Call Us
Call Us
The journey begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Kodari, the Nepal-China border, and then onto Zhangmu. This initial five-hour drive is filled with spectacular views of the lush landscapes of Nepal, gradually giving way to the more rugged terrain of Tibet. As you pass through the bustling market centers of Khasa, you will witness the seamless blend of Nepali and Tibetan cultures. Upon arrival in Zhangmu, you will check into your hotel for the night, resting in preparation for the adventures ahead.
Today’s journey takes you from Zhangmu to Xegar, crossing the Nyalam Pass at 3,800 meters and the Lalungla Pass at 5,050 meters. This drive offers breathtaking views of the Bhotekosi River, deep valleys, and cascading waterfalls. The highlight of the day is the panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks, including Mount Xixapangma, Mount Makalu, Mount Everest, Mount Lhotse, and Mount Cho-Oyu. As you arrive in Xegar, you will settle into your hotel or guesthouse, reflecting on the awe-inspiring landscapes you have traversed.
The drive from Xegar to Xigatse introduces you to some of Tibet’s most significant cultural sites. In Xigatse, you will visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, a grand monastic complex founded in 1447 by Gendundrub, the first Dalai Lama. This monastery, with its towering statues and richly decorated chapels, offers a deep dive into Tibetan Buddhism. You will also visit the Sakya Monastery, known for its extensive library of spiritual books and artwork. After a day of exploration, you will spend the night in a hotel in Xigatse.
Today’s drive takes you to Gyantse, a town steeped in history and culture. Gyantse served as the capital of a small kingdom in the 15th century and retains a deeply Tibetan character. The highlights of Gyantse include the Palkhor Chode Monastery and the multi-chapel Kumbum Chorten, both of which contain extraordinary works of Tibetan art. You will explore these ancient religious monuments before spending the night in a hotel in Gyantse.
The journey from Gyantse to Lhasa takes you through the Karo-la Pass at 5,010 meters and the Khambala Pass at 4,794 meters. Along the way, you will witness the stunning Nozing Khang Sa and Ralung mountains, as well as the serene Yamdrok Tso Lake, also known as the Turquoise Lake. The drive also offers views of the Brahmaputra River and the ever-changing landscapes of Tibet. Upon arrival in Lhasa, you will check into your hotel, ready to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage.
These two days are dedicated to exploring the cultural and historical highlights of Lhasa. You will visit the iconic Potala Palace, the winter residence of the Dalai Lama and a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism. The Jokhang Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage site, offers insights into Tibet’s spiritual heart. You will also explore the bustling Barkhor Market, where you can experience the vibrant local culture. Additionally, visits to the Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery will deepen your understanding of Tibetan monastic life. Each evening, you will return to your hotel in Lhasa, reflecting on the rich history and culture you have experienced.
These two days are dedicated to exploring the cultural and historical highlights of Lhasa. You will visit the iconic Potala Palace, the winter residence of the Dalai Lama and a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism. The Jokhang Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage site, offers insights into Tibet’s spiritual heart. You will also explore the bustling Barkhor Market, where you can experience the vibrant local culture. Additionally, visits to the Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery will deepen your understanding of Tibetan monastic life. Each evening, you will return to your hotel in Lhasa, reflecting on the rich history and culture you have experienced.
On the final day, you will drive 96 kilometers from Lhasa to Gonggar Airport. The flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu offers spectacular views of the Himalayan peaks, including Mount Kanchenjunga, Mount Everest, and Mount Makalu, depending on the weather. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel, where you can relax and reflect on the unforgettable journey through Tibet.
The Lhasa Overland Tour is an adventure trip designed for travelers who are limited on time and budget but want to experience the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Tibet. This 7-night, 8-day journey offers an unforgettable overland route from Kathmandu to Lhasa, taking you through some of the most spectacular views of the Himalayas, high mountain passes, ancient monasteries, and fortresses, as well as a glimpse into a culture from a bygone era. The tour highlights some of the most significant cultural and historical sites in Tibet, making it an enriching experience for any traveler.
Starting from Kathmandu, Nepal, the tour takes you on an exhilarating drive across the Himalayas to Lhasa, Tibet. The Friendship Highway, which connects these two regions, offers some of the most stunning mountain views you will ever encounter. As you travel along this route, you will have the opportunity to visit various Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, explore the cultural highlights of Lhasa, Gyantse, and Shigatse, and interact with the ever-smiling Tibetan people, who are known for their unique lifestyle and hospitality.
The adventure begins with a five-hour drive from Kathmandu to the Nepal-China border at Kodari, followed by a drive to Zhangmu, the gateway to Tibet. Along the way, you will pass through a variety of landscapes, from lush valleys and rushing rivers to rugged mountain terrain. The Nepali and Tibetan market center of Khasa is also an interesting stop, where you can observe the local trade and interaction between the two cultures.
From Zhangmu, the journey continues to Xegar, a drive that takes you through the Nyalam and Lalungla passes, offering breathtaking views of the Bhotekosi River, deep valleys, and spectacular mountain scenery. On a clear day, you can see some of the highest peaks in the world, including Mt. Xixapangma, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, and Mt. Cho-Oyu. This part of the journey is a photographer’s dream, with countless opportunities to capture the majestic beauty of the Himalayas.
