Kathmandu To Beijing via Lhasa and Xian
Take this tour and delve into the past and discover three ancient cultures.....
After two days of insightful cultural explorations in Kathmandu, you will take an adventurous overland journey to the Tibetan highland .On the way, you drive past picturesque Tibetan settlements, nomadic herdsmen, ancient monasteries, high Mountain passes, wide arid plains and awe-inspiring mountain views. Before reaching Lhasa you will get an opportunity to glimpse the awesome striated rock summit of Mt. Everest from Everest Base Camp [5200m]. As you journey along the mighty peaks of Mt. Everest, Makalu, Changtse, Cho Oyu, Shishapangma and many other Tibetan peaks provide a scenic backdrop. You visit the three major cities in Tibet: Lhasa , Shigatse and Gyantse, visiting old palaces ,monastries and temples , as ancient as Tibet.
From Lhasa you embark on a memorable train journey to Beijing, with a stopover at the ancient city of Xian, a cultural centre of the old Silk Route. You enjoy two full days exploring the ancient treasures of Xian including the Terracotta Warriors. After exploring Xian, you continue your train journey to Beijing, the capital of China.
In Beijing, you are taken on a guided tour to the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven and the Ming Tombs.
Outline Itinerary
- Day 1 Arrive in Kathmandu
- Day 2 Sightseeing in Kathmandu
- Day 3 Sightseeing Kathmandu - Drive to Nagarkot
- Day 4 Drive to Nyalam
- Day 5 Excursion around Nyalam for acclimatization
- Day 6 Drive to Tingri
- Day 7 Drive to Rongbuk
- Day 8 Explore Everest base camp & drive to Shegar
- Day 9 Drive to Shigatse
- Day 10 Drive to Gyantse
- Day 11 Drive to Lhasa
- Day 12 Sightseeing in Lhasa
- Day 13 Sightseeing in Lhasa
- Day 14 Transfer to Xian by train
- Day 15 Arrive in Xian
- Day 16 Xian sightseeing
- Day 17 Xian sightseeing
- Day 18 Transfert to Beijing by train
- Day 19 Sightseeing in Beijing
- Day 20 Sightseeing in Beijing
- Day 21 Depart of Beijing - End of tour
- Day 22 OPTION - GOLDEN TRIANGLE IN INDIA
- Day 23 Arrive in Delhi
- Day 24 Sightseeing in Delhi
- Day 25 Delhi - Agra
- Day 26 Agra - Jaipur
- Day 27 Jaipur
- Day 28 Delhi
- Day 29 Fly to Kathmandu - Start of tour described above
Detailed Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu
It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel. At the hotel, you will be briefed about your daily activities. .
- Day 2
Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence. Patan and Bhaktapur, its two major neighboring cities bear immense historical, cultural and religious significances.Today you will explore Kathmandu Durbar Square and Kumari temple. Kumari is the Living Virgin Goddess of Hindu religion. Kumari temple is situated inside the Basantapur Durbar built by King Jaya Prakash Malla near Hanuman Dhoka. Kumari is chosen from a Newari Shakya family after meeting up with all the criteria. There will be a guided tour to the famous and biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath, and Swoyambhunath. .
- Day 3
Sightseeing Patan& Bhaktapur - Drive to Nagarkot
Today you will visit Patan Durbar Square, Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor temple, Krishna Temple, Golden Temple etc. Thereafter, your next destination is Bhaktapur where you will witness unique culture and finest display of craftsmanship. Bhaktapur is the only place in Nepal which has remained untouched by western culture. Lion Gate, Golden Gate, Art Gallery, Statue of King Bhupatindra, Nyatapola Temple and fifty-five windowed Malla palace are the living prides of Bhaktapur and you will tour around all these places. In the evening, you will head towards Nagarkot. On your way to Nagarkot breathtaking panoramic Himalayan views of Mt. Everest, Manaslu and Gauri Shankar will have completely smitten. Nagarkot accommodates finest of resorts, hotels, restaurants and cafes. You will spend your night at one of the best resort or hotel in Nagarkot..
