Lhasa Kathmandu Overland Tour

With Kathmandu as the starting point, the tour facilitates exploring Tibet with Lhasa along the way. Drepung Monastery & Sera Monastery are the points of attraction, and you will also have the opportunity to get a glimpse of majestic Mount Everest.

Duration

7 Days

Difficulty

Moderate

Requires some level of experience in trekking with basic physical ability.

Trip Code

CT-10093

Destination

Tibet

Activity

CoreTreks Special

Route

Kathmandu - Kyirong - Everest Base Camp - Tingri - Shigatse - Gyantse - Lhasa

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Itinerary
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Lhasa Kathmandu Overland Tour Overview

Entering Tibet from Kathmandu to Lhasa is an exciting and adventurous journey. This overland trip spans 8 days and takes you through the stunning Great Himalayas, showcasing the highest peaks, serene alpine lakes, glaciers, and sacred Buddhist sites. Ultimately, you'll reach Lhasa, the spiritual heart of Tibet.

To prioritize your safety and comfort on the Kathmandu to Lhasa route. This adjustment allows for a day's stay in Gyirong Town (2700m), significantly reducing the risk of acute mountain sickness when transitioning from Kathmandu (1400m) to old Tingri (4300m). Additionally, starting the journey in the late morning ensures that drivers don't navigate the perilous mountain roads near the Sino-Nepal border at night, enhancing the overall tour experience and travel safety.

As the only local travel agency with offices in Kathmandu, we operate our tours directly without third-party contractors. Our Tibetan and Nepali staff will assist you in obtaining the Tibet Permit (free of charge) and China Group Visa for entry into Tibet from Kathmandu. Furthermore, we offer secure and convenient transfer services from your Kathmandu hotel to your Gyirong hotel on the Tibetan side. If you wish to extend your tour from Lhasa to other Chinese cities such as Chengdu, Xi'an, Beijing, or Shanghai, we can assist you in booking Tibet train or flight tickets and provide guided tours to various parts of China.

Day 01

Arrival In Lhasa

Highest Altitude

3,650 m

Upon your arrival in Lhasa, whether by train or flight, our guide will warmly welcome you and escort you to your hotel. During the journey, you will have the opportunity to witness the magnificent Yarlung Tsangpo River (also known as the Brahmaputra River) and the scenic Lhasa River.

Once you have checked in to your hotel in Lhasa, it is recommended to take some time to rest and acclimatize to the high altitude. You can also visit Potala Square to see the colorful fountain display. Don’t miss taking photos of the Potala Palace and its surroundings.

Insider Tips:
For those who are new to Tibet, it is essential to allow time for acclimatization to the high altitude. It is advisable to take a good rest in your hotel and avoid rushing to visit attractions within Lhasa City.

Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay in Lhasa as you prepare for the exciting adventures ahead.

Hotel

Day 02

Lhasa Tour - Potala Palace, Johkang Temple, And Barkor Street

Highest Altitude

3,650 m

Take a tour of Lhasa and explore the city’s special treasures. Our first stop is the awe-inspiring Potala Palace, the Dalai Lama’s winter residence. This palace, built in the 7th century, was important to Tibetan rulers. See the gold-covered burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and visit the meditation cave of Tibet’s 33rd great king.

After a delightful lunch, we continue our journey to the renowned Jokhang Temple. Built-in the 7th century by the visionary 33rd great king of Tibet, this temple stands as a symbol of Buddhist devotion. Inside, you will be mesmerized by the revered statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the tender age of twelve, a highly venerated object in Tibetan Buddhism.

Surrounding the temple is the vibrant Barkhor Street, a bustling hub where pilgrims and locals engage in the sacred act of kora, circling the temple or mountain as an act of devotion. Immerse yourself in this spiritual atmosphere, and take the opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs along the way.

Conclude your fulfilling day with an overnight stay in Lhasa, savoring the memories of the captivating sights and experiences you’ve encountered.

Hotel

Day 03

Lhasa Sightseeing - Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery

Highest Altitude

3,650 m

On the third day of your Lhasa tour, we will explore two significant monasteries, namely Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery.

Our first destination is Drepung Monastery, situated at the foothills of a majestic mountain. Founded in 1416 by Jamyang Choeje, this monastery was once home to a staggering 10,000 monks. Notably, Ganden Podrang within Drepung served as the government center before it was later moved to the renowned Potala Palace during the reign of the fifth Dalai Lama.

