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Rongphu Monastery, with Mt Everest in the background - Lhasa to Kathmandu via Tibet's Everest BC, China
Rongphu Monastery, with Mt Everest in the background  | Richard I'Anson
Elderly Tibetan women - Lhasa to Kathmandu via Tibet's Everest BC, China
Elderly Tibetan women  | Richard I'Anson
Stunning views across the Tibetan mountain range - Lhasa to Kathmandu via Tibet's Everest BC, China
Stunning views across the Tibetan mountain range  | Richard I'Anson
Mount Everest viewed from Pang La Pass in Tibet. - Lhasa to Kathmandu via Tibet's Everest BC, China
Mount Everest viewed from Pang La Pass in Tibet.  | Colin Miller
Boudhanath stupa in Kathmandu is one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal. - Lhasa to Kathmandu via Tibet's Everest BC, China
Boudhanath stupa in Kathmandu is one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal.  | Peter Walton
Colourful streets of Kathmandu - Lhasa to Kathmandu via Tibet's Everest BC, China
Colourful streets of Kathmandu  | Joe Kennedy

Lhasa to Kathmandu via Tibet's Everest BC

A high-altitude cultural odyssey across the Tibetan Plateau - from Lhasa to Kathmandu.

China, Nepal
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 11 reviews

13 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: HRL
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 13 Days
Activities
  • 13 day overland experience
Accommodation
  • 1 night hotel in Chengdu
  • 7 nights basic hotels
  • 2 nights Tibetan lodge
  • 2 nights hotel in Kathmandu
Meals

Valued at USD$310

  • 6 Dinners
  • 7 Lunches
  • 12 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
2 / 10

Adventure touring

Carbon Footprint  

77kg of CO2-e PP per day

(929kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Trip highlights

  • Cross the vast Tibetan Plateau on one of the world’s great overland journeys
  • Witness unforgettable views of Everest’s north face from Rongbuk Monastery - the closest non-mountaineers can currently access
  • Experience the spiritual richness, remote landscapes and enduring traditions of Tibet
  • Discover the sacred heart of Tibetan culture with guided visits to the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Sera Monastery

Overview

Trace an ancient trade route across the vast Tibetan Plateau on this overland journey from Lhasa to Kathmandu. With our knowledgeable Tibetan-speaking guides, explore the sacred heart of Tibet - from the soaring Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple to the great monastic centres of Sera, Drepung and Tashilhunpo.

Travel west through Himalayan landscapes to Gyantse and Shigatse before venturing to the legendary Rongbuk Monastery - the world’s highest - for an unforgettable glimpse of Everest’s north face.

This is a journey few undertake: a high-altitude cultural odyssey through remote valleys, dramatic passes and the spiritual pulse of Tibet, ending in the vibrant streets of Kathmandu.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

You will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the hotel. Remainder of the afternoon/evening at leisure. Overnight: Bhudda Zen Hotel or similar

Meals: Nil

This morning we are transferred to the airport for the flight to Lhasa. You will be advised which flight to book as the group are required to arrive into Tibet together due to the group permit. On arrival at Lhasa Airport you will be transferred to the city – a drive that takes around two hours. Due to the high altitude, you need to take it easy when you arrive in Lhasa. (Chengdu to Lhasa flights not included in trip cost.) A briefing will be given around 5pm by your guide, where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down/fibrefill jacket. Drive: 65km, ~2hrs Altitude: 3,670m Overnight: Kyichu Hotel, Dekang Hotel Lhasa or Tarui Pozhang Hotel or similar

Meals: B

The following two days are scheduled to appreciate the long and rich cultural history of Lhasa. We include visits to the Jokhang, the Norbulingka (the Summer Palace of the Dalai Lama), and the famous Potala Palace. We also include visits to the nearby monasteries of Drepung and Sera. The Old City of Lhasa was built around the Jokhang, the most sacred temple in Tibet. Drive: N/A Altitude: 3,670m Overnight: Kyichu Hotel, Dekang Hotel Lhasa or Tarui Pozhang Hotel or similar

