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Tibet Overland Tour, Overland to Tibet from Nepal, Sichuan, and Xinjiang
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Tibet Overland Tour

Tibet Overland Tour

With five major roads connecting Sichuan, Xinjiang, Qinghai, Yunnan, and Nepal, Tibet is an ideal place to carry on a grand adventure by road. We have crafted varied Tibet overland tours via multiple routes to give you an exciting Tibet driving experience!

Guided by local guides and experienced drivers, you can sit comfortably in the well-equipped vehicles enjoying the stunning scenery outside the window. You can see the beautiful Zheduo Mountain on G318 Highway, reach the edge of Taklamakan Desert via G219 Highway, and explore the deep Gyirong Valley via Sino-Nepal Highway.

Choose from our best Tibet overland tours and join us to explore remote areas and authentic local lives!

Top 3 Tibet Overland Tour Packages

We’ve selected two most classic Tibet overland tours. Our 7-day Lhasa to Kathmandu tour offers a glimpse of the stunning Yamdrok Lake, Everest Base Camp, and other dispersed attractions, and then reach the Nepalese side of the Himalayan Mountains across the Gyirong Port. This relatively short journey traverses the vast landscapes, fully capturing the beautiful plateau scenery. For tourists who want to explore Nepal before entering Tibet, we offer an alternative that departs from Kathmandu and reaches EBC and Kailash via Gyirong and then heads to Shigatse and Lhasa for Tibetan history and culture exploration. Join us on our thoughtfully planned Lhasa Kathmandu overland trips to immerse in the Himalayan natural and cultural splendors.

Tibet Overland Tours by Destinations & Themes

Our all-inclusive itineraries are well-crafted with Tibet attractions encounters. Explore our tour packages and join us for an adventure that blends awe-inspiring natural beauty with profound cultural significance!

Tibet Overland Tour with EBC, Kailash, Kathmandu (7-20 Days)

We have designed several classic Tibet Kathmandu overland tours for tourists who want to visit both Tibet and Nepal in one trip. Where to start your journey- Kathmandu or Lhasa and whether to include Everest Base Camp, Kailash Mansarovar trek and Ngari loop tour are all up to your preferences. We’re here to ensure you a smooth transfer at the China-Nepal border and a rewarding Tibet overland adventure with Kathmandu.

  • Lhasa Shigatse Mount Everest Small Group Tour
    Small Group Tour

    8 Days Lhasa Shigatse Mount Everest Small Group Tour

    Promo: Once-in-a-lifetime chance to face the tallest mountain in the world

    Dates & Price

    rili
    xiala
  • Lhasa Everest Base Camp Kathmandu Overland Small Group Tour
    Small Group Tour

    7 Days Lhasa Everest Base Camp Kathmandu Overland Small Group Tour

    Promo: Classic overland travel route from Lhasa to Kathmandu via Gyirong / Nyalam

    Dates & Price

    rili
    xiala
  • Lhasa Everest Kailash Mansarovar Gyirong/Zhangmu Kathmandu Small Group Tour
    Small Group Tour

    12 Days Lhasa Everest Kailash Mansarovar Gyirong/Zhangmu Kathmandu Small Group Tour

    Promo: Uncover the spiritual and natural secrets hidden within Tibet

    Dates & Price

    rili
    xiala
  • Lhasa to Everest Kailash and Mansarovar Small Group Tour
    Small Group Tour

    15 Days Tibet Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar Small Group Tour

    Promo: Western Tibet tour around Mount Kailash

    Dates & Price

    rili
    xiala
  • Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Small Group Tour with EBC
    Small Group Tour

    8 Days Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Small Group Tour with EBC

    Promo: Drive Across Himalaya Overland Tour with altitude rising slowly

    Dates & Price

    rili
    xiala
  • Lhasa Shigatse Everest Base Camp Namtso Small Group Tour
    Small Group Tour

    9 Days Lhasa Shigatse Everest Base Camp Namtso Small Group Tour

    Promo: Unveil the profound spirituality and natural beauty that lie within the heart of Tibet.

    Dates & Price

    rili
    xiala
  • Lhasa Everest Kailash Mansarovar Guge Kingdom Full Moon Small Group Tour
    Small Group Tour

    17 Days Lhasa Everest Kailash Mansarovar Guge Kingdom Full Moon Small Group Tour

    Promo: Explore western Tibetan spirituality and culture around the sacred Mount Kailash

    Dates & Price

    rili
    xiala
  • Tibet Nepal Bhutan Small Group Tour
    Small Group Tour

    13 Days Tibet Nepal Bhutan Small Group Tour

    Promo: Unveil the spiritual and natural mysteries concealed in the Himalayan Mountains.

