Nepal20 days
Nepal and Tibet: Kathmandu Valley to Everest Base Camp — 20 Days
A journey across seven UNESCO heritage sites in Nepal's Kathmandu Valley, the Pokhara lakes and Chitwan wildlife park, and the Tibetan plateau to Mount Everest's northern base camp at 5,250 meters.
This 20-day itinerary traces two distinct geographies: the cultural heartland of Nepal's Kathmandu Valley, the lakes and forests of central Nepal, and the high-altitude Buddhist monasteries and peaks of the Tibetan plateau. The route begins in Kathmandu with visits to seven UNESCO-listed heritage sites spanning centuries of Newari and Hindu architecture, then moves to Pokhara for views of the Himalayan range and a day of white-water rafting on the Trisuli River. A multi-day wildlife excursion in Chitwan National Park follows, with canoe work on the Rapti River, jungle walks, and elephant safaris. The second half crosses into Tibet via a domestic flight, beginning in Lhasa with the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Sera Monastery, then traveling overland through high passes (Khamba La at 4,794 meters and Karo La at 5,045 meters) to the historical towns of Gyantse and Shigatse. The final days ascend the Friendship Highway toward Mount Everest, with overnights in Tingri and Rongbuk before reaching Everest Base Camp at 5,250 meters. The route descends through the Nalyam and Shung La passes back into Nepal and returns to Kathmandu. The journey includes driving and several internal flights, with acclimatization built into the high-altitude section. Accommodations range from 3-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara to basic guest houses at elevation; the best season runs from May to October.
Best time to go: May to October
Highlights
- Seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley, including Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Bauddhanath Stupa
- One-hour scenic flight over the Himalayas from Kathmandu, with views of Mount Everest and the eastern Himalayan range
- Pokhara and its lakes, including morning sunrise views from Sarankot and boating on Fewa Lake
- Multi-day wildlife excursion in Chitwan National Park with canoe rides on the Rapti River, jungle walks, elephant safaris, and visits to the Government Elephant Breeding Center
- Potala Palace in Lhasa, the historical seat of Tibetan spiritual and temporal authority, and Jokhang Temple, Tibet's holiest site
- Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery near Lhasa, including views of the city from the hillside setting
- Namtso Lake, the second largest saltwater lake in China and the biggest lake located at the highest altitude in the world, and views of Yamdrok Lake en route to Gyantse
- Crossing high passes on the Friendship Highway: Khamba La (4,794m), Karo La (5,045m), Lalung La (5,124m), and Shung La (5,200m)
- Khumbum Stupa and Gyantse Dzong fortress in Gyantse, with views of Nazin Kang Sang glacier (7,252m)
- Tashilampo Monastery in Shigatse, founded in 1447 by the 1st Dalai Lama
- Rongbuk Monastery at 4,920 meters, the world's highest, with views of Mount Everest's north face
- Mount Everest Base Camp at 5,250 meters on the northern (Tibetan) approach, with short hiking and exploration of the site
Day by day
1Arrival in Kathmandu and Drive to NagarkotNagarkot · Tribhuvan International Airport
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport is met with a representative transfer to Nagarkot, a 27-kilometer drive of approximately one hour. Nagarkot sits at 2,195 meters on a ridge above the Kathmandu Valley and serves as the first acclimatization point. Check-in at the hotel and rest of the day free.
2Nagarkot Sunrise and Bhaktapur Durbar SquareNagarkot · Bhaktapur Durbar Square · Kathmandu · Bauddhanath Stupa
An early-morning rise captures sunrise views and Himalayan panoramas from Nagarkot's elevation, including sight lines toward Mount Everest and peaks of the eastern range. The day then descends to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Nepal's oldest royal palaces, its brick and wood architecture dating to the Newari medieval period. En route to Kathmandu, a stop includes Bauddhanath Stupa, one of the seven heritage sites in the valley. Evening transfer to a hotel in Kathmandu, followed by a cultural dinner at a local restaurant.
3Kathmandu Valley Temples and Mountain Flightdomestic airport · Pashupatinath Temple · Swoyambhunath Stupa · Kathmandu's old bazaar district · traditional restaurant
Morning activities in Kathmandu include a one-hour scenic flight over the Himalayan range, departing and landing at the domestic airport. Ground-based sightseeing encompasses Pashupatinath Temple, South Asia's largest Hindu temple complex, and Swoyambhunath Stupa, a hilltop site on the valley's western rim known locally as the Monkey Temple for its resident macaque population. The afternoon includes time for independent exploration or shopping in Kathmandu's old bazaar district. Evening farewell dinner incorporates a cultural dance performance at a traditional restaurant.
4Drive to Pokhara and White-Water Rafting on Trisuli RiverPokhara · Trisuli River
A three-hour drive west from Kathmandu leads to the Trisuli River, where participants engage in approximately three hours of white-water rafting suitable for all experience levels. The river section offers moderate rapids appropriate for first-time paddlers. After rafting, the drive continues another two hours to Pokhara, a town of 415 meters elevation in the foothills south of the Annapurna range. Hotel check-in concludes the day.
