25 Days Guangzhou Xining Lhasa EBC Kailash Nepal Tour

Welcome to Guangzhou, a city where tradition meets modernity in an exhilarating blend.

Upon arrival, our local guide will meet you at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and escort you to your hotel.

After you check in, the rest of the day is for you to have a good rest or explore the surroundings yourself.

Stay overnight in Guangzhou.

Optional Ideas:
In the evening, you can head to enjoy the spectacular night view of Guangzhou City from Canton Tower, the second-highest tower in the world. It features the world’s highest bubble tram, the longest spiral staircase, and the record-breaking Sky Drop, the highest thrill ride in the world according to Guinness. Do bring your camera for the stunning panoramic night view of Guangzhou City.

• Stunning panoramic view of Canon Tower at twilight
• Tuotuoheyan

Today is free for you until you take the flight from Guangzhou to Lhasa.

Upon arrival in Xining, our local guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your downtown hotels. The rest of the day is free for you to explore on your own.

Stay overnight in Xining. 

After breakfast, you will take a 2.5-hour drive from downtown Xining to Qinghai Lake, China’s largest inland saltwater lake. Along the way, you will pass through Huangyuan, Riyue Mountain, etc. You will be amazed by the stunning landscapes of green grassland, blue sky, white sky, and herds of sheep.

After arriving in the Erlangjian Scenic Area, you will enjoy leisure time appreciating the beauty of Qinghai Lake. The lake stretches out like a long, narrow blade in the water. As you stroll along the boardwalk, you’ll take in a sweeping view of the lake, which changes colors because of its varying salt levels. The scenery around you includes endless grasslands, fields of rapeseed flowers, sandy beaches, and grazing sheep, horses, and yaks. On clear days, you can see snow-capped mountains and Sand Island’s dunes in the distance. Moreover, you will meet devoted Buddhists here because the Qinghai Lake is also a sacred place for Tibetan Buddhists.

After the visit, you will get back to your hotel in Xining.

Stay overnight in Xining.

• Qinghai Lake
• The most charming and attractive place in Qinghai Lake is the Bird Island

In the morning, you will visit Ta’er Monastery (Kumbum Monastery), which is the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. Here, you will appreciate the ancient architectural complex that combines Tibetan and Chinese artistic styles, as well as various cultural treasures in the temples, such as various thangkas, murals, etc.

After the visit, the guide will take you to the railway station for your train to Tibet. The railway station is about 2.5 kilometers north of the city center. It is suggested to get to the railway station around 1 hour before departure. You need to present your passport and the Tibet Travel Permit to board the train.

Stay overnight on the train.

Tibet Permit Notice:
1. Once you book your trip with us, we will handle the Tibet Travel Permit application.
2. It is suggested to make your reservation and provide the necessary documents for the permit application at least 20 days in advance.
The issued travel permit will be sent to you before the train departs. Please make sure to keep your Tibet Travel Permit safe. 

• Taer Monastery
• Ta’er Monastery

Today, you will enjoy the most beautiful scenery of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway through the Tibet Plateau. Endless land of snow, vast desert, boundless grassland, snow-capped mountains, and stunning lakes will continually appear and strongly attract your heart.

After arriving in Lhasa, you will meet our friendly Tibetan guide at Lhasa Railway Station. The guide and the driver will take you to your hotel in downtown Lhasa. You may view the Yarlung Tsangpo River/Brahmaputra River (the Longest and largest river in Tibet) and Lhasa River.

After settling into your hotel, take some time to rest and adjust to the high altitude.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Qinghai-Tibet railway
• Tour guide will meet you at Lhasa Railway Station.

In the morning, you’ll explore the largest monastery in Tibet - Drepung Monastery, which was once the home to over 10,000 monks. As you walk through the Coqen Hall, your guide will provide detailed explanations of the worldview of Tibetan Buddhism and introduce notable figures in Tibetan Buddhist history.

Next, you’ll visit the renowned Loseling College (or an equivalent), offering a glimpse into the study and life of Tibetan monks. Explore their dormitories to gain insights into the Tibetan monks' daily routines and living conditions.

