Kunming Lhasa Tour Overview

This Kathmandu–China–Tibet Overland Journey is an extraordinary trans-Himalayan adventure that takes travelers from Nepal to Lhasa, passing through the scenic regions of Yunnan, Shangri-La, eastern Tibet, and the Tibetan Plateau. Designed for explorers seeking culture, landscapes, and spiritual depth, this 15-day journey combines historic towns, dramatic river gorges, high mountain passes, and sacred Buddhist sites.

The tour begins in Kathmandu, followed by exploration of China's Yunnan province, including Kunming, Lijiang, and Shangri-La, known for their ancient towns, ethnic heritage, and stunning natural beauty. Highlights include visits to the Yunnan Ethnic Village Park, Yunnan Minorities Museum, the historic Shuhe Ancient Town, and the scenic Black Dragon Pond.

Iconic landmarks along the route include the dramatic Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest canyons in the world, the First Bend of the Yangtze River, and the ancient Songzanlin Monastery. The journey continues through the stunning Baima Snow Mountain Nature Reserve, crossing high passes and entering Tibet via Yanjing, famous for its salt fields and natural hot springs.

As the journey progresses through eastern Tibet, travelers experience the deep valleys of the Nu River (Salween), the crystal-clear Ranwu Lake, the forested valleys of Bomi, and the serene Basong Lake. The tour culminates in Lhasa, the spiritual heart of Tibet, with full days exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Norbulingka Palace, Sera and Drepung Monasteries, and the lively Barkor Bazaar.

This tour is ideal for adventure travelers, cultural explorers, and spiritually curious visitors looking to experience the Himalayas beyond conventional routes, offering one of the most scenic and culturally rich overland journeys in Asia.

Things That You Need to Know

Duration & Difficulty:

This is a 15-day overland tour involving long scenic drives and high-altitude passes exceeding 5,000 meters. It is physically demanding due to the altitude and journey length, requiring good health and stamina.

Best Season:

The best time is from May to October when the weather is most stable and passes are generally open. Winter months can be extremely cold and may cause road closures.

Accommodation & Meals:

The package includes 4 nights in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast, and the best available twin-sharing lodge accommodation during the trek in Tibet. Three daily meals and seasonal fruits are provided during the overland journey.

Permits & Visa:

Travelers need a Tibet Travel Permit and a Chinese visa. These are not included and must be arranged separately. The tour includes all necessary entry fees to monasteries and sites.

Kunming - "City of Eternal Spring":

Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province, is renowned for its pleasant climate, diverse ethnic cultures, and rich history as a key stop on the ancient Tea and Horse Caravan Road.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1Altitude: 1350mTrekking: 0.0 hrs

Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrival at Kathmandu Airport. Welcome by Global Nepal Treks member. Direct transfer to hotel on bed & breakfast plan. Rest and prepare for the journey.

Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 2Altitude: 1350mTrekking: 0.0 hrs

Kathmandu City Tour

Full-day Kathmandu city tour including all entry fees, with a tour guide and private transportation.

Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 3Altitude: 1890mTrekking: 0.0 hrs

Fly to Kunming

Arrive in Kunming, the "City of Eternal Spring". Meet at the airport and transfer to hotel. If time permits, visit Yunnan Ethnic Village Park and Yunnan Minorities Museum.

Hotel in Kunming

Day 4Altitude: 2400mTrekking: 2.0 hrs

Fly to Lijiang & Explore

Morning flight to Lijiang. Visit Shuhe Ancient Town and Black Dragon Pond Park. Free time to explore the historic Lijiang Ancient Town.

Hotel in Lijiang

Day 5Altitude: 3300mTrekking: 1.0 hrs

Drive to Shangri-La

Scenic drive to Shangri-La. En route, visit Tiger Leaping Gorge, First Bend of the Yangtze River, and the 300-year-old Songzanlin Monastery. Explore the old town and highland market.

Hotel in Shangri-La

Day 6Altitude: 3400mTrekking: 0.0 hrs

Drive to Deqin via Ganden Dongzhulin

Drive to Deqin via the Ganden Dongzhulin Monastery. Pass through the scenic Baima Snow Mountain Nature Reserve, crossing a high pass at 4,296m. Arrive in Deqin, the gateway to Tibet.

Hotel in Deqin

Day 7Altitude: 2600mTrekking: 1.0 hrs

Enter Tibet: Deqin to Yanjing

Travel along the Mekong River valley into Tibet. On clear days, view the peaks of the Kawagebo range (Mt. Meili, 6,740m). In Yanjing, visit the ancient salt fields and relax in natural hot springs overlooking the Mekong.

Lodge in Yanjing

Day 8Altitude: 3800mTrekking: 0.0 hrs

Yanjing to Zuogong

Cross two high passes, one around 3,900m and another at 5,008m. Drive past remote Tibetan villages and snow-capped peaks, experiencing the isolated beauty of eastern Tibet.

Lodge in Zuogong

Day 9Altitude: 3900mTrekking: 0.0 hrs

Zuogong to Basu

Long and scenic drive along the deep valleys of the Nu River (Salween River). A tough but rewarding journey through dramatic landscapes.

