Trip Overview
Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour takes you on an epic overland journey from Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. In a short span of ten days, you can visit ancient palaces, Buddhist monasteries, temples, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Your ride through the stunning Tibetan countryside will give you an insight into the Tibetan nomadic lifestyle and culture. As you drive towards the Nepal border, you are presented with breathtaking views of 8000-meter peaks – Mount Everest, Shisapangma, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
Your start your trip with a visit to Kathmandu’s historical and cultural sites. A flight over the grand Himalayan range transports you from Kathmandu to Lhasa. After reaching Lhasa you will get to visit the magnificent winter and summer palaces of the Dalai Lama -Potala Palace and Norbulingka. We will take you on a walk through the busy Barkhor Market and Jokhang Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Tibet. At Drepung and Sera Monasteries you will meet the monks and witness their lively debates.
Leaving Lhasa you begin your overland journey and drive to Shigatse via the gorgeous Yamdrok Tso Lake. En route, you stop at Gyantse to explore the cultural heritage sites – Gyantse Kumbum and Pelkor Choede Monastery.
Shigatse is Tibet’s second-largest city. We take you to the sacred Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of Panchen Lama. After Dalai Lama, Panchen Lama is the most important spiritual leader of the Tibetans. You continue your journey on the Friendship Highway after a quick visit to the local market.
After Shigatse the next stop on your overland adventure is Shegar. You drive via Lhatse and the high mountain pass of Gyamtso La. Enjoy views of the glacier and the Himalayan mountains. Nomadic yak herders can be seen herding their yaks on the desolate highland. Gorgeous views of Mount Everest, Shisapangma, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and other Tibetan peaks, also keep you enthralled.
An exciting crossing of two mountain passes, Lalung La and Shung La, brings you to the border town of Zhangmu. After spending a night at Zhangmu, you cross over to Nepal and drive towards Kathmandu, where your trip ends.
The best time for Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour are spring, summer, and autumn. It snows a lot in winter in Tibet making travel near impossible. Lasting for just ten days this trip is ideal for those who want to explore Tibet and Nepal in a short time frame.
Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour is an easy journey on flight and vehicle. The sightseeing tours will be done on foot. Except for the long staircase climbing at Potala Palace, it is fairly easy walking on even ground at all the sites.
The only concern is the high altitude in Tibet. You will be driving across high mountain passes that are above 5000 meters. This trip may not be right for people who suffer from respiratory, cardiac, and knee problems. Most days you will be sitting and riding in a vehicle for 5-7 hours at high altitude. For this reason, we recommend you consult your physician before booking this trip,
All in all Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour is a great road trip that mixes adventure with Himalayan cultural experience. Not many people get to visit the Tibetan highlands because of the strict laws and extreme conditions. To be one of the few to ride through the ‘Roof of the World’ is an achievement itself. Challenge yourself and book this ride to Tibet, the ‘Roof of the World’!