Traveling overland to Tibet is a thrilling adventure like no other! Currently, 5 main Chinese national highways connect Chengdu, Xining, Kunming, Kashgar, and Kathmandu, Nepal to Lhasa, the spiritual heart of Tibet.
Sichuan-Tibet Highway (G318/G317HWY) from Chengdu to Lhasa is one of the most classic and treacherous routes to Tibet; Yunnan-Tibet Highway (G214 HWY) starts from Kunming and follows the ancient tea horse route to the Tibetan plateau; Qinghai-Tibet Highway (G109 HWY) travels along Qinghai-Tibet Railway and is the shortest and easiest road to Tibet; Xinjiang-Tibet Highway (G219 HWY) from Kashgar is the highest overland route to western Tibet; Nepal-Tibet Highway (Friendship HWY) starts from Kathmandu Valley and crosses the mighty Himalayas via Gyirong Valley to Tibet.
Choosing different roads to Tibet promises different travel experiences. Check our expert local travel advice and select from the budget-friendly small group or custom Tibet overland tours that suit you best.
Tibet Overland Routes at a Glance
Best Time for Tibet Overland: April to June and September to November.
Tibet Overland Road Condition: Over 90% of the road is well-paved.
Dining and Hotels: Local eateries and hotels ranging from 3-5 stars.
Overland Routes to Tibet: From Chengdu, Kunming, Xining, and Xinjinag in inland China, or Kathmandu, Nepal.
Overland Routes in Tibet: Lhasa to Everest Base Camp, Lhasa to Mt. Kailash, and Lhasa to Namtso Lake and more.

Tibet Overland Tour Photo Gallery












In-depth Local Travel Guides for Top Tibet Overland Routes
Before hitting the road, reading our in-depth Tibet overland travel articles helps you avoid the pitfalls and get fully prepared. Here, we offer you local tips as to road conditions, travel distance, ideal travel seasons, travel highlights, and more. Explore the best options and start planning your ideal Tibet overland tour with us!
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Sichuan to Tibet Overland Routes
Sichuan Tibet Highway, also known as the Chengdu-Lhasa Highway, is the most treacherous road in China running from Chengdu to Lhasa. It is a world-class scenic road travelling through Kham Tibetan areas and part of the Hengduan Mountainous Regions. The highway from Sichuan to Tibet comprises two parts: the southern route (G318 HWY) and the northern route (G317 HWY).
Covering around 2146 kilometers, the southern route of the Sichuan Tibet Highway runs through Litang and Batang, and then enters the Tibet Autonomous Region in Markam, to further extend to Bomi and Nyingchi, before arriving in Lhasa.
The northern route, being part of the G317 National Highway, extends a little longer than the southern one, about 2412 kilometers. Starting from Chengdu, it runs through Garze, Dege, and towards Qamdo in Tibet, before arriving in Lhasa.
- Sichuan (Chengdu) to Tibet Overland
- Cycling from Chengdu to Lhasa via Sichuan-Tibet Road, Tips and Details
- Highlights of Classic Chengdu to Lhasa Overland Tour (318 Southern Route)
- Travel from Sichuan to Tibet: Southern Route vs. Northern Route
- Altitude Change and Major Peaks along Sichuan-Tibet Highway Southern Route G318
- Guide to Sichuan-Tibet Highway Northern Route via G317
- Guide to Sichuan-Tibet Highway Southern Route via G318
- Hotels along Sichuan Tibet Highway: guide on accommodation for your Chengdu to Lhasa overland tour
- Best Time for Sichuan Tibet Overland Tour
7 Days World-class Overland Route: Chengdu to Lhasa via G318 HighwayTour Route: Chengdu - Xinduqiao - Litang - Batang - Zogang - Ranwu - Nyingchi - Lhasa
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Yunnan to Tibet Overland Route
Yunnan-Tibet Highway is an important access to Tibet overland. It was put into use in 1973, with a total length of 1,930 km starting from Jinhong city of Yunnan to Duopuma of Qinghai. Besides, it is connected with Sichuan-Tibet southern highway (G318). Part of the Yunnan-Tibet highway was Tea Horse Road in ancient time. So Yunan to Tibet overland is possible for you. Meanwhile, you can choose to travel from Kunming to Lhasa overland, or Lijiang to Lhasa overland, or Shangri-la to Lhasa overland.
