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7 Days Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour via Mount Everest $1,058

Himalaya Adventure

This overland adventure is a deep exploration into exotic Tibet at the same time a time-saving journey. You will begin your journey in Lhasa where you will explore the world-famous Potala Palace and other Tibetan cultural sites, then travel crossing the 'Roof of the World' and finally arrive in lush green Nepalese valleys. There are dozens of things to see and feel, such as beautiful Yamdrok Lake, grand Palcho Monastery, magnificent Gagula Pass, etc. You also have a chance to witness a beautiful sunrise of unparalleled vistas of Mt Everest. So make sure your camera is charged and be prepared to have your breath taken away.

Highlights of this tour:

  • Appreciate the brilliant skill of Tibetan-style architecture in Potala Palace and Norbulingka Park in Lhasa;
  • Visit the most influential monasteries in Tibet which have different features, such as Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, Palcho Monastery, etc.;
  • Encounter the legendary and tranquil lake Yamdrok which is also one of the "Three Holiest Lakes in Tibet";
  • Take a memorable adventure to the top of the world - Mount Everest.

Tour Brief Information

  • Tour price: $1,058

    1. This price is based on a group of 2 adult travelers who will take our private tour and share one standard rooms in regular local 4-star hotel in lower seasons.

    2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate. If you want a lower price, you can get more people to join you, or use economy class hotels.

    3. This price is only valid to March 31, 2025.

    4. Reference exchange rate of USD 1= RMB 6.85. The final quotation will be adjusted according to the latest real-time exchange rate.

  • Tour code: TD-LEK-07
  • Tour type: Private Customizable Tour Package
  • Destination: Lhasa / Gyantse / Shigatse / Mount Everest / Gyirong
  • Duration: 8 days and 7 nights
  • Departure: Flexible
  • Travel Theme: CultureTrekkingPhotographyFamily
  • Best Time: SummerAutumn
  • Physical Level
  • Tour Pace
  • Max Altitude
    5,200m

Itinerary Details - Day by Day

  Expand all

Day 1 Lhasa Arrival

Lhasa Airport / Train Station Pick up

Welcome to the roof of the world! You will be picked up by local tour guide at Lhasa airport hall or train station, and then be escorted to check in your hotel in Lhasa city (3,650 m) in a private vehicle. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the local areas and acclimatize yourself to the air, temperature and high altitude of Lhasa.

High Altitude Acclimation Tips: 1) go for some leisure walking to acclimate the high altitude but avoid strenuous activity after arrival; 2) you'd better not have bath, in case of catching a cold; 3) drink more water, and have some fruit; 4) have a good rest...

How to Get to Lhasa: take a domestic flight from other cities like Chengdu, Beijing, Xian, Xining, Kunming, etc. or an international flight from Kathmandu, or take a train from China's other cities, like Chengdu, Xian, Beijing, Chongqing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xining, Lanzhou, etc.

  • Lhasa Gonggar International Airport Lhasa Gonggar International Airport

Day 2 Lhasa Tibetan Culture Tour (B)

Today's Highlights: Norbulingka Park, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery

Today you will visit popular attractions in Lhasa city and suburb to explore Tibetan culture. You will firstly go to visit the beautiful Norbulingka which used to be the former summer palace of Dalai Lamas in the ancient time, and now is a public park. Dotted with various kinds of precious flowers and plants, it is the genuine "Plateau Oxygen Bar". In addition to its magnificent buildings and colorful flowers, Norbulingka also features some big Tibet event activities during big festivals, like Tibetan shows in annual Shoton Festival. Next, drive several kilometers to the western outskirts of Lhasa to visit Drepung Monastery. Drepung, in Tibetan, means "prosperity". Since its establishment, Drepung Monastery has always been one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. In its heyday, there were more than 10,000 monks lived and studied in the monastery. Throughout its history, many important and famous Tibetan leaders used to study here, especially the Dalai Lamas. So Drepung Monastery is also respectfully known as the "Mother School of Dalai Lamas". You can also enjoy a panoramic view of Lhasa from Drepung Monastery.