Meals: B

From Lhasa we drive down the Kyichu Valley to the Yarlong Tsampo (Brahmaputra) before ascending to the Khamba Pass (4,900m). The views are outstanding – in the foreground is the vast freshwater Yamdrok Tso or Turquoise Lake, while to the south the snow-capped ranges merge with the main Himalayan range. We drive around the lake before crossing the Karo La (5,200m) to reach Gyantse. The town is strategically located in the Nyang Chu valley on the ancient trade routes from the Chumbi Valley, Yatung and Sikkim, which met here. Note: while we endevour to stick to the projected itinerary, travel in Tibet is by nature unpredictable and a flexible approach is always needed. Drive: 7-8hrs Altitude: 3,977m Overnight: Gyantse Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Gyantse is a remarkable place that has escaped much of the Chinese influence evident in other major Tibetan towns. It is dominated by the ancient fort that was besieged by British forces in 1904 during the famous Younghusband Expedition. We also visit the remarkable octagonal chorten, the Kumbum (or Pango Chorten)- built in 1444 on a series of four levels, each of which contains separate chapels. In the afternoon we drive to Shigatse. Drive: 2hrs Altitude: 3,845m Overnight: Wanrun Gardan Hotel, Gesar Hotel Shigatse, Shiga Yangcha Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

The drive to Shegar can be completed in half a day, which allows time this afternoon to visit the Shegar Fort and Monastery. Shelkar is famous for the Shelkar Chode Monastery, founded in 1266 by a Kagyu lama, but it has been a Gelugpa monastery since the 17th century, and formerly had over 400 monks. Although, destroyed by the Red Guard during the Cultural Revolution, the assembly hall has since been rebuilt and there is an active branch monastery in Boudhanath, Nepal. The ruins of the old dzong are located on the hill behind the monastery Drive: 5-6hrs Altitude: 4,330m Overnight: Everest Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

The drive over the Pang La (5,150m) affords our first views of the north face of Everest (8,848m). From the pass we descend to the village of Phadhruchi, before driving up the Rongbuk Valley to Rongbuk Monastery and unrivalled views of the mountain's north face. At Rongbuk we stay in the small lodge attached to the monastery, which has recently been reconstructed following the excesses of the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s. Nowadays there are about twenty monks in attendance. Drive: 7-8hrs Altitude: 5,000m Overnight: Rongbuk Guesthouse or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Access to Everest Base Camp used by the famous interwar British expeditions is currently restricted to mountaineers with the necessary permits. That said the view of Everest from the monastery is definitely worth the trip as it dominates the valley carved by the glacier originating from the mountains northern flank. In the afternoon we will commence our drive to Kathmandu, stopping to overnight in the small remote town of Tingri. Drive: 5-6hrs Altitude: 4,300m Overnight: Snow Leopard Guest House or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Continue our drive to Kathmandu. Today we are heading for the border town of Kyirong. Following the 2015 earthquake the former friendship highway was badly damaged resulting in its continued closure. This new route was opened initially to ensure that trade between Nepal and China could continue. In 2017 the border post was opened to tourists allowing for travel along this legendary overland route to recommence. This road is sure to add to the sense of adventure as it traverses parts of both Tibet and Nepal new to tourism. Road conditions along this route are changeable as improvements to the road continue to ensure that it can accommodate the traffic using it. Drive: 4-5hrs Altitude: 4,130m Overnight: Kouan Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Today we cross the border into Nepal and complete the final stage of our journey from Lhasa via the Langtang region. It is a fitting conclusion to an epic overland journey and the comfort of the Radisson Hotel in Kathmandu will no doubt be welcomed with open arms. Drive: 160km, ~6hrs Altitude: 1,400m Overnight: Radisson Hotel

