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Kathmandu to Tibet Tour - 12 Day Overland Cultural Adventure

Kathmandu to Tibet Tour - 12 Day Overland Cultural Adventure

Name: Kathmandu to Tibet Tour - 12 Day Overland Cultural Adventure
Brand: Walk Mountain

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Embark on an unforgettable cultural and spiritual odyssey with our 12-day Kathmandu to Tibet Overland Tour, a journey that seamlessly weaves together the rich spiritual heritage of Nepal and the mystical highlands of Tibet.

Duration

12 Days

Trip Grade

Easy

Country

Tibet

Maximum Altitude

4,350 m (Tingri)

Group Size

2 to 12

Starts

Kathmandu

Ends

Kathmandu

Activities

Cultural Tour

Tour Highlights:

Explore the three UNESCO Cultural Heritage Sites of Kathmandu
Enjoy the scenic overland drive from Kathmandu to Kerung through Langtang
Breathtaking views of the world’s highest peaks like Mt. Everest (8,848 m), Cho Oyu (8,188 m), and Shishapangma (8,027 m)
Visit the iconic monasteries and historical sites of Tibet
Marvel at the magnificent Potala Palace of Lhasa
Experience the traditional Tibetan Culture
Scenic flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu

Trip Overview:

The tour begins from Kathmandu, where you will get a chance to explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Temple, and Patan Durbar Square. This time is also required to have your Tibet Permit and Visa. The following day, you will head north, enjoying the scenic Langtang National Park to cross the Nepal-Tibet Border at Kerung.

Tibet is known as the roof of the world. Tibet, the mystical land of fantasy, is the heart of Buddhist culture and philosophy, and the most mesmerizing destinations of the world today, as it seems as reserved as ever. It is not only the geographical and natural enchants but also a long historical culture and religion that appeal the foreigners to visit Tibet at least once in a lifetime. Rich and beautiful land with an average altitude over 4,000m (13,120ft) above sea level, possessing more than fifty peaks above 7,000m (22,960ft), Tibet is home to eleven Himalayan mountains over 8,000m (26,240ft). Bordered by China, India, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, Burma, and Kashmir, Tibet is home to over two million people of rich ancient cultures.

Spiritual traditions, temples and monasteries, lakes and rivers, and mighty snow-clad peaks are just a few of the intoxicating wonders to be experienced by adventurous travelers who get the opportunity to visit this land. You will be enthused by watching how pilgrims brave hostile weather and altitude to visit the holy Mt. Kailash and how they prostrate in the flagstone country yard of the Jokhang, offering incense as they circumambulate the holy Buddhist sites to pay veneration to the Shakyamuni.

This tour is designed for culturally curious and spiritually inclined travelers seeking a profound connection with the land and people of Tibet. With thoughtfully arranged logistics, experienced guides, and comfortable accommodations, this journey is as enriching as it is hassle-free. Contact Walk Mountain for your next customized tour to Tibet from any part of the world.

Kathmandu to Tibet Tour - 12 Day Overland Cultural Adventure Day-to-day Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, Transfer to Hotel

Max Altitude: 1,310 m (Kathmandu)

Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing Day

Max Altitude: 1,310 m (Kathmandu)

Day 03: Preparation, Briefing, and Free Day for Last-minute Shopping

Max Altitude: 1,310 m (Kathmandu)

Day 04: Kathmandu to Kerung via Rasuwa Border

Max Altitude: 2,774 m (Kerung)
Distance: 180 km (approx.)
Duration: 8 – 9 hours

Day 05: Kerung to Tingri

Max Altitude: 4,350 m (Tingri)
Distance: 235 km
Duration: 5 – 6 hours

Day 06: Tingri to Shigatse

Max Altitude: 3,900 m (Shigatse)
Distance: 245 km
Duration: 6 hours

Day 07: Shigatse to Gyantse

Max Altitude: 3,950 m (Gyantse)
Distance: 90 km
Duration: 2 hours

Day 08: Gyantse to Lhasa

Max Altitude: 3,650 m (Lhasa)
Distance: 6 hours
Duration: 261 km

Day 09: Sightseeing in and around Lhasa

Max Altitude: 3,650 m (Lhasa)

