Lhasa to Kathmandu via Tibet's Everest BC
Lhasa to Kathmandu via Tibet's Everest BC
13 Days Starting in Chengdu and ending in Kathmandu
Visiting: Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, Shegar, Rongbuk, Rongbuk Monastery, Kyirong, Kathmandu
Tour operator:
Tour code:
HRL
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey from Lhasa to Kathmandu, traversing the majestic landscapes of Tibet and Nepal. This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the cultural and spiritual heart of Tibet, with visits to the iconic Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and the serene monasteries of Drepung and Sera. Experience the breathtaking views of the north face of Mount Everest from Rongbuk Monastery, and traverse the dramatic Himalayan terrain. The adventure continues as you travel overland through the Tibetan Plateau, crossing high mountain passes and visiting historic towns like Gyantse and Shigatse. Conclude your journey in the vibrant city of Kathmandu, where you can explore its rich heritage and bustling streets. With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and all necessary equipment provided, this tour promises an enriching and awe-inspiring experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Chengdu, China
Accommodation Name: Bhudda Zen Hotel or similar
You will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the hotel. Remainder of the afternoon/evening at leisure. Overnight: Bhudda Zen Hotel or similar
Day 2 : Fly Chengdu To Lhasa (3,670M)
Location: Lhasa
Accommodation Name: Kyichu Hotel, Dekang Hotel Lhasa or Tarui Pozhang Hotel or similar
This morning we are transferred to the airport for the flight to Lhasa. You will be advised which flight to book as the group are required to arrive into Tibet together due to the group permit. On arrival at Lhasa Airport you will be transferred to the city – a drive that takes around two hours. Due to the high altitude, you need to take it easy when you arrive in Lhasa. (Chengdu to Lhasa flights not included in trip cost.) A briefing will be given around 5pm by your guide, where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down/fibrefill jacket. Drive: 65km, ~2hrsAltitude: 3,670mOvernight: Kyichu Hotel, Dekang Hotel Lhasa or Tarui Pozhang Hotel or similar
Day 3 - 4 : In Lhasa (3,670M)
Location: Lhasa
Accommodation Name: Kyichu Hotel, Dekang Hotel Lhasa or Tarui Pozhang Hotel or similar
The following two days are scheduled to appreciate the long and rich cultural history of Lhasa. We include visits to the Jokhang, the Norbulingka (the Summer Palace of the Dalai Lama), and the famous Potala Palace. We also include visits to the nearby monasteries of Drepung and Sera. The Old City of Lhasa was built around the Jokhang, the most sacred temple in Tibet. Drive: N/AAltitude: 3,670mOvernight: Kyichu Hotel, Dekang Hotel Lhasa or Tarui Pozhang Hotel or similar
Day 5 : Drive To Gyangtse Via The Khamba Pass (4,900M) And Karo La (5,200M).
