The culturally and historically rich Tibet is also a popular travel destination filled with thrilling overland tours of a lifetime. For passionate road trippers, the following top 3 Tibet overland tours are worth adding to your ultimate travel checklists.

Whether you're looking for an experience of the mighty Mount Everest, to see the otherworldy alpine landscapes, or to follow a holy primage route, you'll find something to love. So, let’s find out together.

Why Makes Tibet Overland Tour So Special

It's not just the famous landmarks that make a Tibet overland tour so special, it's also the journey through one of the world's most unique environments and cultures. An overland tour puts you face-to-face with the stunning Himalayan vista and Tibetan Buddhist culture. Traveling overland to Everest lets you see the mountain emerge from the landscape surrounded by the neighboring peaks.

Passing through the vast, untamed wilderness to holy Buddhist sites like Mount Kailash will fill you with the spiritual awe these places have maintained for centuries. Along the well-maintained roads, you can stop at Tibetan monasteries and Buddhist retreats and interact with local people in an experience you'd miss flying from place to place.

Travel overland to Everest Base Camp in Tibet.

Top 1 Tibet Overland Tour: Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour across Majestic Himalayas

Lhasa to Kathmandu is the top overland tour route for experiencing the majesty of the Himalayas. Our 7-day Lhasa to Kathmandu overland small group tour starts with three days in Lhasa exploring the city's iconic sites while you acclimatize to the high-altitude. The tour will take you to famous sites like Potala Palace, Drepung Monastery, and Jokhang Temple. You also experience local culture at a Tibetan tea house and explore the vibrant Barkhor Street and old market.

The next stop is Shigatse via Gyantse. The drive there passes over Gampala Pass (4790m) to see the view of Yamdrok Lake and Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar (7191m). Then, you can hang prayer flags at Simila Mountain Pass and see Korola Glacier, the largest in Tibet.

Your first view of Everest will be at Gyatsola Pass (5280m) while traveling from Shigatse to Everest Base Camp. At the next pass, Gawula Pass (5198m), you can see the five highest peaks of the Himalayas. Finally, at EBC, you'll spend the night in view of the mountain under the glowing Milky Way.

Gaze at Mount Everest at Gawula Pass in Tibet.

Descending to the Gyirong Border passes by Mount Shishanagma (8027m) and the golden Pelku Tso Lake. The landscape will transform into lush forests as you enter the Gyirong Valley and transfer to Kathmandu.

7 Days Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Small Group Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Gyirong - Kathmandu

Price from USD979 p.p

Best time to go:
It's possible to travel overland from Lhasa to Kathmandu all year round, but April to June and September to October are the most recommended times. Temperatures are milder, and the roads and trekking routes are clear of snow. July and August have the most rain, and visibility at EBC can sometimes be limited.

Tips:
- Pack clothing in layers to adapt to changing temperatures. A thermal base layer, warm pants and sweater, and an outer wind/waterproof shell will keep you warm.
- ATMs might be hard to find. Bring enough local currency for small purchases along the way.
- From November to March, the tent hotels at EBC are closed, and accommodation options are limited to the nearby village.

Top 2 Tibet Overland Tour: Lhasa to Mt. Kailash Overland Tour for the Ultimate Pilgrimage in Your Life

Holy Mount Kailash is a place of great spiritual importance to followers of Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and the Bon Faith. The overland journey to the remote mountain passes through a large part of Tibet, with incredible sights along the way.

Our 15-day Kailash and manasarovar small group tour is the dream tour for anyone who wants to follow the pilgrimage route. The first part of the tour is the same Lhasa to EBC route as other classic tours, and then it sets out westward via Saga to Mount Kailash.

15 Days Kailash and Manasarova Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - E.B.C - Saga - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Lake Manasarovar - Saga - Gyirong - Tingri - Lhasa

Price from USD2059 p.p

Trekking the pilgrimage route around Mount Kailash is a three-day adventure full of scenic wonders. You'll stay at monastery guesthouses and ascend to 5630 meters at Dolma La Pass. After the trek, Lake Manasarovar's holy waters await a meditative experience while you take in the scenery.

The return journey passes through the Ngari Plateau, with its grassy pastures and wildlife, the Gyirong Valley, and Tingri, before returning to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River.

Embark on 3-day Mt.Kailash kora in Tibet.

Best time to go:
Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit Mount Kailash. From April to early June and September to October, the weather is dry and pleasant, with good trekking conditions.

Tips:
- The trek around Mount Kailash can be done by anyone, but a good physical fitness level helps. Get a health check from your doctor before traveling.
- The Saga Dawa Festival is a special time for pilgrims at Mount Kailash. In 2024, it will be on May 23rd.

Top 3 Tibet Overland Tour: Chengdu to Lhasa Overland Tour, the Amazing Scenic Road to Holy Lhasa

Chengdu is famous worldwide for its giant panda research base and its amazing cuisine. The overland route to Lhasa from Chengdu travels along Highway G318. It's a scenic journey past soaring mountains and through deep ravines.

