Overview
Take a profound exploration of exotic Tibet with this overland expedition across the Roof of the World. This 7-day Lhasa to Kathmandu overland tour may be short on time, but is full of adventure. Abundant with Tibet’s rich cultural wonders and endless landscapes, there’s something for everyone – from the magnificent Potala Palace to the picturesque Yamdrok Lake, from the towering snow-capped Mount Everest to the lush valley of Gyirong. At every turn, there is so much to see and do! With fewer than 12 people per tour, ensuring an intimate group experience, and offering quality service at a lower price, get ready to travel with us and explore more!
Itinerary
Welcome to Tibet! Upon arrival, our Tibetan guide will greet you at the airport or train station and present you with a Hada (the traditional Tibetan ceremonial scarf) to wish you good luck!
You'll then be transferred to your hotel in downtown Lhasa by the guide and driver. Along the way, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery of Yarlung Tsangpo River, Lhasa River, and the typical Tibetan villages.
After arriving at the hotel, take some time to rest and acclimate to the high altitude. It's helpful to take it easy for the first few days and remember to stay hydrated by drinking water.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Today, you will first visit the Drepung Monastery, the largest monastery in Tibet that once housed over ten thousand monks. Here, you'll explore the Coqen Hall, where your guide will provide a detailed explanation of the Tibetan Buddhist worldview and narrate the stories of renowned figures in Tibetan Buddhist history.
Additionally, you'll tour the Loseling College (or an equivalent) within Drepung Monastery to understand monks' practices and studies. Exploring their dormitories will offer insight into their daily routines and living conditions.
In the afternoon, the tour proceeds to Sera Monastery, established in 1419 and long regarded as a significant Buddhist seminary. Here, you'll observe the renowned monk debates, a highlight of Sera Monastery. Your guide will provide a comprehensive explanation of how these debates aid monks in acquiring knowledge and advancing through academic degrees.
After today's sightseeing, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow group members. Your guide will welcome you with traditional Tibetan gifts, provide travel guidance, and introduce you to the other members of your group.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.
After breakfast, your guide will accompany you to visit the magnificent Potala Palace, where you'll stand atop its heights and gaze down upon the city of Lhasa. Your guide will narrate the life and tales of the successive Dalai Lamas within the Potala Palace and meticulously introduce the various halls and treasures housed within its walls.
Once you've explored the grandeur of the Potala Palace, your next stop will be Longwangtan Park nestled at its base. This tranquil spot offers a unique vantage point to admire the majestic Potala Palace and partake in traditional Tibetan cultural experiences.
In the afternoon, you'll head to the sacred Jokhang Temple—the heart of Tibetan faith and life. Within the temple resides the rare and revered 12-year-old statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, an image so lifelike that it resembles seeing the Buddha in person. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can take a clockwise kora, witnessing how local Tibetans practice their Buddhist beliefs.
Following this, your guide will take you to the liveliest indoor Tibetan tea house in Lhasa, where you can enjoy Tibetan sweet tea with locals. Your guide will join everyone, sharing insights into the social relations and daily leisure life of Tibetans.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.
After exploring Lhasa, you'll travel overland to Shigatse, Tibet's second-largest city. Along the way, immerse yourself in Tibet's splendid scenery and discover the leisurely lives of local villagers.
The first stop will be at Yamdrok Lake, one of the three holiest lakes in Tibet. This stunning lake unveils its beauty from the Gambala Mountain Pass (4790m), curving like a blue ribbon, while the towering Mt. Noijin Kangsang (7191m) can be seen in the distance. As you descend to the lakeshore, explore various viewpoints offering intimate encounters with the lake's shoreline. Towards the lake's end, you'll have the opportunity to visit a welcoming local family in the village and have lunch with them.
Next, you'll pass by the Karola Glacier (5100m). Positioned right by the roadside, it resembles a serene maiden grooming herself while gazing from afar at the majestic snow-capped mountains.
Continuing your journey towards Gyantse, you'll make a stop at Simila Mountain Pass. Here, you can hang prayer flags, offering prayers for global peace and the well-being of your loved ones.
