Lhasa Overland Tour from Kathmandu

Arrival in Kathmandu Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. This first day is dedicated to settling in and relaxing after your journey. You can explore the hotel facilities or take a short walk around the bustling streets of Thamel, a popular tourist district known for its vibrant shops, cafes, and restaurants. Overnight in Hotel Thamel House or a similar-class hotel.

Document Preparation and Sightseeing Today, we complete the necessary paperwork for your Tibet visa application. After the formalities, we embark on a guided sightseeing tour. We will visit the following sites today. Pashupatinath Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site) Pashupatinath is one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world and lies 5 kms east of the city center. The richly-ornamented pagoda houses the sacred Linga, or phallic symbol, of Lord Shiva. Chronicles indicate the temple’s existence prior to 400 AD. Devotees can be seen taking ritual dips in the holy Bagmati River flowing beside the temple. Boudhanath Stupa Boudhanath Stupa is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. The white domed stupa stands on a giant mandala. Built during the 5th century, Boudhanath is an important centre of Tibetan Buddhism.  Legend has it that the bones of Kasyapa Buddha(one of Buddha’s incarnations) lies at the base of this stupa. Bhaktapur Durbar Square Bhaktapur Durbar Square lies in Bhaktapur, one of the three medieval cities in Kathmandu Valley. The royal square, which was built by the Malla royals, houses some of the best examples of ancient Newari art and architecture.  The five-tiered pagoda temple Nyatapola, Palace of 55 Windows, Vatsala Temple, Bhairavnath Temple, Duttaraya Temple, Pujari Math, Golden Gate etc. are all cultural treasures of this beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site. Max. Altitude: 1,400 m / 4,593 ft Overnight in Hotel Thamel House or a similar-class hotel. Breakfast included.

Biometrics for Visa processing and Sightseeing In the morning, you will attend your biometric appointment for the Tibet visa application. Later, we will visit the following places. Patan Durbar Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site) Patan Durbar Square is an enchanting combination of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. The former royal palace complex is the center of Patan’s religious and social life, and houses a museum containing an array of bronze statues and religious objects. One remarkable monument here is a 17th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Krishna, built entirely of stone. Kathmandu Durbar Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site) This complex of palaces, courtyards and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. An intriguing piece here is the 17th- century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages. The Durbar Square is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city. There are also three museums inside the palace building. Swoyambhunath Stupa – The Monkey Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site) The temple watches over the valley from the top of a hillock on its western side. The huge white domed stupa is one of the holiest Buddhists sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu Valley out of a primordial lake. Swayambhu is also known as Samhengu and the Monkey temple because of the countless monkeys living in the premises. Max. Altitude: 1,400 m / 4,593 ft Overnight in Hotel Thamel House or a similar-class hotel. Breakfast included.

Visa Collection and Sightseeing Today, we will collect your passport along with the Tibet visa and embark on a sightseeing tour of Pharping. Located approximately 19 kilometers from the main city, Pharping is a historic Newari town once known as “Shikharapuri Mahanagari” during medieval times. Today, it is a serene, historic settlement with several notable religious and historical sites. Notably, Pharping is renowned for its cave where Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, meditated. He is revered for introducing Buddhism to Tibet. Max. Altitude: 1,400 m / 4,593 ft Overnight in Hotel Thamel House or a similar-class hotel. Breakfast included.

Free Day and Pre-Trip Meeting This day is reserved for final trip preparations. In the afternoon, you will have a pre-trip meeting at your hotel lobby or the ACE office to go over last-minute details, meet your guides, and ask any remaining questions. Use any remaining time to complete your packing and do any last-minute shopping in Thamel, known for its trekking gear shops, souvenir stores, and lively atmosphere. Max. Altitude: 1,400 m / 4,593 ft Overnight in Hotel Thamel House or a similar-class hotel. Breakfast included.

