China-Tibet-Nepal Trans-Himalayan Tour
Trip Overview
Embark on an extraordinary journey through three distinct cultural landscapes—China, Tibet, and Nepal—on the Beijing-Lhasa-Kathmandu Tour (via Shangri-la Express). Begin in Beijing, where you’ll experience traditional Chinese culture and visit iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. Travel on the scenic Shangri-La Express train to Lhasa, crossing the world’s highest rail pass. In Tibet, explore the spiritual heart of Lhasa, including the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and vibrant Barkhor Street, before venturing to monasteries like Drepung and Sera. Experience the grandeur of the Tibetan Plateau, visit Gyantse, Shigatse, and Rombuk, and journey to the breathtaking Everest Basecamp (Tibetan side). Cross into Nepal, where you’ll explore the rich cultural heritage of Kathmandu’s World Heritage Sites. Conclude your adventure with an unforgettable mountain flight over the Himalayas, offering unparalleled views of towering peaks.
Trip Highlights
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Experience Traditional Chinese Culture
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Discover Historical Wonders of China—Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and The Great Wall
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Visit Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple in Lhasa
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Experience Authentic Tibetan Culture and Lifestyle
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Explore Buddhist Monasteries and Experience Barkhor Street
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Travel to Mount Everest Basecamp (Tibetan side)
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Experience a Mountain Flight over the Himalayas
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Explore World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu
Detail Itinerary
- Arrive in Beijing and Hotel Transfer
- Tour Briefing and Orientation
- Leisure and Explore Beijing
- Overnight in Beijing
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast/ Refreshment
- Explore Chinese Past and Present at Tiananmen Square
- Discover the Forbidden City—Chinese Imperial History
- Experience Authentic Traditional Chinese Culture at Local Family in Hu Tong Area
- Overnight in Beijing
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast
- Visit the Great Wall of China at Badaling and Experience the Wonder Walk
- Experience Breathtaking Panoramic Views
- Explore China’s Rich Political, Historical and Cultural Pasts
- Overnight in Beijing
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast
- Distance: 76 km
- Time: 1 hr
- Explore Ming Tombs, Bird’Nest and Water Cube
- Discover the Summer Palace—Chinese History
- Overnight in Beijing
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast
- Embark on an unforgettable journey from Beijing to Xian
- Travel on the high-speed train, experiencing comfort and efficiency
- Witness spectacular landscapes and scenery, from the vast Chinese lowlands to picturesque countryside views
- Observe China’s modernity, rapid development, and transformation along the route
- Arrive in Xian, the ancient capital and home to rich historical and cultural treasures
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast
- Distance: 1072km
- Time: 12 hrs
- Arrival in Xian and Hotel Transfer
- Visit the Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Shaanxi History Museum
- Walk along the ancient Xi’an City Wall (Chengqiang)
- Immerse in Xian’s rich cultural heritage (Silk Road Starting Point)
- Experience the fusion of tradition and modernity
- Overnight stay in Xian
- Embark on the Shangri-La Express Train Journey to Lhasa (2 Days)
- Travel on the World’s Highest Railway—Cross the Tanggula Pass (5,072m)
- Witness Spectacular landscapes and Scenery—Chinese lowlands to Tibetan plateau
- Witness Chinese Modernity, Development and Change
- Distance: 2864km
- Time: 30-31 hrs
- Arrive in the Sacred City of Lhasa
- Hotel Transfer and Acclimatization
- Leisure Time to Explore Lhasa
- Overnight in Lhasa
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast
- Altitude: 3,650m (11,995ft)
- Visit the Potala Palace—Tibetan Historical Marvel
- Discover the Sacred Jokhang Temple
- Join the Barkhor Street Kora (Circumambulation) with Local Community
- Experience Tibetan Buddhism and Cultural Heritage (Tangible and Intangible)
- Overnight in Lhasa
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast
- Altitude: 3,700m
- Explore Drepung Monastery
- Visit Norbulingka Palace
- Experience Sera Monastery–Witness Tibetan Buddhist Debate
- Immerse in Tibetan Buddhist Monastic Life
- Experience Tibetan Buddhism and Cultural Heritage (Tangible and Intangible)
- Overnight in Lhasa
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast
- Altitude: 3,900m
- Drive from Lhasa to Gyantse
- Visit Yamdrok Tso Lake, Experience high altitude Nature
- Altitude: 4,441m (Yamdrok Tso Lake)
- Visit Pelkor Chode Monastery—Melting pot of Gelug, Sakya, and Kagyu Buddhist Traditions
- Discover the Kumbum Stupa
- Overnight in Gyantse
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Distance: 287 km (179 mile)—Lhasa to Gyantse via Yamdrok Tso
- Meals: Breakfast
- Altitude: 3,977m (Gyantse)
- Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, Shigatse
- Discover Tibetan Buddhist Heritage in Shigatse
- Visit Shakya Monastery and Explore Tibetan history and Buddhist cultural heritage
- Drive to Shelkar
- Overnight in Shelkar (Gateway to Everest Base Camp)
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Distance: 375km (Gyantse-Shigatse-Shakya-Shelkar)
- Altitude: 4476m (14,210 ft)
- Meals: Breakfast
- Drive to Rongbuk (Dzarongpu) Monastery
- Explore the Historic Rongbuk (Dzarongpu) Monastery
- Experience Tibetan Buddhist Monastic Life
- Overnight in Rongbuk Monastery Guest House
- Altitude: 5050m
- Distance: 108 km
- Meal: Breakfast
- Excursion to Everest Base Camp—North Face of Mt. Everest
- Explore the Remote Tibetan Highland Nomadic Pastoral Life
- Drive to Kyirong (3,700m)
- Altitude: 5100m
- Overnight in Kyirong
- Distance: 367 km
- Meals–Breakfast
- Immigration Formalities at the Kyirong Border
- Drive to Kathmandu
- Arrival in Kathmandu
- Overnight Stay at a comfortable hotel in Kathmandu
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast
- Distance: 160 km
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Explore Cultural and World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Cultural City:
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square
- Patan Durbar Square
- Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Budhanilkantha Temple
- Pashupatinath
- Boudhanath
- Swoyambhunath
- Changu Narayan Temple
- Overnight in Kathmandu
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast
- Transfer to Airport
- Departure
- Accommodation: None
- Meals: Breakfast
USD … per person for the entire trip, including the use of 3-star hotels in Kathmandu.
Single Room Supplement
For travelers requiring a single room, an additional charge of USD … applies.
- Ground Transport, airport pickups, transfers, and transportation in Nepal and Tibet
- Accommodations at 3-star hotels in Kathmandu and Lhasa and guesthouses in Tour areas
- Guided sightseeing tours as outlined in the itinerary
- Tibet Travel Permit and Visa
- Meals as per the itinerary
- Travel by tourist coach or 4WD Land Cruiser
- Knowledgeable guides and experienced supporting staff
- International flight fares and Nepal Visa fees
- Unforeseen Circumstances an Extra nights in Kathmandu in case of trip cancellations, unforeseen delays, early arrivals, or late departures
- Medical, evacuation, travel cancellation, and rescue insurance
- Personal Expenses—bar bills, bottled drinks, mineral water, telephone calls, laundry services, etc
- Personal Gears, gratuity, tips, Clothing and equipment
Resources
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- Essential Information
Essential Information for China-Tibet-Nepal Trans-Himalayan Tour
*Subjected to change*
Visa and Entry Requirements
A valid passport is required for travel to Tibet. Karnali Excursions (P) Ltd. will process visas for travelers who have booked their trip with us. To apply for a visa, please send the following information along with a photocopy of your valid passport:
- Full Name (as written in Passport)
- Date of Birth
- Gender
- Occupation
- Nationality
- Passport Number
- Date of Issue
- Date of Expiry
Weather & Climate
Tibet, located beyond the trans-Himalaya mountain range, experiences minimal rainfall and abundant sunshine. For travelers visiting the Kailash Region, the best time is from May to September, when daytime temperatures can reach 22°C, while nights can drop to -8°C to -12°C. For central Tibet, the most favorable time to visit is between March and November, with relatively stable weather conditions.
Health Considerations
Travelers in good health should not face major difficulties, but due to Tibet’s high altitude, some may experience altitude sickness, characterized by mild headaches, nausea, and loss of appetite. Symptoms can be minimized by drinking plenty of non-alcoholic fluids such as water and juice.
Due to Tibet’s strong sunlight, visitors should use sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing to prevent sunburn. Those with asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy, or cardiac conditions should consult a doctor before traveling.
To ensure a comfortable journey, Karnali Excursions recommends regular physical activities such as yoga, morning walks, or jogging before the trip to maintain fitness levels.
Currency Exchange
The official currency in Tibet is the Renminbi (Yuan). As of March 2025,
USD $1 = 7.24 Yuan
Yuan 1 = INR 12.01
Exchange rates are subject to change. Currency exchange services are available at the Bank of China, with branches in major cities like Lhasa, Zhangmu, and Xigatse.
Risk and Liability
Karnali Excursions (P) Ltd. strives to provide a smooth and enjoyable journey. However, all travel programs in Tibet operate under the Tibet Tourism Bureau’s regulations. Changes in the itinerary may occur due to government restrictions, landslides, road blockages, floods, snowfall, political disturbances, flight cancellations, illnesses, or accidents. Any additional costs arising from such situations will be borne by the traveler.
Travel Insurance
All travelers are advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, accidents, and evacuation. Karnali Excursions (P) Ltd. will not be responsible for loss of personal belongings due to unavoidable circumstances.
