Nepal Tibet Tour | Itinerary

A 12-day journey from the temples of the Kathmandu Valley overland across the Tibetan Plateau to Lhasa, with the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and a flight back over the Himalaya.

Duration12 Days

RegionKathmandu Valley, Nepal and Central Tibet

Max. AltitudeOver 5,200 m (Gyatso La pass, by vehicle)

GradeModerate

ActivityCultural tour and overland journey

AccommodationHotels in Kathmandu, Shigatse and Lhasa; simpler hotels in Kerung and Tingri or Lhatse

Meals IncludedBreakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the tour

TransportationTourist bus overland from Kathmandu to Lhasa, flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu, airport transfers

Start/End PointKathmandu / Kathmandu

Best SeasonApril to October

Activity Per Day4-6 hours sightseeing; driving days of 5-8 hours

Nature of TrekGuided cultural tour and high-altitude overland drive, no trekking

Group Size1-15 people

Overview

The Nepal Tibet Tour is a 12-day journey that links two of the great centres of Himalayan culture: the Kathmandu Valley and the Tibetan capital, Lhasa. It begins with three days among the temples, stupas and royal squares of Kathmandu, continues overland across the Himalaya onto the Tibetan Plateau, and ends with a flight from Lhasa back over the mountains to Kathmandu. Along the way you see the full sweep of Tibetan Buddhism, from the monasteries around Boudha to the great monastic cities of Shigatse and Lhasa.

In Kathmandu you join a morning ceremony at a monastery near Boudhanath, with chanting, drums and long horns, before travelling south to Pharping to visit the Asura Cave, a meditation site linked with Guru Rinpoche, and the monasteries around it. The day ends at Swayambhunath with views across the valley. A second day is spent in Bhaktapur and Patan, the best-preserved of the valley's royal cities, with the Nyatapola Temple, Krishna Mandir, the Golden Temple and the Patan Museum.

The overland section starts with a drive north to the Nepal-Tibet border at Rasuwagadhi and Kerung (Gyirong). From Kerung the road climbs onto the plateau, where on clear days the snow peaks of Cho Oyu and Shishapangma rise above wide brown valleys and the lake of Peiku Tso. You cross the Gyatso La (Gyatchu La), at over 5,200 m the highest pass of the journey, and visit Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, seat of the Panchen Lamas. The road to Lhasa passes Gyantse and the turquoise waters of Yamdrok Tso. In Lhasa you have two full days for the Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple, the Barkhor circuit, Drepung and Sera monasteries, where monks debate in the courtyard most afternoons, and the Norbulingka summer palace.

Who is this trip for?

This tour suits travellers with an interest in Buddhism, history and landscape who are comfortable with long drives and high altitude. No trekking is involved, but much of the Tibetan section is above 3,600 m, so take the first days on the plateau slowly. The Chinese group visa and Tibet Travel Permit are arranged by our team in Kathmandu, and all meals are included throughout.

Nima Adventure is based in Boudha, Kathmandu, and works with experienced Tibetan guides on the ground. The tour combines a Nepali guide in Kathmandu with a local English-speaking Tibetan guide in Tibet, giving you insight from both sides of the Himalaya.

Highlights

Itinerary

Day 01Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in KTM, a representative will greet you at the airport and assist with your transfer to the hotel. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant.

Day 02Spiritual Exploration to Boudhanath, Swayambhunath & Pharping

Visit a monastery around Boudhanath Stupa for meditation and a ceremony by monks with chanting, drums, and trumpets. In the afternoon, journey to Pharping to visit the Asura Cave and local monasteries. End the day at Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) for panoramic valley views.

Day 03Kathmandu Valley Heritage Tour to Bhaktapur & Patan

Explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square, known for its medieval ambiance and Nyatapola Temple. Continue to Patan Durbar Square to admire the Krishna Mandir, Golden Temple, and Patan Museum. Evening leisure time at local markets.

