Lhasa Tibet Fixed Departure Tour 2025

Today, we delve deep into the majestic Tibetan Plateau! As we leave Kerung, the landscape begins its dramatic transformation. The green hills transform into a dry, wide-open area. Here, the sky is huge, and snowy mountains look like they’re floating far away. This drive is perfect for pictures. You’ll see the wild beauty of the “Roof of the World.” As we cross the vast grasslands, you’ll feel nature’s huge size. You might even see yak herders. Our destination is either Tingri or Lhatse, strategic gateway towns that offer the first truly spectacular, long-range views of the Everest region (weather permitting!). Go to your room and get settled. Breathe the fresh, high-altitude air. Look at the stars – they feel so close!

• Driving Hours: Approx. 6-8 hours
• Altitude: 4300m (Tingri) / 4350m (Lhatse)
• Highlight: Dramatic landscape transformation, vast Tibetan Plateau views, and potential first glimpse of the Everest region.
• Accommodation: Hotel/Guesthouse in Tingri or Lhatse.

Prepare for a day of breathtaking views and a thrilling ascent! Today, we conquer the legendary Gyatchu La Pass (5220m), one of the highest road passes in Tibet. As we go higher, the views become amazing. You can see for miles. The big Himalayas are behind us, making it a view you won’t forget. Take a moment at the prayer flag-draped summit to soak it all in. From this lofty height, we begin our descent into Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city. Upon arrival, you’ll feel the vibrant energy of this significant urban center. Shigatse is famous for its long history and important culture. It has amazing monasteries and lively local life. After checking in, take a relaxed walk to enjoy the atmosphere.

• Driving Hours: Approx. 3-5 hours
• Altitude: 3800m
• Highlight: Conquering Gyatchu La Pass (5220m), panoramic Himalayan views, and arrival in the vibrant city of Shigatse.
• Accommodation: Hotel in Shigatse.

Today, we immerse our journey to Lhasa in history and natural beauty. Our first stop is the interesting town of Gyantse. It’s an old town that was once important for Tibet’s trade. Here, we’ll see the big Pelkor Chode Monastery and its special Kumbum Stupa. The Stupa is a tall building with many floors, full of Buddhist paintings and statues. Climb its levels for incredible views and to admire its intricate artistry. After Gyantse, we will drive through Tibet’s most beautiful highlands. Yamdrok-tso Lake will amaze you. Its bright blue water looks like a jewel among the brown mountains. This is one of Tibet’s three holy lakes. We will also go over high mountain roads. You’ll get a close look at the KaroLa Glacier (which is 5010 meters high). Later in the afternoon, you will start to see Lhasa. This is Tibet’s spiritual center. Seeing it appear is a moment filled with amazement.

• Driving Hours: Approx. 6-7 hours
• Altitude: 3650m
• Highlight: Exploration of Pelkor Chode Monastery and Kumbum Stupa, views of sacred Yamdrok-tso Lake, and first glimpse of Lhasa.
• Accommodation: Hotel in Lhasa.

Today is all about exploring the spiritual and historical treasures of Lhasa. Our morning starts at the amazing Potala Palace. This huge building was once where the Dalai Lamas lived in winter. It has famous red and white parts. It’s so grand, and climbing to the top will take your breath away. Inside, you’ll see old chapels, private rooms, and halls full of special old things. In the afternoon, we’ll go to Jokhang Temple. This temple is the spiritual heart of Lhasa. Many pilgrims come here to pray. You’ll feel its strong energy. See how devoted they are as they bow down and walk around the temple. After that, go into the lively Barkhor Bazaar. Here, pilgrims and traders meet. This creates an amazing mix of smells, sounds, and sights. It’s a great place to see local life, look for special souvenirs, and feel the city’s spiritual beat.

• Driving Hours: Minimal (local transfers only)
• Altitude: 3650m
• Highlight: Iconic Potala Palace, spiritual experience at Jokhang Temple, and vibrant Barkhor Bazaar.
• Accommodation: Hotel in Lhasa.