In the afternoon, you will be taken to another famous monastery in Lhasa - Sera Monastery. It is famous for the spectacular "Buddhism Debating". As a daily routine, the monks gather in a courtyard, and debate on the Buddhist doctrines with supplemented gestures, which is thought to be helpful to facilitates better comprehension of the Buddhist philosophy to attain higher levels of study. After enjoying the "Buddhism Debating", you will be transferred back to the city. The rest time is your own free time to rest.

The Etiquette of Visiting Monastery: 1) you shouldn't wear short and uncover shoulders; 2) taking off your sunglasses and hat before entering the chapels; 3) taking photos is usually not allowed inside the chapels.

  • Chona from Philippines saw Buddhsit scripture debating in Sera Monastery Chona from Philippines saw Buddhsit scripture debating in Sera Monastery
  • Enviado's family with group with Tibet Discovery Enviado's family with group with Tibet Discovery
  • Norbulingka Monastery Enjoy the bright flowers in Norblingka

Day 3 Lhasa Potala Palace Tour (B)

Today's Highlights: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Zongjiao Lukang Park, Barkhor Street

Start today's Lhasa exploration with an exciting visit to the landmark - Potala Palace which is the home to the successive Dalai Lama as well as a great masterpiece of Tibetan architecture. The whole palace is divided into the White Palace - living quarters and office to deal with political and Buddhist affairs for Dalai Lamas, and the Red Palace where houses several stupas of previous Dalai Lamas, many historical relics and precious arts. After entering the gate of Potala Palace, you need to walk up about 30 minutes along the zigzag stone paths with white-and-red walls to the White Palace. Remember to ascend the steps slowly and take some stops for sightseeing and rest which will be helpful to reduce high altitude sickness. Then explore the palace in an orderly way from the White Palace to the Red Palace, and exit from the back side. After Potala Palace visit, go to enjoy a leisure stroll in Zongjiao Lukang Park, a lovely park with pleasant scenery built around the lake behind Potala Palace. It is a great place to experience local Tibetans' living styles as you can see local people gathering and chatting, taking exercise, walking the kora, feeding wild birds and ducks, etc. If your day is clear, you can take some great photos of the reflection of Potala Palace on the lake in the park.

Continuing your exploration, you will then get to Jokhang Temple which is considered as the spiritual center of Lhasa and the most revered religious structure of Tibet. In front of Jokhang Temple, you can see crowds of pilgrims polishing the flagstones with their prostration, which is truly a heart-touching scene you will ever see. This temple is also known as the "house of Buddha" because it keeps the precious Jowo Rinpoche, the life-sized (5 foot/1.5m) image of the Shakyamuni at the age of 12. Rise to the top floor of this temple, you can see savor the beautiful golden roof and the view of Potala Palace afar. The last site for today’s exploration is the famous Barkhor Street. It is a circular and wide street encircling the Jokhang Temple. The local people like to walk on the street for several circles usually in the late afternoon as a daily tradition of pilgrimage. The street also has many shops selling a wide variety of traditional Tibetan goods, religious items and handcrafts.

Optional Activity: If your physical strength permits, take a short climb to the viewing-deck of Chakpori Hill to take a panoramic photo of Potala Palace after your Potala Palace visit.

Tips of today: 1) taking photos is not allowed inside the palace; 2) today you will be mainly outside, please bring some water, a hat, sun cream, and sun glasses with you.

  • Julie's Faimily from France visited Potala Palace with Tibet Discovery Julie's Faimily from France visited Potala Palace with Tibet Discovery
  • Prayers at Jokhang Temple Prayers at Jokhang Temple
  • Old Tibetan Women on the Barkhor Street Old Tibetan Women on the Barkhor Street

Day 4 Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse / 360km, About 8hrs' Driving (B)

Today's Highlights: Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, Palcho Monastery

Today, you will leave Lhasa and drive about 8 hours to Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet. It may be a long journey, but there are many things to do along the road. You will first take a short stop in the viewing platform of Yajiang River Valley (4,280m) where you can take a view of the snaking road and gorge scenery. Go on with your trip and you will reach your first highlight - holy Yamdrok Lake (altitude: 4,400m). As the largest fresh lake in the northern of the Himalaya Mountains, it spreads about 675 square meters from south to north, like an eardrop lying in the arms of snow-capped giant mountains. Viewing from a distance, you can see fertile pastures full of yaks and sheep, and some small Tibetan villages along the lakeshore. Keeping driving not so far from Yamdrok Lake, you will get to the imposing Karola Glacier (altitude: 5,045m) towering aloft on the right side of the road. Go on driving, you will pass by Simi La Pass (4,353m). Have several minutes' break here to take some photos of Simila Mountain and Manla Reservoir.

