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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
The Tibet Overland Tour offered by Explore Holiday Treks is a guided journey through some of the most iconic and culturally rich destinations in Tibet. This overland adventure will take you through Lhatse, Shigatse, Gyantse, Lhasa, and Shegar, allowing you to experience the mesmerizing landscapes, Buddhist heritage, and centuries-old monasteries of Tibet. Along the way, you’ll explore landmarks such as the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Yamdrok Lake, and many more, providing you with an authentic Tibetan experience.
Booking your Tibet Overland Tour is simple with Explore Holiday Treks. You can visit our website or contact us directly through email or phone to inquire about the tour. We’ll assist you with creating a customized itinerary based on your preferences. Once you finalize the details, we will take care of all the necessary arrangements, including permits, transportation, and accommodation. After confirmation, we’ll handle everything so that you can enjoy a stress-free journey to Tibet.
Yes, traveling to Tibet requires a Tibet Travel Permit, which is distinct from a standard Chinese visa. As part of your booking with Explore Holiday Treks, we will help arrange the necessary permits required for your Tibet Overland Tour. These permits are a prerequisite for entering Tibet and must be obtained in advance. A valid Chinese visa is also required, which we can assist in procuring if needed.
The best time to take the Tibet Overland Tour is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these months, the weather is relatively mild, and the skies are clear, offering the best views of the Tibetan landscape. The winter months (December to February) are cold but peaceful, and summer (July to August) brings monsoon rains, which can make travel a bit challenging. However, the tour is available year-round, and our team will help you prepare for any seasonal variations.
This overland tour covers some of the most beautiful and significant destinations in Tibet. Some of the key highlights include:
Lhasa: The capital city, home to the iconic Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple.
Shigatse:Tibet’s second-largest city, known for the Tashilhunpo Monastery and its stunning surroundings.
Gyantse:A historical town with the Pelkor Chode Monastery and the Gyantse Dzong fortress.
Lhatse: A small town offering views of the Himalayan ranges and Tibetan culture.
Shegar:A remote area surrounded by majestic mountains, perfect for travelers looking for serenity and breathtaking views.
Tibet is located at high altitudes, so travelers should be in good health and prepared for the altitude. While the tour does not require extensive physical exertion, it is recommended that you be in general good health to prevent altitude sickness. Our team will advise you on how to acclimatize properly, and we suggest taking it easy for the first few days to adjust to the altitude. If you have any concerns about your health or fitness, we recommend consulting with your doctor before embarking on the tour.
The duration of the Tibet Overland Tour typically lasts 8-11 days, depending on the specific itinerary you choose. This allows enough time for acclimatization, sightseeing, and exploration of the major cities and monasteries. However, you can discuss any customized duration with Explore Holiday Treks if you wish to adjust the trip according to your schedule.
Explore Holiday Treks provides comfortable accommodations throughout the Tibet Overland Tour, with options ranging from 3-star hotels to more basic guesthouses, depending on your preferences and the available facilities in each location. In Lhasa and Shigatse, you will stay in more modern and comfortable hotels, while in smaller towns like Lhatse and Gyantse, accommodations may be simpler but are chosen for their cleanliness and hospitality. We ensure that all accommodations meet international standards for safety and comfort.
Tibet is a generally safe destination for travelers. However, the high-altitude environment and remote areas require travelers to be mindful of their health. Explore Holiday Treks ensures your safety by providing professional guides who are well-versed in handling the altitude and guiding you through Tibet’s terrain. We also ensure that transportation is reliable, and your accommodation is secure. You will also be accompanied by an experienced guide throughout the journey, making the trip as smooth and safe as possible.
Altitude sickness is a concern in Tibet due to its high elevation, particularly in cities like Lhasa and Gyantse. To minimize the effects, we recommend traveling slowly, staying hydrated, and avoiding strenuous activities during the first few days to allow your body to acclimatize. Our team at Explore Holiday Treks will assist you by organizing a gradual itinerary with proper acclimatization periods. If you start feeling unwell due to the altitude, please inform your guide immediately.
Packing for Tibet requires a few special considerations due to its high altitude and varied climate. Essential items to pack include:
Warm clothing, even during the summer months (temperatures can drop significantly, especially at night).
Comfortable shoes for walking and light trekking.
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm to protect against the strong UV rays at high altitude.
A camera to capture the incredible landscapes and cultural sites.
A travel adapter for charging electronics (Tibet uses Chinese-style plugs).
Personal medications and any required medical supplies.
A good quality water bottle to stay hydrated.
Explore Holiday Treks is a trusted and experienced tour operator with a deep knowledge of Tibet and its unique culture. Our expert guides, well-planned itineraries, and commitment to safety ensure that you have a memorable and enriching experience. We take care of all logistics, including permits, transportation, and accommodation, so you can focus on enjoying the stunning landscapes and cultural experiences Tibet has to offer. Our personalized approach to each tour ensures that every traveler’s needs are met with care and attention.
