- Information
- Itinerary
- Gallery
- Trip Notes
This epic journey traverses 4,200+ kilometers from Kyrgyzstan to Nepal, crossing three countries and four Chinese provinces (Xinjiang, Gansu, Qinghai, Tibet). Designed for adventurous drivers, it blends Silk Road history, Tibetan Plateau spirituality, and Himalayan grandeur. The route transitions from desert oases to 5,000m+ mountain passes, culminating in a sacred Mt. Kailash pilgrimage before descending into Nepal’s lush valleys.
Tour Highlights：
Silk Road Legacy：
Sip tea in Kashgar’s 100-year-old tea houses.
Explore Mogao Caves’ Buddhist art in Dunhuang.
Tibetan Plateau Mystique：
Witness sunrise over Everest Base Camp (5,200m).
Circumambulate holy Lake Namtso with pilgrims.
Discover the lost kingdom of Guge in Tsada’s cliffside ruins.
Geographic Extremes：
Drive the Kunlun Mountains’ "Sky Road" (highest paved highway at 4,700m).
Cross Turugart Pass (3,752m) and Dolma La Pass (5,630m).
Cultural Immersion：
Join Uyghur farmers for Hami melon harvest.
Observe Rongbuk Monastery’s butter lamp rituals.
Trade with Nepali Sherpas at Kyirung border market.
Why Choose This Tour?
Ultimate Trans-Asia Adventure： Seamlessly connects Central Asia ↔ Tibetan Plateau ↔ Himalayas – a rarity for overland routes. Altitude Mastery： Scientifically phased ascent (3 stages: 1,500m → 3,000m → 5,000m) minimizes AMS risk. Logistical Precision： Pre-arranged permits (Tibet Travel Permit etc.). Strategic overnight stops with medical/mechanic access. Exclusive Access Camp at EBC when day-trippers have left. Cultural Bridge Transition from Kyrgyz nomad culture → Uyghur → Tibetan Buddhism → Hindu Nepal.Additional Tips:
Altitude Acclimatization: Take it slow, especially on Days 1-3, to avoid altitude sickness. Stay hydrated and avoid overexertion. Consider carrying altitude sickness medication (e.g., Diamox) as a precaution. Packing Essentials: Warm clothing, as temperatures can drop significantly, especially at EBC and high-altitude areas. Sturdy footwear for uneven terrain and short hikes. Snacks, water, and a first-aid kit for long drives. Flexibility: Build in some flexibility to account for unexpected delays, weather changes, or road conditions.Essential Preparations：
Health: Altitude medication (Diamox) + portable oxygen. Vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Typhoid (for Nepal).Best Time to Travel
May–June: Desert wildflowers bloom; Everest visibility peaks. September–October: Avoid monsoon; Hami melon harvest.Photography Tips
Golden Hours: Dunhuang’s sand dunes (sunset). Potala Palace (blue hour, 8:00–8:30PM). Final Note: This itinerary is more than a road trip – it’s a geographic and spiritual odyssey. The real magic lies in unexpected moments: sharing naan bread with Kyrgyz truckers at Turugart Pass, hearing monks debate at Sera Monastery, or watching Everest’s shadow stretch across the Himalayas at dusk. Prepare for sensory overload and transformative horizons!Destinations
- Ali
- Kashgar
- Tibet
- Xinjiang
Tour Price
Please consult us ！ more people will be more cheaper。
Tailor Make Your Tour
- Your Schedule
- Your Interests
- Your Hotel Preference
Tour Start and End
Kyrgyzstan- China Border, China - Nepal Border
Additional Information
It is not allowed to get driving license above 60years old.
Price Includes
- 1.Tour guide fee
- 2.Custom clearance fee
- 3.All Permits including Tibet
- 4.Chinese license and number plate
- 5.Vehicle examination fee
- 6.Insurance fee for vehicle
- 7.Guiding vehicle fee between Kyrgyz border and Kashgar
- 8.Hotel and Meals fee for guide and driver
Price Excludes
- Hotel and Meal fee for client
- Fuel,parking and toll gate fee for your own car/bike
- Tourist spot entrance ticket fee
- Tip for guide and Other own expenses
This epic journey traverses 4,200+ kilometers from Kyrgyzstan to Nepal, crossing three countries and four Chinese provinces (Xinjiang, Gansu, Qinghai, Tibet). Designed for adventurous drivers, it blends Silk Road history, Tibetan Plateau spirituality, and Himalayan grandeur. The route transitions from desert oases to 5,000m+ mountain passes, culminating in a sacred Mt. Kailash pilgrimage before descending into Nepal’s lush valleys.
