Road To Lhasa: India–Nepal–Tibet Self-Drive Expedition
Road to Lhasa, known as the India–Nepal–Tibet Self-Drive Expedition, is the most challenging self-drive expedition and is the ultimate journey for road travel enthusiasts. Crossing the international border a couple of times with different border systems and customs makes it challenging, and you are able to stand unbeaten. On this 15-day road trip, you will experience the natural beauty of India, Nepal, and the mystical Tibetan plateau in China, while also encountering some challenges.
Drive Beyond Borders: Challenge the mighty Himalayas to explore the world on wheels.
Our India-Nepal-Tibet Self-Drive Expedition combines the Himalayan landscapes, glacial high alpine areas, sacred lakes, Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, ancient cities of the Silk Road, and cultural heritage across three diverse countries. Starting from Gorakhpur, India, you will enter Nepal from the Sonauli Border and spend 4 nights exploring Chitwan, Kathmandu, and Rasuwagadi. After crossing the border at Gyirong when entering China, we will explore Lhatse, Shigatse, Lhasa, Damxung, Namtso Lake, Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, and Everest Base Camp before the home run via the same route via numerous high passes.
This 15-day India-Nepal-Tibet Self-Drive tour is more than just about the road trip. It is about landscapes, legends, and the joy of conquering some of the highest motorable roads on the planet, filled with new culture, language, cuisine, discipline, and secrets.
Highlights of the India-Tibet Drive Tour
- The Name Is Enough: India–Nepal–Tibet Self-Drive Expedition.
- Road Trip of: 1 Passport, 8 Documents, 4 Immigration, 5 High Passes, 4 8000+ m Mountains
- 3 Nations, 2 Guides, and 1 Trip: Road to Lhasa. A lifetime adventure experience to drive across three countries: India, Nepal, Tibet, and China.
- Explore ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries: Tashilunpo, Jokhang, and Sera Monastery.
- Visit the iconic sites: Potala Palace, Barkhor Street, and Everest Base Camp, the North Face.
- Drive along the longest alpine lake, Yamdrok.
- Explore the world’s highest saltwater lake, Namtso, at 4,718 m.
- Crossing through high Himalayan passes every day, like Karo La, Khamba La Pass, and Gyatso La (5220 m).
- This India-Tibet Drive tour is to discover the Differences of cultures, language, cuisine, and terrain
Road to Lhasa Itinerary: 16 Days
The classical itinerary of the Road to Lhasa, also known as the India-Nepal-Tibet Self-Drive Expedition, is 16 days from Gorkakhpur to Gorakhpur or Raxual. However, Thrust Adventure can customize the itinerary, which can be shorter or longer depending on the attractions and places we want to include in our trip. Here is the outline of your itinerary, which includes every possible attraction en route and makes a circuit route.
Day 1: Thrust Adventure welcomes you at Gorakhpur with Q&A, a meet-up, and dinner.
Day 2: Start from Gorakhpur or Raxaul. Enter Nepal via the Sunauli or Raxaul Border overnight at Chitwan.
Day 3: Drive from Chitwan to Kathmandu.
Day 4: Rest Day in Kathmandu—you can enjoy your day on your own.
You can use this spare day in your style; however, we suggest you do vehicle checks and servicing before hitting the road trip of a lifetime. On this day, you can visit the biggest Hindu temple, Pashupatinath Temple, and the widest stupa of Bouddhanath. In the evening, we will have a briefing session for the last time.
Day 5: Drive from Kathmandu to Rasuwagadi. (Nepal-China Border).
Day 6: Cross Border into Tibet (Gyirong)
Day 7: Gyirong to Shigatse, the second biggest town of Tibet
Day 8: Shigatse to Damxung Town
Day 9: Explore Namtso Lake and back to Lhasa
Day 19: Treasure hunt in Lhasa: Potala Palace, Barkhor Street, Jokhang Monastery.
Day 11: Lhasa to Shigatse via Yamdrok Lake
Day 12: Shigatse Everest Base Camp via Gawula Pass (5198 m)
Day 13: Taxizong or Rongbuk Monastery to Gyirong via Peiku Lake
Day 14: Gyirong to Chitwan: Back to Nepal
Day 15: Home run; Thrust Adventure’s 15-day India-Nepal-Tibet road trip comes to an end.
What are the Documents Required for the Road to Lhasa
- Valid passport, with a minimum of 6 months’ validity.
- Indian driving license.
- Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC).
- Plain passport-size photo with a white background.
- 4 side digital photos of your vehicles.
