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20-Day Xi’an, Lhasa, EBC, Mt.Kailash Kathmandu Tour by Overland

20-Day Xi’an, Lhasa, EBC, Mt.Kailash Kathmandu Tour by Overland

(XTNT020) Xi’an - By train - Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigaste - EBC - Saga - Darchen - Kailash Kora - Darchen - Saga - By overland - Kathmandu

Overview

The 20-day China and Nepal tour starts from the ancient Xi'an. Then, you will fly from Xi'an to Lhasa, you will have a chance to explore the ancient Jokhang Temple, follow the pilgrims do kora around Barkhor Street. After Lhasa, you will head to Shigatse via Yamdrok Lake, one of the three holy lakes in Tibet. After arriving at Shigatse, you will move to witness the awe-inspiring Mt.Everest at EBC. Keep your tour to Mt.Kailash, you will also have a 3-day kora around the sacred Mt.Kailash. After fully exploring these scenic spots in Tibet, you will start your epic overland journey from Tibet to Kathmandu via the Sino-Nepal border, Gyirong to see the very best of mysterious Nepal.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Xi’an Arrival

Upon your arrival in the Xi’an airport or railway station, your local tour guide will escort you to your reserved hotel in Xi’an. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Stay overnight in Xi’an.

Day 2: Xi’an Tour: The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses, Big Wild Goose Pagoda

In the morning, we are about to visit the Eighth Wonder of the World, the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. You will not only be attracted by the life-sized warrior figures and horses, each of which has distinct facial expressions and positions, but also be astonished by various kinds of ancient weapons which reflect the highly advanced technology in weapon-making 2,200 years ago.

Afterwards, we will head to tour another must-see attraction in Xi’an Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Originally built in 652 during the Tang dynasty, the Pagoda is known for keeping the Buddhist scriptures and figurines of the Buddha brought by Xuanzang, one of the most renowned Chinese monks. The whole place is one of the most visited destinations by international tourists in Xi’an.

Stay overnight in Xi’an.

Day 3: Xi’an Tour: Shanxi History Museum, Cycling on the top of Ancient City Wall, and Muslim Quarter

In the morning, we are expected to visit Shanxi History Museum, the best place to take a glance at the glorious history of ancient Chinese civilization. The precious exhibits dates from the Paleolithic era to the Qing Dynasty. The breadth and depth of the artifacts and quality of artwork from each time period and dynasty are breathtaking! The museum is crowded, so be prepared to go with the flow of the people in front of each display.

In the late afternoon, we will enjoy wonderful cycling on the top of Ancient City Wall. The wall around the city centre of Xi'an is a massive construction, about 14 kilometres in perimeter. With 98 defensive ramparts, four main gates, and a moat around it, the ancient city wall is a wonderful example of ancient defensive building. Near its centre are the Bell Tower and Drum Tower.

Later, we will travel to Muslim Quarter, the most famous gourmet street and largest Muslim business street in Xi’an. It’s the perfect place to have close chat with street venders of Muslims and buy the exquisite handicrafts and enjoy various local snacks.

Stay overnight in Xi’an. 

Day 4: Board the train to Lhasa from Xi’an

In the morning, tourists will be transferred to Xian Railway Station and take the train to Lhasa. You will witness the most beautiful scenery of Qinghai-Tibet Railway. Endless land of snows, vast desert, boundless grassland, snow-capped mountains and stunning lakes will continually appear and strongly attract your heart.

Stay overnight in the train.

Day 5: Scenery View of Tibet Railway, Arrive in Lhasa

When you arrive in Lhasa, your tour guide will hold a board with your name and welcome you at the exit of the train station. A private tour vehicle will take you to the reserved hotel. The rest of the day is for your acclimatization to high altitude in Lhasa.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Day 6: Lhasa Tour - Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street

Today's tour will first bring you to the Potala Palace which is the winter palace of the Dalai lama. It was put to use since the 7th Century by the 33rd great king of Tibet. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and meditation Cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.

Then after lunch, tourists head to Jokhang Temple which was founded by the 33rd great king of Tibet in the 7th century, in order to promote the Buddhist religion. Inside you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve, perhaps the only most venerated object in Tibetan Buddhism. Around the temple is Barkhor Street where you can do kora (a religious circle of a building or mountain) with pilgrims and locals, in the meantime, you can buy souvenirs.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Day 7: Lhasa (3,650m) to Shigatse (3,900m) via GyantseLhasa Tour - Drepung and Sera Monastery

In the morning, you are going to visit Drepung Monastery which is one of the “great three” Gelug monasteries of Tibet, founded in 1416 by Jamyang choge, one of the Tsongkhapa’s main disciples. Ganden palace used to be Dalai lama’s palace in the Drepung before he moved to the Potala palace.

