Tibet Lhasa Overland Tour from Nepal

The Tibet Lhasa Overland Tour from Nepal in 2024 is a spiritual odyssey that combines breathtaking natural beauty, historical sites, and off-the-beaten-path adventures. This is not just a vacation but a profound journey that delves into the essence of two of the world’s most mystical places.

Before you learn about the overland tour, let’s learn about the three important regions: Tibet, Lhasa, and Nepal.

Tibet, often called the “Roof of the World,” is a captivating region north of the Himalayas. It offers a breathtaking experience of stunning scenery and a profound exploration of Tibetan Buddhism, leaving visitors in awe.

Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, is not just a city but a cultural and spiritual hub. Surrounded by exceptional natural beauty, old traditions, and cultural richness, it is tucked away inside the majestic Himalayan highlands. Lhasa’s major attractions are not just landmarks but gateways to the profound world of Tibetan Buddhism and its impact on everyday life. Once you enter these sites, you can discover Tibetan handicrafts and the tranquil high-altitude scenery with marvelous vistas of snow-capped mountains and serene lakes, making your journey a truly enriching experience.

Nepal, a landlocked country between the two largest countries, India and China, is a treasure trove of rich cultural heritage and stunning natural scenery. This mountainous and religious country is not just a geographical location but a place where spirituality and nature intertwine. It is home to many holy places that pilgrims and spiritual seekers have revered for ages, and its diverse landscape, from the majestic Himalayas to the lush Terai plains, offers a visual feast for nature lovers.

Essential things to keep in mind for the Tibet Lhasa Overland Tour from Nepal

• To enter Tibet from Nepal, you should have the Chinese Group Visa and Tibet permits. You can get these from your tour operator. To find out more about the permits, click Here.
• You can enter Tibet from two locations: Mainland China and Nepal. From Nepal, you can enter by Flight or Overland. There is a direct flight to Lhasa from the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. If you travel overland, you can follow the Kyirong border route.
• A train service will soon be available. The train route to Lhasa from Kathmandu is currently under construction, and construction has begun on the Tibet side.
• Coins are not as common in Tibet as in China’s other major cities, and only Chinese Yuan (CNY) is accepted as payment.

Key Highlights of Tibet Lhasa Overland Tour from Nepal

• Renowned Historical and Sacred sites

The Tibet Lhasa overland tour takes you to renowned historical and sacred sites, most listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

In Kathmandu, Nepal, you will visit the Swayambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Pashupatinath Temple, whereas inside Tibet, you will explore the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, and more.

You will cherish the feeling of visiting the temple of the living Goddess Kumari in Nepal and exploring the residing Palace of the Dalai Lama in Lhasa.

• Spiritual Experience and Enlightenment

This trip offers the spiritual touch of Nepal and Tibet, along with stunning natural scenery. You will interact with monks, pundits, and numerous gurus who will guide you in knowing your inner self and finding peace. You will also explore sacred sites with a spiritual history, such as temples, monasteries, and other locations.

• Stunning Natural Scenery

From the first step in Kathmandu to Lhasa to Kathmandu, you will pass holy temples, stupas, immaculate lakes, enticing landscapes, and ancient Tibetan towns. The trip passes through the farmlands, culturally rich settlements, and stunning Himalayan vistas that will astound you at each moment.

You will get to view the world’s tallest mountain, Mt. Everest (8848.86m), and other 8 thousanders like Mt. Cho Oyu (8201m), Shishapangma (8012m), and more.

• Authentic Local Cuisine

The Tibetan area is renowned for its cuisine, history, and tranquility. Its distinctive and savory foods will always delight your taste buds.

Popular foods like Momo (steamed dumplings) and Thukpa (Tibetan noodles) are authentic, super-tasty local foods that can be found all over Tibet. There are some other local foods that you will love very much, too.

Momos and Thukpa are also widely available in Kathmandu. During your stay, you can also try authentic Nepali cuisine, such as Daal Bhaat Tarkari, Dhedo Gundruk, Thakali Khana Set, etc.

Itinerary outline of visiting Tibet Lhasa Overland Tour from Nepal

Here are the two popular itineraries from Nepal that will help you travel to Tibet Lhasa. Below is the 8-day Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour itinerary, which outlines flying to Lhasa and using the overland route to return to Nepal.

Day 01: Arrival at Lhasa

Day 02: Lhasa Tour – Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Market

Day 03: Lhasa Tour – Drepung Monastery, Norbulingka Palace and Sera Monastery

Day 04: Lhasa to Gyantse: Khumbum Stupa and Pelkhor Chode

Day 05: Gyantse to Shigatse: Tashilimphu Monastery & Local Market

Day 06: Shigatse to Xegar

Day 07: Shegar to Kyirong

Day 08: Drive back to Kathmandu

The itinerary generally follows the fly-in to Lhasa and get back through the overland route, but you can also enter Tibet through the overland route and fly out.

