Destination
Nepal, Tibet, Multi Country
Region
China/Tibet/Nepal
Trip Grade
Grade 3: Hard/challenging
Accommodation
Hotel
Total Distance
4000km
Start / End Point
Beijing/Kathmandu
Durations
12 days
Max. Altitude
5,309 m (17,417 ft)
Meals Included
Breakfast
Group Size
above 1 pax
Best Season
All season
Activity per day
8 hr
Transportation
Drive/flight/Train
Trip Highlights
China Imperial History: Walk the Great Wall of China (Mutianyu Section) and explore the Forbidden City.
The Sky Train: Experience the engineering marvel of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, crossing 5,000m passes.
Spiritual Tibet: Visit the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and witness the monk debates at Sera Monastery.
Everest North Face: Sleep in a traditional tent at Everest Base Camp and witness the sunrise over the world’s highest peak.
Nepal Overland Crossing: The epic drive from the arid Tibetan plateau down into the greenery of Nepal.
Kathmandu is Nepal's vibrant capital, a bustling metropolis in the Kathmandu Valley known for blending ancient traditions with modern life, serving as the nation's cultural, historical, and economic heart, famous for its intricate pagoda temples, spiritual sites like Swayambhunath and Pashupatinath, and being the gateway to Himalayan treks, all while retaining unique Newari culture and welcoming hospitality despite rapid urban growth
Trip Overview
From the Great Wall to the Roof of the World
Beijing • Lhasa • Everest Base Camp • Kathmandu
Trip Leader: Nabraj Ghimire (Raj) – Founder, Good Karma Trekking Dates: July 10 – July 21, 2026 Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
Overview
Journey of a Lifetime: Join Good Karma Trekking on an exclusive fixed-departure expedition that connects two ancient civilizations. Starting amidst the imperial grandeur of Beijing, we journey west to the Tibetan Plateau via the legendary Qinghai-Tibet Railway (the highest railway in the world).
This is not just a tour; it is a pilgrimage through history and nature. From the Forbidden City to the spiritual halls of the Potala Palace, and finally to the foot of Mount Everest, every day offers a new wonder. The journey concludes with a dramatic overland crossing into the lush valleys of Nepal.
Led personally by Nabraj Ghimire (Raj), you are guaranteed safe logistics, deep cultural immersion, and the signature hospitality of the Good Karma community.
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary-July 10, 2026
Detailed Itinerary
Welcome to China! Upon arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Meet Raj and your fellow travelers for a briefing on the adventure ahead.
Overnight: Hotel in Beijing.
We dive into history at Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world. We then enter the Forbidden City, the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, exploring its vast courtyards and intricate architecture. In the afternoon, we visit the Summer Palace, a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design.
Overnight: Hotel in Beijing.
Today, we tick off a major bucket-list item. We visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Known for its watchtowers and stunning ridgeline views, this section is less crowded than others, allowing for a peaceful walk along the ancient stones.
Overnight: Hotel in Beijing.
We take 10 hours speed train to Xining, the capital of Qinghai province. This city serves as the starting point of the Tibetan railway. We spend the evening acclimatizing to the elevation shift.
Overnight: Hotel in Xining.
Board the world-famous Qinghai-Tibet Train. This 24-hour journey is an experience in itself. As we ascend the plateau, you will see yaks grazing, vast grasslands, and snow-capped peaks through the window. We sleep in comfortable Soft-Sleeper Cabins.
Overnight: On board the train.
We arrive at Lhasa Railway Station (3,650m) and transfer to our hotel. The rest of the day is strictly reserved for rest and hydration to help your body adjust to the high altitude.
Overnight: Hotel in Lhasa.
We explore the two greatest monasteries of the Gelugpa sect. First, Drepung Monastery, once the largest in the world. In the afternoon, we visit Sera Monastery to witness the famous monks’ debating session, a dynamic and energetic tradition of Buddhist learning.
Overnight: Hotel in Lhasa.
The highlight of Lhasa! We climb the steps of the Potala Palace, the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas, dominating the skyline. Later, we visit Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibet, and walk the Barkhor Circuit with local pilgrims spinning prayer wheels.
Overnight: Hotel in Lhasa.
We begin our overland drive across the plateau. We cross the Kambala Pass to see the turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake. We stop at the massive Karola Glacier right by the roadside before arriving in Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city.
Overnight: Hotel in Shigatse.
Today brings us face-to-face with the giant. We drive through the Qomolangma National Nature Reserve, winding up to Everest Base Camp (5,200m). We will visit the Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world. Tonight, we sleep in a traditional tent guesthouse (or lodge) under the stars, with Everest looming directly in front of us.
Overnight: Tent/Guesthouse at EBC.
Wake up early for the most spectacular sunrise of your life as the sun hits the North Face of Everest. After breakfast, we say goodbye to the peak and drive towards the Nepal border, descending dramatically to the town of Gyirong.
Overnight: Hotel in Gyirong.
We cross the Friendship Bridge into Nepal. The landscape transforms instantly from the arid Tibetan plateau to the lush, green waterfalls of Nepal. A private vehicle will transfer us from the border to Kathmandu, marking the end of our grand traverse. Trip concludes in Kathmandu.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu.
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; Train Ticket (Beijing to Xining); Soft-sleeper train ticket (Xining to Lhasa).
- Accommodation: 3-Star hotels in cities (twin share); Tent/Guesthouse at EBC.
- 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. $15-20 per day).
- Travel Insurance (Mandatory).
- Tips for guides and drivers.
