Tibet Overland Tour

Duration: 8 Days   |  
  • Destination: Tibet
  • Trip Difficulty: Easy
  • Trip Style: Tour
  • Transport: Private Vehicle / Tourist Bus
  • Food: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel + Teahouses + Lodges
  • Group Size: 2-20 PAX
  • Max Elevation: 4350m

Tibet Overland Tour

Tibet Overland Tour is an 8-day tour that takes you to the core area of Tibet, rich in culture and history. Starting the journey from Kathmandu, you will reach Kerung Border and head toward the beautiful countryside town of Xigatse, Xegar, and Tingri. This tour also brings you insights into Buddhism which has been practiced in the region for centuries. Lhasa, a famous tourist destination, has several places like Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Bazaar, Potala Palace, and many others rich in ancient arts, culture, and history.

The Tibet Overland Tour also offers you a great chance to experience the views of the Himalayas and other natural richness like the Brahma Putra River, Yamdrok-Tso Lake, and others.

Why Tibet Overland Tour?

Stunning Scenery

Tibet is considered the “‘Roof of the World’,’ the highest plateau ever. It is also home to stunning landscapes, snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes, and grasslands. You can delve into the natural beauty of Tibet as you can experience the views of Mt. Everest, Kailash, Sishapangma, Lhotse, and many other famous peaks. Similarly, Mansarovar Lake and Namtso Lake provide spectacular views of this region, which are breathtaking.

Cultural And Religious Immersion

Tibet is rich in culture and religion. Several places and landmarks like Mount Kailash, Mansarovar Lake, Panchen Lama's Tashilhumpu Monastery, Kumbum Stupa & Phalkor Monastery carry great Hindu and Buddhist significance.

Every year thousands of devotees visit Mansarovar to do religious rituals, expecting to get spiritual enlightenment. Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake closely bond with Lord Shiva in Hindu Myths. It is believed that Lord Shiva, the God of Gods, resides in Kailash Parbat. Similarly, Mansarovar Lake is believed to be a place where gods take bathe during Brahma Muhurta. Devotees worldwide dip themselves into the lake, hoping to get salvation.

Similarly, Buddhist monasteries like Kumbum Stupa, Phalkor Monastery, and Zutul Phuk Monastery give you the practice of Buddhism in Tibet.

Delve Into Tibetan Cities And Their History

During your Tibet Overland Tour, you will visit famous places like Potala Palace, Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Bazaar, and Drepung Monastery. They are the ancient infrastructures and landmarks that exist from the evolution of Lhasa city and bring back the insights of the cultural importance to the present time.

As the major religion of Tibet is Buddhism, you can find numerous Buddhist stupas and monasteries, statues of Lord Buddha, and sculptures and inscriptions that read the ancient Buddhist myths. These arts and artifacts are also found in the places like Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace, and Sera and Drepung Monasteries. Nevertheless, Tibet has still lived its history through their culture and celebration. And visiting the city will give you a narrative explanation of its rich history and lifestyle.

Best Time To Go For The Tibet Overland Tour

Generally, the best time for the Tibet Overland Tour is autumn and spring. Here are some of the reasons why:

Autumn Season

Autumn Season, which starts in September and ends in November, features stable weather like dry and sunny days. The clear skies allow you to witness Tibet's stunning fall foliage and colorful landscapes. Besides, the temperature is moderate, which makes travelers comfortable to enjoy the stunning beauty of Tibet.

Spring Season

Spring lasts from March to May, bringing mild, pleasant weather with clear blue skies. Similarly, the nature is colorful during this time as the flowers are in full blossom and the greenery is everywhere, which makes the scene very pleasant.

Besides, there is less rainfall during Spring, which makes navigation comfortable for trekkers. It ensures a safe and sound visit to Tibet.

Can I Go On Off Season Travel To Tibet?

Yes, you can go on off-season travel to Tibet; however, you should be prepared for the weather hazards that come with it. With proper preparation and planning, you can still make the most of your off-season trip to Tibet.

