Tour Overview
Embark on the "Essential Tibet" tour, a captivating journey through Tibet, China, and Nepal. Begin in Chengdu, China, and fly to Lhasa to explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Jokhang Temple and Potala Palace. Witness the vibrant debates of Tibetan monks at Sera Monastery and enjoy a hands-on Tibetan cooking class. Travel through breathtaking landscapes, visiting Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier en route to Gyantse. Experience a unique stay in a yak hair tent near Everest Base Camp, with stunning views of Mt. Everest. Visit the world's highest monastery, Rongbuk, and cross into Nepal to explore the historic city of Bhaktapur. This cultural adventure combines walking, trekking, and culinary experiences, offering a deep dive into the spiritual and natural wonders of the region. Travel by train, private vehicle, and plane, with accommodations ranging from hotels to nomadic tents. Join a small group of like-minded travelers for an unforgettable exploration of this mystical part of the world. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Chengdu
Location: Chengdu
Accommodation Name: hotel
Arrive at any time and get settled in. Your China and Tibet adventure kicks off with a welcome briefing with your CEO and fellow travelers. If you're up for a meal, join your CEO for a local dinner after the briefing.
ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2: Chengdu/Lhasa
Location: Lhasa, Tibet
Accommodation Name: hotel
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 CEO. Grab your bags and head to the hotel and join your CEO for an orientation walk of Lhasa.ACTIVITY: Join your CEO for an orientation walk around Lhasa.TRANSPORT: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Day 3: Lhasa
Location: Jokhang Temple, Lhasa, Tibet, Barkhor Street, Lhasa, Tibet, Lhasa, Tibet
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
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.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a tour of this beautiful temple, which has been called the spiritual heart of Tibet. Watch prostrating pilgrims circle the temple day and night, some of them traversing the extremes of the Tibetan landscape by foot to come here and celebrate their faith. Make a kora ("revolution" in Tibetan) of the Barkhor, the holiest devotional circuit, which surrounds the Jokhang and houses a market bazaar where people bargain for Buddha images, yak skulls with ruby eyes, woodcarvings, carpets, prayer wheels, and the odd goat's head.
ACTIVITY: Explore the square with your CEO and learn more about this city.
ACTIVITY: Join your group for a local Tibetan cooking class. Make delicious, local dumplings called momos. Then sit together and enjoy your yummy creations!
Day 4: Lhasa
Location: Potala Palace, Lhasa, Tibet, Sera Monastery, Lhasa, Tibet
Accommodation Name: hotel
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.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a tour of Potala Palace, a magnificent structure and true architectural wonder built in the 1600s and steeped in history. This is where the Dalai Lamas would meditate, handle affairs of state, and eventually where their burial stupas remain. Check out the golden statues, three dimensional mandalas, ancient scriptures, and the devoted pilgrims who circle the palace day and night. This is truly a remarkable place.
ACTIVITY: Visit the Sera Monastery and witness the monks engaged in lively debate, a philosophical practice they have held for hundreds of years.
Day 5: Lhasa/Gyantse
Location: Lhasa, Yamdrok Tso, Karola Glacier, Gyantse, Gyantse Fortress
Accommodation Name: hotel
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.As you make your way from Lhasa to Gyantse, make a few important stops along the way. First, visit Yamdrok Lake, a stunning freshwater blue lake thought to be part of a sacred group of four lakes guarded by a local deity. Then, drive through Karola Pass en route to Karola glacier where you will stop to admire the view of the Tibetan stupa flanked by glacial mountains all around. Arrive to Gyantse and if you have steam left, join your CEO to hike to the Gyantse Fortress for a birds-eye view of the area.TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.ACTIVITY: Get your bearings of Gyantse on CEO led orientation walk.TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 6: Gyantse/Shigatse
Location: Gyantse, Tibet, Shigatse, Tibet
Accommodation Name: hotel
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 mutli-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.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a visit to these two significant places in Tibetan Buddhism. Pelkor Chode Monastery was founded in 1418 and is regarded as the centre of Gyantse. Gyantse Kumbum (meaning 100,000 images) is an 8 story structure containing a seemingly endless series of tiny chapels full of Buddhist images – Buddhas, demons, protectors, and saints.
ACTIVITY: This massive complex is visited daily by hundreds of devotees, armed with yak butter to feed the lamps, who prostrate themselves around the stupas or walk up to the chapel that houses the 26m-high (85ft), gold-plated statue of the Maitreya (future) Buddha.