Day 10: Sightseeing in and around Lhasa

Max Altitude: 3,650 m (Lhasa)

Day 11: Fly from Lhasa to Kathmandu

Max Altitude: 1,310 m (Kathmandu)
Duration: 1 hour 40 min

Day 12: Departure from Kathmandu

Detailed Itinerary

Kathmandu to KathmanduExpand all

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu, Transfer to Hotel

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative welcomes you and assists you in transferring to your hotel in Kathmandu. After freshening up, you will be provided with a small briefing about the tour. Overnight at the Hotel.

Max Altitude: 1,310 m (Kathmandu) Meals: DinnerAccommodation: Hotel

Day 02

Kathmandu Sightseeing Day

After having breakfast at the hotel, you will start the sightseeing for today. Your sightseeing today will be at Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Patan Durbar Square. After your full day sightseeing in Kathmandu, you will return to your hotel for the night.

Max Altitude: 1,310 m (Kathmandu) Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Hotel

Day 03

Preparation, Briefing, and Free Day for Last-minute Shopping

Today is your free day in Kathmandu. You will have a last time short briefing about the itinerary and requirements. After the short briefing, you may feel free to shop or grab last-minute items that you might require during the journey. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Max Altitude: 1,310 m (Kathmandu) Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Hotel

Day 04

Kathmandu to Kerung via Rasuwa Border

Today, you will wake up early to start your journey towards the Nepal-Tibet border, Kerung. The road passes through the enchanting forest of Langtang National Park. The distance between Kathmandu and Kerung is about 180 km.

Following the Trishuli River bank to the stunning landscapes of Langtang National Park, and a brief passing glimpse of the mountains like Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal on the way, will make the journey more memorable. The road until Dhunche is well-pitched and maintained but the road ahead of Dhunche is not well maintained and dusty. The route then proceeds to Ghatte Khola, where the Nepal Immigration office will inspect the documents and luggage.

After inspection, you will proceed towards the Rasuwagadhi Border. After having the permits checked, you will enter the enchanting land of Tibet. Driving for two more hours, you will reach Kerung. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kerung.

Max Altitude: 2,774 m (Kerung) Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: HotelDuration: 8 – 9 hoursDistance: 180 km (approx.)

Day 05

Kerung to Tingri

After breakfast, you will start driving uphill towards the highest plateau in the world, also known as the “Roof of the World”. Enjoy the fantastic view of the Tibetan landscapes. Later, cross the pass at Lalung La (5,050 m) from where you can see a breathtaking panorama of the beautiful Himalayan Range, including Mt. Everest (8,848 m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8,188 m), and Sishapangma (8,027 m). It is majestically apparent to grow out of the rocky brown rock, its sinuous wall bristles with watchtowers like stegosaurus spines. Overnight at a hotel in Tingri County.

Max Altitude: 4,350 m (Tingri) Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: HotelDuration: 5 – 6 hoursDistance: 235 km

Day 06

Tingri to Shigatse

The scenic drive continues by crossing over Gyatchu La (5,220m), the highest pass en route to Lhasa via Lhatse, from where a road to Mt. Kailash bifurcates to the west. Shigatse is the second largest town in Tibet and the capital of Tsang, lying 352 km west of Lhasa at an elevation of 3,950m. The drive will be approximately 6 hours to reach Shigatse, where you will be staying overnight.

Max Altitude: 3,900 m (Shigatse) Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: HotelDuration: 6 hoursDistance: 245 km

Day 07

Shigatse to Gyantse

On this day, you will visit the Tashilunpo Monastery, a traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, who is the second-holiest man in Tibet, built in 1447 and one of the six grand monasteries in Tibet. The monastery houses a giant statue of the Maitreya Buddha, the biggest gilded statue of Maitreya (Buddha of the future) in China, and a tomb of the 4th Panchen Lama containing masses of jewels and gold. Enjoy a Tibetan family visit and share the tea with local friendly Tibetans. Then we continue the drive to Gyantze, a pastoral town between Lhasa and Xigatse. Upon arrival, visit Palkhor Monastery and the Ten-thousand-Buddha Pagoda. Overnight at Gyantse.

