Nepal to Tibet Independent Overland Trip

Nepal, the paradise for trekkers; Tibet, the roof of the world. Both are the popular destinations for adventure travel. How about if combining them in one trip? What will you expect? And what pleasant surprises will be received? Let’s go discover! The overland trip from Nepal to Tibet, the heritage exploration in Kathmandu, the great Sankhu to Nagarkot hiking, the breathtaking view over the Himalayas, the Everest Base Camp, the mysterious Tibet and its splendid Potala Palace, all which will make this trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Although it is an independent trip, we have sorted out all useful information, which will help to make your travel easier. While, if you want to take this trip without any hassle, we can arrange a private guided tour for you.

You will arrive in Kathmandu today, take a taxi from the airport to the hotel and then check into the hotel.

► From airport to hotel: If your hotel provides free pick-up service, it will be great. If not, the Pre-paid Taxi at the airport is recommended, 20 to 30 minutes to the downtown Kathmandu, about NPR800 (around US$7) per cab. The prices are clearly displayed, a bit higher than taxies outside, but there's less chance of getting scammed. Public bus is also available, but considering you have luggage and it is not door-to-door, taxi is the best choice.
► Hotel accommodation: Thamel is a great place to stay, where there are many hotels, guesthouses, cafes and restaurants that cater specifically to western tourists.
► Money exchange: Rates are not good at the airport counter, so exchange only enough money to pay a taxi to your hotel. Exchange more in the hotel if the rates are better, or go to an ATM nearby.

After settling down, you can have a rest in the hotel, or stroll around the Thamel market to experience the real life scene.

Route: Kathmandu Durbar Square → Boudhanath Stupa → Pashupatinath Temple

► Kathmandu Durbar Square (NPR1000): Open from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, Tuesday to Sunday; the must-see sites are Kumari Ghar (the home of the 'Kumari' or living goddess), Taleju Temple and Kal Bhairav.
► Boudhanath Stupa (NPR400): Open from 5 am to 6 pm (till 7 pm in summer); one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, which keeps an eye out in each direction.
► Pashupatinath Temple (NPR1000): Open from 5 am to 9 pm, but it is closed in the middle of the day between noon and 5 pm; highlights are Western Cremation Ghats, Pashupatinath Temple, Eastern Ghats and Shiva Shrines. Usually, tourists have the chance to see at least one open-air cremation.

► Transportation: 
• You can walk from Thamel to Kathmandu Durbar Square, which may take 20 minutes on the way. Ask the hotel staff for direction. 
• From Durbar Square to Boudhanath, it takes around NPR500 and 25 minutes by taxi; by bus, you need to walk to the Ratna Park Bus Stop, where there are many blue minibuses that pass in front of the Stupa, with the fare of NPR20-30 per person. Please tell the driver to warn you when passing the Stupa. 
• From Boudhanath to Pashupatinath, you can walk for 30 minutes. It is better to use the Google Maps, to avoid getting lost. 
• To get back to the hotel from Pashupatinath, taxi takes around NPR500 and 20 minutes, or you could wait for the same blue minibus to Thamel at the front gate.

Good to know: 
• Travel by public bus is not easy in Kathmandu, since there is nowhere to check the transport routes and schedules. It usually takes some time to find the right one, even to the locals, plus, buses are in poor conditions. You can try to experience, but it is not recommended to travel all through by bus.
• Taxies are quite convenient in Kathmandu and most drivers can speak English, but they always tend to overcharge. Do bargain please!

Route: Swayambhunath Stupa → Patan Durbar Square

► Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple, NPR200): Open from dawn to dusk; the must-sees are the oldest stupa in Kathmandu, a variety of shrines and temples, as well as the stunning view of the Kathmandu Valley.
► Patan Durbar Square (NPR1000): Open from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm (Tuesday to Saturday) and 10:30 am to 2:30 pm on Sundays; the must-sees are Golden Temple, Patan Museum, Mul Chowk and Krishna Mandir.

► Transportation: 
• From Thamel to Swayambhunath, you can walk through the narrow backstreets for 40 minutes to 1 hour, or take a taxi at around NPR300 for a few minutes to get there.
• From Swayambhunath to Patan, if by bus, you need to get back to the Ratna Park first, from where you could find bus to Patan at around NPR50 per person. The best option is to take a taxi from your location to Patan directly, which costs around NPR500.
• To get back to the hotel, use the same way as you go to Patan.

