Three Fantastic Tibet Nepal Tour Routes

Let's explore the three most popular and practical tour options that cater to different schedules and interests, helping you find your perfect route across the world's legendary plateau.

7 Days Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour: Himalayan Road Trip with Everest Views

This 7-day overland journey packs rich culture and dramatic landscapes into a concise itinerary, perfect for travelers wanting to experience Tibet's highlights before stepping into Nepal's vibrancy. Start your adventure in Lhasa, where you'll explore UNESCO-listed Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple—two icons that embody Tibetan Buddhism's spiritual depth. Spend time wandering Barkhor Street, where locals spin prayer wheels and vendors sell handcrafted goods, to feel the city's daily rhythm. You'll also visit Drepung Monastery, Tibet's largest monastic complex, and Sera Monastery to watch monks engage in lively philosophical debates. After soaking in Lhasa's charm, hit the road westward, pausing at serene Yamdrok Lake with its turquoise waters reflecting snow-capped peaks and the glittering Karola Glacier. Continue to Gyantse to admire its ancient architecture before reaching Shigatse, Tibet's second-largest city. The tour's highlight awaits at Everest Base Camp—stand at 5,200 meters to gaze at the world's tallest peak, and stop at Gawula Pass for panoramic views of five of the world's highest mountains. From there, cross the border at Gyirong Port and conclude in Kathmandu, where bustling markets and diverse cultures welcome you. Well-paved roads make this tour accessible year-round, and the gradual altitude gain from Lhasa (3,650m) to Everest Base Camp eases acclimatization for all ages.

8 Days Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour: Cross the Himalayas from Nepal

For travelers arriving in Nepal first, this 8-day reverse itinerary offers a seamless transition into Tibet's wonders, with unique perspectives on the Himalayas. Begin in Kathmandu, winding through lush southern Himalayan foothills to Rasuwa Gadi border—every turn reveals snow-capped peaks and dense forests that set the tone for adventure. Cross into Tibet and settle in Gyirong Valley, a scenic haven hailed for its natural beauty, where you'll take time to acclimate to higher altitudes before pushing onward. The journey to Everest Base Camp treats you to multiple viewpoints of the majestic peak, and you'll visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world's highest monastery, to soak in its quiet spirituality. Head to Shigatse next, home to Tashilhunpo Monastery, and explore its intricate murals and golden stupas. A stop in Gyantse lets you discover Pelkor Monastery and the distinctive Kumbum Stupa, a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture. The final stretch to Lhasa unfolds with rolling grasslands and nomadic tents, leading you to the city's crown jewels: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street. Our Tibet travel service handles all border formalities and permits for this route, so you can focus on soaking up every view without stress.

13 Days Lhasa to Everest, Kailash and Kathmandu Tour: Spiritual Kora Adventure

This 13-day itinerary blends classic Himalayan exploration with a sacred Mount Kailash kora, ideal for travelers seeking deeper spiritual and wilderness experiences. Start in Lhasa with the same cultural highlights as the shorter tours, then journey west to Yamdrok Lake and Shigatse before reaching Everest Base Camp. After marveling at Everest's grandeur, press on to Saga and finally Darchen—the gateway to Mount Kailash. The three-day kora is a profound pilgrimage: begin at 4,500 meters in Darchen, hike to Driapuk Monastery Guesthouse for overnight stay, then cross Dolma La Pass at 5,700 meters—the trek's highest point—before descending past the sacred Lake of Compassion, believed to purify the soul. Most guesthouses along the route offer basic comfort, and porters are available for those needing help with luggage. Mount Kailash's high altitude and 54-kilometer trek demand good physical health, so we recommend spending extra days in Lhasa to acclimatize beforehand. After completing the kora, traverse the Ngari Plateau's stark beauty, wind through Gyirong Valley and cross into Kathmandu. This tour runs only from April to October, as Mount Kailash closes in winter to protect visitors from harsh weather.

Conclusion

Whether you opt for a quick 7-day sprint, an 8-day reverse journey or a 13-day spiritual deep dive, these Tibet-Nepal tours blend awe-inspiring landscapes with rich cultural immersion. Every route lets you stand in the shadow of the Himalayas, wander ancient monasteries and connect with local communities. If none of these itineraries fit your schedule or interests, we're happy to customize a trip tailored to your preferences—from adjusting hiking distances to adding extra days in Nyingchi or Shannan. Embark on this cross-border adventure and let the Himalayas leave an indelible mark on your travel memories.