Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour

Tibet’s historical, adventurous and spiritual highlands have long captured the hearts and minds of the travel enthusiasts around the world. Tibet – the origin of Mahayana Buddhism, home of the Dalai Lama and the target of devout pilgrimages as well as adventurers. Lhassa to Kathmandu overland tour covers a vast tract of this ancient land, crosses spectacular passes, through unforgettable landscapes and spiritual heart of the country. Inspiring landscapes and mountain views combined with its rich Buddhist history and culture, and contrasting with the recent development make visiting Tibet a truly unforgettable experience. From Lhassa’s streets, to medieval towns of Tibet to ancient monasteries including world’s highest monastery- the Rongbuk Monastery, and to the Everest Base Camp with the sheer grandeur of Everest’s north face – we’ve combined everything that you are wishing to squeeze out in your two weeks Tibet tour.

Prayer flags Kathmandu Nepal

Our Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour includes Lhasa’s historical landmarks – a thriving city at such an altitude, functioning as the religious, cultural and economic hub of Tibet, as well as other famous places such as Tsedang, Namtso Lake, Sakya and Everest Base Camp. In Lhasa we visit most holy Jokhang temple, see the legendary eighth-wonder Potala Palace, Norbulinka Palace (the summer palace of the Dalai Lama), Drepung, Sera Monastery and more. After sightseeing in Lhasa and around area we visit other famous monasteries such as Gandan Monastery via Drayerpa Cave, Reting Monastery. We also make a detour of one of world’s highest lakes – the Namutso Lake. Then we drive toward Everest Base Camp with stops in Gyantse, Xigatse and Sakya along the way to Rongbuk. Rongbuk is the home of the highest monastery in Tibet leaving plenty of time to explore this historic treasure.

Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour: DAY 02: Morning visit Changzu Monastery, afternoon drive to Samye Monastery: 130 Km
Your encounter with Tibet will begin with a visit to the palace of Yambulakhang which was built by the first Tibetan king Nyatri Tsenpo in the second century BC. Local folklore has it that the king was descended from heaven. Next you will visit Chedruk Temple to round off our visit to Tsedang, afternoon drive 65 Kms to Samye Monastery (5050 m) which is on hill. Overnight Hotel Yalung River Hotel

Prayer flags Annapurna Nepal

Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour: DAY 03: Morning Sightseeing and afternoon drive to Lhasa (3650m/11,972 ft): 90 Km
Morning visit Yongbulakhang Palace which was built by the first Tibetan king Nyatri Tsenpo in the second century BC. Local folklore has it that the king was descended from heaven. Tibet King’s Tomb, afternoon drive to Lhasa, en-route visit the famous Mindrolin Monastery which covers a large area of over 100,000 square meters (approx. 119,599 square yards). It is one of the six most famous Tibetan Buddhism monasteries of the Nyingmapa Sect. The monastery was originally built in the late 10th century and has been renovated several times. Overnight at Kyichu Hotel or Similar hotel in Lhasa.

Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour: DAY 04: Sightseeing in Lhasa
Our tour begins with a visit to Sera Monastery. An experienced tour guide also working as an interpreter escorts us to this preserved monastery of white-washed walls and golden roofs. Equally adventurous and exciting tempo builds up while touring Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. Jokhang Temple is another important sacred site which unravels more deep seated mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism. Visit to Barkhor Market can be quite a change from other visits as we roam around the city savoring every tiny detail from stall hawkers coaxing their clients to purchase their goods to exhibition of Tibetan culture, custom and tradition. Eventually, the tour for the day concludes as you return to the comforts of your hotel.

Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour: DAY 05: Sightseeing in Lhasa
Like the previous day, you experience invaluable insights during your visits to Potala Palace and Drepung Monastery. This 17th century Potala Palace offers an awesome view of entire city and also has private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand state rooms and chapels. Ancient history has it that Drepung Monastery which was built in 14th century used to shelter around 10,000 monks but as now there has been quite a declination resulting in only few hundreds. Tibetans’ respect and belief are immensely knotted with this monastery.

Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour: DAY 06: Drive to Gandan Monastery via Drayerpa Cave, Drigung Tel & Terdrom Hot spring (4400 m/14,432 ft)
After breakfast drive to Mozugongar County via Drayerpa Cave, again visit the Gandan Monastery, After finishing your lunch drive to Drigung Tel Monastery & continuous drive to Terdrom hot-spring (75 Kms, off road) for overnight stay in Basic guesthouse.

