With the reopening of the Gyirong Port for international tourists, the overland journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa has become accessible once again. Join our 8-day group tour, featuring fixed departures and a budget-friendly price, as you take on a memorable adventure.
The journey begins in Kathmandu, a popular gateway city to Tibet, where you will be transferred to the Gyirong Port at the border. From there, you will travel to Lhasa, passing through awe-inspiring destinations like Mount Everest, Shigatse, and Gyantse. Prepare to be enchanted by the remarkable attractions and breathtaking high plateau landscapes along the way, including the Tashilhunpo Monastery, Palcho Monastery, the enchanting Yamdrok Lake, etc. Once in Lhasa, you will have the opportunity to delve into the rich Tibetan culture and delve into the fascinating history of the region.
Highlights of this tour:
- Enjoy the breathtaking high plateau sceneries - snow peaks, grasslands, pure lakes, blue sky...
- Explore the wilder regions out of Lhasa - Tingri, Lhatse, Shigatse and Gyantse where the tradition of Tibet have been preserved well.
- Climb up to the top of Potala Palace, also go to explore the biggest Tibetan Buddhism monasteries in Lhasa city.
Tour Brief Information
- Tour code: TD-JT-08B
- Tour Type: Join-in Small Group Tour
- Destination: Kathmandu - Gyirong - Tingri - Mount Everest - Shigatse - Gyantse - Lhasa
- Duration: 8 days and 7 nights
- Departure: Fixed Departure
- Travel Theme:
- Best Time:
- Physical Level
- Tour Pace
Medium
- Max Altitude
5,200 m
- Itinerary Details
- Departure & price
- Included Services & Fees
- Trip FAQs
- Reviews
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Your tour - at a glance
Day 1~3 Nepal to Tingri via Mount Everest
Day 4-5 Tingri to Lhasa via Gyantse
Day 6~8 Lhasa Tour & Departure
Itinerary Details - Day by Day
Day 1 Kathmandu - Syabrubesi (137 km, About 7 hrs' drive)
In the morning, our local team will pick you up from your hotel in Kathmandu and begin our driving journey to Syabrubesi Village, situated near the border of Nepal and Tibet. Please be aware the road conditions is not good and can make the journey relatively long. However, fret not, as the picturesque landscapes you will encounter along the way will make the drive worthwhile. Prepare to be enchanted by the lush green hills, deep valleys, and the serene beauty of the Trisuli River.
Stay overnight at your guesthouse in Syabrubesi Village.
Day 2 Syabrubesi - Gyirong Town
Today, you will be accompanied to the border and then cross the port on yourself. Once you finish your immigration formalities, our local Tibetan guide and drive will meet your at Gyirong Port, and then drive to Gyirong Town. Gyirong Town is home to many Buddhist temples, and you will have the opportunity to visit Paba Temple, a remarkable Nepali-style temple believed to have been constructed by Songtsan Gambo, a renowned Tibetan king, when he married the Nepalese princess Bhrikuti. In the afternoon, you will have free time to explore the surroundings.
Accommodate at your guesthouse in Gyirong Twon.
- Gyirong Port
Day 3 Gyirong - Tingri / 480 km, About 11hrs' Drive
After breakfast, you will have a long drive to Mount Everest. The views along the road are stupendous. The beautiful Pekutso Lake can be seen from the road either in clear day. When you get to Gawula Pass (5,250 m), you can get off the car to marvel at the spectacular scenery of five glorious peaks over 8,000 meters, Mt. Makalu (8,463m), Mt. Lotse (8,516m), Mt Everest (8,844 m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8,201 m) and Mt. Shishapama (8,020 m) dominating on Himalaya Ranges from left to right. Keep driving about 2 hours from Gawula, you will reach Mount Everest Scenic Area Parking Lot where you will shift on to an eco-bus to Rongbuk Monastery (altitude: 5,100m), the highest monastery in the world as well as the best photography location to take photos of the intoxicating view of Mt. Everest, and spend some time exploring the Everest Base Camp.
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Accommodation: if you visit Mount Everest during off season (November to April), you will accommodate at Rongbuk Guest House near the Rongbuk Monastery; if you visit Mount Everest during the peak season (May to October), you will accommodate at the Tibetan Tents Camp which is only run between May and October by local Tibetans. It is near Rongbuk Monastery as well. The accommodation at both places is very simple and basic, only dorm beds with communal squat toilets are available. Duvets, heated blankets and hot water will be provided, and you are suggested to bring your own sleeping bag and toilet paper. There is no running water, sinks or showers. The dining room just offers basic breakfast and dinner without menu.
Tips for today: 1) Remember to dress warmly all the time; 2) avoid strenuous activity to prevent from high altitude sickness.
