trek
Lhasa Tibet Tour 8 Days
Overview
Why you’ll love this trek
- Cross Gyatso La Pass at 5,220m, the true high point of the trip, with sweeping views over the Tibetan plateau.
- Spend two full days exploring Lhasa — the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, bustling Barkhor Street, and Sera Monastery.
- Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, seat of the Panchen Lama, plus Gyantse's Pelkor Chöde monastery and Kumbum stupa.
- Take in turquoise Yamdrok-Tso Lake on the drive between Gyantse and Lhasa, one of Tibet's three holiest lakes.
- Travel entirely overland via the Kerung border — no flights, just a genuine cross-border road journey through the Himalaya.
Lhasa Tibet overland tour

Kathmandu to Lhasa Tibet tour 8 Day is the journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa, is one of the enthralling travel experiences for tourists who come to explore Tibet and Tibetan culture. The traditional towns of Tibet esp. Lhasa spell out their hidden cultural treasure, surrounded by snow capped mountains which view as they are embedded pearls on a string. Cloud – touching upland of Himalayas is really the necklace of the Tibet.
Lhasa in Tibet scouts for tourists that thrive for social episodes, artistic experiences, cultural lives and traditional realities. On this incredible journey of 8 good days from Kathmandu to Lhasa, you will be the witness to amazing landscapes of Nepal and Tibet. This travel experience experience takes you through holy temples, stupas, monasteries, prehistoric towns, cloud – piercing snowcapped mountains and their passes with sublime lakes and streams, presenting the perfect combination of spirituality, picturesque views and thrilling plus adventurous experiences.
Kathmandu to Lhasa tour encompasses the exploration of UNESCO world heritage sites in Kathmandu, the holy temples, and sacred stupas, stunning Potala palace which used to be the residence of the Great Dalai Lama, bustling Barkhor street and prominent towns with Hindu Temples and Buddhist monasteries in the second largest city of Tibet, Shigatse.
Breathtaking views and awe – inspiring culture of ancient towns of Tibet always beckons and summons for visitors any time of the year. Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour to Tibet indulges adventures of coming across big deserts, cave – experiences, and religious monasteries. The overland drive from 3000m to 5000m keeps the travelers energized and freshened by the great view of Mount Everest too. Our professionally crafted tour and travel package will serve you with the wholesome travel experience to the roof of the world ‘Tibet’ and its majestic city ‘Lhasa’.
Itinerary
1DayDrive from Kathmandu to Kerung (2900 m, 175 km, 6 – 7 hrs)Day 1 of 8
Enjoying the early morning drive through scenic Trishuli, Dhunche and Syafrubesi, Kerung(Border) is almost 175 km away from the capital with 6 – 7 hours of drive.
You will take your Lunch at Nepal – Tibet border, with the blend experience of Nepalese and Chinese food. Coming across the border, immigration formalities and custom requirements are needed to be processed. After all, you will arrive at Kerung and the town will welcome you with an overnight stay at the hotel.
2DayUphill drive from Kerung via Tingri (4300 m) to ShigatseDay 2 of 8
An uphill drive of 390 km with the scenic view of Tibetan landscape showing how beautiful a long drive can be when you are marching towards a beautiful city Shigatse through Tingri which is situated at 430 m above the sea level. On the way, nature with view you with its sheer majestic Gyatchu La (Gyatso La pass) (5220 m). You will rest well with an overnight stay at a renowned hotel in Shigatse.
3DayShigatse to Lhasa through GyantseDay 3 of 8
Early morning visit to Panchen Lama’s Tasilhumpu monastery will start your day very freshened. Then, a scenic drive to Gyanste takes off through your schedule. You can visit Phalkor monastery and Kumbum stupa which will grace you with the prayers and blessings.
Then, you will be driven to Lhasa crossing Karola (5000 m) and view of Yamdrok – Tso lake. After you reach Lhasa, you will stay overnight at a hotel and then rest well for the next day, Lhasa Day.
4DaySightseeing tour to LhasaDay 4 of 8
The fourth day is the Lhasa day, where you will involve in Sightseeing tour to Lhasa, with busy and bustling Barkhor street and market (Bazaar), Jokhang temple, Sera monasteries and the Great palace ‘Potala Palace’ of the Great Dalai Lama. Overnight stay at the hotel.
