Tibet Overland Tour

After you arrive at the international terminal of Kathmandu airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our company representative. You will be picked up from the airport and taken to a hotel by the Himalayan Forever staff. When you arrive at the hotel, check out your incredible rooms, and then, once you've had a chance to rest, visit the Himalayan Forever office for a meeting. 

There are several landmarks and monuments within Kathmandu valley. This city holds seven UNESCO listed world heritage sites within a radius of 20km. This comprises the Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa, the durbar squares of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur, among many other places. We can visit these locations or any other location of your choice. 

1. Kathmandu Durbar Square:

Nestled within the bustling streets of the Kathmandu Valley, Kathmandu Durbar Square stands as a living museum of Nepal's royal history. As the former royal palace, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts an array of palaces, courtyards, and intricately carved temples. The architecture reflects a harmonious blend of Hindu and Nepalese artistry, with pagoda-style structures, ornate windows, and detailed wooden carvings that showcase the country's cultural diversity. Visitors can explore the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Kumari Ghar (the Living Goddess's residence), and numerous shrines that bear witness to the city's royal past. The vibrant atmosphere, with street vendors, local artisans, and traditional performances, immerses visitors in the authentic charm of Kathmandu.

2. Pashupatinath Temple:

A short distance from Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple emerges as one of the most sacred Hindu shrines globally, nestled along the banks of the Bagmati River. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this UNESCO-listed site draws pilgrims and tourists alike with its spiritual aura and stunning architecture. The temple complex encompasses a series of shrines, ghats, and courtyards, each contributing to the religious ambiance. The main temple, adorned with silver and gold, features intricate carvings that narrate Hindu mythology. Visitors can witness the solemnity of cremation ceremonies along the riverbank, a profound experience that underscores the cycle of life and death in Hindu tradition.

3. Boudhanath Stupa:

A beacon of Buddhism in Kathmandu, the Boudhanath Stupa is an imposing structure that commands attention with its colossal mandala. As one of the largest stupas in the world, it serves as a focal point for Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. The stupa's whitewashed dome is adorned with prayer flags, while the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha gaze serenely in all four cardinal directions. Pilgrims and visitors alike circumambulate the stupa, spinning prayer wheels and chanting mantras, creating a rhythmic and meditative atmosphere. The surrounding area is dotted with monasteries, shops selling traditional Tibetan artifacts, and rooftop cafes that offer panoramic views of the stupa and its vibrant surroundings.

After having breakfast in Kathmandu, start your journey by heading towards the north from the valley. Enjoy the scenic views of the lush, rolling hills and valleys while riding in the comfort of a jeep. The route passes through several farming villages and cities, and travelers may see several snow-capped peaks in the northwestern direction. The route continues on through twisting hills until it reaches Dhunche, the headquarter of the Rasuwa district. This city is the gateway to entering Langtang National Park, the first park established in  Himalayan region. 

Moreover, this region is basically the home of Tamang people, the indigenous old tribes interwoven with Buddhism religion and culture. Take a short refreshing break at Dhunche, and then drive downhill to Syabrubesi village to spend the night, before entering Tibet.

Take a short drive from Syabrubesi in the morning and you will reach to the border of Nepal and Tibet at Rasuwagaddi. The route is 15km long and the drive takes around 1 hours. Our Tibetan drivers and guides will receive you at the border and help you with the necessary immigration and customs formalities. Hop on new jeep and after driving for few hours on a good road, you will reach Kyirong, a small town in Tibet. 

Kyirong a famous religious and historical place in Tibet, and a great saint named Guru Millerepa lived here during the 11th century. He is renowned for his tantric insight, poetry, folk singing, and his song are still sang by local herdsman and villagers. Our guide will book the best available lodge or guest house available in this city for you to spent the night. During the spare time in afternoon, relax and enjoy views of Ganesh and Langtang Himal that lies between the border of Nepal and Tibet.

Depart from Kyirong after breakfast and head toward the enormous Tibetan plateau. Drive through a number of farming communities as you head into the heart of Tibet. Enjoy the jawdropping views of Langtang and Shisapangma Himalaya range on the way and you will reach on top of Lalung-la Pass at 5,050 m. Enjoy amazing view of Mt. Shisapangma, the 14th tallest peak in the world that stands at a height of 8, 013 m. 

From Lalung-La, drive through the wide windswept Tibetan plateau and you will reach the old town of Tingri. Stay there for a while or for a possible launch and enjoy the view of Mt. Everest and Cho-Oyo peaks. Drive for a few hours toward Shegar, commonly known as New Tingri, in the afternoon. Our staff will make arrangements for you to spend the night there in a pleasant hotel or lodge. 

