Kathmandu Gyirong Lhasa Overland Group Tour
- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Price:
- From USD1290
- Route:
- Kathmandu-Gyirong-Tingri-Shigatse-Lhasa
- Season:
-
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
- Winter
- Tour Type:
- Group Tour
- Group Size:
- Max 12
Overview
The great Himalayas have created "two worlds" with different landscapes and climates on both sides, but have not hindered cultural and economic exchanges. Today, we no longer have to endure the hardships and obstacles that travelers have experienced in the very past, but we can still enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way and feel the difference and connection between Nepal and Tibet. On the overland trip from Kathmandu to Lhasa, you will start from ancient and mysterious Kathmandu, pass through the forest-covered Himalayan Pass, stop at Everest Base Camp, and appreciate pristine alpine Yamdroktso lake, Karola Glacier, Buddhist sites, etc., finally get to the holy city of Lhasa. By joining our overland group tour, you don't have to worry about transportation from Kathmandu to Gyirong.
| Day | Route | Attractions & Activities | Accommodation | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kathmandu To Syabrubesi, 137km, Approx. 7hrs | Syabrubesi Village | Syabrubesi, Guesthouse | |
| 2 | Syabrubesi To Gyirong, 40km, Approx. 4hrs | Gyirong Port, Paba Temple | Gyirong Town, Guesthouse | B |
| 3 | Gyirong To EBC to Tingri, 480km, Approx. 11hrs | Everest Base Camp, Rongbuk Monastery | Tingri, Guesthouse / 3★ | B |
| 4 | Tingri to Shigatse, 240km, Approx. 4hrs 30mins | Tashilumpo Monastery | Shigatse, 3★ / 4★ | B |
| 5 | Shigatse - Gyantse - Lhasa, 375km, Approx. 7hrs | Pelkor Chode Monastery, Karola Glacier, Yamdroktso Lake | Lhasa, 3★ / 4★ | B |
| 6 | Lhasa Sightseeing | Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street | Lhasa, 3★/4★ | B |
| 7 | Lhasa Suburb | Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery | Lhasa, 3★ / 4★ | B |
| 8 | Lhasa departure | Send off to the airport/train station | B |
Daily Itinerary
CollapseOur local operator will pick up from your hotel in Kathmandu and get together around 9:00-9:30 am, and then we will drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi, which is a beautiful resident village inside the Langtang National Park(a famous trekking region in Nepal). En-route, you’ll enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way such as green hills, deep valleys and Trisuli River.
Stay overnight in Syabrubesi village, Guesthouse
After breakfast, we will drive to the border to enter Tibet. After immigration formalities at Gyirong Port, you will meet our Tibetan tour guide and driver. Then continue driving to Gyirong Town. Gyirong has conserved many famous temples, such as the Nepali-style Paba Temple (2800m). It was said to be built by Songtsan Gambo when he married the Nepalese Princess Bhrikuti. In the afternoon, you can rest in the hotel or take a short walk to visit the temple.
Stay overnight in Gyirong, Guesthouse
Drive along the Highway to Tingri, then drive forward to Everest Base Camp and visit the highest Monastery in the world - Rongbuk Monastery. On the way, you can get a wonderful view of Peikutso lake and the Himalayan Mountain Ranges, especially Mt. Shisha Pangma(8012m), Mt. Lhotse(8516m), Mt. Everest(8848m), Mt. Qowowuyag(8201m), and Mt. Makalu(8463m). After visiting Everest Base Camp, we will drive back to Tingri.
Stay overnight in Tingri, Guesthouse
Drive from Tingri to Shigatse today, which takes about 4hrs 30mins. Please feel free to ask your driver to stop at any time if you want to take a photo of the fantastic view along the way.
In the afternoon, we will visit Tashilunpo Monastery - the home of Panchen Lama. It was founded by the 1st Dalai Lama in 1447 and is a historic and culturally important monastery in Shigatse. It's located on a hill in the center of the city, the full name in Tibetan of the monastery means "all fortune and happiness gathered here" or "heap of glory".
