TIBET- Discover the Majesty of the Roof of the World
If you have ever dreamed of visiting the extraordinary Himalayan destination of Tibet, then look no further. Known as the “roof of the world.” Tibet offers a mesmerizing experience that captivates every traveler’s heart. With its vast expanse, it’s impossible to explore the entirety of Tibet in a single trip. However, certain must-see places truly showcase the essence of this remarkable region.
Lhasa, Tibet’s holy city, is a must-visit for almost everyone. Despite being at the forefront of Chinese-led modernization, Lhasa still retains its enchanting old town. It is home to famous monasteries, breathtaking views of the world’s highest peaks, and some of the warmest and most welcoming people you will ever meet.
One of the most renewed itineraries to travel from Kathmandu to Lhasa is the 7 Nights 8 Days Kathmandu Lhasa Overland Tour via the Kerung border crossing. This journey offers an economical and unforgettable experience of exploring the Tibetan highland and the city of temples and monasteries, Lhasa. The classic overland route covers approximately 1000 kilometers along the Friendship Highway between Kathmandu and Lhasa.
Your adventure begins in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, from where you will embark on a scenic drive through the Rasuwagadi Kerung route (150 km). Upon reaching the Kerung border crossing, you will complete the necessary border formalities. Once through, a Tibetan guide will meet you, and your official Kathmandu Lhasa overland tour will commence. As you traverse Tingri County, be prepared to be awe-struck by the magnificent view of Mt. Cho Oyu. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to visit Shigatse, where the impressive Tashilhumpo Monastery awaits, as well as the captivating Khumbum and Phalkhor Monasteries in Gyantse. From Gyantse, you can continue your journey to the mesmerizing Yamdrok-Tso often referred to as the coiling scorpion lake.
On this 7 Nights 8 Days Kathmandu Lhasa overland tour itinerary, we can offer an exciting add-on option: an excursion to Everest Base Camp (EBC). Please note that the permission to enter EBC is subject to change, as it depends on the latest rules and regulations set by the Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB).
The Lhasa sightseeing portion of the tour spans two days and offers a different perspective of Tibet’s wonders. There is an abundance of attractions to explore in and around Lhasa. Highlights include the awe-inspiring Potala Palace (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the sacred Jokhang Temple, and the bustling Barkhor Pilgrimage circuit. Additionally, on the outskirts of Lhasa, you will find the grand monastic institutions of Drepung and Sera monasteries.
Embrace this opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and spiritual essence of Tibet. Our meticulously crafted itinerary ensures that you witness the most captivating sights and experience the true essence of this extraordinary land.
Important Information for Tibet Overland Tour Participants:
We would like to bring to your attention some crucial details regarding your upcoming Tibet Overland tour from Kathmandu. Please read the following information carefully to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.
Tibet Group Visa Check List
We understand that these requirements may require some adjustments to your travel plans. However, they are essential to ensure a successful land-legally compliant journey into Tibet.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the above information or any other aspect of your tour, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team is dedicated to providing assistance and guidance to make your Tibet overland tour a memorable experience.
Early in the Morning scenic drive to Kerung Border Nepal Tibet Border through the beautiful Nepalese countryside after necessary border formalities at Nepali immigration and crossing the bridge process for all necessary formalities in Chinese immigration continue the drive to Kerung Town. Stay Overnight at the Guest House.
Please read: It is a MUST to arrive in Kathmandu on Tuesday to join the Tibet overland and start the tour on Saturday. The Embassy of China in Kathmandu holds your original passport for at least three working days (Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday) to process the Tibet Group Visa (TGV). Therefore, your arrival in Kathmandu, at least on Tuesday or early Wednesday, is required. Now, every application requires a Biometric, and the applicant must be present at the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu after the visa application is submitted. As per the new regulation, there must be at least 4 people in a group to get the permit and visa for the Tibet tour.
After Breakfast drive uphill to the height plateau of the world with the typical view of the Tibetan landscape offering the sheer feeling of standing off the roof of the world from where weather permitting, a breathtaking panorama of beautiful Himalayan ranges including Mt. Cho Oyu (8,201m) and Mt.Xishapangma (8,012m) but dwarfed by the vastness of the Tibetan plateau. From Tingri, one can enjoy the magnificence of Mt. Everest (8,848m) Stay Overnight at the Guest House.
After Breakfast continue to drive scenic crossing over Gyatchu La (5,220m), the highest pass en route to Lhasa via Lhatse from where a road to Mt.Kailash Bifurcates to the west. Stay overnight at Hotel.
After Breakfast Morning Sightseeing at the Panchen Lama’s Tashilhumpu Monastery. Drive to Gyantse and visit Kumbum Stupa and Phalkhor Monastery. Stay Overnight at the Hotel.
After Breakfast full day picturesque drive crossing over Karo La (5,010m), Kambala (4,749m)
After breakfast, we proceed for a full-day sightseeing tour of Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace; this legendary palace built atop a single hill is synonymous with Tibet by the first foremost king Songtsen Gompa. Jokhang Temple; situated in the heart of Old Lhasa, houses Tibet’s most precious religious relic, a golden Shakyamuni Buddha which was brought as a gift by the Chinese Princess Wen Cheng on the occasion of her wedding to the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gompo. After Sightseeing, you will be transferred to a hotel for you.
