Compare Tibet: Beijing to Kathmandu Overland by Intrepid Travel vs Mysterious Tibet: From Lhasa to Lake Nam Tso by Myths and Mountains

Day 1 Beijing

Huanying! Welcome to China. Touch down in China’s capital, Beijing, ready for a high-altitude adventure! Your trip begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your trip leader and travel companions. After this important meeting, why not get together with your group for an optional dinner, perhaps finding one of the best Beijing duck restaurants in the city. Your group leader will definitely know of some wonderful places where you can eat this delicious speciality.

Day 2 Great Wall – Train to the Roof of the World

Today, you’ll take an early morning drive to visit one of the most well-preserved areas of the Great Wall – the Mutianyu section. An incredible piece of engineering, the wall stretches 6000 km westwards from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It's a 30-minute climb up some steep steps to reach it, but you’ll be rewarded with an incredible view of the Great Wall winding along the mountains. Travel back to the city and in the late afternoon, transfer to Beijing West Railway Station – one of the biggest and busiest in the world – to start your mighty train journey to Lhasa (approximately 45 hours). Be aware that, on the odd occasion, there may be interruptions to this schedule – see the ‘Special Information’ section of your first day in Beijing for more details.

Day 3 Train to the Roof of the World

Today, all you can do is sit back, relax and take in the mountainous ridges and remote terrain along the highest railway in the world. The journey takes you through the major cities of Xi'an, Lanzhou and Xining, and across the wide open highlands of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, with a speckling of grazing yaks and sheep, plus a glistening lake. On this second night, you’ll climb in altitude and your breath will likely be taken away by the changing landscapes outside the windows – snow-dusted black cliffs and mountain peaks illuminated by moonlight.

Day 4 Lhasa (3656m)

Say goodbye to your local train pals and your home for the last two nights after lunch time, and be greeted by Lhasa's crisp mountain air. The colourful and historic holy city of Lhasa is situated in a small valley, and for hundreds of years it was a mysterious place, virtually unknown to the outside world. Lhasa remains an intriguing city with deeply fascinating cultures, sights and stories. Check in to your hotel later this afternoon and begin to get acclimatised with both the city and the altitude.

Day 5 Lhasa (3656m)

Start your first full day in Lhasa with a walking tour of the old town. Walk among pilgrims on Barkhor Street, otherwise known as Holy Road. Encircling the sacred Jokhang Temple, this incense-scented street is where Tibetan Buddhists perform meditative koras, following the loop in a clockwise direction. Around noon, visit a local cooking school to learn how tsampa (ground barley, a Tibetan staple), yak butter tea and momos (moreish Tibetan dumplings) are made. After lunch, visit Sera Monastery and witness the resident monks taking part in heated debates in the courtyards – you probably won’t understand a thing that they are debating, but their exaggerated gestures and the passions they display make this one of the most exciting people watching spots in Lhasa.

Day 6 Lhasa (3656m)

This morning, visit Potala Palace, the incredible former home of the Dalai Lama that’s perched 130 m above the city. The palace is divided into two parts: the White Palace (secular and used as offices) and the Red Palace (home to chapels, shrines, and tombs of Dalai Lamas). Your guide will give you the inside scoop on what is truly a wonder of the architectural world. After, visit Jokhang Temple – considered the spiritual heart and most sacred temple of Tibet. It always attracts steady waves of pilgrims. Explore this large world heritage-listed site and learn a thing or two about its history. According to legend, the temple was built atop a lake after many failed attempts to build monasteries nearby. Then, enjoy some free time and maybe find a Tibetan tea house, try some sweet Tibetan milk tea or savory yuk butter tea and mingle with the hospitable locals.

Day 7 Gyantse (4025m)

Traverse a scenic section of the Tibetan Plateau on a long drive, heading towards Gyantse, crossing over stunning mountain passes as you twist through dramatic valleys and peaks. Go by the shimmering Yamdrok Lake, climb the Khama La Pass, spot sheep herder villages scattered along the banks, and marvel at the soaring Noijin Kangsang – the peak of the Lhagoi Kangri Mountain Range. You’ll stop by the roadside town of Nangartse for lunch, before driving the Karo La pass, then descending to your destination for tonight, Gyantse. This small rural town is perfect to just wander around and watch contemporary Tibetan life play out in front of you – where pilgrims mix with pop music, cows stroll past cowboys on motorbikes and monks go about their daily business.

