Beijing-Xian-Lhasa-EBC- Kailash-Kathmandu Tour-22 Days

After having had a great breakfast, today we are about to attend some very exciting places in Beijing History. The first to be visited of the historic sites is Tiananmen Square, which is the largest in the whole wide world.

Next, you will enter the magnificent complex of the Forbidden City, a historical monument recognized by UNESCO and serving as the royal residence of 24 emperors for the past five hundred years.

This complex has more than 9000 suites, which gives a beyond amazing history of the rulers of China, though very few sets of rooms are open to the public.

During the visit, you will see how empresses ruled the inhabitants of the enormous empire and feel the feeling with which these walls were filled.

Then, you will visit Jingshan Park, where we will explore the Old Hutongs, which is also known as the traditional residence in Beijing.

On the third day, we will go to the most famous Great Wall, which is beautiful and has fewer people in the Mutianyu Section.

The beauty of this section is neat and self-speaking lies in the fully modern and ancient views, including some of the ancient watchtowers from where the green hills and trees can be seen.

Finally, the tour will proceed to the two most popular structures built for the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008: the Bird’s Nest, the main venue of the opening ceremony, and the Water Cube, which represents China’s modern architecture and design ideas.

On the fourth day, we take a comfortable and pleasant ride from Beijing to Xi’an, which is a very important and historic capital in Mainland China, on a modern high-speed railway system.

But first, we visit the serenely landscaped Summer Palace, a stunning interpretation of classical Chinese landscape architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Easy strolls through picturesque gardens and tranquil lakes reveal awesome building facades-former residences of royalty. Later that afternoon, we took a train en route to Xi’an.

Today’s tour will commence with a visit to one of the most astonishing relics of ancient world civilizations. The Emperor’s Terracotta Army.

These life-size sculptures of warriors and horses made over 2000 years ago have been placed in an enormous square vault to display buried military power with the Emperor.

The victory of descendants over the creator in the other world. Visiting this extraordinary site provides an insight into the imperial history of the country and the art of the dynasty of Qin.

Now, we will head to Banpo village, a 6,000-year-old neolithic settlement. You will also find out how a matriarchal clan flourished in primitive times. This interesting place shows the early development of humanity in farming, shaping clay pots, and building the social order.

On the way back to the city, a quick visit to the Terracotta Replication Factory will be made, where history will be witnessed in the form of art as the replicas of these statues are made with great precision and skill.

Today, we will immerse ourselves into the historical depths of Xian by visiting first the Shaanxi History Museum. This museum boasts a rich collection of antiques dating back to the time of ancient Chinese period.

Also, we will head to the famous pagoda with a stylized figure of yin yang, the Giant Wild Goose, which is a Tang dynasty pagoda famous for its breathtaking panoramic views of the entire city.

Later, we will go back in time to the Ancient City Wall, the oldest city wall in the whole of China, where you can also stroll or cycle the 8.7-mile distance of the wall, savoring the sights of the old and new Xian.

This excursion affords an excellent balance of cultural exploration and enjoyment of the scenery, taking you right to the center of the ancient world of China.

On the eighth day, we will prepare for an epic train ride starting in Xian and finishing in Lhasa. From peaceful farmland to the striking Tibetan Plateau, sit back and enjoy cozy cabins and breathtaking views.

The train crosses breathtaking grassland, mountain ranges, and saltwater lakes, with onboard services provided, including food carriages and oxygen, allowing for the passengers’ highest level of ease.

This is not only a relaxing train ride before your Tibetan experience, but it also serves a practical purpose since you get to enjoy the breathtaking sights that make up the ‘Roof of the World’ in preparation for your exploration.

Today, we go towards Lhasa by train, overlooking the scenic beauty of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. These take one through sprawling grasslands with towering mountains and snow-capped white peaks, together with sparkling lake waters where, at times, one can see freshwater.

As you reach Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, where all the spiritual activities converge, you will be fond of the local culture and tranquility here. Move into your hotel room and get Ready for a trip – this breathtaking ancient city has so much to offer that you cannot wait to leave the bed.

We will kick off our morning activities with a visit to the world-renowned Jokhang Temple, which is regarded as Tibet’s most significant temple.

Enjoy the temple atmosphere as you watch pilgrims prostrating and chanting, circling the temple. Afterwards, we can go to Sera Monastery, well known for its monks engaged in Buddhist philosophy discussions.