- Yunnan (Kunming) to Lhasa Overland
- Kunming to Tibet: 3 Best Travel Routes, Top Experiences, Local Tips You Need
12 Days Yunnan to Tibet Overland JourneyTour Route: Lijiang - Shangri-la - Deqin - Zuogong - Ranwu - Pomi - Nyingchi - Lhasa
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Xining to Tibet Overland Route
The Xining to Lhasa overland route is shortest and easiest overlandr route to Tibet, which literally parallels the famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway. You will travel along G109 HWY from Xining to Lhasa, covering around 1,900km, with 1000km of the journey at ann elevation of above 4,000m. Due to its high altitude,, it is called the “Sky Road”.
Starting from Xining, the Qinghai-Tibet highway crosses four high mountains, namely Kunlun Mountain (4, 700 meters), Fenghuo Mountain (4, 800 meters), Tangula Mountain ( 5, 150 meters at the mountain pass), and Nyainqentanglha Mountain, and spans three rivers, Tongtian River, Tuotuo River, and Chuma'er River.
- Qinghai Golmud to Lhasa Overland
- Travel to Tibet from Xining
- Accommodations and meals along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway
11 Days Travel through Qinghai-Tibet HighwayTour Route: Xining - Chaka - Golmud - Amdo - Nagqu - Lhasa overland tour
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Xinjiang to Tibet Overland Route
Xinjiang Tibet Highway is the highest and most challenging road to Tibet. To enter Tibet from Kashgar, you can travel overland via the G219 Highway from Kashgar (Yecheng) in Xinjiang to Lhatse County in Shigatse. Of the 2138km’s drive, around 1,700 kilometers of journey sits at an altitude above 4,000 meters, making it one of the longest and highest highways in the world. After you reach Lhatse in Shigatse, you can keep traveling via the scenic G318 HWY to Lhasa.
BTW, while traveling in Ngari, western Tibet, don't miss out on the golden opportunity for the 3-day kora around holy Mt. Kailash, the most revered pilgrimage around the most sacred mountain in Tibet
- Xinjiang Tibet Highway: A Lifetime Overland Adventure from Kashgar to Lhasa via Mount Kailash
- Ngari Transportation: how to travel to Ngari from Lhasa, Xinjiang, Nepal and India?
16 Days Tibet to Xinjiang Land TripTour Route: Lhasa - Shigatse - Sakya - Saga -Mt.Kailash - Zanda - Ali - Pangongtso - Dorma - Dahongliutan - Mazar - Yecheng - Kashgar
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Nepal to Tibet Overland Route
Traveling overland from Kathmandu to Lhasa offers you a thrilling adventure across the mighty Himalayas. The overland journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa is around 1,300km. You will trave from Kathmandu, Nepal and cross the Gyirong border, Sino-Nepal border to enter Tibet Automonous Region, then following the Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway and the scenic G318HWY to the holy Lhasa City. The best highlight is the opportunity to visit Everest Base Camp on the way. The most classic Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour takes 8 days, with one acclimatization day at Gyirong town.
- Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland: Definitive Guide to Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour in 2024/2025
- Kathmandu to Lhasa Distance: by Overland Drive, Flight, Cycle, and Bus
- Travel Overland from Lhasa to Kathmandu or Kathmandu to Lhasa, How Should I Choose?
- Elevation of Lhasa and Kathmandu: How to Safely Adapt Yourself to Altitude Change to Travel across the Himalayas
- How to Get to Lhasa from Kathmandu: by Flight or Drive in 2025?