Drive to Timure We begin our journey with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Timure, which takes approximately 6 to 8 hours. This drive offers stunning views of the Trishuli River and the surrounding landscapes. Along the way, we pass through Syabrubesi and other charming villages and terraced fields, providing a glimpse into the rural life of Nepal. Max. Altitude: Timure (1,800 m / 5,906 ft) Duration: 6 to 8 hours drive Overnight in a Guesthouse. Breakfast included.

Drive to Kyirong via Rasuwagadhi From Timure, we drive to Rasuwagadhi for immigration formalities. After completing the border procedures, we continue our journey to Kyirong. The drive introduces us to the beautiful Tibetan landscape. Once in Kyirong, you have time to acclimatize and explore the local area, getting a taste of Tibetan culture and hospitality. Duration: Kyirong (2,900 m / 9,514 ft) Overnight in Jilong or a similar-class hotel. Breakfast included.

Drive from Kyirong to Shigatse Today’s journey takes you from Kyirong to Shigatse, traversing some of Tibet’s most spectacular landscapes. The drive begins with a gradual ascent as you pass through the town of Tingri, located at an altitude of 4,300 meters. Tingri offers stunning views of the distant Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest on a clear day. Then onto Lhatse, a small town that serves as a popular stop for travelers. The highlight of the day is crossing the Gyatchu La Pass, the highest point on your journey, at an altitude of 5,220 meters. You can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. As you descend from the pass, the landscape gradually changes, and you eventually arrive in Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city, known for its rich cultural heritage. Max. Altitude: Gyatchu La Pass (5,220 m / 17,125 ft ) Overnight in Tashi Chodak or a similar-class hotel. Breakfast included.

Drive from Shigatse to Lhasa Today, you will visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the historic seat of the Panchen Lama. This monastery, with its intricate architecture and rich cultural significance, offers a glimpse into Tibet’s deep spiritual traditions. After exploring the monastery, take some time to visit the local market in Shigatse, where you can discover an array of Tibetan handicrafts. Following your time in Shigatse, you’ll begin the scenic drive back to Lhasa. The journey takes you through beautiful valleys and alongside the Yarlung Tsangpo River, offering breathtaking views of Tibet’s diverse landscapes. Max. Altitude: Lhasa (3,650 m/11,975 ft) Overnight in Kyichu Hotel or a similar-class hotel. Breakfast included.

First day of Sightseeing in Lhasa We start our exploration of Lhasa with a visit to the iconic Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This magnificent structure offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. Next, we visit Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism, where pilgrims from all over Tibet come to worship. We end the day at Barkhor Market, a bustling area surrounding Jokhang Temple, where you can experience the vibrant local culture and shop for unique Tibetan handicrafts. Max. Altitude: Lhasa (3,650 m/11,975 ft) Overnight in Kyichu Hotel or a similar-class hotel. Breakfast included.

Second day of Sightseeing in Lhasa Today, we continue our exploration of Lhasa with visits to two of its most important monasteries. In the morning, we visit Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in the world and an important center of learning. In the afternoon, we visit Sera Monastery, known for its debating monks and beautiful complex. After the monastery visits, you have free time to revisit Barkhor Market or explore other parts of the city on your own. Max. Altitude: Lhasa (3,650 m/11,975 ft) Overnight in Kyichu Hotel or a similar-class hotel. Breakfast included.

Fly back to Kathmandu from Lhasa You will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight to Kathmandu. This marks the end of your journey through Tibet, leaving you with unforgettable memories of the cultural and spiritual experiences you’ve had. Upon landing in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. In the evening, you will celebrate the trip with a farewell dinner in a fine traditional Nepali restaurant. Overnight in Hotel Thamel House or a similar-class hotel. Breakfast & farewell dinner included

Transfer to the International Airport for your Final Departure As our incredible adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of Tibet and Nepal draws to a close, it’s time to bid farewell. To ensure a smooth and comfortable departure, one of our dedicated airport representatives will accompany you to the International Airport, assisting with any final arrangements as you prepare for your journey back home. Breakfast included.