Lhasa Overland Trip 8 Days from Kathmandu

After breakfast, begin the ascent onto the vast Tibetan plateau. The landscape dramatically changes from green hills to arid high-altitude plains. Cross Lalung La / Tong La pass (5,150 m) which offers the first breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalaya, including Shishapangma (8,013 m), the only 8,000 m peak entirely in Tibet. Continue across the windswept plateau with nomadic herders and yaks to Old Tingri.

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  Transport:

  4WD Land Cruiser or tourist van
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  Meals:

  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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  Accomodation:

  Basic hotel or guesthouse in Tingri (attached bathroom, hot water usually available)

Early morning optional drive (30–40 min) to a nearby viewpoint for sunrise over Mount Everest (weather permitting). Return to the hotel for breakfast, then drive toward Shigatse. En route, cross the high Gyatso La pass (5,250 m), one of the best Everest panorama points with views of four 8,000 m peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. In the afternoon, arrive in Shigatse and visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama and one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet.

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  Transport:

  4WD Land Cruiser or tourist van
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  Meals:

  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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  Accomodation:

  3–4 star standard hotel in Shigatse (private bathroom, heating)

Morning free time or optional revisit to Tashilhunpo Monastery. After lunch, short 90 km drive to Gyantse. Visit the impressive Pelkor Chöde Monastery and the unique 100,000-Buddha Kumbum Stupa (a 3D mandala with 9 tiers and 108 chapels filled with murals and statues). Walk through the old town and see the historic Gyantse Dzong (fortress) from outside.

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  Transport:

  4WD Land Cruiser or tourist van
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  Meals:

  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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  Accomodation:

  3-star hotel in Gyantse (private bathroom, comfortable)

Scenic drive along the Friendship Highway. Stop at the stunning turquoise Yamdrok Lake (one of Tibet’s three holy lakes), then cross the high Karo La pass (5,039 m) with views of the dramatic Nazin Kang Sa glacier range. Descend through fertile valleys to the Lhasa Valley and the Kyichu River. Arrive in Lhasa in the late afternoon and check into your hotel.

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  Transport:

  4WD Land Cruiser or tourist van
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  Meals:

  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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  Accomodation:

  3–4 star hotel in central Lhasa (private bathroom, Wi-Fi, heating)

Full day guided sightseeing in Lhasa. Morning visit to the iconic Potala Palace, former winter residence of the Dalai Lamas, climbing up to explore the White and Red Palaces. In the afternoon, walk to the sacred Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism, and join pilgrims on the Barkhor pilgrimage circuit, filled with markets and prostrating devotees.

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  Transport:

  4WD Land Cruiser or tourist van
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  Meals:

  (lunch & dinner on your own in Barkhor area – many options)
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  Accomodation:

  Same 3–4 star hotel in Lhasa

Morning visit to Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in the world (home to over 10,000 monks). Explore its kitchens, assembly halls, and colleges. In the afternoon, head to Sera Monastery to witness the famous monks’ debating session (usually 3–5 pm, Monday–Saturday), a lively and unique tradition of philosophical argument.

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  Transport:

  Private vehicle
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  Meals:

  Breakfast (lunch & dinner on your own)
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  Accomodation:

  Same 3–4 star hotel in Lhasa

Depending on your choice:

• Option A (Flight): Morning transfer to Lhasa Gonggar Airport for the spectacular 1-hour flight across the Himalaya back to Kathmandu (extra cost ~$380–$450).
• Option B (Overland return): Begin the 4-day overland journey back via the same route (Shigatse → Gyantse → Kyirong → Kathmandu). Day 8 would be Lhasa → Shigatse or further.

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  Transport:

  Airport transfer + flight OR 4WD back toward Nepal border
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  Meals:

  Breakfast only
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  Accomodation:

  None (if flying) OR hotel in Shigatse/Tingri (if returning overland)