8 Days Driving Across Himalaya Overland Adventure from Kathmandu to LhasaTour Route: Kathmandu - Gyirong - Everest Base Camp - Tingri - Shigatse - Gyantse - Lhasa
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Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Overland Route
As one of the biggest attractions in Tibet, Everest Base Camp has been an ultimate travel bucket list destination for global travelers. After you finish touring the Lhasa city, most travelers will embark on the Lhasa to EBC overland journey. The most classic overland route takes you past Gyantse County, Shigatse City, the second largest Tibet city, and Tingri County via the scenic G318 HWY. Currently, you can even drive vehicles yourself with our local experts for this epic overland journey to the world’s summit.
- How to Get to Mount Everest Base Camp from Lhasa
- Ultimate Guide to Self-Drive Tour from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp in Tibet
- Can you Drive to Everest Base Camp of Tibet? Must-Know Rules and Tips (Updated 2024)
- Everest Base Camp Tibet: Ultimate Guide on EBC Tibet in 2025
- Everest Base Camp Tour Cost: How Much Does It Cost for an EBC Tour from Lhasa
- Ultimate Guide to Cycling from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp
8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group TourTour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Lhasa
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Lhasa to Mt. Kailash Overland Route
The driving distance from Lhasa to Mount Kailash is around 1,600 km via the southern route and 1,832 km through the northern route.
Starting from Lhasa, the southern route to Mount Kailash travels west along the G318 National Highway to the city of Shigatse. From there, it is southwest to the Everest Base Camp. The remaining journey is a northwest trip via G219 HWY, passing through Saga on the way to Darchen, the small town at the foot of Mount Kailash. It is the shortest and the most popular route to Mount Kailash from Lhasa.
The northern route from Lhasa to Mount Kailash starts with a swing to the northwest through the Namtso Lake area. The route continues northwest through Baingoin to Nyima before turning southwest to continue through Coqen to Zhongba. The final leg is northwest to Darchen at the foot of Mount Kailash.
- Lhasa to Mount Kailash: Distance, Road Condition, Best Way to Go
- How to Get to Mt.Kailash and Manasarovar Lake? 5 Ways Available by Land/Air
- How to Plan a Journey to Mount Kailash in Your Tibet Tour 2025
- How to Plan a Mount Kailash Trek Tour 2025? A Step by Step Guide
- Best Time to Visit Kailash Manasarovar: New Updates for 2025
15 Days Kailash and Manasarovar TourTour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - E.B.C - Saga - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Lake Manasarovar - Saga - Gyirong - Tingri - Lhasa
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Discover All Popular Tibet Overland Adventures
Well, apart from the top 7 Tibet overland routes above, more Tibet overland adventures await! Browse through our expert-crafted Tibet overland tours that perfectly blend the jaw-dropping Himalayan landscapes with intriguing local cultural encounters across Tibet. Alternatively, you may email us to customize one for you.
- 7 Days Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Small Group Tour: Traverse from the North Side to the South Side of Mt.Everest for the Best of the Himalayas
Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Gyirong - Kathmandu
from USD989
View Details - 15 Days World-Class Overland Route: Chengdu to Lhasa via G318 National Highway
Chengdu - Kangding - Xinduqiao - Litang - Markam - Zogang - Ranwu - Nyingchi - Lhasa - Shigatse - Lhasa
from USD2470
View Details - 15 Day Lhasa to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar Self Drive Road Trip
Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Saga - Darchen - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Saga - Gyirong - Tingri - Lhasa
from USD2,727
View Details - 17 Days Kailash Manasarovar Full Moon Tour & Guge Kingdom Exploration
Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - EBC - Saga - Darchen - Zanda - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Saga - Gyirong - Tingri - Lhasa
from USD2299
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"Tibet Overland Routes: Travel to the Roof of the World by Epic Roads "