Itinerary
Day 1
Kyrgyzstan to Kashgar, 180-220km (4 hours)
Day 2
Kashgar Documentation Day
Process vehicle registration & Tibet Travel Permit at PSB office. Visit Abakh Khoja Tomb for sunset photography. Overnight: KashgarDay 3
Kashgar Exploration
Morning at Id Kah Mosque (cultural etiquette required).
Afternoon: Kashgar Livestock Market (Sunday only) or Yumen Fortress.
Overnight: Kashgar
Day 4
Kashgar to Kuqa, 710km (7 hours)
Drive through Tianshan Grand Canyon’s red rock formations. Stop at Subash Buddhist Ruins en route. Overnight: KuqaDay 5
Kuqa to Turpan, 660km (8 hours)
Visit Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves before 12pm (lighting best). Evening in Grape Valley’s vineyard restaurants. Overnight: TurpanDay 6
Turpan to Hami, 400km (5 hours)
Morning at Flaming Mountain’s thermal imaging signboard. Afternoon melon tasting at Hami farms (September harvest peak). Overnight: HamiDay 7
Hami to Dunhuang, 400km (5 hours)
Morning: Mogao Caves guided tour (book Group A tickets). Evening camel ride at Mingsha Sand Dunes. Overnight: DunhuangDay 8
Dunhuang to Golmud, 530km (6 hours)
Stop at Yadan Ghost City rock formations (4WD required). Evening at Golmud’s Tibetan Medicine Market. Overnight: GolmudDay 9
Golmud to Tuotuohe (approx. 420 km)
Morning: Start early from Golmud, a major town on the Tibetan Plateau. The drive to Tuotuohe is long but scenic, passing through vast grasslands and the Kunlun Mountains. Midday: Stop at Kunlun Pass (4,767 meters) for photos and a short break. Be mindful of altitude sickness, as this is a high-altitude area. Evening: Arrive in Tuotuohe, known as the source of the Yangtze River. Overnight in Tuotuohe.Day 10
Tuotuohe to Nachu (approx. 410 km)
Morning: Depart early for Nachu. The drive takes you through remote and rugged landscapes, including the Tanggula Mountains and the Tibetan Plateau. Midday: Stop for lunch at a local teahouse or picnic spot. Keep an eye out for wildlife like Tibetan antelopes and wild yaks. Evening: Arrive in Nachu, a small town with basic accommodations. Rest and acclimatize to the altitude. Overnight in Nachu.Day 11
Nachu - Lake Namtso - Lhasa (440 km)
Morning: Depart early for Lake Namtso, one of Tibet's most sacred and beautiful lakes. The drive offers stunning views of the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains. Midday: Spend time at Lake Namtso. Walk along the shore, visit Tashi Dor Island, and take in the serene atmosphere. The lake is especially picturesque in the morning light. Afternoon: Continue the drive to Lhasa. The route passes through the Yangpachen Valley, known for its hot springs and geothermal activity. Evening: Arrive in Lhasa. Check into your hotel and rest. Overnight in Lhasa.Day 12
Lhasa Exploration & Acclimatization(visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Bazaar)
Morning: Visit the iconic Potala Palace, the winter residence of the Dalai Lama. Allocate at least 2-3 hours to explore its grand halls, chapels, and murals. Book tickets in advance, as entry is limited. Midday: Have lunch at a local restaurant in Lhasa. Try Tibetan dishes like momos (dumplings) or thukpa (noodle soup). Afternoon: Visit Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibet. Explore the temple and join pilgrims in walking the Barkhor Bazaar, a circular pilgrimage route surrounding the temple. The bazaar is also a great place to shop for souvenirs. Evening: Return to your hotel or explore Lhasa's vibrant streets. Overnight in Lhasa.Day 13
Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse (350 km)
Morning: Depart early for Gyantse. The drive takes you over the Kamba La Pass (4,794 meters) and Karo La Pass (5,010 meters), offering breathtaking views of Yamdrok Lake and the Nojin Kangtsang Glacier. Midday: Arrive in Gyantse. Visit the Gyantse Kumbum, a unique multi-storied stupa, and Pelkor Monastery. Afternoon: Continue to Shigatse, Tibet's second-largest city. Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama. Allocate at least 2 hours to explore the monastery. Evening: Overnight in Shigatse.Day 14
