8 Days Himalaya Overland Adventure from Kathmandu to Lhasa

In the morning, our Kathmandu staff will pick you up at your hotel and drive you to the Sino-Nepal border. After about 7 hours of driving (130 km), you will arrive at the border town of Rasuwa Gadi.

At Rasuwa Gadi, you'll be provided with basic hotel accommodations and breakfast. We'll spend the night here, preparing for our entry into Tibet, China, the next day.

The journey from Kathmandu to the border can be rough, with bumpy roads and uneven terrain, but the stunning scenery more than makes up for it. As you pass through the southern foothills of the Himalayas, you'll enjoy sweeping views of snow-capped peaks rising above dense alpine forests — truly unforgettable.

A more adventurous part of the trip awaits in Langtang National Park, where the road turns especially muddy and rugged, making the jeep sway and jolt. But the excitement of the ride is heightened by the chance to spot unique wildlife in this region.

Stay overnight in Rasuwa Gadi.

Insider Tips:
1. Arrive in Kathmandu ahead of time for your Chinese Group Visa application. Visit Tibet Vista's office in Kathmandu at least four working days prior to your departure.
2. Ensure you have your original passport and necessary fees ready. Our staff will handle the Chinese Group Visa application process on your behalf.

After breakfast, we will drive 15km to the border to enter China. You will meet our guide in China side. Then we will drive down along the winding road to Gyirong (2800 meters), where is surrounded by lofty snow-capped mountains and dense forests. You will see the green gorges at the edge of Himayala mountain, and the landscape makes big change from snow land.

Upon reaching your destination, you'll delve into Gyirong Valley, hailed by British explorer Howard-Bury as the world's most exquisite valley in his renowned work, 'Mount Everest: The Reconnaissance'.

Here, you'll have the opportunity to wander through Sherpa villages and marvel at the dense forests, peaceful settlements, and stunning snow-capped peaks that grace the horizon.

Your journey continues through ancient forests leading to the sacred meditation cave of Master Tsongkhapa, a place steeped in spiritual significance. Afterwards, you'll visit Paba Monastery, a lasting testament to Tibetan Buddhist faith and architecture. Together, these experiences offer a profound encounter with the natural beauty and spiritual heritage of the Himalayas.

After finishing today’s sightseeing, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow group members.

Stay overnight in Gyirong.

Today, we will leave Gyirong, a region densely covered with forests and snow-capped mountains, and officially head toward the Mount Everest region, which sits at an altitude of over 4,500 meters.

First, we will cross the Kong Tang Lamu Pass at an elevation of 5,236 meters and enter the Tibetan Plateau.

Next, we will drive past Peikutso Lake and the surrounding grasslands. Located 40 km east of Gyirong County, Peikutso is a stunning alpine lake covering more than 300 square kilometers. This mildly salty lake lies near Shishapangma, the world’s fourteenth-highest mountain.

We’ll then continue on to the remarkable Everest Base Camp (EBC). The route to EBC passes over the famous Gawu La Pass at 5,198 meters, where you'll be treated to an incredible panoramic view of four of the world's highest peaks — Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m), Mt. Everest (8,848 m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8,201 m), and Mt. Makalu (8,463 m). EBC is one of the most popular destinations in Tibet for international travelers, known for its awe-inspiring views of the Himalayan range.

After taking plenty of photos at EBC, you'll visit nearby Rongbuk Monastery — the highest monastery in the world, perched at 5,000 meters above sea level. Belonging to the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, it is unique in that both monks and nuns live together in the same monastery.

Afterward, you’ll be transferred to Tingri for the night.

Stay overnight in Tingri.

Insider Tips:
To ensure your safety during the journey and minimize the risk of altitude sickness as we ascend sharply from lower elevations to over 5,000 meters, we've chosen to stay overnight in Tingri County (4,300 m) rather than at Everest Base Camp (5,200 m).

After breakfast, we will drive from Tingri to Shigatse. On the way, you’ll stop at the 5,000-meter milestone on the G318 National Highway in Lhatse.

Upon arriving in Shigatse in the early afternoon, you’ll visit Tashilhunpo Monastery — the largest monastery in the city and home to a revered statue of Jampa, the “Future Buddha.” Tashilhunpo also serves as the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, the second-highest spiritual figure in Tibetan Buddhism. If you are lucky, you might witness a Dharma ceremony taking place in the temple.

Stay overnight in Shigatse.

Today, we will drive to Lhasa via Gyantse. On the stretch between Shigatse and Gyantse, you’ll pass expansive barley fields — lush green in summer and golden in autumn — dotted with traditional Tibetan farms.

After a short drive, you’ll arrive in Gyantse and visit the renowned Pelkor Monastery and its iconic Kumbum Stupa. As the principal monastery in Gyantse, Pelkor houses thousands of Buddhist sutras, scriptures, and artifacts, along with numerous murals that have had a significant influence on Tibetan art.

Continuing on to Lhasa, you’ll stop to admire the Korola Glacier, the largest glacier in Tibet, which can be seen right from the roadside. You will also visit the stunning turquoise Yamdrok Lake — one of the three sacred lakes in Tibetan Buddhism — and enjoy panoramic views of Nyenchen Khangsar, the highest mountain near Lhasa.

Take your time to explore different perspectives along the lakeshore. At the far end of the lake, you may have the opportunity to share a meal with a local family in a nearby village.

After this leisurely exploration of Yamdrok Lake, continue your journey to Lhasa.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

After having breakfast, we’ll keep exploring Lhasa with a trip to Drepung Monastery, the biggest in Tibet and once home to over 10,000 monks. Here, dive into Tibetan Buddhism at Coqen Hall, where your guide will share insights into its teachings and the lives of its most famous figures.

Then, take a stroll through Loseling College, or a similar place, within Drepung Monastery. This gives you a peek into how monks live and study, including a look at their dorm rooms.

In the afternoon, head over to Sera Monastery, established in 1419 and an important place for Buddhist study. The monk debates are the highlight of this spot, a key part of their learning process that your guide will explain.

End your day with a farewell dinner in a local Tibetan style restaurant.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

After breakfast, begin your day with a trip to the magnificent Potala Palace, which offers stunning views of Lhasa. Listen as your guide recounts the histories of the Dalai Lamas and shows you around the palace's many halls and treasures. And then, you’ll participate in the folk activities of the local Tibetan people at the Longwangtan Park near the Potala Palace.

In the afternoon, head to the sacred Jokhang Temple, home to the remarkable statue of the 12-year-old Shakyamuni Buddha. Afterwards, take a walk around Barkhor Street to see the religious customs of the local Tibetans.

Finish your day with a tour to visit a bustling Tibetan tea house in Lhasa to enjoy some sweet tea and learn about Tibetan social customs.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Today, your guide will transfer you to the airport or train station and help you get on board. Please confirm your departure flight or train details in advance with your guide.

The tour ends.