17 Days Expedition to the Himalayan Kingdoms: Tibet, Nepal & Bhutan from Beijing

Welcome to Beijing, the capital of China!

When you arrive in Beijing, our local travel guide will greet you at the airport and take you to your hotel in downtown Beijing.

After checking in at the hotel, you can have a good rest or wander the surroundings as you like.

Stay overnight in Beijing.

Options for Today:
For your free time today, it is recommended to take a Hutong visit by yourself. You can take a leisure walk through the traditional alleys in downtown areas to experience the perfect blend of traditional local houses and modern life. Some of the popular Hutongs in Beijing include Nanluoguxiang, Yandaixiejie, Mao’er Hutong, Bada Hutong, etc.

Travel Tips:
Beijing has two international airports: Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport. Please double-check which airport you're arriving at.

Overnight in Beijing

• Beijing Daxing International Airport

• Beijing City night

Delve into the heart of China's emperor power, and explore the two major UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites in Beijing. Learn how the ancient Chinese emperors managed the country, what their daily life was, and how they sacrificed gods.

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and start exploring the historical sites of Beijing. The first stop is Tiananmen Square, the largest city plaza globally. From there, you will enter the magnificent Forbidden City with over 500 years of history where 24 emperors lived. As the largest ancient imperial palace, the Forbidden City has over 9,000 rooms. Even though only a few rooms are open for public visits, you can get a glimpse of how the ancient emperors managed the country and what their daily life was like. 

Next, you will get to Jingshan Park located behind the Forbidden City. From the hilltop within the park, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Forbidden City.

For lunch, you will enjoy the famous Beijing Roast Duck. Served with thin pancakes, spring onions, and sweet bean sauce, this traditional dish in Beijing offers a delectable blend of flavors and textures.

In the afternoon, you will take a drive to the Temple of Heaven, which is 6 kilometers from the Forbidden City. It is the place where ancient Chinese emperors worshiped the sky and prayed for rain, prosperity, and peace for the country and the people.

After the visit, get back to your hotel in downtown Beijing and stay overnight.

Overnight in Beijing

Breakfast | Lunch

• The iconic architectural style and legendary history of Forbidden City are fun to explore.

• A group selfie taken before Temple of Heaven

Today is your day to be a hero by visiting the Great Wall!

In the morning, you’ll head to Mutianyu Great Wall, which is 65 kilometers to the north of Downtown Beijing. It is one of the well-preserved sections of the Great Wall that is less crowded. You will hike along the ancient walls, pass through the watch towers, and enjoy the stunning view of the surroundings from the hilltop.

After the tour, you will be dropped off at the train station to board the overnight high-speed train to Xining. The journey from Beijing to Xining by high-speed train takes around 10 hours. You’ll experience the modern sleeping cabins onboard China’s high-tech bullet train.

Travel Tips:
Please wear a pair of comfortable walking shoes for the Great Wall hiking.

Overnight on the Bullet Train

Breakfast

• Mutianyu Great Wall in Spring

• China High-Speed train

Get ready for the legendary Tibet train journey from Xining!

Upon arrival in Xining, your local guide will pick you up at the railway station and take you to have a lunch in a local restaurant to enjoy the traditional Beef Noodles. 

After lunch, you will visit Ta’er Monastery (Kumbum Monastery). As one of the six major Gelug sect monasteries in Tibet, Ta’er Monastery is the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. Here, you will appreciate the ancient architectural complex that combines Tibetan and Chinese artistic styles, as well as various cultural treasures in the temples, such as various thangkas, murals, etc.

After the visit, you will get back downtown and prepare for your Tibet train journey. The guide and driver will take you to the railway station for your train to Tibet. The railway station is about 2.5 kilometers north of the city center. It is suggested to get to the railway station around 1 hour before departure. You need to present your passport and the Tibet Travel Permit to board the train.

Tibet Permit Notice:
1. Once you book your trip with us, we will handle the Tibet Travel Permit application.

2. It is suggested to make your reservation and provide the necessary documents for the permit application at least 20 days in advance.

3. The issued travel permit will be sent to you before the train departs. Please make sure to keep your Tibet Travel Permit safe.

Tibet Train Travel Tips:
1. A Xining to Lhasa soft sleeper train ticket is included in the package.