Continuing your trip, you will get to the historical city of Gyantse. Feel hungry? Have a good lunch in the town, then go to visit the mysterious Palcho Monastery (altitude: 4,040m). The monks and tradition of three important sects of Tibetan Buddhism - Sakyapa, Zhalupa and Gelukpa, peacefully coexist in this monastery. Its Kumbum, which is 35 meters high and has 76 small chapels with hundreds images of Kriyatantras, is believed to be the largest such structure in Tibet.

After the Gyantse sightseeing, keep drive about 3 hours, you will arrive at your hotel in Shigatse (altitude: 3,800m). Have a good rest!

Tips of today: 1) wear warm clothes to prevent from cold and wild; 2) pack some food and drinks with you because you will spend much time on the road.

  • Our customers from Yale University visited Yamdrok Lake Our customers from Yale University visited Yamdrok Lake
  • Beautiful Palcho Monastery in Spring
  • Karola Glaceier Get amazed by the stunning view of Karola Glaceier

Day 5 Shigatse - Mount Everest / 350km, About 7hrs's Driving (B)

Today's Highlights: Tashilhunpo Monastery, Himalaya Views from Gawula Pass, Mount Everest

After breakfast, you will go to visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the official seat of Panchen Lama who is the second influential leader of Tibetan Buddhism. The interplay between the golden roofs and the white, red and black exterior walls creates a striking composition. Here you will see a giant statue of Future Buddha, the largest one of its kind on earth (26.2 meters high and 11.5 meters wide), decorated with precious pearls, turquoises, corals and ambers.

Then you will leave Shigatse for the exciting adventure to Mount Everest. Enjoy the magnificent plateau landscape along the road. Though being a long driving of about 7 hours, but the views along the road are stupendous. As you reach Gawula Pass (5,250), you’ll feast your eyes on the fantastic view of Himalaya range including 5 famous peaks over 8,000 meters - Mt. Makalu (8,463 m), Mt. Lotse (8,516 m), Mt Everest (8,844 m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8,201m) and Mt. Shishapama (8,020 m). When you finally get to Rongbuk Monastery, and get the first sight of the mighty Everest, you will immerse in a solemn ethereal mood and find all the efforts you have made along the long way are not in vain. Located about 5100 meters above the sea level, Rongbuk Monastery is the highest monastery in the world. It is the best location to take some great photos of the front face of Mount Everest. The rest of today is free for you to visit the Rongbuk Monastery and explore the nearby Everest Base Camp. Take photos with the Everest altitude marker and EBC marker to commemorate your wonderful adventure tour.

Accommodation: if you visit Mount Everest during the off season (November to April), you will accommodate at Rongbuk Guest House near the Rongbuk Monastery; if you visit Mount Everest during the peak season (May to October), you will accommodate in a local Tibetan tent at Everest Base Camp near Rongbuk Monastery which is only run between May and October by local Tibetans. Please note that the accommodation at both places is very simple and basic, only dorm beds with communal squat toilets are available. Duvets, heated blankets and hot water will be provided, and you are suggested to bring your own sleeping bag and toilet paper. There is no running water, sinks or showers. The dining room just offers basic breakfast and dinner without menu. Remember to dress warmly all the time.

Tips of today: bring a warm coat for low temperature in Everest and avoid strenuous activity to prevent from high altitude sickness.