Overnight at the hotel in Lhasa
After breakfast full-day sightseeing tour of Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Barkhor Market. Sera Monastery; 5 Km north of Lhasa, Sera Monastery setting is one of Lhasa’s prettiest monasteries. Once a community of more than 5,000 monks resided here and was virtually extinguished by the Chinese. Drepung Monastery; On the slope of the Wuze Hill in Genbei Five kilometers northwest of Lhasa, the Drepung monastery was built in 1416 and is the largest of the monasteries of the Gelug Sect. Barkhor Market (Bazaar); the best-preserved street in Lhasa, Barkhor Street surrounds the Jokhang Monastery.
Some free time for shopping or your own activities. Overnight at hotel
After Breakfast drive to Gonggar Airport or Train Station for your departure flight to Kathmandu or to your onward destination.
Note: The direct flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu is yet to be scheduled (update May 2023). Therefore, we would have the following options after the tour ends in Lhasa.
Option A: Drive back to Kathmandu via the same route (3-4 days)
Option B: Fly Lhasa to Chengdu and take the next flight to Kathmandu
Option C: Take a train/flight to mainland China.
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Payment: A deposit of 30% of the total tour cost is required to book the tour with Himalayan Windows (HW). The remaining balance is to be paid three days prior to the departure date. Payment can be made via Wire Transfer or Credit Card. All credit card payments are securely processed and a bank fee applies.
Cancellation: For cancellations more than 30 days before the Tour Start Date, there will be no cancellation fee. If the cancellation happens within 29-4 days prior to the Tour Start Date, a charge of 30% of the total invoice amount will be applied. Cancellations occurring within 3 days or less of the start date or in the case of a no-show, 100% of the total invoice amount will be charged. Learn more about Terms and Conditions.
Accommodation: Accommodation is typically provided in twin rooms in cities, though a single supplement can be requested for an additional fee. During peak season, it can be difficult to find single or twin rooms in the mountains, so our lodges usually offer dormitory-style accommodation. Our priority is always to provide clean and safe rooms for our guests.
Meals: Our packages in Bhutan include full board meals, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. For treks, all meals are provided, but you will need to pay extra for drinking water and snacks.
Nepal Visa: If you are planning a trip to Nepal, you must have a valid passport and Nepal Visa. Depending on your country of origin, you may need to obtain a Nepal Tourist Visa before your arrival. To be eligible, your passport should be valid for a minimum of six months from your Tour Start Date. If you are planning on traveling to multiple countries on your trip, make sure to get a multi-entries Nepal Visa.
Bhutan Visa Clearance: All visitors to Bhutan must have a valid Bhutan Visa Clearance before their trip. To obtain it, you must submit a color-scanned copy of your passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months from the start date of your tour. Your tour operator will send you a Visa Clearance prior to your departure, which you must present at the Druk Air/Bhutan Airlines counter during check-in. Once you arrive at Paro Airport, your passport will be stamped with the original visa.
Tibet Group Visa (TGV): All travelers from any nation intending to go to Tibet from Nepal must obtain a Tibet Group Visa (TGV) in Kathmandu with the help of a tour operator. To ensure the successful application of the TGV, you should plan to arrive in Kathmandu 3-4 working days before your travel date. If you are coming from China, you will not require a TGV; instead, you will need a Chinese Visa and Permit. To find out more about the process of entering Tibet, please look into the Tibet entry procedure.
Nepal & Bhutan: Visiting Nepal and Bhutan at the same time is ideal as they share a similar climate. From high mountains to low land sub-tropical plains and jungles, the two countries have similar weather. The best time to visit is from March to April (spring) and October to December (autumn and early winter). During these months, the air is clean and fresh with sunny skies. January and February are colder months, while June, July, and August (summer) are typically monsoon seasons.
Tibet: It is best to visit Tibet between April and October when the weather is warm and the skies are clear. However, from November to March, it is still possible to explore certain areas like Namtso, Everest Base Camp, and Mount Kailash, as long as the roads are not blocked by snow. Temperatures during this time may be quite cold.
HimalayanWindows strongly recommends that anyone planning to travel in the Himalayas purchase Travel Insurance. This policy will provide coverage in the case of medical emergencies, evacuation, theft, loss of belongings, and last-minute tour/ticket cancellations. Having this protection in place will help ensure that your trip is safe and enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tibet tour Where is Tibet? Tibet is situated in the South-West of China, also bordering Nepal, India, Burma, and Bhutan. The historical territory of Tibet would make it the world's tenth-largest nation. Tibet is under China's occupation and has been divided, renamed, and incorporated into Chinese Provinces. If China refers to Tibet, It means only part of historical Tibet, which it names China's Tibet Autonomous… Read More »
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Nepal Tour and Trekking Do I Need A Visa To Enter Nepal? Yes, all foreigners, Except Indians, need a Nepalese visa to enter Nepal. Most nationals can get an on-arrival visa at the TIA airport. However, it is advised to consult with your nearby Embassy or Consulate of Nepal. What do I need to get my visa? You need to have a valid passport, some… Read More »