    Dates & Price

    rili
    xiala
  • 9 Days Lhasa Shigatse Everest Base Camp and Lake Namtso Private Tour

    9 Days Lhasa Shigatse Everest Base Camp and Lake Namtso Private Tour

    Features:

    All-inclusive central Tibet journey
    Explore Tibetan culture and history
    Appreciate sacred lakes

    Group size: Min.1 pax

    Tour price: free enquire >

  • 16 Days Tibet Classic Biking Tour from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp

    16 Days Tibet Classic Biking Tour from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp

    Features:

    Best choice for bikers
    A 10-day biking journey to EBC
    Breathtaking plateau landscapes

    Group size: Min.1 pax

    Tour price: free enquire >

Sichuan Tibet Overland Tour via G318 or G317 (10-11 Days)

Start your journey in Chengdu, the home to pandas, and drive to Tibet along the G318 or G317 Highway. This is one of the most popular self-driving routes in China as it fully captures the stunning views of southwest land, including Zheduo Mountain, Yalong River, Bangda Grassland, and Lulang Forest. Embark on an epic journey in southwest China with our Sichuan-Tibet overland tour!

  • Chengdu Jiaju Ganzi Namtso Lhasa Small Group Tour via Sichuan Tibet Highway G317
    China Group Tour

    11 Days Chengdu Jiaju Ganzi Namtso Lhasa G317 Overland Small Group Tour

    Promo: Exploring the Heart of Tibet Along the Scenic G317 Route

    Dates & Price

    rili
    xiala
  • Chengdu Litang Rawuk Midui Nyingchi Lhasa G318 Overland Small Group Tour
    China Group Tour

    10 Days Chengdu Litang Midui Nyingchi Lhasa G318 Overland Small Group Tour

    Promo: In-depth Tour of G318 to discover the Beauty of Tibet

    Dates & Price

    rili
    xiala
  • 11 Days Sichuan-Tibet G318 (Chengdu to Lhasa) Overland Self Drive Tour

    11 Days Sichuan-Tibet G318 (Chengdu to Lhasa) Overland Self Drive Tour

    Features:

    Best for adventurous travelers
    Drive through the vast southwest China
    Pristine mountains and vast grassland

    Group size: Min.1 pax

    Tour price: free enquire >

Xinjiang Tibet Overland Tour via G219 (16-17 Days)

Embark on the ultimate adventure with our road trip along the G219 Highway connecting Tibet and Xinjiang. This epic route passes the iconic Mount Kailash, the sacred Lake Mansarovar, and the mesmerizing Taklamakan Desert. With local experienced drivers and well-equipped vehicles, we ensure to take you to unlock the secrets of the Himalayas and the Silk Road through a safe trip.

Yunnan Tibet Overland Tour via G214 (10-30 Days)

Kick off the thrilling exploration with our land trip along the G214 Highway connecting Yunnan and Tibet. This road route passes the vast landscape of southwestern China, including Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La, Nyingchi, Lhasa, Yamdrok Lake, Everest Base Camp, Mount Kailash, Lake Mansarovar, and Guge Kingdom, etc. If time allows, you can extend your Yunnan Tibet overland tour to Nepal and Xinjiang. With local drivers and comfortabel vehicles, we ensure to take you to unveil the myth of the ancient Tea Horse Road.

  • 10 Days Shangri-La Ranwu Bomi Nyingchi Lhasa Overland Tour

    10 Days Shangri-La Ranwu Bomi Nyingchi Lhasa Overland Tour

    Features:

    Best Yunnan Tibet tour by land
    Grand trip covering diverse landscapes
    Experience Tibetan cultures from all sides

    Group size: Min.1 pax

    Tour price: free enquire >

Tibet Train Tour Service & Reviews

Why Travel Tibet Overland with Us?

  • Professional Tibetan local travel agency specializing in Tibet overland tour

  • Seasoned local tour guides follow the clients’ health conditions with emergency backup plans

  • Experienced drivers, well-equipped vehicles, oxygen cylinders, and bottled water ensure a safe road trip

  • Well-crafted overland itineraries covering attractions like Potala Palace, EBC, Mt. Kailash, Guge Kingdom, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, and Taklamakan Desert

  • Viable themes catering to sightseeing tourists, adventurers, self-drivers, etc

  • One-stop service arranging travel documents, accommodations, restaurants, porter, and yak hiring for you

  • Trained travel consultants providing 1 to 1 customized tour service

  • 24/7 services to help with altitude sickness and unexpected problems

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Tibet Overland Tour Travelogue

Discover roadside landscapes and overland tour experience recorded in our clients’ photos and videos!

