Details
Kathmandu to Gyirong-Crossing the Border into Tibet
Your epic Himalayan adventure begins today! In the morning, our team will pick you up from your hotel in Kathmandu to start the spectacular overland drive toward the China–Nepal border at Gyirong. As we wind through the Nepalese foothills, enjoy the dramatic, ever-changing landscapes—from lush, terraced green valleys to towering Himalayan ridges in the distance.
Upon arriving at the Gyirong Port, we will guide you through the customs and immigration procedures. Once crossed, your dedicated Tibetan guide and driver will be waiting to warmly welcome you. They will accompany you to Gyirong Town and ensure a smooth, hassle-free check-in at your hotel, helping you settle in comfortably for your first night on the plateau.
Meals: Not Included
Accommodation: Hotel in Gyirong
Gyirong Valley-Hike to Milarepa Cave
After yesterday’s long overland journey and your successful entry into Tibet, today is dedicated entirely to rest and altitude acclimatization in the tranquil, lush Gyirong Valley. Known as the “Back Garden of the Himalayas,” this deep, oxygen-rich valley provides the perfect, comfortable setting to relax, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and gently prepare your body for the higher altitudes ahead.
For those feeling energized, we offer an optional short hike to the sacred Milarepa Cave. Located just off the historic China-Nepal Friendship Highway, this revered sanctuary is believed to be a meditation spot of Jetsun Milarepa, Tibet’s most beloved yogi, poet, and spiritual master. Inside, you can view the rock indentations said to be his actual footprints. It is a deeply peaceful space where pilgrims gather to pray, meditate, or simply absorb the profound spiritual energy of the Himalayas.
Spend the rest of your day at leisure, resting up and soaking in the quiet, serene charm of this beautiful border town.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Gyirong
Gyirong to Tingri: visit Everest Base Camp
Today, your ultimate Himalayan dream becomes reality. We will journey past the turquoise waters of Pelkutso Lake and wind through vast, sweeping alpine grasslands before ascending toward Everest Base Camp (EBC)—where you will stand face-to-face with the world’s highest peak.
Along the way, we will conquer the breathtaking Gawu La Pass (5,198m). From this legendary vantage point, you will be treated to a spectacular, panoramic view of the majestic Himalayan Range.
After soaking in the awe-inspiring, up-close views of Mount Everest’s sheer north face, we will conclude this unforgettable day with a scenic drive to the town of Tingri for a well-deserved rest.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Tingri
Tingri to Shigatse: G318 Milestones & Tashilhunpo Monastery
After a hearty breakfast, we bid farewell to Tingri and chart our course toward Shigatse, cruising along the legendary G318 National Highway (the ultimate Chinese Route 66). En route, we will make a special stop at the famous 5,000km milestone marker in Lhatse—the perfect spot to capture a classic road-trip photo against the sweeping, high-altitude horizon.
We will arrive in Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city, by early afternoon for an immersive visit to the grand Tashilhunpo Monastery. Founded in 1447 by the First Dalai Lama, this historic complex stands as Tibet’s second most important monastic institution, rivaled only by the Potala Palace. As the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, it holds immense spiritual weight. Here, you will wander through winding, cobbled alleyways, explore the golden-roofed stupa-tombs of seven historic Panchen Lamas, and gain a profound insight into the living rhythm of daily monastic life.
Evening Dining: Authentic Himalayan Feast
Meals: Breakfast, Tibetan Yak Hotpot
Accommodation: Hotel in Shigatse
Shigatse to Lhasa: Karola Glaciers, Yamdrok Lakes & Historic Highway
Following breakfast, we depart Shigatse and embark on a spectacularly scenic drive toward Lhasa, routing through Gyantse to visit the famous Karola Glacier (5,159m). Here, you will stand in awe beneath the striking, dramatic ice tongues that cascade down from the holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar. The glacier’s pristine, ancient grandeur makes it one of the most photographer-friendly stops on the entire route.
After a local lunch, we chart our course toward Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s three great sacred lakes. As we conquer the sweeping bends of the Gampa La Pass (4,794m), you will be rewarded with your first breathtaking look at this natural wonder. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, the lake’s vibrant turquoise waters stretch across the valley like a silk ribbon beneath you, with Mount Nyenchen Khangsar dominating the horizon. We will descend right to the lakeshore, giving you ample time to stroll along the water, capture stunning photos, and fully absorb the serene, mystical beauty of the area.
Finally, we complete our journey into the holy city of Lhasa, where your guide will assist you with checking into your hotel for a restful night.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Lhasa
Lhasa Tour City Tour: visit Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery
This morning, we embark on an immersive cultural journey through Lhasa, beginning with a visit to Drepung Monastery. Once the largest monastery in the world—housing over 10,000 monks at its peak—Drepung remains one of the premier “Three Great Monasteries” of Lhasa. Its imposing, white stone architecture cascades grandly down the hillside. From afar, it resembles a giant heap of white rice, earning its poetic Tibetan name, which translates to the “Rice Heap” monastery.
In the afternoon, we will head to Sera Monastery, another cornerstone of Tibetan Buddhism. Sera is globally renowned for its high-energy Daily Monastic Debates, which take place from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM in the central shady courtyard (except Sundays). You will have the unique opportunity to witness monks engaging in lively, intellectual debates—using dramatic hand claps and passionate gestures to test and deepen their understanding of sacred Buddhist scriptures.