Stay overnight in Shigatse, 3★ / 4★
Drive Shigatse to Lhasa via Gyantse by Southern Friendship High way. You will pass by the fertile Nyangchu Valley, a wide agricultural plain where colorfully decorated yaks and horses are used by Tibetan farmers to till the land. Arriving at Gyantse, you will visit Pelkor Chode Monastery. This magnificent multi-door structure is the largest stupa in Tibet, which is not only a stupa but also has old sculptures and paintings all around its inner walls. En route, you will see Karola Glacier, which looks spectacular from the highway, as well as holy Yamdrok Lakewith its turquoise color and snowcapped Mt.Nyenchen Khangsar in the distance.
Stay overnight in Lhasa, 3★ / 4★
Today, you will visit the most famous Potala Palace, which is the cardinal landmark of Tibet and the masterpiece of Tibetan architecture. Potala Palace was the winter palace of successive Dalai lamas. It was built by the 33rd great king of Tibet - Songtsen Gangpo in the 7th Century. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation Cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.
At noon, the tour guide will bring you to a good restaurant to have lunch and have a rest. In the afternoon, we will go to visit Jokhang Temple in the center of the Lhasa old town. Jokhang Temple is the most sacred temple in Tibet and it is always bustling with earnest local pilgrims since the early days. After that, you will take a walk around the Barkhor Street - one of the most devotional circuits as well as a crowded central market of Lhasa. Barkhor Street is a very ancient round street surrounding the Jokhang Temple and the locals are always proud of it. As a symbol of Lhasa, it‘s also a must-see place for visitors.
Stay overnight in Lhasa, 3★/4★
Today’s first attraction is Drepung Monastery which is the world's largest monastery that ever housed more than 10,000 monks. It was the residence of the Dalai Lamas until the great fifth Dalai Lama constructed the Potala Palace. After lunch, you will continue to visit the most beautiful Tibetan Monastery - Sera Monastery which was founded in 1419 by Tsongkapa's disciple Jamchen Choeje. One of the highlights of Sera Monastery is the Buddhist Scriptures debating held in the courtyard between 15:00 - 17:00 from Monday to Saturday.
Stay overnight in Lhasa, 3★ / 4★
Cost & Calendar
All prices are in US Dollar / Person
Economic Class (3-Star Hotels)
| 2023-07-01 ~ 2023-10-31 | 2023-11-01 ~ 2023-12-31 | 2024-01-01 ~ 2024-04-30 | 2024-05-01 ~ 2024-06-30 | 2024-07-01 ~ 2024-10-31 | 2024-11-01 ~ 2024-12-31 |
| USD1460 | USD1370 | USD1290 | USD1350 | USD1460 | USD1370 |
Comfortable Class (4-Star Hotels)
| 2023-07-01 ~ 2023-10-31 | 2023-11-01 ~ 2023-12-31 | 2024-01-01 ~ 2024-04-30 | 2024-05-01 ~ 2024-06-30 | 2024-07-01 ~ 2024-10-31 | 2024-11-01 ~ 2024-12-31 |
| USD1520 | USD1430 | USD1350 | USD1410 | USD1520 | USD1430 |
Schedule
| Starting Date | Price From | Booked | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-10-06 | USD1460 | open for booking | Book |
| 2023-10-08 | USD1460 | open for booking | Book |
| 2023-10-11 | USD1460 | open for booking | Book |
| 2023-10-13 | USD1460 | open for booking | Book |
| 2023-10-15 | USD1460 | open for booking | Book |
| 2023-10-18 | USD1460 | open for booking | Book |
| 2023-10-20 | USD1460 | open for booking | Book |
| 2023-10-22 | USD1460 | open for booking | Book |
| 2023-10-25 | USD1460 | open for booking | Book |
| 2023-10-27 | USD1460 | open for booking | Book |
| 2023-10-29 | USD1460 | open for booking | Book |
No desired date of departure? Please send us an inquiry and we will try to arrange your tour according to your plan.
