TIBET OVERLAND TOUR

Destination

Tibet Lhasa

Max. Altitude

5,220M/17,126FT

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Season

Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sept, Oct

Transportation

Private Vehicle

Start / End

Kathmandu/Kathmandu

Accommodation

3 star hotel

Meals

Breakfast

Route

KTM-Kyirong-Lhasa-KTM

Travel Distance

Kathmandu to Kathmandu (2,226km/1,383miles)

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

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Major Highlights of TIBET OVERLAND TOUR

  • Beautiful overland tour of Tibet, also known as the roof of the world.
  • Get to see some of the iconic monasteries, such as Sera, Drepung, and Tashilhunpo.
  • Visit some of Tibet’s most popular attractions in Lhasa, such as Barkhor market,
  • Norbulingka Palace, Jokhang Temple, and the Summer Palace of the Dalai Lama.
  • Experience the ancient but beautiful Tibetan culture, traditions, and rituals of the people.

TIBET OVERLAND TOUR at a Glance

Distance, walking time and high point for each day
DayItineraryDistance / TimeAltitude
01Drive towards Kyirong border to Kyirong Countyroad transfer222 km8 hrs2,700 mKyirong
02Kyirong to Tingri 4,348m/14,265ft to Shigatse 3,845m/12,582ftroad transfer4,348 mTingri
03Shigatse to Lhasa 3,656m/11,995ft Via Gyantse 3,977m/13,048ftroad transfer357 km7 hrs3,977 mGyantse
04Lhasa Sightseeingroad transfer35 km6 hrs3,656 mLhasa
05Lhasa Sightseeingroad transfer50 km6 hrs3,656 mLhasa
06Lhasa to Shigatse358 km5 hrs3,845 mShigatse
07Shigatse to Kyirong491 km7 hrs4,348 mTingri
08Kyirong to the Border and Kathmandu222 km8 hrs2,774 m
On foot, across 3 trekking days1071.0 km20 hrs4,348 m

Reviews from our Guests

From travellers who walked this exact itinerary.

★★★★★

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.

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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!

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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.

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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!

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AM
Ananya MehtaAugust 2025 · Guided by Nabaraj

TIBET OVERLAND TOUR Day By Day Itinerary

Download this itinerary

Day 01: Drive towards Kyirong border to Kyirong County

Itinerary Details
Itinerary FactDetails
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 FactDetails
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 FactDetails
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 FactDetails
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 FactDetails
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 FactDetails
Meals:Breakfast
Accommodation:Yak Hotel or Similar

Day 04: Lhasa Sightseeing

Itinerary Details
Itinerary FactDetails
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 FactDetails
Meals:Breakfast
Accommodation:Yak Hotel or Similar

Day 05: Lhasa Sightseeing

Itinerary Details
Itinerary FactDetails
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 FactDetails
Meals:Breakfast
Accommodation:Yak Hotel or Similar

Day 06: Drive from Lhasa to Shigatse

Itinerary Details
Itinerary FactDetails
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 FactDetails
Meals:Breakfast
Accommodation:Mana Sarovar Hotel or Similar

Day 07: Drive from Shigatse to Kyirong

Itinerary Details
Itinerary FactDetails
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 FactDetails
Meals:Breakfast
Accommodation:Saishi Hotel or Similar

Day 08: Drive from Kyirong to the Border and Kathmandu

Itinerary Details
Itinerary FactDetails
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 FactDetails
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 35 working days in Kathmandu; it is normally granted for 2030 days.

Permits

Permits required for this itinerary, and how far ahead each is applied for
PermitRequired forApplied for
Tibet Travel Permit (TTP)every non-Chinese passport holder entering the Tibet Autonomous Region20 days ahead
Alien's Travel Permit (ATP)travel outside Lhasa, including Everest Base Camp and Mount Kailash20 days ahead
Border Defence Permitborder counties, including Everest Base Camp (Tingri), Mount Kailash (Pulan) and the Gyirong crossing20 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

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.

This trip compared with the alternatives
TripDays / DistanceDifficultyFrom
TIBET OVERLAND TOURthis trip8 daysMedium$1,199
Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Tour8 daysHard$1,060
Tibet Overland with Everest Base Camp8 daysHard$999
Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour via EBC7 daysHard$1,250
10 days Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Yatra10 days47 kmHard$1,870

$1,199 per person

Himalayan360Everything there is to do in the Himalayas

  • AdventureTrek the Himalayas, fly over them at sunrise, land at base camp, drift across the lake at Pokhara
  • CulturalLearn Kathmandu’s temples, eat your way through the city, sit at a festival in Bhutan
  • SpiritualRoll out a yoga mat on the trail, walk to Muktinath, cross Tibet to Kailash

Every path, Himalayan360 has you covered.

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