5DayExtending a day in LhasaDay 5 of 8
The fifth day, you can extend it for exploring more places to visit in Lhasa. The more places like Drepung Monastery, Norbulingka park, Tibet museum, Kora (Circumambulation) around Ganden and Gelugpa monastery.
This day can give you an extra glimpse to explore cultural, religious and spiritual aspect of superly beautiful and energized Lhasa town of Tibetan land architecture.
6DayDrive from Lhasa to Tingri (4300 m, 494 km)Day 6 of 8
When you are done with your breakfast, a 494 km drive from Lhasa to Tingri will offer you with breathtaking mountain view in Tibetan plateaus. Tingri lies around 4200 m – 4300 m above the sea level. An overnight saty at the guest house.
(Note: You can ascend to Everest Base Camp from Tingri too. If you want you can optionally choose an extra trip to EBC. But, you have to pay extra amount and related charges.)
7DayTingri to KerungDay 7 of 8
A morning drive from Tingri to Kerung which is very refreshing after the Lhasa Trip. Very refreshing, because of the stunning views and very friendly plus duversufued local people in Tibet serving you on the way with great hospitality.
An overnight stay at the hotel in Kerung.
8DayDrive back to KathmanduDay 8 of 8
When done with all the formalities of immigration and requirements of custom again, we bid a good bye to Tibet and enter Nepal. Driving back to Kathmandu via Syafrubesi, Dhunche, Trishuli and Nuwakot. After you reach Kathmandu at evening, you will be transferred to the hotel and an overnight stay at the hotel.
What's included
Included
- Pickup and drop arrangement from airport to hotel and hotel to airport. ( arrival and departure arrangement )
- Transfer to and from hotel / guest house.
- Hotel accommodation for 7 nights. 3- Star hotel with good meal at Kathmandu.
- Kathmandu city sight-seeing tour to temples, stupas.
- Guest house accommodation for a night in Tingri (4200 – 4300 m) if in big group, sharing basis.
- Private transportation medium for the overland trip , the choice of bus / jeep / van in accordance with the group size.
- Meals for breakfast / lunch / dinner with regular drinks like hot water, tea etc. for the whole course of trip.
- Related Travel permits and visa requirements for Tibet / China.
- Immigration formalities and custom requirements on Nepal – Tibet border.
- First aid box with basic medicines of fundamental cure.
- Government tariffs and service charges.
- Chinese guide and bus drivers approved the Chinese authority / government and Tibet Tourism Bureau Permit ( T T B ), if required.
Not included
- Extra Transportation for the person who leave early from the group.
- Extra night expense or extra dinner / lunch / snacks at hotels or guest houses.
- Arrival and departure flight tickets
- Medical expenses and travel insurances.
- Guide / helper tips
- Bar bills , laundry bills and shopping bills.
Before you book
The realities of this route, told straight, so nothing surprises you later.
The real high point is well above the generic altitude warning
This trip crosses Gyatso La Pass at 5,220m on Day 2 — far higher than the 2,500m threshold in the standard notice, and higher than Lhasa itself (3,650m). The ascent happens quickly, in a single long drive from Kerung to Shigatse, so watch for headache, nausea, or breathlessness on Day 2 specifically and mention any symptoms to your guide right away rather than waiting to see if they pass.
No flights
This is a fully road-based route via the Kerung border, so there’s no mountain-airstrip flight risk to plan around. The trade-off is genuine distance: Day 2 covers 390km from Kerung to Shigatse, and Day 6 covers 494km from Lhasa back to Tingri long days in the vehicle rather than flight delays, so pace your expectations accordingly and don’t schedule anything tight immediately after arrival back in Kathmandu.
Hotel comfort in the cities, a genuine guesthouse night at Tingri
You’ll have 3-star hotel comfort with attached bathrooms in Kathmandu, Kerung, Shigatse, and Lhasa, but a simpler guesthouse night at Tingri (4,200–4,300m) with shared bathrooms and Wi-Fi that may be slow or unavailable. It’s one night, but worth knowing in advance pack a power bank and don’t expect hotel-level amenities that high up.
Insurance isn't included, even though it's listed as strongly recommended
Travel and medical expenses are explicitly excluded from the trip cost, and while the page describes insurance as “highly recommended” rather than flatly mandatory, given the 5,220m pass crossing it’s worth treating it as essential arrange a policy covering trekking/altitude to that height, including evacuation, before you arrive.