Stupa with prayer flags Kathmandu to Lhassa

Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour: DAY 08: Drive to Namutso Lake (4700 m/ 15,416 ft): 160 Km
After breakfast drive to Namutso Lake. Namutso is the highest lake in the world and is 4,718 meters above sea level. It is 72 kilomters long from east to west and 30 kilometers wide from south to north. It has an area of 1,940 square kilometers. Some 60 kilometers to the northwest of Damxung County seat, it is one of the three holy lakes in Tibet and receives high respects among the local people. On the Tibetan year of sheep, pilgrims from faraway come here to walk around the lake. It takes more than 10 days to circle the lake once. Afternoon walk around Lakeside area and this is one of the highest & more beautiful Lake in Tibet, overnight in Lakeside Guesthouse.

Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour: DAY 09: Morning explore in Lakeside, then back to Lhasa via Yabachen Hot spring: 220 Km
Today visit the famous hot spring, and take shower if you are interested, accross North Tibet Grass, Great Nianchentangula Snowing Mt, lunch at Yangbachen small town, afternoon back to Lhasa city. overnight at Kyichu Hotel or Similar hotel in Lhasa.

Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour: DAY 10: Drive to Gyantse via Yamtso Lake, visit Pekhor Monastery: 265 Km/5 hrs
Today we start our overland journey by jeep along the Friendship Highway we cross the Khamba La [4794m] from where we can see the stunning views across the waters of Yamdrok-tso Lake to the snowy summit of Nazin Kang Sa [7252m]. We continue westwards over another high pass the Karo La [5045m] where we are treated to the spectacular sight of a huge glacier tumbling down to within a few hundred meters of the road. After passing through beautiful valleys and colorful Tibetan villages we arrive in the town of Gyantse. Either same day evening or following day morning you will visit the famous Pekhor Monastery and you will stay overnight at the Gyantse Hotel.

Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour: DAY 11: Drive to Xigatse (3900m/12797ft), en route visit Shalu Monastery: 112 Km/ 2 hrs
Before leaving Gyantse we have time this morning to visit the Gyantse Dzong and Gyantse Kumbum. The Dzong is a fort dating from the 14th century from which there are amazing views of both Gyantse itself and the surrounding Nyang Chu Valley. The Kumbum is a large gold-domed stupa and its many small chapels house an impressive array of Tibetan Buddhist murals. We then continue on to Shigatse, a short drive of only 90kms, arriving in time for lunch. Shigatse is the second largest city in Tibet and after exploring the local market we will make a detailed visit to the Tashilhunpo Monastery. This monastery is one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet and there is much to explore within its high surrounding walls. Overnight at Shengkang Hotel or Manasarover Hotel in Xigatse

Himalayan prayer flags

Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour: DAY 12: Drive to Rongbuk (5,050m/16,564ft), visit Everest Base Camp: 360 Km/ 6 hrs
Morning drive from Xigatse to Sakya, noon time arrive in Shegar, after lunch, away from Shegar, we will drive to the south crossing Pang La pass at 5150m. Along the drive we can bask in the splendor of majestic views of snow-capped peaks from Makalu to Shishapangma. After long driving we eventually reach Rongbuk at 5000m. We can then view spectacular sight of Mount Everest. We have the opportunity to explore Everest Base Camp (5,250m/17,220ft) [no tour vehicles, apart from expeditions and trekking, are allowed beyond Rongbuk so you have to walk (16 kms round trip) or take local minibus to visit Base Camp]. The base camp itself is dry and barren, but the views of Everest more than compensate for this. It is a truly awe-inspiring place with the sheer north face of the highest mountain in the world towering above you. Overnight at Everest View Hotel in Rongbuk.

Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour: DAY 13: Drive down to Zhangmu (2300m/7, 544ft): 245 km/4-5 hrs
We will drive past Tingri crossing Lalung La pass at 5124m and Shung La pass at 5200m. Savor the enchanting views of the surrounding peaks of Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, Menlungtse and Gauri Shankar, you descend from the arid Tibetan Plateau to verdant Zhangmu on the Nepalese border. After driving for 181 km, we find ourselves amidst the lush and verdant vegetation of Zhangmu at 2300 meter. Overnight at hotel Caiyuan in Zhangmu.

Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour: DAY 14: Drive to Kathmandu (1350m/4428ft): 123 km/4-5 hrs
Cross the Friendship Bridge at the Nepal-China border across Bhote Koshi River, complete customs formalities and continue drive to Kathmandu. About 4 hours driving through deep valleys takes us to Kathmandu. Evening to relax in the hotel or explore the city. Overnight at Kathmandu.