You will sense the years of spiritual dedication as you meander in the old chambers. Finish the day with a walk along busy Barkhor Street, an encircling Jokhang Temple market selling various Tibetan handicrafts and other items amid the local upbringing and customs.

In the morning, prepare for an interesting excursion around the Drepung Monastery, the largest monastery in Tibet that used to accommodate more than 10,000 monks at some point.

As you walk into the big Coqen Hall, your professional guide will provide more info revealing the basics and history of Tibetan Buddhism, its many issues, and the prominent people who have been part of the changes. There would also be an opportunity to appreciate the age-old and active at these places, monastic culture.

And then, in the afternoon, you’ll go to Sera Monastery, one of the three main Gelugpa monasteries in Tibet so that the journey will widen your scope. This is when and where you’ll experience the Tibetan Monks Debate, an age-old tradition practiced in Tibet between monks, held every Monday to Saturday from three o’clock in the afternoon to five o’clock in the evening.

Your guide will explain how these approachable combat exercises are ways of helping monks deepen their understanding of the subject and advance their studies spiritually.

A full-day overland trip from Lhasa to Shigatse starts with some of the most beautiful natural scenery and rich culture that Tibet has to offer. A scenic drive via Gampala Pass 4790 m, where good views of Yamdrok-to Lake 4400 m can be seen. We can get a splendid image of Mount Nyenchen Khangsar, 7191m.

As we proceed, the views of the enormous Korola Glacier are near. At Simila Mountain Pass, we will take a break from the bus to hang prayer flags, a Tibetan custom believed to protect one’s life and promote peace on earth.

Upon entering the Gyantse, the oldest city, we can cherish its antiquity before traveling through the solid green barley fields en route to Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet. In the evening, we will return to the hotel, where you can enjoy some welcome drinks before preparing for the next trip to Mount Everest.

First, we will cross the Gyatsola Pass (5280m); they will get the first look at Mount Everest rising from behind the Himalayan chain like a blooming lotus – unbelievable.

We will cross just next to the Qomolangma National Nature Reserve shortly after and reach Gawula Pass (5198m), peeking through the surrounding mountain range like a blossoming lotus.

We will enter the Qomolangma National Nature Reserve shortly after and reach the Gawula Pass (5198m). Here, we can contemplate the Himalaya range, where five of the highest mountains are visible, including a second glimpse of Everest.

As we follow a winding road to the base camp (5200m), the top of Everest emerges with each turn and becomes increasingly majestic. When you get to the base camp, there is a breathtaking view of the northern face of Everest covered with gold as the sun sets in the western sky.

We will then trek to the Rongbuk Monastery to spend the night.

In the morning, the golden color of the sun can be seen on top of Mt. Everest. Then, after having breakfast, we begin our day with Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest-altitude monastery at 5154 meters, having divinity amidst the great mountains.

Then, we will travel to Ngari, Tibet’s most spiritual area, to complete the holy Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar circuit. On the way, you can even gaze at the highest mountain in the Midlug Gar – Mt. Shishapangma (8,027m) and look at its three major spurs with gorgeous Peiku Tso Lake in the foreground.

After moving over the grasslands of Peiku Tso Lake, one hits Saga County, the starting point for Mount Kailash. Saga is also good for resupply since the elevation increases to 4500 meters on the Ngari Plateau.

Today, we will take about 167 km from Saga town to Drongpa County, which lies at the source of the great Brahmaputra River. On the way, a most exciting side trip to Kailash Mansarovar, which holds religious importance in both Tibetan Buddhism and the Hindu religion.

Here, you can walk along calm and lively shores with an unbelievable view of the mountain chains of the lake above the clouds, and watch pilgrims performing their activities.

We will be in Darchen by afternoon, a beautiful village founded at the foot of Mount Kailash. The tour guide will help hire the trekking yaks and porters around this holy mountain for three days.

Depending on the tour day, a night will be spent in a guesthouse in Darchen to prepare for the next day’s activities.

Today, we will begin our journey with a drive on an eco-bus from Darchen to Sarshung Valley. Your 13 km journey starts and takes you through the beautiful valley at the foothills of the mighty Mount Kailash and sees you watching the southern and western faces of the mountain. On the western slope, you will briefly stay in the guesthouse at Dirapuk Monastery.

Once you arrive, you can meet the guide and visit the old Dirapuk Monastery or Zhire Temple. It’s a great opportunity to take great photos as you stand before the holy structures. If the weather is good, you can also have stunning views of the sunset on Mount Kailash when the cliffs shine from the afterglow of the setting sun as the night comes.