❮ ❯
Clients at Gyirong Border
Clients at Potala Palace
Clients at Jokhang Temple
Clients at Barkhor Street
Clients at Drepung Monastery
Clients at Sere Monastery
Clients at Yamdrok Lake
Clients at Everest Base Camp

Tibet Overland Tour Faqs

  • 1. Can foreigners take a self-driving overland trip in Tibet?

    According to the latest information, foreign tourists are provided with opportunities for self-driving Tibet tours. With the Tibet Travel Permit in conjunction with a Chinese provisional driving license, foreign travelers can now immerse themselves in the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of this majestic region at their own pace.

    Notice: Self-driving tours do not equate to independent travel. Foreign tourists in Tibet still cannot move around freely. Organized and planned self-driving tours in Tibet must be conducted through qualified travel agencies in Tibet. As an experienced Tibet tour operator, we can arrange all relevant self-driving tour permits and car rentals for you.

  • 2. How to get to Tibet by road?

    There are typically five overland routes connecting Tibet with Sichuan, Xinjiang, Qinghai, Yunnan and Kathmandu, Nepal.

    1. Sichuan-Tibet Highway (G318 Highway): It starts from Chengdu and ends in Lhasa, with a total of 2,,330km in length. It passes Ya'an, Kangding and Xinduqiao. This is the most popular driving route to Tibet among Chinese travelers as it offers stunning scenery of Sichuan Basin and Tibet Plateau.

    2. Xinjiang-Tibet Highway (G219 Highway): The section between Kashgar and Tingri, a town 183km southeast of Lhasa, is around 2,400km. Known as the highest road in the world, this road crosses over many ice-covered mountain passes and glaciers.

    3. Qinghai–Tibet Highway (G109 Highway): It runs from Xining to Lhasa via Golmud, with a total of 1,214km long. The average elevation of the highway is above 4,000 meters. It takes the least time to get to Tibet with good road conditions compared to others.

    4. Yunnan-Tibet Highway (G214 Highway): The 697km-long highway begins in Dali, Yunnan Province, passes through Shangri-La, and then reaches Markham County, Tibet. It joins G318 Highway here and continues 1,346km to Lhasa.

    5. Kathmandu-Tibet Highway (Friendship Highway): As a section of Sino-Nepal Highway, it connects Lhasa with Kathmandu via Shigatse and Gyirong, covering 1,120km. It’s one of the most popular overland trips to Lhasa

  • 3. What is the best time to travel overland to Tibet?

    The best time to join a Tibet overland tour is generally from April to June and from September to October. During these months, the weather is relatively stable, with clear skies, mild temperatures and less rainfall, making it ideal for driving and enjoying the stunning views of Himalayan landscapes.

  • 4. What permits are needed to join a Tibet train tour?

    To travel overland to Tibet, visitors typically need the following permits:

    Tibet Travel Permit: This permit is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) and is required for all foreign travelers visiting Tibet.

    Aliens' Travel Permit: Travelers traveling to partially restricted areas such as EBC, Basumtso Lake, Samye Monastery, etc. need to obtain Aliens’ Travel Permit via Tibet Travel Agency (like Tibet Horizon).

    Military Area Entry Permit: Travelers visiting military-sensitive areas such as Mount Kailash, Lake Mansarovar, etc, need to apply for a Military Area Entry Permit.

    Chinese Group Visa: If you travel to Tibet from Nepal, you’ll need a Chinese Group Visa issued by the Embassy in Kathmandu.

    Our Xizang tour packages include Tibet Travel Permit and all the necessary Tibet travel documents. If you book with us, we’ll help apply for the permits needed to ensure a smooth and worry-free Tibet overland tour.

  • 5. What about the road conditions to Tibet?

    Generally speaking, the roads to Tibet are in good condition. Most of them are paved with asphalt with two lanes. However, there are certain sections of the road that is not that ideal as you will pass lofty mountain passes and bends. The road conditions at the China-Nepal border may be the worst. The distance between Gyirong to Kathmandu is only 160km, but it usually takes 6-8 hours.

  • 6. What about the accommodation during Tibet overland tours?

    Lhasa, Shigatse, Shiquanhe Town, Kashagr, and other major cities and counties offer more diverse options from 3-to 5-star hotels to local guesthouses. For small group travelers, you will be staying at designated 3-or 4-star hotels. Private travelers can choose according to your standards. In some remote areas like Everest Base Camp, Dahongliutan, and Mazar, there may be no luxury hotels but only cozy guestrooms.

