Overview
This 10-day journey seamlessly blends China’s imperial heritage with the awe-inspiring landscapes of Tibet. Begin in Beijing, exploring the grandeur of the Forbidden City and walking the ancient ramparts of the Mutianyu Great Wall. Fly into Lhasa, where sacred landmarks like the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple reveal the heart of Tibetan Buddhism. Travel across high mountain passes to Yamdrok Lake and the Karola Glacier before reaching Shigatse, the seat of Panchen Lamas. The highlight awaits at Everest Base Camp, where sunrise over the world’s highest peak crowns your adventure. A perfect mix of culture, history, and natural wonder.
Highlights
- Glide up by cable car to the tranquil Mutianyu Great Wall, then stroll its ancient ramparts surrounded by sweeping mountain views.
- Decode the lives of emperors with an in-depth Forbidden City tour, then savour a palace-inspired lunch that recreates the flavours of imperial cuisine.
- Watch the sun rise over Mount Everest from the world’s highest monastery, where golden light touches the Himalayan giants.
- Savour a steaming hotpot beneath the shadow of Mount Everest, warming body.
- At Gambala Pass, capture the heavenly blue of Yamdrok Lake and take a photo alongside the yak.
Itinerary
"The journey begins in Beijing, where the Forbidden City and Great Wall offer a first encounter with China’s imperial past. From there, travellers fly to Tibet—across sacred palaces, turquoise lakes, and glacier passes—before reaching Everest Base Camp, where sunrise crowns the world’s highest peak."
We provide 24-hour airport and train station pickup service, after checking into the hotel, you are free to arrange your own schedule. We recommend visiting Jingshan Park at sunset to enjoy a panoramic view of the Forbidden City.
Meals: /
Destination: Beijing – Jingshan Park
Accommodation: Hotel in Beijing City Center
After breakfast, embark on a guided in-depth tour of the Forbidden City. Enter through the Meridian Gate and explore the grand halls and courtyards: Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Central Harmony, and Hall of Preserving Harmony. Continue through the Inner Court to the Palace of Heavenly Purity, and finish at the Imperial Garden before exiting via the northern Gate of Divine Prowess. Optional visits to the Treasure Gallery and Clock Exhibition Hall are available at your own expense.
Enjoy a simple local lunch near the Forbidden City. Recommended options include traditional Chinese boxed meals at the Jingren Palace Restaurant or a self-prepared light lunch.
After lunch, take a short walk to Beihai Park and enjoy a peaceful afternoon visiting its highlights such as the White Dagoba (on Qionghua Island), the Nine-Dragon Screen, or take a relaxing boat ride on the lake.
In the late afternoon, walk to Shichahai (Houhai) area. Meander through historic hutongs and get a taste of traditional courtyard life. You can choose to explore on foot or take a rickshaw tour with English commentary. Notable stops include Prince Gong’s Mansion, Soong Ching-ling’s Former Residence, and small artisan shops hidden within the alleys.
In the evening, enjoy dinner beside the lake. Restaurant options include Peking duck at Siji Minfu or Quanjude Houhai Branch, or a fusion dining experience at Peking Tavern. After dinner, unwind with live music and cocktails at one of the lakeside bars popular with both locals and travelers.
Meals: L
Destinations: Forbidden City – Beihai Park – Hutongs – Houhai
Accommodation: Hotel in Beijing City Center
Rise early for a morning visit to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. We recommend a private car or small English-speaking tour group, with a travel time of approximately 1.5 hours each way. The scenic stretch features fewer crowds and excellent viewpoints. Take the cable car or toboggan for easier access.
Return to the city for a visit to the Temple of Heaven in the afternoon. Stroll through the ancient grounds where emperors once prayed for good harvests, and admire the famous Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Echo Wall, and the Circular Mound Altar.
For your final evening in Beijing, head to Nanluoguxiang. This lively hutong street offers a mix of traditional eateries and trendy cafés. Dining recommendations include Haidilao hotpot, classic Beijing-style zhajiang noodles, or modern Sichuan fusion cuisine.
