08 Days Tibet Overland Tour (Drive In, Drive Out)

Go Nepal, Kathmandu Nepal

  • 8 days
  • Treking & Hiking
  • Any

$1450 / Per Person

Package Details

Overview:

Experience the breathtaking beauty and cultural richness of Tibet with this 8-day overland tour starting and ending in Kathmandu, Nepal. This journey takes you through some of the most iconic and historic sites of Tibet, offering a unique blend of scenic drives, high-altitude adventure, and profound spiritual experiences.

Highlights:

  • Day 1: Begin with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to the Kerung Border, crossing into Tibet.
  • Day 2: Traverse the world's highest plateau en route to Shigatse, experiencing the majestic Tibetan landscape and crossing the Gyatchu La Pass.
  • Day 3: Explore the Panchen Lama's Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, visit the Kumbum Stupa and Phalkor Monastery in Gyantse, and enjoy views of the stunning Yamdrok-Tso Lake.
  • Days 4-5: Spend two days in Lhasa, the spiritual heart of Tibet, visiting the Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Bazaar, Potala Palace, and the Drepung and Sera Monasteries.
  • Day 6: Journey to Tingri, enjoying the dramatic landscapes along the way.
  • Day 7: Travel from Tingri to Kyirung, further immersing yourself in the serene Tibetan environment.
  • Day 8: Return to Kathmandu, concluding the tour with a drive back across the border.

Detail Itineries

Day 1 : Kathmandu (1300m) - Kerung Border (145 km, 6-7 hours drive)

Early in the morning, enjoy a scenic drive to the Kerung Border (Nepal-Tibet Border). After completing the necessary border formalities at Nepalese and Chinese immigration, continue driving to Kerung. Stay overnight at a hotel.

Day 2 : Kerung - Tingri (4300m) - Shigatse (390 km)

Drive uphill to the highest plateau in the world, with typical views of the Tibetan landscape, offering a sheer feeling of standing on the roof of the world. Continue the scenic drive, crossing over Gyatchu La (5220m), the highest pass en route to Lhasa via Lhatse, from where a road to Mt Kailash bifurcates to the west. Stay overnight at a hotel.

Day 3 : Shigatse - Lhasa via Gyantse (3650m, 260 km)

Morning sightseeing at the Panchen Lama's Tashilhunpo Monastery. Drive to Gyantse and visit the Kumbum Stupa and Phalkor Monastery. Then enjoy a full day of picturesque driving, crossing over Karola (5010m) and Kambala (4749m), and seeing the colorful Yamdrok-Tso Lake. Stay overnight at Hotel Yak.

Day 4 : Sightseeing in Lhasa

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama, which stands majestically atop Marpo Ri Hill. The palace is renowned for its intricate architecture, historic artifacts, and breathtaking views of Lhasa. Afterward, head to Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism, where pilgrims from all over Tibet come to pay their respects. The temple's golden roof and vibrant murals provide a deep insight into Tibetan culture and religion. Spend some time exploring Barkhor Bazaar, a lively market encircling the Jokhang Temple, where you can experience the local lifestyle, shop for unique Tibetan handicrafts, and savor local delicacies. Stay overnight at a hotel.

Day 5 : Sightseeing in Lhasa

Continue your exploration of Lhasa with visits to two of its most significant monasteries. Begin with Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in the world and a center of Tibetan Buddhist learning. Wander through its vast complex of temples, halls, and courtyards, and learn about its rich history and spiritual significance. In the afternoon, visit Sera Monastery, famous for its monk debates on Buddhist doctrines, a unique and lively tradition held in the monastery’s courtyards. Observe the monks engaged in animated discussions and explore the monastery's impressive chapels and assembly halls. Stay overnight at a hotel.

Day 6 : Lhasa - Xegar/Tingri (4200m, 494 km)

After breakfast, embark on a long drive to Xegar (also known as Tingri), passing through some of the most dramatic and remote landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau. The drive takes you through vast, open spaces with towering mountains in the distance, providing numerous photo opportunities. You will cross several high mountain passes, including the Gyatso La Pass (5220m), offering panoramic views of the Himalayas. Xegar is a small town that serves as a gateway to Mount Everest. Stay overnight at a guest house in Xegar.

Day 7 : Xegar to Kyirung (2770m)

After breakfast, continue your journey towards Kyirung. The drive will take you through beautiful, rugged terrain, descending from the high-altitude Tibetan plateau towards the lush, green valleys near the Nepal border. En route, you might pass through small villages and see nomadic herders with their yaks. Kyirung, also known as Gyirong, is a town close to the Nepal border with a mild climate and scenic beauty. Stay overnight at a hotel in Kyirung.

Day 8 : Kyirung to Kerung Border to Kathmandu (395 km)

Early in the morning, drive to the Kerung Border. After completing the necessary border formalities, cross back into Nepal. Continue driving towards Kathmandu, enjoying the changing landscapes as you descend from the Tibetan plateau into the lush valleys of Nepal. Arrive in Kathmandu by late afternoon or early evening. End of service.

Includes/Excludes

Inclusions:

  • Private transportation by van/minibus
  • Necessary Tibet travel permit
  • English-speaking Tibetan guide
  • Accommodation on a twin-sharing room basis
  • Sightseeing and monastery entrance fees as per the itinerary
  • Daily breakfast
  • Kathmandu to Kerung transfer by jeep


Exclusions:

  • Lunch and dinner
  • Insurance of any kind
  • Personal expenses (drinks, tips, etc.)
  • Additional costs due to natural calamities and unforeseen circumstances

Useful Information

Required Documents:

  • Passport copy (submit at least 20 days in advance)
  • Original passport (required in Kathmandu)
  • Passport size photo (white background, front face, no eyeglasses, no smiling)
  • Completed visa application form

Visa Processing:

  • Minimum group size: 4 people
  • Processing time: 3-4 official working days (Monday to Friday)
  • Submission of the original passport in Kathmandu

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