Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour Via EBC 9 Days

Trip Facts

  • Duration 9 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Destination Tibet
  • Transportation Flight/Car/Jeep/Van/Bus
  • Activity Cultural and Historical Tours
  • Best Season March - May and Sept -November
  • Group Size Mini 2. Max 12 People
  • Trip Start/End Kathmandu
  • Max Altitude 5,250m/17,220ft

Major Highlights of The Trip

  • World Heritage Sites- Potala Palace and Norbulingka Palace
  • Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery, are two of three great Gelug University gompas of Tibet
  • Jokhang Temple, a sacred temple of Tibet
  • TashiLhunpo Monastery houses successive Panchen Lamas
  • Rongbuk monastery, the highest monastery in Tibet
  • View of the north face of Everest from Everest Base Camp
  • YamdrokTso Lake, one of three holy lakes in Tibet

Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour Via EBC Best Price 2024

Kathmandu To Lhasa Overland Tour Via EBC begins in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. It then travels to the border of Tibet. The journey continues to the highest mountain in the world and some of the world's most beautiful monasteries after crossing the border into Tibet. The tour includes sights like Everest, Old Tingri Monastery, and Pelkor Monastery. It also visits Rongbuk Monastery, Sakya Monastery, Tashi Lhunpo, Rongbuk, and Sakya.


This is the most comprehensive tour in Tibet. It covers all major sites from Kathmandu up to Lhasa. You will see the Potala Palace in Lhasa the sacred Jokhang Temple and Sera and Drepung Monasteries. These are two of the Three Great Monasteries for Tibetan Buddhism. Also, you'll see the Tibetan countryside, including the glaciers, mountains, and shimmering lakes.

This is one of the most comprehensive trips in Tibet. The EBC tour covers all major attractions between Kathmandu and Lhasa. You can visit the Potala Palace and the revered Jokhang Temple in Lhasa. You can also tour Sera and Drepung Monasteries, two of the Three Great Monasteries in Tibetan Buddhism. This experience includes glaciers, mountain vistas, sparkling lakes, and the best of the Tibetan countryside.


Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour with Everest Base Camp takes you to the top of the planet, where you will see some of the most stunning architectural structures and unique landscapes. The ancient monuments in Tibet and the Tibetan cities will help you understand the Buddhist culture. As we travel to Everest Base Camp via high passes such as Tong La and Lalung La, you will see the world's highest mountain, Mt. Everest.

On our way to Lhasa, we will stop at several cities and towns, including Shigatse, Gyantse, and others. We'll also visit other monasteries, such as the Sakya Monastery and Shalu Monastery. We begin our journey in Lhasa by visiting the Potala Palace. Next, we will visit the Norbulingka Palace.

Adventure Club Trek offers other tour packages, including the 7 Nights 8 Days Overland Tibet Tour, Lhasa-Kathmandu Overland Tour (Fly-in-Drive-out), and Mount Kailash, Lake Mansarovar Yatra Tour 13 Days.

The tour is available upon request. Please contact us for information regarding dates and prices.

When is the Best Time for the Lhasa -Everest Base Camp Tour

The best time to visit Everest Base Camp via Lhasa is April to Jun and September to November. This is the best time to visit because it's warm and sunny, with little to no rain. The tour can be done in Winter, such as December, January, and February. However, it will be freezing. Temperatures drop to minus 15 degrees Celsius.

Meals During the Tibet Tour 

Only breakfast is included in this trip. Guests are expected to pay for their lunches and dinners. Breakfast will be provided at the accommodations where we stay. Dinner can also be arranged at the same place if needed. Lunch will be eaten on the way to the next destination(s). We recommend budgeting between Yuan 60 and Yuan 100 (US$10 to US$16) per day for lunch and dinner. Meals will mainly consist of Tibetan bread, dal (lentil soup), bhat (rice), tsampa porridge, and other simple local foods.

Accommodation During The Tibet Tour 

Tibet offers a variety of accommodations, depending on your travel destination within the region. In Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, you can find all types of hotels, ranging from budget options to 5-star establishments. However, in other areas like those on the Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour, the Tibet Everest Base Camp tour, or the Kailash Mansarovar tour, only basic accommodations are available, with no options for upgrading. If you wish to upgrade to a 4 or 5-star hotel in Lhasa, please get in touch with us. This upgrade is possible for our Tibet Lhasa tour and the overland tour from Kathmandu.