Day 8 Shigatse (3890m)

This morning, check out the unique Gyantse Kumbum – an impressive layered stupa on the grounds of the Pelkor Monastery. Each floor of this six-level structure can be visited, and as you wind up the floors past several tiny chapels, the air fills more and more with incense and the passageways get narrower on each step towards enlightenment. Later today, there’s a chance to experience a simple lunch at a family’s home, which is a great opportunity to listen to some personal stories of living in Tibet, all the while enjoying warm hospitality. After lunch, head towards Tibet’s second-largest city, Shigatse. Translating to ‘all fortune and happiness gathered here’, Shigatse is a busy, mountain-clasped city that’s rapidly modernising. With some free time this afternoon, maybe head to the local bazaar and check out the local wares that this town has to offer.

Day 9 Shigatse (3890m)

This morning, take a visit to the Tashilhunpo Monastery. Your group leader will take you on a tour through parts of the monastery – each building has its own intricate decorations, legends and religious imagery. Be sure to ask for directions to the tranquil Chapel of Jampa and meditate on the world's largest gilded statue. The courtyard outside of the Kelsang Chapel is one of the best places to observe the pilgrims and monks prepare for ceremonies. In the evening, perhaps join the pilgrims on their kora (prayer circuit), spinning prayer wheels on a 1-hour walk around the perimeter of the monastery while taking in its splendid, atmospheric views.

Day 10 Sakya (4310m)

Continue your journey west to the town of Sakya. This region is known for its grey (kya) earth (sa), and so, provides the town’s name! Its monastery was built in 1073, and was originally in two sections, one on either side of the Zhongqu River, until the Northern structure was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. The Southern Monastery is built in a medieval 'Mongolian' style, and rather than being whitewashed, the secular buildings are painted red, white and grey in honour of the three Buddhist Tulkas (notable lamas). You’ll have time to explore inside its high walls and admire some of its many shrines, temples and monastic residences. Afterwards, your leader will take you to meet new friends at the local nunnery. You’ll be introduced to shy but friendly resident nuns, sit down and enjoy some laughter together, and just for a second, forget that you don’t speak each other’s language at all.

Day 11 Everest National Park (5200m)

An exhilarating drive brings you to Everest National Park. When you arrive, leave your main luggage in the vehicle and take an overnight bag on the park shuttle to Rongbuk Monastery – the world's highest monastery. On a clear day you might spot Everest (Qomolangma in Tibetan) behind its stupa. Share tea with a resident monk and learn what life is like here, before taking part in a short meditation – where better to find stillness than this lofty centre of spirituality, surrounded by timeless mountains? Tonight you’ll camp in yak hair tents. Relax at the site or take a walk to Everest Base Camp Monument Stone. This is the closest you can get to Base Camp on the Chinese/Tibetan side. Witnessing Everest renders many speechless – your leader will explain why it's such so sacred for Tibetans. After, opt to hike to the upper monastery, visiting caves where monks meditated centuries ago.

Day 12 Kyirong (2800m)

Take one last look at Everest close up before the long drive ahead. You’ll travel to the Tibet–Nepal border today, stopping at the closest town of Kyirong. The effort will be worth it with the changing scenery around you – from the barren highlands of Tibet to the deep Alpine Valley. Put your feet up tonight and enjoy a dinner with your Tibetan leader who will say goodbye to you tomorrow.

Day 13 Kathmandu

This morning, cross the border from Tibet into Nepal. Keep in mind today that your Tibetan group leader and driver will bid you farewell at the border, and you’ll need to pass through immigration and customs unaccompanied. Once you’ve crossed the border, your Nepal group leader will be waiting on the other side! The border crossing can be long and dull depending on the queues and volume of people, so it is best to be patient. After the formalities are all over, head onto Kathmandu, the final destination of your trip. Upon arrival in the late afternoon, why not follow your Nepal leader on an orientation walk and get to know this bustling capital.

Day 14 Kathmandu

This morning, venture out with your leader and explore the old town of Kathmandu. Experience the hustle and bustle of the ancient streets of the Kathmandu valley and the Asan Tole and Indrda Chowk Bazaar, centrally located in the old Kathmandu. Full of vibrant colors and noises, surrounded by temples, stupas and market stalls, this is the hub of the daily Kathmandu life. It also a unique ‘Pote’ bazaar. Pote are beads worn by married Hindu women and made by Muslims. And not too far is Machindra bahal temple, worshipped by Hindus and Buddhists. Learn how the locals weave their beliefs into their daily life and gain confidence in navigating the zigzaging lanes in the old city. Enjoy some free time afterwards. You may want to explore Dubar Square, or head to Swayambhunath and explore. Maybe get together your group in the evening again and celebrate this epic trip with some delicious local cuisine.