  • 7. What to eat during Tibet overland tours?

    We have handpicked restaurants with food safety guarantee for our travelers. You can enjoy unique Tibetan, Nepali and Sichuan cuisines along the way. Specialties include yak hotpot, sweet tea, butter tea, roasted pig, tsampa, barley wine, stone pot chicken and spicy diced chicken. Nepali dishes feature chicken masala and various curries. You can also find Indian dishes and Western-style dishes in Lhasa. If you have any special dietary requirement, please keep our guides informed and they will help you check food composition when you order dishes.

  • 8. How to deal with possible altitude sickness when traveling Tibet overland?

    Driving on the Tibet Plateau with an average altitude of over 4,000 meters, it’s common for some tourists to experience altitude sickness when doing an overland tour. The symptoms of altitude sickness can include headache, nausea, and dizziness.

    To minimize the effect of altitude sickness, it is important to allow time to acclimate to the high altitude and to take precautions to prevent altitude sickness. Travelers should drink plenty of water, eat light meals, and avoid alcohol or caffeine. It is also recommended to take a slow path in the first two days after entering Tibet, avoiding strenuous activities like running.

    If you feel uncomfortable, tell your guide. We have prepared oxygen tanks in our vehicles. You can inhale oxygen and take medication when necessary. If symptoms of altitude sickness persist or worsen, we’ll help transfer you to the hotel or hospital to seek medical attention immediately.

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  • Mr.Garcia from America, asked on March 18th, 2023

    Buy Diamox in Lhasa or bring it with me?

    I learned online that Diamox can help alleviate altitude sickness. I would like to know if this medication is available for purchase at pharmacies in Lhasa, or if I should bring it with me?

    Mr. Kalsang Rinchen from Tibet Horizon, answered on March 18th, 2023

    Dear Garcia, thank you for your inquiry. Diamox is indeed known to help alleviate altitude sickness. However, it's essential to note that Diamox typically needs to be started one to two days before your trip.

    While pharmacies in Lhasa may carry Diamox, it's not always readily available, and you may need to consult a doctor at a hospital to obtain it. Therefore, we recommend preparing Diamox before your departure and starting the medication as instructed. It's crucial to be aware that Diamox can have side effects, so it's essential to consult with a doctor before taking it. We advise against purchasing Diamox without proper medical guidance.

    If you have any further questions or need assistance with your travel preparations, please feel free to contact us. We're here to help ensure that your trip is safe and enjoyable!

  • Miss Gonzalez from Spain, asked on February 15th, 2021

    Any advice on the trip Lhasa to Kathmandu

    Hi there I'm planning a trip arriving Lhasa and finishing in Kathmandu. Any advice on who to fly with for cheapest price? Are there any particular days they fly out?

    Mr. Tenzin Sherab from Tibet Horizon, answered on February 15th, 2021

    Dear González, thank you for reaching out us. To provide you with the most accurate information, could you please share your estimated travel dates with us? This will help us determine the best options for flights and provide you with more reliable

    1.If you have around 8 days, you can drive from Lhasa to the Nepal border via Everest Base Camp (EBC). From there, you can take local jeeps to Kathmandu. Please note that currently, the road near the Nepal border is damaged by landslides, but if your trip is next year, this may not be a problem.

    2.If you're short on time, you can fly from Lhasa to Kathmandu. While the direct flight by Air China is a bit expensive and not available daily, China Eastern Air sometimes offers excellent discount tickets. They fly from Lhasa to Kunming and then from Kunming to Kathmandu, sometimes at half the cost of the direct flight. However, the availability and pricing of connecting flights can vary depending on several factors.

    Once we have your estimated travel dates, we can provide you with more specific flight options and recommendations. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions or need assistance with your travel arrangements.

  • Mr. Ford from America, asked on April 5th, 2024

    Meals Included

    Hello! Does the G318 Overland tour include lunch and dinners on road?

    Mr. Passang Norbu from Tibet Horizon, answered on April 5th, 2024

    Dear Ford, thank you for extending your question to us.

    Our Sichuan-Tibet overland tour package include breakfasts listed in itinerary overview. Breakfasts are provided by hotels. Lunch and dinners on road are not included. During the overland trip, you can eat at à la carte restaurants to savor authentic Sichuan and Tibetan cuisine. You can order dishes according to your preferences. You can also bring some snacks, bread and instant noodles.

    If you have further questions or need a detailed quotation list, feel free to contact us.