Travel Documents Required for Entry to Tibet

Passport

All travelers must have a passport valid for at least 6 months.

Chinese Visa: This can be obtained from a Chinese Embassy or through China Highlights if entering Tibet from China.

Group Visa: Required for travelers entering Tibet from Nepal. After the Tibet tour, travelers can continue to mainland China with a valid group visa.

Note: An individual Chinese visa in your passport will be canceled if a group visa is issued.

Tibet Entry Permit

Issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau, this is a mandatory document for all foreigners entering Tibet.

Additional Permits for Specific Areas

Travel Permit: Required for access to restricted areas within Tibet. This permit is issued after your arrival in Tibet.

Military Permit: Necessary for visiting certain militarily sensitive regions in Tibet. Ensure all required documents are in order before your trip to enjoy a smooth and hassle-free journey to Tibet.

Visa Process for Tibet Overland Tour from Nepal

According to the latest regulations from the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, a minimum of four people is required to apply for a Tibet group visa. The application process in Kathmandu involves submitting the original passport and typically takes 3–4 official working days to complete.

Please note that visa requirements and regulations are subject to frequent changes. We recommend confirming the latest requirements with Adventure Club Trek before booking your Tibet tour to ensure a smooth process.

The Chinese government frequently updates its visa regulations. If any new rules are introduced in the future, we will promptly provide updated information.

Itinerary

+ Expand All- Collapse All

We enjoy an early morning drive through typical Nepalese rural landscapes (Approx. 8 hours) from Kathmandu to Kerung (145 km). After completing immigration and custom formalities we drive uphill to Kerung. This is a Tibetan border town. The Tibetan guide will meet the group on arrival at the check post and we drive on further road climbs and climb up to Kerung for an overnight. Overnight in guesthouses.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse.
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Max. Altitude2800m

After Breakfast drive uphill to the height plateau of the world with the typical view of the Tibetan landscape offering the sheer feeling of the standing on the roof of the world from where weather permitting, breathtaking panorama of beautiful Himalayan ranges including Mt. Cho Oyu (8,201m) and Mt.Xishapangma (8,012m)but dwarfed by the vastness of the Tibetan plateau. From Tingri, one can enjoy the magnificence of Mt. Everest (8,848m). Overnight at guesthouse.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse.
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Max. Altitude4,350m

We drive to Rongbuk, an adventurous route with coarse and bumpy roads. In Rongbuk, we will visit the Rongbuk monastery, which is the highest monastery in Tibet. Then we drive towards the Everest Base Camp (5,250m/17,220ft) while enjoying views of high peaks such as the Cho Oyu (8,201m/26,906 ft), Shishapangma (8,013m (26,289 ft), and the mighty Everest, known as Mt. Chomolungma in Tibet. We will make an approximately 16km round trip around the Everest Base Camp. The base camp itself is dry and barren, but the view of Everest is spectacular with its north face towering above us. Overnight in Shegar.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse.
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Max. Altitude5,250m/17,220ft

We drive towards Shigatse via Sakya. In Sakya, we visit the Sakya Monastery, which is the ancestral temple of the Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The main architectures inside the castle are the Dajing Hall, the Buddhism Hall, and the hall where the Sakya archbishop lived. We continue our drive to Shigatse, the second biggest city in Tibet. Overnight in Shigatse.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse.
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Max. Altitude3,900m/12,795 ft

We visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, a historic and culturally important monastery in Shigatse founded by the 1st Dalai Lama in 1447. We then continue our drive to Gyantse, located in the Nyang Chu valley on the ancient trade routes from the Chumbi Valley, Yatung, and Sikkim. On the way, we visit the Shalu Monastery., founded in 1040 and known for its beautiful ancient mural paintings. In Gyantse, we visit the Khumbu Stupa, Phalkot Monastery, and the Gyantse Fortress which was constructed in 1390 and guarded the town. The town is surrounded by a wall 3 km long. Overnight in Gyantse.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse.
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Max. Altitude3,950m/12,959 ft

We drive to Lhasa crossing the Karo La (5,010m/16,432 ft) and Kamba La (4794m/15,725 ft) passes and Lake Yamdrok Tso (Turquoise Lake), one of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet, also believed to be a transformation of a Tibetan goddess. Then, we cross the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) river and view the Potala Palace from a distance. Overnight in Lhasa.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Max. Altitude3,650 m/11,972ft

