Details
Kathmandu – Kodari
Leave the historic streets of Kathmandu behind and begin your overland journey toward the China–Nepal border. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in the morning, and you will travel along the Arniko Highway toward the Himalayas.
Along the way, enjoy Nepal’s lush mountain valleys, terraced fields, and quiet hillside villages. As the road winds through the mountains, the scenery gradually opens up to reveal the surrounding peaks. Arrive in Kodari in the evening and check in at your hotel.
Spend the night at a lower altitude to rest and prepare for crossing the Gyirong border into Tibet the following day.
Highlights: Scenic Himalayan foothills, terraced farmland, and an overnight stay at a lower altitude before entering Tibet.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at your own expense
Accommodation: Hotel in Kodari
Transportation: Private vehicle, approximately 120 km; 4–5 hours
Kodari – Zhangmu Port – Nyalam
After breakfast, travel to the China–Nepal border and complete the necessary Nepalese departure procedures. Cross the China–Nepal Friendship Bridge to Zhangmu Port, where you will undergo Chinese immigration and entry formalities. Your Tibetan guide and driver will meet you on the Chinese side.
From Zhangmu, continue through the spectacular Himalayan gorges toward Nyalam. The winding mountain road passes dense forests, deep valleys, and cascading waterfalls. As you climb higher, the lush vegetation gradually gives way to the rugged, open terrain of the Tibetan Plateau.
Arrive in Nyalam and check in at your hotel. The remainder of the day is reserved for rest and acclimatization before heading toward Everest Base Camp.
Highlights: Cross the China–Nepal border and experience the dramatic transition from Nepal’s lush southern Himalayan slopes to Tibet’s rugged highland landscapes.
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel; lunch and dinner at your own expense along the route
Accommodation: Hotel in Nyalam
Transportation: Private vehicle, approximately 30 km; 4–5 hours, including around 1.5–2 hours for border formalities
Nyalam – Shishapangma Viewpoint – Peiku Tso – Everest Base Camp
Today is one of the highlights of the entire journey. Depart from Nyalam in the morning and ascend from the Himalayan valleys to the vast Tibetan Plateau, with the road climbing above 4,000 meters.
Your first major highlight is Mount Shishapangma (8,027 m), the only mountain above 8,000 meters located entirely within China. Stop at a viewpoint along the G219 National Highway to admire its magnificent snow-covered ridges and glaciers.
Continue to Peiku Tso, a beautiful alpine lake at approximately 4,590 meters. Its deep-blue waters contrast strikingly with the surrounding barren mountains, and on calm days, the lake can reflect the snow-covered peaks. Keep an eye out for Tibetan wild asses grazing near the lakeshore.
Next, travel through Tingri and ascend to Gyawula Pass (5,210 m), one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Himalayas. On a clear day, you may see five towering 8,000-meter peaks lined up across the horizon: Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Shishapangma.
Descend along the famous series of mountain bends and continue to Everest Base Camp (approximately 5,200 m). If the weather cooperates, the afternoon light illuminates Everest’s iconic pyramid-shaped summit, creating an unforgettable Himalayan panorama.
Highlights: Mount Shishapangma, Peiku Tso, Gyawula Pass, panoramic views of five 8,000-meter peaks, and an overnight stay near Everest Base Camp.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch at your own expense; dinner at the hotel
Accommodation: Everest Base Camp area
Transportation: Private vehicle, approximately 300 km; 7–8 hours
Everest Base Camp – Tashilhunpo Monastery – Shigatse
Rise early to witness the sunrise over Mount Everest. As the first rays of sunlight illuminate the snow-covered summit, enjoy the spectacular sight of the mountain glowing golden against the morning sky.
After breakfast, leave Everest Base Camp and travel back toward Shigatse along the Friendship Highway. In the afternoon, visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the most important monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism and the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas.
Explore the monastery’s impressive halls, religious buildings, and courtyards while learning about Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the cultural heritage of western Tibet. In the evening, arrive in Shigatse, check in at your oxygen-equipped hotel, and rest.
Highlights: Sunrise over Mount Everest and a cultural visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the most significant Buddhist monasteries in Tibet.
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel; lunch and dinner at your own expense along the route
Accommodation: Oxygen-equipped hotel in Shigatse
Transportation: Private vehicle, approximately 340 km; 6–6.5 hours, excluding sightseeing time
Shigatse – Karola Glacier – Yamdrok Lake – Lhasa
Depart from Shigatse and travel east along the G318 National Highway toward Lhasa. Along the way, pass Manla Reservoir, where the surrounding mountains and blue waters create a picturesque highland landscape.
Continue to Karola Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in Tibet. Admire the enormous ice formation descending from the mountainside and take photographs of this impressive natural landmark.
The journey then continues over Gampala Pass, leading to Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes. From the viewing platform, enjoy panoramic views of its winding turquoise shoreline, with the surrounding mountains reflected in the clear water when conditions are favorable.