Day 15 Kathmandu

With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave the accommodation at any time. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you'd like to spend more time in Kathmandu, just speak to your booking agent.

Day 1: Arrive Chengdu

Accommodation: Buddha Zen Or Tibet Hotel

Arriving in Chengdu, you will finish arrival formalities. Exiting with your baggage, you will be met by our China operator, holding your names on a sign. He will transfer you to your hotel. At the same time, he will get your signatures on the relevant documents, process your Tibet permit, and return it to you at the hotel.

Day 2: Tour Chengdu

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Buddha Zen Or Tibet Hotel

This morning you can do some touring in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, and its administrative, cultural and educational center. The city is also a major industrial base and the economic, social and political heart and soul of Southwest China.

You will begin your day with a visit to Wenshu Yuan, the largest and best preserved Buddhist temple in the city. Wenshu dates back to the Tang Dynasty, and was renamed in the 17th century after a Buddhist monk who had made the monastery his home. The monastery is extremely active and constantly filled with worshippers. The alley nearby the monastery is also a “happening”, with teahouses, vendors, fortune tellers, and all sorts of other things and people.

After the monastery, you will visit the Panda Breeding Center to see the adult and baby pandas.

Finally, in the afternoon, if you feel like it, your guide can take you to the Sichuan Opera School to see how the children are taught this ancient art of Chinese opera.

Day 3: Fly Lhasa. Walk The Barkhor

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Dekhang Hotel Or Shangrila

This morning, you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport, this time for your morning flight to Tibet. Flight times are erratic, so you will be notified about the pick up when you are there.

Arriving in Lhasa, you will be met and driven to the Yabshiphukhang. When you are unpacked and more accustomed to the thin air, you can take the rest of the afternoon to explore the fabulous market or Barkhor that surrounds the Jokhang

Day 4: Tour Lhasa

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Dekhang Hotel Or Shangrila

Rising early you will grab a quick breakfast. Around 7:30am you head back to the Barkhor and the Jokhang, spiritual center of Tibet and destination of millions of Tibetan Pilgrims. The Jokhang, built in 767AD by Tibet's first Buddhist King, Songtsen Gampo, is the heart of this Buddhist world. You walk the kora or pilgrim route, around the Barkhor with the early morning pilgrims. After the outside kora you enter the temple and walk the nangkhor, or inside of the temple. On the roof of the Jokhang, you can take beautiful pictures of the market and pilgrims below, and the Potala on the hill across the square. From the Jokhang, you will head to the Potala, the former winter palace of the Dalai Lama, built on the escarpments of Red Hill and rising more than 1000' above the valley floor. You must be sure to enter through the pilgrim entrance, up the long path, rather than through the tourist entrance. Your visit to the Potala complete, you can have lunch in one of the restaurants outside.

After lunch, you will visit the Norbulinka, once named Jewel Park and now People's Park. The Norbulinka was the former summer palace of successive Dalai Lamas from 1755, and suffered extensive damage during the Cultural Revolution. Much has been rebuilt, and it is fascinating to see how the Dalai Lama actually lived. Painted on one of the walls is a picture of the 14th Dalai Lama and his family – the only one still prominent in Tibet.

Later in the day, if you are not exhausted, you can visit the Lukhang, set in the middle of a lake. At one time, one would take a boat across the lake. Now the area is a Chinese theme park, and it is fun to see how the people use the area. The temple is one of the gems of Lhasa, and contains artwork related to Tibetan medical practices.

Day 5: Visit Phabonkha And Sera

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Dekhang Hotel Or Shangrila

Today you travel to the suburbs of Lhasa to visit two of the most interesting of the Buddhist monasteries. The first, Phabonkha, served as a meditation site during the time of Songtsen Gampo, and contains a plaque commemorating the first Tibetan script. The monastery also serves as a sky burial site, and if we are early enough, we can still see the great Himalayan Vultures circling overhead, waiting for their dinner. In the last part of the 8th century, the very first seven Tibetan monks stayed here, after receiving their ordination from the Indian Shankarakshita.