Sightseeing in Lhasa begins with a visit to the Potala and Norbulingka Palaces. Built in the 17century, Potala Palace provides amazing views of the entire city and houses the private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand staterooms, and chapels. Norbulingka Palace is the summer palace of the Dalai Lama and houses what is considered to be the largest man-made garden in Tibet. Next, we visit the Tibet Museum, the official museum of Tibet, which has a permanent collection of around 1000 artifacts related to the cultural history of Tibet. Overnight in Lhasa.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Max. Altitude3,650 m/11,972ft

We visit the Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Bazaar. The Drepung Monastery, which was built in the 14th century, is believed to have sheltered around 10,000 monks in the past. The history, culture, and religious beliefs of the Tibetan people are strongly concentrated and centered in this marvelous monastery. The Sera Monastery is a preserved monastery with white-washed walls and golden roofs. Jokhang Temple is another important sacred site that unravels more deep-seated mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism. We then stroll through the Barkhor Bazaar (market). With its open-air stalls, shops, and a crowd of pilgrims, it is the epicenter of Lhasa. Overnight in Lhasa.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Max. Altitude3,650 m/11,972ft

Today your tour is finished and fly out from Lhasa to Kathmandu or any other city in mainland China, we can manage the air on train tickets for you in advance. We make an early drive to Gonggar airport for our departure flight to Kathmandu or to your onward destination.

  • MealsBreakfast

Note: Your safety is of the utmost concern whilst you are traveling with Adventure Club Trek. We will make every effort possible to follow the original itinerary but we reserve the right to change that itinerary if a segment of it becomes a safety issue. Certain mountain regions are remote, natural disasters can happen, weather conditions can decline and there can be illness or an injury. To avoid dangerous situations we may occasionally have to make changes to the itinerary to ensure everyone’s safety. That having been said, Adventure Club Trek will strive to provide you with the best possible Tibet Tour and trekking experience and to keep your safety our number one priority. We thank you for your understanding.

Cost Details

Price Includes

  • All Pickup and drops from the airport and hotel
  • All the necessary Tibet travel permits
  • Transportation on the private vehicle(s) (van or Hiace or bus)
  • Hotel accommodation on a twin-sharing basis with breakfast as per the itinerary.
  • Sightseeing by an experienced Tibetan English Speaking guide
  • All fees for sightseeing and visits to monasteries as outlined in the itinerary
  • Everest National Park admission fee and Grass dame charge
  • All applicable government taxes 

Price Excludes

  • Nepal visa (USD 30 for 15 days and USD 50 for 30 days, and USD$125 for 90 days)
  • Accommodation in Nepal or mainland China
  • Lunch and dinner during the Tibet tour. ( it costs about USD 3-15 per person for one meal in Tibet).
  • Chinese visa fee
  • Accommodation and Tour in Kathmandu and Mainland China.
  • Airfare or Train tickets to any destination ( Flights and Train Tickets are arranged on Request)
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips for guide(s) and driver(s)

Useful Info

When Is The Best Time To Visit Tibet?

Tibet is most famous from May to September, with warm weather and clear skies. Snow/ice melting in April has cleared the roads, making it easier to visit various Tibetan townships. Prices are high because it is peak season.

Tibet is cold, but only a few tourists visit, so you have more options for hotels and vehicles. There are fewer tourists and a colder climate, so there are more choices for hotels and cars. Winter (Dec.-Feb.) is the lowest season for tourists in Tibet. You can still enjoy the sights and attractions even though it is cold. You can save up to half on hotels and transportation.

How To Get To Tibet

From Nepal:

By Air. So far, Air China and Sichuan Airlines have two direct flights from Lhasa to Kathmandu. Flying to Tibet from Nepal offers a stunning view of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest, the highest peak in the world.

By Road: The most common method of entering Tibet is by road. Many tourists prefer to fly into Kathmandu to enter Tibet by land. This is because there are many direct flights from abroad to Kathmandu. If you're already in Nepal, you can still enter Tibet through the Kerung, Simikot, or Kodari borders. Kodari is temporarily closed due to the 2015 earthquake in Nepal. The Kerung border, which is 3 hours from Kathmandu, is used instead. The Simikot border, however, is mainly used by tourists who wish to trek/tour Kailash. The Kerung border is a popular destination for cars, vans, and buses.

