16 Days Paris Shanghai Lhasa EBC Kailash Kathmandu Tour

Today, you’ll board the international flight from Paris to Shanghai.

Both Air France and China Eastern offer non-stop flights from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to Shanghai Pudong International Airport. The flight takes around 11-12hrs. You can choose the best flight according to your schedule. Please keep an eye on the flight times and make sure to prepare your travel documents in advance.

Stay overnight on the plane.

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.

Travel Options:
After checking in at the hotel, you can roam over the Former French Concession, exotic streets lined with charming European-style buildings and large plane trees, reminding you of Shanghai's colonial past. It’s a great place to explore, with many chic restaurants, cafés, boutiques, etc. At night, enjoy the lively nightlife with bars and clubs in Xintiandi.

• Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center was built to show the achievement of the city planning and construction.
• Roaming over The Bund at night is definitely an amazing experience in Shanghai.

Today we are about to visit some of the highlights of highlights of Shanghai Tour. After breakfast, 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 comes 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 passionate photographers, never miss the chance to photograph Old Street of Yu Garden.

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

Alternatively, you can book Huangpu River Cruise program (11am–9:30pm available) and board the tourist boat at Shiliupu Wharf near the Bund for 15-30min boating to view the dazzling Bund at night.

Stay overnight in Shanghai.

• Oriental Pearl TV Tower is the most iconic architecture of Shanghai.
• Enchanting ancient Yu Garden offers a respite from bustling metropolis.

Have an early rise and after breakfast, you will get transferred to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. Board the direct flight from Shanghai to Lhasa Gonggar Airport. The flight takes about 7hr, with a brief stop in Xi’an.

Our welcoming local Tibetan guide will be expecting you with auspicious white Hada at Lhasa Gonggar Airport and later whisk you off to the hotel in downtown Lhasa.

En route, you may view the Yarlung Tsangpo River, the longest and largest river in Tibet, and the Lhasa River. After check-in, have a good sleep to acclimate to the altitude and unwind in your hotel.

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

Stay overnight in Lhasa. 

• Tibetan tour guide greets you at Lhasa Airport.
• Lhasa River

Awake to a day of brilliant sunshine. After breakfast, let’s head to Drepung Monastery for a 3km leisurely hike/kora. The Drepung Monastery is one of the great three Geluga monasteries founded by a disciple of Tsongkhapa called Jamyang Chöje.

As you follow the pilgrim route towards Loseling College, you will see the iconic huge rock paintings depicting the Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Geluga Sect, and Buddhist mantras.

You can gather junipers and burn them as an offering to Buddha, drink refreshing mountain springs, or meditate alongside the local pilgrims beneath the rock face. At the mountaintop, the sweeping view of the enchanting Lhasa Valley will take your breath away.

In the afternoon, you will explore Sera Monastery, the second-largest Gelug monastery next to Drepung. You can appreciate the exquisitely made sand Mandala and admire Buddhist paintings.

The biggest highlight is to watch the dramatic monk debate (15:00 - 17:00, from Monday to Saturday). By clapping hands, jumping, yelling, and rolling Buddhist mala, the standing monk furiously debates with the other monk sitting on the ground about Buddhist philosophy.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Drepung Monastery, one of the Great Three Gelug monasteries of Tibet
• Monk Debate is a highlight of Sera Monastery

After breakfast, start your day with a visit to the fortress-like Potala Palace, an architectural marvel, and the winter palace of Dalai Lamas.

You can explore the Dalai Lama’s living quarters, and ceremonial hall, and marvel at gilded buddhas, intricate mandalas, and jewel-encrusted tombs of generations of Dalai Lamas, and enjoy the panoramic view of Lhasa city atop Red Palace.

Next, roam over the Zhongjiao Lukang Park nearby and view the Potala Palace from behind where you can take a glimpse of how locals spend their day lives, such as enjoying Guozhuang/circle dance, paddle boat in the pool, etc.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the sacred Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibet. Follow a long line of pilgrims in the dimly lit chambers to worship the life-size statue of a 12-year-old Buddha Sakyamuni.