In the afternoon, you’ll head to Sera Monastery, another of the ‘great three’ Gelug monasteries of Tibet, to witness the famous Tibetan Monks Debate (15:00 - 17:00, from Monday to Saturday). Your guide will intricately explain how Tibetan monks engage in these debates to acquire knowledge and advance in their academic degrees.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• The spectacular vista of Drepung Monastery
• Dramatic monk debate in Sera Monastery

After breakfast, your first stop is the Potala Palace, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Lhasa Old Town. Discover the lives and stories of the Dalai Lamas through history within the palace, and the extraordinary treasures it holds. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.

After touring the Potala Palace, you will visit Longwangtan Park at the foot of the Potala Palace. Here, you can appreciate the majestic Potala Palace from a different perspective and engage in local Tibetan folk activities.

In the afternoon, you will head to the heart of Tibetan religion - the Jokhang Temple. Inside you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve. Outside, you can see pilgrims making prostrating in front of Jokhang Temple. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can do kora (a religious circle of a building or mountain) with pilgrims and locals, and explore the old market.

Next, follow your guide to one of the liveliest indoor Tibetan tea houses in Lhasa. Sip traditional Tibetan sweet tea alongside local Tibetans as your guide shares insights into Tibetan social dynamics and daily life.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Tourists are ascending the white palace of Potala Palace
• A Tibetan pilgrim is worshipping Jokhang Temple

In the morning, start the overland journey from Lhasa to Shigatse, which includes visits to Tibet's most beautiful lake, glacier, and charming Tibetan villages.

First, drive over the Gampala Pass (4790 m) to catch a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso (4400m). The Yamdrok Lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and in the distance you can have spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar (7191m), the highest mountain near Lhasa. Continue to explore the lakeshore from various viewpoints, and at the end of the lake, you could visit a local family in the village and have lunch with the locals.

Next, you will pass and enjoy the Korola Glacier on the roadside. It is the largest glacier in Tibet. As you see the ice tongue of the glacier climb the entire hillside, you will feel the magical power of nature.

Then, continue your journey to Gyantse. On the way, you will stop at Simila Mountain Pass, where you can hang prayer flags to pray for world peace and the health of your family.

After arriving in Gyantse, you can spend some time taking photos of the ancient city of Gyantse. From Gyantse to Shigatse, you will pass by green (in summer) and golden (in autumn) Tibetan barley fields and countless farms.

Finally, we will arrive in Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet. After checking in to the hotel, you can take a good rest and prepare for the next day’s trip to Mount Everest.

Stay overnight in Shigatse.

• Yamdrok Lake at Gampala Pass, where you can get a marvelous bird's-eye view of the lake.
• The Karola Glacier is so close that you will appreciate a spectacular view of the white glacier contrasted with blue sky.

After breakfast, you will head directly to Mount Everest.

First, you will pass Gyatsola Pass (5280m). At Gyatsola Pass viewpoint, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest. Hidden behind the mountain range, the Everest resembles a budding lotus flower, a captivating sight along the roadside.

Shortly after we enter Mount Everest National Nature Reserve, you will enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayas at Gawula Pass (5198m). At this viewpoint, you will marvel at the majestic lineup of the five highest peaks in the Himalayas, including Everest at the forefront. This is your second glimpse of Everest.

Then we drive along the new zigzag road to Everest Base Camp (5200m). As you get close to the base camp, the majestic Everest gradually unfolds before you, drawing nearer with each winding turn. This marks your third view of Everest.

Upon reaching Everest Base Camp, the colossal white pyramid peak of Mount Everest stands towering before you. As the day transitions to dusk, witness the golden hues of the sun casting a warm glow on Everest's northern face—your fourth view.

As night falls, the sparkling Milky Way and the snow-white peak of Mount Everest reveal your fifth and final encounter with Everest.

Stay overnight at Everest Base Camp or in the local village near EBC if the EBC tent hotels are closed during the winter season.