Route: Bhaktapur Durbar Square → Hike from Sankhu to Nagarkot

► Bhaktapur Durbar Square (NPR1500): Open every day from 7 am to 7 pm; the must-sees are Nge Nyapa Jhya Laaykoo (55 window palace), Nyatopola Temple, Dattatreya Temple, Bhairava Nath Temple and Golden Gate.
► Hike from Sankhu to Nagarkot: This is one of the best hiking trails close to the Kathmandu city. The total distance is 15 kilometers (9 miles) that takes about 4 to 5 hours. 
• Sankhu is an ancient Newari village which still preserves the old Newari culture and traditions. Nagarkot is a famous hill station, which offers amazing sunset, sunrise and the panoramic views of the Himalayas. 
• Start hiking from the Sankhu Bus Park, head east all along the way until you reach the fork at Dhalanko. Go straight, avoid any turns and trek along the dirt road through small villages. You will see the Panchemeshwori Temple by the Salinadi River. Continue hiking and the trail gradually climbs. You will follow the trail through the thick forest to reach Kartike Bhanjyang. Keep on walking and ascend the steep path, finally you will arrive at Nagarkot, where there is a viewing platform for tourists to appreciate the majestic views of the snow-covered Himalayan peaks. If it is the right time, you could also enjoy the beautiful sunset view.

► Transportation:  
• From your hotel to Bhaktapur, the bus departs from the Ratna Park and drops you at the Bhaktapur bus park near the main entrance. It costs around NPR50 per person and takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. Taxi will take about NPR1000 or more. 
• It is 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) from Bhaktapur to Sankhu. Taxi is recommended, which usually takes 40 minutes. 
• It is not easy to find the bus or taxi in Nagarkot when evening falls, so plan your return trip to Thamel beforehand with a taxi driver or your hotel.

Good to know: 
If you are a sunrise person, you can stay the night in Nagarkot and enjoy the stunning sunrise the next morning. There are many hotels and resorts available for your choice.

Today you will depart from Kathmandu to Tibet. Reserve a car one day in advance with your hotel or a taxi driver to take you to the Rasuwa Gadhi - Gyirong Border, from where you will go through the Immigration and Customs, and then enter Tibet of China.

► Transportation:
• It is about 160 kilometers (99 miles) from Kathmandu to Gyirong, but the driving time needs 6 to 8 hours. Since the mountain roads are rugged, narrow and prone to landslides or traffic jams, the speed is only 15 to 30 kilometers per hour.  
• Public bus is available from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi, from where you can take a taxi to the border at Rasuwa Gadhi and Gyirong Port. However, the bus will take much more time on the way and it often gets in late due to the poor road conditions. That means you might not cross the border on the same day.
• Private car is highly recommended here, which is easier to drive on narrow roads and helps to save time. Compare the prices and be sure to see the cars in person since the conditions of the car vary greatly in Nepal. Choose a formal one with good conditions, which is very important. Also, do bargain please!
• There are many checkpoints along the way, so put your passport and other documents in handbag. Also, you will have a meal stop en route. No matter you are hungry or not, the driver will take you there. It seems a must stop for all the drivers.

► Visa and permit for entering Tibet from Gyirong
• Your passport with at least six months validity.  
• Chinese Group Visa issued by the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. 
• Tibet Travel Permit copy.
For details, please read: How to Travel from Nepal to Tibet?

► Money exchange: Exchange some money into CNY at the border to pay for the taxi, or even the room rate tonight.

After the border crossing, you will come to Tibet. The Gyirong Port is 26 kilometers (16 miles) away from Gyirong Town. Take a taxi there and it is easy for you to find a basic hotel to stay in. If sharing a taxi, the fare is about CNY50 per person. 

Route: Gyirong Town → Rongbuk Monastery → the Everest Base Camp → Dingri

► Rongbuk Monastery (CNY30): Open from 9 am to 4 pm; with an altitude of 5,100 meters (16,732 ft), it is the highest monastery in the world and has quite a beautiful backdrop of the Mt. Everest.
► The Everest Base Camp (CNY160): The altitude is 5,200 meters (17,060 ft). Upon arrival, you need to change to an environment friendly vehicle at CNY120 per person to the base camp.

► Accommodation: The Everest Hotel in Dingri is recommended.

► Transportation: You need to hire a car to complete this day trip. Good news is that roads in Tibet are much better than in Nepal. You will enjoy a safe and very comfortable drive.
• It is 360 kilometers (224 miles) from Gyirong Town to the Everest Base Camp and takes around 6 hours on the way. 
• Dingri is 110 kilometers (68 miles) away from the base camp, another 2 hours' drive is needed.

Although it is a long driving day, the wonderful scenery of the lake and grassland, the majestic mountains and valleys on the way, as well as the up-close view of the world highest peak will make you feel excited. What a spectacular day!

Today you will head to Shigatse and visit the Tashilunpo Monastery.

► Tashilunpo Monastery (CNY100): Open from 9 am to 7:30 pm, but it is closed in the middle of the day between 12 and 2 pm; the must-sees are Cogen Hall, Chapel of Jampa, and the tombs of 10th and 4th Panchen Lama.

► Accommodation: As the second biggest city in Tibet, Shigatse provides a wide choice of hotels for travelers, from star rating hotels to guest houses. According to your budget, you can book one online in advance.