We will cover a 4 km steep climb from Dirapuk Monastery to a peak of 5,430m at the beginning of today. This difficult part entitles you to see the sunrise on the face of the mountain turn into a fairy-tale one, for the northwest face of Mount Kailash.

It then takes us another 2 kilometers to the final stage of the trek – the Dolma La Pass, which stands 5,630 meters high and is encased with more prayer flags that sway in the wind.

After crossing Dolma La Pass, we will face the crystal clear Lake of Compassion or Gaurikund, which is supposed to wash a man’s sins during his lifetime. Appreciate the stunning glaciers on Mount Kailash’s northwest side before descending to the valley below the mountain’s southeast side.

Here at Zutulpuk Monastery, you can have a break in the meadows, maybe meeting friendly local fauna on the way.

The day trip for today includes a steep climb of 4 kilometers from the Dirapuk Monastery to an altitude of 5,430 meters. At the top, you will see the beauty of the rising sun reflecting on the northwest face of Mount Kailash is almost unbelievable.

Carrying on for another 2 km, you will triumph over the last phase to reach Dolma La Pass, standing tall at 5,630m, having prayer flags that bring the dreams and aspirations of the travelers with them.

We will then descend to the valley below the southeast face of Mount Kailash to reach Zutulpuk Monastery, where one can rest amidst the beautiful pastures, perhaps getting a glimpse of the wild animals.

Later, drive back to Saga through the scenic Ngari Plateau, through the Himalayas and Gangdise Mountains, pastures and lakes, wandering Tibet’s wild and unspoiled natural beauty.

Today, we will set off our tour with a morning drive to the picturesque Gyirong Valley at the Sino-Nepal border. As we progress downwards the country becomes more and more diverse and goes from snowy mountain peaks and deserts to beautiful forests and amazing canyons.

Arriving in Gyirong Town by afternoon, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Gyirong Valley. We will wander through beautiful Sherpa towns, enjoy the silence of the area, and enjoy the impressive views of snowy peaks. Have a wonderful, pleasant, Non-arid climate different from the Ngari Plateau, and you spend the night in Gyirong.

In the morning, we will have a nice breakfast and then say bye to the Tibetan guide and driver and your memorable Tibet tour ends at Gyirong border. This is the end of the remarkable trip through beautiful scenarios and colorful workshops and meetings.

Once you arrive in Nepal, you can use our border transfer in Kathmandu. In Nepal side Our Jeep is waiting there, from the border drive by jeep to the  Kathmandu hotel.

Once you have enjoyed the pleasant adventure in the stunning country of Nepal, it is time to relax in the colorful capital of Kathmandu. Today is yours to do as you please and keep your day going.

Take a leisurely walk through the vibrant area of Thamel and shop for local crafts, clothing, footwear, and other items. Take a cup of Nepali coffee or a delicious homemade cake in one of the warm cafes and start a day with a tasty breakfast.

For leisure, one can go to any of the beautiful gardens in Kathmandu or get an Ayurvedic massage. Or stroll into a nearby temple or spend the evening at a piazza staring at passers-by. Whatever you choose, this day can be spent leisurely, and think about the wonderful things that have happened to you in Nepal.

The first site you will visit today is Swayambhunath Stupa or Monkey Temple. Located on the hilltop, this temple provides splendid views over the city.

Next, you will visit Kathmandu Durbar Square. This world heritage site amazes you with wooden palaces, pagoda-style temples, and dazzling metalworks that depict the architectural prowess of Malla kings. This is an excellent opportunity to visit the Kumari Ghar – the house of the Living Goddess.

Then, proceed to Pashupatinath, the most important Hindu shrine located on the banks of the holy river Bagmati. Here, you can observe funeral pyres and see the religious value of this sacred place.

Last, go to Bouddhanath Stupa, one of the world’s biggest stupas. This wonderful building is accompanied by cute stores and cafes that offer to taste genuine Tibetan food. End your day enjoying the serene environment and also watch the ebb of prayers moving with the pattern of the flags.

Today is the last day of your Beijing – Xian – Lhasa – Kailash- EBC – Kathmandu Tour. Depending on your flight times, there may be some spare time for shopping or a last walk through the vibrant streets of Kathmandu.

One of our representatives will pick you up to take you to the airport to ease your transfer. As you part with this wonderful country take along fond memories of the people of Nepal and the natural beauty that is so inspiring.