ranging all the way from their 20s to 70s. I’d like to give a special thanks to Holly (my trip advisor), Gyeltze (our driver), Phurbu (our guide), and our guide on the Nepal side (sorry, I didn’t catch her name) for making this the trip of a lifetime.
Enjoying wonderful moments with global travelers in Tibet.
"Travel from Lhasa to Kathmandu: My Dream 7-Day Overland Journey with Tibet Vista"