After sightseeing, drive to Tingri for accommodation
- Tibet Plateau Landscape along Kathmandu Lhasa Overlanding
Day 4 Tingri - Shigatse / 240km, About 7hrs' Drive (B)
In the morning, you will drive 4.5 hour to Shigatse. After arriving at Shigatse, you will go to visit the landmark of Shigatse - Tashilhunpo Monastery. Tashilhunpo Monastery is famous as the seat of successive Panchen Lama who is another leader of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is an interesting sprawling amalgam of traditional Tibetan monastic style halls, chapels and other structures connected by precipitous steps and narrow cobblestone alleys.
Have a good sleep in Shigatse.
- Qamba Buddha
- Scenic China-Nepal Highway
Day 5 Shigatse - Gyantse - Lhasa / 375km, About 7~8 hrs' Drive (B)
Today, you will leave Shigatse for Lhasa. First, drive about 2 hours to Shigatse's sister city - Gyantse. Enjoy the fascinating sky and mountain views along the road. After arrival, pay a visit to the characteristic Palcho Monastery. Found in 1436, this monastery is famous for its Kumbum, a magnificent stupa and symbol of the monastery. And the Myriad Buddha Stupa there, consists of hundreds of chapels arranged in layers, housing some 100,000 images of Buddhas.
Continue your trip from Gyantse to the holy lake - Yamdrok. En route, you will pass by the imposing Karola Glacier. Yamdrok Lake is known as one of "Three Holy Lakes" but featured in the clearest lake views. The water is as clean as crystal, and the glimmering water will shock you in sunshine. With it being branded as the crystal holy lake, one will always carry a sense of worship when standing beside the lake.
Leaving Yamdrok Lake, drive ahead to Lhasa.
Tips of today: 1. Wear warm clothes to prevent from cold and wild; 2. Prepare some food and drinks in advance because you will spend much time on the road.
- White Pagoda of Palcho Monastery
- Yamdrok Tibetan Stone Marks
Day 6 Lhasa
After two days' acclimatization, you should be ready physical to defeat the uprising steps to reach the top of the Potala Palace. You will be picked up by your tour guide at your hotel, then go to explore Potala Palace, the symbol of Tibet, in the less-crowded morning. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Potala Palace is the highest (in altitude: 3,700 m) palace in the world. Because of its spectacular architecture style and magnificent Tibetan cultural value, it is listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites List, and honored as one of the most beautiful architectural buildings in the world. Originally built in the 7th century, Potala Palace is divided into two main parts: the White Palace and the Red Palace. After entering the gate, you will take about 30 mins to walk up along the stone steps to reach the White Palace, which is challenging for most of the tourists as the increasing of altitudes. You are advised to ascend slowly and make some stops to take rest and take photos of the grandiose architecture and panoramic scene of Lhasa city. The White Palace was the living quarters of the Dalai Lama and the office to deal with political and Buddhist affairs. Visit from the White Palace to the Red Palace where many historical relics and important stupas are housed, then exit Potala Palace from its back side.
After lunch, you'll visit the Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of Tibet. Every day, pilgrims from every corner of Tibet trek here from long distances to worship the Jowo Rinpoche (or Jowo Shakyamuni), a life-sized (5 foot/1.5m) statue of the Shakyamuni of age 12 which is one of the most important treasure of entire Buddhist world. Lastly, walk the special circular pilgrimage route as local followers always do at Barkhor Street. You will have chance to get close to appreciate how the artists draw Thangkas at the Thangka workroom at Barkhor Street.
Tips for today: 1. Wear hat and sun glasses to prevent ultraviolet radiation, but remember to take off when visiting in Potala Palace. 2. Remember to bring your passport which is needed to showcase when check in Potala Palace.
- Admire the amazing appearance of Potala Palace
Day 7 Lhasa
Today is your second day in Lhasa. You will visit Drepung Monastery, Tibet Museum and Norbulingka to help you acclimatize yourself to Lhasa’s high altitudes and prepare for tomorrow’s Potala Palace visit.
Your tour guide will pick you up in your hotel, then drive about 30 minutes to visit the Drepung Monastery first. Known as the “mother school ” of Dalai Lamas, this Gelug monastery has a history of more than 500 years. It used to be the largest monastery in the world with totally 10,000 monks there. Many precious stupas, sculptures, paintings, Thangka...are displayed in the hundreds of chapels. And the annual Shoton Festival is organized here.
In the afternoon, take a captivating journey through Tibetan culture with a visit to the Tibet Museum. This enriching experience begins on the first floor, where compelling exhibits showcase the daily life of Tibetans. From traditional dietary practices to transportation, agricultural traditions to intricate handcraft techniques, and vibrant celebrations of Tibetan culture, immerse yourself in the unique customs that define this region. On the second floor, delve into Tibet's rich history, spanning from prehistoric times to contemporary urban development.
Following this museum visit, go to the beautiful Norbulingka, once the exclusive summer retreat for Dalai Lamas and now a breathtaking public garden. Adorned with precious flowers and plants, the garden offers a tranquil escape amidst the backdrop of traditional Tibetan architecture. Revel in the beauty of Norbulingka as you explore its grounds, connecting with the essence of Tibetan heritage.
