Tibet Overland Tour is one of Nepal’s most elegant and unique tours. It is one of the most exciting places in the world since it is considered an autonomous region of China. The most popular place in Tibet is its capital city, Lhasa. One of the best ways to explore this beautiful city is via a Tibet tour by jeep. Tibet is a popular destination for overland tours from Nepal for many reasons. It offers stunning natural scenery, rich culture, beautiful mountains, historical sites, unique adventures, spiritual experiences, and delicious local food.
In 2023, Tibet opened its borders to visitors from the Nepal side. And since Tibet is located right next to Nepal, many tourists fly to Nepal, obtain their permits, and then embark on a week-long overland tour. The major highlights of the Tibet Overland tour include views of Mount Everest, ancient monasteries such as Tashilhunpo Monastery, and the Potala Palace.
Per Person From
$1,199
8 Days
No. of Persons
Price per Person
5 – 5
$1,350
6 – 8
$1,250
9 – 20
$1,199
Group discount will be auto applied in checkout & booking page.
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Ask our travel experts about customising this trip.
Driving up through Kyirong and Tingri to Shigatse gives your body time to adjust, which flying straight to Lhasa does not. The plateau is enormous and empty and you watch it change through the window for days. Gyantse and the Tashilhunpo monastery at Shigatse were highlights before we even reached Lhasa. Ramkrishna handled the permits and the border crossing, which is the part I would not want to do alone.
YM
Yogesh MalhotraOctober 2025 · Guided by Ramkrishna Mahato
★★★★★
Honestly, arriving in Lhasa blew me away. The air is so fresh, the mountains are everywhere, and just walking around the city makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another world. Potala Palace is even more stunning in person than in photos, and Jokhang Temple has this calm energy that’s hard to explain. I kept stopping to watch monks and locals going about their day.It was such a unique experience. The Himalayan 360 team made it even better.
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LS
Lucas SilvaAugust 2025 · Guided by Ram Bhandari
★★★★★
Visiting Potala Palace was really cool. The building is huge, and inside the walls are full of old paintings and golden decorations. Climbing to the top was tiring, but the view of Lhasa from up there made it all worth it. I spent a long time just staring at the city and mountains while my guide was explaining everything about the place.
Verified purchase
SD
Shekhar DubeyAugust 2025 · Guided by Kumar Thapa
★★★★★
Shigatse was surprisingly fun to explore. The town has big monasteries, small streets with local shops, and a really real vibe that in fact you could feel how people live there. Visiting Tashilhunpo Monastery and seeing the giant Buddha statue up close was impressive. I also liked walking around the town and noticing the small details of daily life. I didn’t expect enjoying Tibet as much as I did!
Verified purchase
NA
Noah AndersonAugust 2025 · Guided by Kumar Thapa
★★★★★
The drives in Tibet are long, but the scenery makes it fun. Snowy peaks, valleys, rivers, and tiny villages. I just kept looking out the window the whole time. I actually enjoyed the quiet moments on the road. It gave me time to think and just soak in the world of the mountains. I had my friends with me so the drive was even better and memorable.
Verified purchase
JW
Jack WilsonAugust 2025 · Guided by Kumar Thapa
★★★★★
Momos, noodle soups, butter tea, seriously, I didn’t expect to like it so much. Every meal felt hearty and perfect after a long day of exploring. Plus, the small restaurants and teahouses are cozy, and locals are super friendly. It really adds to the whole experience. I definitely didn’t miss my regular food. It was that good!
Verified purchase
AM
Ananya MehtaAugust 2025 · Guided by Nabaraj
★★★★★
Driving up through Kyirong and Tingri to Shigatse gives your body time to adjust, which flying straight to Lhasa does not. The plateau is enormous and empty and you watch it change through the window for days. Gyantse and the Tashilhunpo monastery at Shigatse were highlights before we even reached Lhasa. Ramkrishna handled the permits and the border crossing, which is the part I would not want to do alone.