Lodge in Basu

Day 10Altitude: 2743mTrekking: 1.0 hrs

Basu to Bomi (Tramog) via Ranwu Lake

Visit the spectacular crystal-blue Ranwu Lake, cupped by snow peaks. Wander through the thickly forested Poto-chu Valley at Tramog (2,743m) with glacial waterfalls.

Lodge in Bomi

Day 11Altitude: 3000mTrekking: 0.0 hrs

Tang-me (Bomi) to Bayi

Enjoy unobstructed views of majestic Nam Jiabawa peak. After a long 9-hour drive, arrive in Bayi, the largest Tibetan town on the route.

Hotel in Bayi

Day 12Altitude: 3700mTrekking: 1.0 hrs

Bayi to Basong Lake

Drive to the crystal-clear Basong Lake, an oasis-like setting. Time for gentle walks and exploring the nearby glacier.

Lodge at Basong Lake

Day 13Altitude: 3650mTrekking: 1.0 hrs

Basong Lake to Lhasa

Leave the lake, arrive at Gongbujiangda for lunch. Afternoon free to explore. Arrive in Lhasa, understanding why this journey is a sacred pilgrimage.

Hotel in Lhasa

Day 14Altitude: 3650mTrekking: 2.0 hrs

Lhasa Sightseeing

Full day in Lhasa. Visit Jokhang Temple, Norbulingka Palace (Dalai Lama's summer palace), Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and the lively Barkor Bazaar.

Hotel in Lhasa

Day 15Altitude: 3650mTrekking: 2.0 hrs

Lhasa Sightseeing & Departure

Visit the magnificent 13-story Potala Palace. Later, drive to Shigatse or transfer to the airport for onward destination.

Hotel in Shigatse / Departure

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Kunming Lhasa Tour?

This is a 15-day trans-Himalayan overland journey that begins in Kathmandu, explores the culturally rich Yunnan province of China (Kunming, Lijiang, Shangri-La), and then traverses eastern Tibet to reach the sacred city of Lhasa. It combines diverse landscapes, ethnic cultures, and Tibetan Buddhist heritage.

What is the best time to do this tour?

The best time is from May to October, when the weather is most stable, high mountain passes are generally open, and the scenic beauty is at its peak. Winter months can be extremely cold and may lead to road closures.

What is the maximum altitude reached on this tour?

The tour crosses several high passes in eastern Tibet, with altitudes exceeding 5,000 meters (16,400 feet). Lhasa itself is at 3,650m, and some locations like Ranwu Lake and passes are much higher.

What permits and visas are required?

You will need a valid passport, a Chinese visa, and a Tibet Travel Permit. The Tibet permit must be arranged through a tour operator and is not included in the package. A Nepal visa for the initial arrival is also required.

How difficult is this tour?

This is considered a moderate to challenging tour due to the long days of travel, high altitudes, and remote nature of the journey. Participants should be in good health and have a sense of adventure.

What are the main highlights in Yunnan?

In Yunnan, highlights include exploring Kunming's ethnic villages and museums, the historic towns of Lijiang and Shuhe, Black Dragon Pond Park, the dramatic Tiger Leaping Gorge, and the Tibetan-influenced Songzanlin Monastery in Shangri-La.

What are the main highlights in Tibet?

Tibetan highlights include the salt fields of Yanjing, remote mountain passes, the crystal-clear Ranwu and Basong Lakes, the forested valleys of Bomi, and in Lhasa: the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Norbulingka, Sera and Drepung Monasteries, and the Barkor Bazaar.

What is Tiger Leaping Gorge?

Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the world's deepest and most dramatic river canyons, located on the Yangtze River. The tour includes a visit to this spectacular natural wonder.

What is the accommodation like on this tour?

The package includes comfortable 3-star hotel stays in Kathmandu and city hotels in Yunnan. During the overland portion in Tibet, accommodation is in the best available twin-sharing lodges, which may be basic but comfortable.

Are meals included during the tour?

Yes, three daily meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch, dinner) are provided during the overland journey, along with seasonal fruits. Breakfast is included at hotels in Kathmandu.

What is the Potala Palace?

The Potala Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the iconic landmark of Lhasa. It was the winter palace of the Dalai Lama and is a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture, containing over 1,000 rooms, thousands of thangkas, and sacred relics.

What is the Jokhang Temple?

The Jokhang Temple is considered the most sacred and important temple in Tibetan Buddhism. It houses a revered statue of Jowo Sakyamuni Buddha and is a major pilgrimage destination in Lhasa.

What is Kunming known for?

Kunming is known as the "City of Eternal Spring" for its pleasant year-round climate. It is the capital of Yunnan province, a region home to 25 ethnic minorities, and a historic stop on the ancient Tea and Horse Caravan Road.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?

Yes, solo travelers are welcome. The group setting and shared overland journey provide a social and supportive environment.

What should I pack for this tour?

Pack layered clothing for varying temperatures, sturdy walking shoes, sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat), personal medications, a refillable water bottle, and a camera. A sleeping bag liner might be useful for lodge stays.

Kunming Lhasa Tour