Our 7-day Chengdu to Lhasa overland tour follows the route tracing the changing scenery from the Chengdu Plains to the Tibetan Plateau. In Sichuan province, you'll see mountains like Mount Siguniang, the most famous snow-capped mountain in Sichuan, and the serene villages around Xinduqiao. On the Maoya Prairie, there is a range of wildlife living in the highland grasslands, like cattle, sheep, antelopes, and yellow ducks.

7 Days World-class Overland Route: Chengdu to Lhasa via G318 Highway

Tour Route: Chengdu - Xinduqiao - Litang - Batang - Zogang - Ranwu - Nyingchi - Lhasa

Price from USD1780 p.p

The route enters Tibet through Zogong, a spectacular canyon area with three major rivers and home to mountains like Mount Lawu and Mount Dongda. After passing over Yela Mountain Pass (4650m), the most exciting section of the G318 Highway begins in an area known as the "Nujiang River 72 Turns." It's a winding stretch of 180° turns that reach down the mountain to the riverside.

Eastern Tibet has sites like Midui Glacier, the most beautiful in China and the lowest glacier in the world. Mount Namcha Barwa is the eastern end of the Himalayas, and the area is home to Lulang International Tourism Town. The last stretch is from Nyingchi to Lhasa, with stops at Tsozong Gompa Temple and Basum Tso Lake.

Sichuan-Tibet overland trip scenery.

Best time to go:
April, May, September, and October are the best months to travel overland from Chengdu to Lhasa. July and August are the monsoon season, and sections of the G318 Highway can be inaccessible.

Tips:
- Spend a few days in Chengdu before the overland tour to see the pandas and sample the local cuisine.
- The tour ascends from 500m to 3658m, so pay attention to signs of altitude sickness. If in doubt, consult with your tour guide.

Unlock More Tibet Overland Tour Routes: Qinghai and Yunnan to Tibet Overland Tours

Other overland routes start from Qinghai and Yunan. Our 11-day travel Qinghai-Tibet Highway overland tour begins in Xining and follows the 1900km highway route to Lhasa. It includes sites like the Kekexili Nature Reserve, Kunlun Mountains, and the vast Qiangtang Grassland. There are opportunities for trekking and enjoying the Yangpachen Hot Spring.

The Yunan-Tibet Highway is an important route to Tibet for trade and tourism. You can start from Kunming, Lijiang, or Shangri-la and make the 1,930 km journey to Tibet. The scenery along the route is full of gorges, glaciers, rivers, and mountains. You will get a chance to see different cultures, like the Dongba culture, and meet the Naxi people.

Passing the Yuzhu peak during Qinghai to Tibet overland tour.

Best Time of the Year for Tibet Overland Tours: April, May, September, and October

You can travel overland to Tibet any time of the year, but April, May, September, and October have the best conditions. In spring and autumn, temperatures are very mild, reaching up to 20°c. Rain is uncommon, and the clear skies allow great visibility, especially from places like Everest Base Camp.

Winter in Tibet can be harsh, particularly in high-altitude regions. The cold makes travel more difficult, and ice can be challenging on foot. While visibility can be good, and the snow-covered landscape is beautiful, snow and ice can make some passages inaccessible. The good thing is that the winter season sees more discounts for hotels in Tibet.

July and August are the monsoon season. The temperature remains warm, but cloudy skies and fog can obscure the view. Clear views of Mount Everest can't be guaranteed in these months, but your guide will do their best to inform you of what to expect. The rain also makes trekking routes more challenging. Slipper surfaces on uneven terrain can be difficult for some people.

Travelers having great fun traveling overland to EBC in Tibet in the autumn.

More Local Travel Expert's Tips for Tibet Overland Tours

For the best trip possible, keep these tips in mind.

Travel Documents

All international travelers to Tibet need a Tibet Travel Permit. We will apply for this permit on your behalf after you have obtained your Chinese tourist visa. It can take up to 14 working days to process, so we recommend booking early.

A sample of Tibet Travel Permit.

Additional permits such as the Alien's Travel Permit, Foreign Affairs Permit, and Military Permit are needed to visit regions outside of Lhasa. These can be obtained after you arrive in Tibet, and our tour service includes the processing for you.

What to pack
- Clothes: thermal base layer, shirt and hiking pants, insulating layer, down jacket, rain/windproof outer shell
- Sturdy hiking shoes/boots and wool socks
- Personal toiletries
- First aid kit and any personal medication
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, skin moisturizer
- Personal electronics and portable power bank
- High calories snacks, instant coffee or tea

Safety
- Get a physical health check from your doctor before traveling
- Talk with your doctor about altitude sickness and what medicine you can prepare in advance
- Avoid remote areas in winter and during the monsoon season
- Buy travel insurance with coverage for medical emergencies before traveling

Conclusion

An overland tour of Tibet is an unforgettable experience in one of the world's most remote regions. It's a chance to see once-in-a-lifetime sights like Mount Everest and interact with the ancient culture of the region. Check out our overland tours to learn more, or contact us to plan a custom tour of Tibet.