The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall, while the winter comes with heavy snowfall and cold temperatures. You should be mindful of the defects of this weather for travel and plan accordingly.

How To Get the Most Out Of The Tibet Overland Tour?

Tibet Overland Tour gets you the most out of the Tibetan cities that lie to the other side of the Himalayas from Nepal. Cities like Xigatse, Lhasa, Xegar, and others will be covered in this package, which includes sightseeing and other thrilling activities. Here are some ways to make the most out of your tour in Tibet.

Preparation

Tibet Overland Tour requires a set of preparations, including physical, mental, gear, and safety kits. During the trip, you will be over 3500 meters above sea level, and the temperature of Tibet is relatively low. So packing weather-friendly clothes like thermal layers, windproof and waterproof jackets, warm socks, and gloves are essential.

Similarly, some parts of Tibet require a hike to reach, so ensure you have packed a pair of sturdy hiking boots. In addition, your physical strength is also essential for this tour as it is at a high altitude, and you are most likely to get altitude sickness. Besides, you should prepare the safety kits that might be used during emergencies.

Book Early

Booking early gets you enough time to prepare. If you are looking to embark on Tibet Tour in the Autumn, make sure you are working on the preparation from one to two months before. Similarly, Tibetan Tourism gets crowded during the peak season, so you have to analyze how to get the booking in the destinations and plan accordingly for the logistics. Booking early will ensure your safe flight to Nepal, transport services, and accommodation.

Choose A Reputable Tour Agency

You should always book your tour from a reputable tour agency, for they provide you with various amenities that align with your expectations and interest. At Marvel Adventure, we provide professional guide services, 24/7 Customer Support, Guidance to book tickets, and several other amenities.

We also provide the tour at a reasonable cost, including all your domestic transport, food, and accommodation services.

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Highlights

Here are some things you should know before heading for the Tibet Tour.

  • Reach the border of Nepal and Tibet, Kerung

  • Explore the culturally rich Lhasa City and its destinations like Potala Palace, Sera and Drepung Monastery, and Panchen Lama's Tashilhumpu Monastery.

  • Reach the highest pass of Gyatsu La Pass at 5220 meters above sea level

  • Exploring the views of Mt Cho Oyu (8201m) and Mt Xishapagma (8012m), Karola (5,010m), Kambala (4,749m), and Mt. Everest.
  • Explore Yamdrok-Tso Lake, and the Brahma Putra (Yarlung Tsangpo) River
  • Explore Buddhism and its practice in Tibet

Day to Day Itinerary

  • Day 1 Kathmandu-Kerung Border/145km

    On the first day of your Tibet Overland Tour, you will start your journey from Kathmandu. You will take a ride by bus to Kerung at 2774 meters above sea level. Kerung is the border of Nepal and Tibet, which gives you insights into the countryside location.

    You have to complete some formalities at Nepalese immigration before heading towards Kerung. From Kerung Border, you can take either a 1-hour ride by bus or climb uphill for around 2 to 3 hours to reach Kerung. You will stay at a guest house on the first day.

    Distance: 145 KM

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation: Guest House
    • Place: Kerung
    • Altitude: 2774 Meters
  • Day 2 Kerung-Tingri (4300m)/Lhatse (4350m) | 225km/244km

    The second day of your Tibet Overland Tour starts early in the morning after you wake up in Kerung and have breakfast. Your destination will be Tingri at4300 meters or Lhatse at 4350 meters above sea level.

    You will ride through the adventurous landscapes that give you the vibes of Tibetan culture and lifestyle. As Tibet is the highest plateau in the world, it offers spectacular views of the Himalayan ranges, including the peaks like Mt Cho Oyu (8201m) and Mt Xishapagma (8012m).

    The weather plays a vital role in sightseeing these mountains, and the most important thing to consider is that you can see the dwarfed scenes of these peaks due to the vastness of the Tibetan plateau. Once you reach Tingri, you can have the scene of mystic Mount Everest and a beautiful view of sunrise and sunset. Tonight you will stay in a guesthouse.