Location: Gyantse
Accommodation Name: Gyantse Hotel or similar
From Lhasa we drive down the Kyichu Valley to the Yarlong Tsampo (Brahmaputra) before ascending to the Khamba Pass (4,900m). The views are outstanding – in the foreground is the vast freshwater Yamdrok Tso or Turquoise Lake, while to the south the snow-capped ranges merge with the main Himalayan range. We drive around the lake before crossing the Karo La (5,200m) to reach Gyantse. The town is strategically located in the Nyang Chu valley on the ancient trade routes from the Chumbi Valley, Yatung and Sikkim, which met here.Note: while we endevour to stick to the projected itinerary, travel in Tibet is by nature unpredictable and a flexible approach is always needed. Drive: 7-8hrsAltitude: 3,977mOvernight: Gyantse Hotel or similar
Day 6 : In Gyangtse, Drive To Shigatse (3,845M)
Location: Shigatse
Accommodation Name: Wanrun Gardan Hotel, Gesar Hotel Shigatse, Shiga Yangcha Hotel or similar
Gyantse is a remarkable place that has escaped much of the Chinese influence evident in other major Tibetan towns. It is dominated by the ancient fort that was besieged by British forces in 1904 during the famous Younghusband Expedition. We also visit the remarkable octagonal chorten, the Kumbum (or Pango Chorten)- built in 1444 on a series of four levels, each of which contains separate chapels. In the afternoon we drive to Shigatse. Drive: 2hrsAltitude: 3,845mOvernight: Wanrun Gardan Hotel, Gesar Hotel Shigatse, Shiga Yangcha Hotel or similar
Day 7 : Drive To Shegar (4,330M)
Location: Shegar
Accommodation Name: Everest Hotel or similar
The drive to Shegar can be completed in half a day, which allows time this afternoon to visit the Shegar Fort and Monastery. Shelkar is famous for the Shelkar Chode Monastery, founded in 1266 by a Kagyu lama, but it has been a Gelugpa monastery since the 17th century, and formerly had over 400 monks. Although, destroyed by the Red Guard during the Cultural Revolution, the assembly hall has since been rebuilt and there is an active branch monastery in Boudhanath, Nepal. The ruins of the old dzong are located on the hill behind the monasteryDrive: 5-6hrsAltitude: 4,330mOvernight: Everest Hotel or similar
Day 8 : Drive To Rongbuk (5,000M) Via The Pang La (5,150M)
Location: Rongbuk
Accommodation Name: Rongbuk Guesthouse or similar
The drive over the Pang La (5,150m) affords our first views of the north face of Everest (8,848m). From the pass we descend to the village of Phadhruchi, before driving up the Rongbuk Valley to Rongbuk Monastery and unrivalled views of the mountain's north face. At Rongbuk we stay in the small lodge attached to the monastery, which has recently been reconstructed following the excesses of the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s. Nowadays there are about twenty monks in attendance. Drive: 7-8hrsAltitude: 5,000mOvernight: Rongbuk Guesthouse or similar
Day 9 : Rongbuk Monastery Then Drive To Tingri (4,300M)
Location: Rongbuk Monastery
Accommodation Name: Snow Leopard Guest House or similar
Access to Everest Base Camp used by the famous interwar British expeditions is currently restricted to mountaineers with the necessary permits. That said the view of Everest from the monastery is definitely worth the trip as it dominates the valley carved by the glacier originating from the mountains northern flank. In the afternoon we will commence our drive to Kathmandu, stopping to overnight in the small remote town of Tingri.Drive: 5-6hrsAltitude: 4,300mOvernight: Snow Leopard Guest House or similar
Day 10 : Drive To Kyirong (4,130M)
Location: Kyirong
Accommodation Name: Kouan Hotel or similar
Continue our drive to Kathmandu. Today we are heading for the border town of Kyirong. Following the 2015 earthquake the former friendship highway was badly damaged resulting in its continued closure. This new route was opened initially to ensure that trade between Nepal and China could continue. In 2017 the border post was opened to tourists allowing for travel along this legendary overland route to recommence. This road is sure to add to the sense of adventure as it traverses parts of both Tibet and Nepal new to tourism. Road conditions along this route are changeable as improvements to the road continue to ensure that it can accommodate the traffic using it. Drive: 4-5hrsAltitude: 4,130mOvernight: Kouan Hotel or similar
Day 11 : Drive To Kathmandu (1,400M)
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation Name: Radisson Hotel
Today we cross the border into Nepal and complete the final stage of our journey from Lhasa via the Langtang region. It is a fitting conclusion to an epic overland journey and the comfort of the Radisson Hotel in Kathmandu will no doubt be welcomed with open arms. Drive: 160km, ~6hrsAltitude: 1,400mOvernight: Radisson Hotel
Day 12 : In Kathmandu (1,400M)
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation Name: Radisson Hotel
Today you have a full day at leisure to explore Kathmandu’s bustling streets and significant landmarks. You may wish to start by exploring the city’s two most important World Heritage Listed spiritual sites: Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and an important cremation site; and Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and the most sacred Tibetan Buddhist shrine outside of Tibet. Alternatively you could wander through the markets and shops of the busy Thamel precinct or explore some more of the city’s significant sites such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) or the World Heritage Listed plazas of Patan, Bhaktapur or Durbar Square.Drive: N/AAltitude: 1,400mOvernight: Radisson Hotel
Day 13 : In Kathmandu, Trip Concludes
Location: Kathmandu
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will be provided with an airport transfer. Trip concludes.