In the Afternoon, Tourists will visit Sera Monastery which is another one of the “great three” Gelug monasteries of Tibet, founded in 1419 by Jamchen Chojey, one of the Tsongkhapa’s main disciples. The hot attraction is the Monks debate at around 3 - 5 in the afternoon.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Day 8: Lhasa (3,650m) to Shigatse (3,900m) via Gyantse

In the morning, drive from Lhasa to Shigatse .On the way, drive over the Gampala Pass (4,790 m), and you will have a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso (4,400m) .The Lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and in the distance you can have spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar (7,191m) the highest mountain near Lhasa.

Later, you will pass and enjoy the Karola Glacier on the roadside. At Manak Dam Lake, you can hang pray flag at Simila Mountain Pass; Then, you will arrive in Gyantse, historically Tibet's third largest city (after Lhasa and Shigatse). In Gyantse, you will visit the famous Pelkor Monastery and Gyantse Kumbum and enjoy the far view of Gyangtse Fortress.

After one and a half driving, you will finally arrive at Shigatse, which is the second largest city in Tibet. In Shigatse, if time permits, you may have a chance to visit the traditional Barley Mill and view the landscape of Barley Field (in summer).

Stay overnight in Shigatse.

Day 9: Shigatse - Rongbuk Living Area

Morning in Shigatse, you will visit the famous Tashilhunpo Monastery (may be arranged at the end of the trip) where you can see the well preserved largest statue of Jampa (future god) in the world. The monastery itself is abiding place for the successive Penchen Lamas.

There are only 2-3 hours driving from Tingri to Rongpuk through 90km new winding road in the mountains. On the way from Tingri to EBC, you can enjoy the stunning mountain scenery; pass the wild grassland, the torrent, and soaring mountains. If it is in clear weather, you can see the panorama of Himalaya range and among mountains you can see 4 mountains which are 8,000 meters high and more to enjoy like Mt.Lhotse (8,516m), Mt.Everest (8,848m), Mt.Qowowuyag (8,201m) and Mt.Mayalu (8,463m) at the mountain pass Gawula Pass (51,80m). If the weather is good and time allows, you will have a chance to see the majestic view of the golden summit of Mt.Everest at sunset.

Stay overnight at Tent Guest House.

Day 10: Rongbuk Monastery - Everest Base Camp - Saga

In the morning, you will visit Everest Base Camp, either by trek or by Eco-bus, the magnificent Mt.Everest is standing in the sky like a huge white pyramid, thus you are standing at the top of the world. Take pictures here before getting back to Rongbuk.

In late morning, we need to take the old Tingri road to Saga County. From the old Tingri, you can see the Mountain Everest ,Chuyo, and Shishapangma which is at 8012m was the least of the world's 8000m peaks to be climbed. The road runs parallel to the Himalayan ranges and Nepalian sides called Anapurna ranges. The main road passes through the desolate plain of Digur tang, and the closely neighboring snow peaks of Shishapangma and Langtang to the south. Leaving the bum-chu basin, and then ascends into the depression of Peiku-tso (4,600m), a cobalt blue lake. Today we drive to Saga, a small town 69km from the Phelgu-tso.

Stay overnight in Saga Xibuyizhan Hotel or Mu Linsen Hotel.

Day 11: Saga to Darchen (450km)

Moving towards the Drongpa County, the region around the sources of Brahmaputra River, which is about 167km from the Saga town. In the late afternoon, we will reach Darchen, a small town at the foot of Mt.Kailash. The tour guide will help clients to make a reservation of porters and Yaks if clients need (cost on tourists' own) and do some preparation for your following 3 days trekking around Mt.Kailash.

Stay overnight in Tarchen Chongqing Hotel.

Day 12: Trek Day One: Darchen-Drirapuk (driving 7km, Trek 13km)

8 kilometers after leaving Darchen with Eco-bus (20 minutes), we get to a village called Sershung, where porters are waiting for their clients. From here we begin our trek around Mt.Kailash, during your trek you can see a lot of pilgrims prostrating along the path and plies of Mani stones, small scenic sites and west face of Mt. Kailash. On the way, there are some tent shops you can refresh yourself and drink some soft drinks. First day's trek ends at guest house on the opposite side of Drirapuk Monastery. If you have more energy, you can visit Drirapuk Monastery on your own. from the guesthouse, you can have stunning view of north face of Mt.Kailash.

