8 Days Driving Across Himalaya Overland Adventure from Kathmandu to Lhasa

Today, you’ll drive to the Sino-Nepal border along the southern side of the Himalayas!

In the morning, we will pick you up at your hotel in Kathmandu and drive to the Sino-Nepal border. After about 7 hours of driving (130km) you will reach the border town - Rasuwa Gadi.

The scenery along the way from Kathmandu to the border will make you almost forget the bumpy road. Along the way, you will see many magnificent snow-capped mountains at the southern foot of the Himalayas, covered by vast forest, towering into the clouds.

When pass through Langtang National Park, you will go through a very bumpy road section, with the vehicle swinging on the muddy road. But the exciting thing is that you may encounter some interesting wild animals on the way.

Upon arrival in Rasuwa Gadi, check in at your hotel and have a good rest.

Stay overnight in Rasuwa Gadi.

Insider Tips:
1. For Chinese Group Visa application, make sure you arrive in Kathmandu in advance and please visit Tibet Vista’s office in Kathmandu at least 4 working days before you go.

2. You need to provide the original passport and pay the visa fee and service fee, so that our staff can apply for the Chinese Group Visa on your behalf.

Overnight in Rasuwa Gadi

• Passing through the Langtang National Park while overland from Kathmandu to Lhasa

• Admire magnificent snow-capped mountains at the southern foot of the Himalayas

Enjoy a day excursion at Gyirong to acclimatize the altitude rise to 2800 meters above sea level.

After breakfast, you’ll take a 15-km drive to the border and enter China via the Gyirong border. Our Tibetan guide will meet you at Gyirong side and take you to Gyirong town within a 1-hour drive.

Upon arrival, you will explore Gyirong Valley described by British explorer Howard-Bury as the most beautiful valley in the world in his book 'Mount Everest: The Reconnaissance'.

Here, you can visit the Sherpa villages and admire dense forests, serene villages, and beautiful snow peaks above the woods.

Stay overnight in Gyirong.

Overnight in Gyirong

Breakfast

• The picturesque scenery of Gyirong Town

• Immersed in the local way of life here in Gyirong Valley.

Today, you’ll head from the border to Everest Base Camp and enjoy the wonderful changes of landscapes from 2800 meters to 5200 meters above sea level.

After breakfast, you will leave Gyirong, which is densely covered with forests and snow-capped mountains, and officially head to Mount Everest region with an altitude of more than 4500 meters.

On this 380-kilometer journey, you will see the scenery along the road changing as the altitude increases.

First, you will be attracted by the forests, waterfalls, and bottomless canyons at an altitude of 2800 meters. Then cross the Kong Tang Lamu Pass at an altitude of 5236 meters and enter the plateau.

When passing by Mt. Shishabangma (8027m) and Pelku Tso Lake at its foot, you will be shocked by the tranquil and peaceful beauty.

After that, you will enter the Mount Everest area. When passing through the world's most beautiful Everest viewing platform - Gawula Pass (5198m), you will see five peaks above 8000 meters in the Himalayas lined up. The world-famous Mount Everest stands among them, and beneath the peaks is the churning sea of clouds.

Later, you will arrive at Everest Base Camp (5200m), which is the second observation deck of Mount Everest. Here, you'll admire the world's highest peak from the foot of Mount Everest's North Slope and visit the world's highest temple, Rongbuk Monastery (5154m).

After visiting Everest Base Camp, we will continue our journey to Tingri (4300m).

Stay overnight in Tingri.

Insider Tips:
Since today’s itinerary rises sharply from low altitude to over 5000 meters, in order to ensure your travel safety and avoid altitude sickness, we choose to spend the night in Tingri County (4300m) instead of Everest Base Camp (5200m).

Overnight in Tingri

Breakfast

• You will be transferred to Gyirong Port for your Nepal tour.

• A glimpse of snow mountains along the way.

The highlight of today’s journey is to visit the home of Panchen Lama - the Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse.

Start the journey to Shigatse in the morning, you will first visit the 5000m G318 National Highway milestone in Lhatse on the way.

After your arrival in Shigatse in the early afternoon, you will visit the seat of Panchen Lama - Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the most important monasteries in Tibet. The grand and magnificent halls of the largest local monastery occupy the entire hillside. This is the spiritual home of the Tibetan people in Shigatse, housing the world's largest statue of Maitreya Buddha.

Stay overnight in Shigatse (3900m).