Discount Policy
You may only enjoy one of the advantageous policy, not both.
| Option A: | 3 or More to Join the Same Group | $30 Off / person |
| Option B: | Tour in Apr~Oct |
|
Our Service
INCLUSIONS
* Transfer from Kathmandu to Gyirong border(you don't have to wait for the bus for hours on Gyirong border!）
* Lodgings: 4 Nights, a twin room in 3★/4★; 2 Night, a twin room in Guesthouse;
* Travel-licensed vehicle according to group size & season as itinerary needed including gas and parking fee;
* Drop-off from your hotel to Lhasa Gonggar Airport at 6:00 am, 8:30 am and 12:30 pm on the last day;
* Guide: experienced local English-speaking tour guide;
* Attractions: all entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary;
* Permit: Tibet Tourism Bureau Permit; Alien's Travel Permit;
* Sleeping bags;
* Travel Agency Liability insurance;
* Government Tax;
* Food & lodgings for guide & driver;
* Oxygen tank for emergency use;
* Two bottles of mineral water per person per day;
EXCLUSIONS
* International or domestic flight out of Tibet; (We can book the domestic flight/train ticket at the BEST price. Please contact us for details.)
* If you miss the free transfer schedule due to flight delay or cancelation, then you are required to pay a private transfer from USD 80/vehicle/time.
* Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are not included but we will recommend some good ones for you according to your requirements. Usually, it takes 3-10 USD per person for each meal.
* While the gratuity for guide and driver is NOT mandatory, it is expected. Based on their service, you can tip them on the last day of the tour. Each of you is suggested to tip them 5-10 USD/day in total;
* All the commission and tax charged by PayPal, Bank, and government when making payment. (e.g. PayPal --- 4.4%. Wire transfer --- 2%);
* Personal expenses;
* Anything not mentioned in the Inclusions.
Note
* On day 01, we will start about 6:00 am since the road condition is poor and it takes us about 8-9hours to reach the border.
* Considering the increasing high altitude from 1370m of Kathmandu to 5200m of the EBC, to avoid the high altitude sickness, we will arrange the sightseeing of Mt. Everest on the way from Gyirong to Tingri, instead of driving to Everest Base Camp.
* Tibet Tourism Bureau Permit (TTB) usually takes about 12-working-day to apply. If you couldn't provide the required docs & info on time, an extra handling fee will be charged. Please consult your travel consultant for details;
* We reserve the right to change the itinerary order and attractions in Lhasa;
* If you prefer to book your own hotels over those included in our group tour, please meet the rest of the group at their daily hotel on time. We don't include the transfers to your own hotels;
* We need to pick up and drop off all members of the group on the first & last day from Lhasa Airport/Railway, please book the flight or train as your travel advisor's suggestion;
* Due to the special nature of Tibet travel, any unforeseeable and unavoidable objective circumstances, including but not limited to natural disasters, war, terrorism, riot, civil commotion, strikes, public health emergencies, government action, major traffic jams, delay or cancellation of flight/train, attractions temporarily closed. etc., resulting in a change of itinerary, the increased cost will be paid by travelers; if any attraction visits have to be canceled due to the same reasons above, GTT won't be held responsible for a refund except for certain attraction entrance fees which will be solely decided by GTT.
* Single Supplement: our quote is based on twin rooms. For single travelers, a single supplement is required at the time of booking. If later we manage to match you with another traveler to share the twin rooms, the single supplement will be refunded.
* From Nepal to Tibet, you are required to apply for China Group Visa at the China embassy in Nepal with our assistance even if you have had China Visa already. After you book your Tibet tour with us, we will send an official invitation letter for you to our partner in Kathmandu. After your arrival in Kathmandu, our Nepali partner will meet you for your original passport. With an invitation letter, your original passport and one photo(passport photo size with white background), our Nepali partner could help you get your China Group Visa there in 3 working days.
