• Duration 10 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate

    The moderate grade includes a one-week to fifteen-day itinerary. It can reach up to 5000 meter altitude range, but the trails will be moderate (neither easy nor tough). High altitude may affect walking speed and distance. You need to have acclimatization over 3000 meters.

  • Country Tibet
  • Starts Kathmandu
  • Ends Kathmandu

Embark on a thrilling adventure in two Himalayan kingdoms, Nepal and Tibet. Explore the Nepalese and Tibetan cultural heritage and discover their history. From the bustle and ancient temples, stupas, and palaces of Kathmandu to the rugged Himalayan mountains, centuries-old ruins, and serene monasteries of Tibet, the journey will be an exhilarating and immersive experience.

Places you will visit in Kathmandu, Nepal

  • Monkey Temple: This is a very famous temple among foreigners in Kathmandu. In Nepali, we call the Monkey Temple Swayambhunath. The temple's origins go back over 2,000 years. It is located on a hilltop.
  • Pashupatinath Temple: Pashupatinath Temple is the most important Hindu pilgrimage center in Nepal. Its history goes back to 400 CE, and the present structure was built in the 17th century.
  • Boudhanath Stupa: The Boudhanath Stupa is the largest stupa in Nepal. It was established in the 5th century and has become the center of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal over the years.
  • Kathmandu Durbar Square: Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the ancient royal residences in Kathmandu. It is also known as Basantapur. From the 12th century onward, it was an administrative center for the Malla kings. Hanuman Dhoka, Kumari Ghar, and Taleju Temple are a few landmarks inside the complex.
  • Patan Durbar Square: This is another royal residence located in Lalitpur, Kathmandu Valley. The Krishna Mandir, Golden Temple, and Mahaboudha Temple are some iconic landmarks.
  • Bhaktapur Durbar Square: The Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the final royal palace within Kathmandu Valley. 55-Window Palace, Vatsala Temple, Nyatapola Temple, and intricately carved wooden structures are some specialties.
  • Garden of Dreams: Built in the 1920s by Field Marshal Kaiser Shumsher Rana, the Garden of Dreams is one of the most blissful structures in Kathmandu. It features Edwardian-style gardens.
  • Narayanihiti Palace: The Narayanhiti Palace was the royal residence of Shah monarchs. It is located close to Thamel and can be reached in 10 to 12 minutes of walking. The palace has witnessed a few major royal historic events, including the 2001 royal massacre and the abolition of the monarchy in 2009.

Places you will visit in Tibet

  • Potala Palace: Potala Palace is one of Tibet's architectural gems. Located on the top of Marpo Ri Hill, it showcases intricate rooms, halls, chapels, and furniture.
  • Sera Monastery: Built in 1419, Sera Monastery is one of the three significant monasteries in Tibet. In the monastery, you can see unique traditions passed down for centuries. The lively debate sessions among monks are also fascinating experiences.
  • Norbulingka: Norbulingka was once the summer residence of the Dalai Lama. It is one of the most astonishing man-made gardens in Tibet, with complex and impressive architecture.
  • Drepung Monastery: The Drepung Monastery was built in 1416. It is also one of the three great monasteries in Tibet. The monastery is huge. In the 17th century, it was home to 10,000 monks and had four colleges within it.
  • Jokhang Temple: Built in the 7th century, the Jokhang Temple is a vibrant spiritual hub that showcases a blend of Tibetan, Indian, and Nepalese architecture. Every nook and corner of this monastery has a divine aura.
  • Barkhor Street: Barkhor Street is a bustling local market and pilgrimage circuit. Locals and tourists visit this place to enjoy local food and purchase souvenirs. It is the heart of the Lhasa.
  • Samye Monastery: Samye Monastery is the first monastery in Tibet. It is surrounded by barren mountains and sand dunes.
  • Yungbulakang Palace: Yungbulakang Palace is the first imperial palace, believed to date back to the 2nd century. Located on a hill, it offers a stunning view.
  • Trandruk Monastery: The Trandruk Monastery was built in 641 AD by the lake King Songtsan Gampo. According to legend, the monastery was built to suppress the demons prospering in his kingdom.

Kathmandu Lhasa tour best time

You can do the Kathmandu Lhasa tour throughout the year. March to November is the best time of the year to enjoy this adventurous tour. Note that between June and mid-September, Kathmandu and Lhasa experience heavy rainfall.