After taking in the scenery, continue along the river valleys toward Lhasa. Arrive in the city in the evening, check in at your oxygen-equipped hotel, and enjoy time to rest and acclimatize.
Highlights: Manla Reservoir, Karola Glacier, Gampala Pass, and the spectacular turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake.
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel; lunch at your own expense; dinner at the hotel
Accommodation: Oxygen-equipped hotel in Lhasa
Transportation: Private vehicle, approximately 340 km; 6.5–7 hours, including sightseeing stops
Lhasa Cultural Tour – Drepung Monastery – Sera Monastery Debate
Spend the day exploring two of Lhasa’s most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries.
In the morning, visit Drepung Monastery, one of the largest monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Built into the mountainside, the monastery features an extensive complex of halls, courtyards, and religious buildings. Discover its historical significance and learn about the monastic traditions that have shaped Tibetan Buddhist culture.
In the afternoon, head to Sera Monastery, renowned for its traditional Buddhist philosophical debates. Visit the debate courtyard and, when sessions are held, observe monks engaging in lively discussions about Buddhist teachings. Their exchanges often involve animated gestures, questions, and emphatic handclaps, offering a fascinating glimpse into the study and practice of Tibetan Buddhism.
Return to central Lhasa after sightseeing.
Highlights: Explore one of the largest Gelug monasteries and experience the centuries-old Buddhist debate tradition at Sera Monastery.
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel; lunch and dinner at your own expense at restaurants in Lhasa
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Lhasa
Transportation: Private vehicle; approximately 1–1.5 hours of transfers, with around 1 hour of total driving within the city
Lhasa Highlights – Potala Palace – Jokhang Temple – Barkhor Street
Discover the cultural and spiritual heart of Lhasa with visits to three of its most iconic landmarks.
Begin at Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Tibet’s most recognizable architectural masterpieces. Enter according to your confirmed reservation time and explore its historic halls, former living quarters of the Dalai Lamas, and sacred stupas. The palace’s elevated position also offers impressive views across Lhasa.
Continue to Jokhang Temple, one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations in Tibetan Buddhism. The temple is especially revered for housing the Jowo Shakyamuni statue, traditionally regarded as a life-sized image of the Buddha at the age of twelve.
In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk along Barkhor Street, the historic pilgrimage circuit surrounding Jokhang Temple. Follow the paths used by local pilgrims, browse traditional shops, and explore the old city’s narrow streets to experience the blend of religious devotion and everyday life that defines Lhasa.
Highlights: Visit the UNESCO-listed Potala Palace, discover the spiritual significance of Jokhang Temple, and experience the traditional pilgrimage atmosphere of Barkhor Street.
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel; lunch and dinner at your own expense at restaurants in Lhasa
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Lhasa
Transportation: Private vehicle, approximately 10 km; less than 30 minutes of driving in total, with most sightseeing on foot
Lhasa – Namtso Lake – Tashi Dor Peninsula – Lhasa
Depart from Lhasa early in the morning and travel north across the Tibetan Plateau toward Namtso Lake, one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes and one of the world’s highest major lakes.
Make a stop at the Nyainqêntanglha Mountain Viewing Platform to admire the towering peaks of the Nyainqêntanglha Range, whose main summit rises to 7,162 meters. In the morning light, the snow-covered mountains create a striking contrast with the open grasslands below.
Continue to Nagenla Pass (5,190 m). As you reach the pass, colorful prayer flags flutter in the wind, and the vast blue waters of Namtso gradually come into view. Located at approximately 4,718 meters above sea level, the lake is renowned for its brilliant colors, expansive horizons, and dramatic mountain backdrop.
Upon arrival at Tashi Dor Peninsula, explore the lakeside scenery around the historic Tashi Dor Monastery and the numerous mani stones. You may also see local Tibetan pilgrims performing clockwise circumambulations, reflecting the lake’s spiritual importance.
In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive along a section of the lakeshore, stopping at selected viewpoints for photographs. Depending on the weather and visibility, you can capture panoramic views of the sacred lake and surrounding snow-capped mountains, reflections along the shallows, and prayer flags fluttering beside rocky cliffs and white stupas.
No hiking or steep climbs are required for this sightseeing experience. Relax in the vehicle between stops and enjoy the crisp air and extraordinary scenery of the Tibetan Plateau.
In the late afternoon, retrace your route across the mountains and grasslands, returning to Lhasa at approximately 8:30 PM.
Highlights: Nyainqêntanglha Mountain, Nagenla Pass, Namtso Lake, Tashi Dor Peninsula, Tashi Dor Monastery, and panoramic views of the sacred lake.
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel; lunch and dinner at your own expense at restaurants in Lhasa or along the route
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Lhasa
Transportation: Private vehicle, approximately 480 km; around 9 hours of total driving
Departure from Lhasa
Your 9-day Tibet adventure comes to an end today. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to Lhasa Gonggar Airport or the railway station according to your departure arrangements.
