Tibet Overland Tour

Tibet Overland Tour – Kathmandu to Lhasa Adventure

Experience one of the most iconic Himalayan journeys with our Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour via Kerung Border. This classic overland route connects Nepal and Tibet through the scenic Kerung (Gyirong) border, offering travelers an unforgettable blend of adventure, culture, spirituality, and dramatic landscapes. Traveling from the lush valleys of Kathmandu to the vast Tibetan Plateau, this journey is often described as the most spectacular way to reach Lhasa.

The overland tour is ideal for travelers seeking a slow, immersive transition to high altitude, allowing proper acclimatization while enjoying panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, deep river gorges, turquoise lakes, and traditional Tibetan villages along the way.

Why Choose the Kathmandu–Lhasa Overland Route.

The Kerung border route is currently the most popular and reliable land entry into Tibet from Nepal. Compared to flights, the overland journey provides a richer travel experience and better altitude adjustment.

This Tibet Overland Package Tour starts from Kathmandu (Capital city of Nepal) via kerung border and ends in Lhasa (capital city of Tibet). It is one of the most famous package tour of Tibet. You can either do a private tour or group joining budget tour for this package trip. Those who want to do a group joining tour can join a group tour here in Kathmandu. This is a 8 days tour. All the interested travellers need to arrive in Kathmandu at least 2 days before to travel to Tibet.

Key Advantages:

Gradual ascent for safer acclimatization.

Scenic drive across the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau.

Views of Langtang, Shishapangma, and surrounding peaks.

Authentic encounters with Tibetan culture and lifestyle.

Excellent photography opportunities throughout the route.

Major Highlights of Tibet Overland Tour

Kerung Valley (Gyirong): A beautiful green valley known as the “gateway to Tibet”.

Xigatse (Shigatse): Visit the famous Tashilhunpo Monastery, seat of the Panchen Lama.

Gyantse: Explore Pelkor Chode Monastery and the iconic Kumbum Stupa.

Yamdrok Tso Lake: One of Tibet’s most sacred and stunning turquoise lakes.

Lhasa City: Discover Tibet’s spiritual heart with visits to Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery, and Drepung Monastery.

Oveviews

General Facts of Tibet Overland Tour:
Starting: Kathmandu.
Ending: Lhasa.
Trip Days: 09 Days.
Kathmandu Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel (Can be upgraded as per need).
Tibet Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel (Can be upgraded as per need).
Maximum Altitude: Karo-la Pass(5045m).
City Transportation: Car, Van, Hiace, jeep or bus as per group Size.
Season : Round th year.
Group Size: Minimum 02.
Tour Code: TOT 09.

Tibet Overland Tour Summary:

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival.

Day 02: Chinese Visa Preparation.

Day 03: Drive Kathmandu - Kerung.

Day 04: Drive Kerung - Xigatse.

Day 05: Drive Xigatse - Gyantse.

Day 06: Drive Gyantse - Lhasa.

Day 07: Lhasa Sightseeing.

Day 08: Lhasa Sightseeing.

Day 09: Departure.

Risk & Liability:
We always effort to make your journey smooth and pleasant. However as all the Tibet tours and treks are run strictly under Tibet Tourism Bureau. Our agency or it's Tibet counterpart agent shall not be responsible for any alternation or cancellation of program due to any unavoidable circumstances beyond control such as road blockade, landslide, snow, political unrest cancellation of flight, delay arrival, sickness or accident. Any extra cost incurring there of shall be borne by the clients. Since Tibet is very remote place and road are very rough sometime good vehicle may break.

We highly advised to the clients to have full insurance against trip cancellation, medical and personal accident risk.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival.
We will pick you up from international airport when you arive in Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel. Free and relax. Overnight at Kathmandu.

Day 02: Chinese Visa Preparation day.
We will submit all your identification details at chinese embassy in Kathmandu for a chinese group visa. Overnight at Kathmandu.

Day 03: Drive Kathmandu - Kerung.
Wake up early in the morning have breakfast and get ready to drive to Kerung. It is around 07 hours drive via Pasang Lhamu highway to Kerung bridge. It is around 155km, you reach Tibet border (China / Nepal Border). After completion of immigration formalities at the border, we will enter to the Chinese Autonomous Region. We cross the Bridge at the border & enter Tibet. We will be staying at the hotel/guest house nearby Kerung border. Overnight at Kerung.

Day 04: Drive Kerung - Xigatse.
We wake up in the morning have breakfast and begin our day drive. We drive from Kerung to Xigatse. It is around 480 kilometers drive. Xigatse is the tibet's second-largest city, lying near the union of the Nyang Chu and the Tsang Po, on the main route between Gyantse and West Tibet. It is the place of famous Tashilumpo Monastery. Overnight at Xigatse.

Day 06: Drive Xigatse - Gyantse.
In Xigatse, we visit Tashilumpo Monastery, one of the four great Gelug monasteries renowned as the seat of the Panchen Lama until his death in 1989. After visiting Tashilunpo Monastery in the morning including the Bazaar of Xigatse, We drive to the capital of the small kingdom in 15th century. Gyantse. Visit Gyantse Kumbum (the highest Chorten in Tibet) & Pelkor Chode Monastery founded in 1418. Overnight at Gyantse.