- Day 4
Drive Kathmandu- Nyalam (3780 m)
We leave Kathmandu early in the morning to cover the123km to reach the Nepal-Tibet Border. After completing the immigration formalities at the border, we drive towards Nyalam. Moving up a series of incredibly steep switchbacks, which passes through a mossy gully with cascading waterfalls, we reach Nyalam..
- Day 5
In Nyalam (3780 m)
It would be wise to spend a day resting and acclimatizing in Nyalam before heading up higher. A short way out of town there is a small temple, Nyalam Pelgye Ling, which is associated with the eleventh and twelfth century poet-lama Milarepa..
- Day 6
Drive to Tingri
Today's drive to Tingri takes around five to six hours, crossing two spectacular passes along the way; Nyalam pass (3800m) and Lalung La pass (5082m). Today there are some spectacular views of the Himalayas to be had, including Jugal Himal, Mt. Makalu (8464m) and, of course, the mighty Everest (8848m)..
- Day 7
Drive Tingri (4390m) to Rongbuk (5100m) – 105 Kms.
After breakfast it's just a short, easy drive to Rongbuk - the home of the highest monastery in Tibet – leaving plenty of time to explore this historic treasure. Once again, there are some stunning views to be had of the Himalayas..
- Day 8
Explore Everest base camp(5100m) & drive to Shegar
A two hour trek from Rongbuk will take you to the base of the highest peak on earth; the north face of Mount Everest (8848m). Explore the Base Camp where countless expeditions have set off and see the Rongphu glacier. The base camp itself is dry and barren, but the views of Everest more than compensate for this; having the highest mountain in the world towering over you is an experience you'll never forget. No tour vehicles, apart from expeditions and trekking team, are allowed beyond Rongbuk so you need to walk or take a horse cart.
- Day 9
Drive Rongbuk to Shigatse (3900m) - 304 Kms.
Today your Land Cruisers will cover some rocky terrain, covering the eight to ten hour drive to the city of Shigatse. Shigatse is the home of the famous Tashilunpo Monastery; the historical seat of the Panchen Lama lineage and well known for its huge Thangka wall..
- Day 10
Drive Shigatse to Gyantse (3950m)-90kms.
In the morning we'll visit the Tashilunpo Monastery and the free bazaar of Shigatse. After lunch it's just a pleasant two hours drive to Gyantse, which has the Khumbum Stupa and the Phalkot Monastery..
- Day 11
Drive Gyantse to Lhasa (3650m)-259kms.
The drive to the final enticing destination of Lhasa takes eight hours, crossing two passes - The Karo La pass (5010m) and Kamba La pass (4794m) – as well as the dazzling lake Yamdrok Tso (Turquoise Lake). We'll also cross the wide Yarlung Tsangpo river and catch our first views of the legendary Potala Palace. .
- Day 12
Sightseeing in Lhasa
After breakfast, you will be briefed on the day's program. An experienced guide will take you on a tour to Sera Monastery, Norbulingka and the Barkhor Square. At the famous Sera Monastery, you will get an insight into the important aspects of Tibetan Buddhism. You pay a visit to Norbulingka, the summer retreat of the Dalai Lama. Completed in1956, the handsome building is ornately decorated with Tibetan carvings and paintings. Jokhang temple provides yet another glimpse of the rich Tibetan cultural heritage. You will also get the chance to stroll around the busy Barkhor Square, the nerve centre of Lhasa. After the day's tour, you will be escorted back to your hotel. .