Day 05Kerong to Tingri (4,300m) / Lhatse (4,350m)

Drive uphill to the high Tibetan plateau, often called the "Roof of the World". Weather permitting, view Himalayan peaks like Mt. Cho Oyu and Mt. Shishapangma, and visit Peiku Tso Lake en route.

Day 08Sightseeing tour in Lhasa

Take a short walk to the iconic Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lamas. In the afternoon, visit Jokhang Temple, Tibet's holiest shrine, and conclude with a walk through the bustling Bharkor Bazaar.

Day 10Fly back to Kathmandu (1,300m)

Transfer to Lhasa Gonggar Airport for a flight over the Himalayas back to Kathmandu. Enjoy aerial views of Mt. Everest (weather permitting). Free time for relaxation or shopping upon arrival.

Cost includes

Airport pick-up and drop by private vehicle.
Kathmandu city sightseeing with a licensed city tour guide.
China group visa fee and assistance.
Flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu.
Accommodation in mentioned or similar category hotels (Vajra/Hotel Wusizang in KTM, Dolmaling in Lhasa, Mansarovar in Shigatse).
All necessary Tibet entry and road permits.
1 Local Tibetan English-speaking guide and 1 Nepali Tour Guide.
Transportation by good conditioned tourist bus (guaranteed seat for each client).
Entry fees to all sites and monasteries in Nepal and Tibet.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner for the entire tour.
Daily mineral water and a welcome/final departure scarf in KTM.
First aid kit and oxygen in the vehicle if needed.

Cost excludes

International airfare from/to your country.
Tips for the guide and driver.
Personal insurance, medical, and emergency evacuation.
Expenses of personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, phone calls, etc.).
Extra costs due to unforeseen circumstances (landslides, disasters, flight disruptions, etc.).

Frequently asked questions

What visa and permits do I need for Tibet?Entering Tibet from Nepal requires a Chinese group visa, issued by the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu, and a Tibet Travel Permit, plus further permits for areas outside Lhasa. Our team arranges all of these. We need a clear scan of your passport several weeks before departure, and your original passport for the visa process in Kathmandu. A standard Chinese visa already in your passport is normally not valid for this route.

How serious is the altitude on this tour?Lhasa sits at about 3,650 m and the road crosses passes over 5,000 m, so altitude is the main challenge. The drive from Kerung, at about 2,700 m, onto the plateau is a big step up, and mild headaches or breathlessness are common at first. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, walk slowly and tell your guide about any symptoms. Oxygen is carried in the vehicle. If you have heart or lung conditions, consult your doctor before booking.

When is the best time to travel to Tibet?April to October is the main travel season. May, June, September and October usually bring the clearest skies and the best mountain views, while July and August see some rain but greener valleys. Winters are very cold, and Tibet sometimes closes to foreign visitors for periods in late winter and early spring. Permit rules can change at short notice, so we confirm the situation when you book.

What is the overland road like?The roads in Tibet are mostly well-paved highways, but there are long stretches between towns and speed limits are strictly enforced, so days on the road can feel long. The Nepal side between Kathmandu and the Rasuwagadhi border is narrower and can be affected by landslides, particularly in the monsoon. Expect simple roadside restaurants and basic toilets on the way, and bring snacks, water and patience.

What kind of accommodation is used in Tibet?In Lhasa and Shigatse we use comfortable tourist hotels with private bathrooms and heating. In Kerung and Tingri or Lhatse the hotels are simpler, but rooms are clean. Hot water and heating can be limited in smaller towns, so a warm layer for the evenings is useful. All accommodation is on a twin-sharing basis, and single rooms can be arranged on request.

Can I take photographs inside the monasteries and the Potala Palace?Photography is not allowed inside the Potala Palace and many monastery chapels, and some sites charge a separate fee where it is permitted. Outside, you can photograph buildings and landscapes freely. Always ask before photographing monks, pilgrims or nomads, never photograph police, military posts or checkpoints, and follow your guide's advice, as these rules are applied strictly.