2. There is a dining car onboard the train to Tibet, which offers simple Chinese dishes. You can bring some snacks and instant noodles with you.

3. All trains to Tibet are equipped with oxygen supply systems. Do not worry about altitude sickness onboard.

 Overnight on the Tibet Train

 Lunch

• Ta’er Monastery

• The world-renowned Qinghai-Tibet railway refers to the railway that starts from Xining to Lhasa.

Complete the lifetime Tibet train journey and welcome to Tibet!

Today, you will enjoy the most beautiful scenery of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway through the Tibet Plateau. Endless land of snow, vast desert, boundless grassland, snow-capped mountains, and stunning lakes will continually appear and strongly attract your heart.

After arriving in Lhasa, you will meet our friendly Tibetan guide at Lhasa Railway Station. The guide and the driver will take you to your hotel in downtown Lhasa. You may view the Yarlung Tsangpo River/Brahmaputra River (the Longest and largest river in Tibet) and Lhasa River.

After settling into your hotel, take some time to rest and adjust to the high altitude.

In the afternoon or evening, your guide will meet you with traditional Tibetan gifts, provide travel instructions, and introduce your group members.

If you need any help or specific needs, feel free to visit our service center at Lhasa Gang-Gyan Hotel.

Travel Tips:
Lhasa is at an elevation of 3,650 meters above sea level. It is recommended to take a good rest in the hotel upon arrival, allowing your body to adapt to the high altitude in Tibet. 

Overnight in Lhasa

• Drepung Monastery, one of the Great Three Gelug monasteries of Tibet

• Monk Debate is a highlight of Sera Monastery

Today is Tibetan Monastery Day! You’ll have a full day to explore the largest monastery in Tibet, delve into the knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism, and immerse yourself in the daily life of Tibetan monks.

In the morning, you’ll explore the largest monastery in Tibet - Drepung Monastery, which was once the home to over 10,000 monks. As you walk through the Coqen Hall, your guide will provide detailed explanations of the worldview of Tibetan Buddhism and introduce notable figures in Tibetan Buddhist history.

Next, you’ll visit the renowned Loseling College (or an equivalent), offering a glimpse into the study and life of Tibetan monks. Explore their dormitories to gain insights into the Tibetan monks' daily routines and living conditions.

In the afternoon, you’ll head to Sera Monastery, another of the ‘great three’ Gelug monasteries of Tibet, to witness the famous Tibetan Monks Debate (15:00 - 17:00, from Monday to Saturday). Your guide will intricately explain how Tibetan monks engage in these debates to acquire knowledge and advance in their academic degrees.

After today’s tour, enjoy a welcome dinner with your group members.

Overnight in Lhasa

Breakfast | Welcome Dinner

• Drepung Monastery, one of the Great Three Gelug monasteries of Tibet

• Monk Debate is a highlight of Sera Monastery

Today’s Highlight is a visit to UNESCO World Heritage Sites Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, providing a glimpse into the daily beliefs and lives of the people of Lhasa.

After breakfast, your first stop is the Potala Palace, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Lhasa Old Town. Discover the lives and stories of the Dalai Lamas through history within the palace, and the extraordinary treasures it holds. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.

After touring the Potala Palace, you will visit Longwangtan Park at the foot of the Potala Palace. Here, you can appreciate the majestic Potala Palace from a different perspective and engage in local Tibetan folk activities.

In the afternoon, you will head to the heart of Tibetan religion - the Jokhang Temple. Inside you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve. Outside, you can see pilgrims making prostrating in front of Jokhang Temple. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can do kora (a religious circle of a building or mountain) with pilgrims and locals, and explore the old market.

Next, follow your guide to one of the liveliest indoor Tibetan tea houses in Lhasa. Sip traditional Tibetan sweet tea alongside local Tibetans as your guide shares insights into Tibetan social dynamics and daily life.

• Potala Palace is always the No.1 attraction for travelers visiting Tibet.

• A Tibetan pilgrim is worshipping Jokhang Temple

In the morning, start the overland journey from Lhasa to Shigatse, which includes visits to Tibet's most beautiful lake, glacier, and a charming Tibetan village.

First, drive over the Gampala pass (4790 m) to catch a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso (4400m). The Yamdrok Lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and in the distance you can have spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar (7191m), the highest mountain near Lhasa. Continue to explore the lakeshore from various viewpoints, and at the end of the lake, you could visit a local family in the village and have lunch with the locals.

