Destination
Nepal, Tibet, Multi Country
Region
China/Tibet/Nepal
Trip Grade
Grade 3: Hard/challenging
Accommodation
Hotel
Start / End Point
Beijing/Kathmandu
Durations
12 days
Max. Altitude
5,309 m (17,417 ft)
Meals Included
Breakfast
Group Size
10 pax
Best Season
June-Aug
Activity per day
8 hr
Transportation
Drive/flight/Train
Trip Highlights
China Imperial History
The Sky Train
Spiritual Tibet
Everest North Face
Nepal Overland Crossing
Kathmandu Highlights
Trip Overview
1. Standing on History in Beijing .The journey kicks off in China’s epic capital. Travelers will walk the massive stone blocks of the Great Wall, explore the sprawling courtyards of the Forbidden City, and stand in the middle of Tiananmen Square. It’s the perfect, high-energy introduction to the sheer scale of ancient and modern Asian history.
2. Unearthing the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an .A swift bullet train ride brings the group to Xi’an, the starting point of the ancient Silk Road. The absolute highlight here is standing face-to-face with the Terracotta Army—thousands of uniquely detailed, life-sized clay soldiers that guarded an emperor’s tomb for over 2,000 years. At night, the group can walk along the massive, beautifully illuminated Ancient City Wall.
3. The Vibrant Cultural Blend of Xining .As the gateway to the Tibetan Plateau, Xining offers a stunning shift in culture, food, and landscape. Travelers will experience a fascinating mix of Han Chinese, Tibetan, and Hui Muslim cultures. From the grand architecture of the Dongguan Mosque to the bustling night markets packed with sizzling, aromatic street food, it’s a sensory wonderland.
4. Riding the “Sky Train” (The World’s Highest Railway).This is a massive bucket-list experience. Boarding the legendary Qinghai-Tibet Railway from Xining to Lhasa, the group will ride the highest tracks on Earth, peaking at a breathtaking 5,072 meters (16,640 feet) above sea level at the Tanggula Pass. The train is an engineering miracle, featuring sealed, oxygen-pressurized cabins and massive windows framing an “alien” landscape of frozen permafrost, grazing yaks, and towering glacial peaks.
5. The Grandeur of the Potala Palace in Lhasa. Arriving in the holy city of Lhasa, the skyline is completely dominated by the majestic Potala Palace. The winter and fortress-like palace of successive Dalai Lamas climbs high above the valley floor. Exploring its labyrinth of golden shrines, historic state rooms, and jeweled stupas is an unforgettable step into living history.
6. Walking the Sacred Barkhor Street. KoraTo truly feel the spiritual heartbeat of Tibet, the group will join thousands of local pilgrims spinning prayer wheels along Barkhor Street. This sacred circular path surrounds the Jokhang Temple, the spiritual core of Tibetan Buddhism. The air is thick with aromatic incense smoke, rhythmic chanting, and a deep, peaceful devotion that leaves every traveler spellbound.
7. The Turquoise Waters of Yamdrok Lake .Leaving Lhasa behind, the overland drive climbs over high mountain passes to reveal the striking, surreal turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake. Coiling like a scorpion through the barren, snow-capped mountain landscape, this sacred alpine lake offers some of the most dramatic, postcard-perfect photography stops of the entire expedition.
8. Standing at the Foot of Mt. Everest Base Camp (North Face)The absolute pinnacle of the adventure. The group will journey to the North Face of Mount Everest (Chomolungma). Standing at Base Camp, looking straight up at the monumental, sheer rock-and-ice face of the world’s tallest peak is a moment of pure awe. It provides an unobstructed, dramatic view of the summit that most people only ever see in documentaries.
9. Descending the Himalayan Gorges to Kathmandu The overland journey from the barren Tibetan Plateau down into Nepal is one of the most dramatic geographic transitions on Earth. Watch the landscape morph from dry, windswept high-altitude plains to lush, green subtropical valleys, rushing waterfalls, and deep river gorges as you cross the border and head toward the Kathmandu Valley.
10. Exploring Kathmandu, the City of Temples The grand finale takes place in the vibrant, bustling capital of Nepal. Kathmandu is a living museum where ancient heritage blends with daily life. The group will explore the soaring, eye-painted spire of Boudhanath Stupa, watch the sunset over the hilltop Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), and wander the intricate, wood-carved palaces of Kathmandu Durbar Square. It is a colorful, soulful, and unforgettable place to celebrate the end of an epic journey.
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary-June 10, 2026
Detailed Itinerary
Welcome to China! “For your convenience, you may book your flight to arrive at either Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). Our team will be waiting to welcome you at either location.”
Stay: Atour Hotel Lishui Bridge or Lianjie Hotel
Morning: Walk across iconic Tiananmen Square and explore the massive courtyards of the Forbidden City.
Afternoon: Stroll through the beautifully landscaped lakes, pavilions, and grand walkways of the imperial Summer Palace.
Evening: Immerse yourself in local culture with a walk through the nearby historic Hutongs & enjoy a relaxed dinner.
Meals: B & Dinner
Stay: Atour Hotel Lishui Bridge or Lianjie Hotel
Morning (8:00 AM): Scenic drive north to the breathtaking Mutianyu section of the Great Wall.
The Experience: Enjoy 4 to 5 unhurried hours on the wall! Take the cable car or chairlift up to the ramparts, hike the historic watchtowers at a relaxed pace, and ride the famous, exhilarating toboggan down.
Evening: Head back to the city after a hearty, rustic northern Chinese meal to refuel after your hike.
Meals: B
Stay: Atour Hotel Lishui Bridge or Lianjie Hotel
Morning: Board a sleek, high-speed bullet train from Beijing to Xi’an (approx. 4.5 hours).
