Tibet Overland Tour from Nepal - 8 Days

The first day of the Tibet Overland Tour starts at Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. Leaving the city area, the drive twists along the hilly terrains, green valleys and typical Nepalese villages. During this tour you will get to see some waterfalls and the terracing structure used in farming in Nepal. The Trishuli River borders much of your drive, and you will find yourself surrounded by its peaceful sound.

When you’re moving closer to Nepal – China border line at Rasuwa Gadi, the geographical features start to become stony. It is a transition zone to the Tibetan plateau and experiences a rise and fall in altitude. Then, immigration procedures take place, and you get the best chance to witness the striking difference between green Nepal and the barren Tibet landscape.

Kerung Town lies 2,800 meters above the sea, where you will spend the night. The town is more colorful and has a Tibetan feel to it, with local restaurants to eat and the opportunity to get used to the altitude.

From Kerung, the drive comes up into the stunning highlands of the Tibetan Plateau. The scene becomes more feature when mountain tops are covered with snow, the land turns into a large plain. You will see small huts of the Tibetan people along the road and the main sight of many coloured flags, with blue sky and mountains behind them.

The route provides one with the best opportunity to view some of the highest mountain ranges in the world, including a view of Mount Everest in the distance in clear weather. This actually means that this region is not densely populated, and therefore, you get privacy and are close to nature. The region is completely natural and, in parts, very barren, but occasionally, one may meet yaks or nomads.

Tingri and Lhatse are small towns with a lot of history and culture. These are important places to acclimatise when visiting the high altitude with the opportunity to learn more about the life of Tibetan people. The towns also give a glimpse of the spirituality that makes up the greater part of the Tibetan culture.

The road leading from Tingri to Shigatse takes one through vast plains and winding mountain roads. The landscapes through which it passes are spectacular; to the south lies the Himalayan range, while to the north lies vast grasslands as far as one can see. Do not forget about your camera because this route is replete with marvellous shots of its territorial landscapes.

Tingri is an important place of business and culture in Tibet and the second-largest city in the region. The Tashilhunpo Monastery forms the core of the city – the residence of the Panchen Lama. This monastery houses many art and architecture of Tibetan Buddhism, which includes the painting, golden statue, and Maitreya Buddha, which is 26 meters tall.

Other than the monastery, fresh and busy markets are found in Shigatse, and people come to sell and buy local products, spices and clothing. It is just the right time to get acquainted with the everyday life of Tibet and, of course, buy wonderful souvenirs. Shigatse has a rich history and religious importance and has become a modern city, which makes it an interesting place to visit.

The road between Shigatse and Gyantse is filled with wonderful sights and landmarks over just a short distance. When you are on the Tibetan plateau, you will find yourself surrounded by rolling hills, greenery fields, and a few villages that really depict the lifestyle of the Tibetans. It is a very calm road, and there is ample time to appreciate rural expanses and far-off mountain ranges.

Gyantse is one of the oldest and most important towns in Tibet which contains some of the most photographed attractions in the country. Among them is the Kumbum Stupa for the Palcho Monastery. This architectural beauty has more than beautiful paintings and a countless number of chapels with different gods. The stupa is a whole building which envelops the visitor in exploration and appreciation of Tibetan Buddhist art and religious customs.

Gyantse also houses the Gyantse Dzong, a large fortress located atop a hill and overlooking the town. From the top of the fortress, you can see the great valley, and the fortress is a symbol of centuries-long history of Tibet. Natural scenery blended with history hardly leaves anyone untouched in Gyantse during your journey.

The drive to Lhasa today is one of the most beautiful phases of the Tibet Overland Tour from Kathmandu. There are many spectacular sights along the way, as well as great places of interest. The road follows the beautiful Yamdrok Lake, which is one of the holiest and most beautiful lakes in Tibet. In particular, the picture of the bright blue water of the lake framed by snowy peaks gives the viewer a religious feeling.

A little further on is the Karo La Pass where you can get to see magnificent glaciers that slope down to the road. This scene exposes the contrast of ice and rock with an unbelievable background that makes it a masterpiece. This segment of the journey also shows you the valleys that are productive agriculturally and small villages that are still culturally Tibetan.

Climbing to the roof of the world and reaching Lhasa, Tibet’s spiritual capital, is a memorable achievement. This is a colourful city located right at the heart of the Himalayas, recognized for its history, pilgrimage destinations and the dynamism of its population.

The first day of sightseeing in Lhasa includes visiting the Potala Palace, which is a symbol of the city. This splendid complex, which was once a residence of the Dalai Lama. It is also included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is located on the top of Marpo Ri Hill, and one at this palace enjoys the view of the city, mountains, etc. Tibetan cultural artefacts such as statues, thangkas sacred paintings, ancient murals and an elaborate chapel inside.

Second, it is going to the Jokhang Temple, the most significant shrine in the Tibetan province. It’s a very old temple with a golden roof, colorful prayer halls and especially the statue of Jowo Shakyamuni because it gives the feeling of being religious.

You will end your evening going for a walk at Barkhor Street, which is a busy market surrounding the Jokhang Temple. Such is the city-the most happening place, entirely from shopping for arts, tasting local delicacies into meeting other fellow travelers whose life was also touched by the pilgrimage.

Lhasa’s cultural and historical sites are the focus of the second day of your tour in the city. You will begin your trip with the Norbulingka Palace – the summer home of the Dalai Lama in exile. Gardens shade this large palace: it was once part of a royal residence and will give you a feel of Tibet’s past.

You will then proceed to Sera Monastery, a famous one of the three great monasteries of Tibet. Famous for heated discourses among monks, the place is a perfect example of the scholarly heritage of Tibetan monks. These chants, discussions, and prayers signify the energy and spirituality needed to perform the tasks.

Last but not least, you will also discover the largest monastery known as the Drepung Monastery. Its white complex of buildings near the mountains best describes the opulence of monastic culture in Tibet. The sites, relics and stunning vistas of this trip are appropriate for a strong final to your Lhasa travel experience.

On the last day of the Tibet Overland Tour from Nepal 8 Days, you will return to Kathmandu by flight. The flight gives an aerial view of the mountain ranges, including Mount Everest, Makalu and Kanchenjunga – the perfect way to bid the Himalayas goodbye.

When you begin your descent into the city of Kathmandu you will need to leave behind with you the beautiful landscape, religious importance and further cultural heritage of Tibet. This journey, transferring from one energetic culture of Nepalese to the other of Tibetan people, becomes unforgettable. Besides, this tour guarantees to tell a lot of interesting things and to experience a lot of interesting things in your lifetime.