Essential Tibet

Overview

Days: 12

Start: Chengdu, China

End: Kathmandu, Nepal

Group Size: Max. 15

Age: Min. 12 Years Old

Category: Adventure/Classic*

Stay in a nomadic Yak hair tent with an incredible view of Mt. Everest, explore Lhasa and the famed Potala Palace, witness Tibetan Monks at the Sera Monestary

From the sacred peaks of Tibet to the cultural hub of Kathmandu, explore overland the best of the Himalayas on this 12-day tour. Discover mighty temples and small outposts on a journey that offers incredible vistas at every turn of the trail. Camp in yak hair tents at the base of mighty Everest, and try your hand at making Tibetan momos. This adventure takes you from China through Tibet's incredible mountain scenery and delivers you straight to Kathmandu, Nepal's heart and soul.

Classic*: Tourist class hotels with character, mix of public and private transport at a great price

A panoramic view of a mountain town with traditional buildings, a large stupa, and a wall running along the hilltop, with expansive mountainous landscape in the background under a clear blue sky.
Map showing a travel route from Kathmandu, Nepal to Chengdu, China, passing through locations including Mt. Everest National Park, Kyirong, Sakya, Shigatse, Gyanste, Lhasa, and an airplane icon indicating air travel near Chengdu.
The Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, reflected in a body of water with a clear sky and mountains in the background.
A yak resting on the ground with colorful traditional decorations and saddle, set against a mountainous landscape with prayer flags and a wooden building.

  • Walk the pilgrimage route of Barkhor Street in Lhasa.

  • Explore the grand halls of the Potala Palace.

  • Cross high passes with views of Yamdrok Lake and glaciers.

  • Sleep in yak-hair tents near Everest Base Camp.

  • End your journey in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur.

Trip Highlights

A monk in a red robe bending over to speak to a seated young monk holding prayer beads, with other monks in the background.

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Chengdu

    Arrive at any time and get settled in. Your China and Tibet adventure kicks off with a welcome briefing with your fellow travelers. If you're up for a meal, join your group for a local dinner after the briefing.

  • Day 2: Chengdu/Lhasa

    Today begins your journey to Tibet. Board a flight to Lhasa and as you make your way off the plane, you will be greeted by your Tibetan local guide. Grab your bags and head to the hotel and join your group leader for an orientation walk of Lhasa.

  • Day 3: Lhasa - D

    Spend the morning with your CEO exploring the Unesco World Heritage site of Jokhang Temple. Walk throughout the complex and take note of the many original pieces still intact from the original construction. Then, continue the tour in Lhasa's oldest district to explore Barkhor Street, an ancient and holy pilgrimage path. Then enjoy free time in the heart of the Tibetan Quarter. We recommend getting some lunch at a local teahouse. In the evening, we'll have a cooking class of traditional Tibetan food and then sit down together to eat what we made.

    Day 4: Lhasa

    Start today's adventure with a visit to the Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This dzong fortress was the winter palace of Dalai Lamas for over three hundred years. Then in the afternoon, visit Sera monastery and witness the monks at debate. This unique cultural practice allows for a deeper understanding of Buddhist philosophy and visitors are allowed to observe as per a set schedule.

    Day 5: Lhasa/Gyantse

    Set off early this morning for Gyantse. The drive to Gyantse is a spectacular one, crossing three passes over 5,000m (16,404 ft) and skirting the shores of the beautiful turquoise lake, Yamdrok Tso. Enjoy a visit to the lake in the morning. Then visit Karola Glacier en route and grab a bite of lunch if you wish in Nagarze.

    Day 6: Gyantse/Shigatse

    Today provides another opportunity to visit a sacred Tibetan Buddhist site in Gyantse. Visit Pelkor Chode Monastery this morning to admire the many sculptures and paintings lining the walls. See Gyantse Kumbum, the iconic multi-leveled edifice. Then, travel to Shigatse and visit the Tashilunpo Monastery, one of the most culturally significant monasteries in Shigatse. Witness monks going about their day and choose to join in with the kora, a meditative practice.

    Day 7: Shigatse/Sakya

    Bid Shigatse farewell and travel onward to Sakya, and visit the Sakya Monastery and Nunnery. Return to the hotel on foot and choose to join your group for dinner.