YM
Yogesh MalhotraOctober 2025 · Guided by Ramkrishna Mahato
★★★★★
Honestly, arriving in Lhasa blew me away. The air is so fresh, the mountains are everywhere, and just walking around the city makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another world. Potala Palace is even more stunning in person than in photos, and Jokhang Temple has this calm energy that’s hard to explain. I kept stopping to watch monks and locals going about their day.It was such a unique experience. The Himalayan 360 team made it even better.
Verified purchase
LS
Lucas SilvaAugust 2025 · Guided by Ram Bhandari
★★★★★
Visiting Potala Palace was really cool. The building is huge, and inside the walls are full of old paintings and golden decorations. Climbing to the top was tiring, but the view of Lhasa from up there made it all worth it. I spent a long time just staring at the city and mountains while my guide was explaining everything about the place.
Verified purchase
SD
Shekhar DubeyAugust 2025 · Guided by Kumar Thapa
★★★★★
Shigatse was surprisingly fun to explore. The town has big monasteries, small streets with local shops, and a really real vibe that in fact you could feel how people live there. Visiting Tashilhunpo Monastery and seeing the giant Buddha statue up close was impressive. I also liked walking around the town and noticing the small details of daily life. I didn’t expect enjoying Tibet as much as I did!
Verified purchase
NA
Noah AndersonAugust 2025 · Guided by Kumar Thapa
★★★★★
The drives in Tibet are long, but the scenery makes it fun. Snowy peaks, valleys, rivers, and tiny villages. I just kept looking out the window the whole time. I actually enjoyed the quiet moments on the road. It gave me time to think and just soak in the world of the mountains. I had my friends with me so the drive was even better and memorable.
Verified purchase
JW
Jack WilsonAugust 2025 · Guided by Kumar Thapa
★★★★★
Momos, noodle soups, butter tea, seriously, I didn’t expect to like it so much. Every meal felt hearty and perfect after a long day of exploring. Plus, the small restaurants and teahouses are cozy, and locals are super friendly. It really adds to the whole experience. I definitely didn’t miss my regular food. It was that good!
Day 01: Drive towards Kyirong border to Kyirong County
Itinerary Details
Itinerary Fact
Details
Time:
07:00-15:00
Travel Duration:
8 hours
Travel Distance:
222km/138miles
Highest Altitude:
2,700m/8,858ft Kyirong
Attraction of the Day: Nepal Tibet Border, Kyirong town
The first day of the 8-day Tibet Lhasa overland tour begins with a delicious breakfast in Kathmandu. The tour officially starts with the drive from Kathmandu to the Kyirong border. Along the way, you will pass several small but beautiful villages like Dhunche, Timure, Syabrubesi, Rasuwagadhi, etc. Once you reach the Kyirong border, you’ll stop to submit your permits. After completing immigration, you’ll drive for two hours uphill to Kyirong. You will stay overnight at a hotel in Kyirong County.
Itinerary Details
Itinerary Fact
Details
Meals:
N/A
Accommodation:
Saishi Hotel or Similar
Day 02: Drive from Kyirong to Tingri 4,348m/14,265ft to Shigatse 3,845m/12,582ft
Itinerary Details
Itinerary Fact
Details
Time:
09:00-18:00
Travel Duration:
491km/305miles
Travel Distance:
7 hours
Highest Altitude:
4,348m/14,265ft Tingri
Attraction of the Day: Shigatse and Himalayan Panorama
Day two of the Kathmandu to Lhasa tour begins in Kyirong and ends upon reaching Shigatse. Today, you will drive toward the world’s highest plateau, the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. One of the main reasons tourists visit here is to get a glimpse of the stunning views of the entire Tibetan landscape and Mount Everest. Then you’ll head towards Shigatse, passing through areas rich in Tibetan culture and daily life. Overnight stays in Mansarovar or other similar types of hotels.
