Lhasa Kathmandu Overland Tour

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.