The Tibet Overland Tour (Drive In / Drive Out) is a classic high-altitude journey across the Tibetan Plateau, designed for travelers seeking culture, adventure, and breathtaking Himalayan landscapes. Tibet, officially the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, lies at an average elevation of over 4,800 meters, making it one of the highest inhabited regions on Earth.
This overland tour begins in Kathmandu and enters Tibet through the Kerung border, gradually ascending into the vast Tibetan plateau. The route passes dramatic mountain passes, sacred lakes, ancient monasteries, and traditional Tibetan towns. Along the way, travelers experience strong Tibetan Buddhist culture—prayer flags fluttering in the wind, pilgrims walking long distances, monks debating in monasteries, and timeless landscapes untouched by modern development.
The journey includes major Tibetan cities such as Shigatse and Lhasa, with guided sightseeing at world-famous landmarks like the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and important monasteries. This tour is adventurous, culturally rich, and physically demanding due to altitude, making it ideal for healthy travelers with a spirit of exploration and respect for high-altitude conditions.
Tibet Overland Tour - 8 Days Highlights
Scenic overland drive from Nepal to Tibet
Cross the Tibetan Plateau, the world’s highest plateau
Views of Mt. Shishapangma and Cho Oyu (weather permitting)
Visit Panchen Lama’s Tashilhunpo Monastery
Explore Yamdrok Tso Lake and Brahmaputra River
Two full days sightseeing in Lhasa
Drive-in and drive-out adventure experience
Outline Itinerary
- Drive from Kathmandu to Kerung Border to Kerung Town (2,800m | 145 km | 6–7 hrs)
- Drive from Kerung to Tingri (4,300m | 235 km | 5–6 hrs)
- Drive from Tingri to Lhatse to Shigatse (3,900m | 245 km | 5–6 hrs)
- Drive from Shigatse to Gyantse to Lhasa (3,650m | 350 km | 7–8 hrs)
- Sightseeing in Lhasa (3,650m | Easy walks)
- Sightseeing in Lhasa – Monasteries Tour (3,650m | Easy walks)
- Drive from Lhasa to Shegar (4,300m | 655 km | 8–9 hrs)
- Drive from Shegar to Kerung to Kathmandu (1,350m | 425 km | 9–10 hrs)
Itinerary
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Kerung Border to Kerung Town (2,800m | 145 km | 6–7 hrs)
After breakfast, depart early from Kathmandu and drive north through winding mountain roads, rivers, forests, and deep valleys. The drive is scenic and adventurous, passing traditional villages and dramatic landscapes. Upon arrival at the Kerung border, complete immigration and permit checks. After clearance, continue uphill for about two hours to reach Kerung town on the Tibet side. This day is important for gradual altitude exposure.
Day 02: Drive from Kerung to Tingri (4,300m | 235 km | 5–6 hrs)
Today you drive onto the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, the highest plateau in the world. The landscape opens into vast plains with distant snow-capped peaks. On clear days, enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Shishapangma and Cho Oyu. The drive is peaceful and awe-inspiring, offering your first deep experience of Tibet’s unique geography.
Day 03: Drive from Tingri to Lhatse to Shigatse (3,900m | 245 km | 5–6 hrs)
After breakfast, continue driving through high mountain passes and open valleys. After crossing Lhatse, you reach Gyatso La Pass (5,220m), the highest point of the journey. The road remains scenic with prayer flags, yak herds, and endless horizons. By evening, arrive in Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city.
Day 04: Drive from Shigatse to Gyantse to Lhasa (3,650m | 350 km | 7–8 hrs)
In the morning, visit the Panchen Lama’s Tashilhunpo Monastery, an important spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism. Continue driving toward Lhasa via Gyantse, stopping at the stunning Yamdrok Tso Lake and crossing the Brahmaputra River (Yarlung Tsangpo). The day offers classic Tibetan scenery and cultural insight.
Day 05: Sightseeing in Lhasa (3,650m | Easy walks)
Today is dedicated to exploring Lhasa’s spiritual and cultural landmarks. Visit the Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Bazaar, and the iconic Potala Palace. These sites represent the heart of Tibetan Buddhism and daily religious life.
Day 06: Sightseeing in Lhasa – Monasteries Tour (3,650m | Easy walks)
Continue sightseeing with visits to Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery, famous for monk debates and deep religious history. The day offers a deeper understanding of Tibetan monastic life and traditions.
Day 07: Drive from Lhasa to Shegar (4,300m | 655 km | 8–9 hrs)
Begin the return journey by driving back across the Tibetan plateau to Shegar. This long drive retraces dramatic landscapes, open valleys, and high passes, offering a final immersion into Tibet’s vastness
Day 08: Drive from Shegar to Kerung to Kathmandu (1,350m | 425 km | 9–10 hrs)
After breakfast, drive back to Kerung border and complete exit formalities. Continue driving through Rasuwagadhi into Nepal and onward to Kathmandu, arriving by evening. The journey concludes with unforgettable memories of Tibet.
What's Included
- Twin sharing accommodation as per itinerary (Bed & Breakfast basis)
- English-speaking licensed Tibetan guide
- All ground transportation by private van as per itinerary
- All monastery entrance fees
- Tibet Travel Permit
What's Not Included
- Lunch and dinner
- Travel or rescue insurance of any kind
- Personal expenses such as drinks, tips, porter charges, phone, internet
- Any service not mentioned under “Cost Includes”
General Trek Information
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in tea houses during the trek and 3-star hotels in Tibet Overland Tour – 8 Days.
Meals
Three freshly prepared meals daily during the trek including Dal Bhat, pasta, rice, soups, and vegetables.
Drinking Water
Safe drinking water is provided using filters or purification tablets. Reusable bottles are recommended.
Guide & Porter
Licensed English-speaking guides and local porters ensure safety, navigation, and cultural insights.
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