8 days Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Group Tour via Everest

In the morning, our Kathmandu staff will pick you up from your hotel and drive toward the Nepal–Tibet border at Rasuwa Gadhi. The journey covers around 130 km and takes approximately 7 hours, passing through mountain roads, forested hills, and river valleys along the southern foothills of the Himalayas.

As you approach the Langtang region, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, with dense forests, deep gorges, and distant snow-capped peaks. While road conditions can be rough in some sections, the changing landscapes make the journey rewarding. Arrive in Rasuwa Gadhi in the late afternoon, check in at your hotel, and rest for the night in preparation for entering Tibet the following day.

Overnight at Rasuwa Gadhi (near the border).

After breakfast, drive to the border to complete immigration formalities before entering Tibet via Gyirong Port. On the Chinese side, meet your Tibetan guide and continue by vehicle to Gyirong Town (approx. 2,800 m), about one hour away.

Gyirong Valley is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful valleys in the Himalayas, known for its lower altitude, lush vegetation, and mild climate. Today follows a relaxed pace to help your body adjust naturally to the altitude. Spend time exploring the valley, with gentle walks through Tibetan and Sherpa villages, visits to small monasteries, and stops at scenic viewpoints. The green surroundings and slower rhythm make Gyirong an ideal transition before heading higher onto the Tibetan plateau.

After breakfast, leave the green Gyirong Valley behind and begin the drive toward the Mount Everest region, where both the landscape and altitude change quickly. Today’s journey covers about 380 km, with scenery that shifts noticeably as you climb onto the Tibetan plateau.

At lower elevations, the road winds through forested valleys, waterfalls, and deep gorges. As altitude increases, vegetation thins and the wide, open plateau begins to unfold. Cross Kong Tang Lamu Pass (5,236 m), marking your entry into Tibet’s high-altitude landscape.

Along the route, pass Mount Shishapangma (8,027 m) and Pelku Tso Lake, where calm waters reflect the surrounding snow-covered peaks. Continuing toward Everest, stop at Gawula Pass (around 5,200 m), one of the finest Himalayan viewpoints. On clear days, you can see five peaks over 8,000 meters, with Mount Everest standing prominently among them.

Later, visit Everest Base Camp (north side) and Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest monastery, offering close-up views of Mount Everest’s north face. Afterward, return to Shegar (New Tingri, approx. 4,300 m) for overnight accommodation, allowing for a more comfortable rest after a day of significant altitude gain.

Overnight at Shegar.

After breakfast, drive east toward Shigatse, passing through the small town of Lhatse. Stop briefly at a milestone along the G318 National Highway, one of China’s most famous overland routes.

Arrive in Shigatse in the early afternoon and visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama and one of the most important monasteries in Tibet. The monastery complex stretches across an entire hillside and is renowned for its grand halls, sacred stupas, and the impressive statue of Maitreya Buddha.

In the evening, enjoy a group dinner at a local Langma Hall, where traditional Tibetan music and dance performances offer a lively cultural experience.

Overnight in Shigatse.

After breakfast, depart Shigatse and drive about 1.5 hours to the historic town of Gyantse. Visit Pelkor Chode Monastery and its renowned Kumbum Stupa, a unique multi-level structure filled with hundreds of chapels and Buddhist images.

Continue along the southern route of the Friendship Highway to Karola Glacier, located beneath Mount Noijin Kangsang (7,191 m). The glacier descends visibly down the mountainside and comes unusually close to the roadside.

Later, arrive at Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes. Enjoy views of the lake’s turquoise waters framed by snow-capped peaks, stop at lakeside viewpoints, and visit a nearby village for lunch with a local family.

In the late afternoon, continue the drive to Lhasa, where the Potala Palace gradually comes into view as you approach the city. Overnight at Lhasa. 

Today is dedicated to understanding the spiritual and educational heart of Tibetan Buddhism. In the morning, visit Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in the world and a major center of Tibetan Buddhist learning. Walk through its main halls, chapels, and courtyards while your guide explains monastic life, education, and religious traditions.

In the afternoon, continue to Sera Monastery, where you’ll have the opportunity to witness the famous monk debates (usually held in the afternoon 3pm except Sundays). The lively exchanges, marked by expressive gestures and clapping, play a central role in Tibetan Buddhist training.
Overnight at Lhasa.

Begin the day with a visit to Potala Palace, the most recognizable landmark in Lhasa and the former winter residence of the Dalai Lamas. Sitting high above the old town, the palace offers a clear sense of Tibet’s religious and political history. As you walk through its chapels, stupas, and historic rooms, you’ll also enjoy views across Lhasa Old Town and the surrounding valley.

Continue to Jokhang Temple, the most sacred site in Tibetan Buddhism and the spiritual heart of Lhasa. Built in the 7th century, it houses the revered statue of Buddha Shakyamuni at the age of twelve and is the most important pilgrimage site for Tibetans. Inside, pilgrims offer butter lamps and prayers, while outside you can see devotees performing full-body prostrations, offering a vivid glimpse into Tibetan religious life.

Afterwards, walk along Barkhor Street, the traditional pilgrimage circuit surrounding Jokhang Temple, where local pilgrims circle the temple, spin prayer wheels, and chant mantras. Later then, take a break at a traditional Tibetan sweet tea house, a popular gathering place for locals, before coming together in the evening for a farewell dinner with your group.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer you to Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Railway Station, depending on your onward travel plans.
Your journey with WindhorseTour concludes here. We wish you a safe trip home and lasting memories of Tibet.

If you are traveling on a China group visa, please ensure you depart China on the scheduled departure date, as changes are not permitted.