Mountain weather can change plans
Himalayan weather is genuinely unpredictable. Where a route uses a mountain airstrip (such as Lukla), flights are regularly delayed or cancelled, and itineraries can shift by a day. We strongly recommend keeping 1-2 buffer days in Kathmandu before your international flight home. When schedules change we rearrange transport or offer alternatives, and we tell you the real options and costs straight away.
Useful Info
Useful information
Requirements for Tibet Group Visa
- Color scanned print of your passport , it should be clear.
- Passport sized photos ( 4 – 5 )
- 25 % advance payment of the total cost, at least 30 days in advance.
Packing list requirements for Kathmandu to Lhasa tour
- Large Tour bag
- Your prescribed medicine you use in regular basis
- Essential Toiletries like: soap , face wash , shampoo , toilet paper , sanitizer , towels , toothpaste , toothbrush , body spray , lip care etc.
- Abundant inner wears , thermal wears.
- Sunglasses, lotions and sun cream
- Warm clothes with warm jacket that should be wind proof.
- Comfortable shoes with multiple pair of socks
- Raincoat , torch light , water purifiers , power bank
- Mini bag for daily purpose , energy bars , chargers , extra batteries
- 4- 5 passport sized photographs
- Thermal water bottle
- Important identity documents
- Cash in hand
Types of Accommodation during Kathmandu to Lhasa tour
The trip from Kathmandu to Lhasa does have hotels and guest houses to offer travelers a comfortable living and cultural living experience.
The types of accommodation are:
Hotels
- Usually found at lower altitude like Kathmandu obviously , Kerung , Shigatse , Lhasa.
- Found in larger villages and town
- Comparatively larger in living space
- Comfortable living experiences
- Attached bathrooms and toilets
- Might get hot showers
- Variety in vegetarian and non – vegetarian food menu esp. in English & Western
- Wi-fi and internet facilities
Guest Houses
- Usually found at higher altitude like Tingri (4300 m)
- Found in smaller villages , aside main routes
- Comparatively smaller in living space
- Traditional and shared living experiences
- Communal bathrooms and shared toilets, but with great views
- Hot showers and Wi-fi depends upon guest houses’ quality for some fee
- Diverse Menu depends upon guest houses’ quality
- Like homestays , teahouses.
Rooms and facilities
- Basic rooms available with basic furniture
- Shared Dining room/table
- Blankets are given on requirements and stove / firewood heaters available in dining room of guest houses.
- Some of the guest houses provide Wi-Fi connection for some fees / payments. The internet usually remain slow and sometimes inactive in Tingri.
- Laundry facility usually is not available , if available in Lhasa, you need to pay.
- Basic medical facility might be available like: bandage compressions , paracetamols , painkillers , aspirins , joint relief spray etc. in the guest houses. Being self-dependent with your regular medicines should be taken in concern.
- Toilets are used on shared basis at higher altitude. Toilet papers are available , but being self – dependent with toilet papers and essential toiletries should be taken in concern.
Types of Food during Kathmandu to Lhasa tour
Kathmandu to Lhasa, Tibet overland tour via Nepal – Tibet border is not only an exciting feeling for natural beauty and spiritual experience , but also for Tibetan food exploration exquisite cuisines.
The local dishes available around Nepal to Tibet reflects the multi diverse traditional heritage of Alpine Himalayan culture as the basic grassroot. The food available on the Kathmandu to Lhasa tour are classified on three meals a day. ( Breakfast , Lunch and Dinner)
Breakfast Timing: 6 A M – 8 A M
Breakfast food menu: Toast , Bread and Butter , Honey , Jam , Muesli , Cereals , Cornflakes , Aalu Paratha , Rotis , Puri Sabji , Dough nuts etc.
Drinks: Milk , Tea , Coffee , Juice , Hot chocolate , hot water with / without honey etc.
Lunch Timing: 11 A M – 1 P M
Lunch food menu: Tibetan Dumplings (Mo:Mo:) , Rice , Vegetable , Curry , Daal , Achar , Butter Naan , Plain Paratha , Rotis ( Tortillas ) , Noodles , Spaghetti , Chow Mein , Pasta , Salad , Deserts etc.
Drinks: Juice , Soft Drinks – Coke , Red Bull , energy drinks , Sodas , Cold drinks , hot water with / without honey etc.
Snacks Timing: 4 P M – 5 P M
Snacks food menu: Dumplings , Samosa , Chips , Wafers , Biscuits etc.
