The Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour, 8 Days Across the Himalaya is a 8-day trip in Kathmandu, overland via Kerung border to Lhasa, Tibet, rated easy to moderate, altitude is the main factor difficulty, reaching a maximum elevation of Gyatso La pass, approximately 5,220m by vehicle. The best time to do this trip is April to October. The package includes group sizes of 2 to 12 people, hotels in kathmandu, kerung, shigatse, and lhasa accommodation, breakfast included, some meals as specified.
| Country | Kathmandu, overland via Kerung border to Lhasa, Tibet |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate, altitude is the main factor |
| Max Elevation | Gyatso La pass, approximately 5,220m by vehicle |
| Duration | 8 |
| Best Time | April to October |
| Meals | Breakfast included, some meals as specified |
| Accommodation | Hotels in Kathmandu, Kerung, Shigatse, and Lhasa |
| Group Size | 2 to 12 people |
This 8-day tour crosses overland from Kathmandu into Tibet via the Kerung border, combining Nepal and Tibet into a single trip that highlights the contrast between Kathmandu Valley's dense Newari Buddhist and Hindu heritage and Lhasa's vast, high plateau Tibetan Buddhist tradition. After crossing the border, the route continues through Shigatse, home to Tashilhunpo Monastery, before reaching Lhasa and the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor pilgrimage circuit. Because this trip requires a Tibet Travel Permit obtainable only through a registered agency and a mandatory local guide, all logistics are arranged as part of the package. Given the altitude gain involved, from Kathmandu's roughly 1,400m to Lhasa's 3,650m and passes above 5,000m along the way, a period of acclimatization is built into the itinerary.
This 8-day overland journey crosses from Nepal into Tibet via the Kerung border, climbing over the 5,220 metre Gyatso La pass by vehicle en route to Lhasa, the historic heart of Tibetan Buddhism. It offers a dramatic land-based alternative to flying directly into Lhasa, taking in the Tibetan plateau's stark scenery along the way.
This tour suits travellers wanting to experience the dramatic transition from Nepal's hills to the high Tibetan plateau, with altitude rather than physical exertion being the main factor to manage. It is a good fit for those interested in Tibetan Buddhist culture and comfortable with a long vehicle journey at high altitude.
| Tour | Duration | Countries | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu-Lhasa Overland | 8 days | Nepal, Tibet | Overland Tibetan plateau journey |
| Nepal-Bhutan-Tibet Grand Tour | 18 days | Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet | Full three-kingdom cultural tour |
The Kathmandu-Lhasa Overland Tour focuses specifically on the dramatic Nepal-to-Tibet land journey, while the Grand Tour combines all three Himalayan kingdoms into one extended cultural itinerary.
View Himalaya's Kathmandu-Lhasa Overland Tour starts from USD 1,850 per person, including Tibet travel permits, overland transport, hotel accommodation, and guide. Contact View Himalaya for current rates and seasonal availability.
Could not have asked for a smoother experience. Having such an experienced guide made a huge difference, especially at altitude. A particular highlight for us was tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse. Highly recommend View Himalaya to anyone considering this trip.
Truly one of the highlights of our travels in Asia. The support crew were fantastic throughout, always checking in on us. A particular highlight for us was tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse. Would recommend this to friends and family without any reservation.
Exceeded all our expectations in every way. Our guide went above and beyond to make sure everyone in the group was comfortable. A particular highlight for us was crossing the Nepal-Tibet border overland at Kerung. Booking through View Himalaya made all the logistics completely stress-free.
An unforgettable experience from start to finish. The guide's local knowledge added so much depth to the trip. A particular highlight for us was the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple in Lhasa. If you're considering this trip, just book it - you won't regret it.