Day 7: Shigatse/Sakya
Location: Shigatse, Tibet, Sakya Monastery, Tibet
Accommodation Name: Sakya Yuanfu Hotel
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 CEO for dinner.ACTIVITY: Take in the stunning views of one of Tibet's oldest monasteries and surrounding landscape.TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 8: Sakya/Everest Base Camp
Location: Rongbuk Monastery, Everest Base Camp
Accommodation Name: Nomadic tent
Pack an overnight daypack, and depart to make your way towards your overnight near Everest Basecamp. Visit the Rongbuk Monastery and then embark on a short hike. 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 CEO.Additional Information: Pack a small overnight bag with everything you need for tonight and tomorrow morning. Your big suitcase will be safely stored and you will not have access to it until the following day.ACTIVITY: Enjoy a visit to Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world. It was first built in 1902 by the Nyingma Lama and originally housed more than 500 monks. Today, only about 50 monks and nuns remain, sharing the same prayer hall but maintaining separate residences. The nuns here are great fun and will be delighted to have you join their evening prayers.ACTIVITY: Hike around 5 km (1.5 hours) up to an Everest viewpoint about 2.2km away from Everest Basecamp. Even though the viewpoint isn't from the Basecamp, it doesn't mean the views will be any less breathtaking. Pack some water and your camera and get hiking for a tiny taste of what it's like to scale this magnificent mountain.ACTIVITY: At the foot of Mt Everest, stay in a tent similar to those of nomadic Tibetan people. From a tent made completely on yak hair, take in the breathtaking view of Mt Everest.TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 9: Everest Base Camp/Kyirong
Location: Everest Base Camp, Kyirong
Accommodation Name: hotel
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.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Take an orientation walk of Kyirong town, 4200 m above sea level.
Day 10: Kyirong/Kathmandu
Location: Kyirong, Kathmandu
Accommodation Name: hotel
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.Prepare for another beautiful driving day on your way to Nepal. Cross high mountain passes amongst fluttering prayer flags, enjoy jaw dropping views of the Himalayan range, stunning lakes and forest, then begin to descend in altitude towards lush, green Nepal. After immigration, cross the bridge joining Tibet and Nepal by foot. Jump in the vehicle and make the winding, bumpy, yet extremely scenic drive to Kathmandu.Kyirong is the main customs border crossing between Tibet and Nepal, for tourists and for commercial purpose. As such, it can be quite busy and there can be long wait times.ACTIVITY: Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Day 11: Kathmandu
Location: Bhaktapur, Kathmandu
Accommodation Name: hotel
Join your CEO 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 CEO for an optional farewell dinner to your incredible journey through China, Tibet and Nepal.
ACTIVITY: Visit this unique old town known as the City of Devotees. Explore Hindu temples, pagodas, palaces, and monuments, including the beautiful wood-carved palace in Durbar Square. You can pick up clay pots and other souvenirs in the colourful open markets and taste home made yogurt, known as khopa dhau, which Bhaktapur is famous for.
ACTIVITY: Every orientation walk will be a little different, allowing our CEOs to show off their favourite bits of the square. Learn more about Durbar Square and Kathmandu and get a good introduction to Nepal.
Day 12: Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Depart at anytime
What's Included
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Accommodation
Nomadic tent (1 night), hotel (10 nights). -
Welcome Moment
Meet Your CEO and Group.
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Foodie Moment
Tibetan Cooking Class in Lhasa.
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Local Living Moment
Stay in an Everest Base Camp Yak Hair Tent.
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Orientation Walk in Lhasa
Explore the city with your CEO.
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Durbar Square
Visit and explore Durbar Square.
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Gyantse
Visit Gyantse and explore the area.
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Jokhang Temple Tour
Tour the UNESCO World Heritage site of Jokhang Temple.
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Barkhor Square Orientation Walk
Explore Barkhor Square with your CEO.
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Tibetan Cooking Class
Join a local Tibetan cooking class.
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Potala Palace Tour
Tour the UNESCO World Heritage site of Potala Palace.
What's Not Included
Meals
Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options.
Group Size
Max 15, avg 12.
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price. ...more ...less
Meals
Eating is a big part of travelling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Breakfast in China will usually be Asian style consisting of noodles or congee (rice porridge) or bread and eggs. Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in some areas the choice maybe limited. While trekking in remote regions food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets. ...more ...less
Mode of Transport
Travel seamlessly through Tibet and Nepal with a combination of train, private vehicle, walking, and plane, ensuring a comfortable and efficient journey across diverse landscapes and cultural sites.
