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When we (Jennifer and Cornelius) first arrived in Kathmandu, we could hardly imagine what lay ahead of us: a journey across the Himalayas and into the heart of Tibet, a land we had dreamed about for years.
Traveling with Tibet Vista turned out to be one of the best decisions we made – everything from the first email contact to the very last day of the tour was perfectly organized.
The team answered all our questions quickly, arranged our Tibet Travel Permits and visas, and took care of every small detail so we could simply look forward to the adventure.
Join our 8 days Kathmandu to Lhasa tour to admire the Himalayas from both sides.
Crossing the Himalayas: An Overland Journey from Nepal Into Tibet
The overland route from Kathmandu to Lhasa is often described as one of the most beautiful road journeys in the world, and now we know why. From the bustling streets of Kathmandu, we set out towards the Nepal-Tibet border, winding our way through green valleys and mountain passes.
The road climbed steadily until we reached the highlands near Gyirong, where the air already felt thinner and clearer. Crossing into Tibet was a moment of excitement and awe - suddenly we were surrounded by wide open spaces, snow-capped peaks, and a sky so vast and blue it felt unreal. Our fabulous Tibetan guide Kunga gave us a warm welcome at the border and made sure everything went smoothly.
Our journey continued through Tingri, Shigatse, and Gyantse, following the route that slowly leads to Lhasa. Every day brought something new to discover: small villages with prayer flags fluttering in the wind, ancient monasteries perched on hillsides, and endless horizons that seemed to stretch into infinity.
One of the absolute highlights was visiting the Everest Base Camp tour on the Tibetan side. Standing there, in the crisp mountain air, looking up at the world’s highest peak, we felt a mix of humility and gratitude that is hard to describe.
The landscape was silent except for the wind, and that silence somehow made the experience even more powerful. It was one of those rare moments in life when we truly felt how small we are and yet how connected to the earth we can be.
The stunning view of Himalayan peaks from Gawula pass.
Close-up view of the world’s highest peak from Everest base camp.
Tibet on the Road: Scenic Wonders, Local Wisdom, and Shared Memories
The days on the road were long but never tiring, because every curve in the road revealed another breathtaking view. The scenery shifted from rugged mountains to golden plains, from icy streams to fields dotted with yaks.
Our guide Kunga was exceptional - calm, knowledgeable, and always ready to share stories about the places we passed. He made the journey special. His deep understanding of Tibetan culture, history, and spirituality opened our eyes to a world we had only known from books.
He explained the meaning of the prayer flags, the rituals in the monasteries, and even the small gestures of local people. Traveling with someone who truly loved his homeland made everything more vivid and meaningful.
The accommodations along the way were far better than we expected. Each guesthouse or hotel offered warmth, comfort, and often a great view. After a long day of traveling, it felt wonderful to relax with our group, drink tea, and watch the sun set over the mountains.
The group dynamic was of the small group tour another highlight of the trip. We were a mix of people from different countries, but after a few days on the road we felt like one small family. We shared laughter, stories, snacks, and sometimes a little altitude discomfort - but we always looked out for one another. That sense of connection made the whole experience even richer.
The blue water of Manla reservoir, framed by the colorful praying flags.
Visiting a local Tibetan family near Yamdrok lake is also one of the highlights.
A Journey Through Tibet: Patience, Peaks, and Timeless Monasteries
Of course, no journey through Tibet would be complete without a few challenges. The altitude sickness in Tibet was the biggest one – even with careful acclimatization, we sometimes felt the thin air, the slower pace, and the occasional headache. But it also forced us to move mindfully, to slow down, and to truly take in our surroundings.
Another challenge were the Tibet travel permit checkpoints along the road. Tibet is a region with strict regulations, so we often had to stop, show documents, and wait for our guide to handle the formalities. While it required patience, we always felt safe and well taken care of. The staff at each checkpoint were professional and polite, and our guide managed everything smoothly.
Arriving in Lhasa after days on the road felt like reaching another world. The Lhasa tour, surrounded by mountains and filled with history, has an energy that’s hard to describe. The Potala Palace rises above everything like a dream from another era, and walking through its halls was both humbling and fascinating.
We also visited several monasteries around Lhasa, where we witnessed monks chanting, spinning prayer wheels, and continuing traditions that have existed for centuries. There was a serenity and spirituality in the air that touched us deeply.
The Potala Palace, the most iconic landmark of Tibet..
Tashilunpo monastery, the largest monastery in Shigarse..
My Personal Thoughts and Feedback on Our Journey with Tibet Vista
Looking back, what stands out most to us is not just one single moment but the overall feeling of the Tibet tour. It was the combination of landscapes, culture, and kindness that made Tibet so unforgettable.
We can still picture the golden light of sunrise over the Himalayas, the soft murmur of prayers carried by the wind, and the laughter of our group as we shared dinner after a long day of exploring. Traveling through Tibet was not just sightseeing - it was a genuine experience of connection, reflection, and wonder.
What also made a huge difference was how well organized everything was. Tibet Vista took care of every detail – from the permits and transportation to hotel bookings and border coordination – so that we could focus entirely on the experience itself.
The itinerary was balanced, allowing time to rest and adjust to the altitude, but also full of highlights and opportunities to explore. We felt completely safe and supported throughout the journey, even in such remote areas. That kind of reliability gave us the freedom to enjoy and absorb everything around us.
If someone were to ask us whether we would do it again, the answer would be yes – without hesitation. This journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa changed the way we see the world. We are deeply grateful to our guide, to our travel companions, and to the entire team at Tibet Travel for making it all possible.
Cross the Roof of the World from Kathmandu to Lhasa and discover Tibet’s ultimate cultural highlights.
"Crossing from Nepal into Tibet: My Journey of a Lifetime with Tibet Vista"