If you’re considering an overland trip to Tibet, you now have plenty of options. Currently, there are five roads leading to Tibet, each offering unique features. So you might wonder: What are these routes? Which one should I take? What documents will I need? Check out this guide to make an informed decision for your next overland adventure to Tibet.

Road to Tibet from Kathmandu: The Most Popular Overland Route across the Himalayas

The overland route from Kathmandu to Lhasa is the most popular way to travel to Tibet by road and is one of the top tours in both Nepal and Tibet. This 1,300-km journey offers an incredible adventure, taking you from the vibrant city of Kathmandu to the heights of Everest Base Camp (EBC) and the wonders of Lhasa, the heart of Tibet.

The trip begins with a drive from Kathmandu to the Chinese border, passing through beautiful scenic locations, including the spectacular Langtang National Park. The road to the border is rough and can take up to seven hours to reach Gyirong Port. Once you arrive, your Tibetan guide will meet you and drive you to Gyirong Town, where you'll spend the night before heading to the famous EBC.

After admiring Mount Everest, you'll travel to Tingri and then to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet, before continuing to Lhasa. Along the way, you'll visit some of Tibet's most remarkable landmarks, including Tashilhunpo Monastery, Kumbum Stupa, and Yamdrok Lake. Once in Lhasa, you can explore the city's highlights, such as the Potala Palace and Barkhor Street.

The best way to take this trip is by joining our classic 8-day Kathmandu to Lhasa overland adventure tour, which offers the ultimate travel experience for this journey. Covering all the highlights along the route, our tour includes arrangements for the required Tibet travel documents, accommodation, meals, and more. Our expert Tibetan guide and experienced driver are committed to ensuring you have a comfortable and pleasant experience from start to finish.

Road to Tibet from Chengdu: The Most Scenic Overland Route along G318 Highway

Among the four routes into Tibet from mainland China, the road from Chengdu to Lhasa, known as the G318 Highway, is the most popular. Favored by both domestic and international tourists seeking an adventurous journey, this 2,149 km route takes you through some of the most stunning scenery on the planet.

Starting in Chengdu, the overland journey leads through Kangding, Xinduqiao, Litang, and Batang, home to the Maoya Grassland. It then continues to Nyingchi, passing Zogang, Ranwu Lake, and Bome before reaching Bayi Town. From here, a new high-speed expressway follows the Nyang River into Lhasa.

Typically taking a week, this trip offers a once-in-a-lifetime road adventure through diverse landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, alpine forests, valleys, rivers, and plateau lakes. Along the way, you'll encounter stunning attractions in western Sichuan and eastern Tibet, such as Four Sisters Mountain, Bangda Grassland, Ranwu Lake, Midui Glacier, Lulang Forest, Namcha Barwa Peak, and Basum Lake.

If you plan to take this overland tour from Chengdu to Lhasa, it’s best to do so in the spring or autumn, specifically from April to May or September to October, when the weather is ideal. While the entire route is now a well-maintained asphalt highway, it’s still advisable to check the weather or contact us for the latest road conditions, especially if traveling during the summer rainy season.

Road to Tibet from Kashgar: The Most Adventurous Overland Route across Western Tibet

The overland trip from Kashgar to Tibet is the longest route into Tibet, stretching 2,755 kilometers along the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway. Known as one of the most adventurous road trips in the Himalayas, this journey offers an incredible experience, taking you through some of the world’s most diverse climates and landscapes.

Starting in Kashgar, the route takes you south through the ancient ruins of the Guge Kingdom, passing through Yecheng and Pangong Tso. After exploring the Guge Kingdom area in Ngari, you'll stop in Darchen to begin the trek around Mount Kailash. From there, you'll head south to Saga and then to Mount Everest. The journey continues to Lhasa, passing through Shigatse and Gyantse, and alongside the beautiful Lake Yamdrok and Karola Glacier.

This route is best traveled between late April and early October, as the intense cold in northwestern Tibet during winter can freeze vehicle fuel. The road is also challenging due to its extreme altitudes, reaching above 5,000 meters in some areas.

For a safe and smooth travel experience, we recommend joining our 16-Day Overland Adventure from Kashgar to Lhasa. This tour covers nearly all the stunning attractions along the epic highway, with experienced guides and drivers to ensure a seamless journey.

Road to Tibet from Xining: The Less-Traveled Overland Route Overlapping the Qinghai-Tibet Railway

Stretching 1,956 kilometers, the road from Xining to Lhasa is the shortest route from mainland China to Tibet. It also boasts the best road conditions, though it is less traveled now due to the operation of Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

Despite this, the road remains a fantastic way to reach Tibet. It takes you over two high mountain ranges, across the vast plains of Kekexili Nature Reserve and Changtang Grasslands, and down into Lhasa alongside the stunning Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains.

This route is very popular among domestic tourists for driving and cycling to Lhasa. However, if you prefer train journeys, we recommend taking the Tibet train from Xining to Lhasa. It offers the same breathtaking views as the highway, but with a faster and more comfortable travel experience.

Road to Tibet from Kunming: The Exotic Overland Route across Scenic Views

The overland route from Kunming in Yunnan Province to Lhasa offers a breathtaking scenic drive through some of China’s most stunning landscapes. Starting in Kunming, the route heads north through Lijiang, Shangri-La, and Deqin, joining the G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway at Markam before continuing to Lhasa via Litang, Bome, and Nyingchi.

While the stretch from Markam to Lhasa is spectacular, the journey from Kunming is equally beautiful, taking you through the Hengduan Mountains along China’s western edge. Along the way, you’ll encounter attractions like Erhai Lake, Cangshan Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge, and Shangri-La, while also meeting locals from ethnic groups like the Naxi people.

Covering around 2,225 kilometers, this journey typically takes 5 to 7 days for a comfortable and immersive experience. Like the Chengdu to Lhasa route, it’s best to drive this road in spring or autumn, as winter can be too cold and icy, and summer too wet and hazardous.

What Travel Documents are Needed to Travel Overland to Tibet?

Before taking an overland tour to Tibet, you’ll need to secure several permits. The first is a Chinese Visa. If you’re taking an overland route from mainland China, you’ll need a Chinese Tourist Visa. However, if you’re traveling from Nepal to Tibet, a Chinese Group Visa is required. If you hold a passport from a country eligible for 15-30 day visa-free entry to China, you won’t need a Chinese Visa.

Next, you’ll need the Tibet Travel Permit, which is essential for entering Tibet. If you plan to travel beyond Lhasa to remote or restricted areas like Mount Everest Base Camp or Mount Kailash, you’ll also need an Alien’s Travel Permit or a Military Permit.

For those planning a self-driving trip to Tibet, a temporary Chinese driving license and a vehicle plate are also required.

Although this may seem complex, you don’t need to worry about handling these permits. When you book your tour with us, we’ll take care of all the necessary Tibet travel documents on your behalf, no matter which overland route you choose. Just contact us in advance and share your plans to ensure a smooth process.

Conclusion

With five different roads leading to Tibet from various directions, you have a choice of five unique and epic adventures. The most popular routes are the Friendship Highway from Kathmandu to Lhasa and the G318 Highway from Chengdu, but the decision ultimately depends on your preferences and situation. No matter which route you choose for your Tibet overland tour, we’re here to ensure a smooth overland journey with our one-stop service. Feel free to contact us or book your tour with us now.