Meals Included
1 dinner
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Local Dress
In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites. ...more ...less
Important Notes
Tibet & Nepal:
1. This trip operates at altitudes over 3500m (max altitude 5630m). Whilst we travel slowly allowing plenty of time to acclimatise you may experience headaches, nausea, lethargy on arrival in Lhasa. It is important to be aware of the affects of altitude on one's tolerance especially on long driving days. 2. Accommodation in western Tibet (particularly at Everest Base Camp) is extremely basic - only multishare rooms may be available and little or no running water. Basic pit toilets. 3. The sun is intense - hat and sun screen are essential as well as drinking plenty of water as altitude exacerbates dehydration.
2. DRONES IN NEPAL
Please note that drones and the flying of drones are prohibited in Nepal. If you violate these regulations the police may take you into custody.
3. ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation in western Tibet (particularly at near Everest Base Camp) is extremely basic - only multishare rooms may be available and little or no running water. Basic pit toilets.
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
4. WEATHER
The sun is intense - hat and sun screen are essential as well as drinking plenty of water as altitude exacerbates dehydration.
China:
1. Please note while traveling through mainland China you will not be able to access some popular internet websites. It’s important to let your family and friends know that you might not be able to stay in touch over your usual methods, be it – social media or email. The Chinese Government restricts certain websites such as Google, Dropbox, Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WordPress, Whatsapp etc. It may be possible to still access some of these websites using a VPN. If you wish to stay in touch with your friends and family through the above blocked sites, we suggest you research installing a suitable VPN on your device prior to travel or turn on your data roaming if needed.
2. INTERNET ACCESS
Please note while traveling through mainland China you will not be able to access some popular internet websites, certain websites such as Google, Dropbox, Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WordPress,etc. It may be possible to access some of these websites using a VPN. If you wish to use above blocked sites, we suggest you get a suitable VPN on your device prior to travel.
3. LUGGAGE
As we use (sometimes crowded) local transport please note backpacks are much more suitable than suitcases for this style of trip. Train travel means that bags have to be stowed either overhead or under beds, so travelling as light as possible is recommended.
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Group Leader
All our G Adventures group trips are accompanied by a G Adventures Chief Experience Officer (CEO) in China. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting – we think it's the best of both worlds.
Please note you will have one CEO in China and one CEO in Nepal.
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About Accommodation
A variety of styles of hotels/guest houses are used on this trip. In many instances they might not be like what you are used to back home as service and efficiency can vary. In some areas we stay in simple local guest houses in stunning locations - rooms are small and simple and there may only be shared toilet facilities and showers. A sleep sheet/bag is recommended as whilst there is plenty of bedding and (in most cases) it does get washed, it can be dusty and cold especially in winter/Spring. ...more ...less
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip. ...more ...less
Accommodation
Experience a blend of traditional and modern accommodations with a stay in a nomadic tent for one night and comfortable hotels for ten nights, offering a unique cultural immersion and relaxation throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes a stay in a nomadic tent for one night near Everest Base Camp and hotel accommodations for the remaining ten nights.
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What kind of transportation will be used during the tour?
The tour will utilize a combination of train, private vehicle, walking, and plane for transportation.
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Is there a cooking class included in the tour?
Yes, there is a Tibetan cooking class included in Lhasa where you can learn to make traditional Tibetan food.
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Will I have the opportunity to see Mount Everest during the tour?
Yes, you will have the opportunity to stay in a yak hair tent near Everest Base Camp and hike to an Everest viewpoint.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes one dinner, but generally meals are not included when there is a choice of eating options.
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What is the maximum group size for this tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is 15 people, with an average of 12.
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What should I be aware of regarding altitude during the tour?
The tour operates at altitudes over 3500m, with a maximum altitude of 5630m. You may experience symptoms of altitude sickness such as headaches, nausea, and lethargy, especially on long driving days.
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What is the policy for solo travelers on this tour?
Solo travelers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip, and there is no single supplement.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
Reviews of this operator
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Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Enquire for Extra Savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.
Essential Tibet
12 Days Starting in Chengdu, China and ending in Kathmandu, Nepal
Visiting: Chengdu, Lhasa, Tibet, Jokhang Temple, Lhasa, Tibet, Barkhor Street, Lhasa, Tibet, Potala Palace, Lhasa, Tibet, Sera Monastery, Lhasa, Tibet, Lhasa, Yamdrok Tso, Karola Glacier, Gyantse, Gyantse Fortress, Gyantse, Tibet, Shigatse, Tibet, Sakya Monastery, Tibet, Rongbuk Monastery, Everest Base Camp, Kyirong, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
26119
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 15
Age range:
12-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