Meals: B,L

Today you have a full day at leisure to explore Kathmandu’s bustling streets and significant landmarks. You may wish to start by exploring the city’s two most important World Heritage Listed spiritual sites: Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and an important cremation site; and Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and the most sacred Tibetan Buddhist shrine outside of Tibet. Alternatively you could wander through the markets and shops of the busy Thamel precinct or explore some more of the city’s significant sites such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) or the World Heritage Listed plazas of Patan, Bhaktapur or Durbar Square. Drive: N/A Altitude: 1,400m Overnight: Radisson Hotel

Meals: B

After breakfast, you will be provided with an airport transfer. Trip concludes.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

2 scheduled departures between 17 May 2027 and 18 Sep 2027.

  • Departs 17 May 2027 – ends 29 May 2027 (13 days)
  • Departs 18 Sep 2027 – ends 30 Sep 2027 (13 days)
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 12 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 6 dinners
  • Use of a World Expeditions trek pack including a quality sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, and down or fibre-fill jacket (valued at US$500)
  • Sightseeing and site entrance fees as listed in the itinerary
  • Accommodation at the Radisson Hotel in Kathmandu
  • Comfortable hotels in Chengdu and Lhasa, and best available guesthouses across Tibet
  • Private vehicle and luggage transfers
  • Airport transfers in Chengdu, Lhasa and Kathmandu
  • Expert bilingual guide
  • Use of comprehensive group medical kit
  • Portable Altitude Chamber and bottled oxygen for emergency use
  • Souvenir World Expeditions kit bag

Not included

  • International flights
  • Chengdu–Lhasa flight (we can assist)
  • Airport and departure taxes
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Meals not listed as included
  • Personal expenses such as phone calls and laundry
  • Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Any items not listed as included

Reviews (11)

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This trip had everything. Incredible history, architecture, scenery, high mountain passes and friendly locals. The Potala Palace and views of Everest were highlights. Our guide and driver were great. Very knowledgable and gave us plenty of time to explore. The trip was very well organised too. Can recommend it.

Meryl|NSW, Australia
16 Oct 2025
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Another wonderful trip with World Ex, my third now. Scenery from Lhasa to Kathmandu was extraordinary; excellent guides, safe drivers, and very good food.

Elizabeth|VIC Australia
15 Jun 2025
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An amazing trip from start to finish! The natural landscapes and historical monuments were magnificent. Accommodation and meals were good and as expected in such corners of the planet - no surprises. Both of our Nepali and Tibetan guides were exemplary. They provided us with detailed information and responses to our questions. Our Nepali guide was very experienced with any signs of Altitude Sickness, and kept a close eye on us. I would thoroughly recommend this Adventure Tour.

Nina|NSW Australia
12 Jun 2025
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This aas a great road trip, made more so by the excellent tour manager and local guide who were with us from go to whoa. It included all that we expected from the published itinerary plus a few surprises that enhanced the overall experience. We got both sides of the story of modern Tibet in a dispassionate way, enabling a good understanding of this great region.

Walter|QLD Australia
3 Jun 2025
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The support from World Expeditions to expedite our Tibet visa was nothing short of amazing.

S. Vile|Indonesia
8 Sep 2018
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This trip ticked all the boxes for me. Everest in all its glory was the highlight for me, but understanding the Tibetan history, and current political situation was also enlightening. Guides and their care, accommodation, food all excellent.

A. Chynoweth|VIC, Australia
29 May 2018
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Overall, a fantastic trip. All the guides were excellent and had fantastic knowledge of the places we visited. They went out of there way to make sure we were comfortable at all times and were very attentive when my wife started to show signs of altitude sickness. We were blessed with good weather and got some amazing views of Everest and the surrounding mountains when we visited base camp. The food and accommodation was better than expected and generally good service was received.

J. Bonnell|Bristol, UK
1 Oct 2017
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Just thought I would drop you a line to let you know I had a marvellous time in Tibet. It did not disappoint and met all my expectations. The scenery was spectacular, I loved the people and was really interested in the culture. It was a truly memorable trip and a lovely way to celebrate my 65th birthday.

