India to Tibet Road Trip – Drive to Lhasa and Everest Base Camp
A road trip from India to Tibet is one of the most extraordinary overland adventures in the world. Crossing the mighty Himalayas, this expedition takes travelers through remote mountain landscapes, ancient monasteries, and some of the highest roads on earth before reaching the legendary city of Lhasa and the iconic Everest Base Camp.
Organized by Planet Way Round, this trans-Himalayan journey offers a rare opportunity to drive across the “Roof of the World” and experience the mystical land of Tibet by road.
Total Drive – 3300 Kms approx from Gorakhpur – Nepal – Tibet – Nepal – India Border
Trip Duration : 14 Days.
Drive Type : Advanced
Highest Altitude : 5416 meters ( North Everest Base Camp )
Drive Start Point : Gorakhpur
Drive End Point : Indian Border
Accommodations : Hotels & Resort
Landscapes : Varying from temperate valleys to snow-clad mountains
Country : Nepal & Tibet (China)
Explore : Peiku, Namtso, and Yamdruk Lake, Potala Palace, Barkhor Street, Jokhang & Drepung Monastery.
Itinerary
Day 01 | Reach Gorakhpur, evening briefings and get to know the partispants.
Day 02 |Entry to Nepal, documentation, and drive to Chitwan. 162 Km.
Day 03 |Drive to Rasuwagadi border, (228 Km).
Day 04 |Cross the Indo-China border to Gyirong (28 km).
Day 05 |Drive to Shigatse (580 km), via Peiku Lake.
Day 06 |Explore Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, Vehicles, and DL verification.
Day 07 |Drive to Damxung (270 km).
Day 08 |Explore Namtso Lake & drive to Lhasa (278 km).
Day 09 |Explore Potala Palace, Monastery, & Barkhor Street.
Day 10 | Shigatse via Yamdrok Lake (360 km).
Day 11 | Drive to Rongbuk (330 km), visit Everest North Base Camp.
Day 12 |Return to Gyirong via Peiku Lake. (250 km).
Day 13 |Cross back into Nepal, drive to Chitwan (144 km).
Day 14 |Drive home (162+ km) and end the India-Nepal-Tibet Self-Drive.
Thing to do extra
*Drive to Everest Base Camp
*Cultural sightseeing in Kathmandu
*Trekking
Food and Meal
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are included.
During this tour, you will be served Breakfast & Dinner at the place of stay. Lunches will be en-route on the highway.
Type of stay
Accommodations is provided in a Mix of 5* / Good 4* for the duration of the tour.
Getting there
STARTS AND END POINT OF TOUR
We start and ends in Gorakhpur.
For those arriving by flight you can fly directly into Gorakhpur airport.
For those driving in from Indian taking their own self drive vehicle for the tour, you have to reach Gorakhpur for start of the trip.
Skill level(s) required for this tour
Moderate:
*can drive for 7-8 hours
*average driving experience in mountains.
*little assistance required
*comfortable with extreme curves and leans
*average experience with unsurfaced roads
*steep ascents and descents
*Option of taking driver for tour is also available.
Including the package cost
- Accommodation for 13 Nights stay.
- Twin sharing, in 5-Star & 4* accommodation as available.
- Nepalese and Tibetan Guide, from Nepal-India border and back.
- Lead car with accompanying PWR crew with the group. ( Backup vehicle, above 14 cars )
- Meals – B, L , D – Breakfast and dinner in the hotel, Lunch mostly on the highway, as per the best availability.
- All entry & conservation fees in Tibet, Namtso, Yamdruk, Peikhu Lake, Potala Palace, Everest Base Camp, Yamdrok Lake, Karola, Tashilhunpo Monastery, and Peiku Lake.
- Emergency medical assistance, including oxygen support.
- Tibet document fees, road permits, vehicle permits, and all documents.
- All necessary paperwork and travel permits for the self-drive tour.
- Nepal vehicles, customs, & road permit fees for all vehicles.
- Guide Insurance, fees and government tax, transportation, and accommodation.
- Customs Security Deposit (C-net) for all Indian vehicles
- Border crossing formalities: Customs clearance, China inspection, and quarantine for vehicles.
- Compulsory third-party traffic liability insurance fees for all vehicles ( For China ).
- Digital temporary Chinese driver’s license for drivers and RC for all Indian vehicles with a toll.
- All costs for a local Tibetan English-speaking mandatory tour guide.
- All costs for a certified tourist vehicle in the Lhasa Tour (No Drive Day-9).
- Entrance tickets for all tourist attractions mentioned in the itinerary.
- Tibet Everest base camp electronic conservative bus fee for all members and guides.
- All entry fees to the sites and monasteries mentioned in the Tibet Drive Tour itinerary.
- Chinese visa and passport dispache services ( For Group ) .
Not including the cost
- Stay for extra days if any ( we can make bookings for you )
- Flights to the destination.
- Self-driving vehicles/bikes, fuels, cleaning, maintenance, parts, repairs, insurance.
- Emergency transportation if needed.
- Nepal visa fee (if a foreign passport holder, as applicable).
- Personal insurance and evacuation charges
- Insurance against or for accidents/loss of life, loss of goods, etc.
- Third Party Insurance for your vehicle.
- Any damages /fine/ Insurance
- Toll Tax if any.
- Fuel for vehicle.
- Vehicle Insurance or Rentals.
- Any kind of personal expenses or optional tours, extra meals, starters (Alcoholic, Mineral, Soft Drinks, Aerated) etc.
- Extra guide fee, Camera & Video fee ,Tips, Insurance, Laundry, Phone
- Any cost arising out of unforeseen circumstances like damage accruing from land blocks, bad weather etc.
- Any medical expenses incurred during the trip or travel insurance
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions
- Insurance for or against accidents, loss of life, theft etc.
- GST extra ( 5% ) on billing + TCS as per slab
| PAX |
COST for Winter Tour only |
|
Cost based on 2 Pax travelling in a vehicle with stay in one Room
|
USD 3700 Per pax on twin / Double share basis or room |
| Single Room Supplement |
USD 4500 Per single pax. |
|
|
GST extra on billing ( 5% ) + TCS as per slab
Notes
In Case of Visa rejection by Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu or by Tibetan Authorities at Tibet entry refund will be issues only a 50% of the tour cost , and for Vehicle entry fee there is no refund. Tibet is an high altitude zone like although higher in Altitude then Ladakh the do and don’ts are identical for both high altitude zones.
https://developer.planetwayround.com/ladakh-travel-guide/
1. Ideal Vehicle Type
For this journey, a 4×4 SUV or off-road vehicle is the best choice. It should have high ground clearance, a powerful engine, and reliable suspension to handle rough and steep roads.
2. Recommended Vehicles
- Toyota Fortuner – A popular choice in India with a strong engine and 4WD capability.
-
Ford Endeavour – Offers comfort and performance with excellent off-road handling.
-
Mahindra Scorpio N 4×4 – A reliable Indian SUV with a robust build and off-road capabilities.
-
Isuzu D-Max V-Cross – A great pick for overlanders who want a mix of performance and cargo space.
- Mahindra Thar – A proper rugged 4×4 vehicle.
- Toyota Hilux – A proper rugged 4×4 vehicle with a big and reliable engine.
3. Key Features to Look For
-
4WD System – Essential for navigating dirt roads and mountain passes.
-
High Ground Clearance – Helps in tackling rough patches and water crossings.
-
Reliable Braking & ABS – Necessary for steep descents in the Himalayas.
-
All-Terrain Tires – For better grip on snow, gravel, and muddy roads.
-
Additional Fuel Storage – Fuel stations can be scarce in remote areas.