Drinks: Tea , Milk , Coffee , Juice , Soft Drinks , energy drinks like Red Bull , Sodas , Cold drinks , hot water with / without honey etc.
Dinner Timing: 7 : 30 P M – 9 : 30 P M
Dinner food menu: Rice , Vegetable , Curry , Daal , Achar , Plain Paratha , Rotis ( Tortillas ) , Masala Roti , Fry vegetables , Pasta , Salad , Deserts etc.
Drinks: Milk , hot water with / without honey etc.
The choice of food items decreases with the increase in altitude due to less availability of groceries.
Explore Special Food
Tibetan Dumplings / Nepali MO : MO:
Tibetan dumplings , authentically Nepali MO: MO: is a must try Tibetan food that is very popular in Tibet and especially in Nepal. People try during Kathmandu to Lhasa tour who often tend to explore the Tibetan culture. They are typically in round shape or c – shaped / Crescent – shaped dumplings wrapped by flour dough , filled with fillings that is mixture of Vegetables , Cabbage , Onions , soya chunks , Paneer , Meat , Garlic , Carrot , and other spices. Tibetan dumplings , authentically Nepali MO: MO: is taken with Sauce made by grinding tomatoes , sesame , spices , coriander , turmeric , garlic ginger etc. They can also be taken with soup or broth / Jhol. MO : MO : is served as steamed and can be fried too.
Tibetan Noodles ( Thukpa )
Tibetan noodles , authentically Nepali Thukpa is a must try Himalayan cuisine that is very popular in Tibet and especially in Nepal and people try during Kailash Mansarovar Journey who tend to explore the culture. It is a noodle taken with soup / broth with vegetables / Soy Chunks or Tofu / meat especially flavored with onion , ginger , garlic , green chillies , soy sauce , pepper , Sichuan peppercorns , salt , coriander leaves , Nepali spices and various Tibetan spices.
Tibetan noodles can also be classified into Gyathuk and Bhakthuk which are similar to Thukpa but thinner noodles and short , hand – cut noodles used respectively in thick soup/broth.
Dietary Restrictions
If the travelers do have any dietary restrictions like travelers being vegan, choosing vegetarian meal, wanting gluten free or being intolerant to lactose, it is very important for the travelers to have information by sharing with the trek / travel agency or the guide or the cooks.
The menu items can be changed with variety of options for travelers who has that type of dietary restrictions. We advice the travelers to carry their snacks on hand to avoid alike problems.
Water Facilities and Proper hydration
Proper hydration is essential throughout the tour from Kathmandu to Lhasa. Dehydration might be the cause of altitude sickness and also can worsen the health issues created by altitude sickness. But , you cannot drink or carry the water from resources on the way.
The process of purifying water is essential during the trip. For your safety , the tap water and river/lake/stream water you see on the way is never healthy to drink for those especially who are not locals. There are some techniques to purify the water.
- Ask for the boiled and filtered water from hotels / guest houses ,
- Use of iodine , chlorine and UV treatment to purify the water ,
- Use of purification tablets , gravity & squeeze filters , sterilizers.
Tips and Advices
Advance booking
Book the Kathmandu to Lhasa tour packages , guesthouses and hotels in advance , because at the ultimate moment you easily will not get vacant rooms and good packages for the Kathmandu to Lhasa journey. Usually , the Lhasa town remain busy during seasons.
Cash on hand
ATMs are only available in the main towns and city area , also with lesser access to network + no reach to internet might affect the e-payment facilities. So , carrying Nepali Rupees or some Chinese Yuan cash on hand will be very helpful throughout the journey.
Carry a good power bank for being self-dependent on mobile / camera charging.
Kicking off the journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa, Tibet is more than overland drives, travel and walks. It is a significant spiritual and cultural content where you can experience the centralized Tibetan culture around the region. It is an enthralling experience to be a part of Kathmandu to Lhasa, Tibet. The majestic ways to Lhasa serves the eyes of each traveler with scenic beauty that explores splendid experience of serene relief and wholesome feeling too.
FAQ
How long does it take to complete Kathmandu to Lhasa tour?
The Kathmandu to Lhasa tour typically takes around 8 to 9 days for completion from the date of your arrival.
What are the highlights of Kathmandu to Lhasa tour?
The highlights of this tour are busy and bustling Barkhor street and market (Bazaar), Jokhang temple, Sera monasteries and the Great palace Potala Palace of the Great Dalai Lama, Drepung Monastery, Norbulingka park, Tibet museum, Kora (Circumambulation) around Ganden and Gelugpa monastery.
