Location
TibetDuration
8 DaysAltitude
5545 m.Difficulty
EasyGroup Size
2 - 12 PaxBest Season
Spring | Autumn
The Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour is an 8-day, ~950 km road trip from Kathmandu, Nepal to Lhasa, Tibet via the Kerung (Gyirong) border, starting from US$1,650 per person.
The Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour is one of the most popular ways to travel by road from Nepal to Tibet. This 8-day journey begins in Kathmandu and follows the Pasang Lhamu Highway through Langtang National Park to the Kerung (Gyirong) border, the main crossing point between Nepal and Tibet since the Kodari route closed. From there, the road continues across the Tibetan plateau to Lhasa, Tibet’s ancient capital.
Independent travel into Tibet isn’t permitted, so all logistics — permits, a licensed guide, private transport, and accommodation — are arranged for you throughout the trip. Along the way, the route passes mountain passes above 5,000 meters, offering views of Mt. Shishapangma and, on clear days, Mt. Everest, before reaching Lhasa’s historic monasteries and the Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama.
Foreign nationals cannot travel independently across the Nepal–Tibet border. To visit Tibet, you must join a licensed tour, obtain a Tibet Travel Permit, and travel with an authorized guide. This package includes all of these requirements.
In Lhasa, you’ll explore the Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama and Tibet’s most iconic landmark. The itinerary also includes visits to Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street Market, and the Drepung and Sera monasteries. Throughout the journey, experienced English-speaking Tibetan guides share the history, culture, and religious significance of each destination, from remote village monasteries to the high mountain passes where the vast Tibetan Plateau first comes into view.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Region | Tibet (via Nepal-Tibet border) |
| Duration | 8 Days / 7 Nights |
| Highest Point on Route | ~5,100m (Nyalam Thong-La / Lalung-La Pass) — confirm against spec sheet |
| Group Size | 2–12 people |
| Best Season | Spring (Mar–May) and Autumn (Sep–Nov) |
| Starting Price | US$1,650 per person |
| Border Crossing | Kerung (Gyirong) / Friendship Bridge |
| Trip Style | Private vehicle, hotel-based, guided overland drive |
Drive from Kathmandu to Pasang Lhamu highway – Kerung Border/2000m – 155km. This morning you departure early morning form Kathmandu by bus or private jeep to Pasang Lhamu highway to Kerung bridge. Take about 6 to 7 hours drive 155km, you reach Tibet border, Nepal and Tibet Immegration process than cross the Friendship border than short drive to Zangmu the first Tibet country city or gateway to Tibet After short rest in there drive continue to Nyalam county within 30km more rocky and jungle, along the river Bhotekoshi. Stop night in their local guest house with B/B plan.
Cross Kerung Border and Drive to Jilong Village of Tibet – 3700m.
Jilong to Thingri/Lhatse via Lalung -La Pass Nyalam Thong-La pass. 275km – 4050m. After breakfast in Nyalam village, your Lhasa overland trip goes to Buddhist pilgrimage site Milerapa Cave Just few km drive form Nylam that you can visit . Nearby and along the way beautiful Tibetan farmer villages and paddy fields with Potatoes and Barley. Continue drive up to Nylam Thong-La LalungLa pass (5100m). From the pass, first time you feel you are in roof of the world. Great view of Tibetan dry wide range of landscapes, panoramic mountain view including Mt. Shishapangma and other range. Than continue drive to Thingri village. From Thingri you can see world highest snowy rocky peak Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse ridge and Tso Oyu himalayan range. Continue drive to Lhatse city. Hotel or Guest house B/B plan.
Lhatsse to Xigatse drive – 180km. 3900m Today you visit the place of the famous Tashilumpo Monastery with the seat of the Panchen Lama and around other Shakya monastery long the way. Hotel B/B plan.
Xigatse to Gyatse drive about 90km. 3945m altitude. After visit the TAshilumpo Monastery and including the morning Tibetan Market in Xigatse city, about 2 hours drive you will reach Gyatse city. Gyatse is small bustling Tibetan town steeped in history. The city is 260km south west form Lhasa city. Visit monastery, Khumbum Chorten which was build at 1400AD and village around stay on Hotel B/B plan.
Gyatse to Lhasa drive – 260km. 3650m altitude. Today drive to Lhasa you will crossing Karo La pass (5050m) which is one of high pass during your kathmandu lhasa overland drive. Another pass Kambala 4800m Karo la pass climb between two lofty mountains, Norzing khang Sa 7223m and Ralung 6236m. On driving you will see Yamdrok Tso (Tibetan Turquoise Lake) which takes an hour to cross. Take a short break on lakeside and after passing Kamba La you will see the Lhasa valley on North and you will enter the Lhasa city after cross Brahmaputra Yarlung Tsampo – The Shangri-La River. Stay on Hotel B/B plan.
Finally you reach in Lhasa after 5 days drive in Tibet. This 2 days you will have sightseeing tour in Lhasa city to visit the Potala Palace Kingdom/palace of Dalai Lama Jhokhang Temple, Barkhor old Tibetan Market and around, Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery. As well you will observe the modern Tibetan lifestyle, farmer villages and much more. Than get ready to drive Airport for Fly back or Trail or onward destination. Hotel with B/B plan.
After breakfast, Transfer to Airport about 2 hours drive to flight to Kathmandu or onward destination or Train station Drop.
The Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour takes 8 days and 7 nights, covering roughly 1,000 km by road via the Kerung (Gyirong) border, Xigatse, and Gyantse.
Prices start from US$1,650 per person on a twin/triple-sharing basis, including transport, guide, hotels, permits, and sightseeing fees. Price varies with group size and season.
The tour crosses at Kerung (also called Gyirong or Kyirong), via the Friendship Bridge near Rasuwagadhi. This is the main overland crossing currently open to international travelers between Nepal and Tibet — always confirm current border status before booking, as crossings can close temporarily for weather or infrastructure work.
Yes. Foreign travelers need a Tibet Travel Permit, arranged only through a licensed agency, plus a Chinese visa. Independent travel into Tibet is not permitted — you must travel with a registered guide, which is included in this package.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the clearest mountain views and the most stable road conditions over the high passes.
The highest pass on this itinerary is the Nyalam Thong-La (Lalung-La), at roughly 5,100 metres, reached on Day 3.
The route climbs quickly from Kathmandu’s 1,400m to passes above 5,000m within a few days, so mild altitude symptoms are common. Guides carry oxygen and monitor travelers; anyone with heart or lung conditions should consult a doctor before booking.
Hotels and guesthouses (B/B plan), private transport, a licensed guide and driver, all permits, and sightseeing/monastery entry fees. Meals other than breakfast, international flights, and personal expenses are not included.
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