Itinerary Details
Itinerary Fact
Details
Meals:
Breakfast
Accommodation:
Mana Sarovar Hotel or Similar
Day 03: Drive from Shigatse to Lhasa 3,656m/11,995ft Via Gyantse 3,977m/13,048ft
Itinerary Details
Itinerary Fact
Details
Time:
09:00-16:00
Travel Duration:
7 hours
Travel Distance:
357km/222miles
Highest Altitude:
3,977m/13,048ft Gyantse
Attraction of the Day: Tashilhumpu Monastery, Kumbum Stupa, Phalkor Monastery, and Yamzho Lake
The third day of the tour begins with breakfast at the hotel in Shigatse. After breakfast, we board our vehicle and start driving. Today, you will have one of the longest drives as the tour route leads us to Lhasa. Firstly, you will reach Gyantse. In Gyantse, you will visit two popular monasteries: Kumbum Monastery and Pholko Monastery. After a brief stop, you will continue our drive toward Lhasa. You will cross Kambala, Karola, Yamdrok, and the Tibetan river Brahmaputra (Yarlung Tsangpo). Finally, you will reach Lhasa. Overnight in the Yak hotel or similar in Lhasa.
Itinerary Details
Itinerary Fact
Details
Meals:
Breakfast
Accommodation:
Yak Hotel or Similar
Day 04: Lhasa Sightseeing
Itinerary Details
Itinerary Fact
Details
Time:
10:00-16:00
Travel Duration:
6 hours
Travel Distance:
35km/22miles
Highest Altitude:
3,656m/11,995ft Lhasa
Attraction of the Day: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Market
Day 4 of the Tibet overland journey is all about Lhasa sightseeing. After breakfast, you will board a vehicle to visit some of Lhasa’s popular attractions, including the Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace, Drepung Monastery, and Norbulingka. After the entire day of sightseeing, you will return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Itinerary Details
Itinerary Fact
Details
Meals:
Breakfast
Accommodation:
Yak Hotel or Similar
Day 05: Lhasa Sightseeing
Itinerary Details
Itinerary Fact
Details
Time:
10:00 -16:00
Travel Duration:
6 hours
Travel Distance:
50km/31miles
Highest Altitude:
3,656m/11,995ft Lhasa
Attraction of the Day: Drepung Monastery & Sera Monastery
On the fifth day of the Lhasa tour, you will continue sightseeing in Lhasa for one more day. Today, you will visit Sera and Drepung Monastery, two of the most prominent symbols of Tibetan culture and civilization. The Dalai Lama resided in Drepung Monastery before moving to the Potala Palace. After about six hours of sightseeing around different monasteries and temples, we will return to our hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Itinerary Details
Itinerary Fact
Details
Meals:
Breakfast
Accommodation:
Yak Hotel or Similar
Day 06: Drive from Lhasa to Shigatse
Itinerary Details
Itinerary Fact
Details
Time:
10:00 – 15:00
Trek Distance:
358km / 222miles
Trek Duration:
5 hours
Highest Altitude:
3,845m/12,582ft Shigatse
Attraction of the Day: Himalayan panorama
As the trip to Tibet is almost complete, it’s time to return to Shigatse. After another delicious breakfast in Lhasa, we will begin driving back to Shigatse, but along the way, we will encounter some of the breathtaking Himalayan panoramic views. Approximately five hours later, you will arrive in Shigatse and spend the night at the Mana Sarovar Hotel.
Itinerary Details
Itinerary Fact
Details
Meals:
Breakfast
Accommodation:
Mana Sarovar Hotel or Similar
Day 07: Drive from Shigatse to Kyirong
Itinerary Details
Itinerary Fact
Details
Time:
10:00-17:00
Trek Distance:
491km/305miles
Trek Duration:
7 hours
Highest Altitude:
4,348m/14,265ft Tingri
Attraction of the Day: Himalayan Panorama
Today, we will drive from Shigatse to Kyirong, which takes around seven hours. The journey offers scenic views of the Himalayas throughout. Upon arrival in Kyirong, we’ll stay overnight at a hotel near the border. Since the Tibet travel permit process can take some time, it’s best to cross into Nepal the following day.