After a deeply enriching day of spiritual and cultural discovery, we will transfer you back to your hotel for a relaxing, peaceful evening in the holy city.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Lhasa
Lhasa Tour City Tour: Explore The Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street
Following breakfast, your guide and driver will escort you to the iconic Potala Palace, the crowning jewel of the Lhasa skyline and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Perched high atop Red Mountain, this architectural wonder once served as the historic winter residence of the Dalai Lama. You will spend the morning exploring its two main sections—the White Palace and the Red Palace. As you wander through its winding corridors, you will discover sacred chapels, countless monastic dormitories, priceless gilded Buddha statues, and vibrant murals that collectively encapsulate the grand history of Tibet.
In the afternoon, we move on to the Jokhang Temple, universally recognized as the spiritual heart of Tibet. As the holiest temple in Tibetan Buddhism, it draws thousands of pilgrims daily. Here, you will witness the profound devotion of locals as they prostrate at the entrance and offer yak butter oil to keep the sacred lamps burning. Inside, the air is thick with the scent of incense and the low, rhythmic chanting of monks, all beneath a magnificent golden roof that offers a masterclass in ancient Tibetan art and spirituality.
We wrap up the afternoon with a leisurely walk around Barkhor Street, the ancient kora (pilgrimage circuit) and bustling marketplace surrounding the Jokhang Temple. This vibrant street is a captivating crossroads of the old and the new, where pilgrims spinning prayer wheels walk alongside locals and travelers. It is the absolute perfect place to shop for authentic Tibetan handicrafts, mingle with the locals, and fully immerse yourself in the living culture of Lhasa.
Meals: Breakfast, Tibetan Sweet Tea, Tibetan Farewell Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Lhasa
Lhasa Departure
Following your final breakfast on the plateau, your guide and driver will escort you directly to Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Railway Station for your onward journey. Please coordinate your departure schedules with your guide beforehand to ensure a seamless transfer and allow plenty of time for check-in and security procedures.
Thank you for choosing Tibet Yulong Travel for your ultimate Himalayan adventure. We truly hope you carry home unforgettable memories of the sacred lakes, towering glaciers, and mystical temples. It has been an absolute honor hosting you, and we look forward to welcoming you back to the roof of the world in the future! Safe travels!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Dates & Prices
| Month | Date | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul | 2026-07-10 | $ 1218 | Book now |
| 2026-07-20 | $ 1218 | Book now | |
| Aug | 2026-08-10 | $ 1218 | Book now |
| 2026-08-20 | $ 1218 | Book now | |
| Sep | 2026-09-10 | $ 1168 | Book now |
| 2026-09-20 | $ 1168 | Book now | |
| Oct | 2026-10-10 | $ 1218 | Book now |
| 2026-10-20 | $ 1218 | Book now | |
| Nov | 2026-11-10 | $ 998 | Book now |
| 2026-11-20 | $ 998 | Book now | |
| Dec | 2026-12-10 | $ 998 | Book now |
| 2026-12-20 | $ 998 | Book now | |
| Jan | 2027-1-10 | $ 998 | Book now |
| 2027-1-20 | $ 998 | Book now | |
| Feb | 2027-2-10 | $ 998 | Book now |
| 2027-2-20 | $ 998 | Book now | |
| Mar | 2027-3-10 | $ 1098 | Book now |
| 2027-3-20 | $ 1098 | Book now | |
| Apr | 2027-4-10 | $ 1098 | Book now |
| 2027-4-20 | $ 1098 | Book now | |
| May | 2027-5-10 | $ 1098 | Book now |
| 2027-5-20 | $ 1098 | Book now | |
| Jun | 2027-6-10 | $ 1098 | Book now |
| 2027-6-20 | $ 1098 | Book now |
You are consulting 2025-04-12 8-Day Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour: The Epic Himalayan Highway
Fee Description
Tour Inclusions:
Transportation: Comfortable 9–17 seat tourist vehicle throughout the journey. Airport or railway station transfers in Lhasa.
Accommodation: 7 nights in twin-sharing rooms (3-star standard, can be upgrade to 4-star comfortable hotel)
Entrance Fees: Admission tickets to all attractions listed in the itinerary.
Meals: Daily hotel breakfast. Tibetan Yak Hotpot, Tibetan Sweet Tea, Tibetan Farewell Dinner
Professional Guide Service: Experienced English-speaking, Chinese-speaking, or bilingual local guides.
Permits: Tibet Travel Permit processing and arrangement.
Insurance: Travel agency liability insurance. Vehicle seat insurance.
Drop-off Services: Airport (08:30–22:30), Train station (24 hours).
Tour Exclusions:
International & Domestic Transportation: Flights or train tickets to and from Lhasa. Ticket booking assistance is available upon request.
Meals Not Specified: Lunches and dinners not mentioned in the itinerary.
Personal Expenses: Laundry, telephone charges, beverages, shopping, and other personal expenditures.
Tips: Gratuities for guides and drivers are not mandatory but are appreciated for good service.
Single Supplement: Additional charge for travelers requesting a private room or when no roommate is available.
Additional Costs: Expenses resulting from personal activities, itinerary changes requested by travelers, force majeure events, or medical treatment. Any services not specifically listed under “Tour Inclusions.”