After a delightful lunch, we will proceed to visit the esteemed Sera Monastery. Established in 1419 by Jamchen Choeje, a disciple of Tsongkhapa, this monastery holds great significance within Tibetan Buddhism. One of the highlights of Sera Monastery is the captivating Buddhist Scriptures debating sessions that take place in the monastery’s courtyard, typically between 3:00 and 5:00 in the afternoon.

Conclude the day’s explorations with an overnight stay in Lhasa, reflecting upon the profound spiritual experiences and cultural insights gained from visiting these magnificent monastic sites.

Hotel

Day 04

Lhasa To Shigatse

Highest Altitude

4,790 m

On the fourth day, drive from Lhasa to Shigatse, stopping at Gyantse along the way.

From Lhasa, the route goes over Gampala Pass at 4,790 meters. Here, you will have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the enchanting Yamdrok-Tso Lake at an altitude of 4,400 meters. Surrounding the lake are majestic snow-capped mountains, and in the distance, you will be treated to a spectacular view of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar, the highest peak near Lhasa, standing at an impressive 7,191 meters.

Continuing our journey westward, we will drive along the scenic lakeside and proceed toward Gyantse. As historically Tibet’s third-largest city, Gyantse holds cultural significance. Here, we will visit the renowned Pelkor Monastery and the impressive Gyantse Kumbum, a multi-story architectural wonder.

After spending time exploring Gyantse, we will drive for approximately one and a half hours to reach Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet. In Shigatse, we will visit the revered Tashilhunpo Monastery, which serves as the seat of Tibet’s second-highest incarnation, the Panchen Lama.

Conclude the day with a comfortable overnight stay in Shigatse, reflecting on the stunning landscapes and cultural treasures encountered on this leg of your journey.

Hotel

Day 05

Shigatse To Everest Base Camp

Highest Altitude

5,200m

On the fifth day of your adventure, we will depart from Shigatse after obtaining your Alien’s Travel Permit and head towards Everest Base Camp.

Our journey will take us to Lhatse, a small town where you can enjoy a pleasant lunch break. From there, we will continue driving towards Shegar. If weather conditions permit, you will have the incredible opportunity to catch a distant glimpse of the majestic Mount Everest along the way.

After approximately 4 to 6 hours of driving, we will reach Rongbuk Monastery. During this stretch, you will pass through Pang La Pass, one of the highest passes in Tibet, with an altitude of 5,050 meters. From this point, you can see some of the world’s highest mountains. Once at Rongbuk Monastery, situated at an altitude of 5,000 meters, you can explore this sacred site, which holds the distinction of being the highest monastery in the world and belongs to the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

For accommodation, you will have the option of staying overnight in a tent at Everest Base Camp or at the guest house of Rongbuk Monastery. Embrace the unique experience of spending the night in this remarkable location, surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of the Himalayas.

Tented Camp/ Guesthouse

Day 06

Old Tingri To Kyirong

Highest Altitude

4,300 m

After enjoying a mesmerizing sunrise over the magnificent Mt. Everest, which stands at an impressive height of 8,844.43 meters, we will begin our journey from Old Tingri to Kyirong (Gyirong).

As we drive towards the border, you will have the opportunity to witness the majestic Himalayas from both the Tibetan and Nepalese sides. The road leading to Gyirong Port is generally in good condition, but what makes this leg of the journey truly remarkable is the rapidly changing altitude and atmosphere that unfolds before your very eyes.

Travel through the Himalayas and enjoy the amazing landscapes from many angles. The journey to Gyirong Port will be an unforgettable experience, as you witness the power and grandeur of these majestic mountains.

Continue to embrace the adventure as we make our way toward Kyirong (Gyirong), anticipating more incredible sights and experiences along the way.

Hotel

Day 07

Kyirong To Kathmandu

Drive Hours

7-9 hours

Highest Altitude

4,300 m

From Kyirong (Gyirong), our next destination is Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. We will cross the China-Nepal border at the Gyirong Port and proceed towards Kathmandu. The distance between Gyirong and Kathmandu is approximately 160 kilometers (100 miles).

The bus journey from Gyirong to Kathmandu typically takes around 7 to 9 hours, but please note that the duration can vary depending on factors such as road conditions and traffic. As we make our way through this scenic route, be prepared to witness the natural beauty of the region and enjoy the transition from the high altitudes of Tibet to the lower elevation of Kathmandu, which sits at around 1300 meters above sea level.

