8-Day Kathmandu to Lhasa Sightseeing Tour with Tibetan Monasteries

Early morning pickup and drive from Kathmandu to the Nepal-Tibet border at Kodari by private vehicle.

Complete all immigration formalities on both the Nepal and China sides. Continue on a thrilling ride up the steep, winding road to Nyalam. Overnight stay at Nyalam Guesthouse or similar (dormitory room with common toilet).

Set off for Lhatse after breakfast. Right after exiting Nyalam (after 10 km), the convoy will stop for approximately 15 minutes to visit Milarepa Cave Monastery, where a famous Tibetan poet and yogi learned to fly after years of meditation in solitude.

After what is sure to be a spiritually uplifting visit, continue towards Lablung-La Pass (also called Nyalam Thong-La: 5100 m) with your Lhasa guide. There will be a stop on this pass to allow you to observe the rugged beauty of the Himalayas. Shisapangma, the highest mountain in Tibet, is also visible from the pass. Its mass and majesty are known to inspire travelers with a sense of humility and awe, matched only by the glistening waters of Yamdruk Tso.

Break for lunch after passing through Lao Tingri. In clear weather, you can enjoy a majestic view of Mount Everest and Mount Cho-Oyu from this spot.

Continue driving to Lhatse via Xegar (Tingri) and Gyajo-La Pass. Stay overnight at Farmer Guesthouse or similar (dormitory room with common toilet).

Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast and embark on a journey to Shigatse, the second-largest city of Tibet and home to the famous Tashilungpo Monastery and the throne of the Panchen Lama. On this day of the tour, you will drive through only one high pass after leaving Lhatse. Overnight stay at Hotel Qomolangma Friendship or similar (twin-sharing room with attached bath).

Set out for an early morning visit to the Tashilhunpo Monastery.

Take a short drive to the culturally significant region of Gyantse, where you can explore the Palkhor Chode Monastery, the Khumbum Stupa, and the Gyantse Dzong, and enjoy some free time at your leisure.

Enjoy a relaxing overnight stay at Hotel Wutse or similar (twin-sharing room with attached bath) in Gyantse.

Follow up an inspiring early morning breakfast with an equally inspiring and picturesque journey to Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet. This day is bound to be made memorable by the time spent at the beautiful Turquoise Lake, also known as Yamdruk Tso, the largest freshwater lake in Tibet, and at Karo-La Pass (Glacier Pass).

Cross Kamba-La and the majestic Yarlung River (River Brahmaputra) and arrive in Lhasa. Overnight stay at Trichang Labrang Hotel or similar (twin-sharing room with attached bath).

Experience the best of Lhasa with visits to the Jokhang Temple and the colourful Barkhor Square.

Cleanse your soul with a visit to Potala Palace, where the Dalai Lama resides. Overnight stay at Trichang Labrang Hotel or similar (twin-sharing room with attached bath).

Enjoy a visit to the Drepung Monastery, which is situated in the western part of the city and serves as the spiritual and political center of Tibet.

Set off towards the Sera Monastery in the north, founded in 1419 and considered the most influential monastery in Tibetan history as the site where spiritual leaders gain their training and education. Explore the sprawling galleries filled with statues of Buddhist deities.

Arrive for an overnight stay at Trichang Labrang Hotel or similar (twin-sharing room with attached bath).

Fly out from Lhasa to Kathmandu or any other major city in China and beyond. You can also make a memorable train journey from Lhasa to mainland China.