Beijing-Lhasa-Kathmandu Tour
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.
Tour Highlights
- Experience Traditional Chinese Culture
- Discover Historical Wonders of China—Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and The Great Wall
- Visit Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple in Lhasa
- Experience Authentic Tibetan Culture and Lifestyle
- Explore Buddhist Monasteries and Experience Barkhor Street
- Travel to Mount Everest Basecamp (Tibetan side)
- Experience a Mountain Flight over the Himalayas
- Explore World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu
Tour Facts
- Total Duration: 18 Nights / 19 Days
- Max Elevation: 12,956ft /3950m
- Tour Style: Professional Guided Tour
- Best Season: March-December
- Tour starts/Ends: Beijing/Kathmandu
- Accommodation: Deluxe Rooms in Best Hotels Available
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Beijing and Hotel Transfer
- Arrive in Beijing and Hotel Transfer
- Tour Briefing and Orientation
- Leisure and Explore Beijing
- Overnight in Beijing
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast/ Refreshment
Day 02: Exploration of Beijing
- 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
Day 03: Walk through Chinese Pasts at The Great Wall of China
- 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
Day 04: Sightseeing in Beijing
- Explore Ming Tombs, Bird’Nest and Water Cube
- Discover the Summer Palace—Chinese History
- Overnight in Beijing
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 05: Beijing-Xian Journey
- 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
Day 06-07: Exploration of Xian
- 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
Day 08: Journey from Xian to Lhasa
- 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
Day 09: Arrival in Lhasa and Hotel Transfer
- 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)
Day 10: Exploration of Lhasa
- 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
Day 11: Lhasa Cultural Heritage Exploration and Monastery Visit
- 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
Day 12: Drive from Lhasa to Gyantse via Yamdrok Tso Lake
- 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)
Day 13: Drive to Shelkar via Shigatse and Shakya
- 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
Day 14: Drive to Rongbuk (Rongpu / Dzarongpu Monastery)
- 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
Day 15: Excursion to Everest Base Camp and Drive to Kyirong
- 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
Depart From Tibet
Day 16: Drive to Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel
- 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
Day 17 and 18: Explore Cultural Heritage Sites of Kathmandu
- 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
Day 19: Departure and Tibet Tour Concludes
- Transfer to Airport
- Departure
- Accommodation: None
- Meals: Breakfast
Total Cost Includes & Excludes
Cost Includes:
- 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
Cost Excludes:
- 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
Tour Extension
Do you wish to extend your trip to include more time, additional destinations, or both? Let us know and we’ll help you plan it out.
(These trips can also be extended or modified to fit your schedule.)
To view our Trip Extension options, please take a quick look at our Trip Extensions menu.