Insider Tips:
1. The visibility of Everest is subject to weather conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

2. During the winter season, typically from November to March, the tent hotels at Everest Base Camp close. Therefore, if you’re traveling in winter, your accommodation options are limited to the village near EBC.

• Drive along the zigzag road to Everest Base Camp
• Enjoy your group tour to Everest Base Camp

In the morning, you may have the chance to see the pink sunlight casting its glow upon the summit of Mount Everest.

After breakfast, visit the Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest-altitude monastery at 5154 meters above sea level.

Then, move on to Ngari, the most mysterious region in Tibet, to visit the sacred Mount Kailash and holy Lake Manasarovar. On the way, you’ll pass by Mt. Shishabangma (8027 meters), one of the world’s highest mountains over 8000 meters. You can enjoy a close view of the three main peaks of Shigabangma, as well as the golden glow of Pelku Tso Lake beneath the peaks.

After crossing the grassland around Peiku Tso Lake, you’ll reach Saga County, the transfer hub of western Tibet. This marks your entry into the gateway of the Mount Kailash region. The rest of the journey to Mount Kailash is at an average elevation of 4500 meters on the Ngari Plateau. If you need some essentials for your Kailash trek, you can buy them in Saga County.

The rest of the journey to Mount Kailash is at an average elevation of 4500 meters on the Ngari Plateau. If you need some essentials for your Kailash trek, you can buy them in Saga County.

Stay overnight in Saga.

• Rongbuk Monastery, the higest monastery in the world
• Pelku Tso Lake is surrounded by rugged mountains.

After breakfast, you’ll start today’s journey through the Saga Valley to Darchen at the foot of Mount Kailash.

En route, you may witness herds of yaks and sheep on the vast grasslands beneath the snow-capped mountains. Meanwhile, you’ll pass by the beautiful green lake - Gongzhucuo Lake.

After passing through the Mayum La Mountain at 5211 meters, you officially enter the Ngari Region. Crossing the mountain pass feels like entering a wilderness inhabited by wild animals, with the holy Lake Manasarovar coming into view. The view of Lake Manasarovar, with Mount Kailash in the distance, often makes people feel amazed and inspired.

Driving along the lake, you reach the sacred Mount Kailash, the ultimate destination of this journey.

Upon arrival in Darchen, the little town at the foot of Mount Kailash, settle into your hotel, recharge, and prepare for the upcoming 3-day Mount Kailash trek.

Stay overnight in Darchen.

Insider Tips:
If you need a porter, kindly inform your guide on this day, and your guide will arrange one for you the following day. Please note that the cost of the porter requires an additional payment.

• Gongzhucuo Lake is like a sapphire buried in the wilderness.
• The stunning scenery along the way to Kailash.

Today is the first day of your Mount Kailash trek.

After breakfast, you are supposed to take an eco-bus from Darchen to Sarshung Valley, where to start today’s 13-kilometer trek around Mount Kailash.

The first 13 kilometers are relatively easy, guiding you through the valley at the foot of Mount Kailash. You can clearly see the southern and western slopes of the sacred Mount Kailash.

After reaching the foot of the western slope, you will check in at the guesthouse in Dirapuk Monastery.

For the remainder of the day, follow our guide to explore the ancient Dirapuk Monastery (also known as Zhire Temple). Capture unforgettable moments in front of the sacred stupas and the grandeur of the western slope of Mount Kailash.

Weather permitting, immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring spectacle of the sunset over Mount Kailash from Dirapuk Monastery. Witness the sun's afterglow delicately illuminating the steep cliffs of the western slope as night descends.

Stay overnight in the local Guesthouse.

• Start trekking from Sarshung Valley to Drirapuk Monastery
• You can see piles of Mani Stones in Kailash Kora

Start your second trekking day early with a 4-kilometer trek from Dirapuk Monastery to reach 5430 meters. This section offers a rapid climb with a breathtaking view of the sunrise over the northwest slope of Mount Kailash.