    Day 8: Sakya/Everest Base Camp

    Pack an overnight daypack, and depart to make your way towards your overnight near Everest Basecamp. Visit the Rongbuk Monastery on an easy walk. Tonight, spend the night in yak hair tents that allow you to get as close as possible to Basecamp in the hopes of getting glimpses of Mt Everest. Choose to go on additional hikes to the upper monastery with your group leader.

    Day 9: Everest Base Camp/Kyirong

    Depart Everest and make your way back the way you came to the entrance of the park. Board a private vehicle headed to Kyirong. This border town is known for it's warmer climate and green landscape. Relax and enjoy the view.

    Day 10: Kyirong/Kathmandu

    Today, cross the border into Nepal. The overland journey from Tibet to Nepal is considered one of the most stunning drives in Asia. Once across the border, travel to Kathmandu to enjoy a final evening in the city.

    Day 11: Kathmandu

    Join your local guide on a morning exploration of Bhaktapur. A World Heritage Site, Bhaktapur is made up of three large squares filled with shrines, temples and plenty of activity. In its heyday, Bhaktapur was the most powerful of the Kathmandu Valley kingdoms and its capital for 300 years. Return to Kathmandu for the afternoon at leisure. Join your group for an optional farewell dinner to your incredible journey through China, Tibet and Nepal.

    Day 12: Kathmandu

    Depart any time.

Person standing between a large brown lion and a large black dog, with scenic mountains in the background.
Two smiling women wearing sunglasses and jackets standing on a trail in a mountainous snowy landscape with snow-capped peaks in the background.
Snow-capped mountains under a starry night sky with the Milky Way, with parked cars and buildings in the foreground.
Scenic landscape of a lake with brown hills and snow-capped mountains in the background, adorned with colorful prayer flags in the foreground under a partly cloudy sky.
Three people standing together outdoors against a backdrop of a large lake and brown, hilly terrain under a clear blue sky.

What’s included?

Meals: 1 Dinner

Transport: Train, private vehicle, walking, plane

Accommodation: Nomadic tent (1 night), hotel (10 nights)

  • Tibet Travel Permit and all required local travel documents for this tour (excluding expedited processing fees)

  • Your Foodie Moment: Tibetan Cooking Class, Lhasa

  • Your Local Living Moment: Everest Base Camp Yak Hair Tent, Everest Base Camp

  • Orientation walk in Lhasa, Durbar Square

  • Gyantse, Jokhang Temple Tour

  • Barkhor Square Orientation Walk

  • Tibetan Cooking Class

  • Potala Palace Tour

  • Sera Monastery Tour

  • Pelkor Chode Monastery and Gyantse Kumbum Visit

  • Tashilhunpo Monastery Visit

  • Sakya Monastery Visit

  • Rongbuk Monastery

  • Everest Viewpoint

  • Everest Base Camp Yak Hair Tent

  • Border crossing to Nepal

  • Bhaktapur Excursion

Make it a private tour

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Flights

Our tour prices don’t include flights, as the price of these will change throughout the year. We are able to package your tour with flights and the price you pay will be determined by the time of year you travel, your departure airport, airline and availability.

Your Eventurus Travel Consultant will be able to find the best flights to suit you and your choice of tour.

Dates & Price

Guide Price $3199 pp

Based on 2 adults sharing a room. Solo rooms available for extra cost.

Many Departure Dates each month, April - October

To enquire about dates or get more details, use the form below or book a video call with us

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Tour Operator & Your Booking Partner

This tour is delivered by a carefully vetted international tour operator and curated by Eventurus, specialists in China travel and complex itineraries.

While the day-to-day operation of the tour is handled by the operator, Eventurus supports you throughout the booking process with:

  • Expert destination advice

  • Help choosing the right tour and departure

  • Assistance with visas, flights, and extensions

  • A single, reliable point of contact

This means you benefit from globally trusted operators combined with local expertise and personal service.

Why Eventurus?

Authentic Local Experiences

China specialists (not generic global agents)

Many Big Name Partners

Personal pre-trip planning & advice

Help with visas, flights, extensions, upgrades

Readily available point of contact