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. Beyond religious architecture such as 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 fascinating regions in the world. Of course, comfort conditions are sometimes basic, the tracks are not always in perfect condition, but what a journey it is to meet the Tibetan people and their ancient traditions!
Along the way, you will cross the high plateaus of the Himalaya, traverse grandiose landscapes dominated by the highest peaks in the world and discover monasteries where spirituality still shapes daily life. The 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
Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be welcomed and assisted by our local representative. A short drive will then take you to your hotel in Kathmandu, where you can settle in and enjoy some rest after your journey.
The guided tour
Discover the main sites of the Kathmandu Valley. Begin with Kathmandu Durbar Square, in the heart of the old city. You will discover the ancient royal palace Hanuman Dhoka, guarded by the monkey god Hanuman, then Kumari Bahal, the house of the living goddess Kumari, before observing the statue of Kala Bhairab, a fierce divinity fighting demons. Nepali people come to honor these divinities before heading towards the markets of Asan Tole or Indra Chowk. Continue with the Swayambhunath stupa, surrounded by several temples and located on a hill overlooking Kathmandu. Then head to Patan, located south of Kathmandu. Formerly called Lalitpur, the "Beautiful City", it is considered a cradle of arts and Newar architecture. Patan is also known for its crafts and metalwork, with the possibility of finding many artisanal souvenirs there.
The visit continues through the Kathmandu Valley
Continue your discovery of the main sites in the Kathmandu valley with a visit to Pashupatinath, one of the sacred temples of South Asia, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. From the site, you observe the river and the cremation rituals practiced on its banks, which are reminiscent of those in Varanasi (Benares) in India. You then head to the famous Boudhanath stupa, one of the main Buddhist sanctuaries in the region, surrounded by numerous monasteries and Tibetan shops. End the day in Bhaktapur, an ancient medieval city and royal town, inhabited largely by Newars who are predominantly Hindu. You discover its squares and historic monuments, which testify to the artistic richness of the city.
Free day in Kathmandu
Enjoy this day at your own pace to buy some local souvenirs or treat yourself to a moment of relaxation at the spa. You can also participate in an activity with local artisans or residents: making a Nepali khukuri knife, wood carving or an introduction to cooking with the preparation of momos or a thakali. These experiences last between 2 and 4 hours, must be booked two days in advance and their price varies depending on the activity chosen. A flight over the Himalayan mountain range can also be organized in the morning at 6:30 a.m., for an additional fee.
Flight to Lhasa
Early departure to the airport to take your flight to Lhasa, arriving at Gongkar airport after approximately 1 hour 20 minutes of flight. Upon arrival, you are warmly welcomed by your Tibetan guide and driver, who accompany you to Lhasa. Along the way, enjoy a view of the Brahmaputra, also called Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibetan.
Visit to the city of Lhasa
After breakfast, set off to discover Lhassa, the Tibetan capital. Visit its palace, the monumental former residence of the Dalai Lamas dating from the 17th century. It houses thousands of rooms, sanctuaries and statues. Continue with a visit to the monastic cities, then enjoy a walk around the monastery. End your discovery with a stroll through the ancient market, at the heart of Lhassa's local life.
Lhasa and its surroundings
Continue your discovery of Lhassa with a visit to the Sera Monastery, one of the most famous monasteries of the Gelugpa branch and one of the three great monastic universities founded in the 15th century. You then visit the temple housing the famous statue of Jowo Shakyamuni, where many pilgrims gather. The day continues with the discovery of the site where the summer palaces of the Dalai Lamas are located, before your return to the hotel.
Route from Lhassa to Gyantse
Lhasa → Gyantse
Around 9 am, leave your hotel and head towards Gyantse. Your route crosses three major passes: Kampa La, Karo La and Simi La. The Karo La, located at over 5,000 meters altitude, is the highest of the three and offers views of its glaciers. From the summit of Kampa La, also discover Yamdrok Lake, whose waters reveal themselves in the heart of the Tibetan landscape.
You will have lunch in Nakartse, located between Yamdrok Lake and the Karo La glaciers, before continuing your journey.
Route from Gyantse to Shigatse
Gyantse → Shigatse
Around 9 a.m., leave your hotel to head to the Palchoe Monastery. On site, discover the monastery as well as the Kumbum Pagoda stupa. After the visit, take time to have lunch before continuing your journey towards Shigatse. Along the way, cross one of the main agricultural regions of Tibet, where inhabitants cultivate in particular barley, wheat and various varieties of vegetables.
Shigatse to Dingri via Sakya Monastery, known as Shegar
You will start your visit at around 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 completing the visit to Sakya monastery.
On the way from Shegar to Rongbuk monastery
Departure at 9 a.m. to drive across the Pang La pass, located at 5,000 meters altitude. From the pass, enjoy a view of several peaks over 8,000 meters: Everest, Lhotse and Makalu. After lunch, visit the Rongbuk monastery, presented as the highest monastery in the world. Then set off for a hike of approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to Everest Base Camp. Take time to explore the area before returning to Rongbuk monastery. At sunset, observe Mount Everest, whose ridges take on red hues in the light of the end of day.
From Shigatse to Lake Namtso via Xugu Pass
Around 9:30 AM, you will visit the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, seat of the Panchen Lama and one of the main monasteries of the Gelugpa school in Tibet. After the visit, take the road along the Brahmaputra River. The journey crosses a landscape dotted with sand hills and villages, with Rulak Yungdrung Ling visible on the opposite bank. From Tagdruka, leave the main road and continue your itinerary off-road to Yamba Chen. You then enjoy a view of Nyenchen Thangla Mountain.
Route to Lhasa
Discover the Namtso Lake, located at 4,700 meters altitude. With its 70 km long and 30 km wide, it is among the largest lakes in Tibet. The landscape is dominated, to the southwest, by the snow-capped peak of Nyenchen Thangla. Continue to the Tashi Do hermitage, situated on a promontory and composed of more than 50 small caves, some of which house small chapels, as well as a monastery. Pilgrims perform a kora of approximately 30 minutes around the hermitage.
After this discovery, resume your journey towards Lhassa. Make the most of your free afternoon to do your last souvenir shopping.
Return to Kathmandu
After lunch, transfer to the airport to take your flight to Katmandu. Upon arrival at the airport in Katmandu, you are welcomed by our local representative, then transferred to your hotel where you can settle in and rest for a few moments.
Enjoy the rest of the day free in Katmandu.
Good to see you again and until next time!
According to your flight schedule, transfer to the Kathmandu International Airport, scheduled three hours before your departure, for your return flight.
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
- Flight: Kathmandu-Lhasa round trip, on Air China (from $600)
- The Nepali visa fees on arrival (double entry visa: $40)
- Tibetan visa fees (no need for Chinese visa), special autonomous region of Tibet ($114) Bring 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 discretion but strongly recommended, this practice being very widespread in Tibet
Included
- Airport transfers A/R and land transfers according to the circuit description
- Accommodation at Green l'hôtel in Kathmandu for 4 nights with breakfast
- Accommodation in the hotels and guest houses mentioned
- Visits, activities and excursions scheduled in the program, entrance fees included
- The services of an English-speaking Nepalese 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
