Tibet Lhasa Overland Tour

How Difficult is the Tour?

The Tibet Lhasa Overland Tour is not a tourking tour but it is still an overland tour which involves high altitude for several days’ duration, so it is a tour which needs good preparation. The trip is mostly by car, with some walking done when sightseeing and taking photos. The tour can be done by anyone of average fitness level without problems.

During the journey, you will travel across several high mountain passes, including Lalunga Pass (5,050 m / 16,568 ft), Gyatchu La Pass (5,220 m / 17,126 ft) and Karo La Pass (5,010 m / 16,437 ft). The thin air may impact some travelers even though they are not residing overnight at these altitudes.

In this way, you can help yourself adapt to a slow pace, adequate hydration and sufficient rest. To make the trip easier, do not do too much on the first few days and follow your guide’s recommendations.

Best Time to do this tour: Month-by-Month Visibility & Weather Guide

The Lhasa Overland Tour is best done during the road season from April through October when the road conditions are relatively good and sightseeing is more comfortable. Spring is cool and beautiful and offers great mountain views. Warm and greener in the summer but short spells of rain could limit visibility.

Normally autumn is when it is best to visit, as the weather is generally very clear after the monsoon. September and October are great times for the Himalayas, lakes and Tibetan Plateau. Winter tours are also available but do expect temperatures to plummet below freezing at higher passes.

January and February are the coldest months and March is the start of the warmer months. Travel continues to be good in November with nights getting significantly colder. The best time to visit the mountains is a matter of personal preference: some prefer the warmer weather, others prefer the best views.

Transportation, Food and Accommodation

On the Tibet Overland Tour Package, comfortable tourist vehicles will be provided to meet the road conditions in Tibet. The roads are well maintained and the long journeys are pleasant as you drive over mountain passes, lakes and through the vast open spaces.

Breakfast is typically served at your hotel and dinner and lunch are available at local restaurants. Typical meals include Tibetan, Chinese and plain international cuisine. Vegetarian meals can be found in larger towns but not in the more remote areas.

Accommodation is provided by guest houses in smaller towns like Kerung and Shegar and by hotels in larger cities like Shigatse, Gyantse and Lhasa. Rooms are typically clean and comfortable and have very basic facilities. For those who want more comfort, higher standard hotels can be found in Lhasa.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is a factor on the Tibet Lhasa Overland Tour as it entails passing through several altitude regions. Although you’ll spend a lot of the trip driving, don’t forget that your body needs to adapt to the higher elevation.

Symptoms include headache, tiredness, dizziness, shortness of breath, loss of appetite and sleeping difficulties. Avoid drinking alcohol, eat light meals and walk slowly when sightseeing, which can reduce the risk. A lot of travellers also seek advice from their physician regarding preventative medicine before travelling.

The route has been planned to gradually increase in elevation, allowing your body to adapt. In the event of symptoms worsening, your guide will assist you to get medical help and, if needed, take you to a lower area. Listening to your body is the safest method to stay safe.

Fitness & Training Plan for the Tour

The Lhasa Overland Tour is not a physically strenuous adventure but some exercise and fitness is beneficial for a smoother ride. Most activities include sightseeing, walking around the monasteries, climbing steps and visiting local markets.

Around the week before your trip, begin walking for 30 to 45 minutes a couple of times a week. Regular cardio exercises such as light jogging, cycling, swimming or other activities can enhance endurance. Simple strengthening exercises for the legs and stretching are also helpful in getting your body ready for walking at high altitude.

Ensuring you get sufficient sleep before travel and good health throughout will also make for an enjoyable experience. Even walking around may seem more difficult than normal in Tibet because of the reduced oxygen. It is suggested that you take time and don’t overdo exercise during the first 48 hours.

Visa and Permits and Necessary Documents

Travelers need to have a number of travel documents in hand before entering Tibet in the Tibet Overland Tour Package. The passport must have at least six months left to run. Most of the international visitors from Nepal need Chinese Group visa issued by the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu along with a travel permit. The regular Chinese Visa is not enough for entering into Tibet from Nepal.

All foreign visitors need a Tibet Travel Permit, which is obtained from a registered tour agency. Other permits may be necessary depending on the route but typically are part of the tour package.

On receiving the necessary passport copies and visa details, Himalayan Idol Adventure helps with the permit process. Be sure to bring your original passport with you during the trip as it will be examined at various security stop points throughout the trip.

Health & Safety on the Tour: Emergency Support and Evacuation

During the Tibet Lhasa Overland Tour, health and safety are of importance. The experienced guides are on hand to watch for any symptoms of altitude sickness and give guidance to help all travelers make a safe trip.

Medical facilities in the major towns (e.g., Shigatse and Lhasa) are good; in smaller towns, there are fewer medical facilities available. It is recommended to bring personal medicine and a small first aid kit. Persons who have any medical conditions should check with their physician before traveling.

In case of a serious medical emergency, your guide will organise transport to the nearest medical centre. Road transportation can be arranged to the nearest medical facility in case of emergency. The road transportation will depend on weather, location and insurance availability. Having comprehensive travel insurance provides additional peace of mind.

Mobile Network, Internet & Charging Facilities Along the Trail

In bigger towns, such as Kerung, Shigatse, Gyantse and Lhasa, mobile phone reception is available to most travellers on the Lhasa Overland Tour. These may be separated by long stretches of weak or nonexistent signal between them.