  • Our customer Joe had an breathetaking sightseeing from Gawula Pass Our customer Joe had an breathetaking sightseeing from Gawula Pass
  • Silvia's group realized their Tibet Dream with Tibet Discovery Silvia's group realized their Tibet Dream with Tibet Discovery
  • Dining Room of Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse Dining Room in Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse

Day 6 Everest - Gyirong Town / 370km, About 8hrs' Driving

Today's Highlights: Sunrise over Mount Everest

Wake up early to enjoy the marvelous sunriseon the peak of the world from Rongbuk Monastery. The top part of the Mount Everest is always covered by snow all the year round, and when the sun shines on the mountain, the peak is like a giant white pyramid, which is one of the most famous sceneries of Mount Everest. In bright days, you can also see a wisp of cloud hanging above the top of Mount Everest. It flies eastward in the fast western wind just like a flapping flag. This unique phenomenon is the spectacular “Cloud Flag”. The cloud will change from surging waves into a thin cooking smoke or from galloping steeds into the mysterious veil of a goddess.

Till now your Mount Everest adventure is about to end. The rest of today is to drive to Gyirong Town. The views along the road are stupendous. In clear days, you can see the clear face of Shishapangma Peak and enjoy the beautiful view of Pekutso Lake.

Accommodate at Gyirong Town.

Tips of today: 1) the sunrise usually starts around 6:30 am to 7am on Mount Everest; 2) breakfast is not included.

  • Beautiful Mount Everest in Autumn Wonderful View of Mount Everest

Day 7 Gyirong - Nepal Border

Transfer to Gyirong Port at China-Nepal Border

Today, drive about 25 km to Gyirong Port at China-Nepal border. Tour ends! The rest of today is free on your own to transfer to Kathmandu or other destinations in Nepal. Kathmandu is only about 160 km from Gyirong Port, but remind the road condition is not as good as Tibet roads. It usually takes more than 6 hours to drive to Kathmandu from Gyirong Port because the road is narrow and bumpy, and buddy in rainy season.

Price & Service Guide

The quotation for this trip is $1,058 per person

1. This price is based on a group of 2 adult travelers who will take our private tour and share one standard rooms in regular local 4-star hotel in lower seasons.

2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate. If you want a lower price, you can get more people to join you, or use economy class hotels.

3. This price is only valid to March 31, 2025.

4. Reference exchange rate of USD 1= RMB 6.85. The final quotation will be adjusted according to the latest real-time exchange rate.

What's included in this price?

  • Private professional English-speaking local tour guide.
  • A comfortable vehicle with a private driver.
  • Airport (or train) pick up and drop off.
  • All necessary Tibet travel permits, including Tibet Entry Permit, Alien Travel Permit, Border Pass.
  • All accommodations listed in the itinerary, based on double-occupancy. Comfortable class hotels in Lhasa and Shigatse, guesthouse or tent in Mount Everest and Gyirong.
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary. (“B” for breakfast; “L” for lunch; “D” for dinner.)
  • Admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary.
  • Service Charge (the planning, handling, operational and communication charges) & government taxes.

What's excluded in this price?

  • China visa, all air tickets and train tickets to and from Tibet.
  • Sightseeing not listed in the itinerary.
  • Meals not listed in the itinerary (all lunches and dinners).
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, drink, fax, telephone call, optional tour activities, etc.
  • Gratuities, tips to guides, drivers, bellboys, etc.

Value for money:

While the trip of a lifetime is priceless, we know value is a vital aspect for those deciding which tour to choose.

When comparing tour prices, be sure to compare like to like. Our tours are designed to ensure that our customers experience all the culture, history, and beauty that Tibet has to offer, and at a reasonable price.

A great way to enjoy the lowest possible price is to invite more people to join your trip to share the travel experience as well as the tour expense. The more people in a group, the lower the price per person. (We recommend you join our group tour if you are traveling alone. Please contact our travel consultant for more information)

Booking early is also an easy way to ensure the best rate! We highly recommend you contact us at least 1 month before your planned departure date.

Reviews of Our Customers

Still not know us well? Read what other travelers are sharing about their Tibet trip with Tibet Discovery (We only accept reviews from confirmed travelers who took our tours / activities, so you can surely rely on the reviews)

Thank you Wonder,

A wonderful trip, giving me a great impression of Chengdu and Chongqing, thanks to the professional guide by Ellen and David.

