Looking for an epic Himalayan adventure at the best value? Our weekly fixed departure 8-day Tibet tour from Kathmandu is the perfect choice. Join a like-minded group and experience the magic of Tibet without the hassle—just pack your sense of wonder!
This journey offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, a chance to stand before the legendary Potala Palace, immerse yourself in authentic Tibetan culture, and wander through peaceful monasteries steeped in history.
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive to Kerung, the border town between Nepal and Tibet. As you wind through lush landscapes, enjoy stunning views of snow-capped peaks shimmering in the sunlight—an unforgettable start to your Tibetan journey.
Spend three enriching days in Lhasa, where you’ll explore majestic temples, ancient monasteries, and vibrant local life. These iconic sites are not only masterpieces of art and architecture—they’re living symbols of a rich cultural blend, where medieval traditions meet the spirit of modern Tibet.
8 days / 7 nights Fixed Departure Tibet trip
The High Plateau Adventure at Tibet Region
Highlights
- Convenient fixed dates offer a hassle-free and budget-friendly way to explore Tibet with like-minded travelers.
- Drive from Kathmandu through green valleys to Tibet’s high plateaus, aiding gradual acclimatization.
- Spend three days visiting iconic sites like Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, and Barkhor Bazaar.
- Discover Tibetan Buddhism, architecture, and living traditions through guided sightseeing.
- Designed for travelers seeking cultural discovery and Himalayan beauty without travel hassle.
- Blends natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage for a transformative experience.
Itinerary
Depart early for an 8-hour drive from Kathmandu to Kerung, passing through scenic Nepalese countryside. After clearing immigration and customs, continue uphill to the Tibetan border town of Kerung. Meet your Tibetan guide at the checkpoint and proceed to your guesthouse for the night.
Drive across the vast Tibetan Plateau, known as the world’s highest, with stunning views of Mt. Cho Oyu (8,201m) and Mt. Shishapangma (8,012m) from the Lalunga Pass (5,050m), weather permitting. A distant view of Mt. Everest (8,848m) is also possible from Shegar. Overnight in a guesthouse.
Travel to Shigatse, home to the massive Thangka Wall. En route, cross the Gyatchu La Pass (5,220m), one of the highest points on the journey. Overnight at a hotel with twin-sharing rooms, breakfast included.
After breakfast, visit the Tashilunpo Monastery of the Panchen Lama and explore the local bazaar. Drive through Tibet’s largest agricultural region to Gyantse. Visit Khumbum Stupa and Phalkor Monastery. Overnight at a hotel with twin-sharing rooms, breakfast included.
Drive to Lhasa via Karo La (5,010m) and Khamba La (4,794m) passes. En route, enjoy views of Yamdrok Tso (Turquoise Lake) and cross the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) River. Spot distant views of the Potala Palace before reaching Lhasa. Overnight at a hotel with twin-sharing rooms, breakfast included.
Spend two full days exploring Lhasa’s cultural landmarks including Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Bazaar, Potala Palace, and the Drepung and Sera Monasteries. Overnight at a hotel with twin-sharing rooms, breakfast included.
Transfer to Gonggar Airport for your flight to Kathmandu or onward to a city in mainland China. Air or train tickets can be arranged in advance.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Transfers by van or tourist bus
- Budget hotel accommodation on a twin-sharing, bed-and-breakfast (BB) basis
- Guided sightseeing in Tibet with an experienced English-speaking Tibetan guide
- Monastery entrance fees as per the itinerary
- Two bottles of mineral water per person per day during the tour
- All airport and hotel transfers
Cost Excludes
- Lunch and dinner
- Nepal and China visa fees
- Airfare from Lhasa to Kathmandu or train tickets to other destinations
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
FAQs
Tibet is located in southwestern China, bordering India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar. Its three traditional regions are U-Tsang, Kham, and Amdo. While all inhabitants identify as Tibetan, each region has its own dialect and cultural distinctions.
Under Chinese administration, Tibet’s traditional regions have been divided and merged into different Chinese provinces. The term “Tibet” in official Chinese usage refers only to the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), which includes U-Tsang and parts of Kham. Other parts of Kham are in Sichuan and Yunnan, while Amdo has been divided among Gansu, Sichuan, and Qinghai. Covering about 1.22 million km², Tibet makes up roughly 12.8% of China. Its stunning alpine landscapes, strong Buddhist culture, and proximity to Nepal make it a popular destination for travelers and trekkers.