Today, we delve deeper into the monastic traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. Our first stop is Drepung Monastery. It used to be the biggest monastery in the world, with thousands of monks living there. Imagine the vibrant scholastic life that thrived within these walls. In the afternoon, we head to Sera Monastery, renowned for its captivating monk debates. This experience is unique and engaging in a remarkable way. Monks meet in a special open area. They talk in an excited way. They use hand movements, clap with force, and shout to ensure their points are clear. It’s a lively show. It helps you gain a profound understanding of Tibet’s spiritual heart. It also gives you a small look into their deep learning. When the day ends, you’ll go back to your hotel. You might still hear the monks’ debates in your head.

• Driving Hours: Minimal (local transfers only)
• Altitude: 3650m
• Highlight: Exploring the historical Drepung Monastery and witnessing the captivating monk debates at Sera Monastery.
• Accommodation: Hotel in Lhasa.

With hearts full of memories, we bid a heartfelt farewell to the enchanting city of Lhasa. As we head back to Shigatse, today lets us see the stunning landscapes again, but from a fresh angle. The drive is key to the experience. You’ll see the huge Tibetan plateau and the amazing Himalayas in the distance. We’ll go through flat lands and high mountain roads. You might even see yaks eating grass. This retracing of our route lets us relax and notice details we missed before. Along the way, we’ll enjoy the warmth of local hospitality. We’ll arrive in Shigatse by late afternoon, ready to reflect on the wonders of the past few days.

• Driving Hours: Approx. 6-7 hours
• Altitude: 3800m
• Highlight: Scenic return drive across the Tibetan Plateau, revisiting stunning landscapes.
• Accommodation: Hotel in Shigatse.

Our journey continues through the stunning Tibetan highlands today. We travel from Shigatse to either Tingri or Lhatse. The landscapes become more dramatic as we climb to higher altitudes. Expansive views stretch to the horizon beneath the vast Tibetan sky. You will see small, faraway villages. This allows you to understand the historical lifestyle of Tibetan nomads. This shows the resilience of those who live in this harsh but beautiful land. Today offers a chance for quiet reflection on your amazing experiences. Capture those final, iconic photos of the majestic Himalayas. On a clear day, the distant peaks stand tall, reminding you of the “Roof of the World” you’ve explored.

• Driving Hours: Approx. 3-5 hours
• Altitude: 4300m (Tingri) / 4350m (Lhatse)
• Highlight: Dramatic high-altitude landscapes, glimpses of nomadic life, and final Himalayan views.
• Accommodation: Hotel/Guesthouse in Tingri or Lhatse.

oday, we went down from the high Tibetan lands to Kerung Town. The views will change. We will go from wide, flat areas to rough, rocky mountains. You’ll go through winding valleys and by fast-flowing rivers. You’ll also see small, faraway villages that look like they haven’t changed in a very long time. The air will feel much warmer and thicker as we go down. This is a nice change after being on the high plateau. This trip down shows a different, beautiful part of Tibet. It gets you ready for the last part of your amazing journey. Enjoy your last Tibetan dinner in Kerung, and enjoy these final moments on this side of the border.

• Driving Hours: Approx. 6-8 hours
• Altitude: 2800m
• Highlight: Scenic descent through changing Tibetan landscapes and a final Tibetan dinner.
• Accommodation: Hotel/Guesthouse in Kerung Town.

The final day of our epic overland adventure has arrived! We’ll start our morning by crossing the border at Kerung, moving easily back into Nepal. From there, we embark on a scenic and relaxing drive back to Kathmandu. Your amazing trip ends when you arrive. You’ll have many great memories and stories to tell forever.

• Driving Hours: Approx. 7-8 hours
• Altitude: 1300m
• Highlight: Smooth border crossing and scenic drive back to Kathmandu.
• Accommodation: Onward travel or your chosen hotel in Kathmandu.