Itinerary Details
Itinerary Fact
Details
Meals:
Breakfast
Accommodation:
Saishi Hotel or Similar
Day 08: Drive from Kyirong to the Border and Kathmandu
Itinerary Details
Itinerary Fact
Details
Time:
07:00-15:00
Trek Distance:
222km/138miles
Trek Duration:
8 hours
Highest Altitude:
2,774m/9,101ft
Attraction of the Day: Border, Hill, and river
The last day of the overland Tibetan tour is here, as we will cross the Kyirong border. After obtaining all the necessary permits and authorities, we will begin driving towards Kathmandu. We will pass through different hills, rivers, and small towns until we reach the bustling city of Kathmandu Valley.
Itinerary Details
Itinerary Fact
Details
Meals:
Breakfast
Accommodation:
Kathmandu Business Hotel or similar
TIBET OVERLAND TOUR Included/ Excluded
Cost Includes
Cost Excludes
Transfer
Kathmandu to border to Kathmandu by Non-AC Vehicle
Transfer in the Tibet side by Coach as per group size
International and Domestic airfare
Any flight during the tour
Accommodation & Meals
All accommodation in a 3-star hotel and a Local guest house (on a sharing basis)
Meals: 7 Breakfast, 0 Lunch, 0 Dinner
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival or late departure. Or Early back from Tibet.
Lunch and dinner during the tour.
Visa & Permit
All necessary Tibet travel permits
Sightseeing and monastery entry permit fees
Nepal visa fees
Tibet Group visa fees
Others
One local English-speaking guide
Pre-trip briefing session for your successful trip.
Service charge and documentation fees
Free luggage storage services in Kathmandu
Appreciation Certificate after the successful tour
Farewell dinner at the end of the tour
Travel insurance.
Rescue and evacuation service fees
Tips for staff and tour guides (it is expected)
Costs incurred due to causes beyond our control, such as weather conditions, landslides, itinerary modifications, illness, government policy changes, strikes, etc.
All other costs and expenses not listed in “including”
Permits and visa for this trip
Visa
This trip enters Tibet from Nepal, so you need a Chinese Group Visa, issued in Kathmandu.
A Chinese visa obtained in your own country cannot be used on a Nepal entry — the consulate in Kathmandu cancels it and issues the group visa instead. The group visa is a separate sheet naming everyone travelling, so the group enters and leaves Tibet together. Allow 3–5 working days in Kathmandu; it is normally granted for 20–30 days.
Permits
Permits required for this itinerary, and how far ahead each is applied for
Permit
Required for
Applied for
Tibet Travel Permit (TTP)
every non-Chinese passport holder entering the Tibet Autonomous Region
20 days ahead
Alien's Travel Permit (ATP)
travel outside Lhasa, including Everest Base Camp and Mount Kailash
20 days ahead
Border Defence Permit
border counties, including Everest Base Camp (Tingri), Mount Kailash (Pulan) and the Gyirong crossing
20 days ahead
We apply for all of these on your behalf. The longest lead time is 20 days, so book by then at the latest and send us a passport scan as early as you can.
Tibet cannot be travelled independently — a licensed guide and a registered vehicle are part of every tour, including this one.
Permits cannot be applied for privately; they are issued to a licensed operator against a booked itinerary.
The permit names your route, vehicle and guide, so the itinerary cannot be changed once you are inside Tibet.
FAQs for TIBET OVERLAND TOUR
Can you combine the Tibet Overland Tour with the Everest Base Camp Trek?
Yes, you can combine the Tibet Overland with the Everest Base Camp tour. However, it will be very ambitious. You can reach Everest Base Camp from Shigatse, after which you will depart from the end of Tibet.
Can you directly return from Lhasa to Kathmandu on the Tibet Overland trip?
Yes, you can directly return from Lhasa to Kathmandu; however, the distance between the two cities is 1000km, and it takes about 16 hours to reach Kathmandu.
What is the highest elevation of the Tibet Overland Trip?
The highest elevation of the Tibet Overland Trip is Gyatsu La Pass, located at an altitude of 5,220 m above sea level. This is the final stop before reaching Lhasa, Tibet’s capital.
