14 Days Moscow Beijing Lhasa EBC Namtso Tour

Board the non-stop flight (Air China CA910) from Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow to Beijing Capital International Airport. The flight takes around 7h15m.

Stay overnight on the plane.

You will be arriving at Beijing Capital International Airport at 07:00. After you land in Beijing, our local travel expert will be expecting you at the exit gate of the Beijing Capital International Airport and whisk you off to the hotel in downtown Beijing.

Travel Options:
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.

Stay overnight in Beijing.

Highlights:
Enjoy the cable car to view the panoramic view of the Mutianyu Great Wall
Hike along multiple sections of the Mutianyu Great Wall to view watchtowers, the mountain vista, etc.

“He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man”, as the great Chairman Mao said. “Uraaa”. In the morning, we will 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 with fewer crowds and less commercial than the Badaling section.

You will take the scenic cable car to reach the No. 14 Watchtower of Mutianyu Great Wall and enjoy the commanding view of its sprawling structure. Then, hike up to No. 15, 17, and 20 watchtowers, the best vantage points for viewing the Great Wall and surrounding hilltops.

At around 12:30 PM, you will have lunch at a nearby restaurant. After lunch and have a short rest, continue hiking and exploring other parts of the Great Wall to take Instagrammable photos of this landmark of China.

You will end the day with a cable car ride down to the entrance of the Mutianyu Great Wall and get transferred back to your hotel in downtown Beijing.

Stay overnight in Beijing.

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

Highlights:
Stroll on Tiananmen Square, one of the world's largest public squares.
Explore the grand palaces and halls in the Forbidden City and the life of Chinese emperors.
Taste the famous Beijing Roast Duck.

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. 

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 head to the Summer Palace, another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Beijing. Summer Palace used to be a summer retreat by the royal families of China and was burnt to the ground by British and French troops in the Second Opium War (1860).  

Now, the restored Summer Palace is a popular park for the public, showcasing the quintessential Chinese garden design and China’s rich heritage and history.

You can roam over the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity where government affairs take place enjoy boating on the enchanting Kunming Lake and stroll along tons of eye-catching pavilions, islands, halls, towers, etc. before getting transferred back to your hotel.

Stay overnight in Beijing

In the morning, get transferred to Beijing Capital International Airport. Board the non-stop flight (Air China CA 4125) from Beijing to Lhasa Gonggar Airport. The flight takes about 4h20min.

Our welcoming local Tibetan guide will be expecting you with auspicious white Hada at Lhasa Gonggar International 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.

Stay overnight in Lhasa 

Highlights:

Scenic hike in the Drepung Monastery (3,800m).

Watch the fiery monk debate in Sera Monastery (3,700m).

Awake to a day of brilliant sunshine. 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

Highlights:

Explore the secret chambers of Dalai Lamas and tons of treasures in Potala Place(3,700m).

Worship the life-size statue of Buddha Sakyamuni in Jokhang Temple (3,650m).

Experience the holy Barkhor Kora with local pilgrims.

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

Highlights:

Admire the panoramic view of turquoise Yamdrok Lake (4,441m) at Gangbala Pass (4,998m).

Savor the local Tibetan cuisines in a local family.

Enjoy the Karola Glacier and hang prayer flags at Simila Mount Pass (4,353m).

Marvel at the vista of the Gyantse Dzong fortress.

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.

Highlights:

Marvel at the highest peaks of the Himalayas at Gawula Pass.

Admire the sunset of Mt. Everest at EBC if the weather permits.

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 (5,000m). 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 Rongbuk guesthouses or Zhaxizong village (4,200m) near EBC.

Highlights:

Explore Rongbuk Monastery(5,154m) around EBC.

Gaze at the eastern slope of Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse at Dinggye Xilin viewpoint.

Celebrate the EBC visit at Langma Hall, a distinctive Tibetan nightclub.

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 5154 meters above sea level.

Then, you'll return to Shigatse via Dinggye, taking an alternative Himalayan route different from the traditional path. Here, you’ll stop at the Dinggye Xilin Viewpoint. You can not only see the majestic eastern slope of the towering Mount Everest again but also the world's fourth-highest peak, Mount Lhotse, standing at an elevation of 8,516 meters. Additionally, you can enjoy the vast and delightful wetland landscape at the foot of Mount Everest.

