China21 days
Tibet: Beijing to Kathmandu — 21 Days
From the Great Wall and Forbidden City through the Tibetan Plateau to Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, and Mount Everest
This journey moves from China's imperial centers across one of the world's highest plateaus to stand at the foot of Mount Kailash — a mountain held sacred by four religions — and walk the ancient pilgrimage circuit known as the kora alongside devotees who have saved for years to make this crossing. The route begins in Beijing with the Great Wall and Forbidden City, continues by rail to Xi'an and its terracotta warriors, then ascends via the Qinghai-Tibet Railway — the world's highest standard-gauge line — to Lhasa. From there, the itinerary moves west across grassland and high pass to Darchen, the staging point for the kora trek around Mount Kailash. After the kora, the path turns south to Rombuk monastery, the world's highest at 5,000 meters, which sits directly across a valley from Mount Everest's north face. The final descent crosses into Nepal and ends in Kathmandu.
Highlights
- Walk the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, one of the best-preserved restored segments near Beijing
- Tour the Forbidden City, built 1406–1420 as the political and ceremonial center of imperial China, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- View the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an — over 6,000 individually sculpted clay figures discovered in 1976, displayed across three excavated pits
- Ride the Qinghai-Tibet Railway at altitudes up to 5,069 meters, the world's highest standard-gauge railway crossing the Changtang Plateau
- Visit Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, Tibet's most sacred shrine, and walk the Barkhor Street kora with pilgrims
- Visit the Potala Palace in Lhasa, seat of the Dalai Lamas, perched 130 meters above the city with its White Palace and Red Palace
- Cross Khambala Pass (4,750 m) for views of turquoise Yamdrok Tso lake and approach Karola Pass (5,045 m) for views of Nojin Gangzang glacier
- Visit Tashilumpo Monastery in Shigatse, home to successive Panchen Lamas, with intricate decorations and religious imagery
- Tour Sakya Gompa, birthplace of the Sakya-pa sect, known as the 'second Dunhuang' for its collection of over 40,000 volumes of Buddhist scriptures
- Complete the three-day kora (circumambulation) of Mount Kailash, trekking from Darchen through Dirapuk and Zutrul Puk monasteries, crossing Drolma-la pass at 5,630 meters
- Stay overnight at Rombuk monastery (5,000 m), the world's highest, with direct views up the valley to Mount Everest's north face
- Cross the Sino-Nepal border at Kyirong and descend to Kathmandu
Day by day
1Beijing Arrival and Welcome DinnerBeijing · your hotel · the lobby · the immediate hotel area
Arrive in Beijing and check into your hotel. At 6 pm, meet your guide in the lobby for a briefing on the 21-day itinerary ahead and logistics for guides and accommodations in each city. Walk the immediate hotel area to orient yourself, then dine on Beijing duck this evening.
2Mutianyu Section of the Great WallMutianyu · Beijing
Travel two hours north of Beijing to Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved and restored sections of the Great Wall. The restored stonework makes climbing manageable while the construction's difficulty remains evident. Picnic lunch is served on the wall itself. Return to the city in time for an acrobatic performance.
3Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, and Hutongs — Night Train to Xi'anTiananmen Square · Forbidden City · Hutongs · Xi'an · train station
A walking-intensive day through central Beijing. Begin at Tiananmen Square, one of the world's largest public plazas, anchored by the Monument of the People's Heroes and the Great Hall of the People. Enter the Forbidden City, built between 1406 and 1420 as the ceremonial and political seat of Chinese government for over 500 years. UNESCO recognizes it as the most extensive collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world and designated it a World Heritage Site in 1987. After touring the palace complex, visit the nearby Hutongs — narrow lanes lined with traditional courtyard residences — to experience the domestic life of historic Beijing. In the evening, transfer to the train station for an overnight soft-sleeper train to Xi'an.
4Xi'an: Terracotta Warriors and Muslim QuarterTerracotta Warriors · Muslim Quarter · 400-year-old residence of the Gao family
Arrive in Xi'an and breakfast at the hotel. The morning focuses on the Terracotta Warriors, an archaeological discovery from 1976 comprising over 6,000 life-size clay figures — warriors, chariots, and horses — each individually sculpted with distinct costumes, heights, and facial expressions and arranged in battle formation. Three main excavation pits display more than 2,000 of these figures. After lunch in a local village, visit a 400-year-old residence that housed seven generations of the Gao family, prominent royal court officials. The preserved courtyard displays period furniture, pottery, porcelain, and paintings that convey traditional domestic life. In the city, walk the Muslim Quarter, characterized by narrow streets, small shops, markets, and restaurants.