Passports And Visa Information

A Chinese visa is required to travel to Tibet. This can be obtained through a travel agency in Kathmandu (Tibet via Nepal). The Tibet Travel Permit is different from a valid passport for China. Those with a Chinese visa must apply for the Tibet Travel Permit. The permit is still needed for foreigners traveling from mainland China to Tibet. You must arrange a guide to accompany you throughout your trip and book private transportation for any trips outside of Lhasa. For trips outside of Lhasa, you will also need additional permits that your travel company arranges.

What Is The Drinking Water In Tibet?

It is not a good idea to drink tap water or ice that has been made with tap water. In urban areas like Lhasa, most hotels boil water before serving it hot or cold. When trekking in remote regions, boiling your water or using water purification tablets before drinking is best. You can drink tea without problems, but avoid drinking locally brewed alcohol because it is often made from contaminated water. Most supermarkets sell large 5-liter bottles of water.

You must boil the water for 10 minutes in Tibet because it is "hard water." For long trips, consider purchasing a water purifier (which is often more cost-effective than bottled drinking water). Total filters can remove all bacteria, viruses, and parasites from water, making it safe for drinking. Puritabs and Steritabs (e.g.) are chlorine tablets that kill most pathogens but not amoebic cysts or giardia. Iodine tablets (Potable Aqua, for example) and liquids (Lugol's solution) are more effective at purifying water. Remember to follow the instructions and not use too much iodine.

Electricity System in Tibet

The power sockets in Tibet are type A, C, and I. The standard voltage in Tibet is 220V, with an average frequency of 50Hz. Imagine that the standard voltage of your country falls between 220 and 240 V, as it does in Europe, Australia, the UK, and much of Asia and Africa. You can use your electrical appliances in Tibet if the voltage is between 220 and 240 V. You will need a voltage converter in Tibet if your country has a standard voltage between 100 V and 127 V, as in the US, Canada, or most South American countries. Bring one if you need help finding a voltage converter in Tibetan shops. You can also purchase them in Kathmandu from Nepal to Tibet.
The label of your electric appliance should read "INPUT: 100-240V 50/60Hz". This means that the appliance is compatible with all countries. Chargers for tablets/laptops and cell phones are standard.

Packing List For Everest Base Camp Tour

  • Down jacket
  • Thermal underwear,
  • Warm headwear 
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun hats
  • Toiletries,
  • Personal medicines
  • Mountain sickness,
  • Cold relief, or diarrhea

Safety Guidelines

We recommend you go through our safety guidelines and stay tuned with the latest happenings.

  • Have at least two copies of the Tibet Permit.
  • Keep your belongings properly.
  • When you feel uncomfortable due to altitude change or troubles, report to train staff promptly.
  • Take your time visiting attractions shortly after you arrive in Lhasa.
  • Shop around but avoid undue bargaining with street vendors and never buy wildlife and unknown Tibetan herbal medicine and fake products.
  • Take your money and essential belongings with you all the time.
  • Spend a few days in Lhasa for acclimation and consistently follow a gradual ascent when traveling to higher places to avoid altitude sickness.
  • Refrain from heavy drinking and smoking.
  • Respect the religion and customs and avoid taboos in Tibet.
  • Pay special attention to the unique alpine climates (such as sunburn, dramatic temperature change, etc.)
  • Keep the necessary medicines at your doctor's consultation.
  • Travel alone at night or venture into unknown places without informing your guide.
  • In most places, cash is only accepted. Do prepare enough and minor changes.
  • If an emergency arises, report it to your guide promptly.
  • Don't carry any documents or papers related to the Dalai Lama or feel Tibet.
  • We also recommend not carrying any guidebook to Tibet.

Know Before Booking

  • Best price and value for money
  • Secure online pay and no extra fee
  • Accommodations: Hotel + Lodge
  • Every departure date is guaranteed
  • Safty is our priority
  • 24/7 support team

Similar Trips

More Packages

Ask a Question

Adventure Club Trek & Expedition Pvt. Ltd.
Sign up for our newsletter

Drop Us a Message

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website.

Privacy Policy