Compare Tibet: Beijing to Kathmandu Overland by Intrepid Travel vs Lhasa Mt. Everest Kathmandu Overland Group Tour by Great Tibet Tour

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: Arrival in Lhasa (3680m)

Accommodation: Stay overnight in Lhasa, 3star or 4star

Our staff will greet you at Lhasa Airport/Railway to transfer you to the hotel. From Lhasa Airport to downtown Lhasa, it usually takes about one hour; from Lhasa Railway Station, about 20mins. After transferred to hotel, the rest of the day you will be free to wander around the city on your own but try not to overtax yourself. The first day's well-rest is crucial to acclimatize high altitude. Remember to drink lots of water, eat light, and not to shower if you can help it.

Day 2: Lhasa Sightseeing

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Stay overnight in Lhasa, 3star or 4star

Attraction: Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery

Our guide and driver will pick you up at the hotel in the early morning and then drive to visit the Drepung Monastery which is located at the foot of the Mountain Gambo Utse, 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from the western suburb of Lhasa, the Drepung Monastery is known as the most important monastery of Gelugpa in Tibetan Buddhism. It was founded in 1416 by Jamyang choge, one of the Tsongkhapa’s main disciples.

After lunch, you are going to visit the Sera Monastery which is located at the foot of Tatipu Hill in the northern suburb of Lhasa City; Sera Monastery is one of three famous monasteries in the city along with the Drepung Monastery and the Ganden Monastery. One of the main attractions of Sera Monastery is debating. As a part of their study, lamas must participate in debates to further their comprehension and proceed to more advanced levels of study. The debating usually is held at around 3 - 5 in the afternoon except for Sunday.

Drepung Monastery is also a Buddhist education base. It is the best place to learn and impart the Buddhism. Sera Monastery has a rich collection of cultural relics

Day 3: Lhasa Sightseeing

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Stay overnight in Lhasa, 3star or 4star

Attraction: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street

Today's tour will begin to visit the famous world heritage Potala Palace. It’s situated on the Red Hill of central Lhasa; Potala Palace is the highest ancient palace in the world, reaching 3,767.19m (12,359.55ft) at the topmost point. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and meditation Cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.

In the afternoon, take an easy visit to Jokhang Temple in the center of the Old Lhasa city. Jokhang temple is the most sacred temple in all over Tibet and it is always bustling with earnest local pilgrims. After you visit the temple you have time to walk around the Barkhor street which is the one of the most devotional circuit as well as the crowded central market of Lhasa since from a long time, in the early days it is the most famous local market but now it is changed to the tourist gift shopping center.

The Potala Palace is the world's highest palace, castle and monastery. Reconstructed in Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties for several times, Jokhang Temple has four stories and covers an area of about 25,000 square meters now.

Day 4: Lhasa- Gyantse(4040m)- Shigatse(3840m), 360km

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Stay overnight in Shigatse, 3star or 4star

Attraction: Yamdroktso Lake, Karola Glacier and Pelkor Chöde Monastery

We will pass by Kampala pass (4794m) on the way from Lhasa to Shigatse and visit Yamdrok Lake. Covering 638Km², Yamdrok Lake is one of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet. The lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and is fed by numerous small streams.

Later we will pass and enjoy the Karola Glacier on the roadside. It is about 300m from the main highway with easy access on your way to Gyantse.

Then visit the main monastery in Gyantse - Pelkor Chode Monastery. Pelkhor Choede in Gyantse town is located about 230km to the south of Lhasa and 100kmto east of Shigatse. The monastery is a short walk from the heart of the town.

See a flock of sheep and local herdsman along the lakeshore. The white glacier looks spectacular for visitors passing by.

Day 5: Shigatse - Tingri - EBC(5100m), 350km, Approx

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Stay overnight in Rongbuk guesthouse or Nomad Tent, (Dorm Bed)

Attraction: Tashilhunpo Monastery and Rongbuk Monastery

In the morning, we will visit the home of Panchan Lama - Tashilunpo Monastery and then drive to Lhatse, a small town located 150 km from Shigatse, and you may have lunch in local restaurant. After a short rest, you will go ahead to Tingri. You will pass Tsola Pass(4600M), and Gyatsola Pass(5248M). In the late afternoon, you enter Mt. Everest National Nature Reserve. You can enjoy the panorama of Himalaya at Gawula Pass (5198m).Then we drive along the New zigzag road to Rongpuk or the Tent Camp to stay overnight. If the weather is good, you can have a clear view of the sunset of golden Everest peak.

If it’s summertime (usually May~Oct), we will carry on the last few kilometers to Everest Tent Camp to stay the night; if winter time (usually Nov~Apr), we will stay at Rongbuk Monastery’s guesthouse. Both places have but only dorm bed lodging available. Both places you can see the glorious Everest sunset if the weather is good.

 “Tashilhunpo” means “Auspicious Sumeru” in Tibetan languageRongbuk Monastery has guesthouse for the tourists. There are lots of tents nearby as well. Tourists need to be careful on the belongings.

Day 6: EBC – Gyirong Border 370km, Approx.

Accommodation: Stay overnight in guesthouse

Attraction: Everest Base Camp

We didn’t include breakfast this morning. You will understand why when you’re at the spot. Tibetan breakfast, such as noodle, zanba, etc. aboutCNY30 is available here. You are highly suggested to bring along some cookies, instant coffee. etc. of your own. You can get up early and enjoy the sunrise of Everest Peak at lodging area if the weather is good. And then, we can drive you to the Everest Base Camp. After sightseeing, we will drive to Gyirong, the border which connects Tibet & Nepal. On the way, tourists can enjoy breath taking vista of Mt. Shishapangma and the Pekutso Lake. After passing the Ghungtang Lhamo(5236M), we will arrive in Gyirong in late afternoon.

The best time to travel to Mt. Everest would be May, June, Sep and early Oct. EBC is relatively less windy and clear. Since there is a very simple post office at EBC, you can send postcards from this highest place to your families, your friends, and even to yourself.

Day 7: Gyirong to Nepal Border

Tour guide will assist clients to exit China. And see clients off at Gyirong border. Transfer from Gyirong to Kathmandu, it’s 250 US$ per car, does not included in Package, need pay extra if clients request. Or you can take a bus to Kathmandu, about 40 US$ depending on your negotiation with the driver.