Upon arrival in Gyantse, seize the opportunity to capture memorable photos of the ancient city. En route from Gyantse to Shigatse, you will witness vast stretches of lush green barley fields (in summer) and golden fields (in autumn), alongside numerous farms.
Finally, upon reaching Shigatse and checking into the hotel, take a moment to relax and prepare for the upcoming trip to Mount Everest the following day.
Stay overnight in Shigatse.
In the morning, you will set off towards Mount Everest after breakfast. Beginning with the Gyatsola Pass (5280m), the viewpoint offers your first glimpse of Mount Everest. Veiled within the mountain range, Everest resembles a budding lotus flower, a captivating sight along the roadside.
Continuing into Mount Everest National Nature Reserve, the Gawula Pass (5198m) presents a panoramic view of the Himalayas. Here, you will see the breathtaking lineup of the five world's highest peaks in the Himalayan range, all towering above 8000 meters. This is your second glimpse of Mount Everest.
Then traverse the new winding road toward Everest Base Camp (5200m), each turn reveals a closer perspective of the majestic Everest, gradually unfolding before you. This marks your third view of the Everest.
Upon arrival at Everest Base Camp, the huge white pyramid peak stands tall before you. As dusk approaches, the setting sun casts warm golden hues upon Everest's northern face—your fourth view.
As night descends, the glistening Milky Way alongside the snow-white peak of Mount Everest offers your fifth and final encounter with the majestic peak.
Stay overnight at Everest Base Camp.
Today, you will travel from Everest Base Camp to the Sino-Nepal border at Gyirong Port, and marvel at the incredible landscape along the way.
Before departing from EBC, you'll enjoy the graceful sunrise of Mount Everest, and hike to the world's highest monastery, Rongbuk Monastery (5154 meters). This Tibetan Nyingma monastery sits in close proximity to Mount Everest and is a place where nuns and monks reside together.
Then, you will traverse the Himalayas, driving towards Gyirong Port (2800 meters). It is a lengthy road with a scenery change from the high plateau to a lower valley. You will pass by the Shishapangma Peak (8027 meters) and the serene Lake Paiku Tso, and be mesmerized by the tranquil and harmonious beauty. As the altitude rapidly descends upon entering the edges of the Himalayas, you'll be captivated by forests, waterfalls, and seemingly bottomless gorges.
Upon reaching Gyirong Valley, you'll behold dense forests with snow-capped peaks rising above. In Gyirong Town, you can deeply inhale the abundant oxygen in the low forests as you bid farewell to Tibet here.
Stay overnight in Gyriong.
In the morning, bid farewell to your Tibetan guide and driver. Our staff at the Nepal border checkpoint will welcome you, assist in arranging the handling of your large luggage (additional fee required), help with your Nepalese visa procedures, and ensure your safe transfer in our private car, all the way to your hotel in Kathmandu.
After entering Nepal, you'll encounter numerous snow-capped mountains along the southern Himalayan foothills, such as Gaurishankar Himal (7,134 meters), Ganesh Himal (7,422 meters), Annapurna Range's Annapurna III (7,555 meters), Lamjung W (6,983 meters), Mount Kanguru (6,981 meters), Himchuli West (6,441 meters), Ngadi Chuli (7,871 meters), and Gaurishankar (7,181 meters).
Due to challenging road conditions, we won't make many stops along the way. But you will feast your eyes on the breathtaking landscape along the way, and enjoy the final gift the Himalayas have in store for you.
The tour service ends.
Cost Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Private transportation in Bhutan as per the itinerary
- All necessary travel permit and Bhutan visa
- Local english-speaking guide in Bhutan
- Accommodations at A Category Hotel in Bhutan with Full meal plan
- Entrance fees as per the itinerary
- All sightseeing tours as per itinerary
- All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- All require taxes
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF
Cost Excludes
- Nepal arrival visa (if you are coming in to Nepal after Bhutan tour)
- Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu (if you flying in to Kathmandu)
- Personal expenses like alcoholic beverages, Soft drinks, mineral water, extra meals, snacks, laundry, internet/phone call service etc.
- Flight tickets to Paro and back (We can assist you with an extra cost)
- Travel insurance that covers emergency medication, trip cancellation and interruption
- Tipping to guide and driver (Expected)