Sit back, relax, and soak in the sights as we travel toward the vibrant city of Kathmandu, where a wealth of cultural treasures and diverse experiences await.

Hotel

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Transfer Service Between Hotels And Airport/ Train Station

Lhasa Gongar International Airport is located approximately 70 kilometers from downtown Lhasa, and the transfer from the airport to your hotel takes around 1.5 hours by car. To ensure a smooth and hassle-free arrival, we provide a free transfer service from the airport to your hotel. Upon arrival, our friendly Tibetan pick-up guide will be waiting for you at the airport exit, holding a sign with your name. They will assist you with your luggage, accompany you to the transfer car, and ensure a comfortable journey to your hotel. They will also help you with the check-in process at the hotel. Similarly, at the end of your tour, our guide will pick you up from your hotel and escort you back to the airport.

For airport pick-up, we have scheduled pick-up times at 10:00 am, 13:30 pm, and 17:00 pm. Similarly, for airport drop-off, our pick-up times are at 06:30 am, 08:00 am, and 12:00 pm. If your flight time does not fall within these schedules, please inform our travel consultant, and we will make arrangements to accommodate your needs.

In addition to airport transfers, CoreTreks also offers unlimited free transfers between your hotel and Lhasa Railway Station, ensuring a seamless transition to and from the train station based on your arrival and departure times.

Please note that if there are fewer than three passengers per transfer, we may utilize public transportation such as public airport buses or taxis instead of our shuttle service. Rest assured that we will make the necessary arrangements to provide the most suitable transfer service for you.

Enjoy a worry-free journey with our reliable transfer services, allowing you to focus on exploring and experiencing the wonders of Tibet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can I apply for a China Group Visa?

To apply for a China Group Visa, you need to arrive in Kathmandu at least three days before your planned departure to Tibet. Provide your original passport, a personal photo, and the visa fee to our staff in Kathmandu. Fill out the application form, and the processing takes a minimum of three business days. Our staff will then deliver the issued visa to your hotel.

Can I apply for a China Group Visa if I'm not traveling with a group?

Can I use my regular tourist visa to enter Tibet instead of a China Group Visa?

What is the duration of a China Group Visa?

Can I apply for a China Group Visa if I have a non-Nepali passport?

Can I travel to other parts of China with a China Group Visa?

Yes, you can use the China Group Visa to travel to other parts of China. However, please note that the visa is valid only for the specified itinerary and duration mentioned in your group tour. If you plan to visit other parts of China, you may need to obtain additional visas or permits.

What should I do if my China Group Visa application is denied?

In rare cases where a China Group Visa application is denied, our travel consultants will assist you in exploring alternative options. This may include applying for an individual Chinese visa through the Chinese embassy in your home country.

During your journey, there are a few exceptional places where you can enjoy the majestic beauty of Mount Everest:

1. Rongbuk Monastery Patio: Near Everest Base Camp, Rongbuk Monastery offers a close-up view of Mount Everest.

2. Gawu La Pass (5198m): As you travel towards Shigatse, you will pass through the Gawu La Pass. From here, you can feast your eyes on the stunning panorama of the top four highest peaks of the Great Himalayas, including the magnificent Mount Everest. The view from this pass is truly awe-inspiring.

These locations provide unique opportunities to admire and appreciate the magnificence of Mount Everest, allowing you to create unforgettable memories of your journey in the presence of this iconic peak.

To prepare for your trek in Nepal, it’s essential to consider both the specific route and the time of year. Here is a Nepal trekking packing list to help you pack wisely. Here’s our Nepal Trekking packing list.

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Duration
7 Days

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If these dates do not suit your plans, please contact us to request alternative dates. We are more than happy to customise the itinerary and schedule to better fit your needs.

There is no additional cost on the private trip. Group discount will be applied on checkout.

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      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 46 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Nabaraj Poudel 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best team ever. We had a very good experience with the team during Annapurna Base camp trek.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   سلطان المطيري 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an amazing experience with CoreTreks during my hiking trip in Nepal.
The guide was professional, friendly, and always made sure I was safe and comfortable.
The trip was very well-organized, and the views were absolutely breathtaking.
I highly recommend Core Trek to anyone planning to visit Nepal — they made the journey unforgettable!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   nisanat nimmansoontorn 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nepal with Core treks by Mr. Nim was a dream come true! The Himalayas were breathtaking, and the culture was so rich. Mr. Nim was an amazing guide. Ge always make sure that we ll had a great time there.

