Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour Guide & Itinerary
The 1300km Friendshio Hwy between Lhasa and Kathmandu in Nepal is a classic overland journey and easily the most popular travelers’ route through Tibet. It allows excellent detours to central Tibet’s most important monasteries, plus views of the world’s highest peak, and it’s paved all the way! Combine it with the train route into Tibet for an epic overland tour.
Lhasa to Kathmandu overland Tour Map
From Lhasa you can head straight to the coiling scorpion-lake of Yamdrok-tso and take in the views from Samding Monastery before heading over the glacier-draped Karo-la pass to Gyantse. This town is well worth a full day: the kumbum chorten is a must-see and the fort is a fun scramble. A 90-minute drive away is Shigatse, with its impressive Tashilhunpo Monastery. Shalu Monastery is a worthwhile half-day trip from Shigatse, especially if you have an interest in Tibetan art.
Kumbum Chorten, “the stupa of hundred thousand images” in Gyantse, Tibet
A popular side trip en route to Kathmandu is to brooding Sakya, a small monastery town located just 25km off the Friendship Hwy. Overnight here and investigate the northern ruins.
Sakya Monasetry, a Buddhist monastery
The most popular excursion from the road is to Rongphu Monastery and Everest Base Camp, just a few hours from the main highway. An overnight here at 5000m guarantees both clear views and a pounding headache. It’s not a good idea to stay here it you’ve come straight from Nepal, as the altitude gain is simply too rapid to be considered safe.
Everest Base Camp
After Everest most people take the opportunity to stay the night in old Tingri, with its wonderful views of Mt Cho Oyu, before the scenic roller-coaster ride to Nyalam and nearby Milarepa’s Cave. One interesting detour is to head east to overnight at Peiku-tso, a stunning turquoise lake nestled at the base of hulking Shishapangma. The highway drops like a stone off the dusty plateau, past misty waterfalls and lush green gorges to Zhangmu and the gates of the Indian subcontinent at the Nepali border.
Peiku-tso Lake