Next, you will pass and enjoy the Korola Glacier on the roadside. It is the largest glacier in Tibet. As you see the ice tongue of the glacier climb the entire hillside, you will feel the magical power of nature.

Then, continue your journey to Gyantse. On the way, you will stop at Simila Mountain Pass, where you can hang prayer flags to pray for world peace and the health of your family.

After arriving in Gyantse, you can spend some time taking photos of the ancient city of Gyantse. From Gyantse to Shigatse, you will pass by green (in summer) and golden (in autumn) Tibetan barley fields and countless farms.

Finally, we arrive in Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet. After checking in to the hotel, you can take a good rest and prepare for the next day’s trip to Mount Everest.

 Overnight in Shigatse

 Breakfast | Lunch

• Yamdrok Lake at Gampala Pass, where you can get a marvelous bird's-eye view of the lake.

• The Karola Glacier is so close that you will appreciate a spectacular view of the white glacier contrasted with blue sky.

Take the most use of your time today to admire the stunning Himalayan mountain ranges!

After breakfast, you will head directly to Mount Everest.

First, you will pass Gyatsola Pass (5280m). At Gyatsola Pass viewpoint, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest. Hidden behind the mountain range, the Everest resembles a budding lotus flower, a captivating sight along the roadside.

Shortly after we enter Mount Everest National Nature Reserve, you will enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayas at Gawula Pass (5198m). At this viewpoint, you will marvel at the majestic lineup of the five highest peaks in the Himalayas, including Everest at the forefront. This is your second glimpse of Everest.

Then, we drive along the new zigzag road to Everest Base Camp (5200m). As you get close to the base camp, the majestic Everest gradually unfolds before you, drawing nearer with each winding turn. This marks your third view of Everest.

Upon reaching Everest Base Camp, the colossal white pyramid peak of Mount Everest stands towering before you. As the day transitions to dusk, witness the golden hues of the sun casting a warm glow on Everest's northern face—your fourth view.

As night falls, the sparkling Milky Way and the snow-white peak of Mount Everest reveal your fifth and final encounter with Everest.

Stay overnight at Everest Base Camp or in the local village near EBC if the EBC tent hotels are closed during the winter season.

Insider Tips:
1.The visibility of Everest is subject to weather conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

2.During the winter season, typically from November to March, the tent hotels at Everest Base Camp close. Therefore, if you’re traveling in winter, your accommodation options are limited to the village near EBC.

Overnight in EBC Tent Hotel

Breakfast

• Drive along the zigzag road to Everest Base Camp

• Enjoy your group tour to Everest Base Camp

Today, you will reach Gyirong Border, witnessing the breathtaking landscapes changing from 5200 meters to 2800 meters above sea level.

In the morning, before departing from the base camp, you will visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest monastery, where nuns and monks live together at 5,154 meters above sea level.

Then, you will cross the Himalayas and take a drive to Gyirong at the Sino-Nepal border. Across the 380-kilometer journey, marvel at the evolving scenery - from snow-capped peaks towering over 5000 meters to the lush forests and canyon vistas at around 2800 meters above sea level.

As you pass by Mt. Shishabangma (8027 meters), one of the world’s highest mountains over 8000 meters, you can enjoy a close view of the three main peaks of Shigabangma, as well as the golden glow of Pelku Tso Lake beneath the peaks.

Afterward, the altitude drops dramatically. You’ll be mesmerized by forests, waterfalls, and bottomless canyons as you enter the edge of the Himalayas.

When you arrive in Gyirong Valley, what you will see is the dense forest and the snowy peaks above the forests. In Gyirong town, you can breathe in the abundant oxygen.

Travel Tips:
The accommodation at Everest Base Camp does not include breakfast, so breakfast today is at your own expense.

Overnight in Gyirong

• Rongbuk Monastery, the higest monastery in the world

• Pelku Tso Lake is surrounded by rugged mountains.

Farewell to Tibet and welcome to Nepal today!

After breakfast, you will say goodbye to your Tibetan tour guide and driver. Our Nepali staff at the Nepal border port will warmly welcome you, assist you in applying for a Nepal visa, and be responsible for carrying large luggage (A tip of 3-5 USD is required). We ensure a safe transfer for you to your hotel in Kathmandu with Tibet Vista’s vehicle.