Tibet follows China Standard Time (CST), which is GMT+8 — 6 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
Traveling to Tibet requires a Chinese visa and a Tibet Travel Permit, both of which can be arranged through a travel agency in Kathmandu if entering via Nepal. A regular Chinese tourist visa is not sufficient on its own; you’ll still need a Tibet Travel Permit, even if entering from mainland China.
To obtain the permit, you must pre-book a licensed guide and arrange private transportation for travel outside Lhasa. Additional permits for areas beyond Lhasa are organized by your travel agency.
Required Documents
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months.
- Chinese Visa: Required for entry via mainland China. Apply through a Chinese embassy or visa service. A 30-day tourist visa (‘L’) is common, but longer visas may be available in places like Hong Kong.
- Group Visa: Needed for travelers entering Tibet from Nepal. Note that any individual Chinese visa will be canceled when a group visa is issued.
- Tibet Entry Permit: Mandatory for all foreigners and issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau.
- Additional Permits (for restricted areas):
- Travel Permit: For closed or restricted zones.
- Military Permit: Required for sensitive military regions.
By Road: Major highways into Tibet include:
- Sichuan-Tibet Highway (Chengdu–Lhasa)
- Qinghai-Tibet Highway (Xining–Lhasa)
- Yunnan-Tibet Highway
- Xinjiang-Tibet Highway
- China-Nepal Friendship Highway (Lhasa–Kathmandu)
By Air: Flights to Lhasa require a stopover in China or Nepal. The only international route is between Lhasa and Kathmandu. Lhasa Gonggar Airport is about 98 km from Lhasa city.
By Train: The Qinghai–Tibet Railway runs from Golmud to Lhasa, covering 1,142 km and connecting Tibet with mainland China.
Tibet’s high elevation results in generally cold weather. Lhasa enjoys sunny days but has chilly mornings and nights. Temperatures can vary significantly, so pack warm clothing regardless of the season.
The best time to visit Tibet is from April to early November, with August and September being ideal. Lhasa has a milder climate than the rest of Tibet and can be visited year-round. Sunlight is intense, earning Lhasa the nickname “Sunlight City.” May, June, and September are peak tourist months, especially in eastern Tibet.
No. Due to strict regulations, independent travel is not permitted in Tibet. All travel must be arranged through a registered agency, which will handle your visa, permits, and travel logistics.
Yes. Tibet’s high altitude can cause altitude sickness, especially for travelers from lower elevations. Symptoms may include headache, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Most cases are mild and resolve after acclimatization. It’s advisable to consult your doctor about AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) medication before your trip. Your guide will assist you if symptoms arise.
ATMs are available in Lhasa and Shigatse, but can be hard to find in smaller towns. It’s recommended to carry sufficient cash, especially when traveling to remote areas.
The official currency is the Chinese Yuan (RMB). Foreign currency can be exchanged at the Bank of China. Traveler’s cheques and credit cards are difficult to use outside major cities like Lhasa. Banks are closed on weekends.
As long as tourists follow their tour itinerary and avoid political discussions or prohibited materials, there are typically no issues.
Recommended vaccinations include:
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Diphtheria & Tetanus
- Hepatitis A & B
- Influenza
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
- Pneumonia
- Polio
- Rabies
- Tuberculosis
- Typhoid
- Yellow Fever (if coming from a Yellow Fever-endemic area)
Not really. English-speaking guides are provided, and staff at most major hotels can speak English. Commonly spoken languages in Tibet include Tibetan, Mandarin Chinese, English, and Nepali.
Yes, internet is available in cities like Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyantse, and Tsedang, mainly in hotels and a few cafés. However, access is limited in remote areas.
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with our Fixed Departure Tibet Tour – 8 Days, a well-curated travel experience that offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, ancient culture, and spiritual discovery. Designed for travelers seeking a hassle-free and budget-friendly way to explore Tibet, this tour departs weekly from Kathmandu and invites you to join a group of like-minded adventurers. From scenic drives across the high Himalayas to the cultural wonders of Lhasa, every moment is crafted for maximum impact and value.