However, our top picks are March to May and late September to November. You will enjoy stable weather, clear mountain views, and no rainfall. Similarly, you can do this tour between December and February. However, be ready to endure the cold climate and snow in Tibet.

Is this tour difficult? Who can do the Kathmandu Lhasa tour 10 days?

The Kathmandu to Lhasa tour is relatively easy. It is a comfortable overland tour that only requires leisure walking while visiting tourist sites and local markets. All travelers of all ages can go on this tour. The Kathmandu Lhasa tour is also a fantastic family holiday package.

Altitude sickness

Lhasa and Tsedang are both situated above 3,500 meters. You will gain a huge elevation from Kathmandu to Lhasa, which can trigger altitude sickness. However, it is also easy to avoid altitude sickness because our Kathmandu Lhasa tour itinerary allows you to spend ample time resting and adjusting to the elevation.

Kathmandu to Lhasa tour packing

To pack for the Kathmandu Lhasa tour, follow the below list:

  • Comfortable clothing
  • A few warm layering prices
  • Comfortable shoes and a casual pair of footwear
  • Breathable underwear, socks
  • Gloves & scarf (depending upon the season you are traveling in)
  • Daypack
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Toiletries (SPF, moisturizer, lip balm, toothbrush, wet tissues, etc.)
  • Necessary documents (passport, visa, passport-size photos, cash)
  • Camera, mobile, extra batteries, power bank, adapter
  • Snacks, journal/pen (optional), and other personal essentials

Highlights

  • Start the tour in Kathmandu, Nepal, visiting different historical sites and learning about Nepali art, architecture, culture, and traditions
  • Explore local markets, explore the bustling streets of Thamel, and do window shopping
  • Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa, enjoying stunning aerial views of the Himalayan mountains
  • Visit centuries-old monasteries, ruins, palaces, gardens, and temples in Lhasa and Tsedang, Tibet
  • Get to know about Tibetan culture and history closely
  • Enjoy Tibetan food and shop for Tibetan goods
Itinerary

Insider Tip: You have to walk on a steep uphill route to reach Yungbulakang Palace. Travelers who are not capable of walking uphill can enjoy a horse ride. There will be a small fee for the service.

Trip Plan
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Our representatives will greet you at the Tribhuvan International Airport upon your arrival in Kathmandu and escort you to the hotel. If you have any immediate questions or need any help, feel free to ask our representative. The remaining day is free.

  • Accommodation: Hotel

Today, you will spend the day with one of our friendly tour guides and visit some famous tourist sites around Kathmandu. You will visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Monkey Temple, and Patan Durbar Square. It will be an enlightening tour. You will learn about Nepali culture, traditions, art, and architecture.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel

The tour starts with a visit to Pashupatinath Temple. From there, you will go to the biggest stupa in Nepal, Boudhanath Stupa. Then you will drive to Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The local markets around the monuments are also worth exploring. After the tour, the guide will drop you at the hotel. The evening is free.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel

This is another full day in Kathmandu. We have not planned any guided tours on this day, so you can spend the day as you wish. You can visit the Garden of Dreams, Narayanhiti Palace, and museums around the city. Take this day and buy souvenirs as well.

Let us know if you want to do anything specific, such as yoga/meditation sessions, pottery sessions, cooking classes, etc.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel

You will leave Kathmandu today and fly to Lhasa. We will drop you at the international airport in Kathmandu, and our Tibetan representatives will pick you up from Lhasa airport. Upon landing in Lhasa, you will drive to your hotel with our local team in Tibet. Get some rest and later join a short orientation program at your hotel.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel

You will spend a full day visiting different tourist sites in Lhasa. The tour starts with Potala Palace, which is one of its kind in Tibet. The palace's intricate architecture, rooms, halls, chapels, and furnishing will be below your mind.

The next place you will visit is the Sera Monastery. It is one of the three great monasteries in Tibet, with its unique traditions that have been passed down for centuries.

From here, you will continue the tour to Norbulingka, which is the former summer palace of Dalai Lamas. The complex and impressive architecture of the palace and its history will present you with a deeper understanding of Tibetan heritage.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel

You will start the morning by visiting Drepung Monastery. This huge monastery housed 10,000 monks and contained four colleges. The monastery's location offers stunning views of Lhasa City and Mt. Gambo Utse. After the tour, have breakfast and rest.