    Lhatse Altitude: 4350 Meters

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation: Guest House
    • Place: Tingri | Lhatse
    • Altitude: 4300 Meters
  • Day 3 Tingri/Lhaste-Xigatse (3900m) | 244km

    The next destination is Xigatse, which is 3900 meters above sea level. You will begin your journey to Xigatse early in the morning from Tingri. First, you will reach Gyatsu La Pass at 5220 Meters above sea level - the highest pass in the Tibet region, which you should cross before reaching Lhasa.

    You can experience the Himalayan scenery, including Mount Kailash and other subsidiary peaks from this region. You will catch a road to Mt Kailash to the west and reach Xigatse after around 4 to 5 hours. You will stay overnight at a hotel.

    Distance: 244 KM

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Place: Xigatse
    • Altitude: 3900 Meters
  • Day 4 Xigatse-Gyantse (3950m) -Lhasa.

    The fourth day of the Tibet Overland tour starts with a sightseeing activity. You will wake up early, head toward Panchen Lama's Tashilhumpu Monastery, and rest for some time.

    Afterward, you will embark on your journey to Gyantse, a famous tourist place. The Buddhist culture that flourished in the region for centuries is one of the most attractive features of this city. Here, you can find large chortens, monasteries, and statues of Lord Buddha.

    During your journey to Gyantse, you will explore Kumbum Stupa & Phalkor Monastery and then drive to the destination through the countryside road. You will chill with the views of Karola (5,010m), Kambala (4,749m), Yamdrok-Tso Lake, and the Brahma Putra (Yarlung Tsangpo) River while you set on a journey to Lhasa from Gyantse.

    Lhasa Altitude: 3,656 Meters

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Place: Gyantse | Lhasa
    • Altitude: 3950 Meters
  • Day 5 Sightseeing in Lhasa.

    On the fifth day of your tour, you will be busy for a whole day with sightseeing activities. You will start your day with an early breakfast in Lhasa city and then plan for the activities to do in the remaining day. The setlist for this day will be visiting attractive destinations like Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Bazaar, Potala Palace, Drepung, and Sera Monasteries.

    These places carry great significance to Lhasa City’s history and culture. Similarly, you will dive deeper into the cultural and religious significance of the region. For centuries, you can see ancient antiques and artifacts in the Palaces of Lhasa city. Besides, you will find out how the ancient Buddhist culture flourished in Lhasa and how people have been cheering up their lifestyle with the annotation of Buddhism.

    Activity: Sightseeing

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Place: Lhasa
    • Altitude: 3,656 Meters
  • Day 6 Sightseeing in Lhasa

    The sixth day is the second sightseeing day during the Tibet Overland Tour. You will explore ancient culture, the local markets, historical infrastructures, and religious sites. You will be on a full-day exploration of the culturally rich Lhasa city and return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Place: Lhasa
    • Altitude: 3,656 Meters
  • Day 7 Lhasa – Xegar (4300m) 490km

    The main motive of the seventh day is to reach Xegar city, which lies at the bottom of Mount Everest on the Tibetan side. It is situated at 4300 m above sea level and can be challenging as altitude sickness can be prone at this altitude. The city is also known as Shekar Dzong or Tingri.

    Prepare yourself with the necessary clothes and other requirements as the temperature is also low in this area. From here, you can have spectacular views of famous mountain peaks, such as Mt. Everest (8848 m.), Mt. Lhotse (8516 m.), Mt. Makalu (8463 m.), Mt. Cho-Oyu (8201 m.) and Mt. Shisha Pangma (8012m).

    Distance: 490 KM

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation: Guest House/Hotel
    • Place: Xegar
    • Altitude: 4300 Meters
  • Day 8 Xegar to Kerong Border to Kathmandu 395km

    This is the last day of your Tibet Overland Tour, and you will head toward Kerung Border from Xegar early in the morning. You will drive through the countryside of the Tibetan province, enjoying the mystic mountain views, streams, and tropical tundra forest.

