8-Day Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland with EBC Tour
Tour Route： Kyirong — Mt.Everest — Tingri — Shigatse — Gyantse — Yamdrotso Lake — Lhasa
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Route Highlights:
Let’s explore the culture, folk activities, fantastic scenery of Tibet.
Journey Features
Arriving in Tibet by vehicle from Kathmandu takes about a day and is the most effective and convenient method. A road crossing of the Himalayas will allow you to see the entire snow-capped mountain range on both sides of the Himalayas, which is ideal if you intend to travel far and see both Nepal and Tibet. Starting in Kathmandu, the tour will enter Tibet via the Gyirong Port, passing through locations like Yamdrok Lake, Everest, Shigatse, and Gyantse before arriving in Lhasa.
Itinerary Details
Itinerary Overview
D1 Kathmandu-Nepal Border
D2 Kyirong
D3 Kyirong-Everest Base Camp-Tingri
D4 Tingri-Lhatse-Shigatse
D5 Shigatse-Yamdrotso Lake-Lhasa
D6 Lhasa City Sightseeing
D7 Lhasa City Sightseeing
D8 Lhasa Departure
Check in at the hotel
In the morning, your tour guide in Kathmandu will escort you to a vehicle that will transport you to the Nepal-China border. After a seven-hour journey covering 130 kilometers, you will reach the Nepalese border town of Rasuwa Gadi, where you will await your entry into Tibet the following day. Along the sometimes bumpy road from Kathmandu to the border, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the snow-capped peaks and lush forests in the southern foothills of the Himalayas.
Tibet Road Trip Co., Ltd
To acclimate to the altitude
In the morning, your Tibetan tour guide will welcome you at the border after our Nepalese border staff has assisted you in entering Tibet. On your first day in this unique region, it’s important to acclimate to the plateau’s environment and air pressure, enabling you to ascend to greater heights later on. Your guide will accompany you to the secluded Gyirong Valley along the Tibetan border, where you can explore the jeep cable bridge spanning the canyon, stroll through traditional Tibetan Sherpa villages, and admire the breathtaking views of the valley’s snow-capped peaks and lush forests.
Peikutso lake, Shishapangma Peak, Everest Base Camp
After breakfast, we will embark on a journey of nearly 330 kilometers to reach Mount Everest, the tallest mountain on the planet. Along the way, we will pass by Lake Pekutso and Mount Shishapangma. As we approach the base camp, Mount Everest will reveal itself as a towering pyramid directly in front of us. We will strive to arrive at the Gawula Pass viewpoint, renowned as the most stunning observation deck in the Himalayas, before nightfall. The sight of the Himalayas will leave you in awe. From the Gawula Pass, the majestic Himalayan peaks, standing between 7,000 and 8,000 meters high, form a breathtaking line ahead. It will seem as though the peaks are floating above a sea of clouds.
Tashilunpo Monastery
In the morning, head east towards Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city, after departing from Tingri. Upon your arrival in Shigatse, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the largest monastery in western Tibet. This historic site has served as the residence for the Panchen Lamas throughout Tibetan history. The monastery features the world’s largest gilded copper statue of Buddha, stupas containing the relics of past Panchen Lamas, and exquisite Buddhist murals. Its impressive architecture is adorned with gold and vibrant colors, making it a remarkable sight to behold.
Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, Karola Glacier, Yamdrok Lake
Enjoy a delightful breakfast before embarking on a journey of about an hour to Gyantse, where you will visit the unique Pelkor Chode Monastery. This monastery stands out in Tibet as a gathering spot for members of various sects who come together for spiritual practice. Within its vast stupa, which consists of numerous compartments, you can find around 100,000 Buddha sculptures.
On your way from Gyantse to Yamdrok Lake, you will pass by the breathtaking Karola Glacier, one of Tibet’s most magnificent glaciers. This enormous glacier, situated on the southern slope of the towering 7,191-meter Mount Noijin Kangsang, appears to cascade over the road like a frozen waterfall.
Upon reaching Yamdrok Lake, take a scenic 20-kilometer drive along the lakeshore to the Gangbala Pass viewpoint, where you’ll be treated to stunning vistas of the lake. During this journey, we will stop at the homes of local farmers in the lakeside village to observe their family lifestyle and enjoy a delicious farmhouse lunch. Finally, as you arrive in Tibet’s capital, you will be greeted by the awe-inspiring sight of the Potala Palace rising majestically above the city.
Visit Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery Debating
Today, you will explore two distinct monasteries in Lhasa: Sera and Drepung, each offering a unique insight into Tibetan Buddhism. During your visit, you will observe how monks immerse themselves in Buddhist teachings by touring their prayer halls, educational institutions, and kitchen. You will also witness their engaging debates. The lively discussions at Sera Monastery are renowned for embodying the essence of Tibetan Buddhism, with monks employing expressive gestures and animated movements while delving into Buddhist philosophy, showcasing their passionate understanding. Your Tibetan adventure will kick off in the evening, as the guide takes the group to a traditional Tibetan restaurant for a welcoming dinner.
Visit Potala Palace and Johkang Temple
Let’s explore the treasures of Lhasa, including the renowned Potala Palace, which once served as the residence of the Dalai Lama and is recognized as the highest palace in the world. The Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street, which form the heart of Tibetan spirituality, have both been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Once the epicenter of political and religious life in Tibet, the Potala Palace majestically overlooks the red hills of Lhasa. As you make your way up the 365 steps to the main structure, take the time to visit the prayer rooms, the tomb stupa, and the former political hall of the Dalai Lama. Here, you will discover stunning murals and exquisite Buddha statues that reflect the splendor and treasures of ancient Tibet.
The Jokhang Temple, considered the holiest site in Tibet and a lifelong pilgrimage destination, is revered for its 12-year-old statue of Shakyamuni. Feel free to wander down Barkor Street alongside fellow pilgrims and soak in the vibrant spirit of the city. To enrich your understanding of local culture, your guide will also accompany you to a nearby Tibetan teahouse.
The itinerary is coming to a close. We look forward to meeting you again.
Today signifies the conclusion of your adventure in Tibet, and we will be here to escort you to the train or airport. We sincerely appreciate your presence with us in Tibet during this remarkable experience.
Dates and Prices
Prices
Service Included:
- Tibet Travel Permit application service and mailing service within China.
- Entrance tickets to the listed attractions and activities.
- Accommodations are in three-star hotels with breakfast throughout the journey.
- Comfortable and safe tourist vehicle.
- Excellent Tibetan English-speaking guide.
- Farm house lunch and welcome dinner.
- Travel accident insurance and high-altitude sickness insurance.
- Shuutle service between the airport/train station and Lhasa city.
- Exquisite Tibetan gifts and travel maps.
- On-board medical oxygen supply for travel in high-altitude areas.
Service Excluded:
- International and domestic transportation to and from Tibet.
- Single room supply for solo travelers who require a single room.
- Some meal expenses are not included in the tour (the guide will assist in arranging and recommending meals; you are responsible for the cost).