- Day 13
Sightseeing in Lhasa
After an early breakfast, you will be escorted by your guide to the majestic Potala Palace. The imposing structure of the palace dominates the landscape of Lhasa. As you are guided through the ancient chambers of the palace, you get to see Tibetan art at its best. The Potala Palace has a vast array of intricate Tibetan murals and beautiful statues. You will also get to view the tombs of the eight Dalai Lamas. Later in the day you will visit the beautifully landscaped Drepung Monastery where you can observe nuns and monks chanting and performing religious discourses. After the day's tour is over, you are escorted back to your hotel for a well-earned rest. Note: Since only a limited number of visitors are allowed to visit the Potala Palace every day, the order of sightseeing places will be decided upon by your guide..
- Day 14
Transfer to Xian by train
Transfer to train station for a memorable world’s highest train journey to Xian. The train is newly built state of art technology with pressurized cabins. We will enjoy the train ride passing through villages and scenic spots. .
- Day 15
Arrive in Xian
We continue our journey via Xining, Lanzhou and finally arrive at Xian. Upon arrival, meet & transfer to Hotel. NB: the schedule of trains will be known only a couple of weeks before the departure date. .
- Day 16
Xian sightseeing
Xian is the largest city in the Shaanxi Province with a history that goes back more than 3000 years. Xi’an served as the capital for twelve dynasties. When the Silk Route was popular among traders, Xian was the cultural centre. Xian is also the site of excavation of the vast army of terracotta warriors and horses from the tomb of China’s First Emperor, Qin Shihuang, from whom the country derives its name. The highlights of Xian includes: The Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses:This incredible 2000 year-old army of life-sized warriors, each one unique, is part of the underground tomb of the Emperor Qin. Well over 7000 figures were drawn up in full battle array in several large pits. Many of the figures, including soldiers, archers, horses and chariots, have been restored, and the repairs and excavations continue at the site where you can see both repaired and broken warriors in a truly impressive display. There is also an excellent museum, including bronze chariots unearthed nearby, and a film about the history and discovery of the tomb. It is about 35 km from Xian. - The Wild Goose Pagoda:The pagoda where widely renowned Master Xuanzang (Monk Tripitaka) stored his classics brought from India..
- Day 17
Transfer to Beijing by train (1200km)
On board the train. .
- Day 18
Sightseeing in Beijing
Arrive Beijing. Check in to Hotel. Beijing, China’s capital and a well known tourist city of the world, offers sights found nowhere else on the earth. One can see the interwoven sights of its history and the drastic change of the current times. In the afternoon we will be visiting the famous Tian’anmen Square. It’s located in the center of the city proper with an area of some 400,000 square meters. It’s the largest square in the world today. In the center is the Column Monument to the People’s Heroes. We will also visit the Ming Tomb, located in the northern suburbs of Beijing, it consists of thirteen tombs of the emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1,368 – 1,644) after the capital was moved from Nanjing to Beijing. .
- Day 19
Sightseeing in Beijing
Today you will visit the majestic Great Wall (Badaling section) and the Chang Tomb of Ming Tombs. You will be taken on a tour to the Great Wall, the most famous symbol of China and one of the world’s most remarkable architectural wonders. It was built over 2,000 years ago and stretches a long distance for about 6,700km.You will visit the Great wall at Badaling, the most outstanding representation of China’s Great Wall, located 70km north-west of Beijing, at an elevation of 1000m. This section was first built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD). It stands at a strategic highest point from north-west of Beijing and gives access to every direction. Badaling section is composed of Guan City, with city platforms, wall platforms and watch towers along the Wall. The surrounding scenery is magnificent and impressive. You will be taken on a visit to the Ming Tomb the burial site of the emperor Wanli, the 13th emperor of the Ming Dynasty who ruled for 48 years until his death in 1620. .
- Day 20
Depart of Beijing - End of tour
We will have morning free before going to airport for the flight back home after completing a memorable journey..
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Happy Explorers
The trek was adapted by our tour guide to help suit our group, so the best outcome for all of us could be achieved. Great guide and Great Sherpas were always with better plans.
Community Service
We work with the motto "Tourism for Development". Explore Himalaya Community Service Project was conceived to empower underprivileged segments of Nepal.