The journey begins with an exciting drive from Kathmandu to the border town of Kerung, offering stunning views of green valleys and snow-capped mountains. As part of the Fixed Departure Tibet Tour – 8 Days, this route allows you to witness the gradual transition from Nepal’s lush landscapes to the vast, high-altitude plateaus of Tibet. The overland journey is not only scenic but also helps in gradual acclimatization, ensuring a smoother experience as you ascend into higher altitudes.
A major highlight of the tour is the visit to Lhasa, the spiritual and cultural heart of Tibet. Over three immersive days, you’ll explore iconic sites such as the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, and the vibrant Barkhor Bazaar. These sacred and historical landmarks provide deep insights into Tibetan Buddhism, architecture, and way of life. The Fixed Departure Tibet Tour – 8 Days ensures that you don’t just see Tibet—you experience its living heritage.
Another advantage of this fixed departure format is its affordability and convenience. With set travel dates and group pricing, the Fixed Departure Tibet Tour – 8 Days offers excellent value without compromising on comfort or experience. The tour includes guided sightseeing by experienced Tibetan guides, comfortable accommodations, and all necessary travel arrangements, allowing you to focus on the journey, not the logistics.
Whether you’re drawn by the allure of the Himalayas, the mystery of Tibetan monasteries, or the promise of cultural discovery, the Fixed Departure Tibet Tour – 8 Days is your gateway to one of the world’s most fascinating destinations. Book your spot today and get ready for a transformative travel experience across the roof of the world.
Visa Information
To fly into Tibet from Nepal, you’ll need both a Chinese Group Visa and a Tibet Travel Permit. These can be arranged in Kathmandu through a registered travel agency. Note that a regular Chinese tourist visa is not sufficient; even if you already have one, a Tibet Travel Permit is still required. Foreign travelers entering Tibet from mainland China must also obtain this permit.
To secure the permit, you must pre-book a licensed guide for the duration of your trip and arrange private transportation for travel outside Lhasa. Additional permits are required for travel beyond Lhasa, which your travel agency will help organize.
Required Travel Documents
- Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months.
- Chinese Visa: For entry via mainland China. Can be obtained through a Chinese Embassy or authorized agencies.
- Group Visa: Required for entry into Tibet from Nepal. This visa allows onward travel into mainland China after the Tibet tour.
- Note: If you already hold a Chinese visa, it will be canceled when applying for a Group Visa from Nepal.
- Tibet Entry Permit: Issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau; mandatory for all foreign travelers entering Tibet.
- Additional Permits (for certain regions):
- Travel Permit: Required for visiting restricted areas.
- Military Permit: Needed for accessing military-sensitive zones.
Weather Information
Tibet’s weather is similar to mainland China but colder due to its high altitude. Summers bring warm, sunny days and cool to chilly nights, especially at higher elevations. Winters are cold, though snowfall is usually light. Lhasa, located in a lower valley, enjoys sunshine year-round and is a relatively mild destination. Frost is common for at least six months of the year, and some high-altitude lakes remain frozen from October to March. Weather conditions vary greatly by region.
Safety Measures
To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, please follow these recommendations:
- Always carry at least two copies of your Tibet Permit.
- Keep your valuables secure and with you at all times.
- Inform your guide immediately if you feel unwell or experience altitude-related discomfort.
- Avoid rushing to visit attractions right after arriving in Lhasa—allow time to acclimate.
- Avoid excessive bargaining with street vendors and do not buy wildlife products, unidentified herbal medicine, or counterfeit items.
- Spend a few days in Lhasa to acclimate before ascending to higher altitudes.
- Avoid smoking and heavy drinking, especially at high elevations.
- Respect local customs and religious practices; be mindful of cultural taboos.
- Prepare for the harsh alpine climate—protect against sunburn and sudden temperature changes.
- Bring any prescribed medications, and consult your doctor before traveling.
- Do not explore unknown areas or travel alone at night without informing your guide.
- Carry enough cash, especially in small denominations, as card payments are often not accepted.
- In case of emergencies, contact your guide immediately.
- Do not carry materials related to the Dalai Lama or “Free Tibet.”
- Avoid bringing any Tibet-related guidebooks into the region.