From the border, you will cross to the southern foothills of the Himalayas and pass through the Langtang National Forest.

The road conditions are not comparable to those in Tibet, China. There are bumps and mud along the way, but the scenery is beautiful. You can continue to enjoy the beautiful scenery of many snow mountains in the southern foothills of the Himalayas, such as Annapurna III (7,555 meters), Lamjung W (6,983 meters), Mount Kanguru (6,981 meters), Himchuli West (6,441 meters), Ngadi Chuli (7,871 meters), and Gaurishankar (7,181 meters).

Finally, you will finish the 130-kilometer journey and arrive at your hotel in Kathmandu.

Nepal Visa Application Tips:
1. You need to prepare a passport-size ID photo with a white background

2. You will pay the Nepal visa fee at the border. Only US dollars in cash are accepted, and not credit cards.

 Holiday Inn

 Breakfast and Nepalese Diner

• The picturesque scenery of Gyirong Town

• You will be transferred to Gyirong Port for your Nepal tour.

Explore the cultural landmarks of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal with over 1,200 years of history.

After breakfast, you will visit Durbar Square, the UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases a mix of architectural styles. There are types of temples, palaces, and shrines. You will pay a visit to the Nepalese Royal Palace, the Shiva-Parvati Temple, Makhan Pedestrian Street, the single-wooden temple, and the Kumari Goddess Temple.

Then, Walking through the narrow streets of Patan, you will get a close-up view of some ancient temples and the exquisite ancient wood carvings, metal carvings, and stone carvings on the surrounding buildings, and experience the charm of the "City of Fine Art".

Finally, you will visit Swayambhunath Temple, also known as the Monkey Temple. Located at the top of a hill in the west of downtown city, it offers a panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley. You can walk around the giant Swayambhunath stupa, which is over 40 meters high. While walking between pagodas and temples, you will also see monkeys enjoying their free time here.

Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Overnight in Kathmandu

Breakfast

• Pashupatinath

• Bhaktapur City

Go into a deep cultural exploration of the Kathmandu Valley.

Your morning visit starts from Changu Narayan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its exquisite architecture and intricate carvings. It is the oldest Hindu temple in Nepal and houses ancient stone carvings from the 5th century.

Next, you will visit the medieval city of Bhaktapur. From the early 13th century to the 18th century, this small town has been the political, religious, and cultural center of Nepal. This 700-year-old town still retains its medieval charm after hundreds of years. The ancient palaces and temple, together with the local people who live here offer a unique experience of Nepalese town life.

Then, continue your journey to the east of Kathmandu city to visit the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath. Situated along the bank of the Bagmati River, the temple is a revered pilgrimage site that hosts rituals, prayers, and cremation ceremonies. Here, you may encounter Baba, also known as Sadhu in Nepal, and experience spiritual energy and religious power.

Finally, you will visit the Boudhanath (Boudha Stupa), the iconic Buddhist monument in Kathmandu. Surrounded by Tibetan Buddhist temples, this majestic Tibetan Buddhist stupa is the center of life for Tibetan Buddhist followers in Nepal.

After today’s excursion, you will get back to your hotel.

Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Overnight in Kathmandu

Breakfast

• Kathmandu’s Durbar Square is one of three durbar squares in the Kathmandu Valley.

• Swayambhunath stupa in Nepal

Today, you will embark on a journey to the happiest country in the world—Bhutan!

You will take a early flight to Bhutan in the morning. Unpon arrival, your tour guide is ready to wait for you before picking you up and drive you from Paro airport to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. After the well-prepared Bhutanese meal which is ritualistically served in a Bhutan way and hotel check in, you will be go sightseeing the following sites:

Our first stop is Buddha Dordenma. Buddha Dordenma is located in Thimphu, Bhutan. This majestic statue stands at a height of 51.5 meters (169 feet) and is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. It was constructed to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the Bhutanese monarchy and to promote peace and happiness in the world. The statue overlooks the Thimphu valley and is a significant religious and cultural landmark in Bhutan.

Next, we will visit National Memorial Chorten. Built in 1974 in memory of the Third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, it serves as a place of worship and a memorial for the late king. The chorten, or stupa, is a large white structure adorned with golden spires and intricate carvings, representing Tibetan Buddhist architecture. It is a hub of religious activities and is frequented by locals and tourists alike for prayer and meditation..