Jesús

 February 18, 2024
Thank you very much Mr Leo Li,

we were pleasantly satisfied with the service provided by you.

Pablo was very empathetic and adjusted to our needs, particularly in the speed at which we could walk. His Spanish very good. The van and driver also ok.

The sites visited were wounderful and the time spent in them was well balance.

EVERYTHING OK, thank you and greetings from Mexico.

Jesús

 December 20, 2023
Hi Tracy,

We had a great holiday. Thanks for organizing it. Tashi was an excellent guide and took good care of us. Here is the feedback form.

Akhilesh

 November 28, 2023
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Useful Trip Notes

  • 1. Tibet Permits Guaranteed
    To travel in Tibet, all Non-Chinese passport holders need to have a Tibet Travel Permit which is issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau in Lhasa. And only Chinese travel agencies like Tibet Discovery can apply for the permit on behalf of tourists. You must obtain it before your tour starting because the permit will be checked when you board your flight/train to Tibet. Traveling with Tibet Discovery, you don't have to worry about the complicated procedures of Tibet Travel Permit application. All you have to do is to confirm a tour package with us and send us your passport and Chinese visa copies at least 15~20 days in advance before your tour, then we will take care of all the rest things. Once the permit is issued, we will deliver to your address in China, such as your hotel, local travel agency, etc.
  • 2. Available Months to Visit Tibet
    Generally speaking, April to October is the best time. July and August are the peak season and rainy season. It is usually snowy and cold in winter, which is not suitable for visit Mount Everest, Namtso and Mount Kailash regions. While other places such as Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse are suitable for travel all year around. The temperatures in daytime and night differs a lot, usually 5~15℃ in the daytime and -5~0℃ in the night, so please wear accordingly.
  • 3. High Altitude Sickness
    The average altitude of Tibet is about 4000 meters above the sea level (Lhasa: 3700m; EBC: 5200m; Namtso: 4718m). You may suffer a bit from High Altitude Sickness in the beginning days of your Tibet trip if you haven’t had rich high plateau travel experience. But don’t worry too much, the high altitude can be acclimatized usually in 2~3 days. Our suggestion is to take a physical examination and get suggestions from your doctor, and also bring some medicines to prevent from High Altitude Sickness before your trip. While in Tibet, you should keep warm all the time, avoid strenuous activities, drink more water and eat more vegetables and carbohydrates. You’d better not take showers during the first two days after your arrival in Tibet. If you don’t feel well, get help from your tour guide or go to the hospital without any delay.
  • 4. How to Go to Tibet
    Basically you have two options – flight and train. Currently, you can take a flight to Lhasa from Beijing(4.5hrs), Xian(3.7hrs), Chengdu(2.5hrs), Chongqing(3hrs), Kunming(3hrs), Kathmandu (1.5hrs), etc. Among all these cities, Chengdu and Xian have more frequent flights to Lhasa.
    If you prefer a train travel, you can take a train to Tibet from Beijing(40.5hrs), Xian(32hrs), Chengdu(43hrs), Shanghai(47hrs), Chongqing(42hrs), Lanzhou(25hrs), Xining(22hrs), Guangzhou(54hrs).
  • 5. Packing and Wearing Ideas
    Firstly you can’t forget your passport and Chinese Visa. A large backpack and a smaller one are recommended (the smaller one can be used for daily activities). Also bring necessary medicine you need. Other stuffs like sunglasses, snow glasses, hats, lip balm, sun block are recommended.
    As for wearing, you are suggested to dress in layers (both thin and thick jackets). Down jacket is necessary in Spring and Autumn. A pair of durable and comfortable shoes is necessary.

Other Recommended Tour Packages

Tibet has too much to offer and our aim is to bring you the best experience in Tibet. Following are some other recommended Tibet tour packages that you may be interested in. All of our Tibet tour packages are customizable to meet your personal requirements. You can also contact us to customize a trip if you want.

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  • TD-LEK-07
  • 7 Days Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour via Mount Everest
  • Lhasa / Gyantse / Shigatse / Mount Everest / Gyirong
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