Tibet Encounter Tour (8 days) fly-in/drive out
One of our most popular trips is the Tibet Encounter Tour where you make a journey overland taking the road from Lhasa to Kathmandu (or vice versa) passing the major cities in Tibet. On the way we go through high mountain passes, visit many interesting places and experience the local inhabitants and their culture.
Country
Tibet
Duration
8 Days
Difficulty
Moderate
Trip Type
Tour
Max Altitude
4441m/14570ft
Best Season
Mar-Dec
Accomodation
Hotel, Lodge with twin sharing bed basis during the trip
Meals
Full board Meals ( Lunch , Dinner and Breakfast) with cup of hot drinks during the trip.
Start/End Point
Kathmandu
Highlights & Overview
Scenic Himalayan flight from Kathmandu to LhasaExplore UNESCO World Heritage Sites in LhasaVisit Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s sacred lakesDiscover Gyantse’s Kumbum Stupa and Palchor ChodeVisit Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in ShigatseHigh-altitude drive across the Tibetan PlateauOverland return from Tibet to Kathmandu
The 8-day Lhasa–Gyantse–Shigatse Overland Tour to Kathmandu is a perfect blend of Tibetan culture, spiritual heritage, and breathtaking Himalayan scenery. Beginning with a scenic flight to Lhasa, the journey explores Tibet’s most important monasteries including Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera, and Drepung. Traveling west across the vast Tibetan Plateau, the tour visits the turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake, the historic town of Gyantse, and the religious center of Shigatse. The adventure continues through high-altitude landscapes to Xegar before descending to the Nepal border and returning to Kathmandu by road. Designed with acclimatization in mind, this itinerary offers a culturally immersive and visually stunning introduction to Tibet.
Short Itinerary
- Day 1: Fly Kathmandu 1300m/4264ft to Lhasa 3600m/11811ft and Hotel Transfer
- Day 2: Lhasa Sightseeing – Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar 3600m/11811ft
- Day 3: Lhasa Sightseeing – Potala Palace and Drepung Monastery 3750m/12303ft
- Day 4: Drive Lhasa 3600m/11811ft to Gyantse 3950m/12959ft via Yamdrok Lake 4441m/14570ft
- Day 5: Drive Gyantse 3950m/12959ft to Shigatse 3840m/12598ft – Tashi Lhunpo Monastery Visit
- Day 6: Drive Shigatse 3840m/12598ft to Xegar 4300m/14107ft
- Day 7: Drive Xegar 4300m/14107ft to Zhangmu 2300m/7546ft
- Day 8: Drive Zhangmu 2300m/7546ft to Friendship Bridge 1800m/5906ft and Kathmandu 1300m/4264ft
Price Includes
Tour/trekking GuideTibet PermitsRoad permitsAccommodation on Bed and Breakfast BasisTransportation during the tripPrice Doesn't Include
FlightsGuide TipsDriver and helpersChina VisaAdditional Services if requirePersonal EquipmentsOther services if requireTibet Encounter Tour (8 days) fly-in/drive out Itinerary
Day 1: Fly Kathmandu 1300m/4264ft to Lhasa 3600m/11811ft and Hotel Transfer
You will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your scenic Himalayan flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa. The flight offers breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayan range before landing at Gonggar Airport. Upon arrival, our Tibetan representative will welcome you and assist with arrival formalities. You then enjoy a scenic drive through wide river valleys and traditional Tibetan settlements to reach Lhasa city. The remainder of the day is kept free for rest and acclimatization to the high altitude of the Tibetan Plateau. Overnight stay at a hotel in Lhasa.
Max Altitude
3600m/11811ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 2: Lhasa Sightseeing – Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar 3600m/11811ft
Today you explore the spiritual heart of Tibet. Visit Sera Monastery, one of Tibet’s great monastic universities, famous for its animated monk debate sessions held in the courtyard. Continue to the sacred Jokhang Temple, the holiest Buddhist shrine in Tibet and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, walk around Barkhor Bazaar, the vibrant pilgrimage circuit filled with prayer wheels, incense, traditional handicrafts, and daily Tibetan life. Overnight stay in Lhasa.
Max Altitude
3600m/11811ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 3: Lhasa Sightseeing – Potala Palace and Drepung Monastery 3750m/12303ft
This day is dedicated to exploring two of Tibet’s most iconic landmarks. Visit the majestic Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dominates the Lhasa skyline. In the afternoon, continue to Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in the world and an important center of Tibetan Buddhist education. Set on a hillside, Drepung offers peaceful surroundings and panoramic views of the Lhasa Valley. Overnight stay in Lhasa.
Max Altitude
3750m/12303ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 4: Drive Lhasa 3600m/11811ft to Gyantse 3950m/12959ft via Yamdrok Lake 4441m/14570ft
Depart Lhasa and drive west across the Tibetan Plateau toward Gyantse. En route, stop at the stunning Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s three most sacred lakes, known for its turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains. After reaching Gyantse, visit Palchor Chode Monastery and the impressive Kumbum Stupa, famous for its unique architectural design and religious murals. Overnight stay at hotel or guesthouse in Gyantse.
Max Altitude
4441m/14570ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Guesthouse
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 5: Drive Gyantse 3950m/12959ft to Shigatse 3840m/12598ft – Tashi Lhunpo Monastery Visit
After breakfast, drive to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city. Upon arrival, visit Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama and one of the most important monasteries in Tibet. Later, explore the local market, offering insight into daily Tibetan life and regional trade. Overnight stay at hotel or guesthouse in Shigatse.
Max Altitude
3950m/12959ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Guesthouse
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 6: Drive Shigatse 3840m/12598ft to Xegar 4300m/14107ft
Continue your overland journey deeper into the Tibetan Plateau as you drive to Xegar (Tingri). The route offers vast open landscapes, distant Himalayan peaks, and an authentic experience of rural Tibet. Xegar serves as a gateway to the Everest region and marks one of the highest overnight points of the tour. Overnight stay at guesthouse.
Max Altitude
4300m/14107ft
Accomodation
Guesthouse
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 7: Drive Xegar 4300m/14107ft to Zhangmu 2300m/7546ft
Today’s drive descends dramatically from the high plateau toward the lush border town of Zhangmu. The scenery changes from arid plains to deep gorges, forests, and rushing rivers as you approach the Nepal–Tibet border. Overnight stay at hotel or guesthouse in Zhangmu.
Max Altitude
2300m/7546ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Guesthouse
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 8: Drive Zhangmu 2300m/7546ft to Friendship Bridge 1800m/5906ft and Kathmandu 1300m/4264ft
Drive to the Friendship Bridge, marking the Nepal–Tibet border. After completing immigration and customs formalities, continue driving through the scenic mountain roads of Nepal back to Kathmandu. Arrival in Kathmandu marks the end of your unforgettable Tibet overland journey.
Max Altitude
1800m/5906ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Packing Lists
Cloathing
Heavy down jacket for extreme coldInsulated mid-layer and fleeceWaterproof shell jacket and pantsThermal base layersTrekking pants and shirtsWarm hat, sun hat, neck gaiterInsulated gloves and liner glovesWool trekking socksGears
High-quality trekking bootsCamp shoes or sandalsTrekking polesDaypack with rain coverCold-rated sleeping bagPersonal Items
Sunglasses with high UV protectionSunscreen SPF 50+ and lip balmPersonal medications and altitude medicineToiletries and quick-dry towelOther Items You Can Bring
Passport and Tibet permitsHeadlamp with spare batteriesCamera and power bankRefillable water bottles or purifierEnergy snacks and electrolytes