Additional info for Tibet Lhasa Overland Tour from Nepal

If you plan to travel to Tibet, this Tibet Lhasa Overland Tour from Nepal includes breathtaking views of high Himalayan passes, lakes, mountains, and holy sites. Nepal is the closest entry point to Tibet, and the distance between Kathmandu and Lhasa is just 609 km so that an overland tour will save many dollars.

To obtain the visa and permission, you need specialized support from authorized travel companies like Tibet TashiDelek International Travel & Tours. At least five people must be on the tour to retrieve the Tibet Travel Permit. Our team will organize your visa and permissions after you provide us with the necessary documentation for your Tibet Tour. You can always contact us.

Your Tibet travel permit and Chinese visa will arrive 6 to 7 days after you apply. In addition, you need to be in Nepal to visit the Chinese visa application center and take the biometric test. You will also need a genuine and knowledgeable guide with a group in private jeeps or mini-buses.

The months of April-June and September-October are, without a doubt, the most incredible times of year to travel overland from Lhasa to Kathmandu. These times of the year also give a more significant opportunity to see the true face of Mount Everest North Peak due to the warmer, more stable weather, plenty of sunshine, and bright blue skies. Road travel from the Nepali border to Kathmandu is more accessible because there has been less rainfall.

Conclusion

The Tibet Lhasa Overland Tour is not just a tour; it’s a pilgrimage through the world’s breathtaking scenery, off-the-beaten-path, and the most sacred region that nurtures the soul and sources spiritual enlightenment. You get to discover different religions, cultures, and ways of life, including Tibetan Buddhism & Hinduism. This journey will be unforgettable and leave a lasting impression on each traveler’s heart.

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the center of the Tibetan plateau, make your reservation with us today.

Traveling to Tibet, a region with unique rules and limitations offers a journey unlike any other in China. Known as the “Roof of the World,” Tibet is a place of profound spiritual and historical significance. From the revered Jokhang Temple to the majestic Potala Palace, it is a treasure trove of major religious and cultural landmarks. It is also home to some of the highest mountains in the world, including the awe-inspiring Mount Everest (the north side). Before you plan to travel to Tibet, you should know the Tibet Travel Restrictions and coordinate with your tour operator.

Importance of Tibet Travel Restrictions

Understanding the travel restrictions in Tibet is not just important, it’s crucial. These measures, while stringent, are in place for essential reasons. Tibet’s fragile nature, isolated location, and delicate political status necessitate these measures. They also control the number of visitors, ensuring the preservation of the community’s natural beauty, cultural legacy, and way of life. Moreover, given Tibet’s high-altitude habitat, these laws play a vital role in mitigating the adverse effects of tourism on the environment. Lastly, in light of the global attention on Tibet’s autonomy and human rights, these laws minimize potential political sensitivities.

Embarking on a journey to Tibet requires meticulous planning. This includes careful scheduling, packing, and, most importantly, obtaining your visa and Tibet permits well in advance. Obtaining these permits can be complex, involving several documents and approvals. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your trip to this unique destination is smooth and enjoyable.

Six Tibet Travel Restrictions

Those who intend to visit Tibet should be aware of the following six crucial travel restrictions:

• Solo Travel is not allowed.

While solo travel is not allowed in Tibet, international visitors can rest assured that they will be well cared for. They are required to travel in group tours organized by China’s authorized travel agencies. This policy ensures that the agency oversees every trip, from lodging to transportation and sightseeing. The itinerary must be pre-approved, and the tour group will always be escorted by a licensed Tibetan guide, providing a secure and confident travel experience.

• All essential permits are required.

You cannot visit Tibet with just a passport and a Chinese visa. In addition to those documents, you may require different permits for your desired travel destinations.

• • Tibet Travel Permit (TTP):

Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) is the primary one, and any travelers coming to Tibet should have it. It may only be acquired via a Chinese travel operator and is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau. This permit would take 15-20 days to get issued, so you should inform your tour operator 20 days earlier. The TTP lets you visit Lhasa and the neighboring locations. If you wish to travel to other areas like Shigatse, Ngari, or Mount Everest, you should get other permits like Alien or Military.

• • Alien’s Travel Permit:

The Public Security Bureau (PSB) issues this Alien’s Travel Permit (ATP), but first, you should have the Tibet Travel Permit. This permit lets you visit outside of Lhasa. Some locations, like Shigatse and Tsetang, can be visited after you have the ATP.

