8 Days Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour with EBC

Today is the first day so that we will start early. Our guide will pick you up around 4-5 AM, and at 5:30, we will drive from Kathmandu.

Once we reach the Tibet-Nepal Border, we will complete all the formalities, submit the required documents, and then drive to Kyirong/Kerung.

Overnight at Kyirong.

After breakfast, we will drive to the world’s highest plateau, the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, at an altitude of 4500m. This plateau offers a panoramic view of the whole Tibetan countryside. With the right weather, you may enjoy the breathtaking view of the massive Himalayan ranges, which include Mount Cho Oyu (8,188m), Sishapangma (8,027m), Kailash (6,638m), Makalu (8,485m), and many more.

After some moments at the plateau, we travel to Tingri and pass through Pikucho Lake. Once we reach Tingri, our eyes will witness the breathtaking view of Mount Everest (8,848m).

Overnight at Tingri.

Today will be the best day ever, as we will visit the world’s highest monastery, Rongbuk Monastery (5,009m), and the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest North Base Camp (5,200m).

We depart early in the morning, heading off the Friendship Highway toward Rongbuk and Everest Base Camp. We cross one of Tibet’s highest passes, the Pang La Pass (5050m). This pass provides panoramic views of Mahalangur Himal, the region of the Himalayas that contains four 8000er peaks, including the highest Mount Everest (8848m), Mount Lhotse (8516m), Mount Makalu (8485m), Mount Cho Oyu (8188m), and also the Mount Gyachung Kang (7952m). There is still more to go from this pass, so we will leave shortly.

Apart from being the highest monastery in the world, Rongbuk is also the world’s highest settlement. Once we reach Rongbuk, we will visit the Rongbuk Monastery. After exploring the monastery and Tibetan Buddhist practices, we walk towards the Everest Base Camp, where we will witness the North Face of Mount Everest.

We will stay at the base camp for a while, collecting as many memories as possible and capturing this marvelous piece: the north face of Mount Everest. We will also witness the Rongbuk Glacier falling from Everest.

Later, we will leave the Rongbuk and travel towards Shegar.

Overnight at Shegar.

Today, we will drive through Friendship Highway to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet, passing through the Gyatsola Pass (5,248m). Continuing our journey from Gyatsola Pass, we will cross a few settlements and reach Shigatse.

Once we reach Shigatse, we will visit the Tashilunpho Monastery. Tashilunpho Monastery, founded by the first Dalai Lama, Gyalwa Gedun Drupa, in 1447, has long been a significant place of worship. Here, we will explore the 7 tombs of Panchen Lamas and witness one of the world’s largest Maitreya Buddha statues, which is 86 feet tall. It will be quite a mesmerizing view. If our visit favors us, we will witness the Dharma Ceremony too.

Later, we will explore the local market, where we will observe the Tibetan traditions, culture, and ancient artifacts reflecting Tibet and the history of Tibetan Buddhism. You could buy a few souvenirs or interact with the locals to learn more about the way of life here in Tibet.

Overnight at Shigatse.

After breakfast, we will leave Shigatse and drive towards Gyantse, the third largest city in Tibet and a trade center for wool and timber. Once we reach Gyantse, we will visit Khumbum Stupa, a Nepalese-style stupa in Tibet named ‘hundred thousand images of Buddha.’ Pilgrims used to walk clockwise as part of the kora of the stupa. Once we reach the top of the stupa, we will witness the whole view of the old part of Gyantse.

Then, we will visit the Pelkhor Chorten, built near the stupa in 1418. Its architecture blends Nepalese, Tibetan, and Han styles. Three distinct orders of Tibetan Buddhism are housed inside its fifteen chapels and halls. The three-story Tsulaklakang, the monastery’s principal temple, is decorated with 15th-century paintings and pictures.

After sightseeing in Gyantse, we will drive to Lhasa. We will stop at Yamdrok Lake, also known as the Turquoise Lake. We then reach the top of the Gampala Pass (4,790m), from which we will witness the first view of the breathtaking Lake Yamdrok below, surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks encompassing the entire landscape. The majestic Mt. Noijin Kangsang (7191m) stands beautifully in the background of the lake, reflecting its beauty on the lake.

After spending some time at Yamdrok Lakeshore, we continued our journey to Lhasa.

Overnight at Lhasa.

Today, we will visit two monasteries, a few kilometers away from Lhasa, Drepung and Sera Monastery.

Drepung Monastery, built in 1416 by Jamyang Choje, is one of Tibet’s great three Geluk Monasteries. The other two Geluk Monasteries are the Sera and Ganden monasteries. Drepung Monastery was once the biggest, holding 10,000 monks. It is located at the base of Gambo Utse Mountain. If lucky, then we will be able to experience the Thangka festival.

Later, we will visit Sera Monastery, built in 1419, another of Tibet’s three great Geluk Monasteries, where we will witness philosophical debates. These monk’s debates are the main highlight of the Sera monastery.

Overnight at Lhasa.

After breakfast, we will do a full-day sightseeing tour of Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple of Lhasa. Also, we will explore the nearby Barkhor market.

Potala Palace, built about 1300 years ago and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a significant landmark in Tibet renowned for its exquisite architecture and classic elegance. It was the winter palace of the Dalai Lama. The collection of ancient artifacts, the architectural beauty, and the various tombs of the past Dalai Lamas are some of the key attractions of this Palace. The steps to the top of the Palace are challenging, but the walk is worth it. You could explore and discover much more about the Tibetan culture and its history. Also, your eyes will be filled with panoramic views of Lhasa’s old town.

Then, we will visit the Jokhang Temple, built in the 7th century. It is the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism and one of the most sacred and revered temples in Lhasa’s old town. It houses a statue of Sakyamuni Buddha at age 12.

We will also visit Barkhor Street, which encircles the Jokhang Temple, and the clockwise circumambulating route (kora). Pilgrims used to walk through Barkhor market as part of their Kora. Also, you will find many shops selling artifacts, handicrafts, and local food shops. You can buy souvenirs or taste the local Tibetan foods at this market.

Overnight at Lhasa.

Today is the last day of your overland tour to Lhasa. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Gonggar airport, where you can return to your desired destination.