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Tibet Overland and Cultural Holiday

  • 5 days
  • moderate
  • Up to 12
  • Spring (Apr–May) & Autumn (Sep–Oct)
4.6

Cross the high plateau from Kathmandu to Lhasa, visiting golden temples and mountain viewpoints with our licensed local guides.

At a glance

Trip overview

Our Tibet tours bridge the border from Nepal onto the high Tibetan plateau, offering direct access to Lhasa's golden-roofed monasteries, ancient palaces, and high-altitude lakes. We coordinate all necessary permits, private transport, and local guiding teams to ensure a seamless entry across the border.

This journey suits travellers looking for deep cultural immersion paired with monumental Himalayan landscapes. From the bustling Barkhor circuit in Lhasa to panoramic viewpoints overlooking distant peaks, every day brings encounters with Tibetan Buddhist traditions and daily life on the plateau.

While vehicle-based travel minimises strenuous physical exertion, the altitudes across the plateau exceed 3,500 m. Proper hydration, gradual ascent profiles, and careful pacing are essential for a comfortable experience.

Classic 11 Days Everest Base Camp Trek — gallery 4

Why this trek

Trip highlights

  • Lhasa Temples

    Explore Jokhang Temple and the Potala Palace alongside our local Tibetan guides.

  • High Plateau Views

    Cross sweeping high-altitude passes with sweeping vistas across the Himalayan range.

  • Cultural Immersion

    Observe pilgrims performing full-body prostrations along the Barkhor circuit.

  • Seamless Crossings

    All border logistics, private vehicles, and Tibet Travel Permits managed directly by our team.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Lhasa

Meals: B

We touch down in Lhasa or complete our overland transfer across the border, settling into our hotel to begin the vital acclimatisation process at 3,650 m. Our lead guide briefs the team on pacing and hydration for the days ahead.

Day 2

Exploring Lhasa Cultural Sites

Meals: B / L / D

Today we tour the iconic Potala Palace and the sacred Jokhang Temple, walking the surrounding Barkhor street market amongst local pilgrims. Our guides provide deep context on Tibetan Buddhist history and architecture.

Day 3

Monasteries of Drepung and Sera

Meals: B / L / D

We spend the day visiting the sprawling monastic complexes of Drepung and Sera, where we observe the lively afternoon monk debates in the shaded courtyards.

Day 4

High Lake Excursion or EBC Route

Meals: B / L / D

A scenic drive takes us toward high-altitude vistas or sacred turquoise lakes such as Yamdrok Yumtso, depending on our selected itinerary branch across the plateau.

Day 5

Departure from Lhasa

Meals: B

After breakfast, our private vehicle transfers us to the airport or the border for our onward journey, concluding our time on the roof of the world.

Inclusions

What’s included

Included

  • Tibet Travel Permit handled
  • Licensed Tibetan guide
  • Hotels throughout
  • Private vehicle and driver
  • Airport and border transfers

Not included

  • International airfare
  • China visa fee from Kathmandu
  • Travel insurance covering high-altitude rescue
  • Personal expenses and tips

Before you go

Good to know

Altitude & acclimatisation

Lhasa sits at 3,650 m, and our vehicle routes frequently cross passes well above 4,000 m. We build relaxed schedules into the first few days to allow your body to adjust safely.

Best time to visit

Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to October) offer the most stable weather, clear skies, and optimal daytime temperatures across the plateau.

Permits and paperwork

Travel to Tibet requires a standard China Group Visa and a Tibet Travel Permit, both of which must be processed in advance through our Kathmandu office using your passport details.

Lodging and transport

We arrange clean, comfortable tourist-class hotels throughout the towns, paired with private vehicles and experienced local drivers to handle the long highway distances safely.

Route

Route overview

Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill — altitude profile

Altitude

Altitude profile

Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill — route map

Pack list

What to pack

  • Sturdy walking shoesEssential

    Footwear

    Comfortable footwear for uneven stone temple courtyards and light walks.

  • Down jacketEssential

    Clothing

    Nights on the plateau drop below freezing year-round.

  • Thermal base layersEssential

    Clothing

    Essential for high-altitude passes and chilly mornings.

  • Sun hat and UV sunglassesEssential

    Clothing

    Solar radiation is intense at 3,650 m and above.

  • High-SPF sunscreen and lip balmEssential

    Clothing

    Protects against dry mountain air and strong UV rays.

  • Reusable water bottleEssential

    Camping

    Hydration is your primary defense against altitude sickness.

  • Passport and visa copiesEssential

    Documents

    Checked frequently at police checkpoints across the plateau.

  • Personal medical kitEssential

    Safety

    Include blister care, rehydration salts, and altitude remedies.

Paperwork

Permits & paperwork

You bring

Sort these out before you fly.

  • China Group Visa

    Visa

    Obtained through the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu prior to crossing.

We arrange

Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.

  • Tibet Travel Permit

    Permit

    Required for all foreign nationals entering the Tibet Autonomous Region.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

How do we obtain the Tibet Travel Permit?

Our Kathmandu team handles all paperwork once you provide a scanned copy of your passport well in advance of departure.

What is the highest altitude we reach?

Lhasa is situated at 3,650 m, and our overland driving routes frequently cross mountain passes exceeding 4,000 m to 5,000 m.

Can independent travellers visit Tibet?

No, independent travel is not permitted in Tibet. All visitors must travel on a pre-arranged itinerary with a licensed guide and private transport.

What kind of vehicle do we use?

We provide comfortable private tourist vehicles or vans with experienced local drivers suited for the paved and gravel plateau highways.

Is altitude sickness common?

Mild headaches or fatigue can occur during the first 48 hours in Lhasa. We mitigate this by keeping activity light upon arrival and ensuring proper hydration.

What currency should we bring?

Chinese Yuan (CNY) is required for all minor purchases in Tibet. Major credit cards are increasingly accepted in Lhasa, but cash is essential for remote areas.

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 5 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.

October 2026
SMTWTFS

Start dateTrip runs

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