Typically Asked Questions from Our Clients
Asked by Anna***
2023-09-04
Dear customer service representative, I plan to go to Nepal on October 9th 2023. I plan to join the Nepal and Tibet tour. I have Chinese Visa already. But I will still need a permit to enter Tibet. Will you be able to help me with the permit? How much and How long will take to get the permit? Please advise me on my trip , how should I plan my days and so on. Thank you.
Dear Anna****,
Thank you for sending us an inquiry!
For 8 days Kathmandu Gyirong Lhasa Overland group tour, we don't have a confirmed departure date on 8 October. In addition, tourists from Kathmandu to Lhasa overland need to apply for China Group Visa (not Chinese Visa)which requires 4 applicants to present together for an interview and have their fingerprints collected. The 4 applicants should exit China at the pre-arranged city together, as the exiting city listed on the group visa should be exactly as same as their export city. I suggest you fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa via Chengdu. We have a confirmed 7 days Lhasa Mt. Everest Kathmandu Overland group tour on 10 October. We can arrange a vehicle to Kathmandu from Gyirong port for you after the Tibet tour.
Asked by Chri***
2023-09-01
Hello, we are interested in a tour. We are one family with 8 children ages 16, 14,13, 11,9, 6, 4, and 2
Dear Chris****,
As per your request, we can open 8 days Kathmandu Gyirong Lhasa overland group tour on October 8 for you. Tourists from Kathmandu to Tibet overland are required to apply for a group visa in Kathmandu. Usually, it takes 3/4 days to obtain it. I suggest you apply for a group China visa before 25 September as the China National Holiday is from 29 September to 6 October during which China Embassy won't work. In addition, the road from Kathmandu to Gyirong Port is not as wide and flat as that in Tibet.
Asked by Andr***
2023-05-22
Does the trip take place guaranteed ?
Dear Andr****,
For 8 Days Kathmandu Gyirong Lhasa Overland Group Tour, it can't be guaranteed unless there're four people from you. As the visa center in Kathmandu only issues one Tibet Group Visa per 4 applications. If there're only 2 or 3 people in a group, you can't obtain a visa and get through the Gyirong Port.
If you are traveling alone, I suggest you choose Lhasa as the starting point of your Tibet trip. From there, you have many options for group tours to join in.
Asked by Chi ***
2023-04-29
Hello, My husband and I are travelling to Nepal for the EBC & Gokyo lake trek this September. We're hoping to join a group tour from Kathmandu to Lhasa (overland trip) in October (ideally the 3rd or 4th week of October). Can you please advise how we can apply for a visa, and which tour is most suitable for us? Thank you
Dear Chi****,
From Kathmandu to Tibet, you will be required a China Group Visa. This year, the authority requires 4 applications together to get a China Group Visa, and all of them have to follow the same route, which is not very feasible for most travelers. If possible, you can get to mainland China first, therefore you need to apply for a China visa, then to Lhasa. From Lhasa to Kathmandu, we can arrange an overland group tour for you if you book your preferred date early.
Asked by Bolo***
2023-03-28
Hello, We are a french family (2 adults and 2 children aged 4 and 7 years old at the time of the trip planned in September) and we would like to reach Tibet from Kathmandu, in order to spend about 7 days on the way to Tibet and in Lhasa. Once we arrive in Lhasa, we would like to continue our trip in China on our own during the remaining period of our Chinese visa. Would your agency be able to offer this type of service? What budget do we need to plan? Any other advice for this project will be welcome.
Dear Bolon,
Since you are coming from Kathmandu, you need to apply for a China Group Visa instead of a China visa. We can help you apply for a Tibet travel permit after booking.
Kathmandu is 1370 meters above sea level while Gyirlong is 4200 meters above sea level. If you travel from Kathmandu to Gyirlong in one day, it's easy to cause acute high-altitude sickness. Since you are taking two children, I suggest you add a day for your family adapting to the high altitude. Please note, the road condition from Kathmandu to Gyirong is in bad condition, narrow and bumpy.
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