Overnight in Shigatse

Breakfast

• Tashilhunpo Monastery, the home of Panchan Lama

• Yarlung Tsangpo River in autumn

Today, you’ll visit the ancient Gyantse Town and the sacred lake Yamdrok Yumco, and enjoy a wonderful lunch at a lakeside farmhouse.

In the morning, start the overland journey from Shigatse to Lhasa, which includes visits to Tibet's most beautiful lake, glacier, and a charming Tibetan village.

After arriving in Gyantse, you can spend some time taking photos of the ancient city of Gyantse and visit the Perklor Monastery and Kumbum stupa.

Next, you will pass and enjoy the Korola Glacier on the roadside. It is the largest glacier in Tibet. As you see the ice tongue of the glacier climb the entire hillside, you will feel the magical power of nature.

After that, drive to Yamdrok Lake, one of the ‘top three holy lakes’ in Tibet. The Yamdrok Lake, at 4400 meters above sea level, is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains. In the distance, you can have spectacular views of holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar (7191m), the highest mountain near Lhasa.

Continue to explore the lakeshore from various viewpoints, and at the end of the lake, you could visit a local family in the village and have lunch with the locals.

After a leisurely visit to Yamdrok Lake, continue your journey to Lhasa. Finally, you will arrive in Lhasa. After check in at your hotel, allow yourself a well-deserved rest following today’s lengthy journey.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Overnight in Lhasa

Breakfast | Lunch

• Yamdrok Lake at Gampala Pass, where you can get a marvelous bird's-eye view of the lake.

• The Karola Glacier is so close that you will appreciate a spectacular view of the white glacier contrasted with blue sky.

Today is Tibetan Monastery Day! You’ll have a full day to explore the largest monastery in Tibet, delve into the knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism, and immerse yourself in the daily life of Tibetan monks.

In the morning, you’ll explore the largest monastery in Tibet - Drepung Monastery, which was once the home to over 10,000 monks. As you walk through the Coqen Hall, your guide will provide detailed explanations of the worldview of Tibetan Buddhism and introduce notable figures in Tibetan Buddhist history.

Next, you’ll visit the renowned Loseling College (or an equivalent), offering a glimpse into the study and life of Tibetan monks. Explore their dormitories to gain insights into the Tibetan monks' daily routines and living conditions.

In the afternoon, you’ll head to Sera Monastery, another of the ‘great three’ Gelug monasteries of Tibet, to witness the famous Tibetan Monks Debate (15:00 - 17:00, from Monday to Saturday). Your guide will intricately explain how Tibetan monks engage in these debates to acquire knowledge and advance in their academic degrees.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Overnight in Lhasa

Breakfast

• Drepung Monastery, one of the Great Three Gelug monasteries of Tibet

• Monk Debate is a highlight of Sera Monastery

Today’s Highlight is a visit to UNESCO World Heritage Sites Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, providing a glimpse into the daily beliefs and lives of the people of Lhasa.

After breakfast, your first stop is the Potala Palace, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Lhasa Old Town. Discover the lives and stories of the Dalai Lamas through history within the palace, and the extraordinary treasures it holds. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.

After touring the Potala Palace, you will visit Longwangtan Park at the foot of the Potala Palace. Here, you can appreciate the majestic Potala Palace from a different perspective and engage in local Tibetan folk activities.

In the afternoon, you will head to the heart of Tibetan religion - the Jokhang Temple. Inside you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve. Outside, you can see pilgrims making prostrating in front of Jokhang Temple. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can do kora (a religious circle of a building or mountain) with pilgrims and locals, and explore the old market.

Next, follow your guide to one of the liveliest indoor Tibetan tea houses in Lhasa. Sip traditional Tibetan sweet tea alongside local Tibetans as your guide shares insights into Tibetan social dynamics and daily life.

Finally, you will have a farewell dinner with your group members. Share your Tibet travel experiences and say your goodbyes at the end of the tour.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Overnight in Lhasa

Breakfast | Farewell Dinner

• Potala Palace is always the No.1 attraction for travelers visiting Tibet.

• A Tibetan pilgrim is worshipping Jokhang Temple

Today marks the end of your Tibet tour.

Please make sure to verify your departure flight/train details with our guide in advance. And your guide will take you to the airport or train station.

Thank you for choosing Tibet Vista, and we extend a warm welcome for your return to Tibet in the future.

Breakfast

• Bid farewell to Lhasa, and may you have a safe and pleasant journey back home!

• Your guide will escort you to Lhasa Railway Station if you depart Tibet by train.