Tibet Overland Tour

Overview

The Tibet Overland Tour offers an incredible journey through the "Roof of the World," where you'll traverse some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes and experience Tibetan culture at its finest. Starting from the Nepali border at Kodari, the overland route takes you through the breathtaking Tibetan Plateau, with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, vast grasslands, and monasteries that seem frozen in time. As you head towards Lhatse, a small town nestled in the Tibetan wilderness, you'll get your first glimpse of the rugged terrain that characterizes this part of the world. From Lhatse, you continue to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city, where you’ll visit the famous Tashilhunpo Monastery, home to the Panchen Lama.

Your journey continues through the charming town of Gyantse, known for its well-preserved ancient architecture and the striking Kumbum Stupa, which is adorned with intricate murals and sacred relics. After exploring Gyantse, you'll travel to the spiritual heart of Tibet, Lhasa, where you’ll visit the iconic Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and other significant landmarks that hold great religious importance. The tour also includes a stop at Shegar, a remote town surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes, offering travelers an authentic Tibetan experience. Throughout the journey, the ever-changing scenery, from lush valleys to barren deserts, makes this overland tour a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Whether you are looking to experience Tibetan Buddhism, witness majestic mountains, or immerse yourself in Tibetan history and culture, this tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to discover the mystical allure of Tibet.

Why Choose Us - Explore Holiday Treks

Explore Holiday Treks stands out as the perfect choice for your Tibet Overland Tour because of our dedication to providing exceptional, well-organized, and immersive travel experiences. We take pride in offering comprehensive packages that cover everything from travel permits and logistics to comfortable accommodations and knowledgeable guides. Our team is made up of experts who are not only familiar with the cultural, historical, and geographical aspects of Tibet but are also committed to ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the tour. We handle all the details, allowing you to focus on the adventure and the awe-inspiring beauty of the Tibetan Plateau.

What sets Explore Holiday Treks apart is our commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism. We aim to preserve the unique environment and culture of Tibet, while ensuring that your visit contributes positively to the local communities. Our tours are tailored to provide an authentic Tibetan experience, with visits to lesser-known places in addition to the major highlights. Whether you are a first-time traveler to Tibet or a seasoned adventurer, we create a seamless and enriching experience that will stay with you long after you leave the Tibetan plateau. Our attention to detail, personalized service, and deep knowledge of the region make Explore Holiday Treks the ideal choice for your Tibet Overland Tour.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu (1,320m) and Transfer to Hotel

Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal’s bustling capital. After clearing immigration, the Explore Holiday Treks team will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. You will have the rest of the day to relax, recover from your journey, and acclimatize to the new environment. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner where you can meet your fellow travelers and your guide, who will brief you about the upcoming Tibet Overland tour.

Day 2 : Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour & Trek Preparation and Documentation Day

Today, you’ll explore on a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu’s famous landmarks. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the sacred Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, and the striking Boudhanath Stupa. After the sightseeing tour, the afternoon will be dedicated to preparing for the journey to Tibet. Your guide will assist with finalizing travel permits and documentation, ensuring everything is in order for the Tibet Overland adventure. Enjoy a leisurely evening in Kathmandu, where you can explore the vibrant streets or relax at your hotel.

Day 3 : Kathmandu (1,320m) - Kerung Border (145 km): 6-7 Hours

After breakfast, depart from Kathmandu for the drive to the Kerung border, which marks the entry point into Tibet. The journey takes about 6-7 hours, passing through beautiful mountain landscapes and Tibetan villages. Upon arrival at the border, you will complete the necessary immigration procedures to enter Tibet. From here, you will transfer to a local guesthouse in Kerung, where you will spend the night. This is a great opportunity to rest and acclimatize to the altitude before continuing your overland journey.

Day 4 : Kerung - Tingri (4,300m) / Lhatse (4,350m): 235 km, 5-6 Hours

After breakfast, continue your journey across Tibet’s rugged terrain. The drive from Kerung to Tingri or Lhatse takes around 5-6 hours, covering a distance of approximately 235 kilometers. As you drive, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Tibetan plateau, with dramatic mountain vistas in the distance. Along the way, you may spot nomadic herders and traditional Tibetan villages. Upon reaching Tingri or Lhatse, check into your hotel or guesthouse for an overnight stay.