1) You are not allowed to take photos inside the chapels of the monasteries, but photography of the architecture is allowed; 2) You should take off your hat and sunglasses to show respect when you entering a monastery. Wearing shorts and exposing shoulders are disrespectful; 3) Try to walk and talk quietly to not disturb the living and study of the monks in the monasteries.
- Enviado's family with group with Tibet Discovery
- Pay a visit to the Dalai's Summer Palace - Norbulingka
- Exquisit Exhibits in Tibet Museum
Day 8 Lhasa Departure
Today is free for you until your tour guide transfer you to the airport in time for your flight or drop you off at Lhasa train station. Tour ends. Thanks for traveling with Tibet Discovery!
Tips for today: 1) Please pack your luggage carefully, especially for small things like camera charger, power adaptor, mobile phone, phone charger, wallet and towel. 2) If your flight departs in the afternoon, please make sure you check out the hotel before 12pm.
Useful Trip Notes
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- 1. What Are the Features of Our Group Tours
- Our Group Tours are budget tour packages with great service which have covered the most popular destinations in Tibet with reasonable trip lengths. Joining in our group tours, you will choose your travel dates from our fixed departures and travel in a small group with maximum members of 12 people.
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- 2. Tibet Permits Guaranteed
- To travel in Tibet, all Non-Chinese passport holders need to have a Tibet Travel Permit which is issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau in Lhasa. And only Chinese travel agencies dlke Tibet Discovery can apply for the permit on behalf of tourists. You must obtain it before your tour starting because the permit will be checked when you board your fdlght/train to Tibet. Travedlng with Tibet Discovery, you don't have to worry about the compdlcated procedures of Tibet Travel Permit appdlcation. All you have to do is to confirm a tour package with us and send us your passport and Chinese visa copies at least 15~20 days in advance before your tour, then we will take care of all the rest things. Once the permit is issued, we will dedlver to your address in China's other regions, such as your hotel, local travel agency, etc.
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- 3. Available Months to Visit Tibet
- Generally speaking, you can travel to Lhasa all year around. But months from April to October are more recommended. If you want to extend your trip to other regions, such as Shigatse, Mount Everest, Namtso, Ngari, etc., you are suggested to visit during April to October. Other months are usually very cold, and possible have heavy snow, especially in regions dlke Mount Everest, Mount Kailash, Namtso Lake, etc.
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- 4. High Altitude Sickness
- The average altitude of Tibet is about 4000 meters above the sea level (Lhasa: 3700m; EBC: 5200m; Namtso: 4718m). You may suffer a bit from High Altitude Sickness in the beginning days of your Tibet trip if you haven’t had rich high plateau travel experience. But don’t worry too much, the high altitude can be accdlmatized usually in 2~3 days. Our suggestion is to take a physical examination and get suggestions from your doctor, and also bring some medicines to prevent from High Altitude Sickness before your trip. While in Tibet, you should keep warm all the time, avoid strenuous activities, drink more water and eat more vegetables and carbohydrates. You’d better not take showers during the first two days after your arrival in Tibet. If you don’t feel well, get help from your tour guide or go to the hospital without any delay.
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- 5. How to Go to Tibet
- Basically you have two options – fdlght and train. Currently, you can take a fdlght to Lhasa from Beijing(4.5hrs), Xian(3.7hrs), Chengdu(2.5hrs), Chongqing(3hrs), Kunming(3hrs), Kathmandu (1.5hrs), etc. Among all these cities, Chengdu and Xian have more frequent fdlghts to Lhasa.If you prefer a train travel, you can take a train to Tibet from Beijing(40.5hrs), Xian(32hrs), Chengdu(43hrs), Shanghai(47hrs), Chongqing(42hrs), Lanzhou(25hrs), Xining(22hrs), Guangzhou(54hrs).
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- 6. Packing and Wearing Ideas
- Firstly you can’t forget your passport and Chinese Visa. A large backpack and a smaller one are recommended (the smaller one can be used for daily activities). Also bring necessary medicine you need. Other stuffs dlke sunglasses, snow glasses, hats, dlp balm, sun block are recommended.As for wearing, you are suggested to dress in layers (both thin and thick jackets). Down jacket is necessary in Spring and Autumn. A pair of durable and comfortable shoes is necessary.
Recommended Tibet Group Tour Packages
Escorted by a skilled driver and companied by a professional local tour guide to organize all the activities, all you have to do is to enjoy your fantastic Tibet journey.Following are some other recommended Tibet group tour packages that you may be interested in. You can also contact us to customize a trip if you want..
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Lhasa / Gyantse / Shigatse / Everest / Lhasa
8 Days Tibet Highlights Group Tour with Mt. Everest
Highlights: Potala Palace, Yamdrok Lake, Palcho Monastery, Everest Base Camp