Stay overnight at the guesthouse.

Day 13: Trek Day Three: Dzutripuk-Darchen (Trek 7km, driving 5km)

We continue our Kora to Darchen, is easy and the exit from the valley can be reached within 4 hours walk. At the ending point of the valley, you can take the ECO-friendly bus to Darchen(4km).

Stay overnight in Tarchen Chongqing Hotel.

Day 14: Trek Day Three: Dzutripuk-Darchen (Trek 7km, driving 5km)

We continue our Kora to Darchen, is easy and the exit from the valley can be reached within 4 hours walk. At the ending point of the valley, you can take the ECO-friendly bus to Darchen(4km).

Stay overnight in Tarchen Chongqing Hotel.

Day 15: Drive from Darchen to Saga (450km)

Drive from Darchen to Saga.

Stay overnight in Saga.

Day 16: Saga to Gyirong

Today, you will go exit China in the afternoon after 5-6 hours driving from Saga to Chinese Gyirong border, also called Rashuwaghadi in Nepal, living in the border to wait for the Nepalese driver to pick you up in the next morning.

From Saga to Gyirong border, you will find a whole new world quite different than the snow land, waterfall, flourish forest, deep gorges accompany you traveling all the way. The most amazing view is the snow-capped mountains standing behind the forest, which makes scenery take varied forms.

Overnight in the hostel at Rashuwaghadi, the border town in Nepal side.

Day 17: Rashuwaghadi to Kathmandu

The road between the border to Kathmandu is small, it takes 8-9 hours driving to Kathmandu, you are free to stop anywhere on the road if it is safe to park and enjoy the mountain view. Tour ends in Kathmandu, the driver will send you to your reserved hotel.

Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 18: Day tour in Kathmandu: Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Patan City

In the morning, we 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, we 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, the tour group will head to Patan City, which is 15 minutes driving 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 Kathamandu or Bhaktapur. You may shop around and finally we will head back to Kathmandu.

Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 19: Day tour to Pashupatinath, Bodhnath and Bhaktapur City

In the morning, we are about to tour Pashupatinath, the most important Hindu temple in Nepal, the old buildings on the site were destroyed by Moslem invaders in the 14th century, its stone linga smashed to dust, but it rose again behind their retreating backs. Succeeding monarchs reinstated the temple and the images.

Then you will explore the Bouddhanath, which is one of the largest stupas in South Asia, the focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. The white mound looms thirty-six meters overhead. The stupa is located on the ancient trade route to Tibet, and Tibetan merchants rested and offered prayers here for many centuries.

The third attraction we will cover is Bhaktapur Durbar Square. It is a conglomeration of pagoda and shikhara style temples grouped around a fifty-five window palace of brick and wood. The square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the Valley as it highlights the ancient arts of Nepal.

Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 20: Kathmandu Departure

You will be transferred to the International airport to connect onward flight.

Service Guide

Service Included:

  • Tibet travel permit and all other necessary permits to Tibet;
  • All entrance ticket fees for all tourist sites listed in the itinerary;
  • Personal knowledgeable English-speaking Tibetan local tour guide;
  • Personal comfortable, clean and safe vehicle with reliable Tibetan local driver; vehicle ranging from 4WD land cruiser to minibus depending on your group size;
  • All lodging listed in the itinerary; it’s your decision about the accommodation class: luxury 5-star international hotel, comfortable 4-star hotel, economic 3-star hotel or budget hostel, guesthouse or tent. Please tell us your accommodation preference when submitting the enquiry; we will arrange the best-value hotels for you.
  • Domestic flight/train tickets listed in the itinerary;
  • All meals listed in the above itinerary;
  • Tourist accident/casualty insurance;
  • First aid kit;

Service Excluded:

  • International flight to and out of China;
  • Chinese visa (Note: we could help you with the Chinese visa application, like providing the invitation letter, presenting the hotel or domestic flight reservation copies, etc that you may need. )
  • Domestic flight/train not listed in the itinerary. (We can provide you the domestic flight/train ticket booking service at the BEST discount price; please contact us our travel experts for the details.)
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary; usually it costs about USD3-15 per person for one meal in TAR (Tibet Autonomous Region).
  • Tips and gratitude to tour guide and driver;
  • Personal expenses, like laundry, phone call, snacks, soft drinks (please do the best to avoid the alcoholic beverages during your Tibet trip), optional tour activities, etc.

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