Day 07: Drive Gyantse - Lhasa.
Drive to Lhasa, crossing the Karo-la Pass(5045m), we pass by the Yamdrok Tso, the turquoise lake & one of the four holy lakes in Tibet. Then after passing the Kamba-la Pass(4794m), we find ourselves close to theLhasa Valley. After crossing the Brahmaputra River, we reach Lhasa, our final destination. Lhasa lies in the Kyichu river valley at 3,595m and is dominated by the magnificent Potala Palace, built in the 17th century by the Great Fifth Dalai Lama. The accompanied guide will reconfirm your onward airline ticket. Overnight at Lhasa.

Day 08: Lhasa Sightseeing.
We will have breakfast and begin our sightseeing tour of Lhasa city. Visit: Potala Palace, Sera Monastery and Norbulinka the Summer Palace.Overnight at Lhasa.

Day 09: Lhasa Sightseeing.
Today sightseeing tour of Lhasa continue with Visit to Drepung Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor street.Overnight at Lhasa.

Day 10: Departure.
Transfer to Gongar airport to fly back to your onward destination.

Include & Exclude

Cost includes:
Airport pickup in Kathmandu by non a/c car.
Transportation from Kathmandu to Tibet border by jeep and Tibet part by Van.
English speaking guide.
Monastery entrance fee and all necessary travel permit.
2 Nights in Kathmandu on 3 star standard hotel.
Chinese Visa fees.
Accommodation in Tibet part in 3 star standard hotel.
Daily breakfast.

Cost Excludes:
Lunch and Dinner throughout the trip as per itinerary.
International Airfare or train fare.
Personal beverages, Photography charges.
Insurance of the clients.
Tips for staff.
Any cost which is beyond our package.

Gallery

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Best Time for Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour

The best seasons for this tour are:

April to June: Pleasant weather, clear skies, and excellent mountain views

September to October: Stable conditions and vibrant landscapes

July and August are possible but may experience occasional rain in Nepal.

Permits & Travel Requirements

Tibet Travel Permit (mandatory for all foreign travelers)

China Group Visa processed in Kathmandu

All permits and border formalities are arranged by the tour operator

Travelers must enter and exit Tibet as part of an organized tour with a licensed Tibetan guide.

Why Travel with Yatra Nepal

With Yatra Nepal, your Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour is handled by experienced professionals who ensure:

Seamless permit and visa processing

Comfortable overland transportation

Knowledgeable English-speaking Tibetan guides

Well-selected accommodations

Fixed departures and private tour options

We focus on safety, cultural respect, and memorable travel experiences.

Book Your Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour Today

Join this legendary overland journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa via Kerung Border and explore the heart of Tibet at a relaxed pace. Contact us today for fixed departure dates, pricing, or a customized itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour via Kerung Border

Is the Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour via Kerung border open?

Yes, the Kerung (Gyirong) border is the main land entry point from Nepal to Tibet and is currently the most commonly used route for overland travel to Lhasa. Travel is subject to government regulations, which are handled by the tour operator.

Do I need a visa for the Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour?

Yes. All travelers require a China Group Visa and a Tibet Travel Permit. These documents must be arranged through a registered tour operator in Nepal. Individual Chinese visas are not accepted for Tibet entry from Nepal.

How many days does the Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour take?

The standard Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour usually takes 6 to 8 days, depending on the itinerary, acclimatization stops, and sightseeing plans in Lhasa.

Is altitude sickness a concern on this tour?

As the journey reaches high altitudes, including Lhasa (3,650m), mild altitude symptoms are possible. The overland route via Kerung allows gradual acclimatization, which significantly reduces the risk compared to flying directly to Lhasa.

What is the best time to do the Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour?

The best seasons are April to June and September to October, offering clear skies, pleasant weather, and excellent visibility. July and August are possible but may experience monsoon rain in Nepal.

Can I join a fixed departure or private tour?

Yes. This tour is available as both fixed departure group tours and private customized tours, depending on your travel style, group size, and preferred dates.

What are the main highlights of the tour?

Major highlights include the Kerung Valley, Yamdrok Tso Lake, Xigatse, Gyantse, and Lhasa’s iconic sites such as Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, and Drepung Monastery.

What type of accommodation is provided?

Accommodation typically includes standard to comfortable hotels during the overland journey and in Lhasa. Upgrades to higher-category hotels may be available upon request.

Is the tour suitable for senior travelers?

Yes, many senior travelers successfully complete this tour. However, a basic level of fitness and good health are recommended due to altitude and long driving hours.

What is included in the Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour package?

Most packages include transportation, accommodation, licensed Tibetan guide, all permits, sightseeing fees, and border transfers. Inclusions may vary by itinerary.

Can I customize the Kathmandu to Lhasa overland itinerary?

Yes. The itinerary can be customized to include extra acclimatization days, additional destinations, or flexible travel arrangements based on your needs.

Why book the Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour with Yatra Nepal?

Yatra Nepal offers expert permit handling, experienced guides, reliable overland transport, and well-planned itineraries, ensuring a safe, smooth, and memorable Tibet travel experience.

Is travel insurance required?

Yes, travel insurance covering high-altitude travel is highly recommended for all travelers joining the overland tour.