5Qinghai-Tibet Railway: Xi'an to LhasaQinghai-Tibet Railway · Xi'an to Lhasa
Board the train to Lhasa. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is one of China's major engineering achievements and the world's highest standard-gauge line. The route from Xi'an travels northeast to Xining, then west to Golmud before turning south toward Lhasa, crossing the high-altitude Changtang Plateau with a highest pass at 5,069 meters. The entire journey takes approximately 31 hours.
6Across the Tibetan Plateau to LhasaTibetan Plateau · Lhasa · Lhasa station
Wake to find yourself well inside Tibet as the train crosses the high Tibetan Plateau. The passes may be covered by snow at any time of year; in summer, the lakes are surrounded by vast grasslands. On arrival at Lhasa station, on the outskirts of the city, you receive a pure white katak (prayer scarf). There will be time to rest and adjust to the altitude before a late afternoon orientation walk, allowing you to begin acclimatizing to Lhasa's elevation while exploring the immediate surroundings.
7Jokhang Temple and Sera MonasteryJokhang · Sera · Barkhor Street
Begin the day at Jokhang, the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism and its most sacred temple. A steady stream of pilgrims moves through this large World Heritage site. The temple's history includes a legend of its construction over a lake after multiple failed attempts to build monasteries at other nearby locations. A golden Buddha stands at the center. After exploring the temple interior, join pilgrims walking clockwise around Barkhor Street, a ritual circuit considered sacred in Tibetan practice. In the late afternoon, visit Sera, a major monastic university, to witness philosophical debates among monks (except on Sundays).
8Potala Palace and LhasaPotala Palace · Lhasa's streets and neighborhoods
The Potala Palace commands the Lhasa skyline from 130 meters above the city — a major architectural achievement. This former seat of government and winter residence of successive Dalai Lamas divides into two distinct sections: the White Palace, devoted to secular administration, and the Red Palace, housing religious spaces, chapels, shrines, and the tombs of the Dalai Lamas. A guide accompanies you through the palace's ornate interior. The afternoon opens for independent exploration of Lhasa's streets and neighborhoods.
9Lhasa to Gyantse: High Passes and Yamdrok LakeGyantse · Khambala Pass · Yamdrok Tso lake · Karola Pass · Dzong (fort)
Drive to Gyantse with planned photo stops along the route. From Khambala Pass (4,750 m), views extend across the turquoise waters of Yamdrok Tso lake. Descend to skirt the lake's edge, then climb again to Karola Pass (5,045 m) for views of Nojin Gangzang glacier. Upon arrival in Gyantse, walk the town, then hike up to the Dzong (fort) for views across town and surrounding countryside.
10Gyantse to Shigatse: Pelkor Choede and Tashilumpo MonasteryGyantse to Shigatse · Shigatse · Tashilumpo Monastery · Pelkhor Choede Monastery · Gyantse Kumbum
Visit Pelkhor Choede Monastery, founded by the King of Gyantse in the 15th century. Unlike other Tibetan monasteries, it does not align with a single Buddhist tradition and is now much reduced from its original size but remains an active center. Within the complex stands Gyantse Kumbum, an eight-story structure containing numerous small chapels filled with Buddhist images — Buddhas, protective deities, and saints. Drive through small villages to Shigatse, Tibet's second-largest city. Upon arrival, tour Tashilumpo Monastery, home to successive Panchen Lamas, with buildings featuring intricate decorations, religious legends, and imagery. You may choose to walk the kora circuit around the monastery or visit the local market.
11Shigatse to Lhatse via Sakya GompaLhatse · Sakya Gompa
Drive three hours to Sakya, site of Sakya Gompa and birthplace of the Sakya-pa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The gompa's distinctive architecture sets it visually apart. It holds a significant collection of Buddhist sacred texts housed in the monastery library. After a guided monastery tour, there is an optional hike uphill to visit a small nunnery. Continue onward to Lhatse, a small town where you overnight.
12Lhatse to Saga across High GrasslandLhatse to Saga · Saga · Saga Yalong Zangbu Hotel
A 4.5-hour drive carries you across the Tibetan plateau to Saga (4,640 m), an important waypoint for pilgrims heading toward Mount Kailash. The surrounding grasslands support varied birdlife and rare sightings of Tibetan antelope and wild yak. Most roads across Tibet are paved, though ongoing development and harsh climatic extremes mean maintenance work can cause delays — a reminder that infrastructure here is constantly evolving. You arrive early afternoon in this typical Chinese and Tibetan town. The altitude here is significant; take time to acclimatize. You stay at Saga Yalong Zangbu Hotel or similar. Breakfast and lunch are included.