Then, walk clockwise with prostrating Tibetan pilgrims to experience the famous Barkhor circuit/kora and unwind in a local teahouse to savor local obsessions,i.g. sweet tea, Tibetan noodles, Tibetan momos, Sha Phaley, or roam over the backstreet of Lhasa.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Potala Palace is always the No.1 attraction for travelers visiting Tibet.
• A Tibetan pilgrim is worshipping Jokhang Temple

In the morning, after breakfast, we will 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.

• 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.

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 (5,200m). 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.

• Drive along the zigzag road to Everest Base Camp
• Enjoy your group tour to Everest Base Camp

In the morning, you may have the chance to see the pink sunlight casting its glow upon the summit of Mount Everest.

After breakfast, visit the Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest-altitude monastery at 5154 meters above sea level.

Then, move on to Ngari, the most mysterious region in Tibet, to visit the sacred Mount Kailash and holy Lake Manasarovar. On the way, you’ll 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.

After crossing the grassland around Peiku Tso Lake, you’ll reach Saga County, the transfer hub of western Tibet. This marks your entry into the gateway of the Mount Kailash region. The rest of the journey to Mount Kailash is at an average elevation of 4500 meters on the Ngari Plateau. If you need some essentials for your Kailash trek, you can buy them in Saga County.

Stay overnight in Saga.

• Rongbuk Monastery, the higest monastery in the world
• Pelku Tso Lake is surrounded by rugged mountains.

After breakfast, you’ll start today’s journey through the Saga Valley between the Himalayan Range and the Gangdise Range.

En route, you may witness herds of yaks and sheep on the vast grasslands beneath the snow-capped mountains. Meanwhile, you’ll pass by the beautiful green lake - Gongzhucuo Lake.

After passing through the Mayum La Mountain at 5211 meters, you officially enter the Ngari Region. Crossing the mountain pass feels like entering a wilderness inhabited by wild animals, with the holy Lake Manasarovar coming into view. The view of Lake Manasarovar, with Mount Kailash in the distance, often makes people feel amazed and inspired.

Driving along the lake, you reach the sacred Mount Kailash, the ultimate destination of this journey.

Upon arrival in Darchen, the little town at the foot of Mount Kailash, settle into your hotel, recharge, and prepare for the upcoming 3-day Mount Kailash trek.

Stay overnight in Darchen.

Insider Tips:
If you need a porter, kindly inform your guide on this day, and your guide will arrange one for you the following day. Please note that the cost of the porter requires an additional payment.

• Gongzhucuo Lake is like a sapphire buried in the wilderness.
• The stunning scenery along the way to Kailash.

After breakfast, you are supposed to take an eco-bus from Darchen to Sarshung Valley, where to start today’s 13-kilometer trek around Mount Kailash.

The first 13 kilometers are relatively easy, guiding you through the valley at the foot of Mount Kailash. You can clearly see the southern and western slopes of the sacred Mount Kailash.

After reaching the foot of the western slope, you will check in at the guesthouse in Dirapuk Monastery.

For the remainder of the day, follow our guide to explore the ancient Dirapuk Monastery (also known as Zhire Temple). Capture unforgettable moments in front of the sacred stupas and the grandeur of the western slope of Mount Kailash.

Weather permitting, immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring spectacle of the sunset over Mount Kailash from Dirapuk Monastery. Witness the sun's afterglow delicately illuminating the steep cliffs of the western slope as night descends.

Stay overnight in the local Guesthouse.

• Start trekking from Sarshung Valley to Drirapuk Monastery
• You can see piles of Mani Stones in Kailash Kora

Start your day early with a 4-kilometer trek from Dirapuk Monastery to reach 5430 meters. This section offers a rapid climb with a breathtaking view of the sunrise over the northwest slope of Mount Kailash.

Afterward, you’ll continue another 2-kilometer trek to Dolma La Pass, the highest point at an altitude of 5630 meters. Along this path, you’ll see prayer flags hanging everywhere on the pass.