Afterward, you’ll continue another 2-kilometer trek to Dolma La Pass, the highest point at an altitude of 5630 meters. Along this path, you’ll see prayer flags hanging everywhere on the pass.

(Notice: The high altitude means even in summer, the path is icy and scattered with rocks, requiring caution to prevent slipping.)

After successfully crossing Dolma La Pass, you’ll be greeted by the emerald-green Lake of Compassion (also known as Guri Kund), believed to purify a lifetime of sins with a dip. You’ll also witness the thick glaciers on the northwest slope of Mount Kailash.

Following the Lake of Compassion, a gradual descent leads you to the valley beneath the southeast foot of Mount Kailash, where Zutulpuk Monastery (also known as Dzutripuk Monastery) is located. Here, you may encounter adorable wild animals and find a peaceful resting spot on the grasslands.

Stay overnight in the local Guesthouse.

• Trek over Dromala Pass (5630m), the highest pass of the Kora
• You can enjoy the stunning view of Guri Kund.

Today is the last day of your Mount Kailash kora.

In the morning, you’ll trek back from Zutulpuk Monastery to Darchen, the starting point of Kailash Trek.

After completing the Kailash trek in the morning, you are going to take a 30-kilometer drive to Lake Manasarovar. You’ll approach the shores of the sacred lake to touch its holy waters.

At the lakeside, you can engage in meditation, listen to the rhythmic waves of the sacred waters, or simply clean your body with the holy water, which holds significant spiritual meaning for Hindus and Buddhists.

There are also hot springs (optional) offering foot baths or soaking opportunities for visitors. If the Mount Kailash pilgrimage has left you feeling weary, consider spending a few dollars to enjoy the hot springs.

After today’s tour, get back to Darchen.

Stay overnight in Darchen.

• Breathtaking scenery of Lake Manasarovar
• At the Manasarovar lakeside, you can engage in meditation.

After breakfast, you’ll travel back to Sage and relive the scenic wonders of the Ngari Plateau, the Himalayas, and the Gangdise Mountains. Along the journey, you can stop at grassy pastures and lakes to get close to the nature and wildlife of Ngari.

Later today, you will finally arrive in Saga.

Stay overnight in Saga.

• Take a glimpse of Tibetan gazelle in the distance
• You can enjoy the picturesque scenery along the way back to Saga.

In the morning, start your journey to Gyirong Valley, the hidden gem on the Sino-Nepal border. As the altitude drops, the scenery along the roadside changes from snow-capped mountains and wastelands to dense forests and canyon landscapes.

Upon reaching Gyirong Town in the afternoon, you’ll explore Gyirong Valley described by British explorer Howard-Bury as the most beautiful valley in the world in his book 'Mount Everest: The Reconnaissance'.

Here, you can visit the Sherpa villages and admire dense forests, serene villages, and beautiful snow peaks above the woods. Additionally, you can experience the humid and mild oxygen, quite distinct from the dry and thin air of the Ngari Plateau.

Stay overnight in Gyirong.

• The picturesque scenery of Gyirong Town
• Immersed in the local way of life here in Gyirong Valley.

After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to your Tibetan guide and driver as our Tibet tour service ends at the Gyirong border.

After crossing the border, you can choose our border transfer service to your hotel in Kathmandu (Optional: 60 USD per person). Alternatively, you can take the public bus from the border to downtown Kathmandu and then take a taxi to your hotel from the downtown bus station.

Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Nepal Visa Application Tips:
1. You need to prepare a passport-size ID photo with a white background
2. You will pay the Nepal visa fee at the border. Only US dollars in cash are accepted, and not credit cards.

• Gyirong Port
• Kathmandu Valley

In the morning, we will the Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, which is one of three durbar (royal palace) squares in the Kathmandu Valley. It is the site of the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex, which was the royal Nepalese residence until the 19th century and when important ceremonies, such as the coronation of the Nepalese monarch, still take place today.

Then, we will tour Swayambhunath. It is one of the most recognizable symbols in Nepal and the painted eyes of Buddha watch all who ascend the worn stone steps. It is a World Heritage Site and one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal, and is at the source of the Valley’s mythical beginning.

