Overland Expedition From Lhasa to Kathmandu
- 7 days
- extreme
- Up to 12
- April to November (Spring, Summer, and Autumn)
We traverse the Tibetan plateau by road, crossing high mountain passes and visiting historic monasteries before descending into Nepal.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our overland journey from Lhasa to Kathmandu links two distinct Himalayan cultures by road. We guide travelers across the high plateau of Tibet, passing turquoise lakes, ancient monastic complexes, and nomadic settlements before descending into the river valleys of Nepal. This route suits travelers who want to experience the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism without undertaking multi-day high-altitude treks.
We begin our exploration in Lhasa at 3,660 m, visiting the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and active monastic universities like Sera and Drepung. From there, our vehicles follow the Friendship Highway through Shigatse and Shegar, crossing high mountain passes that exceed 5,000 m. The terrain requires careful pacing to allow our bodies to adapt to the thin air.
While this is primarily a vehicular and sightseeing journey rather than a walking trek, the elevations involved demand physical resilience. We spend several consecutive nights above 3,500 m, and symptoms of altitude sickness can occur. Our experienced Tibetan guides manage our daily pacing and monitor health closely throughout the traverse.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Potala Palace
We explore the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama, perched above the Lhasa valley at 3,660 m.
Yamdrok Tso Lake
Our route passes the striking turquoise waters of this sacred high-altitude lake en route to Shigatse.
Tashilhunpo Monastery
We walk through the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, exploring ancient prayer halls and courtyards.
High Mountain Passes
We cross rugged terrain on the Friendship Highway, including high passes with sweeping views of the Himalayan range.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Lhasa (3,660 m)
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Lhasa (3,660 m)
Meals: B
We arrive in Lhasa either by flight or train, taking in our first views of the arid Tibetan plateau and surrounding peaks. Our Tibetan team meets us at the station or airport and transfers us to our hotel. We spend the remainder of the day resting indoors to help our bodies adjust to the 3,660 m elevation.
Day 2
Sightseeing Tour in Lhasa
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Sightseeing Tour in Lhasa
Meals: B / L / D
Today we dedicate our time to exploring Lhasa's major architectural and spiritual landmarks. We visit the Potala Palace and walk through the active pilgrimage paths of Barkhor Market surrounding the Jokhang Temple. Our guide shares historical context on Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
Day 3
Second Day Sightseeing in Lhasa
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Second Day Sightseeing in Lhasa
Meals: B / L / D
Our exploration of Lhasa continues with visits to the sprawling monastic complexes of Sera and Drepung. We observe the resident monks participating in traditional afternoon debate sessions in the courtyard. The rest of the afternoon is free for final preparations before our overland departure.
Day 4
Drive from Lhasa to Shigatse (3,900 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Drive from Lhasa to Shigatse (3,900 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We depart Lhasa by private vehicle, driving approximately 350 km over seven hours toward Shigatse. The road takes us past Yamdrok Tso Lake and across high mountain passes. We arrive in Tibet's second-largest city by late afternoon and check in to our hotel.
Day 5
Shigatse Sightseeing and Drive to Shegar (4,050 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Shigatse Sightseeing and Drive to Shegar (4,050 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We begin our morning at Tashilhunpo Monastery, the historic seat of the Panchen Lama. Afterwards, we cover the 244 km distance to Shegar, driving along the Friendship Highway through stark, high-altitude valleys and small farming settlements.
Day 6
Drive from Shegar to Kerung (3,700 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Drive from Shegar to Kerung (3,700 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Our journey continues westward as we drive 315 km over five to six hours toward the Nepal border at Kerung. The route offers distant views of major Himalayan peaks including Shishapangma and Cho Oyu. We settle into a local guesthouse for our final night in Tibet.
Day 7
Kerung to Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Meals: B
Day 7
Kerung to Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Meals: B
We complete border formalities at the Kerung crossing in the morning and leave the Tibetan plateau. Our vehicle descends rapidly through rugged gorges and winding hill roads into the subtropical green valleys of Nepal. We complete the 200 km drive in 11 to 12 hours, arriving in Kathmandu by evening where our trip concludes.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- All ground transportation by private vehicle as per itinerary
- All entrance fees for sightseeing and monastery visits
- 3-star hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lhasa and Shigatse
- Guesthouse accommodation with breakfast in Shegar and Kerung
- Services of a TTB-licensed Tibetan guide
- All applicable government taxes and service charges
Not included
- International airfare or train travel to Lhasa
- Nepal entry or re-entry visa
- Chinese visa fee
- Lunches and dinners during city tours
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude evacuation
- Personal shopping, laundry, and tips for guide and driver
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
We spend several consecutive days above 3,500 m and cross mountain passes exceeding 5,000 m. We structure our itinerary to increase elevation gradually, but mild headaches or fatigue can occur. We advise drinking plenty of water and moving at a measured pace.
Accommodation on the tour
We provide three-star hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lhasa and Shigatse on a shared twin-room basis. In more remote overnight stops like Shegar and Kerung, we use basic local guesthouses with straightforward amenities.
Permits and documentation
Traveling in Tibet requires specific pre-arranged permissions, including a Tibet Travel Permit. These documents cannot be obtained independently and must be processed through our agency well in advance of your arrival in China or Nepal.
Physical preparation
While this is an overland tour rather than a trekking expedition, daily sightseeing involves walking on uneven stone surfaces and steps at high altitude. Travelers with pre-existing heart, lung, or mobility conditions should consult a physician before booking.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy walking shoesEssential
Footwear
Required for uneven stone surfaces around monasteries and viewpoints.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Essential for cold evening temperatures on the high plateau.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Needed for windy conditions at mountain passes exceeding 5,000 m.
Sun hat and UV sunglassesEssential
Clothing
High-altitude sun exposure is intense across the Tibetan plains.
Reusable water bottleEssential
Camping
Hydration is key to managing altitude adaptation.
Personal first aid kitEssential
Safety
Include altitude sickness medication prescribed by your physician.
Valid passport and visa documentsEssential
Documents
Must be kept accessible for multiple checkpoint inspections along the highway.
Lip balm and moisturizerEssential
Clothing
Air is dry and cold across the high plateau.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Tibet Travel Permit
PermitMandatory entry permit for foreign nationals traveling in the Tibet Autonomous Region.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What permits do I need for the Lhasa to Kathmandu tour?
You require a Chinese Visa and a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP), along with restricted area documents managed by our agency through the Tibet Tourism Bureau.
How high do we travel on this overland route?
Our highest elevation on this trip is over 5,220 m while crossing high mountain passes on the Tibetan plateau, and we stay in Lhasa at 3,660 m.
What kind of vehicle is used for the overland drive?
We use private four-wheel drive vehicles or comfortable tourist vans depending on the group size and road conditions along the Friendship Highway.
Are meals included during the tour?
Breakfast is included at all hotels and guesthouses. Lunches and dinners are excluded to allow flexibility in trying local Tibetan and Nepali cuisine.
Can I start this tour from Kathmandu instead of Lhasa?
Yes, we can arrange this itinerary in reverse, starting from Kathmandu, driving up to Kerung, and traveling across Tibet to Lhasa.
What is the physical difficulty of this trip?
It is classified as moderate to strenuous due to high altitude and long driving days rather than steep walking tracks.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 7 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
Ready to book Overland Expedition From Lhasa to Kathmandu?
Talk to a Himalaya Treks planner about departure dates, group discounts, or a customised private departure.