(Notice: The high altitude means even in summer, the path is icy and scattered with rocks, requiring caution to prevent slipping.)

After successfully crossing Dolma La Pass, you’ll be greeted by the emerald-green Lake of Compassion (also known as Guri Kund), believed to purify a lifetime of sins with a dip. You’ll also witness the thick glaciers on the northwest slope of Mount Kailash.

Following the Lake of Compassion, a gradual descent leads you to the valley beneath the southeast foot of Mount Kailash, where Zutulpuk Monastery (also known as Dzutripuk Monastery) is located. Here, you may encounter adorable wild animals and find a peaceful resting spot on the grasslands.

Stay overnight in the local Guesthouse.

• Trek over Dromala Pass (5630m), the highest pass of the Kora
• You can enjoy the stunning view of Guri Kund.

In the morning, you’ll trek back from Zutulpuk Monastery to Darchen, the starting point of Kailash Trek.

After completing the Kailash trek in the morning, you are going to take a 30-kilometer drive to Lake Manasarovar. You’ll approach the shores of the sacred lake to touch its holy waters.

At the lakeside, you can engage in meditation, listen to the rhythmic waves of the sacred waters, or simply clean your body with the holy water, which holds significant spiritual meaning for Hindus and Buddhists.

There are also hot springs (optional) offering foot baths or soaking opportunities for visitors. If the Mount Kailash pilgrimage has left you feeling weary, consider spending a few dollars to enjoy the hot springs.

After today’s tour, get back to Darchen.

Stay overnight in Darchen.

• Breathtaking scenery of Lake Manasarovar
• At the Manasarovar lakeside, you can engage in meditation.

After breakfast, you’ll travel back to Sage and relive the scenic wonders of the Ngari Plateau, the Himalayas, and the Gangdise Mountains. Along the journey, you can stop at grassy pastures and lakes to get close to the nature and wildlife of Ngari.

Later today, you will finally arrive in Saga.

Stay overnight in Saga.

• Take a glimpse of Tibetan gazelle in the distance
• You can enjoy the picturesque scenery along the way back to Saga.

In the morning, start your journey to Gyirong Valley, the hidden gem on the Sino-Nepal border. As the altitude drops, the scenery along the roadside changes from snow-capped mountains and wastelands to dense forests and canyon landscapes.

Upon reaching Gyirong Town in the afternoon, you’ll explore Gyirong Valley described by British explorer Howard-Bury as the most beautiful valley in the world in his book 'Mount Everest: The Reconnaissance'.

Here, you can visit the Sherpa villages and admire dense forests, serene villages, and beautiful snow peaks above the woods. Additionally, you can experience the humid and mild oxygen, quite distinct from the dry and thin air of the Ngari Plateau.

In the afternoon, you will visit Paba Monastery in the center of Gyirong Town, drive to Jipu Village, and hike to the Meditation Cave of Master Padmasambhava.

Stay overnight in Gyirong.

• The picturesque scenery of Gyirong Town
• Immersed in the local way of life here in Gyirong Valley.

After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to your Tibetan guide and driver. Our Nepali staff will meet you at the Nepal border, assist with handling your large luggage (additional fee required), help you apply for a Nepal visa, and ensure a safe transfer for both you and your belongings to your hotel in Kathmandu with Tibet Vista’s vehicle.

After entering Nepal, you will see many snow mountains in the southern foothills of the Himalayas, such as Gaurishankar Himal (7134m), Ganesh Himal (7422m), Annapurna Range's Annapurna III (7555m), Lamjung W (6983 m), Mount Kanguru (6981m), Himchuli West (6441m), Ngadi Chuli (7871 m), and Gaurishankar (7181m).

Due to the poor road conditions, we will not make frequent stops. Nevertheless, you'll be treated to captivating landscapes along the way, savoring the last glimpses of the Himalayas.

Upon your arrival at your hotel in Kathmandu, the tour service ends.

• You will be transferred to Gyirong Port.
• Kathmandu Valley