Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
Meet and greet by Hiking Friends Travel Nepal team
Transfer to hotel and trip briefing
Free time for rest or explore Thamel
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Tibet Overland Buddhist Tour (Kathmandu – Kyirong – Lhasa – Kathmandu)
12Days
Overview
This 10-day Tibet Overland Group Tour is a classic Himalayan journey that connects Nepal and Tibet through the Kyirong border and continues across the vast Tibetan plateau to the spiritual heart of Lhasa. It is designed for travelers who want a balanced mix of culture, nature, and high-altitude adventure in a well-organized group setting.
The journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to the Kyirong border, where travelers officially enter Tibet after completing immigration formalities. From here, the landscape gradually transforms into wide open plateaus, snow-capped peaks, and traditional Tibetan settlements as the route heads toward Shigatse, Gyantse, and Tsetang before reaching Lhasa.
Along the way, travelers experience some of Tibet’s most iconic highlights, including Tashilhunpo Monastery, Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, Samye Monastery, and Yumbulakang Palace. The tour continues in Lhasa with visits to the legendary Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, and Ganden Monastery.
This itinerary is carefully planned for gradual acclimatization, cultural immersion, and comfortable travel across high-altitude terrain. The return journey follows the same scenic route back to Kyirong, before exiting Tibet and returning to Nepal.
Operated by Hiking Friends Travel Nepal, this group tour is ideal for travelers looking for a safe, guided, and memorable Tibet experience with full logistical support from Kathmandu to Lhasa and back.
Highlights
- Scenic Kathmandu to Kyirong overland entry into Tibet
- Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier & Brahmaputra River views
- Potala Palace & Jokhang Temple in Lhasa
- Ancient monasteries: Samye, Drepung, Sera & Ganden
- Fully guided cultural and scenic Tibetan journey
- Small group experience with professional support
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Scenic drive from Kathmandu to Kyirong (Nepal–Tibet border)
Complete immigration and customs formalities
Meet Tibetan guide and drive into Tibet
Acclimatization at Kyirong (approx. 2,700m altitude)
Drive across the vast Tibetan Plateau (470 km / 8–9 hrs)
Cross high mountain passes and remote Himalayan landscapes
Arrival in Shigatse, second-largest city in Tibet
Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, seat of the Panchen Lama
Drive to historic Gyantse town (90 km / 1–2 hrs)
Explore Kumbum Stupa & Palchoe Monastery
Scenic drive along Yamdrok Yumtso Lake
Stop at Karola Glacier viewpoint
Visit Ralung Monastery
Continue to Tsetang, cradle of Tibetan civilization
Visit Yumbulakang Palace, Tibet’s oldest structure
Explore Samye Monastery, first monastery in Tibet
Drive along Brahmaputra River to Lhasa
Potala Palace (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Jokhang Temple – spiritual heart of Tibet
Barkhor Street pilgrimage and local market
Drepung Monastery – once the largest monastery in the world
Sera Monastery – famous monk debate sessions
Full-day trip to Ganden Monastery
Optional kora (pilgrimage walk) with Himalayan views
Return to Lhasa
Long scenic drive back to Kyirong (approx. 8–10 hrs)
Relax and prepare for border crossing
Morning transfer to Kyirong border
Complete exit formalities
Drive back towards Kathmandu region / transfer to hotel
Airport drop-off for international flight
End of Tibet Overland Tour from Kathmandu
Gear List
Essential Documents
- Passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Chinese Visa & Tibet Travel Permit
- Travel insurance copy
- Passport-size photos
- Travel documents
- Copies of important documents
Clothing
Base Layers
- Thermal tops and bottoms
- Quick-dry T-shirts
- Comfortable innerwear
- Lightweight trekking pants
Warm Layers
- Fleece jacket or hoodie
- Warm sweater
- Down jacket or insulated jacket
Outer Layer
- Windproof and waterproof jacket
- Raincoat or poncho
- Comfortable travel pants
Accessories
- Warm hat / beanie
- Sun hat or cap
- Gloves
- Buff or scarf
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Warm socks (4–5 pairs)
Layered clothing is highly recommended because temperatures in Tibet can change quickly between day and night.
Footwear
- Comfortable walking or trekking shoes
- Lightweight sandals or slippers
- Extra casual shoes (optional)
Daypack & Bags
- Small daypack (20–30L)
- Duffel bag or suitcase
- Waterproof bag cover
- Small waist pouch for passport and money
Personal Care & Toiletries
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Soap & shampoo
- Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Lip balm
- Moisturizer
- Wet wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper/tissues
- Quick-dry towel
The dry climate and strong UV radiation in Tibet make sunscreen, lip balm, and moisturizer especially important.
Medicines & Health Items
- Personal medications
- Basic first-aid kit
- Altitude sickness medicine (consult your doctor)
- Pain reliever
- Cold and flu medicine
- Motion sickness tablets
- Water purification tablets (optional)
Electronics
- Mobile phone
- Camera
- Power bank
- Universal travel adapter
- Charging cables
- Extra batteries or memory cards
Useful Extras
- Reusable water bottle or thermos
- Snacks and energy bars
- Notebook and pen
- Earplugs
- Small umbrella
- Prayer items if needed for pilgrimage
Important Tips
- Pack modest clothing for monastery visits.
- Avoid overpacking because luggage space can be limited during overland drives.
- Keep essential medicines and warm layers in your daypack.
- Drink plenty of water to help with altitude acclimatization.
- Weather in Tibet can change rapidly, especially near mountain passes and lakes.
Cost Details
What's Included
- Accommodations twin sharing, breakfast included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- All domestic transportation as per itinerary
- All meals during the tour
- All the required Permit charges
- China Visa
- English speaking tibetan guide
- Government taxes and service charges
- guided tour with all entrance charges
- Oxygen tank & bottled mineral water in Tibet
- Tourist accident/casualty insurance in Tibet
Not Included
- Any extra costs due to delays, natural disasters, or unforeseen circumstances
- Drinks, snacks, hot showers, and Wi-Fi during the trip if applicable
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- Meals and extra night accommodation in the cities(except breakfast)
- Nepal visa fee on arrival(15 days: USD 30, 30 days: USD 50, 90 days: USD 125).
- Personal equipment (sleeping bag, warm clothes trekking poles, suitable shoes etc.)
- Tips for the guide, porter, and driver are not included (recommended: USD 8–20 per day, depending on your satisfaction with the service).
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. A Tibet Travel Permit is required in addition to a China visa. It is arranged by us after booking.
You enter through the Kyirong (Gyirong) border after a scenic drive from Kathmandu, then continue overland into Tibet with our guide.
Yes. This is a moderate overland journey, but proper acclimatization is included to help adjust to high altitude.
The best season is April to October when weather conditions are stable and roads are open.
You stay in comfortable standard hotels in Kyirong, Shigatse, Gyantse, Tsetang, and Lhasa, with basic to good facilities depending on location.
Trip Map
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