Tibet-Nepal Group Overland Tour

Attractions: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and bustling Barkhor Street

The first full day on the plateau may bring about a mild headache due to altitude sickness while your body adjusts to the higher elevation of the Tibetan capital. This discomfort typically subsides within a day or two. Remember to take it easy and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel to accompany you to the sacred Jokhang Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in Tibet and a primary destination for pilgrims. We will then explore the renowned Barkhor Street, which encircles the Jokhang Temple and serves as a ritual kora route for Buddhist pilgrims. This unique marketplace in Asia provides a fascinating introduction to modern Tibetan culture and is an ideal place for souvenir shopping. In the afternoon, we will visit the famous Potala Palace, the most visited landmark in Tibet and a remarkable example of ancient Tibetan architecture. The present-day palace stands on the site of a 7th-century fortress built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Over the centuries, the Red and White palaces of Potala were constructed under the orders of the 5th Dalai Lama, replacing the original fortress. The palace served as the seat of the Dalai Lama’s power until the monastic government was relocated to Norbulingka in the 18th century. You will stay overnight in Lhasa.

Attractions: Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery.

Today, we will visit Drepung Monastery, one of the largest monasteries in the world, situated to the northwest of the capital. During the height of the Dalai Lama’s rule in Tibet, this monastery accommodated more than 10,000 monks. Once the official residence of the Dalai Lama, this expansive monastery offers a network of winding alleys and lanes within the monastic quarters, providing ample opportunities for exploration.

We will conclude the day with a visit to Sera Monastery, located to the north of Lhasa’s city center. This 15th-century university monastery, founded by a disciple of the Buddhist master Je Tsongkhapa, is home to over 600 monks. While at Sera Monastery, you will witness the unique theological and philosophical debates among the Buddhist monks and lamas in the debating courtyard. Photography is usually permitted, provided the monks give their consent. You will stay overnight in Lhasa.

Attractions: Yamdrok Lake, Mt. Nyechen Kangsar Glacier, Gyantse Kubum Stupa, and Pelkhor Choede Monastery

Our journey westward commences by zigzagging up to the crest of the Gampa La pass (4794m), where you will enjoy an outstanding view of the holy Yamdrok Lake. Its turquoise waters shimmer in the sun, with the snowy Nyenchen Khangsar Mountain visible in the distance.

We will make a stop alongside the lake, exploring the northern shores before proceeding to the small town of Nagartse for a locally-prepared lunch. After a delightful meal, we will continue our road trip to Gyantse, passing through picturesque Tibetan villages along the way. Our route will include a stop to admire the stunning Mount Nyenchen Kangsar glacier at Karo La (5150m).

In Gyantse, we will visit the Pelkor Chode Monastery and explore its remarkable Kumbum Stupa. This 32-meter stupa, with nine levels and 108 separate chapels, is a unique treasure in Tibet. In the late afternoon, we will embark on a short journey to Shigatse, located just 90 kilometers west of Gyantse. You will stay overnight in Shigatse.

Attractions: Tashi Lhunpo Monastery and Sakya Monastery

In the morning, we will visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, followed by a drive along the Friendship Highway to Shegar via Lhatse. En route, we will have the opportunity to visit the mysterious Sakya Monastery, after crossing the Tso La pass at an altitude of 4500 meters. Sakya Monastery is renowned for its distinctive grey color and is one of the most significant sects in Tibetan Buddhism. The name “Sakya” translates to “Grey Soil” and is derived from the Bon Bon Hill (Grey clay hill). The monastery is divided by the Zongchu River, with the northern side, constructed by Kon Konchok Gyalpo, now in ruins and inactive. The southern part, built by Dromgon Choegyal Phakpa, is where most rituals and prayers take place.

In the afternoon, we will continue driving to Shegar in preparation for the trip to Mount Everest. You will stay overnight in Shegar. (Note: Before leaving Shigatse, your guide will need time to obtain the Alien’s Travel Permit (ATP) from the local Public Security Bureau (PSB). The ATP is a mandatory permit required for the border check at Shegar.)

Attractions: Rongbuk Monastery and Mount Everest Base Camp

Today, we will embark on a scenic drive to Everest Base Camp and Rongbuk Monastery, passing through several mountain passes along the way. Our journey will begin with breathtaking views of the Himalayas at Gyatso La Pass (5400m), where you can catch a glimpse of Mount Everest in the distance. As we continue, we will turn off the Friendship Highway and ascend Gawu La Pass (5250m), offering a panoramic view of the majestic Himalayan Mountains, including Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Cho Oyu, and Shishapangma.

Upon arriving at Rongbuk Monastery, we will settle into the Tibetan tent guesthouse, where we will spend the night. Rongbuk Monastery, situated at an elevation of 4980 meters, is home to both monks and nuns and holds the distinction of being the highest monastery in the world. In the afternoon, you will have time to explore the surroundings of Rongbuk Monastery and capture the best shot of Mount Everest’s North Face. We will stay overnight in the tent guesthouse, except during November to March when only the Rongbuk Monastery guesthouse is available. Overnight stay at Everest Base Camp.

Attractions: Scenic Thong La Pass and Peiku Tso Lake with a view of Mount Shishapangma

As we wake up the next morning, the rising sun illuminates the stunning peaks, creating a captivating sight. It is bittersweet to bid farewell to this familiar landscape. We will drive south towards Nepal, crossing the Thong La Pass (5150m).

Along the way, we will pass by the beautiful Peiku Tso Lake, offering an impressive view of Mount Shishapangma (8027m), the only mountain above 8000 meters that is entirely in Tibet. Descending through the Kyirong Valley, the dry climate gradually gives way to a warm and moist environment, signaling our approach to the Indian subcontinent.

Our destination is Kyirong, a Tibetan border town that recently opened for travelers. Previously, the Zhangmu border crossing was closed after the devastating Nepal earthquake in April 2015. Overnight stay in Kyirong.

Attractions: Sino-Nepal Friendship Bridge, typical Nepalese villages, and Langtang National Park

Today, we will drive to the Friendship Bridge, where our guide will assist you with the Chinese Customs clearance. From this point, our Tibetan staff will bid farewell, and it is time to part ways. Before your departure, we would appreciate it if you could take a moment to evaluate our services by filling out the feedback form or sending us an email.

After crossing the bridge into Nepal, you can obtain your Nepal Entry Visa on arrival by paying US$25 for a 15-day tourist visa. You will easily find jeeps and buses from the Nepalese border town to Kathmandu City. The distance from the border to Kathmandu is 149km, and you will pass through the stunning Langtang National Park.