Afternoon: Check into the hotel and climb to the top of the 600-year-old Ancient City Wall for a stunning panoramic view of old vs. new Xi’an.
Evening: Dive into the vibrant, neon-lit wonderland of the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City for incredible street food, lively historical performances, and brilliant night photography.
Meals: B
Stay: Mehood Hotel
Morning: Stand face-to-face with the breathtaking Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, marveling at thousands of uniquely carved, life-sized clay soldiers.
Afternoon: Visit the iconic Great Wild Goose Pagoda, grab a vibrant late lunch in the Muslim Quarter, and catch an afternoon bullet train to Xining (approx. 4.5 hours).
Evening: Arrive in Xining, check into the hotel, and enjoy a relaxing dinner to wind down.
Meals: B
Stay: Qinghai WanyueDes International Hotel
Morning: Explore the unique wildlife at the Himalayan Zoo and visit the historic Dongguan Mosque, featuring a beautiful blend of traditional Chinese architecture and Islamic design.
Afternoon: Discover Kumbum Monastery (Ta’er Si), one of the six great Gelug (Yellow Hat) sect monasteries, famous for its intricate yak-butter sculptures and rich spiritual history.
Evening: Rest early and organize your packing for tomorrow’s legendary train journey.
Meals: B
Stay: Qinghai WanyueDes International Hotel
Morning: Enjoy a relaxed morning exploring the world’s longest thangka painting at the Xining Tibetan Medicine & Culture Museum.
Afternoon (3:00 PM): Arrive at Xining Railway Station and board the iconic Qinghai-Tibet Railway “Sky Train” to Lhasa, enjoying a cozy, scenic soft-sleeper cabin on availability.
Meals: B
Stay: Overnight on the Sky Train (Oxygen-pressurized cabins passing the 5,072m Tanggula Pass)
Logistics: Arrive in Lhasa via the spectacular, high-altitude rail route. Meet your local Tibetan guide and driver for a comfortable hotel transfer.
Highlight: Relax for the remainder of the day to smoothly acclimatize to the high altitude. Take a gentle, scenic evening stroll around the beautifully illuminated Potala Palace Square.
Meals: None (Acclimatization focus)
Stay: Lhasa 4 Star Hotel
Morning: Explore the architectural masterpiece of the Potala Palace, the historic grand winter residence of the Dalai Lamas.
Afternoon: Visit the Jokhang Temple, the supreme, sacred spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism.
Highlight: Join local pilgrims spinning brass prayer wheels along the vibrant Barkhor Street Kora.
Meals: B
Stay: Lhasa 4 Star Hotel
Morning: Head to the peaceful hillsides to explore Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in the world.
Afternoon: Visit Sera Monastery for a truly animated cultural highlight.
Highlight: Witness the famous, high-energy monk philosophical debates in the shaded courtyard of Sera Monastery.
Meals: B
Stay: Lhasa 4 Star Hotel
Drive: Approx. 360 km (6–7 hours) along the scenic Friendship Highway.
Activities: Cross the spectacular Kamba La Pass (4,794m) for panoramic views of the turquoise Yamdrok Lake. Continue past the massive Pelkor Chode Monastery and Kumbum Stupa in Gyantse.
Highlight: Stand right beside the colossal, frozen cascading ice of the roadside Karola Glacier.
Meals: B
Stay: Shigatse 4 Star hotel
Drive: Approx. 310 km (6 hours) towards the high Himalayas.
Activities: Tour Tashilhunpo Monastery, the historic seat of the Panchen Lama. Drive across Gyatso La Pass (5,248m) and enter the Mt. Everest National Nature Reserve, climbing the legendary Gawu La Pass (5,198m).
Highlight: The viewpoint at Gawu La Pass offers an unparalleled, sweeping panorama of the world’s highest peaks, including Mt. Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu.
Meals: B
Stay: Tashi Zom 4 Star hotel
Drive: Approx. 330 km (6–7 hours) descending from the high plateau.
Activities: Skirt past the breathtaking Peiku Tso Lake, a pristine sapphire alpine lake nestled directly under the shadow of Mt. Shishapangma (8,012m).
Highlight: Watch the dramatic geographical transition as the road snakes downward from the barren Tibetan Plateau into the lush, green, forested canyons of the Gyirong Valley.
Meals: B
Stay: 4 star hotel in Gyirong Town
Logistics: Cross the border into Nepal and enjoy a scenic drive through deep river gorges and subtropical valleys into Kathmandu.
Welcome: Traditional welcome in the “City of Temples” and check-in to your premium accommodation.
Stay: Barahi Kathmandu Hotel
After the ending of the tour you can fly back home from Kathmandu or extend your travel with visit to Kathamndu, Bhutan , india
Cost Includes
- Expert Leadership: Guided by Nabraj Ghimire (Raj) and local Tibetan/Chinese guides.
- Permits: All necessary Tibet Travel Permits and Alien Travel Permits.
- Transportation: Private tourist vehicle in China/Tibet/Nepal; 2nd Class Train Ticket (Beijing to Xian- Xining); Soft-sleeper train ticket (Xining to Lhasa).
- Accommodation: 4-Star hotels
- Meals: Daily breakfast at hotels.
- Entrance Fees: All tickets for monuments listed (Great Wall, Potala Palace, etc.).
- Safety: Oxygen supplies in the vehicle for the Tibet portion.
Cost Excludes
- International airfare to Beijing and out of Kathmandu.
- Chinese Visa Fee (Must be arranged in your home country).
- Lunch and Dinner (Allow approx. $10-20 per day).
- Travel Insurance (Mandatory).
- Tips for guides and drivers Estimated 150 USD Per Person
