Adventure Friendship

Arrive in Beijing, where our local guide will greet you at the airport and escort you to your downtown hotel.

After check-in, relax or explore the surroundings at leisure.

Optional activity:
Take a leisurely walk through the historic Hutongs — traditional alleys that showcase a blend of old Beijing charm and modern life. Popular areas include Nanluoguxiang, Yandaixiejie, and Mao’er Hutong.

Overnight in Beijing.

After breakfast, set off for a day exploring China’s imperial legacy.

• Visit the iconic Badaling Great Wall, the most famous and best-preserved section of the Great Wall, offering spectacular views.
• Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and stop at the Beijing Jade Factory to learn about the art of jade carving.
• Continue to the Ming Tomb, the grand mausoleum of Emperor Shenzong and his empress, built in 1590 during the Ming Dynasty.

Return to Beijing in the evening.
Overnight in Beijing.

This morning, dive into Beijing’s imperial history:

• Visit Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest city plaza.
• Explore the magnificent Forbidden City, China’s largest and best-preserved ancient imperial palace with over 9,000 rooms.

In the evening, transfer to the railway station and board the overnight train to Xining.
Overnight on the train.

Upon arrival in Xining, meet your local guide for dinner at a traditional restaurant.

Later, board the legendary Qinghai–Tibet Railway for your onward journey to Lhasa.

Tibet Travel Permit Notes:

• We will arrange your Tibet Travel Permit in advance.
• Please confirm your booking at least 20 days before departure.
• Carry your permit along with your passport when boarding the train.

Train Travel Tips:

• A soft sleeper ticket from Xining to Lhasa is included.
• Dining cars serve simple Chinese meals; you may bring snacks or instant noodles.
• Trains are equipped with an oxygen supply to help prevent altitude sickness.

Overnight on the train.

Enjoy spectacular views from your train window as you cross the vast Tibetan Plateau. See endless grasslands, snow-capped peaks, and glittering lakes before arriving in Lhasa.

Upon arrival, your Tibetan guide will welcome you at the station and transfer you to your hotel. Pass scenic views of the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) River and the Lhasa River along the way.

Take the rest of the day to rest and acclimatize to the high altitude (3,650 m).
Overnight in Lhasa.

Today, immerse yourself in Tibetan Buddhist culture:

• Visit Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in Tibet and home to over 10,000 monks. Learn about Tibetan Buddhist traditions and explore the Coqen Hall and monastic quarters.
• In the afternoon, visit Sera Monastery, famous for its lively daily monk debates (3:00–5:00 pm, Mon–Sat), a unique practice of learning through dialogue.

Overnight in Lhasa.

Discover the spiritual and cultural heart of Lhasa:

• Tour the iconic Potala Palace, once the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas, with its gilded stupas and meditation caves.
• Stroll through Longwangtan Park for a beautiful view of the palace from below.
• Visit Jokhang Temple, home to the revered 12-year-old statue of Buddha Sakyamuni.
• Join pilgrims circling the temple on Barkhor Street and explore the lively local market.
• Relax with a cup of traditional Tibetan sweet tea at a local tea house.

Overnight in Lhasa.

Embark on a scenic overland drive to Shigatse:

• Cross Gampala Pass (4,790 m) for panoramic views of Yamdrok Lake (4,400 m) surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
• Visit a local village by the lakeshore and share a meal with the residents.
• Continue past the stunning Korola Glacier, the largest in Tibet, and hang prayer flags at Simila Mountain Pass.
• Stop for photos in the historic town of Gyantse, then continue through fertile barley fields to reach Shigatse.

Overnight in Shigatse.

Set off early for a thrilling day in the Himalayas:

• Stop at Gyatsola Pass (5,280 m) for your first glimpse of Mount Everest.
• Admire panoramic views of five towering peaks, including Everest, from Gawula Pass (5,198 m).
• Drive the zigzag mountain road to Everest Base Camp, enjoying stunning views of Everest’s northern face.

At sunset, watch the golden glow over the peak, and at night, marvel at the starry Milky Way above Everest.

Overnight at EBC tent camp (or in a nearby village during winter months).

In the morning, visit the world’s highest monastery, Rongbuk Monastery (5,154 m), before heading south toward the Nepal border.

Drive through dramatic landscapes as the altitude drops from 5,200 m to 2,800 m. Admire views of Mt. Shishapangma (8,027 m), the serene Pelku Tso Lake, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls.

Arrive at Gyirong town, nestled amid dense forests and snowy peaks.
Overnight in Gyirong.

Say farewell to your Tibetan guide and cross into Nepal.
Our Nepali representative will greet you, assist with the Nepal visa process, and transfer you to your vehicle.

Enjoy a scenic drive through the Langtang National Park and Himalayan foothills with glimpses of Gaurishankar (7,181 m) and other peaks before arriving in Kathmandu.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, explore Kathmandu’s cultural treasures:

• Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square and the Kumari Ghar, home of the Living Goddess.
• Continue to Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) for panoramic views of the valley.
• Afternoon visit to Patan Durbar Square, including Krishna Mandir and the Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar).

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Discover more of Kathmandu Valley’s heritage:

• Visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple and observe traditional Hindu cremation rituals along the Bagmati River.
• Continue to the massive Boudhanath Stupa, a spiritual hub for Tibetan Buddhists.
• Afternoon visit to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, renowned for its medieval charm and Newari culture.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Enjoy your final morning in Kathmandu before transferring to the airport for your onward flight.

Thank you for traveling with Adventure Friendship – we look forward to welcoming you again for another adventure!