9-Day Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour via Everest

One of the great overland drives on Earth — from the Tibetan plateau down to the Kathmandu Valley in a single trip. This 9-day journey follows the historic Friendship Highway across western Tibet, climbs to Everest Base Camp on the north side, then drops thousands of meters through the Gyirong border crossing into the green hills of Nepal. You finish in Kathmandu, which after a week above 4,000m feels practically tropical.

The Tibet leg requires three permits — Tibet Travel Permit, Alien Travel Permit, and Shigatse military permit — all of which our Lhasa-licensed Tibetan operator arranges. The Nepal side requires a Nepal visa, which most nationalities can get on arrival at the Gyirong border post (bring USD cash and two passport photos); a few nationalities must apply in advance — we'll confirm based on your passport when you book. The China visa you used to enter Tibet must still be valid on the day you cross.

Itinerary outline:

• Day 1 — Arrive Lhasa (3,650m); transfer to hotel; rest
• Day 2 — Lhasa acclimatization day; old town walk
• Day 3 — Lhasa cultural day at the main palace and monastery complex
• Day 4 — Drive Lhasa to Shigatse (3,840m) via Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier
• Day 5 — Shigatse to Rongbuk near EBC (5,000m); sunset on the north face
• Day 6 — EBC sunrise; drive to Tingri or Old Tingri for the night
• Day 7 — Drive to Gyirong town (2,800m); your first proper oxygen-rich night in a week
• Day 8 — Cross the Gyirong border into Nepal; drive to Kathmandu (~7 hrs on Nepali roads)
• Day 9 — Arrive Kathmandu; tour ends at your Kathmandu hotel

Who this is for: Travelers who want to cover Lhasa, Everest, and Nepal in one logical overland line rather than flying back and forth. Minimum age 12. You need decent altitude tolerance for EBC night (5,000m), but the descent into Nepal is fast and dramatic.

Logistics: Tibet permits and Tibet-side guide/driver/vehicle included. Nepal-side vehicle and Kathmandu transfer included. Accommodation: 3-star in Lhasa, Shigatse and Kathmandu; basic guesthouse at Rongbuk and Gyirong. Nepal visa fee and any required photos are on you. The Gyirong border can close unpredictably — our operator monitors it daily and will reroute via Kerung-Resuwagadhi if needed.

Local Roads. Global Eyes. Cross-border Tibet-Nepal overlands have moving parts no other tour does. WhatsApp +86 139 1764 3020 or liuwen@nebulatrip.com and we'll talk you through the permit + visa timeline before you book flights.

Free cancellation is available on most tours up to 24 hours before the start time. The exact cancellation terms for this tour are shown during booking.