    Once you reach Kerung Border, you return to Kathmandu on a bus, which takes a few hours. You will be escorted to your respective hotels upon your arrival.

    Distance: 395 KM

    Kathmandu Altitude: 1400 Meters

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Place: Kerung | Kathmandu
    • Altitude: 2774 Meters

What to Expect

  • Permits and entry fees: The entry and permit charges to various landmarks and sites are included in cost.
  • Transportation: The transportation charges within Tibet, Bus Fare From and To Tibet
  • Accommodation: Cost Includes Hotel Costs throughout the tour.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner costs during the entire tour, including Farewell Dinner, are included in the cost.
  • English-speaking guide: A knowledgeable and fluently speaking Tour guide with prior information about sites is included.
  • Sightseeing and activities: Entrance fees for Major attractions, cultural activities, and guided tours are generally included.
  • Support staff: Team members like drivers and porters may be included on demand
  • Visa fees: Chinese visa or Tibet Travel Permit is generally not included and must be obtained individually.
  • International airfare: The cost of international flights to and from Kathmandu is not included and should be arranged by yourself.
  • Personal expenses: Souvenirs, gifts, additional meals, drinks, laundry, and expenses of personal nature are not covered.
  • Travel insurance: Travel insurance is essential, yet it is not included in the tour package and should be managed independently.
  • Optional activities: Optional activities, side tours, or recreational activities are not covered by the main cost.
  • Extra services: Customized itineraries, facilities plus expenses not mentioned in Cost Included are not covered.

Useful Information

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long does a typical Tibet Overland Tour last?

    A typical Tibet Overland Tour lasts 7-14 days, depending on the itinerary and travel route. But at Marvel Adventure, we offer 8 Days itinerary for this tour package.

    What is the best time to go on a Tibet Overland Tour?

    The best time to go on a Tibet Overland Tour is from March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn). During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the visibility is clear.

    Is altitude sickness a concern on a Tibet Overland Tour?

    Altitude sickness is a prioritized concern during this tour since Tibet is over 4000 meters above sea level. The air is thin, with a low oxygen level and relatively low temperature. Acclimatization is essential for this trip. On top of that, you should always follow the advice of your guide to prevent altitude sickness.

    Is it safe to travel to Tibet?

    Yes, Tibet is a safe destination for travelers. The region is comparatively safe in terms of crime and other activities. But you should be prepared for the climate and weather conditions that prevail in Tibet.

    Are there any restrictions on photography in Tibet?

    Some places like monasteries and Temples might have restrictions for taking photographs. You should obtain permission to snap pictures of the temples, priests, and monks. Be respectful to the local culture and be mindful of the cultural discipline while you visit Tibet.

    What should I pack for a Tibet Overland Tour?

    Remember to pack warm and comfortable clothes since the temperature is low in Tibet. In addition, you should bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and safety kits for emergency cases.

    What is the food like in Tibet?

    You will be familiar with Tibetan cuisine during your journey to Tibet, including dishes like dumplings, noodle soup, and yak meat.

    What are some popular destinations on a Tibet Overland Tour?

    You will visit Lhasa City, Xegar, Xigatse, and Tingri throughout your Tibet Overland Tour. You will traverse through the countryside road that dissects to the west of Mount Kailash, a holy place for Hindu devotees.

    Do I Need Visa For Tibet Tour?

    You need a valid visa to stay and explore Tibet and its subsidiary places. You can obtain it from the Chinese Embassy of your respective nation. You must also go through legal formalities at Kerung Border before entering Tibet.

    How Much Does It Cost For This Tour?

    The cost of the Tibet Overland Tour depends on your itinerary and the activities you get involved in. But at Marvel Adventure, we have 8 Days Itinerary Package, which costs you anywhere from $1500 to $2000 per person.

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