Offering a unique mystery and allure, the Buddhist Kingdom of Tibet has long captured the hearts and minds of the western world. Our Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour covers a vast tract of this ancient land, crossing spectacular passes, through unforgettable landscapes and heading right into the spiritual heart of the country; Lhasa. Over ten days, our tour manages to take in a little bit of everything of the attractions this country has to offer.

The drive from Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour via Everest Base Camp takes seven days over the ‘Friendship Highway’; along the way stopping at quietly enchanting Buddhist monasteries  like Sakya, Shalu , Natang and remote villages untouched by modern civilization. A generous one night will be spent at Ronbuk, time to take in some unforgettable views of the highest mountain on the planet. The road also passes through quiet Nyalam, the historical Shigatse and Gyantse, famed for the Gyantse Kumbum. And that’s all before the road even comes into Lhasa itself; the spiritual heart of this country. For centuries the home of the Dalai Lamas and the target of devout pilgrimages, you could spend happy weeks lost in Lhasa’s historical and spiritual treasures. Which is convenient as the tour finished after a day tour of the capital that’s exactly what you’re free to do. Become one of the lucky few to have experienced first-hand the spiritual energy and sheer beauty of this amazing country.

Trip Itinerary :

Day 01 Kathmandu to Nyalam -3,750m (12,300ft)-162Kms. Early morning drive (Approx. 5 hours) from Kathmandu to Kodari (1,873m/6,140ft). After completing immigration and custom formalities drive up hill to Zhangmu (2,300m/75,44ft). This is Tibetan border town. The Tibetan Guide will meet the Group on arrival at the check post and we drive further road climbs and climbs to Nyalam for overnight. On the way you will see fantastic view of deep valley with some overflowing waterfalls.
Day 02 Nyalam to Lotingri/old Tingri (4050m) -147 Kms. Drive (Approx. 5-6 hours) to Tingri crossing two spectacular passes. Nyalam pass (3800m) and Lalung La pass (5082m). This drive provides fabulous view of the high mountains including, Mount Everest (8848m) Jugal Himal, Mt. Makalu (8464m) and more. Overnight in Lotingri/old Tingri.
Day 03 Lotingri/old Tingri to Ronbuk (5050m/16564ft) – 105 Kms – visit Everest Base Camp (5,250m/17,220ft). After breakfast easy and short drive to Rongbuk. Rongbuk monastery first, it is the highest monastery in Tibet. enjoy the unique view of Mt. Everest (Mount Quomolangma),you can have a face to face experience of Mt. Everest, afternoon drive to Base Camp by lcoal bus, walk (16 kms round trip)around base camp. evening time back to Ronbuk.The base camp itself is dry and barren, but the views of Everest more than compensate for this. It is a truly awe-inspiring place with the sheer north face of the highest mountain in the world towering above you. Overnight in Rongbuk.
Day 04 Ronbuk to Xegar to Lhatse (4050 M)- 245 Kms. Morning enjoy the sunrise of Mt Everest and vist Rongbuk monastery first and it is the highest monastery in Tibet, then drive down to Lhatse via Xegar. Today we cross the highest pass on our journey, the Gyamtso La [5220m]. From here we descend to the plains, passing lonely monasteries and the camps of nomadic herders,Shortly after leaving Shegar, we turn off the Friendship Highway and head south over the Pang La [5150m] towards the main Himalayan range. The view from the top is incredible with uninterrupted views stretching from Makalu to Shishapangma. Below the pass, Everest initially is hidden from view, but as we turn the corner into the Rongbuk Valley it reappears, more impressive than ever.Overnight in Lhatse.
Day 05 Lhatse to Sakya & Natang Monastery to Shigatse (3900m)- 185 Kms. Morning drive to Sakya (30 Kms), visit famous Sakya Monastery. This is the ancestral temple of Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It was built in the 6thyear (1073) of the Xining reign of the Song Dynasty (960-1279) by Khon Konchog Gyalpo, the founder of Sakyapa sect of Lamaism. Sakya, meaning “Grey Soil” in Tibetan since the soil surrounding it is gray; it is the central monastery of Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. In the Yuan Dynasty, the fifth Sakya Throne Holder, Drogon Chogyal Phakpa, known as Phakpa, was appointed as the National Priest by Yuan Emperor Shizu. He took charge of the Buddhist and executive affairs of Tibet and initiated the history of monk’s reign in Tibet. In the 2ndyear (1265) of the Zhiyuan reign of the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), Phakpa returned to the Sakya Monastery. Three years later, with the subsidy of Yuan government, the Sakya Monastery commanded a great number of Han, Mongolian and Tibetan craftsmen to rebuild the Sakya Monastery. It became the political center of Tibet at that time. At the end of the Yuan Dynasty, the Sakya Monastery’s position was replaced by Kagyu sect. Sakyapa sect only retained its religious and political power in Sakya region. As a result, the Sakya Monastery gradually declined and fell into disuse.

