Lhasa – Kathmandu Overland Tour
Lhasa-Kathmandu Overland Tour
Tibet overland tour is designed for those who prefer to soak in the sights by driving around. This tour gives you an opportunity to discover the real Tibet. From the bustling old cities to the ancient villages and settlements, you get to observe Tibetan lifestyle at close quarters.
This overland tour connects two old capital cities, Lhasa in Tibet and Kathmandu in Nepal. The tour begins in Lhasa and ends in Kathmandu. Tibet, which boasts of spectacular mountain scenery and a rich cultural heritage, is a place worth visiting. As you drive across the Tibetan plateau, you will be expertly guided around all the Tibetan monasteries, temples, monuments and important tourist sites by expert local Tibetan guide. In Lhasa you explore the Potala Palace, Sera Monastery, Norbulingka, Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery and the busy Barkhor Square.
Leaving Lhasa on a 4WD, you will be driven past picturesque Tibetan settlements where nomadic herdsmen can be seen wandering across the wide arid plateau. This overland journey takes you over several high mountain passes with spectacular mountain views, including those of the majestic Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu and Shishapangma. Your adventure tour continues to the historic cities of Shigatse and Gyantse. As you explore the ancient monasteries, forts and citadels you get an insight into the rich Tibetan culture and history. As you leave Kerung and cross China-Nepal border, you enter Nepal and your overland tour comes to a finale.
Outline Itinerary
- Day 1 Arrive Lhasa (3660 m)
- Day 2 sightseeing in Lhasa
- Day 3 sightseeing in Lhasa
- Day 4 Drive to Gyantse (3950m) 261 km
- Day 5 sightseeing & drive to Shigatse (3900m) 90km
- Day 6 sightseeing & drive to Shegar (4050m) 244km
- Day 7 Drive to Kerung (2450m) 246km
- Day 8 Cross Nepal-China border, Drive to Kathmandu (1400m) 175km
PRICE:
USD 1435 per person on twin sharing - minimum of 3 persons
Single room supplement: US 210 (compulsory if no one to share room with)
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Hotel Dhood Gu or similar in Lhasa (3 star) & best available en route with breakfast
- Transportation by Mini Van
- English speaking local TIBETAN guide escorting throughout the trip
- Sightseeing tours in Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse with all entry fees
- Tibet travel permit
- Airport transfers & supply of bottled oxygen in car
- Kodari to Kathmandu transfer by Jeep and escort
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Lunch & dinner (Approx 7-10 USD per meal)
- Any airfare (can book, quoted separately below)
- Chinese Visa (see below), hotels other then in Tibet (can book), airport tax
- Personal clothing & equipment
- Any expenses incurred in emergency evacuation/road block due any reason
- Your insurance
FLIGHT/TRAIN FARE
Rates and taxes are subject to change without prior notice.
Kathmandu-Lhasa airfare: USD 500 each (Tue, Thursday & Saturday in high seasons)
Chengdu-Lhasa airfare: USD 280 each
Beijing - Lhasa airfare: USD 490 each
Kathmandu-Beijing airfare: USD 790 each
* Train to Lhasa from Beijing: USD 385 on soft sleeper (subject to availability)
Note:
If you wish to fly to Lhasa from Kathmandu, you have to arrive at least 2 days (working days) prior to your departure date. We will obtain your Chinese visa here in Kathmandu.
* Top urgent Tibet (Chinese) visa: USD 114 for all nationality (additional USD 85 for American passport holder as levied by Chinese government)
Detailed Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrive Lhasa (3660 m)
You will be met at Gonggar Airport by your Tibetan guide. After immigration formalities, you will be driven to Lhasa (3650 meters). It takes around 45 minutes to reach the old city. After checking in at your hotel, you are advised to take rest and take it easy. Drink plenty of fluids and let your body get used to Lhasa’s high altitude. Note: There is no program arranged for today. .
- Day 2
Sightseeing in Lhasa
After breakfast, you will be briefed on the day’s program. An experienced guide will take you on a tour to Sera Monastery, Norbulingka and the Barkhor Square. At the famous Sera Monastery, you will get an insight into the important aspects of Tibetan Buddhism. You pay a visit to Norbulingka, the summer retreat of the Dalai Lama. Completed in 1956, the handsome building is ornately decorated with Tibetan carvings and paintings. Jokhang temple provides yet another glimpse of the rich Tibetan cultural heritage. You will also get the chance to stroll around the busy Barkhor Square, the nerve centre of Lhasa. After the day’s tour, you will be escorted back to your hotel..
- Day 3
Sightseeing in Lhasa
After an early breakfast, you will be escorted by your guide to the majestic Potala Palace. The imposing structure of the palace dominates the landscape of Lhasa. As you are guided through the ancient chambers of the palace, you get to see Tibetan art at its best. The Potala Palace has a vast array of intricate Tibetan murals and beautiful statues. You will also get to view the tombs of the eight Dalai Lamas. Later in the day you will visit the beautifully landscaped Drepung Monastery where you can observe nuns and monks chanting and performing religious discourses. After the day’s tour is over, you are escorted back to your hotel for a well- earned rest. Note: Since only a limited number of visitors are allowed inside the Potala palace every day, the order of sightseeing places will be decided upon by your guide. .
- Day 4
Drive to Gyantse (3950m) 261 km
Moving along the Friendship Highway, you will drive past Khamba La, at 4794m, with a brief halt to savor majestic views of Yamdrok-tso Lake and Nazin Kang Sa, standing at 7252m. On turning westwards, you will come across another pass, Karo La at 5045m. If you look at the road, you can see huge glaciers tumbling down. After driving 261 km, beautifully landscaped Tibetan villages become visible as you enter the town of Gyantse..
- Day 5
Sightseeing & drive to Shigatse (3900m) 90km
Gyantse prides on Gyantse Dzong and Kumbum. Gyantse Dzong, a 14th century historical fort, overlooks the entire Gyantse and the surrounding Nyang Chu Valley. Kumbum has a large gold-domed stupa and houses several chapels and Tibetan Buddhist murals. After exploring Gyantse, you take a 90 km drive and arrive at Shigatse (3900m), the second largest Tibetan city. Tashilhunpo Monastery, being one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet is the major attraction of Shigatse..
- Day 6
Sightseeing & drive to Shegar (4050m) 244km.
Today you will traverse along the Friendship Highway amidst picturesque landscape driving past small town of Lhatse and Gyamtso La pass at 5220m. As the route opens into plains, many monasteries and camps of nomadic herders become visible en route to Shegar. At Shegar, you will be accommodated at a comfortable local hotel..
- Day 7
Drive to Kerung (2450m) 246km
You will drive past the enchanting views of the surrounding peaks of Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, Menlungtse and Gauri Shankar. After driving for 246 km, you find yourself in Kerung at 2450m. This is your last point in Tibet. .
- Day 8
Cross Nepal-China border, Drive to Kathmandu (1400m) 175km
Today, you will part with your Tibetan guide and driver and cross Nepal-China border. Then after, you will meet your Nepali representative who will escort you to Kathmandu. It will take about 7/8 hours to reach Kathmandu (175km)..
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Happy Explorers
Your support staff in Kathmandu was great, what else can I say? Although we had some communication issues (mostly on my part), Kisan was always there to offer support. Thanks again!!!!!!
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