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I was looking for a way to travel overland back to the place where I live. I live in Nepal, Kathmandu. I would visit China before. So of course, I wanted to travel through Tibet to Kathmandu overland. A thrilling adventure riding on the world’s highest railway.
I am not an organized nor group traveler. I travel alone and independently. Quickly, it became clear that doing this trip through Tibet individually is not possible. I am normally not into planned itineraries, normally only booking a ticket in advance. So not this trip, for the first time of my life.
Enjoy the classic trans-Himalayan overland tour from Lhasa to Kathmandu with our smooth border transfer.
Smooth Booking and Group Surprises on My Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour
I started checking out different agencies and itineraries. Most of them were pretty similar, same prices, same itineraries. I had some questions. I asked them on the website of Tibet Vista. Just because I found the site, let me be honest about this.
I got a response from them quickly, which was giving me confidence. The easy way of communicating and professional answers made me book my Lhasa to Kathmandu tour with Tibet Vista. Everything was clear in advance, itinerary, paying extra for single room. Travelling with 2 passports, old and new, made things challenging, but we managed.
I was for some reason placed in a Chinese we chat group, no idea why. I am not Chinese. My group turned out to be different when I arrived. No Chinese, but Indian, European, Australian. So, bit confusing but better than in Chinese group since I speak no Chinese. From the moment I arrived and started the Lhasa tour, everything was clear and went smoothly.
The golden summit of Jokhang temple, the spiritual heart of Tibet.
Bird eye view of Lhasa city from the top of Potala Palace.
Hotels, Roads, and Reflections on My Tibet Journey
For hotels I would have booked an upgrade if possible. They were fine but basic. Some water boilers and heating systems were like rocket science to me. Guide was great, providing good info. Itinerary was good, not too full or challenging.
The greatest impression on me was the road network in Tibet compared to Nepal, where I live. The roads in Nepal are poor, but in Tibet they’re excellent - I’m a bit jealous!
If I visit China again, I will see other places. I have seen Tibet now. I liked it, but once was enough. And it is not very cheap as well. But worth is for one time. Food is good, transport is good. Take Diamox if you need to alleviate the altitude sickness in Tibet. I used it and it worked for me.
Local pilgrims kora around the Jokhang temple on Barkhor street.
The blue water of Yamdrok lake, one of the three holy lakes in Tibet.
Things I Learned: Upgrade Trains and Accommodation, and Prepare for the Border Crossing
As for the Tibet train, please do take first class, not second. Even with a bed, second-class spaces are cramped, and daytime seating is limited.
I have to be honest - I also booked the Xining to Lhasa train through Tibet Vista. Traveling second class is challenging if you’re a foreigner who doesn’t speak Chinese, and I was a bit worried about the ticket, but finally got the thickets on time.
In the end, there were open seats in first class, which I highly recommend. Second class is just too small and crowded, with barely enough room to sit. Most Chinese passengers don’t speak English, but you can manage with a translation app.
As for the sleeping at Everest Base Camp, the tent accommodation was too basic for me. There is no running water, and the toilet was far away in the dark. I wouldn’t recommend it. If possible, try to book the Rongbuk Monastery hotel.
I was traveling alone, and my group had two other single men. At this accommodation, I was placed in a room with one of them, but overall, things worked out fine.
Crossing into Nepal can be stressful, but the Tibet Vista representative helps. Fill in the QR code form beforehand if you don’t have internet. At the border, you transfer to jeeps to Kathmandu. Roads are poor, and drivers speak little English - luckily, I know some Nepali.
During the Tibet tour, we celebrated a group member’s birthday.
Take picture with our nice tour bus driver.
My Practical Tips for a Comfortable and Memorable Tibet Trip
Tibet Train: Book a first-class ticket. In my case, it wasn’t full. Second class is too basic.
Everest Base Camp accommodation: Try to book a hotel rather than the provided lodging—it’s very basic, with small rooms, no running water, and toilets far away. Upgrading your hotel is worth it; this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, so a little extra comfort makes a big difference.
Nepalese visa: Fill in the form beforehand. There’s no internet at the border, and you’ll need the QR form.
Enjoy the trip: The experience is definitely worth it. A personal highlight was seeing the people of Lhasa on their morning walks - it was very special.
All in all, this Tibet tour was great, though there were a few small things that could have been better for me personally and for the group.
"My Tibet Experience with Tibet Vista: Through the Himalaya from Lhasa to Kathmandu"