From here, you will have a simple lunch in a local restaurant, and then head to Sera, in time for the 3pm debates. Sera, is a 15th century Gelugpa monastery, founded by one of Tsong Khapa's disciples, and is famous for its Tantric teachings. The name Sera means "Merciful Hail." Years ago, a rivalry existed between Sera and Drepung (means "Rice Heap"). The monks from Sera thought their hail would destroy Drepung's rice, while Sera boasted the "dob-dobs," an elite corps of warrior monks, much feared by other Buddhist leaders.

Day 06: Visit Drigung Monastery

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Camping Tent

After a 3-4 hour morning drive, you arrive in the valley of Drigung Monastery, founded by the Kagyupas, descendants of Milarepa. Cut by the Kyichu, this spectacular valley boasts not only the monastery, but a nunnery and some wonderful hot springs in this cold land. Drigung Til was rebuilt in 1983, and boasts a large Assembly Hall with Drigung Kyapgon's footprint, his personal conch and trumpet. On the right side of the altar are images of Apchi, the protectress of the temple. Drigung, and the nunnery are primarily meditation monasteries. Drigung Dundro, up the hill along the monastery kora, is a power place for sky burials, and is considered identical to Sitavana, one of the most famous of the Eight Indian Charnel Grounds near Bodhgaya. Legend has it a rainbow connects Sitavana and Drigung Dundro. Early in the morning, watch for people climbing up the hill with a body. Perhaps you will be lucky and witness a sky burial. Tonight you will camp in the valley below the monastery.

Day 7: Visit Drigung Monastery And Terdrum Nunnery

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Camping Tent

This morning, you can climb up to Drigung and visit the monastery. If you are lucky, you might catch sky burial on the site. Whether you do or not, though, it is worth while to do the kora around the monastery and enjoy the scenery.

After you descend, a short drive to Terdrum takes you to the nunnery or "ani" gompa with its hot springs attended by residences of the goddess Apchi. According to legend, below the lakes is a limestone ridge that once contained a poisonous lake with fumes so strong they killed the birds in the sky. Guru Rimpoche, the teacher who brought Buddhism to Tibet, threw his dorje, or thunderbolt, at the ridge and drained the lake. The nuns see the shape of his dorje protruding from the rocks below the opening of the tunnel. After bathing in the springs, you can visit the nunnery or climb to the Guru Rimpoche cave on the hill. You will camp near the nunnery.

Day 8: Drive Reteng And Tour

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Camping Tent

Leaving Drigung, you travel to Reteng, a Kadampa gompa founded in the 11th century by Dromton, the chief disciple of Atisha. The juniper trees around the monastery were said to have grown from the hairs of Dromton. Despite reconstruction, the monastery, with its extraordinary view of the Rong Chu valley, will never be the small city it once was. Inside the lhakhang (God House) are important relics, such as the statue of Jowa Jampa Dorje or the Talking Drolma. You will camp near the monastery.

Day 9: Cross The Nyanchhan Thangla Mountains To Lake Nam Tso

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Camping Tent

Today you cross the Nyanchhan Thangla Mountains, a range that parallels the Himalayas and is the home of the God of the North. Your destination is Tibet’s second largest salt-water Lake Nam Tso and a wonderful cave monastery of Tashiy Do. Tonight is spent camping on the shore of the lake.

Day 10: Explore Namtso And Tashiy Do

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Camping Tent

Few hermitages can rival the power and grandeur of the pre-Buddhist site of Tashiy Do, built into the red limestone cliffs and overlooking Lake Nam Tso. In reality, Tashiy Do consists of two separate hills with caves built within the rock walls – Tashiy Do Thuuije (“Merciful Lucky Rock”) and Tashiy Do Chhungchhung (“Little Lucky Rock”).

Today you have time to explore the area and Nam Tso, Tibet’s second largest salt lake. Because the lake lies on the migratory route across Asia, you are likely to see many flocks of birds – bar-headed geese, black-necked cranes and others – congregating along the shores of the bay. Also common are small members of the rabbit family, the black-lipped pikas that have dotted the ground with their burrows.

Day 11: Return To Lhasa

Accommodation: Dekhang Hotel Or Shangrila

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

When you are ready, you head back across the mountains and drive on to Lhasa. The rest of the day free to wander Lhasa with your guide, and a car is available for your needs. Tonight there will be a farewell dinner.

Day 12: Depart Lhasa

Meals: Breakfast

At the appropriate time, you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Chengdu or Beijing. On arrival, you can connect with your flight out or overnight.