- Cross the legendary Friendship Highway between Kathmandu and Lhasa
- Turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet's most sacred lakes
- Visit the Kumbum Stupa, one of Tibet's greatest architectural wonders
- Explore Lhasa's ancient monasteries and the city's spiritual heart
- Fixed departure dates available, ideal for solo and small-group travelers
- Optional scenic mountain flight back from Lhasa to Kathmandu
Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour 8D/7N Moderate
From:
$1400
$1200
per person
Tibet
Trip Highlights
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Destination
Tibet
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Grade
Moderate
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Departure City
Kathmandu
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Accommodation
Hotel & guesthouse, bed & breakfast basis
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Best Season
April–October
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Meals
Breakfast included
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Max Altitude
4,350 m (Lhatse
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Group Size
2+
Highlights
Overview
This overland journey between Kathmandu and Lhasa follows the 920 km Friendship Highway, one of the most demanding and rewarding overland routes in the Himalayas. Crossing from Nepal into Tibet via the Rasuwagadhi border, the route climbs steadily across the Tibetan plateau, passing through Kyirong, Tingri, Xigatse, and Gyantse before reaching Lhasa.
Along the way, travelers pass ancient monasteries, the turquoise shores of Yamdrok Lake, and the Kumbum Stupa at Gyantse, said to contain 10,000 images. The journey concludes with time to explore Lhasa itself, before an optional scenic mountain flight back to Kathmandu — a dramatic bookend to an already unforgettable trip.
Gopaleshwor Tour and Travel has organized overland journeys to Tibet as fixed departure trips, available to both individual travelers and groups, with the option to extend your trip further into China after Lhasa instead of returning to Kathmandu.
Detailed Itinerary
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Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Kyirong via Rasuwagadhi Border — approx. 7–8 hrs
Depart Kathmandu (1,300 m) and drive to the Rasuwagadhi border crossing, continuing on to Kyirong (2,800 m) in Tibet.
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Day 2: Drive from Kyirong to Tingri / Lhatse — 4,300 m / 4,350 m
Continue across the Tibetan plateau, climbing to high-altitude terrain around Tingri, with views toward the Himalayan range on clear days.
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Day 3: Drive from Tingri / Lhatse to Xigatse — 3,900 m
Descend slightly to Xigatse, Tibet's second-largest city, home to important monasteries and a bustling local market.
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Day 4: Drive from Xigatse to Gyantse to Lhasa via Yamdrok Lake — 3,610 m
Visit Gyantse's Kumbum Stupa, then continue toward Lhasa via the turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet's three sacred lakes.
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Day 5: Lhasa Full-Day Sightseeing
Explore Lhasa's most significant landmarks, including the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism.
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Day 6: Lhasa Full-Day Sightseeing
Continue exploring Lhasa, visiting Sera and Drepung Monasteries, along with the old town and Barkhor Street market.
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Day 7: Free Day in Lhasa
A free day to explore Lhasa at your own pace, revisit favorite sites, or rest and acclimatize before departure.
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Day 8: Final Departure from Lhasa
Transfer for your onward journey — fly back to Kathmandu, or continue your trip further into China.
Places You’ll See
Includes & Excludes
What's Included
- Government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide (assistant guide provided for groups of 6+)
- All ground transportation by private vehicle throughout the tour
What's Excluded
- International airfare and visa fees
- Travel insurance and medical expenses
- Lunch and dinner (unless specified in itinerary)
- Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff
- Any services not mentioned in the inclusions section
- Costs arising from unforeseen circumstances (flight delays, weather, natural disasters)
- Costs from medical evacuation, landslides, strikes, or political unrest
Route Map
No map available.
Additional Information
Good to Know
Fixed departure dates are available and ideal for solo travelers or pairs looking for a more affordable group rate
Your trip can be extended into China after Lhasa instead of returning to Kathmandu — ask us for details
High-altitude sections of this route require basic acclimatization awareness; emergency oxygen is carried throughout the trip
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a Tibet Travel Permit and Chinese visa are required, arranged through your tour operator rather than on arrival — we handle this process for you.
It's a moderate-grade trip with long driving days at high altitude, but no trekking is involved. Basic altitude awareness is recommended.
Yes, a scenic Lhasa–Kathmandu flight is available as an optional add-on at the end of the trip.
Yes, our fixed departure dates are specifically designed to make this trip more affordable for solo travelers and small groups.
Yes, this tour can be extended further into China instead of returning to Kathmandu — let us know if you'd like this option.
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