After that, we will explore Takin Zoo. The Takin Zoo in Bhutan is a sanctuary dedicated to the unique and elusive takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Takin are large, goat-like mammals found in the eastern Himalayas. The zoo provides a natural habitat for these fascinating creatures and offers visitors the opportunity to observe them up close.

Our last destination is Tashichhoe Dzong. As a fortress of religion, Tashichhoe Dzong was built in 1641 and reconstructed into what it shows to you now by the former emperor. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room, the office of the king and the central monk part.

 Hotel Changkha

 Breakfast, lunch and diner

• Paro

• National Museum of Bhutan

Today we continue to explore the secrets of happiness in Thimphu.

After breakfast, the guide will take you to visit the National Textile Museum of Bhutan. The National Textile Museum is an important place to understand Bhutanese culture and craftsmanship, and it is a must-visit during your trip to Bhutan. At the National Textile Museum, you can admire various traditional Bhutanese textiles, including traditional clothing, fabrics, shawls, and various ornaments, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship and unique designs passed down through generations of Bhutanese people.

Additionally, the museum regularly hosts workshops and activities, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the process of traditional Bhutanese textile making firsthand and understand the essence of textile craftsmanship.

Afterwards, accompanied by the guide and driver, you will return to Paro. Upon reaching Paro, you will visit Kyichu Lhakhang and Paro Rinpung Dzong, two of the most distinctive temples in Paro.

Kyichu Lhakhang is surrounded by vast fields, free from the hustle and bustle of vendors, tranquil and peaceful. This temple has a long history and has hardly been damaged by natural disasters, so its appearance remains simple and dignified.

Paro Dzong, also known as the Fortress of the Heap of Jewels, is one of the most famous temples in Bhutan and perhaps one of the most outstanding representatives of Bhutanese architecture. Built in 1644, it was once used as a fortress to defend the Paro Valley. The "Ta Dzong," which was once the watchtower of Paro Dzong, has now been converted into Bhutan's "National Museum" and houses up to 3,000 artifacts. The museum's circular shape is said to resemble the conch shell, a symbol of auspiciousness in Buddhism. The museum is divided into six floors, showcasing various types of artifacts, including religious artifacts, the country's development history, stamps, historical photos, production and daily necessities, as well as animal and plant specimens.

After the visit, the guide will take you back to the hotel.

 Hotel Mandala

 Breakfast, lunch and diner

• Kyichu Lhakhang

• Paro Rinpung Dzong

Today's journey will take you to visit one of Bhutan's most important landmarks—the Tiger's Nest Monastery.

After enjoying breakfast, you will set off for Tiger's Nest Monastery. This temple is the most famous Buddhist pilgrimage site in the Kingdom of Bhutan, believed to be the meditation site of the 8th-century Indian saint, Guru Padmasambhava. As a result, Tiger's Nest has become a sacred place of worship for Bhutanese devotees and is hailed as one of the world's top ten temples. Starting from the foot of the mountain, you'll need to hike for about 3 hours to reach the cliffside Tiger's Nest Monastery, with a lunch break at a simple self-service restaurant halfway up the mountain. The descent also takes about 2 hours.

Tiger's Nest Monastery is a temple that combines scenery and art. Each building in the temple has a balcony with a view of the beautiful Paro Valley. The entire compound consists of four main halls and residential areas, most of which are irregularly built along the mountainside. From afar, Tiger's Nest resembles a lizard clinging to a cliff. To enter the main cave, where Guru Padmasambhava and the thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara statues are enshrined, you need to pass through a narrow passage. Inside the dark cave, illuminated by butter lamps, you can see the wrathful manifestation of Guru Padmasambhava standing on a tigress, which is the description of his meditation here. Additionally, this temple houses an elegant statue of Avalokiteshvara with a thousand arms and dozens of Bodhisattva statues.

After concluding the visit to Tiger's Nest Monastery, if time and interest permit, you can also visit Paro Market to freely browse and purchase Bhutanese handicraft souvenirs.

 Hotel Changkha

 Breakfast, lunch and diner

• Taktshang Goemba

• Tiger's Nest

Today marks the end of your journey.

Our tour guide will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your next destination.

Breakfast