13Saga to Darchen: First Views of Mount Kailash and Lake ManasarovarSaga to Darchen · Darchen · Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar
Continue west across the vast highland plain toward Darchen, the base for the Kailash kora trek. The landscape frames views of the Himalayan range to the south and the dry Changtang Plateau to the north, which briefly turns green during the summer monsoon. The plateau is home to nomadic communities whose lifestyle has remained largely unchanged for centuries. In the afternoon, you reach views of Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. One of the holiest lakes in the world, Manasarovar is sacred to Buddhist, Bonpo, Hindu, and Jain traditions and receives thousands of pilgrims annually from across Tibet and India. Several prominent peaks are visible from the lake, including Gurla Mandata (7,694 m). Continue to Darchen (4,675 m), the small town serving as the starting point for the Kailash kora.
14Kailash Kora: Darchen to Dirapuk MonasteryDarchen · Dirapuk monastery · Sarshung Valley · Tamdin
Take a shuttle bus from Darchen to Sarshung Valley to begin the kora trek. Walk alongside pilgrims on this sacred circuit. After four hours, reach Tamdin (4,780 m), where nomad tents serve simple lunch and boiled water. From here, walk 4 kilometers to Dirapuk monastery. Dirapuk (5,210 m) sits on the north side of the Lha-chu River facing Mount Kailash's north face. Rebuilt in 1985, the monastery's name derives from 'Dira' (female yak horn) and 'Puk' (cave). Overnight in a basic local guesthouse.
15Kailash Kora: Crossing Drolma-la Pass to Zutrul PukDrolma-la pass · Shabjay Dakpo nomad tent · Zutrul Phuk monastery
Today presents the kora's most challenging section. Cross Drolma-la pass (5,630 m), not exceptionally steep or long but demanding due to altitude. The descent after the pass is notably steep; care is needed. Once in the valley floor, rest and have lunch at a Shabjay Dakpo nomad tent. A long, flat hike down the valley leads to Zutrul Phuk monastery, where you overnight in a local guesthouse.
16Kailash Kora: Return to Darchen and Lake ManasarovarLake Manasarovar · Zutrul Puk to Darchen
Walk the final section of the kora back to Darchen. From Zutrul Puk, follow the widening valley past lines of mani walls and prayer flags. Upon reaching Darchen, complete the three-day circuit. Drive the short distance to Lake Manasarovar, staying overnight at a guesthouse near the shore.
17Manasarovar to Saga: Return Across the Tibetan PlateauManasarovar to Saga · Saga Yalong Zangbu Hotel
Retrace the outward drive back across the Tibetan Plateau to Saga for the night. Accommodation at Saga Yalong Zangbu Hotel or similar. Breakfast and lunch included.
18Saga to Rombuk: Mount Everest and High-Altitude MonasterySaga · Rombuk · Friendship Highway
Turn south from Saga across grasslands surrounding Lake Paiku-tso. Cross the Friendship Highway and climb steeply toward Rombuk in a day of varied scenery. Rombuk sits at 5,000 meters as one of the world's highest monasteries, first built in 1902 by a Nyingma Lama and originally housing over 500 monks. Today, approximately 50 monks and nuns remain, sharing a prayer hall but maintaining separate residences. The nuns are welcoming and may invite you to join evening prayers. From the monastery, views extend directly up the valley toward Everest Base Camp and Qomolangma/Mount Everest (8,849 m).
19Rombuk to Kyirong: Border ApproachRombuk to Kyirong · Kyirong Hotel
A long 350-kilometer drive stretches across six to seven hours, carrying you toward Kyirong. You'll overnight here at Kyirong Hotel or similar, resting before tomorrow's border crossing into Nepal. Breakfast and dinner are included.
20Border Crossing and Descent to KathmanduKathmandu · China into Nepal · Durbar Square
After breakfast, cross from China into Nepal. Border procedures can be slow, particularly on the Nepal side. Welcome to Nepal. The descent to Kathmandu is a long drive on roads in variable condition. Upon arrival, take a walking tour to see Durbar Square, a vast plaza opposite the old Royal Palaces, and observe Newari architecture if time allows.
21Depart KathmanduKathmandu
No activities are scheduled for today. You are free to depart Kathmandu at any time that suits your travel plans. Breakfast is included.
Where you go
- 1Beijing
- 2Mutianyu
- 3Beijing
- 4Tiananmen Square
- 5Forbidden City
- 6hutongs
- 7Xi'an
- 8Terracotta Warriors
- 9Muslim Quarter
- 10Lhasa
- 11Barkhor Street
- 12Potala Palace
- 13Shigatse
- 14Saga
- 15Darchen
- 16Lake Manasarovar
- 17Saga
Included
- Included:
- 13 nights' hotel and 6 nights' guesthouse accommodation based on twin share
- Local English speaking guide service in each city
- Private/Public transportation as specified
- Sightseeing tours with entrance fee as specified
- 19 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 3 dinners
- Overnight soft-sleeper train Beijing-Xi'an (1 night) & Xi'an-Lhasa (1 night)
Not included
- Do Not Include:
- International airfare
- China visa & Tibet permit