Most hotels in big cities will offer free Wi-Fi access, though it may not be as fast as you’re accustomed to. The Internet is controlled in Tibet and some Internet sites, social media and online services may not be available without access tools.

Charging facilities are available at hotels and guest houses each evening. A power bank can be convenient when driving for extended periods if you’re going to use your phone or camera a lot during the trip.

Travel Insurance

It is strongly recommended to book travel insurance for anyone who wants to participate in the Tibet Overland Tour Package. A good policy should apply to high altitude travel, emergency treatment provided, emergency hospitalisation, trip cancellation, personal property and emergency evacuation, if necessary.

When buying insurance, read the policy thoroughly to make sure the insurance company will cover Tibet. Some insurance companies won’t cover you for travelling to a high altitude destination or there will be additional coverage for that.

Take both print and digital copies of insurance paperwork on the journey. It is also helpful to provide your policy information to your guide before departure. Travel insurance can help you enjoy your trip more and minimize financial losses if things go awry.

Language & Communication

This Tibet Lhasa Overland Tour offers an introduction to an area where Tibetan and Mandarin Chinese are the primary language groups. Some hotels and tourist centers have English speakers, though this may not be a reality in smaller towns and in rural areas.

Your Tibet tour guide serves as an interpreter, so you can communicate with the locals, hotel staff and restaurant staff. Local communities welcome the efforts of those who learn some basic Tibetan greetings and it can make traveling with them more enjoyable.

Translation apps can also prove handy, though it might not always be possible to connect to the internet. Having contact numbers and addresses of important hotels and emergency services written down could come in handy if mobile phone service is lost.

Driving Back from Lhasa Instead of Flying: Cost, Time & Booking Tips

After the Lhasa Overland Tour, many travelers opt to travel by road back home rather than by air. The drive back is typically the same route, passing Gyantse, Shigatse, Shegar and Kerung to Kathmandu, which magnifies the scenic route. The return drive is generally the same route through Gyantse, Shigatse, Shegar and Kerung to Kathmandu, adding to the scenic drive. Typically takes 3-4 days depending on the route.

Driving back costs more as it includes permits, guide services, accommodation and additional transportation as well. Many visitors, however, feel that the added time is worth it as they can view the mountains and cultural buildings that may have been out of view on the way to Lhasa.

If you are returning by road, please consult with Himalayan Idol Adventure before booking to discuss your preference. Planning can get you permits, lodging and car arrangements for a hassle-free trip home.

Useful Tips for the First-Time Travellers

Is the Tour Suitable for Kids and Teenagers? An Honest Age Guide

Absolutely, this tour is appropriate for healthy children and teens who are at ease with long trips on the road. It’s not the physical effort that’s the problem; it’s the high altitude. Children should be of an age to express if they are not feeling well. Signs of altitude sickness should be monitored by parents and ample rest should be given. Travel with younger children,  those with existing medical conditions, only with the doctor’s recommendation.

This Tour for Seniors: What to Expect at 60+

This tour is completed by many people over the age of 60. The physical load is low, because most of the trip is with a motor vehicle. The high altitude can impact anyone, however. Seniors should take their own medicines with them and take time for sightseeing. A comfortable pace, drinking fluids and following the guide’s advice will help to make the trip safe and fun.

First Himalayan Tour Ever? Why this tour is the Ideal for You

For the first-time visitor to the Himalayas, this is a good option as it involves less tourking time. You can enjoy the Tibetan culture, its famous monasteries, mountain passes and beautiful landscapes, while most travel is done by road and there is no heavy physical demand. A slow ascent is also helpful for acclimatisation. This tour is a sensible way to see the Himalayas without embarking on a strenuous hike.

Materials from Without a Guide: Is It Legal and Is It Wise? are subject to copyright.

Foreign visitors are not allowed to travel independently within Tibet. All journeys must be made with a licensed guide and the necessary Tibet travel permits of the tour operator. Travel documents are regularly checked at checkpoints along the route. A tour is not feasible without a guide as the permits and language barriers make it almost impossible to travel without a guide. A guide is also of great assistance on the way.

How Crowded Is this tour?

The tour is not as busy as some of the popular tourking routes in Nepal. During peak tourist season and local holidays, it may be a crowded place like Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar. The tour overland through Tibet is generally free of conflict, with the exception, however, of the fact that there are plenty of open landscapes and quiet viewpoints. When possible, plan to travel during the spring or fall when the weather is nice but not during the busiest holiday seasons.

Solo Female Tourkers on this tour: Safety and Practical Notes

The tour is safe for women who travel alone, as long as it is arranged by a good travel company. Foreign visitors come with licensed guides for a more organized and safer trip. Simple precautions are advised, such as storing valuables appropriately, dressing appropriately at religious institutions and respecting local customs. Do not go out alone after dark in areas you are not familiar with and tell the guide if you need help.

Best Photography Spots on the Trail

There are numerous great places to photograph on this trip. Lalunga Pass, Karo La Pass and Khamba La Pass are the places with a wide view of the mountain and Yamdrok Lake is renowned for its crystal clear blue water. There are many locations to capture cultural photographs like Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Bazaar, Tashilhunpo Monastery and Khumbum Stupa. The mornings and late afternoons are generally the best times for natural lighting,  when the weather is clear.