Experienced Staff & Guides
Karnali Excursions (P) Ltd. employs highly trained, experienced, and responsible guides who have successfully led numerous groups, including European and Indian travelers, through Tibet. Our guides speak English and Hindi, ensuring a smooth and informative experience for all visitors.
Transportation & Logistics
Karnali Excursions (P) Ltd. arranges all overland transportation:
- Kathmandu-Kodari-Kathmandu: Travel by comfortable coach
- Within Tibet: 4WD Toyota Land Cruisers will be used for the journey
- Support Truck: Carries camping gear and supplies
- Yaks and Yak Men: Arranged for trekking to carry equipment
Medical Supplies & Emergency Services
Medical facilities in Tibet are very limited. Karnali Excursions (P) Ltd. provides:
- A first aid medical kit.
- Equipment for high-altitude sickness treatment
- Oxygen cylinder with mask and altitude portable chamber
Travelers are advised to carry their own prescribed medications and first aid kits as recommended by their doctors.
Communication & Postal Services
While major cities like Lhasa, Xigatse, Gyantse, Lhatse, and Tsedang have telephone and postal services, many remote areas lack communication facilities. In case of emergencies, family and friends can contact our Kathmandu office for assistance.
Clothing Recommendations
Due to frequent temperature changes, travelers should be prepared for both warm and cold conditions. A detailed clothing list will be provided upon request.
- Recommended Readings
Recommended Readings
01.Lonely Planet Tibet (Tibet Travel Guide) by Bradley Mayhew, Michael Kohn and Daniel McCrohan03.Tread Your Own Path (Footprint Tibet Handbook) by Gyurme Dorje05.The Pocket Doctor by Stephen Bezruchka07.Pocket First Aid & Wilderness Medicines by Dr Jim Duff & Dr Peter Gormly02.Tibet Handbook- A Pilgrimage Guide
by Victor Chan04.Trekking Tibet-A Traveler’s Guide
by Gary McCue06.Mountain Sickness
by Peter Hackett
Trip Extension
- Experience an exhilarating jungle safari inside Chitwan National Park.
- Encounter one-horned rhino, Bengal tiger, and gharial.
- Immerse in authentic Tharu culture and their performative arts.
- Explore one of Nepal’s most pristine wilderness areas, home to tigers, elephants, and rich biodiversity.
- Experience guided jungle walks, jeep safaris, and tranquil Karnali River.
- Immerse in Tharu culture with authentic village visits and traditional hospitality.
- Visit the Maya Devi Temple and sacred Marker Stone at the birthplace of Buddha.
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site and Several Buddhist monasteries.
- Discover ancient archaeological sites of Tilaurakot and Ramagrama.
- Meditate in the sacred garden and pond of Lumbini.
- Gain deep cultural and historical insight with expert-guided tours across the Greater Lumbini Region.
- Experience thrilling Class III–IV rapids on one of Nepal’s steepest and most exciting rafting rivers.
- Enjoy dramatic mountain scenery and pristine river gorges throughout the adventure.
- Stay overnight in a comfortable riverside camp with great food and expert rafting guides.
- Enjoy a fun-filled rafting experience with moderate rapids.
- Glide through scenic valleys, terraced hillsides, and impressive rock formations along the Trishuli River.
- Benefit from expert safety instruction and a well-coordinated day trip with professional rafting guides.
- Experience breathtaking aerial views of the world’s highest Himalayan peaks, including Everest and Annapurna.
- Enjoy a safe, comfortable, and scenic Himalayan flight.
- Capture stunning close view photographs of snow-capped ranges, glaciers and diverse landscape.
- Enjoy delightful breakfast with uninterrupted panoramic views of Mt. Everest.
- Enjoy a serene, exclusive experience at a scenic viewpoint.
- Capture unforgettable memory of the world’s highest peak.
- Explore the sacred heritage of Barahakshetra and Kaushiki Region.
- Discover the cultural and religious significance of Janakpurdham, the birthplace of Sita.
- Immerse in the rich biodiversity and wildlife of Chitwan National Park.
- Visit Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, with its monasteries and stupas.
- Experience authentic Nepali culture through local traditions, cuisine, and colorful lifestyles.
- Explore authentic Bhutan and Buddhist monasteries.
- Immerse in Bhutanese culture and traditions.
- Witness breathtaking Himalayan landscapes and panoramic mountain views.
- Witness the beauty of the Taj Mahal at sunrise and sunset.
- Explore the grandeur of Agra Fort and its Mughal architecture.
- Discover the rich history and stories behind India’s iconic love monument.
- Enjoy local cuisine and vibrant markets in Agra city.
- Capture unforgettable photographs of architectural marvels and scenic views.
Ready to make this journey your own?
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Budhanilkanta 44600, Nepal
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+977 9851035496
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Karnaliexcursions@gmail.com