From trekking through the mountains to exploring ancient temples, every moment was unforgettable. I highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for an authentic Nepalese adventure.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Manish bhatta 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best tours and trekking services provider in Nepal, love the services done by Mr. Sailendra

Owner's reply
Thank you sir

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 66 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   margherita c 
 
 
 
 Verified langtang yala peak gosaikunda trek
Langtang, Yala peak, Gosaikunda trek. Trekking bardzo dobrze zaplanowany. Bardzo bogaty w różnorodne doświadczenia od trekkingu z pięknymi widokami, wspinaczką na Yala Peak po zetknięcie z lokalną kulturą tybetańską, doskonale dobrany do moich potrzeb. Ponieważ szłam solo czułam się bardzo bezpiecznie z moim przewodnikiem Raj i porterem Baba, . Stanowiliśmy zgrany team. Pełen profesjonalizm ! Na koniec pobytu w Nepalu miła niespodzianka ze strony właściciela pana Nim.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Hartmut K 
 
 
 
 Verified Langtang Valley Trek Adventure
In April 2026 we went trekking in the Langtang Valley and towards Yala peak with Core Trek Pvt Ltd. The trek was very well thought out and organised. We were new to trekking and walking at altitude and the planning of transfers, days, walking distances and altitudes was well designed by Coretreks staff. After arriving and spending one night in Kathmandu we departed on a private jeep trip to Syabrubesi. We were accompanied by Trekking Guide Dibash Pudasaini and Porter Pukar Bhatta, two very friendly Nepalese with good English. From Syabrubesi we walked in three days up the Langtang Valley to Kyanjin Gompa, with overnights in Lama Hotel and Langtang Village. On the next two acclimatisation days we walked to Kyanjin Ri and upstream along the Langtang River through the glacial outwash plains towards the direction of Langshiska Kharka. The following day we went with the mountain guide Jhandu Lama and Dibash to the Yala Base Camp, where we hit snow on the last 500m before the small base hut. We crawled into the sleeping backs early, then got up at 2:30 am for an alpine start to the day and went with crampons and headlights uphill on the frozen snow surface. Our pace got slower and slower until we reached the flat area on ice 120m below Yala peak around 7:30 am. The view now opened towards the east and was amazing. At this altitude of 5400m we had reached our limit of breathing enough air in and decided to descend. No altitude sickness. We stopped on the way down briefly at the basecamp and then continued down to Kyanjin Gompa. Next day we did a long downhill walk to Lama Hotel, then a half day walk to Syabrubesi where the private jeep waited to bring us back to Kathmandu. On the trek we saw wild monkeys, deer, tahr, eagles, lammergeier and many other birds. Time in Kathmandu was spend sightseeing, shopping and relaxing with nice food and beverages. Our guides from Coretreks brought us out to a fantastic dinner with great Nepalese food and traditional dancing. We can highly recommend Coretreks and their guides for trekking and peak climbing, they are very knowledgeable about trekking, geography and wildlife. They are friendly and communicate well which is important on treks that can get exhausting and tiring at times. The nice hotels, teahouses, food, supplies, sightseeing, jeeps and airport taxis were well organised by Coretreks and gave us a unique experience in Nepal.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Tobias M 
 
 
 
 Verified More than a trek – My Annapurna Circuit Experience
The "Annapurna Circuit Trek including Tilicho Lake" journey was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. The 15-day tour starting and ending in Kathmandu was definitely challenging — many steep ascents in a short amount of time, icy sections, and the thin air at high altitude push you physically and mentally. At the same time, every single day rewards you with unforgettable impressions and breathtaking scenery. I especially want to highlight the outstanding organization by CoreTrek. Even before the trek started, communication was excellent. Individual requests were handled quickly, flexibly, and in a very solution-oriented way. I always felt honestly advised about what was realistic and what was not, which created a lot of trust from the beginning. On the trek itself, my guide Aga Kami and my porter Sudip were absolutely fantastic. Both were incredibly friendly, supportive, experienced, and attentive throughout the entire journey. In such demanding conditions at high altitude, having people like them around gives you a huge sense of confidence and security. Aga Kami guided the route perfectly, always knew how to adapt the pace to the situation, and shared his experience in a calm and professional way. Sudip also did an amazing job and made every day more enjoyable with his positive attitude and constant support. The trek would not have been the same without them. The absolute highlight was crossing the Thorong La Pass. It is one of those moments that feels surreal — a combination of exhaustion, pride, and overwhelming beauty that is difficult to describe in words. In general, the scenery throughout the trek was simply spectacular. I was there in November and had perfect weather the entire time: deep blue skies, crystal-clear visibility, sunshine, and only light winds. This season is ideal for the Annapurna region because the air is dry and stable, creating stunning panoramic views of snow-covered Himalayan peaks almost every day. Another big surprise was the food and accommodation situation. Even in remote mountain villages, the variety and quality of the food were far better than I expected. I was also surprised by how widely available internet access was throughout the trek. Of course, the lodges become more basic and rustic the higher you go, but considering the environment and altitude, they were still surprisingly comfortable. Honestly, there was nothing during the trek that really disappointed or bothered me. Looking back, what remains most is the feeling afterward: pride, gratitude, and inner peace. Some experiences take weeks or even months to fully process and appreciate. For me, this trek was not only a physical adventure but also a mental reset. I was able to completely disconnect, clear my mind, and reconnect with myself. I would highly recommend this trek to adventurous and physically active travelers looking for an authentic, challenging, and deeply rewarding experience.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Marta K 
 