Later in the day, you will visit Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street. Jokhang Temple is a significant temple in Tibet. Its architecture is a fascinating blend of Tibetan, Nepalese, and Indian styles. Every nook and corner of this monastery has a divine aura.

Likewise, you will spend your evening exploring the bustling streets of Barkhor. It is the heart and the soul of Lhasa. You can see locals spinning prayer wheels. The street is packed with numerous souvenir shops, cafes, and pubs.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Today is your final day of the tour. You will drive from Lhasa to Tsedang. On the way, visit Samye Monastery, the first monastery in Tibet. It is surrounded by barren mountains and sand dunes. This is where Tibetan Buddhism was established.

After this monastery, you will continue the ride to Tsedang, which is the capital of Shannan Prefecture. The mild weather and fertile land in Shannan make it the cradle of Tibetan civilization. Similarly, this place is also the birthplace of Tibetans, who are believed to be the offspring of a monkey and a demoness.

You will visit Yungbulakang Palace in Tsedang. It is the first imperial palace located on a rocky hill. The view from the top of the palace is excellent. From here, we will head to Trandruk Monastery. This monastery is believed to have been built by King Songtsan Gampo in 641 A.D. to suppress the demons from prospering in his kingdom.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Start the day with a delicious breakfast. Then, drive back to Lhasa airport. It will be a scenic ride. Your guide will drop you off at the airport right on time to catch your flight back to Kathmandu.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel

You will fly back to your home on this day. Our team will take care of your airport departure.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
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Cost Details
Included
  • All private transport.
  • All Sightseeing in Nepal and Tibet with entrance fee.
  • All Hotels in Nepal and Tibet with Breakfast.
  • An English Speaking Guide.
  • Tibet Visa / Permit fee. (If American and Canadian Passport Holder extra US$ Per person).
  • Kathmandu-Lhasa-Kathmandu Flight ticket.
  • All Government taxes Income tax plus VAT.
  • Office services charge.
  • Farewell dinner with cultural program (In Kathmandu).
Excluded
  • Your Travel Insurance
  • International Airfare (Country to Nepal).
  • Lunch and Dinner.
  • Personal expenses such as a drinks, laundry, Charge for photography etc.
  • Nepal visa fee (Nepal re-entry visa fee),
  • Any additional cost due to Natural calamities and Unforeseen Circumstance.
  • Tips for Guides and Drivers.
FAQs

There are two ways to travel from Kathmandu to Lhasa. First, you can drive the Friendship Highway from Kathmandu to the Nepal-Tibet border. You can reach here in 8 to 9 hours of driving. The second option is around a one-hour and fifteen-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa.

No, you cannot go to Tibet without joining a tour. Foreigners are not allowed to travel independently in the country. You must join a local travel agency if you want to visit Tibet for a tour. Likewise, you must be accompanied by a licensed guide and driver throughout the duration of the tour.

Our team will help you obtain the permit for the Tibet tour. Make sure to arrange all the necessary documents and hand them over to our team. We need the documents 3 to 4 weeks before the tour starts. It takes time to get permits and visas.

Kathmandu is located around 175 kilometers (109 miles) from the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung (Nepal-Tibet) border.

Yes, Lhasa is worth visiting. The city is rich in historical monuments and Tibetan culture. Lhasa is also easily accessible from the rest of the world, so you can travel here comfortably. You will see intercity Tibetan architecture, exquisite Tibetan art and architecture, and discover centuries-old palaces and temples.

Yes, Lhasa is more expensive than other metropolitan cities around the world, especially for travelers. On average, you can expect to pay USD 120 to USD 150 per person each day.

No, there is no train from Nepal to Tibet. However, you can drive or fly to Tibet from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.

No, traveling alone is now allowed in Tibet. You must join an organized tour and be accompanied by a local guide.

Yes, Lhasa is a safe place to travel. Moreover, you can safely travel to all places in Tibet. Traveling with a guide is the only way to travel in Tibet, so you are bound to be always safe.

To avoid altitude sickness, you should rest a lot and drink ample fluids like water, teas, soups, etc. If you feel vomiting, dizziness, nausea, or headache, consider these early signs of altitude sickness. Inform your guide and get medicine.

Yes, people speak okayish English in the tourist areas. However, locals, especially in unpopular parts of the country, do not speak English.

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