Journey distance: 6 kilometers

Altitude: 1,350 meters / 4,429 feet

Key Activities: Welcome at Kathmandu's International Airport, followed by transportation to your hotel. An initial tour briefing will be provided. Enjoy a leisurely exploration of Thamel, the bustling tourist hub of Kathmandu.

Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Travel distance: 32 kilometers

Altitude: 1,350 meters / 4,429 feet

Highlights of the Day: Tour the revered Boudhanath Stupa, recognized as the most significant Buddhist stupa in Nepal and a vital Tibetan Buddhist site outside of Tibet. Visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, a prominent Shiva temple, showcasing numerous Shiva shrines and a gathering of Hindu ascetics in distinctive attire. Explore Bhaktapur, the historical heart of the Kathmandu Valley, featuring ancient palaces and temples dating back centuries. End the day with a breathtaking sunset at Nagarkot, a renowned hill station noted for its panoramic Himalayan views and spectacular sunrise and sunset vistas.

Overnight stay in Nagarkot.

Journey length: 32 kilometers

Altitude: 1,350 meters / 4,429 feet

Day's Highlights: Early morning Himalayan sunrise viewing from Nagarkot. Discover Patan, the city celebrated for its artistic heritage, including the ancient Royal Palace, Krishna Temple, Golden Temple, and numerous Buddhist monasteries. Enjoy some free time for shopping. The evening offers a cultural show accompanied by a dinner featuring traditional Nepali cuisine.

Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Distance covered: 175 kilometers

Driving duration: 5 to 6 hours

Altitude: 2,900 meters / 9,514 feet

Today's Highlight: The day begins with a drive towards Rasuwa Gadhi, marking the new border crossing between Nepal and China. The route winds through picturesque landscapes, including rice fields, various villages, and rivers. Following immigration and customs procedures at both borders, proceed to Kerung, a quaint town in China.

Overnight in Kerung.

Travel distance: 250 kilometers

Driving time: approximately 5 hours

Altitude: 4,300 meters / 14,108 feet

Journey Highlights: Embark on an exhilarating drive across the stark, yet striking landscape of the Tibetan Plateau. Along the way, encounter the stunning Pelkhu Tso Lake at an elevation of 4,600 meters, its cobalt waters a sight to behold. The drive offers panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mount Shishapangma, Langtang, Gaurishanker, and Annapurna. From Old Tingri, marvel at the sight of Mount Everest. Weather permitting, the sunset views here are extraordinary.

Overnight stay in Old Tingri.

Travel span: 70 kilometers

Time en route: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Altitude: 5,200 meters / 17,060 feet

Day's Highlight: The expedition today unfolds with a thrilling drive on rough and uneven terrains leading towards Everest Base Camp. En route, the first stop is at Rongbuk Monastery, recognized as the highest monastery globally. The venture to Everest Base Camp, situated at an elevation of 5,250 meters, unveils breathtaking vistas of towering peaks such as Cho Oyu (8,201 meters), Shisapangma (8,013 meters), and Everest (8,848 meters), offering an unparalleled experience of being in proximity to the world's tallest mountain. The day concludes with a return drive to Rongbuk for an overnight stay.

Stay overnight in Rongbuk.

Distance covered: 350 kilometers

Journey time: 6 hours

Altitude: 3,836 meters / 12,585 feet

Today's Highlight: The day begins with an early morning spectacle of the sunrise over Mount Everest, followed by the journey towards Shigatse. This route traverses through isolated monasteries and the encampments of nomadic herders. In Shigatse, the Tashilhunpo Monastery awaits, an eminent religious site that serves as the residence of the successive Panchen Lamas, paralleling the religious significance of the Dalai Lama in Tibet. Founded in 1447 by the First Dalai Lama, the monastery encompasses over 57 halls and 3,600 rooms, embodying a rich historical and spiritual legacy.

Overnight stay in Shigatse.

Travel distance: 360 kilometers

Driving duration: 7 hours

Altitude: 3,658 meters / 12,001 feet

Highlight of the Day: The day's journey commences with a picturesque drive to Gyantse, a town steeped in history. Here, you'll explore the Kumpa Stupa, the largest stupa in Tibet, situated adjacent to the Pelcho Monastery. The journey continues towards Lhasa, navigating through the majestic Karo La (5,010 meters) and Kamba La (4,794 meters) mountain passes. Alongside, the journey skirts the banks of Yamdrok Tso, a turquoise lake revered as one of Tibet's three largest sacred lakes, believed to be a manifestation of a Tibetan deity. The crossing over the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) River marks the final leg towards Lhasa.

Overnight in Lhasa.

Altitude: 3,658 meters / 12,001 feet

Day's Highlights: A tour of Lhasa's monumental Potala Palace, the iconic winter residence of the Dalai Lamas, constructed in 1645 by the fifth Dalai Lama, showcases the palace's magnificent architecture, devotional ambiance, and exquisite artistry. The Jokhang Temple, positioned in the heart of Lhasa, stands as the most venerated temple in Tibet, attracting devout pilgrims and curious tourists alike with its four-story structure topped with gold. Surrounding the temple, the Barkhor Market offers a glimpse into the ancient commercial hub of Lhasa, featuring a myriad of shops along its circular street, presenting the traditional Lhasan lifestyle and culture.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Altitude: 3,658 meters / 12,001 feet

Day's Highlight: Immerse yourself in the spiritual essence of Lhasa with visits to two of its most revered monastic institutions. Begin with Drepung Monastery, the premier monastery of the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism, nestled at the base of Mount Gambo Utse, just 5 kilometers west of Lhasa. Established in 1416, Drepung is celebrated for its rigorous Buddhist scholarly activities and its historical significance. Continue to Sera Monastery, another cornerstone of Lhasa's religious landscape, located 3 kilometers north of the city. Affiliated with the Gelugpa Sect and founded in 1419, Sera is renowned for its exquisite golden scriptures, captivating statues, precious scent cloths, and intricate murals. Witness the engaging daily debates on Buddhist philosophy held by the monastery's monks, a unique feature of Sera.

Overnight stay in Lhasa.

Journey to Airport: 63.8 kilometers

Travel Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Departure Highlight: On the final day, our guide will ensure your timely transfer to the airport for your departure flight. You have the option to return to Kathmandu or proceed to any major city in mainland China for your onward journey.