 
 
 Verified The most kind, helpful and fun team!
I had a pleasure of going to Langtang Valley with CoreTreks team and they are the best. Very friendly, kind, helpful and professional. All the guys were so dedicated to their work and always with a smile on their face. Respecful but also funny with a good sense of humour. I would definitely recommend trekking with them. They know what they are doing and you can feel safe with them. if i come back to Nepal and want to go to the mountains again- I will definitely contact Nim and his team. Thank you very much! 🙏🏻🙌🏻
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Alex T 
 
 
 
 Verified THANK YOU CORETREKS !
When it comes to chose a trekking compagny, it's a roll of dice. Choosing Coretreks was such a blessing! Human oriented compagny! They gave me different trek options and I was glad because I ended going for something different than my first idea was and I am so happy with it. The prices are good too. I decided to go with Everest Base Camp, Island Peak and Ama Dablam summits for a total of around 1 month trip. I felt very safe with the trek and climbing guide and had fast answer from owners when I had questions. Honestly, everything was better than expected, I recommand Coretreks to everyone! I will come back FOR SURE! They make your dreams come true, don't wait!🙏🏼
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Tour01978766917 
 
 
 
 Verified Randonnée Népal
Amazing experience! I did the mardi himal trek and it was absolutly stunning. Nim, the founder of coretrek, made sure everything was set perfectly for me before, during and after the trek. He was disponible, kind, caring and really helpful. He made me feel like home and secure as soon as i landed in Nepal. I did my trek with Gorakh and Sudeep and they were always looking to make sure i was ok. They were funny, profesionnal and it was a true pleasure to be with them and share this wonderful moment. I recommand Nim and his team without hesitation, their love of mountains is pure and contagious !
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Shalini 
 
 
 
 Verified Great experience ABC TREK
Thank you so much for putting together such an amazing trip for us. Every detail was perfectly handled, which made it easy for us to just enjoy the experience and take in the beauty around us. A big thank you to our guide Athma Rama and porter Krishan — their energy, knowledge, and kindness made the journey truly special. They didn’t just guide us, they made us feel comfortable, inspired, and connected throughout the trip.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   รมย์รัมภา พ 
 
 
 
 Verified เบื้องหลังรอยยิ้มนี้คือความใจดีของทีมงานที่ไม่เคยทิ้งเราไปไหน ขอบคุณมากนะคะ
ฉันประทับใจมาก เป็นทริปที่จะไม่มีวันลืมเลย ฉันไปจนถึงbase campไม่ได้แน่ๆ ถ้าไม่ได้รับการช่วยเหลือและคอยดูแลอย่างดีจากทีมงานของคุณ ขอบคุณมากๆนะคะ พวกคุณใจดีกับฉันมาก มันทำให้ฉันอยากกลับไปหิมาลัยอีกในทุกๆปีเลย
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Alberto C 
 
 
 
 Verified Manaslu Circuit Trek
Amazing experience! beautiful trekking in an incredible environment. Thanks to Core Treks for the great organization, everything was as i expected.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   sultan a 
 
 
 
 Verified Manaslu Trek
I had an amazing experience with CoreTreks during my hiking trip in Nepal. The guide was professional, friendly, and always made sure I was safe and comfortable. The trip was very well-organized, and the views were absolutely breathtaking. I highly recommend Core Trek to anyone planning to visit Nepal — they made the journey unforgettable!