5Pokhara: Mountains, Lakes, and CavesSarankot · International Mountain Museum · David Falls · Mahendra Cave · Fewa Lake
An early drive to Sarankot offers sunrise views and clear-weather sightlines of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges framing the city and its lakes. After breakfast, ground activities include the International Mountain Museum, with exhibits on mountaineering history; David Falls, a seasonal waterfall fed by monsoon runoff; Mahendra Cave, a limestone cavern open to visitors; and boating on Fewa Lake in the city center. The remainder of the day is free.
6Drive to Chitwan National Park and Tharu Village VisitChitwan National Park · Tharu ethnic village · National Park Visitor Center · Rapti River · the lodge
A four-hour drive south delivers participants to Chitwan National Park at 415 meters elevation in Nepal's southern plains. After lunch, activities commence with a guided visit to a nearby Tharu ethnic village, where residents traditionally inhabit the park margins and the guide explains local livelihoods and cultural practices. A visit to the National Park Visitor Center provides historical context on the reserve and its wildlife management. The day concludes with a sunset viewing from the bank of the Rapti River, followed by a Tharu cultural dance presentation and dinner at the lodge.
7Chitwan Wildlife Activities: River Canoe, Jungle Walk, Elephant SafariRapti River · the lodge · Chitwan National Park
A full day of wildlife encounters begins with a canoe ride along the Rapti River, offering opportunities for bird-watching and sightings of two crocodile species—the marsh mugger and the fish-eating gharial. A jungle walk follows, including elephant bathing observations on the return. After lunch, an elephant safari provides mobile access to the park's wildlife zones. The safari offers potential sightings of four deer species (spotted, sambar, hog, and musk), Indian rhinoceros, wild boar, monkeys, sloth bears, leopards, and the Royal Bengal Tiger, as well as smaller mammals. Evening activities include a Tharu cultural dance or wildlife slide-show presentation at the lodge.
8Chitwan Elephant Center and Flight to KathmanduGovernment Elephant Breeding Center · Chitwan to Kathmandu · hotel in Kathmandu
Morning visit to the Government Elephant Breeding Center precedes the departure from the lodge to the domestic airstrip. The 30-minute flight returns to Kathmandu, where participants rest at the hotel. An afternoon briefing on the Tibet portion of the itinerary follows. Evening remains free.
10Lhasa: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor StreetPotala Palace · Jokhang Temple · Barkhor Street
The journey into Tibet begins with a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa (day 9 is not detailed in the source). Sightseeing in Lhasa commences with the Potala Palace, the monumental structure that served as both the spiritual and temporal seat of Tibetan authority. The palace's interior encompasses multiple rooms, halls, chapels, and furnishings spanning centuries of construction and occupation. Afternoon activities shift to Jokhang Temple, regarded as Tibet's holiest site. The temple's interior atmosphere—characterized by the constant motion of pilgrims, altar paraphernalia, flickering butter lamps, and incense—creates a distinctive environment reflecting centuries of devotional practice. A final stop includes Barkhor Street, Lhasa's most active commercial and pilgrimage zone, where continuous prayer-wheel rotation and circumambulation form the day's social and spiritual fabric.
11Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, and Norbulingka PalaceDrepung Monastery · Sera Monastery · Norbulingka
A second full day of Lhasa sightseeing begins at Drepung Monastery on the city's western edge. The monastery's white buildings cascade down the hillside below Mt. Gambo Utse, a positioning that yields panoramic views of Lhasa and the surrounding valleys. At its 17th-century height, Drepung housed ten colleges and ten thousand monks, establishing it as Tibet's wealthiest monastery. Sera Monastery follows, situated northeast of the city and renowned for its warrior-monk community, the Dob-Doa. The day concludes at Norbulingka, the former summer palace of successive Dalai Lamas, comprising multiple palaces, chapels, and residential buildings set within a walled compound.
12Namtso Lake Day ExcursionNamtso Lake · high passes on the Tibetan plateau
A full-day drive from Lhasa reaches Namtso Lake, the world's largest lake at the highest altitude, maintaining its salt-water levels through rainfall and glacial melt from surrounding peaks. The lake functions as a major Buddhist pilgrimage site, with Zhaxi Temple situated on its shore. The route crosses high passes and offers extensive views of the Tibetan plateau landscape before returning to Lhasa for overnight.
13Lhasa to Gyantse via High Passes and Yamdrok LakeLhasa to Gyantse · Yamdrok Lake · Khamba La · Karo La · Khumbum Stupa · Phalkot Monastery · Gyantse Dzong
A 262-kilometer drive southwest from Lhasa to Gyantse spans approximately five to six hours and reaches an elevation of 3,950 meters. The route crosses multiple high passes, including Khamba La at 4,794 meters and Karo La at 5,045 meters, both offering extended views across the plateau. Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet's three largest sacred lakes, lies adjacent to the pass crossings; the turquoise water contrasts sharply with surrounding dry terrain. The Nazin Kang Sang glacier (7,252 meters) is visible en route. Upon arrival in Gyantse, sightseeing includes Khumbum Stupa, a monumental structure of Tibetan Buddhist architecture; Phalkot Monastery; and Gyantse Dzong (fortress), one of Tibet's best-preserved defensive structures from the pre-modern period.