- Chinese visa application: Thrust Adventure will provide this beforehand.
Other permits Thrust Adventure organizes for you:
- Tibet Travel Permit (TTP)
- Chinese Group Visa
- Nepal Road Permit
- Nepal Vehicle Custom Paper
- Travel Alien Permit
- Military Permit for Damxung and Saga
- Foreign Vehicle Permit: Permit for the highway and expressway
- Temporary Chinese Driving License
- Temporary Chinese Vehicle Number Plate
- China Customs deposit for all your vehicles
- Route Navigation Permits: approved by Chinese authorities
- Temporary third-party insurance for Tibet, China
Some important things you need to know for Road to Lhasa:
- Tibet is only allowed as a group tour, and so is this India-Nepal-Tibet Self-Drive Expedition. Be a good member and care for the team.
- The vehicle must be in your name or carry an authorization letter if not
- Spare tires, a jack, tools, and towing ropes are important.
- The vehicle should be well-maintained, especially for high-altitude conditions
- Tibet’s high altitudes (above 4,800 meters) may cause altitude sickness
- Drink plenty of fluids, and avoid alcohol, as Tibet is the roof of the world, where we cross above 4800 m+ every day.
- Consider carrying anti-altitude pills (Diamox). However, consult a doctor first.
- Prepare for cold weather, especially for high passes, Yamdrok Lake, Everest Base Camp, and Namtso Lake.
- Carry tidbits, drinks, and emergency items in your accessible bag.
Best Time for the India to Tibet Road Trip
As this road trip connects 3 countries and 2 different sides of the Himalayas, the weather patterns are not the same. The best time to explore Tibet is June to August, but during that time, Nepal and India have lots of rain, floods, and landslides. If we forget this difference, we suggest the best months to explore the India-Nepal-Tibet Self-Drive Expedition are between April and October. For the stable weather and sure-shot adventure, choose April and May. However, Thrust Adventure suggests you not try during the peak winter months of December to February.
Recommended Local Tibet Permit Agencies in Kathmandu
Here are three trusted local travel agencies based in Kathmandu that specialize in self‑drive (your own car) permits and document handling for overland Tibet entry from Nepal. These providers support Indian nationals and international drivers entering Tibet via Gyirong (Kerung) or Korala and handle all paperwork, including China Group Visas and Tibet Travel Permits, plus licenses and vehicle permissions.
1. Thrust Adventure Overland Adventure Tour
A professional agency deals only with road trips and adventure; a leading company in Nepal provides self-drive road trips and ride expeditions in Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, China, Mongolia, and more destinations. This includes border crossing services, border logistics, bike rentals, visas and permits, guides, lead and support vehicles, backup vehicles, communication services, drone services, and so on.
2. Trekking Trail Nepal
Nepal-based local company operators can help you get all permits and documentation for your Tibet tours, whether you are on motorbikes or self-drive expeditions. You can reach Trekking Trail Nepal via email or WhatsApp. You can even visit their office.
Why do you need a local agency in Kathmandu for an India-Tibet road trip?
A Chinese group visa is mandatory, and foreigners cannot apply independently. Even group visas need permits to apply beforehand. Even though there are some official registrations that are mandatory, you need a local travel agency in Kathmandu, Nepal, to apply for Tibet Travel Permits and Tibet Group Visas. In addition to this, self‑drive tours or Indo-China motorbike tours come with numerous pieces of paperwork.
If you are planning to visit Tibet or mainland China overland, especially with your car or bikes, it is almost impossible to get it all done on your own.
It comes in addition to a visa and permits. Different permits like the Chinese Carnet, temporary license, vehicle registration number, route permits, traffic rules violation deposit, and entry for preservation areas like the Everest Base Camp. It cannot be obtained without local India-Nepal-Tibet travel agency support, which is based in Kathmandu. During the border crossing, too, you need agency support for documentation, security, border logistics, and introduction to a Tibetan guide.
In short, the Nepal-India-Tibet Self-Drive Expedition is a rare yet adventurous road trip crossing the Himalayas in your car or bike. This is the ultimate privilege that few travelers like you will get. On this Road to Lhasa Tour, you will explore three distinct countries, crossing multiple high passes and serene turquoise lakes, and absorb the spiritual, cultural, and natural glory of the Roof of the World.
Always work with an experienced adventure travel company that can handle Tibet permits, guides, Chinese lead vehicle paperwork, and epic food and drinks. With the right preparation and planning, your dream to drive across India, Nepal, and Tibet can become one of the most unforgettable journeys of your life with Thrust Adventure.
