Overland Tour from Lhasa to Kathmandu

This particular tour is designed for those who prefer to soak in the sights by driving around. This tour gives you an opportunity to discover the real Tibet. From the bustling old cities to the ancient villages and settlements, you get to observe Tibetan lifestyle at close quarters. The tour begins in Lhasa and ends in Kathmandu. Tibet, which boasts of spectacular mountain scenery and a rich cultural heritage, is a place worth visiting. As you drive across the Tibetan plateau, you will be expertly guided around all the Tibetan monasteries, temples, monuments and important tourist sites by expert local Tibetan guide. In Lhasa you explore the Potala Palace, Sera Monastery, Norbulingkha, Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery and the busy Barkhor Square. You will be driven past picturesque Tibetan settlements where nomadic herdsmen can be seen wandering across the wide arid plateau. This overland journey takes you over several high mountain passes with spectacular mountain views, including those of the majestic Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu and Shishapangma. Your adventure tour continues to the historic cities of Shigatse and Gyantse. As you explore the ancient monasteries, forts and citadels you get an insight into the rich Tibetan culture and history.

Detailed Itinerary

Tribhuvan International airport

Arrival in Kathmandu

Receive upon arrival in Kathmandu airport and escort to the hotel.

Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Kathmandu: (While your visa to Tibet being processed, you can proceed for sightseeing tours)

AM: Proceed on sightseeing tour to Pashupatinath & Boudhnath stupa:

 

Pashupatinath temple: One of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world, Pashupatinath lies in the bank of river Bagmati. The two-storied pagoda houses a sacred lingum, or the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Although the temple dates back to the 4th century, it was brought into its present shape in the early 18th century. The temple is most noted for its gold-plated roofs and silver-coated doors. Sadhus and sages, who follow the lifestyle of Lord Shiva, are seen covered with ashes and loincloths. The banks of the river Bagmati, is also considered one of the most holiest places in which to get cremated and cremations can be witnessed here. All tourists are requested that respect is shown for the grieving. 

 

Boudhnath stupa: Also known as Khasti Chaitya, Boudhanath Stupa is one of the world's largest stupas. The unique aspect of this great Buddhist monument is that it is set in the octagonal Mandala design. Hundreds of prayer wheels and the 108 images of the Buddha set into the niches around this huge structure make it even more mesmerizing. It is believed to have been constructed in the fifth century and is said to entomb the remains of Kasyap Rishi, a sage respected by both Buddhists and Hindus. Another notable aspect of the area is the presence of about four dozen monasteries around it. It lies some eight km to the east of the city center.

Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Pashupatinath

Potala Palace

Arrive Lhasa (3660 m)

You will be met at Gonggar Airport by your Tibetan guide. After immigration formalities, you will be driven to Lhasa (3650 meters). It takes around 45 minutes to reach the old city. After checking in at your hotel, you are advised to take rest and take it easy. Drink plenty of fluids and let your body get used to Lhasa’s high altitude. There will be no programme on this day in order to acclimatized yourself.

Overnight at the hotel in Lhasa.

Sightseeing in Lhasa 

After breakfast, you will be briefed on the day’s program. An experienced guide will take you on a tour to Sera Monastery, Norbulingka and the Barkhor Square. At the famous Sera Monastery, you will get an insight into the important aspects of Tibetan Buddhism. You pay a visit to Norbulingkha, the summer retreat of the Dalai Lama. Completed in 1956, the handsome building is ornately decorated with Tibetan carvings and paintings. Jokhang temple provides yet another glimpse of the rich Tibetan cultural heritage. You will also get the chance to stroll around the busy Barkhor Square, the nerve centre of Lhasa. After the day’s tour, you will be escorted back to your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Lhasa.

Potala Palace

Cityscape

Sightseeing in Lhasa 

After an early breakfast, you will be escorted by your guide to the majestic Potala Palace. The imposing structure of the palace dominates the landscape of Lhasa. As you are guided through the ancient chambers of the palace, you get to see Tibetan art at its best. The Potala Palace has a vast array of intricate Tibetan murals and beautiful statues. You will also get to view the tombs of the eight Dalai Lamas. Later in the day you will visit the beautifully landscaped Drepung Monastery where you can observe nuns and monks chanting and performing religious discourses. After the day’s tour is over, you are escorted back to your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Lhasa.

Drive to Gyantse (3950m)

Following Friendship Highway, you drive past Khamba La at 4794 m with a brief halt to savor majestic views of Yamdrok-tso Lake and Nazin Kang Sa standing proud at 7252m. On turning westwards, you come across another Karo La pass at 5045m. If you glance at the road, you can see huge glaciers tumbling down into the road. After hours of driving for 261 km, magnificently landscaped Tibetan villages become visible as you enter the town of Gyantse.

Overnight at the hotel in Gyantse.

Summit

Tashi Lhunpo Monastery

Sightseeing & drive to Shigatse (3900m) 90km 

Gyantse prides on Gyantse Dzong and Kumbum. Gyantse Dzong is a historical fort built in the 14th century and overlooks a mesmerizing view of entire Gyantse and surrounding Nyang Chu Valley. Kumbum has large gold-domed stupa and houses several chapels and Tibetan Buddhist murals. After you enjoy exploring Gyantse, you will take a 90 km drive to Shigatse. Having driven to an altitude of 3900 meter, you find yourself at Shigatse, second largest city of Tibet. Tashilhunpo Monastery being one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet is a major attraction of Shigatse. 

Overnight at the hotel in Shigatse.

Sightseeing & drive to Shegar (4050m) 244km. 

Today you will traverse along the Friendship Highway amidst picturesque landscape driving past small town of Lhatse and Gyamtso La pass at 5220m. As the route opens into plains, many monasteries and camps of nomadic herders become visible en route to Shegar. 

Overnight at the hotel in Shegar.

Highway

Summit

Drive to Saga (4640m)

You will drive past Tingri crossing Lalung La pass at 5,124m and Shung La pass at 5200m. Savoring the enchanting views of the surrounding peaks of Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, Menlungtse and Gauri Shankar, After driving for 400 km, you find yourself amidst the Saga.

Overnight at the hotel/ Guest House in Saga.

Drive to Kerung (2700m)

Today you continue driving to Kerung which is a border to Nepal & Tibet. Today you can take a stroll around as the drive is a short one.

Overnight at the Hotel / Guest House in Kerung.

Mount scenery

Kathmandu

Drive to Kathmandu (1400m)

After the Immigration Control where you will part with your Tibetan guide and driver. Walk across to meet your Nepalese escort who will  drive you to Kathmandu. After about 5 hours of driving, you finally arrive in Kathmandu. 

Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Departure

After having leisurely breakfast you will be free till departure. Later, transfer to the International Airport to connect the home bound flight.

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