Tibet Overland Tour from Kathmandu
An 8–10 day overland journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa via the Kyirong border, Tingri, Shigatse and Gyantse, with permit coordination and a Tibetan guide.
The overland route from Kathmandu to Lhasa is one of the great drives in the world. The road climbs onto the Tibetan plateau, crosses passes with sweeping views and passes through Tingri, Shigatse and Gyantse before reaching the cultural heart of Tibet at Lhasa. Eco Holiday Asia coordinates permits, transport and a Tibetan guide on the Tibet side.
About This Tour
The tour starts in Kathmandu and crosses the Tibet border at Rasuwagadhi/Kyirong. From there, the road climbs across the plateau to Tingri, Shigatse (with Tashilhunpo Monastery), Gyantse (with the Kumbum stupa) and finally Lhasa, where you have time at the great cultural sites.
Trip Highlights
- Drive across the Tibetan plateau
- Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse
- Kumbum stupa in Gyantse
- Yamdrok Lake views
- Lhasa — Potala Palace, Jokhang and Barkhor
- Tibetan local guide
- Permit and document coordination
Across the Plateau to Tibet’s Heart
The overland route gives you a feel for the scale and culture of Tibet. The plateau, the towns and the monasteries set the cultural stage for Lhasa at the end of the journey.
Travel That Supports Local Communities
On the Tibet side we work with a licensed Tibetan local guide and use Tibetan-owned hotels and restaurants where possible.
We follow current local guidance on site access and travel etiquette.
Local Guide and Logistics
A Tibetan local guide and driver accompany you on the Tibet side. The Eco Holiday Asia Kathmandu office handles Tibet permits and Nepal-side logistics and remains available 24/7.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Kathmandu to Syabrubesi
Day 2 – Syabrubesi to Kyirong
Day 3 – Kyirong (rest day)
Day 4 – Kyirong to Tingri
Day 5 – Tingri to Shigatse
Day 6 – Shigatse to Gyantse to Lhasa
Day 7 – Lhasa: Potala & Jokhang
Day 8 – Lhasa: Sera & Drepung
Day 9 – Lhasa walking day
Day 10 – Departure
What’s Included and What’s Excluded
What’s Included
- All ground transport on the Nepal side (private vehicle)
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (3 or 4 star or as chosen)
- Daily breakfast in Kathmandu
- Experienced English-speaking guide
- Permit and document coordination through authorised channels
- Trip briefing in Kathmandu
- 24/7 in-country support
- Pre-trip checklist and packing guidance
- Tibet Travel Permit and Chinese Group Visa coordination
- All ground transport in Tibet
- Accommodation in Tibet hotels and guesthouses
- Daily breakfast in Tibet
- Licensed Tibetan local guide
- Entry tickets per itinerary
What’s Excluded
- International flights to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa (available on arrival for most nationalities)
- Travel and medical insurance (mandatory, must include emergency evacuation)
- Personal expenses, drinks and souvenirs
- Lunch and dinner unless specified
- Tips for guide, driver and support team
- Emergency helicopter rescue (covered by your insurance)
- Any cost arising from itinerary changes due to weather, permits or unforeseen circumstances
- Lhasa departure flight
- Lunch and dinner in Tibet
- Personal expenses, drinks and tips
- Any extra night caused by weather or permit delays
Permits and Travel Documents
Tibet & Kailash permits: Travel to Tibet and Mount Kailash requires permits and arrangements through authorised channels. Rules, border access and document requirements may change. Eco Holiday Asia verifies the latest requirements before confirming your trip.
Best Season and Weather
April–October offers the best weather. The plateau can be cold even in summer and snow is possible on high passes outside the warmest months.
Health and Altitude
Altitude rises rapidly once you cross the border. We build in an acclimatisation day at Kyirong and a gentle pace afterwards.
Travellers with significant heart or lung conditions should consult a doctor before booking. Travel insurance covering high altitude is recommended.
Responsible Travel Notes
A few simple choices keep your visit respectful and low-impact in sacred landscapes.
- Respect local customs, dress modestly and follow your guide at temples, monasteries and sacred sites.
- Ask before photographing people, rituals and the inside of monasteries.
- Walk clockwise around stupas, mani walls and sacred sites where this is the custom.
- Carry a refillable water bottle and avoid single-use plastic in remote regions.
- Support local guides, drivers, lodges, restaurants and community businesses.
- Follow permit, border and conservation rules at all times.
Planning a Tibet Overland Tour from Abroad
International travellers often plan Himalayan journeys several months ahead, especially for permit-based routes. Our team handles every Nepal-side detail end to end — permit and document coordination, private transport, lodge bookings and travel advice. We coordinate by email (info@ecoholidays.com.np) and WhatsApp (+977 9851207214) across every time zone, and tailor pace, comfort and group size to suit families, senior travellers, pilgrim groups and small private parties.
Permit Timeline
Tibet permits and the Chinese Group Visa need passport copies and a clear arrival plan.
Onward Connections
From Lhasa you can fly out to mainland China or back to Kathmandu.
Custom Departures
Departures run as small private groups.
Family Planning
We adjust pace and route for families and older travellers where possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overland route?
How long is the overland tour?
Why choose the overland route?
What permits and documents are needed?
Is the overland route physically demanding?
Can this be combined with EBC north side or Kailash?
Related Himalayan Journeys
Lhasa, EBC & Kathmandu
Lhasa – Everest north – Kathmandu
8–12 days
Tibet culture with Everest north side.
Plan Your Tibet Overland Tour
Tell us your dates and any add-on regions you want to include. We will design the journey with permits and Tibet logistics handled.
Customize Your Nepal Tour
Tell us your travel style, dates, interests and group details. Our Nepal-based team will help design a personalized journey with local guides, homestays, cultural experiences, trekking, wildlife, festival journeys and community-based travel.
Thank you! Your trip request has been received.
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