Next, you’ll make a brief stop in the ancient town of Sakya to stroll around Saga Ancient Town.

Finally, you’ll arrive in Shigatse. Upon arrival, your guide will lead you to a local Langma Hall, a local venue for Tibetan song and dance performances. Here, you can witness the traditional Tibetan performances and celebrate the success of your lifetime Mount Everest journey during dinner with your fellow group members.

Stay overnight in Shigatse.

Highlights:

Gaze at the stunning 26m statue of Maitreya, the future Buddha; visit the gold tomb of Panchen Lamas; watch monks chanting mantras in the assembly hall in Tashilunpo Monastery.

Enjoy the window view of the Yarlung Tsangpo River back to Lhasa.

In the morning, we will visit the home of Panchen Lama - Tashilhunpo Monastery. The grand and magnificent halls of the largest local monastery occupy the entire hillside. This is the spiritual home of the Tibetan people in Shigatse, housing the world's largest statue of Maitreya Buddha. Inside, you will see monks adorned with yellow hats and red robes, moving about the temple.

Next, we will return to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River, the mother river of the Tibetan people.

Finally, you will arrive in Lhasa. Enjoy leisure time wandering freely through Barkhor Street, where you can shop for gifts to bring back home for your family.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Highlights:

Traverse Damxung prairie to heavenly Namtso lake and enjoy stunning lake there and explore Tashi Dor Island.

In the morning, heading north from Lhasa, you’ll pass through the vast prairie in Damxung, where you can see the closest nomads area to Lhasa, with herds of yaks and sheep. Besides, you can also enjoy the view of the Qinghai-Tibet railway against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

While crossing the snow-capped Nyenchen Thanglha Mountain Ranges, pause at the renowned Lagenla Pass (5190m) to marvel at the stunning vista of holy Namtso Lake from a distance. Descend the road to reach today’s destination, Namtso Lake, one of the ‘Three Holy Lakes’ in Tibet.

Upon reaching the lake, you can enjoy your time doing a leisurely trek around Tashi Dor Island and along the lakeshore. For a panoramic view of Namtso Lake, climb to the top of the hill on Tashi Dor Island, where the circular lake resembles a boundless blue sea surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

Marvel at the magical stone pillars and peaks, and explore meditation caves and Buddhist holy sites on the island with your travel guide.

After visiting Namtso Lake, you will return to Damxung via the mountain pass.

Stay overnight in Damxung.

Insider Tips:

1. If the majority of your group is interested in witnessing the beautiful sunset at Namtso Lake, you can stay longer for the sunset. While you wait, we’ll provide hot coffee or Tibetan sweet tea.

2. Due to the higher altitude of Lake Namtso, standing at 4718 meters above sea level, it tends to be colder than Lhasa. It is advisable to bring a warm jacket with you for today’s visit.

Highlights:

Visit Chimelong Nunnery, the largest nunnery around Lhasa.

Roam over the tranquil Tsurphu Monastery.

After breakfast, you will first visit Chimelong Nunnery (Phyirmil Lung Nunnery), the largest nunnery near Lhasa. Roam over the peaceful nunnery and get an idea of different Buddhist studies in Tibet, you may also spot a sky burial site (Tibet funeral site) in the distance.

Then, head to Tsurphu Monastery, the oldest monastery in Tibet. It is the seat of the Karmapa branch of the Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism and is also the birthplace of the system of reincarnated living Buddhas in Tibet. Here, you can learn more about the ‘Black Hats', the Karma Kagyupa school of Tibetan Buddhism. During the summertime (June to September), you have the option of enjoying a 'Linka outing' (Tibetan-style picnic) for lunch in the small village at the foot of the hill of Tsurphu Monastery. Alternatively, you can have lunch at the restaurant of Tsurphu Monastery.

At the end of the day, return to Lhasa.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Today marks the end of your Tibet tour.

Please make sure to verify your departure flight/train details with our guide in advance. And your guide will take you to the airport or train station.

Thank you for choosing Tibet Vista, and we extend a warm welcome for your return to Tibet in the future.