Lhasa Overland Tour from Kathmandu- 13 Days

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative from Ama Adventure will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Today is all about settling in and taking it easy after your flight.

You may choose to relax at the hotel or take a short stroll around Thamel, a lively area filled with local shops, cafes, and restaurants.

This morning, we’ll take care of the required documents for your Tibet travel permit. Once the paperwork is done, the rest of the day is set for a guided tour around the city.

Today’s exploration includes visits to the following cultural and historical sites.

Pashupatinath Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Located about 5 kilometers east of central Kathmandu, Pashupatinath is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple features a richly decorated pagoda that shelters the sacred Shiva Linga. Historical records trace the temple’s existence back to before 400 AD. Along the banks of the Bagmati River, devotees perform ritual baths and cremation ceremonies, adding deep spiritual energy to the site.

Boudhanath Stupa
A major pilgrimage site for Buddhists, the Boudhanath Stupa is known for its massive white dome set atop a large mandala base. Built in the 5th century, it remains a central point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. According to legend, the remains of Kasyapa Buddha, an earlier incarnation of Buddha, lie buried beneath the stupa.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Situated in Bhaktapur, one of the three historic cities in the Kathmandu Valley, this royal square showcases exquisite Newari architecture from the Malla period. Highlights include the five-storied Nyatapola Temple, the Palace of 55 Windows, Bhairavnath Temple, Vatsala Temple, the Golden Gate, and many other beautifully preserved structures that reflect the city’s rich cultural heritage.

In the morning, you will visit the designated center to complete your biometric process for the Tibet visa application.

Later in the day, we continue with guided visits to the following heritage sites:

Patan Durbar Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Patan Durbar Square is a stunning blend of ancient palace buildings, elegant courtyards, and beautifully crafted pagoda-style temples. Once the royal palace of the Malla kings of Patan, this area remains the heart of the city’s cultural and religious life. The museum inside displays a fine collection of bronze sculptures and sacred artifacts. A notable highlight is the 17th-century Krishna Temple, built entirely from stone.

Kathmandu Durbar Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
This historic complex features palaces, shrines, and courtyards built between the 12th and 18th centuries, serving as the royal residence of the former Malla kings of Kathmandu. One of its unique attractions is a 17th-century stone inscription on a palace wall, written in 15 different languages. Today, the square remains a central space for cultural, spiritual, and community events. Several museums can also be found within the palace grounds.

Swoyambhunath Stupa – The Monkey Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Standing atop a hill on the western edge of Kathmandu, Swoyambhunath is one of Nepal’s most sacred Buddhist sites. Its iconic white dome and golden spire overlook the valley and are deeply connected to local legends about the valley’s origin from a great lake. Also called Samhengu and popularly known as the Monkey Temple, it is home to numerous monkeys that roam freely around the site.

Today, we will receive your passport along with the Tibet visa and set out for a visit to Pharping, located around 19 kilometers from the center of Kathmandu. This historic Newari town was once called “Shikharapuri Mahanagari” in medieval times.

Pharping is now a peaceful and culturally rich settlement, home to several important spiritual and historical landmarks. It is especially well known for the sacred meditation cave of Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, who is credited with bringing Buddhism to Tibet.

This day is set aside for final preparations for your journey. In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip meeting either in your hotel lobby or at the Ama Adventure office. During this session, you’ll meet your guides, go over important trip details, and have the chance to ask any last-minute questions.

You can use the rest of the day to finish packing or do some final shopping in Thamel, a vibrant area known for its trekking gear shops, souvenir stores, and energetic vibe.

Today we leave Kathmandu and head toward Timure on a scenic drive that takes around 6 to 8 hours.

The journey follows the Trishuli River, offering beautiful views of the river and surrounding hills. On the way, we pass through Syabrubesi and several traditional villages with terraced farmlands, giving you a glimpse of local rural life in Nepal.

We start the day by driving from Timure to Rasuwagadhi to complete immigration and border formalities. Once the paperwork is done, we continue the journey into Tibet, heading toward Kyirong.

As we travel, you’ll see the stunning Tibetan landscape unfold. Upon arrival in Kyirong, you’ll have time to rest, adjust to the altitude, and explore the town to experience its unique culture and warm hospitality.

Today we travel from Kyirong to Shigatse, passing through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Tibet. The route includes a steady climb as we pass through Tingri, a town situated at 4,300 meters.

From Tingri, you can enjoy impressive views of the Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest on clear days. Next, we reach Lhatse, a small town that is a common stop for travelers. The highlight of the day is crossing Gyatchu La Pass, the highest point of the journey at 5,220 meters.

Here, you’ll be treated to spectacular panoramic views of mountains and valleys. After descending from the pass, the scenery changes as we approach Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city, known for its deep cultural roots.

Today’s itinerary includes a visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery, the historic seat of the Panchen Lama. This monastery is renowned for its detailed architecture and important cultural heritage, providing insight into Tibet’s spiritual traditions. After the monastery tour, you can explore the local market in Shigatse, where a variety of Tibetan handicrafts are available.

Later, you’ll drive back to Lhasa through scenic valleys and along the Yarlung Tsangpo River, enjoying the stunning views of Tibet’s varied landscapes.

Our day begins with a visit to the famous Potala Palace, the former home of the Dalai Lama and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This impressive palace provides breathtaking views of Lhasa and the surrounding mountains. Afterward, we head to Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism, attracting pilgrims from across Tibet.

The day concludes at Barkhor Market, which surrounds Jokhang Temple. Here, you can soak in the lively local atmosphere and browse a variety of traditional Tibetan handicrafts.

Today, we continue discovering Lhasa by visiting two of its most significant monasteries. In the morning, we tour Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in the world and a major center of Buddhist learning.

In the afternoon, we visit Sera Monastery, famous for its lively monk debates and beautiful grounds. After these visits, you’ll have free time to return to Barkhor Market or explore other areas of the city on your own.

You will be taken to the airport for your flight back to Kathmandu, marking the conclusion of your journey through Tibet and the rich cultural and spiritual experiences you have gained.

After arriving in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. In the evening, you will enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant to celebrate the trip.

Overnight stay: Hotel Thamel House or a hotel of similar standard
Meals: Breakfast and farewell dinner included

As your amazing journey through the stunning landscapes of Tibet and Nepal comes to an end, it’s time to say goodbye.

To make your departure easy and comfortable, a dedicated airport representative will accompany you to the international airport and assist with any last-minute arrangements as you get ready to return home.

Meals: Breakfast included