► Transportation: 
• It is around 230 kilometers (142 miles) from Dingri to Shigatse and takes about 4 hours. The only bus available departs from Dingri at 9 am every day and the fare is CNY90. You could ask your hotel from where to take the bus.
• The Tashilunpo Monastery is located in downtown Shigatse, with convenient transportation. You may consider to walk there from your hotel and take in the city views by the way.

From Shigatse to Lhasa, there are two ways:

One is to experience the train to Lhasa. The recommended train is C930 10:25/12:46 (2H21M). If you cannot find this one in some days, there are still other trains available.

Another way is to hire a car to complete this day trip. You can take car for 2 hours from Shigatse to Gyangtse first, where you will visit the Palkhor Monastery. Then continue to drive to Lhasa. En route, you will visit the Karola Glacier and the Yamdrok Yumtso Lake. The total distance is around 400 kilometers (248 miles) and takes about 6 hours 30 minutes.

► Palkhor Monastery (CNY60): Open from 9 am to 7 pm; the must-sees are Bodhi Dagoba, Main Assembly Hall, murals and hall for the monks.
► Karola Glacier (CNY50): Open from 9 am to 5 pm; there is no need to buy the ticket. You could also see the glacier and take pictures from roadside.
► Yamdrok Yumtso Lake (CNY30): Open from 9 am to 6 pm; one of the three holy lakes in Tibet with clear blue water and embraced by the snow-capped mountains.
► Accommodation in Lhasa: For easy transportation, hotels around the Jokhang Temple are recommended. The temple is located in the center of the old Lhasa city.

Route: Barkhor Street → Jokhang Temple → Sera Monastery

► Barkhor Street: It is a big circular street that encompasses the Jokhang Temple and also a famous commercial center in Lhasa, where you could find many unique Tibetan handicrafts.
► Jokhang Temple (CNY85): Open from 7 am to 5:30 pm, while from 7 am to 11:30 pm, mainly open for pilgrims; you should visit the temple in clockwise direction; no photos are allowed inside except you pay another CNY90 for camera; Clothes like shorts, vest cannot be worn and hats must be taken off.
► Sera Monastery (CNY50): Open from 9 am to 4 pm; visit the three colleges of Sera Me, Sera Ngapa and Sera Je; see monks debating in the courtyard of Sera Je, usually at about 3 pm except Sundays.

► Transportation: 
• You will walk for a few minutes from your hotel to Barkhor Street and Jokhang Temple. 
• From Jokhang Temple, you will walk for about 10 minutes to Cuo Mei Lin Bus Stop, from where you could take the Bus 23 to the Sera Monastery, 10 stops. After you get off at Tibet General Hospital Stop, continue to walk for about 6 minutes to the Sera Monastery. It takes about 55 minutes in total. 
• To get back to your hotel in Jokhang Temple area, use the same way as you go to Sera.

Route: Potala Palace → Tibet Museum → Norbulingka Park

► Potala Palace (May to Oct CNY200, Nov to Apr CNY100): Open from 9:30 am to 3 pm; see details on how to book the ticket and visit the Potala Palace.
► Tibet Museum (Free): Open 9:30 am - 5:30 pm from May to Oct, 10:30 am to 5 pm from Nov to Apr, closed on Mondays; a great place to understand Tibetan history and culture; it is necessary to rent an audio guide at the fare of CNY20.
► Norbulingka Park (CNY60): Open from 9 am to 5:30 pm; once the summer residence of the Dalai Lama, now it is the largest park in Tibet with beautiful scenery.

► Transportation: 
• From Jokhang area to Potala Palace, there are many buses available. At Cuo Mei Lin Bus Stop, you will find Buses No. 20, 8, 7, 25, 28, 23, all which could take you to Er Suo Stop, only 1 stop, from where you will walk for about 10 minutes to Potala. Instead of the bus, we would like to recommend you to walk from hotel to Potala. You could walk along East Beijing Road and then Middle Beijing Road for about 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles) and 30 minutes to Potala. 
• From Potala to Tibet Museum, you could take the Bus No. 13 at White Pagoda Stop which is in the northwest of the Potala, and get off at East Luodui Road, 6 stops and about 35 minutes. Also, you could choose to walk for around 45 minutes along Middle Beijing Road and then Norbulingka Road to get to the museum. 
• Norbulingka Park is opposite to the museum, 4 minutes' walk. 
• From Norbulingka back to your hotel, get on the Bus No. 8 at Museum Stop and get off at Cuo Mei Lin Stop, 5 stops and around 30 minutes. To walk back, you will go straight from Norbulingka Road to Middle Beijing Road, and then East Beijing Road. About one hour is needed.

Your Nepal Tibet overland trip will draw to an end today. We wish you a pleasant journey home!

► Transportation to the airport: The airport shuttle bus (CNY30 per person) is available at the Civil Aviation Bus Stop, which is close to the Potala Palace. It will take you to the Lhasa Gonggar Airport directly and the whole duration is about one and half an hour. By taxi, it takes about 45 minutes and costs around CNY200 per cab. Whichever you choose, make sure to leave enough time for the transfer and airport check-in.