After lunch, we drive to Natang Monastery, The Natang Monastery in Xigaze is one of the survivors. At its peak of prominence, the monastery had a population of some 3,000 monks and 13 sutra hall. Its sutra printing house was the oldest of the three major ones in the Tibetan -inhabited areas. It boasts a huge collection of Tibetan printing blocks and hand-copied Buddhist scriptures. Tripitaka engraved and printed in 1732 and 1742 were the oldest of their kind. Gangyur of the Tripitaka is legendarily the only authentic edition of the Gelug Sect. Evening time, we arrive in Xigatse, the second biggest city in Tibet.
Day 06 Shigatse to Gyantse via Shalu Monastery (3950m)-90kms. In the morning visit the Tashilunpo Monastery and the free bazaar of Xigaste. After lunch embark on a pleasant 2 hours drive to Gyantse. Here you visit the Khumbum Stupa and Phalkot Monastery.En route you visit Shaulu Moanstery. Shalu Monastery is located 20 kilometers southeast of Xigaze. It was first built in 1087. It demonstrates a combination of the Tibet and Han architectural styles. It is famous for its sandalwood slips carved with Buddhist scripture and a jar for filling sacred water. It is said that for years the water does not decrease or deteriorate. The murals in the monastery are rich in contents and excellent in workmanship and are one of the rare fine arts in Tibet.Overnight in Gyantse.
Day 07 Gyantse to Lhasa (3650m)-259kms. The drive to Lhasa takes 08 hours, crossing 2 passes The Karo La (5010m) and Kamba La (4794m) pass and lake Yamdrok Tso(Turquoise Lake). You will cross the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahamaputra) river and see the distant views of the Potala Palace. O/nt. in Lhasa.
Day 08 Lhasa Sightseeing Tour. Foremost, our tour begins with a visit to Sera Monastery. An experienced tour guide also working as an interpreter escorts we to this preserved monastery of white-washed walls and golden roofs. Equally adventurous and exciting tempo builds up while touring Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. Jokhang Temple is another important sacred site which unravels more deep seated mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism. Visit to Barkhor Market can be quite a change from other visits as we roam around the city savoring every tiny detail from stall hawkers coaxing their clients to purchase their goods to exhibition of Tibetan culture, custom and tradition. Eventually, the tour for the day concludes as you return to the comforts of your hotel.
Day 09 Lhasa Sightseeing Tour. Like the previous day, you experience invaluable insights during your visits to Potala Palace and Drepung Monastery. This 17th century Potala Palace offers an awesome view of entire city and also has private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand state rooms and chapels. Ancient history has it that Drepung Monastery which was built in 14th century used to shelter around 10,000 monks but as now there has been quite a declination resulting in only few hundreds. Tibetans’ respect and belief are immensely knotted with this monastery.
Day 10 Final departure from Lhasa or extend your Tour. From today you are free; so make your own itinerary or contact us to extend your trip. You are responsible for making all the necessary arrangements and return journey to Nepal or towards to mainland China. However, if you would like to fly out from Lhasa to Kathmandu or any other city of mainland China, we can manage the air or Train ticket in advance.

Note :- If above program itinerary that don’t suit to you and wish to modify above itinerary then please let us know and we’ll be happy to create a tailor made itinerary especially for you. It is also possible to combines above trip with Jungle safari, rafting, Mountain flight or with any travel plans, just shares your interested with us. We will design and arrange your holiday accordingly.

Price For The Trip: The total cost for the trek or tour you decide you want to do will depend on several different factors. The type of accommodation you prefer in Kathmandu will make a difference to the overall cost (budget to 5 star accommodations). The mode of transport you prefer will also affect the cost of your package, for example prices vary greatly between flying versus private car/van, tourist or local buses. The camping trek and teahouse trek made a difference in the cost. The number of guides and porters required will also affect the total cost of your trek. For these reasons, the same trek/tour can vary in price quite substantially.

Trip Cost Include :

  • Hotel, arrival/departure transfer.
  • All necessary Tibet travel permits.
  • Everest National Park admission fee and Grass dame charge.
  • Getting Chinese visa and Tibet Travel permit.
  • Kathmandu – Tibet boarder (Zhang-Mu) transportation by comfortable vehicle.
  • Zhang-Mu – Everest Base Camp – Lhasa transfer by non AC Land Cruiser (4WD Toyota).
  • Accommodation in Tibet on twin sharing basis (except in Nyalam) with breakfast.
  • English speaking Tibetan guide.
  • All fees for sightseeing and Monasteries as outlined in the itinerary.
  • All applicable taxes and service charges.

Trip Cost Does Not Include.

  • Accommodation in KathmanduChinese visa fee {US$ 175 for the US nationals and US$ 85 for other nationals (visa fee is subject to change without prior notice}.
  • International flights to Kathmandu and out of Lhasa.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Meals other than breakfast in Tibet.
  • Tips for guides and driver.
  • Nepal visa.