• • Military Permit:

This permit is required for travel to Nyingchi, Ngari (Mount Kailash area), areas close to the Indian border, and other military-sensitive locations. The Military Office issues this permit, which has to be scheduled through your travel agent.

• • Group Visa and Border Pass:

If you travel from Nepal to Tibet, you should have the Chinese Group Visa and Border Pass. You can get a group visa from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, which allows you to visit other regions of China. Your tour operator will apply for the border pass and then provide you with a photocopy, which will be checked at the border or airport.

• Restricted Entry Points

Getting into Tibet is complex, and only authorized entry via designated routes is allowed. Tibet cannot be reached by direct international flights, so all international travelers must first enter China. Alternatively, they can travel to Nepal and fly to Lhasa from Kathmandu. Major Chinese cities, including Guangzhou, Beijing, Chengdu, and Xi’an, provide direct flights to Lhasa.

If you love train travel, you can also use this option to reach Lhasa from Beijing. Chengdu, Shanghai & Xining. Another good option for visiting Tibet is an Overland tour from Kathmandu, Nepal. The overland journey might be challenging and require other special permits, but this will be the most adventurous trip to Tibet.

• Restricted Entry for Specific Nationalities

Not everyone can travel to Tibet. Top-level people like government officials, journalists, or diplomats may have to experience the problem of issuing visas as tour operators are restricted from organizing Tibet tours for them. So, they should get approval directly from the China Foreign Affairs Office.

The Chinese government may momentarily stop issuing visas to all foreigners, making travel impossible, during times of very high political sensitivity, such as the anniversaries of the Tibetan rebellion on March 10th or other significant Chinese national festivals.

These precautions prevent any actions interpreted as unstable or politically sensitive. Travelers must be up-to-date on the political situation and any limitations affecting their trip arrangements.

• The Everest region beyond Rongbuk Monastery is restricted to regular tourists

Regular travelers cannot go farther than Rongbuk Monastery in the Everest region. However, this restriction does not prevent you from having a clear view of the breathtaking vista of Mount Everest’s north face. With just three permits, you are good to go for the trip.

To trek to Mount Everest, professional mountaineers must apply for climbing licenses from the General Administration of Sport of the China Climbing Association.

• Travelers are restricted to specific locations

International travelers can see most of Tibet’s attractions with the required permits, but they are not allowed in some places. Buddism’s famous and sacred site, Lhamo La-tso, is not open to international travelers. Other places, mainly in the border areas, like Yadong County of Shigatse, Ngari’s Pangong Lake, etc., are also restricted to international travelers.

Conclusion:

It takes meticulous planning and compliance with laws to circumvent the travel limitations to Tibet. These precautions safeguard tourist safety while also preserving the area’s nature, culture, and political stability.

Consider making travel arrangements with the Tibet Kailash Tour for a fantastic vacation to Tibet. Our knowledgeable staff will handle all permit applications and trip planning, guaranteeing a hassle-free and engaging experience. We provide an in-depth exploration of Tibet’s natural and cultural treasures, expert guides, and well-planned itineraries. Tibet Kailash Tour offers a complete and fulfilling travel experience, encompassing the tranquil monasteries of Lhasa and the spectacular peaks of the Himalayas.

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the center of the Tibetan plateau, make your reservation with us today.

Due to its extreme weather and high altitude, visiting Tibet in the winter may seem difficult, yet this time of year provides a singular and enchanted experience that few visitors get to enjoy. The following are the main justifications for bringing your warmest clothing and traveling to Tibet in the winter:

• Fewer Crowds, More Serenity
• Clear Skies and Stunning Views
• Unique Festivals and Cultural Experiences
• Wildlife Spotting
• Hot Springs and Thermal Baths
• Authentic Local Interaction
• Budget-Friendly Travel
• Winter Sports and Adventures

The main thing to know about altitude sickness is that it happens to almost everyone, some get serious, and some feel normal. But, if u are frightened about altitude sickness then there are some reducing ideas.

If you want to travel to Tibet then you should go to Tibet through mainland China, not Nepal. As you travel from Nepal, you first land in Kathmandu (1350m) then yo go through the Gyirong port and in about 48 hours, you will ascend much higher quickly which may lead to altitude sickness. So, traveling Tibet through China will have less effect.

There are things that you need to pack before you do the Lhasa Tibet Trip.

1. Travel Documents: You should have the proper travel documents and keep them in such a part of your bag that they can be reached easily when you need to show them to the concerned authorities during travel.
2. Clothes and Gears: During the travel, you should have some gear and good knowledge of the Tibet weather before you travel. You need to consult with your travel agency and be sure to pack things that are needed for the travel as per your tour operator.