From Kathmandu to Lhasa
From Nepal to Tibet, two cultures intimately linked in the shadow of Everest
Duration
16 days
From
€2,059/pers.
Ideal seasons
Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, groupe
The spirit of travel
Discover through this journey from Népal to Tibet, two countries and two cultures intimately linked. Tibet has fascinated for centuries. More than religious architecture like Potala, Jokhang, Tashilumpo, Tibet offers natural spaces of exceptional beauty. Departing from Katmandou, this journey takes you to discover one of the most beautiful and most fascinating regions of the world. Of course, comfort conditions are sometimes basic, the trails are not always in perfect condition, but what a journey it is to meet the Tibetan people and their thousand-year-old traditions!
Along the way, you will cross the high plateaus of the Himalayas, traverse grandiose landscapes dominated by the world's highest peaks and discover monasteries where spirituality still punctuates daily life. Arrival in Lhassa, a mythical city perched at over 3,600 meters altitude, is one of the highlights of this adventure. Between encounters with pilgrims, discovery of sacred sites and spectacular panoramas of the mountains, this journey offers a unique immersion in the heart of a preserved culture.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Welcome and assistance by our representative at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
A short car drive will take you to your hotel where you can rest for a while.
The guided tour
Visit to the main sites of the Kathmandu valley
Kathmandu Durbar Square, the heart of old Kathmandu. This great square immerses visitors in the history of the city. We visit the ancient royal palace Hanuman Dhoka guarded by the monkey god Hanuman. As well as Kumari Bahal, home of the living goddess Kumari, and finally the Statue of Kala Bhairab, the fierce god fighting demons. All these deities, and many others, seem to watch over the city. Nepalese people come to honor them in turn before stopping at the markets of Asan Tole or Indra Chowk.
The stupa of Swayambunath surrounded by several other temples is erected on a hill overlooking Kathmandu
Located south of Kathmandu, Patan, the second largest city in the valley is what was once called Lalitpur, the Beautiful City. It is considered to be the cradle of arts and Newar architecture, which influences the entire valley. Patan is famous for its crafts and worked metals, which will make wonderful souvenirs.
The visit continues through the Kathmandu valley
Visit to the main sites of the Katmandou valley
Pashupatinath, one of the sacred temples of South Asia, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. You can see the river and the cremation rituals that are followed on the banks of the river. It resembles Varanasi (Benares) in India.
Visit to the famous stupa of Bouddhanath, one of the main Buddhist sanctuaries in the region surrounded by numerous monasteries and Tibetan shops.
Bhaktapur, a medieval city and former royal palace, inhabited largely by Newars who are mainly Hindu. Bhaktapur contains squares and historical monuments of great artistic value.
Free day in Kathmandu
Treat yourself by shopping for local souvenirs or why not take a detour to the spa? You can also participate in making traditional souvenirs such as the Nepali Khukuri knife or wood carving with local artisans or cooking - MoMo or Thakali with locals. (Time: 2-4 hours, to be booked 2 days in advance. Prices vary depending on activities). We can organize a flight over the Himalayan Range one morning (6:30 am) for an additional fee.
Flight to Lhasa
Early morning departure to the airport and check-in for your flight to Lhasa, Gongkar airport. After approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes of flight, you will be warmly welcomed by our Tibetan guide and driver who will take you to Lhasa. Along the way, enjoy an impressive view of the Brahmaputra River, also known as Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibetan.
Visit to the city of Lhasa
After breakfast, discover the Tibetan capital: visit to the Potala Palace: the ancient and monumental residence of the Dalai Lamas dating from the 17th century. Considered one of the architectural wonders of the world, it contains thousands of rooms, sanctuaries and statues. Visit the monastic cities of Drepung, walk around the monastery. The Barkhor, the thousand-year-old market.
Lhasa and its surroundings
Continuation of your discovery by visiting the most famous monastery of the Gelugpa branch, the Sera monastery which corresponds to one of the three great monastic universities founded in the 15th century. Also visit the temple of Jokhang, which houses the famous statue of Jowo Shakyamuni and where many pilgrims from all over Tibet gather. Norbulingka: where the summer palaces of the Dalai Lamas are located, return to the hotel.
Route from Lhassa to Gyantse
You will begin your visit at approximately 9 o'clock from your hotel, then head towards Yangtse across 3 major passes, Kampa La, Karo La, Similä respectively. Karola is the highest pass among them which is over 5000mts with its most beautiful glaciers, beautiful Yamdrok lake emerged like coral color from the summit of Kampala pass. You will have your lunch in Nakartse area which is just between Yamdrok lake and Karola glaciers.
Route from Gyantse to Shigatse
You will begin your visit at approximately 9 am from your hotel, then head towards Palchoe Monastery for a few minutes. Visit Palchoe Monastery and Kumbum Pagoda Stupa. After the visit, you will have lunch and then continue your journey to Shigatse passing through one of the largest agricultural lands in Tibet where people cultivate barley, wheat, and various kinds of vegetables.
Shigatse to Dingri via Sakya monastery, known as Shegar
You will start your visit at approximately 8:30 AM from your hotel and cross two major passes Tsola 4,500 m / Gyatso 5,220 m and some beautiful villages and the first view of Everest from the foot of the Gyatso pass. You will have your lunch in Sakya after finishing your visit to Sakya monastery.
