Itinerary
- Day 1
Nepal to Kerung
Start early with a scenic drive heading to Kerung Border. You'll handle border formalities at Nepalese immigration first, then tackle the uphill drive through Chinese immigration. From there, continue on to Kerung for your first night. The drive involves some elevation gain, so take it easy and stay hydrated as you adjust.
Landmarks/POIs Kerung Border - Day 2
Kerung to Tingri
Today you're driving uphill to reach the Tibetan plateau, the highest in the world. The landscape shifts to typical Tibetan terrain, and on clear days you'll spot panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges including Mt. Cho Oyu and Mt. Xishapagma. By the time you reach Tingri, you'll have Mt. Everest visible in the distance. It's quite a day of driving with serious elevation changes.
Included Activities
- Scenic drive to the highest plateau with Tibetan landscape views
Landmarks/POIs Mt. Cho Oyu Mt. Xishapagma Mt. Everest - Day 3
Tingri to Lhatse
After breakfast, you'll continue your scenic drive and cross over Gyatchu La pass, the highest pass on this route to Lhasa. Along the way you'll pass through Lhatse, where a road branches west toward Mt. Kailash. The pass crossing itself takes time, so plan for a long driving day with occasional stops to take in the views.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Scenic drive crossing Gyatchu La pass
Landmarks/POIs Gyatchu La Pass Lhatse - Day 4
Lhatse to Gyantse
This day focuses on sightseeing around the Shigatse area. You'll visit the Panchen Lama's Tashilhumpu Monastery, then drive to Gyantse to check out the Kumbum Stupa and Phalkor Monastery. These are significant religious sites, so expect to spend a few hours exploring and learning about the monasteries and their architecture.
Included Activities
- Visit Panchen Lama's Tashilhumpu Monastery
- Visit Kumbum Stupa
- Visit Phalkor Monastery
Landmarks/POIs Tashilhumpu Monastery Kumbum Stupa Phalkor Monastery - Day 5
Gyantse to Lhasa
You've got a full day of driving ahead, crossing over Karola and Kambala passes en route to Lhasa. The highlight here is passing by Yamdrok-Tso Lake with its turquoise waters, plus views of the Brahmaputra River along the way. The scenery changes constantly as you descend toward Lhasa. It's a long drive but visually rewarding, so bring entertainment and snacks.
Included Activities
- Scenic drive crossing Karola and Kambala passes
- View Yamdrok-Tso Lake
- View Brahmaputra River
Landmarks/POIs Karola Pass Kambala Pass Yamdrok-Tso Lake Brahmaputra River - Day 6
Lhasa
Spend your day exploring Lhasa with a guide. Head to Drepung Monastery where you can watch monks debating, which is an interesting cultural experience. Later in the day, visit the Tibet Museum located just below Potala Palace to get context on Tibet's history and culture. This gives you a fuller picture of the region beyond just the landscapes you've been driving through.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Drepung Monastery with monks debating
- Visit Tibet Museum
Landmarks/POIs Drepung Monastery Tibet Museum Potala Palace - Day 7
Lhasa
After breakfast, continue your Lhasa sightseeing with guided tours of Jokhang Temple and the Barkhor Bazaar, where you can wander and pick up local goods. Then visit Potala Palace, the iconic structure dominating Lhasa's skyline. If time allows, you might return to Drepung Monastery for another look. These are the major landmarks everyone wants to see in Lhasa.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Jokhang Temple
- Visit Barkhor Bazaar
- Visit Potala Palace
- Visit Drepung Monastery
Landmarks/POIs Jokhang Temple Barkhor Bazaar Potala Palace Drepung Monastery - Day 8
Lhasa Departure
Early morning departure to Gonggar airport or the train station. From there, you'll fly to Kathmandu or head to Mainland China depending on your onward plans. Make sure you have all your documentation ready and give yourself enough time for check-in and security. This is the end of your Tibet leg.
Optional Activities
- Flight Lhasa to Kathmandu (US$430, subject to availability)
Landmarks/POIs Gonggar Airport