Day 5 : Tingri/Lhatse - Shigatse (3,900m): 245 km, 5-6 Hours

Today’s drive takes you from Tingri/Lhatse to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city. The 245-kilometer journey will take approximately 5-6 hours, allowing you to soak in the spectacular scenery along the way. Shigatse is an important cultural hub, home to the famous Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama. Upon arrival in Shigatse, check in at your hotel and have the evening free to explore the local market or rest.

Day 6 : Shigatse - Gyantse (3,950m) - Lhasa: 350 km

This morning, you’ll depart Shigatse for the long drive to Lhasa, the spiritual heart of Tibet. En route, you will stop in Gyantse, a town renowned for its historical significance and stunning architecture. Visit the Pelkor Chode Monastery and the famous Kumbum Stupa before continuing towards Lhasa. The journey takes about 7-8 hours, covering a distance of 350 kilometers. On arrival in Lhasa, check into your hotel and enjoy a well-deserved rest after the long day’s drive.

Day 7 : Sightseeing in Lhasa (B/L/D)

Spend the day exploring the rich cultural and religious heritage of Lhasa. Visit the iconic Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama and one of Tibet's most recognizable landmarks. Next, head to Jokhang Temple, a revered pilgrimage site for Tibetans, and explore the vibrant Barkhor Bazaar surrounding it. You will also visit the serene Sera Monastery, famous for its debates among monks, and the Norbulingka Palace, once the summer residence of the Dalai Lama. Enjoy a traditional Tibetan dinner at a local restaurant and rest at your hotel.

Day 8 : Sightseeing in Lhasa (B/L/D)

Today, continue your exploration of Lhasa. Visit Drepung Monastery, one of the largest and most important monasteries in Tibet. You will also explore the Tibetan Museum, which offers a fascinating insight into Tibetan culture, history, and art. Take a leisurely walk around the Barkhor Circuit to witness daily life in Lhasa and shop for Tibetan handicrafts. After a day filled with cultural experiences, return to your hotel for a relaxing evening and dinner.

Day 9 : Lhasa to Shegar (655 km): 8-9 Hours

After breakfast, begin the drive from Lhasa to Shegar, located in the heart of the Tibetan Plateau. This is a long day of driving, taking about 8-9 hours and covering a distance of 655 kilometers. The route will offer stunning views of the Tibetan landscape, including vast plateaus, snow-capped peaks, and small Tibetan villages. You will stop for breaks along the way and enjoy the peace of Tibet's wilderness. Upon arrival in Shegar, check into a local guesthouse for the night.

Day 10 : Shegar - Kerung - Kathmandu (425 km): 9-10 Hours

On your final day of the overland journey, you’ll drive from Shegar back to the Kerung border, covering a distance of 425 kilometers over a period of 9-10 hours. The route will take you through picturesque valleys and Tibetan towns. Once at the border, you’ll complete the necessary immigration procedures before crossing back into Nepal. After crossing the border, you will continue the drive to Kathmandu, where you’ll arrive in the evening. Check in at your hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner with your guide and fellow travelers.

Day 11 : Final Departure

After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. The Tibet Overland journey with Explore Holiday Treks comes to an end, but the memories of the journey through the mystical land of Tibet will stay with you. Safe travels and we hope to see you on another adventure soon!

Inclusions

What is included?

All arrival and departure transportation from the airport to hotel and vice versa.
3*** Hotel in Kathmandu and Hotel/Lodge during the trip.
Breakfast in Kathmandu and all meals during the trip.
English speaking Tibetan guide throughout the journey.
Flight as per Itinerary and all around transportation.
All monastery entrance fees during the trek.
All necessary documents and permits, including Tibet Travel Permit.
Basic first aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, blister care).
Transpiration as per the Itinerary by Van / coster/ Bus
Monastery Entrance Fee .

What isn't included?

