This is a journey across the roof of the world, the Tibetan Plateau and down its southern slopes and into Nepal and Kathmandu. It is a journey through some of the remotest and most spectacular scenery on earth and through an ancient culture that is still as powerful today as it was a thousand years ago. We start in the heart of China, Xi'an and the home of the Terracotta Army and spend the first week doing all things Chinese, before climbing slowly into the wilderness of the Tibetan Plateau. We pass over immense passes, past beautiful lakes and arrive at the holy city of Lhasa. South of Lhasa we climb high up the Friendship Highway to the wonderful towns of Gyantse and Shigatse to soak up yet more Tibetan culture. Then it's on to the highlight of the expedition, a visit and a hike to the Ronkbuk monasteries, which nestle under the towering face of Mt. Everest. We are now travelling through the most sensational landscapes, climbing over passes over 5000 metres high, before descending through gorges and passes to the foothills of the Himalayas and the lands of Nepal.
This is a tough trip in more ways than one. We will be travelling to high altitude and potentially camping in extreme conditions. Hotels can be basic and you should be prepared to be outside your comfort zone. On the other hand, we will stay in some comfortable places to recover and the pace of the journey is fairly easy.
if joining the trip in Xi'an, you will most likely enter China at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (IATA code: XIY).
Please note that our trips between Kathmandu and Xi'an travel through extreme environments and these itineraries WILL NOT NECESSARILY RUN AS PUBLISHED. We will adjust trip itineraries depending on weather, altitude effects, group make up and road conditions. This day by day itinerary is provided as a rough guide only.
There will be a group meeting at 10:00am in our hotel in Xi'an - please look for a note from your tour leader when you arrive at the hotel giving more details about this important meeting.
In the afternoon there will be an included visit to the awe-inspiring world-famous Terracotta Warriors.
Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Xi'an before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Xi'an.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 12
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
On arrival in Shigatse we will have an included visit to the Tashilhunpo Monastery.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10
The drive is not an easy one, passing over another 5200m pass, but the views are sensational and (weather permitting) we should have excellent views of Mount Everest.
Once we have reached the Rongbuk, we will have free time to explore the area and visit the Monastery and take in the stunning views of Everest!
Tonight we will stay in the Monastery Guesthouse
Please note: It is no longer possible to visit the actual Tibetan Everest Base Camp as it is closed to tourists as of February 2019.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9
Crossing the border from the Tibetan Autonomous Region into Nepal, we will travel along small winding roads to the historic village of Nuwakot. Nuwakot is one of Nepal’s hidden gems nestled in the central hills of the country. Full of ancient temples and palaces, it has a beautifully serene atmosphere and rustic ambience - perfect for getting a taste of the calm pace of rural Nepalese life.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
There are several optional activities on offer here such as kayaking, rafting, hiking and mountain bikings or simply relax in the quiet surroundings.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
if leaving in Kathmandu, you will most likely exit Nepal at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport.
Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Kathmandu. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact the Sales Team if you are interested in booking extra nights of accommodation in order to fully explore and take part in some of the optional activities listed below.
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