Start the morning drive from New Tingri/Shegar (Xegar) on winding road towards Gyatsho-La. This is the highest point of our trip which stands 5,220 m high, and the route is filled with thousands of Buddhist flags and religious monuments. After passing across the Gyatsho-La pass, descend to Larze town for a possible lunch break. Larze is a small town located on route to holy Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarover in far South West of Tibet. From here, drive for a few hours in the afternoon and you will reach Shigatse.

Besides, Shigatse is the second largest city in Tibet where you can find much better hotels and lodges. Here, our team will arrange a nice hotel for you which offers modern facilities such as fast internet service and money exchange counter desk.

After breakfast, drive for a while towards center of Shigatse city for exciting tour of famous Tashilumpo Monastery.  It is a large complex decorated with magnificent golden roofs and this place holds high religious value. Enter inside this magnificent monument and explore some old tombs with stupa of late Panchen Lamas. The Panchen Lama is the 2nd biggest state head and priest in Tibet after Dalai Lama (present XIV Dali Lama resides in India).

After the monastery tour, explore the local busy Tibetan market and return back to hotel. Drive form Shigatse for few hours during the afternoon time and you will reach to Gyantse, another large city of Tibet. Gyantse was a flourishing city during the 19th and 20th century which facilitated trade between Nepal-Bhutan and Sikkim. Stay in a good hotel or guest home in Gyantse and spend the afternoon exploring the magnificent terracotta Stupa of Kumbum and the historic Phalkor Monastery. These are famous historical monuments located within great surrounding walls of a holy complex.

After a short morning tour of Gyantse, we will head towards our main and final destination to the city of Lhasa. This route traverses Simi-La pass where you can see the Yaks and cattle grazing on a green meadow. This route again traverses through Karo-La pass(5,050 m), and offers a close views of Nzongkhangsa peak(7,100 m). On the top of Karo-La Pass, you will witness melting ice that creates glaciers flows.

Our drive continues and reaches a small town of Nagarktse of Nagarktse, where we will take a short break and have lunch in a good restaurant. The drive further reaches on the shore of Yamdrok Tsho, a turquoise Lake. Drive upward from the lake to Khamba-La(4,800 m), our Tibet Overland Tour's final pass. From here, enjoy the amazing view of Tibetan landscapes that features snow-capped peaks and Yamdrok Tsho Lake. 

Drive downhill from Khamba-Lato and cross a bridge over Yalung Tsangpo / Brahmaputra River. Our journey finally reaches to the Lhasa city, and the route offers close views of magnificent Potala Palace. You can find many good hotels in the old eastern region of Lhasa. This region is also close to the vibrant and fascinating Barkhor Square market.

We spend two days in Lhasa exploring the city's top religious and cultural attractions. Our Tibetan guide will take you to a short drive towards the west to a large and reputed Drepung Monastery. This monastery lies on a hill-top, and it was the residence of all high priest including the Dalai Lamas before Potala Palace was built. We then head to the main prayer halls where monks are engaged in intense prayer and meditation. Additionally, the word "Drepung" means "a heap of rice," and the palace looks like a white washed building from distance. 

Now, drive to Shera Monastery towards the north and witness the young monks  engaged in lively discussion that will help them advance their knowledge before for becoming priests. Have a good time with lunch break in local Tibetan / Chinese restaurants and enjoy a stroll around the busy Barkhor market during the afternoon time. Also, visit the Jhorkhang Temple.

Our next morning tour leads us to magnificent Potala Palace, which means 'Heavenly Realm'. This palace has 1000 rooms but visitors can enter only the main parts of interiors which has 8 to 10 rooms and holds great religious and cultural significant. Potala Palace is the main landmark of Tibet and is situated in the center of the city. Here, the superior priests Dalai Lama lived till the last 14th Dalai Lama, and this place is now converted to a museum. During the spare afternoon time, visit the Summer Palace of Norbulinka which has lovely gardens, and was home to some few Dalai Lamas in the past. Besides, carry out all the individual activities around Lhasa throughout the day.   

Our guide will meet you for an hour drive to Gongar airport. After bidding farewell to our Tibetan guide and drivers, enter the terminal for visa and passport formalities with custom check. Book a flight in Air China or similar airlines that lands you Kathmandu after an hour. Enjoy amazing views of Himalayan range that offers the close view of Mt. Everest and Mt. Makalu. The flight will eventually land at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport.

Our personnel will be waiting for you in the airport and will direct you to your hotel once you have finished the necessary immigration and visa procedures. Carry out all individual activities and shopping during afternoon time.  

This is your last day in Nepal and you should get ready for final departure as per your international flight time. You will be escorted to the airport by the Himalayan Forever Trek guide and team. Our guide and staff will bid you a farewell as you depart for your country. You will surely never forget this wonderful experience and adventure of Tibet Overland Tour. Namesty!