What's Included
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12 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 6 dinners
The tour includes 12 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 6 dinners.
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Airport transfers in Chengdu, Lhasa and Kathmandu
Airport transfers are provided in Chengdu, Lhasa, and Kathmandu.
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Radisson Hotel in Kathmandu
Accommodation at the Radisson Hotel in Kathmandu is included.
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Comfortable hotels in Chengdu & Lhasa, best available guesthouses across Tibet
Accommodation in comfortable hotels in Chengdu and Lhasa, and the best available guesthouses across Tibet is included.
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Expert bilingual guide
An expert bilingual guide is included in the tour.
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Use of a World Expeditions trek pack
The use of a World Expeditions trek pack, which includes a quality sleeping bag, down or fibre fill jacket, and insulated mat, is included.
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Souvenir World Expeditions 80l kit bag
A souvenir World Expeditions 80l kit bag is included.
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Sightseeing and site entrance fees
Sightseeing and site entrance fees as listed in the itinerary are included.
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Private transportation
Private transportation is included in the tour.
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Portable altitude chamber for group use
A portable altitude chamber is available for group use.
What's Not Included
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Meals not included in the daily itinerary
Meals not included in the daily itinerary are excluded.
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Alcoholic and bottled drinks
Alcoholic and bottled drinks are not included.
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Items of a personal nature
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
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Tips
Tips are not included in the tour.
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Airport & departure taxes
Airport and departure taxes are not included.
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Visas
Visas are not included and must be arranged separately.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
Accommodation
Experience a range of accommodations from comfortable hotels in Chengdu and Lhasa to basic local lodges in Tibet, with multi-share rooms and shared facilities. Expect intermittent hot water and electricity in remote areas, ensuring an authentic adventure.
Grading
Although there is no commitment to extended walking on this journey we nonetheless want to keep the ‘accent on the active’. We therefore advise some physical training before undertaking the trip to enable you to participate in optional activities. Although our day walks are optional, there’s much to be said for making the most of your time in a place as spectacular as the Himalaya. As for any trip, the fitter you are the more you will enjoy your experience.
Mode of Transport
Travel in private transportation across Tibet, with airport transfers in Chengdu, Lhasa, and Kathmandu. Enjoy a scenic drive from Lhasa to Kathmandu, crossing the Himalayas, and a flight from Chengdu to Lhasa, ensuring a seamless journey through breathtaking landscapes.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The accommodation varies throughout the tour. In Chengdu, you will stay in a hotel, but as you travel further west through Tibet, the accommodation becomes more basic. In remote areas, you may stay in local lodges with multi-share rooms and shared bathroom facilities. Hot water and electricity can sometimes be intermittent in these remote towns.
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Will I have access to emergency medical supplies during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a group medical kit, a portable altitude chamber for group use, and bottled oxygen for emergency use.
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Is there a guide provided during the tour?
Yes, an expert bilingual guide will accompany you throughout the tour.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 12 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 6 dinners.
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Are there any special permits required for the tour?
Yes, a group permit is required for entry into Tibet, and the group is required to arrive together.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
Private transportation is provided throughout the tour.
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What should I be prepared for in terms of physical activity during the tour?
While there is no commitment to extended walking, some physical training is advised to participate in optional activities. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the experience.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
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What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
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What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
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Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
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Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
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Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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May 14, 2025 - May 26, 2025Sunday - Friday
Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 400 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.