Beijing to Kathmandu Adventure

Satisfy your sense of adventure and spiritual curiosity on this overland odyssey. From the great archaeological sites of China, travel across the vast Tibetan Plateau, through remote villages and into the mountain kingdom of Nepal.

The intense spirituality of the Tibetan people is ever-present in their remote monasteries, high mountain passes, traditional homes and colourful marketplaces. Sample yak butter tea in Shigatse, eat plenty of dumplings and immerse yourself in the atmospheric monastic rituals along the way.

Complete the journey with a panoramic view of Mt Everest for an extraordinary real life experience.

Itinerary / Highlights

Days 1-3 Beijing
Discover the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the awe-inspiring Great Wall.

Days 4-5 Xi'an
Explore China's ancient imperial centre and don't miss the remarkable Terracotta Warriors.

Day 6 Chengdu
Welcome to Chengdu, home of the Giant Panda.

Days 7-9 Leshan/ Emei Shan
See the world's largest outdoor seated Buddha and enjoy the spectacular views from holy Emei Shan.

Days 10-11 Chengdu
Pass through stunning Sichuan scenery en route to Chengdu, home of the spicy hotpot.

Days 12-16 Lhasa
Fly to Lhasa, a place of beauty and mysticism. Learn a few words of Tibetan and enjoy a cooking class. Visit Potala Palace, precariously built on a hilltop overlooking the town. Stop by Jokhang Temple - Tibet's spiritual epicenter which is constantly awash with pilgrims. An afternoon debating session between the Sera Monastery monks is a must-see.

Day 17 Samye
Spend the night in the atmospheric shadow of Tibet's oldest monastery.

Day 18 Gyantse
Listen to the monks' morning prayers before taking a spectacular drive across the Kamba Pass. Make the pilgrim circuit at Pelkor Chode Monastery. A visit to Kumbum Chorten is an unforgettable experience - its five storeys represent the five steps to enlightenment and the pilgrim route through the mandala is a visual feast of technicolour Buddhist images.

Days 19-21 Shigatse/ Sakya
Experience two of Tibet's most spriritually important towns and explore the Tashilhunpo Monastery. Browse curios and produce at the Shigatse Bazaar; from slabs of yak butter to prayer wheels and rosaries, with antiques and fur hats in the mix, it's shopping heaven.

Days 22-23 Everest National Park
Discover the world's highest monastery, Rongphu. Get higher again, trekking up to Tibet's own Everest Base Camp - the view is out of this world.

Day 24 Zhangmu
As the Tibetan Plateau abruptly ends, the harsh landscape gives way to lush green valleys.

Days 25-26 Dhulikhel
Across the Nepalese border, enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas.

Days 27-28 Kathmandu
The journey ends in the narrow streets of Kathmandu, with its great food and memorable sights.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Hotels (14nts), basic guesthouses (8nts), monasteries (3nts), overnight train (2nts)