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Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland via Everest – 9 Days

Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland via Everest – 9 Days

Fly in to Lhasa and drive home across the Himalaya to Kathmandu

5.0/5 · 6 reviews From $2,200 per person
Duration
9 Days / 8 Nights
Region
Tibet
Max altitude
5,248 m (Gyatso La)
Difficulty
Moderate
Best season
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Group size
Up to 12

Overview

A journey through the Himalayas

A one-way crossing of the Tibetan plateau, from the monasteries of Lhasa to the north face of Everest and down through the Himalaya into Nepal.

Fly to Lhasa for two days of sightseeing, then drive via Yamdrok Lake, Gyantse and Shigatse to Rongbuk and the Everest viewpoint. Continue past Old Tingri and Peiku Tso lake to Kerung, cross the Rasuwa border and drive to Kathmandu.

Travellers in good health who want to see Tibet without retracing their steps. Expect long road days and nights up to 4,980 m.

Why book with us: We arrange the group visa, Tibet permits and the border crossing, with a licensed Tibetan guide and a Spanish-speaking tour leader on request.

Difficulty & fitness Moderate

5 to 7 hours a day with some steep sections. Suits active beginners.

Day By Day

Your itinerary

Altitude profile Highest point: 5,248 m
0 2,000 4,000 6,000 Day 1: 3,650 m 1 Day 2: 3,650 m 2 Day 3: 3,650 m 3 Day 4: 4,794 m 4 Day 5: 3,840 m 5 Day 6: 5,248 m 6 Day 7: 5,200 m 7 Day 8: 2,700 m 8 Day 9: 1,400 m 9 5,248 m

Highest point reached each day, taken from the itinerary. Gradual gains give your body time to acclimatize.

Flight over the Himalaya to Lhasa and transfer to your hotel. Rest to acclimatise.

  • 3,650 m
  • Hotel in Lhasa

Visit the Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple and the Barkhor pilgrim circuit.

  • 3,650 m
  • Hotel in Lhasa
  • B

Drepung in the morning and the monk debates at Sera in the afternoon.

  • 3,650 m
  • Hotel in Lhasa
  • B

Cross the Kamba La above Yamdrok Lake and pass the Karo La glacier. 6–7 hours.

  • 4,794 m
  • Hotel in Gyantse
  • B

Visit the Gyantse Kumbum, then Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse. 2 hours by road.

  • 3,840 m
  • Hotel in Shigatse
  • B

Over the Gyatso La (5,248 m) and Pang La viewpoint to Rongbuk for sunset on Everest. 7–8 hours.

  • 5,248 m
  • Guesthouse at Rongbuk
  • B, D

Sunrise on Everest and the viewpoint near base camp, then drive to the plains of Old Tingri. 3–4 hours.

  • 5,200 m
  • Guesthouse in Old Tingri
  • B

Pass Peiku Tso lake under Shishapangma, then drop into the green Kerung valley. 5–6 hours.

  • 2,700 m
  • Hotel in Kerung
  • B

Cross the Rasuwa Gadhi border, meet our Nepal team and drive to Kathmandu. 7–8 hours. Tour ends at your hotel.

  • 1,400 m
  • B

Good To Know

What's included

Included

  • Airport and border transfers
  • Hotels with breakfast as listed in the itinerary, twin sharing
  • Private vehicle with driver for all road travel in Tibet
  • Licensed Tibetan guide (English); Spanish-speaking tour leader on request
  • Chinese group visa when entering Tibet from Nepal
  • Entrance fees to monasteries and sites in the itinerary
  • Oxygen cylinder in the vehicle and first-aid kit
  • Tibet Travel Permit, Aliens’ Travel Permit and Everest (Qomolangma) National Park fee
  • Flight Kathmandu – Lhasa

Not included

  • International flights
  • Nepal visa
  • Travel insurance with evacuation cover (required)
  • Lunch and dinner unless listed in the itinerary
  • Drinks and personal expenses
  • Tips for guide and driver
  • Single room supplement
  • Extra costs from permit delays, road closures or border changes

Best Time To Go

When to trek

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec
  • Best
  • Possible
  • Monsoon, not ideal

Recommended: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. We run this trek on the dates you choose. Tell us when you would like to go and we will check conditions for you.

Make It Yours

Tailor this trek to you

This itinerary is a starting point. Tell us what matters to you and we will shape the trip around it.

  • Private departure on the dates you choose
  • Extra rest or acclimatization days
  • Your choice of hotel level in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • A guide who speaks Spanish or English
Customize this trek

Questions

Before you go

Yes. You can fly or take the train to Lhasa from Chengdu or Xi’an with an individual Chinese visa; we then send your Tibet permit to you.
Yes, unless you hold a multiple-entry visa. Most nationalities can get a Nepal visa on arrival at Rasuwa Gadhi.
It is paved on the Tibet side but rough and narrow in Nepal. Landslides can close it in the monsoon; we then wait or reroute.
Yes. Langtang Valley starts close to the border road, so it combines well with this route.

Reviews

What our travellers say

Rated 5.0 out of 5 by 6 travellers

My trekking experience in Nepal was absolutely incredible. From arriving in Kathmandu to the mountains of the Himalaya, everything was perfectly organised. The guides were professional, attentive and very knowledgeable about the region. I felt safe at all times, even travelling alone. Without a doubt, I recommend this...
C Carlos Martínez Spain
I went on a solo trekking adventure to the Everest region with Unique Nepal Treks and Expedition, and it was life-changing! The itinerary was perfectly planned, and the guides were knowledgeable and friendly. From arranging flights and hotels to transportation and trekking support, everything was seamless. I felt safe...
R Rohan Sharma Delhi, India · Everest Region
From the moment I landed in Nepal, everything was taken care of with professionalism and warmth. As a solo female traveler, I felt completely safe and supported throughout the trek. The landscapes were breathtaking, and the experience was life-changing. I highly recommend this agency — they are truly the best in Nepal...
Sophie Laurent Sophie Laurent France
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