  • Mr. Bach from Austria, asked on April 13th, 2024

    Wild Animal along Xinjiang-Tibet Highway

    I am a photography enthusiast. I plan to travel to Tibet next year to take some photos. Is there a possibility to see wildlife along the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway?

    Mr. Tenzin Jamphel from Tibet Horizon, answered on April 13th, 2024

    Dear Bach, thank you for reaching out with your question. We appreciate your interest and are delighted to assist you.

    To answer your query, yes, there is a possibility to see wildlife along the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway. This route traverses some of the most remote and pristine regions in Tibet and Xinjiang, providing ample opportunities to observe various wildlife species in their natural habitat. Along the way, you might encounter wild donkeys, Tibetan antelope, and other unique animals that inhabit these high-altitude areas. The journey will take you through solitary plains, endless deserts, and desolate no man's lands, offering not only stunning landscapes but also a chance to capture some remarkable wildlife photographs.

    If you have any further questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to ensure your trip is as enjoyable and memorable as possible.

  • Mr. Pal from India, asked on March 17th, 2024

    Kathmandu to Tibet Helicopter Cost

    Do you guys know more about the info about the helicopter, I'm making the plan next year. How much is the helicopter from Kathmandu to Tibet?

    Mr. Tenzin Jamphel from Tibet Horizon, answered on March 17th, 2024

    Dear Pal, thank you for your inquiry! If you're interested in helicopter services from Kathmandu to Tibet, here's some information:

    There are helicopter services available in Nepal that offer scenic flights to Everest Base Camp for approximately 3 hours. The cost for this experience is usually over $3000 USD per helicopter. You can find more information about taking a helicopter from Kathmandu to Lhasa in this article: 11 Days Nepal Kathmandu to Tibet Mount Kailash and Lake Mansaover Helicopter Group Tour.

    As for traveling from Kathmandu to Lhasa (Tibet) by air, the direct flight is operated by Air China. The one-way airfare is typically around US$500 per person, including taxes. However, please note that the cost may vary depending on the season.

    If you have any further questions or require assistance with your travel plans, please feel free to reach out to us. We're here to help make your trip a memorable one!

  • Mr. Neri from Switzerland, asked on June 13th, 2024

    Chance of Seeing Kailash and Mansarovar in August

    Hi, I am planning to visit Kailash Mansarovar in early August. How is the typical visibility of Mount Kailash during this time of the year? I want to know if my chances of seeing Mt. Kailash from Mansarovar Lake at this time of the year is good or not.

    Mr. Tsering Wangdue from Tibet Horizon, answered on June 7th, 2024

    Dear Neri, thank you for your inquiry regarding your upcoming trip. We appreciate your interest and are delighted to assist you.

    In early August, the visibility of Mount Kailash from Mansarovar Lake can be quite variable. This period falls within the monsoon season in the region, which typically spans from late June to early September. During the monsoon season, the area often experiences heavy rainfall, cloud cover, and fog. Consequently, these weather conditions can significantly impact the visibility of Mount Kailash.

    While clear days are possible, there is a significant chance of overcast skies and rain, which may obscure the view. It's important to be prepared for changing weather conditions and to have some flexibility in your schedule to maximize your chances of witnessing the mountain's beauty.

    If you have any further questions or need additional assistance. please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help and ensure you have a memorable and successful journey.

  • Mr. Verma from India, asked on December 21st, 2023

    Age Limit for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

    I wonder if there is a formal age limit for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Indian pilgrims. One of the members in our group is 74 years.
    I have two related questions:
    1. Is there an age limit for issuing the chinese visa for Mansarovar- Kailash Yatra
    2. Is there a separate age limit imposed by chinese officials or tour organisers for the Kailash Parikrama alone.
    Thank you for your help.

    Mr. Tenzin Jamphel from Tibet Horizon, answered on December 21st, 2023

    Dear Verma, thank you for reaching out with your inquiry regarding the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

    Typically, there isn't a formal age limit for issuing a Chinese visa for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. However, visa approval is contingent upon meeting certain health and safety requirements, given the challenging nature of the journey. It's advisable for elderly pilgrims to undergo thorough medical examinations and obtain a fitness certificate from a qualified doctor.

    For the Kailash Parikrama, Chinese officials and tour organizers often impose age and health restrictions due to the high altitude and physical demands of the trek. Generally, those over the age of 70 may be subject to additional scrutiny and might be advised against participating in the Parikrama, depending on their health status. It's crucial for anyone attempting the Parikrama to be in excellent health, regardless of age.

    If you have any further questions or need more information, please feel free to contact us. We're here to help and ensure you have a safe and memorable journey.