If you need assistance booking onward flights or train tickets, please inform our staff in advance.
We hope this journey through the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau leaves you with unforgettable memories. Tashi Delek!
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel; lunch and dinner at your own expense
Accommodation: Not included
Transportation: Transfer to the airport or railway station
Dates & Prices
| Month | Date | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov | 2026-11-05 | $ 1170 | Book now |
| 2026-11-10 | $ 1170 | Book now | |
| 2026-11-15 | $ 1170 | Book now | |
| 2026-11-20 | $ 1170 | Book now | |
| 2026-11-25 | $ 1170 | Book now | |
| Dec | 2026-12-05 | $ 1026 | Book now |
| 2026-12-10 | $ 1026 | Book now | |
| 2026-12-15 | $ 1026 | Book now | |
| 2026-12-20 | $ 1026 | Book now | |
| 2026-12-25 | $ 1026 | Book now | |
| Jan | 2027-01-05 | $ 1026 | Book now |
| 2027-01-10 | $ 1026 | Book now | |
| 2027-01-15 | $ 1026 | Book now | |
| 2027-01-20 | $ 1026 | Book now | |
| 2027-01-25 | $ 1026 | Book now | |
| Feb | 2027-02-05 | $ 1026 | Book now |
| 2027-02-10 | $ 1026 | Book now | |
| 2027-02-15 | $ 1026 | Book now | |
| 2027-02-20 | $ 1026 | Book now | |
| 2027-02-25 | $ 1026 | Book now | |
| Mar | 2027-03-05 | $ 1170 | Book now |
| 2027-03-10 | $ 1170 | Book now | |
| 2027-03-15 | $ 1170 | Book now | |
| 2027-03-20 | $ 1170 | Book now | |
| 2027-03-25 | $ 1170 | Book now | |
| Apr | 2027-04-05 | $ 1170 | Book now |
| 2027-04-10 | $ 1170 | Book now | |
| 2027-04-15 | $ 1170 | Book now | |
| 2027-04-20 | $ 1170 | Book now | |
| 2027-04-25 | $ 1170 | Book now | |
| May | 2027-05-05 | $ 1170 | Book now |
| 2027-05-10 | $ 1170 | Book now | |
| 2027-05-15 | $ 1170 | Book now | |
| 2027-05-20 | $ 1170 | Book now | |
| 2027-05-25 | $ 1170 | Book now | |
| Jun | 2027-06-05 | $ 1320 | Book now |
| 2027-06-10 | $ 1320 | Book now | |
| 2027-06-15 | $ 1320 | Book now | |
| 2027-06-20 | $ 1320 | Book now | |
| 2027-06-25 | $ 1320 | Book now | |
| Jul | 2027-07-05 | $ 1320 | Book now |
| 2027-07-10 | $ 1320 | Book now | |
| 2027-07-15 | $ 1320 | Book now | |
| 2027-07-20 | $ 1320 | Book now | |
| 2027-07-25 | $ 1320 | Book now | |
| Aug | 2027-08 | $ 1320 | Book now |
| Sep | 2027-09 | $ 1320 | Book now |
You are consulting 2025-04-12 9-Day Tibet Tour from Kathmandu: Gyirong Border Crossing, Everest Base Camp & Namtso Lake
Fee Description
Services Included:
1. Tibet Permits: Tibet Travel Permit, Border Permit
2. Transportation: 9-17 seat tourist vehicle
3. Accommodation: 7 nights in twin-sharing rooms, 6 nights in four-star or oxygen-equipped hotels, except for Nyalam.
4. Meals: Breakfasts in hotel, Tibetan Yak Hotpot at EBC, Tibetan Sweet Tea, Tibetan Farewell Dinner
5. Guide: Professional English-speaking local Tibetan guide
6. Entrance Tickets: All entrance tickets fees for all tourist sites listed in the itinerary
7. Lodging and dining subsidies for guide and driver
8. Arrangements include planning, handling, operational and communication charges
9. Insurance: Travel agency liability insurance, Vehicle seat insurance
10. 2 bottles of drinking water per person per day and a container of Oxygen for emergency use;
12. Drop-Off service: Free drop-off at Lhasa Gonggar Airport (8:30 am to 10:30 pm); Free drop-off at Lhasa Train Station (24 hours)
Services Excluded:
1. Personal expenses such as laundry, drink, fax, telephone call, optional tour activities, etc.
2. Single Room Supplement: If you are a solo traveler, you need to share a twin room with another tourist (same sex in most cases). If you prefer to occupy a single room, or room sharing isn’t available, a single room supplement will be necessary.
3. Meals: Lunch and dinner not mentioned in the itinerary
4. Tipping: Tips for guides and drivers
5. China Visa: Chinese Tourist Visa (L Visa) or China Group Visa application fees
6. International and domestic flight/train
7. Any losses incurred from the force majeure factor like government control, natural disaster, etc.