How many days are enough for the Tibet Overland Tour?
The average duration of the Tibet Overland holiday ranges from about 7 to 10 days; however, if you add other side treks or trips, then it may extend to 15 days as well.
Is an individual tour to Tibet allowed?
No individual tour to Tibet is allowed, so tourists must book a group tour. Furthermore, the group tour must be operated by a licensed tour operator for easy navigation and the security of the tourists.
Is walking from Nepal to Tibet possible?
No, walking from Nepal to Tibet is not possible geographically and politically. The towering mountain ranges make walking impossible; however, certain trekking routes can take people from Nepal to Tibet. For example, the Kathmandu-Rasuwagadhi border and the Kerung to Tibet route are feasible ways to reach Tibet from Nepal.
How do you obtain a travel permit for the Tibet Overland Tour?
To join a Tibet overland journey from Nepal, you must book a tour package with a licensed tour operator. They will apply for your Tibet travel permit. To assist during the process, please provide a scanned copy of your passport and visa.
What will the road conditions tourists experience during the Overland Tour of Tibet?
The road conditions on an overland tour of Tibet can vary based on the route and the weather. Major highways are mostly well-maintained, but some remote areas may have rough or unpaved roads. Travelers should also be prepared for high-altitude driving and potential delays due to road construction or adverse weather conditions.
What is the Tibet Overland Tour famous for?
The Tibet Overland Tour is renowned for its scenic landscapes, rich cultural heritage, stunning mountain views, and historical monasteries and sites.
Can Indians visit Tibet in 2025?
Yes. Indian passport holders travel on the same documents as everyone else on this route: a passport valid for at least six months, a Chinese Group Visa issued in Kathmandu, and a Tibet Travel Permit. An ordinary Chinese tourist visa obtained in India will not board you on a tour that leaves Kathmandu, so do not apply for one. Independent travel inside Tibet is not permitted either, so you do have to be part of the organised group.
Are there any cultural protocols to be aware of during the Overland Tour of Tibet?
Yes, there are certain cultural protocols that tourists must be aware of during the Tibet Overland Tour. These include dressing modestly, removing shoes before entering temples, asking permission before taking photos, and bowing down to greet.
What are the popular local foods to enjoy during the Tibet Overland Tour?
Some of the popular local Tibetan foods to enjoy during a jeep tour of Tibet include Tsampa, Thukpa, Yak Meat, and Momos. You can also enjoy special drinks, such as sweet tea and butter tea, which are extremely sweet and delicious.
Do tourists need to be physically fit for the Tibet Overland Tour?
Tourists don’t necessarily have to be extremely physically fit for the Tibet Overland Trip. However, they still need to be moderately fit, as the multiple days of jeep ride will still take a toll on your body.
Do you need travel insurance for the Tibet Jeep Tour?
Yes, Travel insurance for the Tibet Jeep Tour is recommended, as you will encounter various challenges, such as unexpected medical expenses, lost luggage, and trip cancellation.
What currency do you need for the Tibet Overland Tour?
The currency you need for the Tibet Overland Tour is the Chinese Yuan. After crossing the border, you can exchange your currency for Yuan, as you will need cash, and only Yuan is accepted. You can exchange it at the Bank of China or hotels in Lhasa.
TIBET OVERLAND TOUR Information
Difficulty
Moderate
Best Season
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sept, Oct
Weighing It Against the Alternatives
If you are still deciding, this is how TIBET OVERLAND TOUR sits against the trips people most often weigh it against — on days, distance, difficulty and cost.
Amongst some of the oldest friends of Himalayan 360 is Mr Barad Neupane, who is a go-easy, down-to-earth cultural and religious guiding staff from its establishment. He is a very good and experienced guide and has a good history of knowledge of Religion, culture, and history of Nepal.
Last updated 7 July 2026
$1,199 per person
Himalayan360Everything there is to do in the Himalayas
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SpiritualRoll out a yoga mat on the trail, walk to Muktinath, cross Tibet to Kailash
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