Max Altitude: 3,950 m (Gyantse) Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: HotelDuration: 2 hoursDistance: 90 km

Day 08

Gyantse to Lhasa

After a hearty breakfast, you will take a long drive, approximately 6 hours. On the way, you will be crossing the Karo La (5010m/16432ft) and Kamba La (4794m/15724ft) passes and Lake Yamdrok Tso. You will cross the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) river and finally reach Lhasa for an overnight stop. Upon arrival, you can have a magnificent view of the glistening Potala Palace in the evening.

Max Altitude: 3,650 m (Lhasa) Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: HotelDuration: 261 kmDistance: 6 hours

Day 09

Sightseeing in and around Lhasa

In the morning, you will visit the Potala Palace. The palace was originally constructed in 637 by Songtsen Gampo, the first king of the united Tibet, and later expanded and served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas as well as the religious-political nexus of traditional Tibet. The present one was built by the 5th Dalai Lama in the 17th century. The Potala is full of elaborate artwork and frescoes that tell many stories. They portray religious subjects as well as the customs and traditions of Tibet. In Lhasa, you will also visit Norbu Lingka (the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas), Drepung and Sera Monasteries, and after lunch, we will visit Jokhang Temple, situated in the old section of Lhasa. King Songtzen Gampo built this temple in the mid-7th century A.D. Now it is the most sacred place in Tibet. Pilgrims come here to pay homage from all over Tibet. Overnight at Lhasa.

Max Altitude: 3,650 m (Lhasa) Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Hotel

Day 10

Sightseeing in and around Lhasa

In the morning, you will visit Drepung monastery, the sacred land of the Gelug Sect, which was established in 1416, and where the second, third, and fourth Dalai Lama once resided. "Drepung" in Tibetan means "the hill of rice”, because this white Monastery looks like a big hill of rice.

Afterwards, visit Norbulinka, the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas. The visit then continues towards Sera monastery, which was founded in 1419 by Jamchen Chojey of Sakya Yeshe of Zel Gungtang, a disciple of Tsongkhapa, and has always been an important Buddhist seminary. This monastery is also known as “the court of wild roses” because roses are planted everywhere in the monastery. The Sera Monastery is a complex of structures with the Great Assembly Hall and three colleges.

Max Altitude: 3,650 m (Lhasa) Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Hotel

Day 11

Fly from Lhasa to Kathmandu

Today, as per the flight schedule, the guide will assist you to check out from the hotel and transfer to Gongkar airport to fly from Lhasa (3650m) to Kathmandu (1350m). Enjoy the super scenic flight of 1 hour 40 minutes with majestic view of the High Himalayas, including Mt. Everest.

Max Altitude: 1,310 m (Kathmandu) Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: HotelDuration: 1 hour 40 min

Day 12

Departure from Kathmandu

After having an early morning breakfast at the hotel, you will be going to the airport for your departure. Hope your spiritual journey with Walk Mountain was profound and happy. Have a safe flight back home!

Meals: Breakfast

Cost Details

Includes

Nepal Side

Airport pickup and Drop via private vehicle
Kathmandu Hotel 4 nights in Twin Sharing with Breakfast
English Speaking Tour Guide
Kathmandu - Tibet Border in a tourist bus or Jeep with a driver and tour escorts.
Welcome Dinner in Kathmandu
International flight from Lhasa - Kathmandu including tax

Tibet Side:

Transportation by van/ bus
Tibet travel permit.
China Visa
English-speaking Tibetan guide.
Accommodation on a twin-sharing room basis and breakfast at the hotel.
Sightseeing and monastery entrance fees as per our itinerary.
Border pick up and drop off

Excludes

International Flight and Nepal Visa Fee (if applicable)
Insurance: Travel insurance or any other form of personal insurance.
Unforeseen Events: Costs arising from natural disasters, political disturbances, or other events beyond our control.
Lunch and Dinner
Personal Expenses: Expenses such as alcoholic beverages, laundry, telephone calls, and tips.
Miscellaneous: Any expenses not listed in the cost inclusions section above