Monastery and Everest Base Camp (EBC)
Morning: Depart early for Tashizong Town. The drive takes you through the Himalayan Range, with stunning views of peaks like Shishapangma. Midday: Arrive in Tashizong Town. Take the local eco-bus to Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world. Spend time exploring the monastery and enjoying the views of Mount Everest. Afternoon: Take the eco-bus to Everest Base Camp (EBC). Spend time soaking in the views of Everest and the surrounding peaks. Be prepared for cold temperatures and high altitude. Evening: Return to Tashizong Town by eco-bus. Overnight in Tashizong.Day 15
Tashizong Town - Old Tingri - Saga (300 km)
Morning: Depart early for Saga. The drive takes you through Old Tingri, a small town with stunning views of the Himalayas. Stop for photos and a short break. Midday: Continue driving through remote and rugged landscapes, including high-altitude plains and river valleys. Evening: Arrive in Saga, a small town on the banks of the Brahmaputra River. Rest and prepare for the next leg of your journey. Overnight in Saga.Day 16
Saga - Lake Manasarovar and Darchen (490 km)
This is a long drive, so ensure an early start to maximize daylight. Consider adding a short stop at Rakshas Tal (Lake Rakshastal), which is near Lake Manasarovar, to appreciate the contrasting landscapes. Spend some time at Lake Manasarovar for spiritual reflection or a short walk along the shore. Overnight in Darchen.Day 17
Darchen - Tsada (230 km), visit Guge Kingdom Ruins and Toling Monastery
This day is well-planned, but allocate sufficient time to explore the Guge Kingdom Ruins, as they are vast and historically significant. Toling Monastery is also worth a detailed visit. Consider hiring a local guide at the ruins to gain deeper insights into the history. Overnight in Tsada.Day 18
Tsada - Darchen - Paryang (490 km)
This day involves a lot of driving, which might be tiring. Consider breaking the journey with a stop in Darchen for lunch and a short rest. Alternatively, if time permits, spend an extra night in Darchen to reduce fatigue and explore the area around Mount Kailash. Overnight in Paryang.Day 19
Paryang - Kyirung (390 km)
This is another long drive, so start early. The route offers stunning Himalayan views, so plan for photo stops. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, as the roads can be challenging. Overnight in Kyirung.Day 20
Kyirung - Border (25 km), exit Tibet, to Kathmandu (Nepal)
Today ,The drive to the border is short, so you can take your time.. After crossing the border, the drive to Kathmandu is long (approx. 6-7 hours), so plan for a comfortable vehicle and consider breaking the journey if needed.
Please send us copies(images/photos) of below documents via email:
- (1)Passport, (2)driving license,(3)vehicle registration certificate,(4)passport photo（head shot） of the driver.（5）Four photographs of your car/bike, from the front, back and the right and left sides，（6）Chinese Visa (when you have it).
This is very flexible tour, you can also travel opposite direction along the same destinations, you can enter China from Nepal via Kyirong Pass and Exit from China to Kyrgyzstan via Torugart or Irkeshtam pass.
You can add or delete days or especial activities from the itinerary, services can be adjusted to your own interests, Please contact us via email and let us know your plan, we are ready to offer you the best customized tour!
Please tell us your hotel requests, we will book hotels accordingly, we have 5 star international hotels at bigger cities, 4 star hotels and 3 star hotels, our hotels include breakfast.
We usually include breakfast and exclude Lunch and Dinner, it is for flexibility, but of course our guides and drivers always responsible to show you nice restaurants, you just need to tell your favorites.
