17 Days Shanghai, Xi'an, Lhasa, Shigatse, EBC, Nepal Bhutan Tour

Welcome to Shanghai, the most dynamic metropolis in China!

Upon arrival in Shanghai, our local guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your downtown hotel.

After checking in, you can take a good rest or take a stroll around the surrounding areas as you like.

Stay overnight in Shanghai.

Insider Tips:
Shanghai has two international airports: Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. Please make sure to check which airport you're arriving at.

Today, you will visit some of the highlights of Shanghai City.

Starting with the fascinating Shanghai Museum, the magnificent 4-story building houses an incredible collection of bronzes, sculptures, ceramics, coins, paintings, calligraphy, costumes, and other exhibits in different dynasties. It’s the perfect place for fans of Chinese history and art.

Next, you’ll come to the Yu Garden. Built in the 16th century during the Ming Dynasty, the Yu Garden used to be the private residence of a senior Government administrator in the Ming Dynasty. For a passionate photographer, never miss the chance to photograph Old Street of Yu Garden.

In the evening, you will visit the most iconic building in Shanghai, i.e. Oriental Pearl TV Tower. You can enjoy the amazing panorama of the skyline of Shanghai at night. As you stroll along the Bund, you will be amazed at the spectacular Huangpu River and the dazzling light from the buildings of Pudong.

Stay overnight in Shanghai.

After breakfast, you will take a morning flight from Shanghai to Xi’an, the ancient capital of China.

Upon your arrival at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport, your local guide will pick you up at the airport.

In the afternoon, you will visit the world-famous Terracotta Army, one of the eight wonders of the world. These terracotta warriors and horses were the size of a real army, and were buried alongside the Emperor in a vast underground palace.

Later, you’ll travel to the Muslim Quarter, the most famous gourmet street and largest Muslim business street in Xi’an. It’s the perfect place to chat with Muslim street vendors, purchase exquisite handicrafts, and enjoy a variety of local snacks.

Stay overnight in Xi’an.

In the morning, you will take a high-speed train from Xi’an to Xining, the starting point of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

Upon arrival in Xining, you can explore the city as you like until you board your train to Tibet. Please make sure you’ve got a copy of the Tibet Travel Permit in advance and keep it properly as it is important for visiting Tibet. Without a permit, you can not board the train to Tibet.

Stay overnight on 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.

In the morning, you will enjoy fabulous scenery along the world-famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the highest railway in the world. Spectacular land of snow, boundless desert, vast grassland, grand ice mountains, and beautiful lakes will continually appear and strongly attract your heart. 

Upon arrival in Lhasa, our friendly Tibetan guide will greet you at the railway station with a Hada (the traditional Tibetan ceremonial scarf) and warm blessings.

Then, 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.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

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.

Stay overnight in 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.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

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

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 will 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.

Stay overnight in Shigatse.

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.

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.

Stay overnight in Gyirong.

After breakfast, you will say goodbye to your Tibetan tour guide and driver as our Tibet tour service ends at the Gyirong border.

After crossing the border, you can choose our border transfer service to your hotel in Kathmandu (Optional: 60 USD per person).

Alternatively, you can take the public bus from the border to downtown Kathmandu and then take a taxi to your hotel from the downtown bus station.

Stay overnight 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.

In the morning, you will the Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, which is one of three Durbar (royal palace) squares in the Kathmandu Valley. It is the site of the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex, which was the royal Nepalese residence until the 19th century and when important ceremonies, such as the coronation of the Nepalese monarch, still take place today.

Then, you will tour Swayambhunath. It is one of the most recognizable symbols in Nepal and the painted eyes of Buddha watch all who ascend the worn stone steps. It is a World Heritage Site and one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal, and is at the source of the Valley’s mythical beginning.

In the afternoon, you will head to Patan City, which is 15 minutes drive from Kathmandu. Patan's central -Durbar Square, is absolutely packed with temples: It’s an architectural center point with a far greater concentration of temples per sq. meter than in Kathmandu or Bhaktapur. You may shop around and finally, you will head back to Kathmandu.

Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon!

Today, you will take a 1-hour direct flight from Kathmandu to Paro, where the only international airport is in Bhutan. 

Upon your arrival in Paro, our local tour guide and driver will pick you up at the airport and take you from Paro airport to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.

After your hotel check-in, you will visit Buddha Dordenma in Thimphu. This majestic statue stands at a height of 51.5 meters and is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. Overlooking the Thimphu Valley, it is a significant religious and cultural landmark in Bhutan.

Then, you will visit the National Memorial Chorten, which was built in 1974 in memory of the Third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchu. Served as a place of worship and a memorial for the late king, the chorten is a large white stupa adorned with golden spires and intricate carvings.  It is a hub of religious activities and is frequented by locals and tourists alike for prayer and meditation.

After that, you will explore Takin Zoo, a sanctuary dedicated to the unique and elusive Takin. The takin is a large, goat-like mammal found in the eastern Himalayas and is the national animal of Bhutan. At the Takin Zoo in Thimphu, you'll have the opportunity to see these remarkable animals up close.

Last, you’ll visit the Buddha Dordenma Statue in Thimphu. This majestic statue stands at a height of 51.5 meters and is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. Overlooking the Thimphu Valley, it is a significant religious and cultural landmark in Bhutan.

After that, you will explore Takin Zoo, a sanctuary dedicated to the unique and elusive Takin. The takin is a large, goat-like mammal found in the eastern Himalayas and is the national animal of Bhutan. At the Takin Zoo in Thimphu, you'll have the opportunity to see these remarkable animals up close.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast, you will enjoy a half-day city tour in Thimphu, visiting the highlights like the National Library, the Folk Heritage Museum, the Hand-made Paper Factory, and the School of Arts and Crafts. You will have a panoramic view of Bhutan’s history and learn more about textile and handicraft making in the most traditional way.

Then, you will travel northeast to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. On the way, you will stop at scenic Dochu La Pass (3,100m) for a refreshing tea. You will appreciate the unobstructed vista of the Great Himalayas from the mountain pass.

Finally, you will arrive in Punakha. After check-in, you can take a break in your room to refresh yourself after today’s sightseeing.

Stay overnight in Punakha.

In the morning, you will start today’s journey from Punakha Dzong, widely believed to be the most beautiful Bhutanese Dzong, built at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu Rivers.

After touring Punakha, you will take a drive back to Paro.

In the afternoon, you will head to the National Museum of Bhutan, which looks like a round watchtower. You can trace back to the history of ancient Bhutan and explore the diverse lives as well as splendid local culture and arts. Then we drive to visit Drukgyel Dzong, where you can enjoy the enchanting village lying at its foot.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Getting up in the fresh morning, you’ll start today’s trek to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, also known as Taktshang Goemba. Standing on the cliff of Paro Valley at 3,120 meters above sea level, the Tiger’s Nest Monastery is the landmark of Paro and is the holiest temple in Bhutan. It’s said that Guru Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche) had flown here on the back of a tigress and meditated in the caves on the cliffside for three months. From here, you can catch a panoramic view of Paro Valley.

In the afternoon, if time and interest permit, you can also visit Paro Market to freely browse and purchase Bhutanese handicraft souvenirs.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Today marks the end of your tour.

Please make sure to verify your departure flight details with your guide in advance. And your guide will take you to the airport for your next destination.

Tour service ends.