8-Day Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour via Everest Base Camp
Lhasa · Lhasa · Lhasa · Shigatse · Everest Base Camp · Gyirong · Kathmandu · Kathmandu
One of the world's classic overland journeys, this route links the Tibetan plateau to the Kathmandu valley in a single dramatic arc. You begin with Lhasa's icons, drive the southern road past Yamdrok Lake, Gyantse, and Shigatse, then turn toward Everest for a night beneath the north face before descending the Himalaya to the Gyirong border and on into Nepal.
The drop from the high plateau to subtropical Gyirong is one of the most extraordinary changes of scenery anywhere, falling through gorges and cloud forest in a few hours. After crossing at the Gyirong Port (Rasuwagadhi) frontier, you continue to Kathmandu, where the tour ends.
Foreign travelers must hold a Tibet Travel Permit and travel with a licensed agency and guide on the Tibet side, all of which we arrange. Please note you will also need a Nepal visa, which is straightforward to obtain on arrival for most nationalities. This itinerary runs as a small group or as a private departure.
Trip Highlights
- ◆Cross the Himalaya overland from Tibet into Nepal in one journey
- ◆Overnight near Everest at Rongbuk (around 5,150m) for the north face
- ◆Cross the Gawu La pass (5,198m) with its Himalayan panorama
- ◆Drive the spectacular descent from the plateau to subtropical Gyirong
- ◆Take in Lhasa, Yamdrok Lake, Gyantse, and Shigatse en route
- ◆Finish in Kathmandu, gateway to the rest of Nepal
Upcoming Departures
Guaranteed fixed-departure dates for this small-group tour. Private departures can run on any date you choose.
| Departure | Days | From (pp) | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 11 – Jun 18, 2026 | 8 | $1,150 | Sold Out | Sold Out |
| Jun 23 – Jun 30, 2026 | 8 | $1,150 | Almost Full2 seats left | Enquire → |
| Jul 13 – Jul 20, 2026 | 8 | $1,150 | Open | Enquire → |
| Aug 5 – Aug 12, 2026 | 8 | $1,150 | Open | Enquire → |
| Aug 27 – Sep 3, 2026 | 8 | $1,150 | Almost Full3 seats left | Enquire → |
| Sep 9 – Sep 16, 2026 | 8 | $1,150 | Open | Enquire → |
| Sep 21 – Sep 28, 2026 | 8 | $1,150 | Open | Enquire → |
| Oct 5 – Oct 12, 2026 | 8 | $1,150 | Open | Enquire → |
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Lhasa
Met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Rest and acclimatize for the remainder of the day. Hydrate and take it slowly.
Meals: None·Overnight: Lhasa
Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple
Morning at the Potala Palace, afternoon at the Jokhang Temple and the Barkhor circuit. A gentle acclimatization day.
Meals: Breakfast·Overnight: Lhasa
Drepung and Sera Monasteries
Drepung Monastery in the morning, Sera Monastery and its debates in the afternoon. Evening free in Lhasa.
Meals: Breakfast·Overnight: Lhasa
Lhasa to Shigatse via Yamdrok Lake and Gyantse
Cross the Gampa La pass (4,790m) to overlook Yamdrok Lake, pass the Karola Glacier, and visit the Kumbum stupa in Gyantse before continuing to Shigatse for the night.
Meals: Breakfast·Overnight: Shigatse
Shigatse to Everest Base Camp via Gawu La
Tour Tashilhunpo Monastery, then drive south over the Gawu La pass (5,198m) and its lineup of 8,000m peaks. Descend to the Rongbuk valley for sunset on the north face of Everest (around 5,150m). Overnight in the area.
Meals: Breakfast·Overnight: Rongbuk / Everest Base Camp area
Everest to Gyirong
Sunrise on Everest, then a long and scenic drive west and down off the plateau toward the border. The road plunges from high desert into the green, humid gorges around Gyirong town. Overnight in Gyirong.
Meals: Breakfast·Overnight: Gyirong
Gyirong border crossing to Kathmandu
Short drive to the Gyirong Port (Rasuwagadhi) frontier, where your Tibet guide sees you through Chinese exit formalities. Cross into Nepal and continue by road to Kathmandu, a winding mountain drive that takes most of the day. Arrive in Kathmandu in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast·Overnight: Kathmandu
Departure from Kathmandu
The tour ends after breakfast. Transfer to Kathmandu airport for your onward flight, or begin your independent travels in Nepal.
Meals: Breakfast·Overnight: None
What's Included
- ✓Tibet Travel Permit, Everest area permits, and all permits for the Tibet portion
- ✓Licensed English-speaking Tibetan guide in Tibet
- ✓Private vehicle with experienced driver in Tibet
- ✓Cross-border transfer and onward transport to Kathmandu
- ✓7 nights accommodation (hotels in Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyirong, Kathmandu; guesthouse near Rongbuk), twin-share
- ✓Daily breakfast
- ✓All entrance tickets listed in the itinerary, including the Everest reserve fee and eco bus
- ✓Lhasa arrival transfer and Kathmandu arrival drop-off
- ✓Oxygen available on the vehicle in Tibet
- ✓24/7 support during your trip and no hidden fees
Not Included
- —China entry visa and Nepal entry visa
- —Flights or train tickets to Lhasa and flights out of Kathmandu
- —Lunches and dinners
- —Travel insurance
- —Tips for guides and drivers
- —Personal expenses
Accommodation
Hand-picked 3 to 4-star hotels in Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyirong, and Kathmandu, with a basic guesthouse near Rongbuk. Standards rise again once you reach Kathmandu.
Departures & Pricing
| Season | Per person |
|---|---|
| Winter (Dec-Mar) | $1,150 |
| Shoulder (Apr, Nov) | $1,280 |
| Peak (May-Jun, Sep-Oct) | $1,390 |
per person, twin-share. Fixed small-group departures run on set dates — tell us your month and we'll confirm the next available group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You need the Tibet Travel Permit and a China visa for the Tibet portion, both arranged with our help, plus a Nepal visa. Most nationalities can obtain the Nepal visa on arrival at the border or Kathmandu airport; we will advise based on your passport.
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