In the afternoon, the tour group will head to Patan City, which is 15 minutes driving from Kathmandu. Patan's central -Durbar Square, is absolutely packed with temples: It’s an architectural center point with a far greater concentration of temples per sq. meter than in Kathamandu or Bhaktapur. You may shop around and finally we will head back to Kathmandu.

Stay overnight in Kathmandu

• Kathmandu durbar square at night in Nepal
• Swayambhunath stupa is an ancient religious architecture atop a hill in the Kathmandu valley.

As our Nepal tour continues, our today’s tour will firstly cover Pashupatinath, the most important Hindu temple in Nepal. The old buildings on the site were destroyed by Moslem invaders in the 14th century, its stone linga smashed to dust, but it rose again behind their retreating backs. Succeeding monarchs reinstated the temple and the images.

Then we will visit Bouddhanath, which is among the largest stupas in South Asia, and it has become the focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. The white mound looms thirty-six meters overhead. The stupa is located on the ancient trade route to Tibet, and Tibetan merchants rested and offered prayers here for many centuries.

Our final stop is Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a conglomeration of pagoda and shikhara style temples grouped around a fifty-five window palace of brick and wood. The square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the Valley as it highlights the ancient arts of Nepal.

Stay overnight in Kathmandu

• Pashupatinath
• Bouddhanath

After breakfast, you’ll travel overland from Kathmandu to Chitwan National Park (Approx. 6 hours’ drive).

After your arrival in Chitwan, you ca experience lots of Safari activities; jungle walks, canoeing, Elephant safaris and so forth.

Once the night falls down, you’ll appreciate cultural performances including bonfire before getting in bed.

Stay overnight in Chitwan.

• Elephant safari is one of the most popular and major program activities in Chitwan National Park.
• Bishazari Tal in Chitwan National Park

After a delicious breakfast, you'll have the opportunity to spend the whole day immersed in the natural beauty and wildlife of Royal Chitwan National Park. This renowned sanctuary is home to an astonishing array of animals. With a bit of luck, you'll spot rhinoceroses grazing in the grasslands, the elusive Royal Bengal tigers prowling through the jungle, stealthy leopards resting in the trees, playful monkeys swinging through the canopy, and various species of deer and reptiles in their natural habitats.

To ensure you don't miss any of these spectacular sights, make sure your camera gear is ready, preferably with a telephoto lens for those distant shots. This will help you capture every moment, from the smallest details of the reptiles to the grandeur of the larger mammals.

Stay overnight in Chitwan.

• Elephant safari in Chitwan jungle
• Chitwan's royal Bengal tiger

In the morning, you’ll drive from Chitwan to Pokhara, a scenic journey that takes around 4 to 5 hours.

Upon arriving in Pokhara, check in at the hotel and enjoy some free time to explore the city at your own pace.

Stay overnight in Pokhara.

• A view of mountain range and pokhara valley from sarangkot hill station
• You can also see the wonderful Annapurna panorama forms a superb backdrop to Pokhara from the lake.

After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a full day sightseeing of Pokhara, the most popular destination in Nepal after Kathmandu. Spending enjoyably morning trip along the bank of Phewa Lake, you can admire the stunning view of the Fish Tail's Peak reflected in the silver surface of the water. You can also see the wonderful Annapurna panorama forms a superb backdrop to Pokhara from the lake.

Aside from Phewa Lake, we keep visiting the Seti River Gorge - one of the best places to see. You will have an opportunity to take a glimpse to the limestone cave of Mahendra Gufa, used to be well-known for its stalactites.

Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.

• Reflection of the Annapurna Range on Phewa Lake
• Gorge of Seti River

After breakfast, you will enjoy a scenic overland journey back to Kathmandu.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, take a rest at your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you.

Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Today marks the end of your adventure.

Please make sure to verify your departure flight details with our guide in advance. And your guide will take you to the airport.

Thank you for choosing Tibet Vista, and we extend a warm welcome for your return trip in the future.