Nepal Visa-Personal travel and medical insurance.
Expenses of personal nature and gratitude (tips) hard / soft drinks throughout the trip.
Emergency evacuation by any means of transportation services required.
Early return from the trip due to personal / medical problem in this case clients should bear his / her own expenses on return from the tour back to Kathmandu. Including expenses of accompanying guides.
Expenses such as alcoholic beverages, laundry, telephone calls, and tips.
Any expenses not listed in the inclusions

Complimentary

Transportation for Tibet Overland Tour

The Tibet Overland Tour from Nepal is an incredible adventure, where transportation plays a significant role in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey. The most common route is through the Friendship Highway, which connects Kathmandu to Lhasa, passing through key towns like Lhatse, Shigatse, Gyantse, and Shegar. The journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to the Tibetan border at Zangmu, where travelers cross into Tibet and begin the overland adventure. For the entire trip, Explore Holiday Treks provides comfortable, air-conditioned 4x4 vehicles or minibuses, depending on the group size, ensuring both safety and comfort on the sometimes rugged roads of Tibet.

The drive itself is an awe-inspiring experience, as it takes travelers through mountainous terrain, wide Tibetan plateaus, and offers views of the Himalayas. Roads may be bumpy and winding, especially between towns like Lhatse and Shigatse, and altitude may become an issue, which is why Explore Holiday Treks ensures a well-planned itinerary with proper acclimatization breaks. This helps travelers manage the varying road conditions and the high-altitude regions while still enjoying the stunning landscape of Tibet’s vast and remote beauty.

Trip and Weather for Tibet Overland Tour

The Tibet Overland Tour from Nepal is a multi-destination journey that includes some of Tibet's most iconic and culturally rich locations. The trip begins with a drive to Lhatse, then continues to Shigatse, Tibet's second-largest city, and Gyantse, known for its beautiful monasteries. From there, travelers reach Shegar and eventually Lhasa, the spiritual heart of Tibet, where the famous Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple are located. Along the way, visitors experience the traditional Tibetan culture, explore monasteries, and witness stunning landscapes of high-altitude lakes, rivers, and snowy mountains.

Weather in Tibet is highly variable due to its high-altitude environment. The temperatures in the summer months (June to August) can range from warm in the daytime to cold at night, with daytime temperatures typically around 10-20°C (50-68°F). However, in winter (December to February), temperatures drop significantly, with Lhasa experiencing sub-zero temperatures, especially at night. The weather along the overland route varies with altitude, with colder temperatures at higher elevations like Lhatse and Shegar. While Tibet is a year-round destination, Explore Holiday Treks ensures that travelers are prepared for varying weather conditions with appropriate clothing and gear, and the itinerary is adapted accordingly.

Major Trips for Tibet Overland Tour

The Tibet Overland Tour covers a series of major destinations that are rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Starting in Lhatse, travelers get their first taste of Tibetan culture, with visits to local monasteries and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Moving on to Shigatse, the tour highlights Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the largest and most important monasteries in Tibet. Gyantse is famous for its Kumbum Stupa and the Gyantse Dzong, both significant symbols of Tibetan architecture and spirituality.

The journey continues to Shegar, a remote and scenic village, and finally culminates in Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet. In Lhasa, travelers explore iconic sites such as the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Sera Monastery. The trip is a fascinating blend of cultural exploration and stunning landscapes, with each town offering a unique perspective of Tibetan Buddhism and life in the Tibetan Plateau. Explore Holiday Treks ensures that all major trips are carefully curated to provide an in-depth and immersive experience of Tibetan culture, including guided tours and ample time for sightseeing and reflection.

Best Time for Tibet Overland Tour

The best time for a Tibet Overland Tour, including visits to Lhatse, Shigatse, Gyantse, Lhasa, and Shegar, depends largely on your preferences regarding weather and the type of experience you seek. The ideal months for the overland tour are during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). These months offer clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and relatively low rainfall, making the long overland journey more comfortable and enjoyable. The days are warm, but nights are chilly, especially at higher altitudes, and the visibility of the surrounding landscapes is exceptional during this period.

Winter (December to February) is another option for those who prefer a quieter, less crowded experience. However, temperatures can plummet below freezing, especially at night, and some of the higher regions may be snow-covered, making travel more challenging. Summer (July to August) brings warmer weather, but it is also the monsoon season in Tibet, which means higher chances of rain that could impact travel on some sections of the road. Explore Holiday Treks helps guests choose the best time for their trip, considering factors like weather, festivals, and personal preferences for a memorable journey through Tibet.