Ann B.,|UK
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The trip highlights were seeing Mt Everest and experiencing the cultural side of Tibet.

A. Walker|QLD, Australia

Responsible Travel

Regenerative Travel ProjectsPorter Welfare10 Pieces Initiative
Breathtaking views as we trek down towards Thame | Monika Molenda
Restoring Learning in Thame Project
 
Restoring access to digital education through the installation of a computer lab and smart classroom technology, helping rebuild learning opportunities for students affected by climate-related disasters.
 
In Nepal's Solukhumbu region, the remote mountain village of Thame is recovering from a devastating Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) that destroyed homes, infrastructure, and critical community services — including the local school and its computer lab. With students displaced and relocated to temporary learning facilities, access to quality education has been severely disrupted, particularly in digital learning.
 
The Rebuilding Digital Education in Thame project aims to address this gap by equipping the newly relocated Thame Basic School with a computer lab, smart boards, and essential digital infrastructure. This will enable students and teachers to access modern, technology-enabled education in one of the most remote regions in the world.
 
With support from the World Expeditions Foundation, this project will fund the installation of computers, smart boards, printers, and classroom infrastructure to support both students and teachers. The outcome? Improved digital literacy, more engaging and interactive teaching, and equitable access to education for a community rebuilding after disaster.
 
The project is led by Himalayan Trust Nepal, a long-standing organisation working closely with local communities, schools, and government partners to deliver sustainable education and development outcomes across the Khumbu region.
 
Support our work
Our Commitment to Porters in Nepal
 
Porters are central to every trek we run in Nepal, and we are committed to their safety, wellbeing, and fair treatment.
 
We ensure fair pay, enforce strict load limits (max 30kg), and provide proper clothing, equipment, meals, and safe accommodation.
 
Porters have equal access to medical care, insurance, and emergency support as our travellers.
 
You can trek knowing your journey supports responsible and ethical practices.
Help us keep the places that inspire us clean by taking part in our 10 Pieces litter initiative | Lachlan Gardiner
Cleaning Up Wilderness Trails
 
Our 10 Pieces initiative is a simple, voluntary way to give back while you trek.
 
Travellers are encouraged to collect 10 pieces of litter each day along the trail, helping protect these fragile environments.
 
You'll find more details in your client portal once you book, and your tour leader will introduce the initiative at your first group meeting in Kathmandu.

Extra trip info

AccommodationWill My Trip Run?Why Book With Us
Buddha Zen Hotel, Chengdu: A traditional Chinese building with carved wooden balconies and a peaceful courtyard, offering a serene retreat in the city.

Buddha Zen Hotel or similar - Chengdu

In Chengdu, we stay at the Buddha Zen Hotel, conveniently located near Wenshu Temple. The hotel features traditional Chinese architecture and offers a quiet, serene atmosphere. Its central location makes it easy to explore the surrounding area, which is rich in cultural attractions and local markets. The Buddha Zen Hotel provides a comfortable and peaceful base for our stay in Chengdu.

Interior of Buddha Zen Hotel, Chengdu: A serene space featuring traditional Chinese architecture, centred around a beautiful Buddha statue.

Buddha Zen Hotel or similar - Chengdu

The interior of Buddha Zen Hotel in Chengdu is a peaceful space featuring traditional Chinese architecture. A central Buddha statue, along with simple wood carvings and lanterns, adds to the calm and culturally rich atmosphere.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

  • Delivering immersive travel experiences since 1975 – with deep expertise in Nepal and Tibetan Plateau.
  • Follow a thoughtfully designed itinerary that balances high-altitude travel with cultural immersion.
  • Travel with experienced, wilderness first-aid trained guides equipped with PAC (Portable Altitude Chamber).
  • Receive a souvenir World Expeditions kit bag.

Guaranteeing A Great China Trip

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Our all inclusive approach

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