Tibet Overland Buddhist Tour (Kathmandu – Kyirong – Lhasa – Kathmandu)
Overview
This 10-day Tibet Overland Group Tour is a classic Himalayan journey that connects Nepal and Tibet through the Kyirong border and continues across the vast Tibetan plateau to the spiritual heart of Lhasa. It is designed for travelers who want a balanced mix of culture, nature, and high-altitude adventure in a well-organized group setting.
The journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to the Kyirong border, where travelers officially enter Tibet after completing immigration formalities. From here, the landscape gradually transforms into wide open plateaus, snow-capped peaks, and traditional Tibetan settlements as the route heads toward Shigatse, Gyantse, and Tsetang before reaching Lhasa.
Along the way, travelers experience some of Tibet’s most iconic highlights, including Tashilhunpo Monastery, Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, Samye Monastery, and Yumbulakang Palace. The tour continues in Lhasa with visits to the legendary Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, and Ganden Monastery.
This itinerary is carefully planned for gradual acclimatization, cultural immersion, and comfortable travel across high-altitude terrain. The return journey follows the same scenic route back to Kyirong, before exiting Tibet and returning to Nepal.
Operated by Hiking Friends Travel Nepal, this group tour is ideal for travelers looking for a safe, guided, and memorable Tibet experience with full logistical support from Kathmandu to Lhasa and back.
Highlights
- Scenic Kathmandu to Kyirong overland entry into Tibet
- Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier & Brahmaputra River views
- Potala Palace & Jokhang Temple in Lhasa
- Ancient monasteries: Samye, Drepung, Sera & Ganden
- Fully guided cultural and scenic Tibetan journey
- Small group experience with professional support
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu Meet and greet by Hiking Friends Travel Nepal team Transfer to hotel and trip briefing Free time for rest or explore Thamel
Scenic drive from Kathmandu to Kyirong (Nepal–Tibet border) Complete immigration and customs formalities Meet Tibetan guide and drive into Tibet Acclimatization at Kyirong (approx. 2,700m altitude)
Drive across the vast Tibetan Plateau (470 km / 8–9 hrs) Cross high mountain passes and remote Himalayan landscapes Arrival in Shigatse, second-largest city in Tibet
Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, seat of the Panchen Lama Drive to historic Gyantse town (90 km / 1–2 hrs) Explore Kumbum Stupa & Palchoe Monastery
Scenic drive along Yamdrok Yumtso Lake Stop at Karola Glacier viewpoint Visit Ralung Monastery Continue to Tsetang, cradle of Tibetan civilization
Visit Yumbulakang Palace, Tibet’s oldest structure Explore Samye Monastery, first monastery in Tibet Drive along Brahmaputra River to Lhasa
Potala Palace (UNESCO World Heritage Site) Jokhang Temple – spiritual heart of Tibet Barkhor Street pilgrimage and local market
Drepung Monastery – once the largest monastery in the world Sera Monastery – famous monk debate sessions
Full-day trip to Ganden Monastery Optional kora (pilgrimage walk) with Himalayan views Return to Lhasa
Long scenic drive back to Kyirong (approx. 8–10 hrs) Relax and prepare for border crossing
Morning transfer to Kyirong border Complete exit formalities Drive back towards Kathmandu region / transfer to hotel
Airport drop-off for international flight End of Tibet Overland Tour from Kathmandu
Gear List
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Cost Details
- Accommodations twin sharing, breakfast included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- All domestic transportation as per itinerary
- All meals during the tour
- All the required Permit charges
- China Visa
- English speaking tibetan guide
- Government taxes and service charges
- guided tour with all entrance charges
- Oxygen tank & bottled mineral water in Tibet
- Tourist accident/casualty insurance in Tibet
- Any extra costs due to delays, natural disasters, or unforeseen circumstances
- Drinks, snacks, hot showers, and Wi-Fi during the trip if applicable
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- Meals in the cities like KTM and Pokhara (except breakfast)
- Nepal visa fee on arrival
- Personal equipment (sleeping bag, warm clothes trekking poles, suitable shoes etc.)
- Tips for the guide, porter, and driver are not included (recommended: USD 8–20 per day, depending on your satisfaction with the service).