Tibet Overland Tour Difficulty

The difficulty level of the Tibet Overland Tour can vary depending on the individual’s fitness level, altitude tolerance, and the road conditions at the time of travel. Generally, the journey is considered moderate, but the high-altitude environment presents challenges, especially for those who are not accustomed to such conditions. Altitudes range from around 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) in Lhasa to 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) in some areas along the route, which may lead to altitude sickness if proper acclimatization is not followed.

While the road conditions can be rough in certain sections, particularly between Lhatse and Shigatse, Explore Holiday Treks ensures that travelers are well-prepared with regular stops for rest and hydration to help with acclimatization. The physical demands of the tour are not extreme, but it’s essential to be in good health and prepared for long days of travel. The guides from Explore Holiday Treks are experienced in managing high-altitude conditions and are well-equipped to assist in case of any altitude-related issues, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.

Food and Accommodation for Tibet Overland Tour

Food along the Tibet Overland Tour is a delightful introduction to Tibetan cuisine, which includes a variety of dishes based on barley, yak, and dairy products. Popular meals include tsampa (roasted barley flour), yak meat, and momo (dumplings). Vegetarian options are widely available in larger towns like Lhasa, Shigatse, and Gyantse. Although the variety might be limited in more remote locations like Lhatse and Shegar, Explore Holiday Treks ensures that meals are provided throughout the journey, often in local restaurants or guesthouses, offering a taste of Tibetan flavors and local specialties.

Accommodation varies based on the location and availability. In cities like Lhasa and Shigatse, travelers can expect comfortable hotels with basic amenities, while in more remote areas such as Lhatse and Shegar, accommodations may range from simple guesthouses to basic lodges. Explore Holiday Treks carefully selects accommodations that ensure a comfortable stay without compromising on the authentic Tibetan experience. In some locations, the accommodation may be modest, but it is always safe and clean, allowing travelers to rest after a long day of exploration.

Communication and Networking for Tibet Overland Tour

Communication in Tibet can be a challenge, particularly in more remote areas like Lhatse and Shegar, where access to the internet and phone networks can be limited. While major cities like Lhasa and Shigatse have better communication infrastructure, mobile signal strength may still be weak in mountainous or high-altitude regions. Travelers may have access to Wi-Fi in hotels or guesthouses in larger towns, but it’s advisable to limit expectations regarding consistent internet access throughout the trip.

Mobile phone service is available in Tibet, with China Mobile and China Unicom providing coverage. For international travelers, it’s recommended to purchase a local SIM card or activate an international roaming plan before arriving. Explore Holiday Treks ensures that all travelers are informed of communication options and provides necessary guidance on staying connected when possible during the journey. The overland tour allows visitors to truly disconnect from the digital world and enjoy the serene and tranquil atmosphere of Tibet.

Important Note

Before embarking on the Tibet Overland Tour from Nepal, travelers must obtain a Tibet Travel Permit, which is required for all foreigners entering Tibet. This permit is organized by a licensed travel agency like Explore Holiday Treks, which will handle all the paperwork and ensure that everything is in order. Additionally, travelers should be aware that Tibet is a politically sensitive region, and there are restrictions on where foreigners can visit, especially in areas near the borders with Nepal or India. Explore Holiday Treks ensures all travel complies with local regulations, keeping your trip safe and enjoyable.

Why with Explore Holiday Treks

Explore Holiday Treks is the ideal choice for travelers looking to explore Tibet’s awe-inspiring landscapes and rich culture. The company specializes in creating tailored, guided tours that offer an in-depth and authentic experience of Tibet. With experienced, local Tibetan guides and well-organized itineraries, Explore Holiday Treks ensures that every aspect of your journey is seamless, from visa arrangements to transportation, accommodation, and meals. The company’s focus on safety, comfort, and responsible tourism makes it a trusted partner for anyone wishing to experience Tibet’s spiritual and natural beauty. Whether you're an adventure seeker or a culture enthusiast, Explore Holiday Treks is committed to making your Tibet Overland Tour an unforgettable experience.

Trip code
Package name	Tibet Overland Tour
Duration	11
Max. elevation	3950 m
Level	Moderate
Transportation	All around transportation as per itinerary.
Accomodation	3*** Hotel in Kathmandu and Hotel/Lodge during the trip.
Starts at	Kathmandu
Ends at	Kathmandu
Trip route
Cost	USD 0 per person