14Gyantse to Shigatse and Tashilampo MonasteryGyantse to Shigatse · Tashilampo Monastery · Shigatse city
A short 94-kilometer drive from Gyantse to Shigatse takes approximately three hours, arriving at 3,900 meters in Tibet's second-largest city. Sightseeing focuses on Tashilampo Monastery, built in 1447 by the 1st Dalai Lama and positioned on a hillside above the city. The monastery holds significant historical and cultural standing within Tibetan Buddhism. A walking tour of Shigatse city follows before evening rest at the hotel.
15Shigatse to Tingri via Gyatchula PassShigatse to Tingri · Tingri · Gyatchula Pass
A 237-kilometer drive south from Shigatse to Tingri consumes approximately six hours, reaching an elevation of 4,300 meters. The route passes through Gyatchula Pass (5,200 meters) and traverses settlements inhabited by Tibetan pastoralist communities, offering views of traditional architecture and landscape use. Tingri serves as a gateway town for access to Mount Everest's north face from the Tibetan side. Accommodation is basic guest-house lodging.
16Tingri to Rongbuk MonasteryTingri to Rongbuk · Rongbuk Monastery · Rongbuk
A 130-kilometer drive northeast from Tingri to Rongbuk requires four to five hours, arriving at an elevation of 4,920 meters. Rongbuk Monastery, the world's highest Buddhist monastery, commands views up the valley toward Mount Everest and the neighboring peak Cho-Oyu. Upon arrival, participants visit the monastery and rest for acclimatization at basic guest-house accommodations.
17Mount Everest Base Camp ExcursionMount Everest Base Camp · Rongbuk Monastery
An eight-kilometer drive from Rongbuk Monastery reaches Mount Everest Base Camp at 5,250 meters. The excursion includes short hiking and exploration of the base camp site. The return journey to Rongbuk Monastery provides overnight accommodation.
18Everest Sunrise and Descent to ZhangmuZhangmu · Everest Base Camp · Lalung La Pass · Shung La Pass · Nalyam Pass
An early morning at or near Everest Base Camp captures sunrise views of Mount Everest's north face, a vantage available under clear-weather conditions. The remainder of the day is reserved as a contingency in case poor weather on day 17 prevented adequate base camp exploration. Following morning activities, the return journey travels south via the Friendship Highway, crossing Lalung La Pass (5,124 meters) and Shung La Pass (5,200 meters)—both offering extended views of surrounding peaks including Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, Menlungtse, and Gauri Shanker. The elevation gradually descends through Nalyam Pass (3,800 meters) and the dry Tibetan Plateau's transition to the wetter, vegetation-dense terrain approaching Zhangmu at 2,300 meters near the Nepal border. Basic guest-house accommodation in Zhangmu concludes the day.
19Zhangmu to Kathmandu via Friendship BridgeZhangmu to Kathmandu · Friendship Bridge
A 123-kilometer drive north from Zhangmu to Kathmandu spans approximately four hours after crossing into Nepal. The border crossing uses the Friendship Bridge spanning the Bhote Koshi River; immigration procedures are managed at Kodari on the Nepal side. The Tibetan guide and driver depart at the crossing, and a Nepalese guide and driver assume transport for the final segment through deep river valleys to Kathmandu. Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu is not included; participants arrange independent accommodation if an additional night in the city is desired.
20Departure from KathmanduTribhuvan International Airport
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for final departure.
Where you go
- 1Tribhuvan International Airport
- 2Kathmandu
- 3Pashupatinath Temple
- 4Pokhara
- 5Mahendra cave
- 6Tribhuvan International Airport
Included
- Included
- All arrival departure arrangement
- Twin sharing accommodations in 3 star category hotels in Nepal and in Tibet
- Accommodation in guest houses at Everest base camp site for 4 nights
- Every morning breakfast
- Entry fees in sightseeing as per itinerary
- Entry fees of Chitawan National park of Nepal and Everest national par of Tibet
- Private transportation in entire trip
- Flight ticket of Kathmandu – Lhasa and Chitawan – Kathmandu
- Jungle activities in Chitawan with all the foods & Drinks
- English speaking Nepali guide in Nepal
- English speaking Tibetan guide in Tibet
- Tibet travel permit and visa
- Emergency evacuation management
- Services charge and government tax
Not included
- Excluded
- Lunch and Dinner in entire trip accept in Chitawan
- Personal expenses, equipment, insurance, medical expenses and Emergency evacuation
- Upgrading or your accommodation
- Tipping to staffs