Do Nepalese also need passport to go Lhasa?
No , not mandatory for Nepalese to get passports to go Lhasa. But , they need special permits to cross the Tibet border.
Is the Lhasa tour suitable for senior citizens people?
Yes , it is suitable for senior citizens, people especially if they are above 12 and below 74 , physically and mentally fit.
What is the Maximum altitude we might reach during the tour?
The maximum altitude we will reach is around 5220 m above the sea level i.e. Gyatso La pass.
How long does it take to obtain Tibet group visa in Kathmandu?
It approximately takes around 3 – 4 working days to obtain Tibet Group Visa.
What are the cities I am likely to visit on this Tour?
You are likely to visit Kathmandu, Kerung, Shigatse, Lhasa on this tour.
What kind of Accomodation are available on the tour?
You will be transferred and check in 3 – star to 4 – star hotels in Kathmandu and towns of Tibet, whereas you can get facilitated by basic guest house in rural areas like Tingri.
What are the important documents required for the Lhasa tour?
The important documents required for the Lhasa tour are : PP – sized photos ( 4 – 5 ) , Color scanned print of your valid passport ( it should be clear ) , Permits.
Should I myself arrange the Visa of Tibet?
No. You, yourself should not arrange Tibet visa. The arrangements can be done via tour operator or any licensed travel agency.
What kind of food is served and available for the Lhasa tour?
Lhasa tour being the exciting journey for maximum of tourists , non -vegetarian and vegetarian meal is preferred by the travelers and by servicing hotels / guest houses / travel agencies too. Meal would be simple , cultural enough and food that fits the locality either Tibetan or Nepalese.
Should I book the package in advance ?
Yes, you should book the tour schedules , Travel packages , guesthouses and hotels in advance , because at the final moment you will not get vacant rooms and great packages for the Kathmandu to Lhasa tour.
Are photographs allowed to take in Lhasa tour?
Yes. Photography is allowed on the destinations you find attractive and photogenic during the course of travel. But, remember you should not photograph military and border security zones.
Do I need to do travel insurance ?
Yes. Travel insurance for the Kathmandu to Lhasa tour is very highly recommended. Some of the travel agency make it mandatory, some do not.
Are ATMs available on the way to Lhasa?
ATMs are only available in the main towns and city area like Kathmandu, Shigatse, Lhasa and Kerung, not in the rural areas, also with lesser access to network + no reach to internet might affect the e-payment facilities.
Should we carry cash on hand?
Yes. Carrying Nepali Rupees or some Chinese Yuan cash on hand will be very helpful throughout the journey. As , ATMs are only available in the main towns and city area , also with lesser access to network + no reach to internet might affect the e-payment facilities.
What kind of transportation is available for Kathmandu to Lhasa tour?
For the city tour in Kathmandu , A / C tourist bus is available. For the travel to Nepal / Tibet border, non A / C bus or sometimes A / C coach is also available. And , after we reach Tibet A / C bus is available.
Can vegetarian food menu be arranged during the Lhasa tour?
Yes. Vegetarian meals and food items can be arranged during the Lhasa tour.
What is the road condition from Kathmandu to Lhasa?
Most of the major routed roads are paved, but some parts of route are not paved near the border.
Do we stop for toilets during long overland drive?
Yes. As the need of passenger, we will stop by toilet stops during long overland drive to Lhasa.
Can altitude sickness be a problem on the tour?
Yes. As we travel along routes that passes by high altitudes, we might face altitude sickness problems. But, it can be minimized by Acclimatization and medication facilities.
What type of medical facilities are available during the tour?
Basic medical facilities will be available during the course of Kathmandu to Lhasa tour. We will carry a first aid medical kit as well. If its an emergency situation, there will be health clinics, centers and hospitals in the major city.
- Duration7 days
- DifficultyModerate 4-6 hours/day walking
- Max altitude4,200 m
- Group size1-20



Book direct with the team in Kathmandu
- No middle-man markupYou book with the local operator who actually runs this trek, and save the agency cut.
- Licensed & bondedGovernment of Nepal registered operator (No. 198664/075/076); NTB, TAAN and NMA affiliated.
- Flexible & fairFree cancellation up to 30 days before departure. No booking fees. No payment is taken online.



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