The most scenic and traditional way to approach the harsh and barren beauty of the Tibetan Plateau towards the holy city of Lhasa is by road. The route from Nepal to Lhasa (900km) takes at least three days with overnight stops in Zhangmu and Shigatse. The road crosses several passes at around 5000m and the journey is cold, dusty and exhausting. Frequent landslides disrupt traffic for 30 km on either side of the border and it is generally necessary to walk the 8 km between Kodari and Zhangmu, the two border posts, although porters are readily available. Nevertheless, the journey is rewarding, with many of the Tibet’s important religious sites en route and scenic views of Lake Yamdrok on the Gyantse route from Lhasa, Mount Everest at Dingri and the Himalayas at Lalung La pass.

Day to Day Outline Itinerary