The next destination is Xigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet, known for its cultural and religious significance. Here, you will visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama’s nephew and disciple, Gendundrub. This monastic city is a grand complex that houses a massive statue of the future Buddha, along with numerous chapels, ancient scriptures, and exquisite art. The Sakya Monastery, another important religious site, offers a chance to explore its extensive library of spiritual books and admire its unique architecture and artworks.
From Xigatse, the tour takes you to Gyantse, a town that retains a deeply Tibetan character despite its historical significance. In the 15th century, Gyantse served as the capital of a small kingdom, and today it is home to the impressive Palkhor Chode Monastery and the Kumbum Stupa. These religious monuments are filled with extraordinary works of art and provide a glimpse into Tibet’s rich monastic tradition.
The journey from Gyantse to Lhasa is equally enchanting, as you drive through the Karo-la and Khambala passes. Along the way, you will see the beautiful Yamdrok Tso Lake, also known as the Turquoise Lake, and the Brahmaputra River. The scenic views of these natural wonders, combined with the backdrop of towering mountains, make for an unforgettable experience.
Once in Lhasa, the spiritual and cultural heart of Tibet, you will spend two days exploring its many attractions. The Potala Palace, perched on Marpo Ri Hill, is a must-visit site. This monumental structure, originally built in the 7th century and expanded by the 5th Dalai Lama in the 17th century, served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas and the seat of the Tibetan government for centuries. The palace’s chapels, prayer halls, and tombs house an incredible collection of Tibetan art, including murals, thangkas, and intricate wood carvings.
Another significant site in Lhasa is the Jokhang Temple, the most celebrated temple in Tibet. Built in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo, the temple is home to the revered statue of Jowo Shakyamuni and attracts pilgrims from all over Tibet. The nearby Barkhor Street is the oldest street in Lhasa and serves as a vibrant marketplace where you can experience traditional Tibetan life, shop for handicrafts, and observe the daily rituals of the locals.
During your stay in Lhasa, you will also visit the Drepung and Sera Monasteries, two of the three great monasteries of Tibet. Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in the world, was founded in 1416 and remains an important center of learning and spiritual practice. Sera Monastery is renowned for its lively debates among monks, which take place in the monastery’s courtyards and offer a fascinating glimpse into the intellectual and spiritual life of Tibetan monks.
Another highlight of the Lhasa tour is the Norbulingka, the “Jeweled Garden.” This palace complex was constructed in the 18th century as a summer residence for the Dalai Lama and later served as the governmental administration center. The gardens, palaces, and pavilions of Norbulingka provide a serene retreat from the bustling city and offer insight into the personal lives of the Dalai Lamas.
On the final day of the tour, you will drive from Lhasa to Gonggar Airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. This flight offers a final opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Everest, and Mt. Makalu, depending on the weather conditions.
The Lhasa Overland Tour is designed to provide a comprehensive and immersive experience of Tibet’s cultural and spiritual heritage. From the grandeur of the Potala Palace to the sacred atmosphere of the Jokhang Temple, from the intellectual debates at Sera Monastery to the tranquil gardens of Norbulingka, this tour offers a deep and meaningful exploration of Tibet’s most significant sites. Whether you are a pilgrim seeking spiritual enlightenment, a history enthusiast eager to learn about Tibet’s past, or a traveler in search of unique cultural experiences, the Lhasa Overland Tour promises to be a journey of discovery and wonder.
Tibet’s allure lies not only in its stunning landscapes and ancient monuments but also in the enduring spirit of its people and their way of life. The Lhasa Overland Tour provides a rare opportunity to witness this spirit firsthand, to walk the same streets as generations of pilgrims, to marvel at the architectural feats of Tibetan builders, and to connect with the living traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. In just eight days, visitors can gain a profound appreciation for the beauty, complexity, and resilience of Tibetan culture, making the Lhasa Overland Tour an unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impression. | Roiels Travel
Tibet Travel Permit
Tibet Visa
Twin share accommodation in respective hotels on B.B plan
English speaking Tibetian guide
All land transport using suitable vehicles
Lhasa-kathmandu flight
Monasteries Entrance Fees
Lunches & dinners; refreshments, bottled/alcoholic drinks,
Photography charges at monasteries/palaces/sites,
Nepal re-entry Visa
Extras cost for up-grading rooms at hotels if/when applicable,
Any cost arising from political disturbances, strikes, cancellation of flights, deviation in program, delays due to landslides, road blockage etc
Belly Wave
14 MAY, 2023 . 4:00 Pm
5.0
Absolutely delighted with the service provided by Roiels Travel! From start to finish, they exceeded expectations and made our vacation unforgettable.
ReplyNicolas Shai
25 APR, 2023. 12:00 Pm
5.0
During our trip, everything ran smoothly thanks to Roiels Travel's attention to detail. They ensured our comfort and safety throughout the journey.
Reply