On the way from Shegar to Rongbuk Monastery
You will begin your visit at 9am and drive through Pang La Pass 5000mts from where you will have a stunning view of Mount Everest, Lhotse and Makalu, respectively, which are over 8000 Mts. After lunch, you will visit the highest monastery in the world, Rongbuk. Walk to Everest base camp which takes you an hour and a half. Explore Everest base camp and behind Rongbuk monastery. When the sun sets, you will have a stunning view of Mount Everest in the red color of the sun's shadow.
From Shigatse to Lake Namtso via Xugu Pass
You will begin your visit at approximately 9:30 AM from your hotel and visit Tashi Lhunpo monastery in the morning, the seat of the Panchen Lama and one of the largest Geukpa monasteries in Tibet.
After the visit, drive along the Brahmaputra River with a landscape of sand hills, villages and Rulak Yungdrung ling on the other side of the river. From Tagdruka, you leave the main road and drive off-road until you reach Yamba chen. You will have a very beautiful view of Nyenchen Thangla mountain.
Route to Lhasa
Discover Namtso Lake and stroll to Tashi Do hermitage where there are many caves and a small monastery.
After this return to Lhasa and free afternoon for souvenirs. Namtso Lake at (4,700 meters) is one of the largest lakes in Tibet and is 70 kilometers long and 30 km wide. The landscape is dominated by the snow peak of Nyenchen Thangla to the southwest of the lake. Tashi Do hermitage situated on a promontory with more than 50 small caves, some of which are small chapels. Pilgrims make a half-hour walk (kora) around Tashi Do hermitage.
Return to Kathmandu
Good return and see you next time!
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Lunch and dinner meals in Kathmandu and Tibet
- The flight: Kathmandu-Lhasa round trip, on Air China (from $600)
- Nepali visa fees upon arrival (double entry visa: $40)
- Tibetan visa fees (no Chinese visa required), special Tibet Autonomous Region (US$114) Plan ahead with your original passport
- Beverages and other personal expenses
- High-risk travel insurance and emergency evacuation
- Supplement of 200€ per person for the months of July and August
- Tips left to your appreciation but strongly recommended, as this practice is very widespread in Tibet
Included
- Airport transfers (round trip) and land transfers as per the itinerary description
- Accommodation at Green Hotel in Kathmandu for 4 nights with breakfast
- Accommodation in the hotels and guest houses mentioned
- Visits, activities and excursions as planned in the itinerary, entrance fees included
- The services of an English-speaking Nepali guide during the visit to Katmandou
- The services of an English-speaking Tibetan guide in Tibet (English-speaking guide with a supplement)
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Nepal for a tourist stay. Since entry rules may change, we recommend that you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Nepal, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry into the country and must have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist visa
Unlike some destinations, Nepal does not grant visa exemptions to nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada. A tourist visa is mandatory to enter the territory.
This visa can be obtained in two ways:
On arrival (visa on arrival): available at the main entry points, notably Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and certain land border crossings. It is strongly recommended to complete the application form online before departure to facilitate procedures on site.
Online before departure: via the official online visa system of the Nepalese government (online visa application), allowing you to obtain prior authorization to present upon arrival.
Official rates are as follows:
15 days: 30 USD
30 days: 50 USD
90 days: 125 USD
Payment is generally made in cash (USD, EUR, or other accepted currencies) or by credit card depending on the entry points. It is advisable to have US dollars in cash for payment on site.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return flight or onward journey),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Online arrival form
Before your arrival, it is recommended to complete the online arrival form available on the official portal of the Nepalese government. This form allows you to provide immigration authorities with:
passport information
flight details
the address of your first accommodation in Nepal
A digital confirmation or a reference code may be requested when passing through immigration or at the visa issuance counter upon arrival.
Special permits for trekking areas
Certain regions of Nepal require additional permits in addition to the tourist visa:
the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System): mandatory for most trekking itineraries,
national park or conservation area permits (e.g., Sagarmatha for Everest, Annapurna Conservation Area),
restricted zone permits for certain specific destinations such as Mustang, Dolpo, or Manaslu.
These permits are generally obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara from the relevant offices.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Nepal, except in case of arrival from a country at risk of yellow fever. However, several vaccinations are strongly recommended by health authorities:
hepatitis A and B,
typhoid,
diphtheria-tetanus-poliomyelitis (DTP),
rabies (especially for extended stays or in remote areas),
Japanese encephalitis (depending on areas and season).
Preventive antimalarial treatment may be recommended for certain low-altitude regions (Terai). It is advisable to consult a doctor or international vaccination center at least four to six weeks before departure.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay, as well as their own tourist visa.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Nepal in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be covered for emergency assistance, repatriation and foreign medical expenses.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these formulas, the full policy detailing all coverage and claims reporting procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claims reporting procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Yes, a tourist visa is required, issued upon arrival at Kathmandu airport or at land borders (USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, USD 125 for 90 days). A valid passport for at least 6 months beyond entry and an identity photo are required.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, plan between 110 and 190 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation and English-speaking guide. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. Himalayan treks require a dedicated budget (permits, porters, lodges).
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Kathmandu Valley
Himalayan pathfinder, based in Katmandou (Naxal)
Nepal is a country that naturally teaches patience and humility. Even a simple trip can become a very profound experience there.
— Nirmala