Meals: B
Destinations: Mutianyu Great Wall – Temple of Heaven – Nanluoguxiang
Accommodation: /
Welcome to the sacred city of Lhasa, the spiritual heart of Tibet. Upon arrival at Lhasa Gonggar Airport or railway station, your local Tibetan guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel in the city. The remainder of the day is free for acclimatising to the high altitude (3,650m). We recommend resting and drinking plenty of water to prepare for the days ahead.
Meals: /
Destination: Lhasa
Accommodation: Hotel in Lhasa
Today’s cultural immersion begins with a visit to the majestic Potala Palace, once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama and now a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism. Wander through the ancient halls filled with golden stupas, murals, and relics, and take in panoramic views over Lhasa.
Next, head to the sacred Jokhang Temple, the most revered spiritual site in Tibet, where pilgrims from across the region prostrate and circle the temple clockwise. Then walk through the bustling Barkhor Street, a traditional kora route lined with stalls, incense smoke, and prayer flags.
Dinner is a local treat—either Tibetan-style roasted lamb or Nepalese momo dumplings.
Meals: B＆D
Destination: Potala Palace – Jokhang Temple – Barkhor Street
Accommodation: Hotel in Lhasa
Depart from Lhasa early in the morning and start your journey along the scenic Yarlung Tsangpo River Valley. This segment of the 101 Provincial Road offers breathtaking views of the river's widest stretch near Lhasa, providing a stunning introduction to the grandeur of the Tibetan Plateau.
Climb the winding road to Gambala Pass, which sits at 4,950 meters and serves as the best panoramic viewpoint for Yamdrok Lake. From this vantage point, you can admire the surreal sight of turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks—an iconic view that locals describe as “teardrops from heaven.”
Descend toward Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s three holy lakes. With its mirror-like surface and gentle curves, the lake resembles a sapphire nestled between the hills.
Continue your journey to the Karola Glacier, one of the three largest continental glaciers in Tibet. It cascades down from the slopes of Mount Nojin Kangtsang, featuring dramatic black-and-white striations that make it a photographer's paradise.
Arrive in Shigatse, meaning “The Best Manor” in Tibetan, by late afternoon. Known as the granary of Tibet and the seat of successive Panchen Lamas, Shigatse serves as both a spiritual center and the second-largest city in the region.
Meals: B
Destination: Lhasa – Yamdrok Lake – Karola Glacier – Shigatse
Accommodation: Hotel in Shigatse
Today’s drive takes you deep into the Himalayas, over Gawula Pass (5,198m), with clear weather offering a rare panoramic view of five peaks over 8,000m—including Mt. Everest.
Arrive at Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world (5,100m), set against the backdrop of the towering Everest. Explore the monastery and observe its serene setting before continuing to the nearby Everest Base Camp (EBC). Enjoy unparalleled views of Everest's north face, particularly spectacular at sunset.
Dinner is a high-altitude experience: a warm and hearty Mount Everest hotpot to fend off the chill.
Meals: B＆D
Destination: Shigatse – Gawula Pass – Rongbuk Monastery – Everest Base Camp (EBC)
Accommodation: Guesthouse near Mount Everest (basic conditions due to altitude and remoteness)
Wake up to the awe-inspiring sight of Mt. Everest in the early morning light. After breakfast, begin the return journey to Shigatse.
En route, stop at Gyatsola Pass (5,248m), where prayer flags flutter in the high mountain winds. Take in the sweeping views of the snowbound peaks before descending to the plateau.
Arrive back in Shigatse and enjoy a restful evening.
Meals: B
Destination: Everest Base Camp – Gyatso La Pass – Shigatse
Accommodation: Hotel in Shigatse
After breakfast, visit the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. Explore its golden-roofed chapels, large prayer halls, and the world’s largest statue of the Future Buddha.
Then return to Lhasa via tourist coach or train, retracing the scenic route through the plateau. Arrive in Lhasa by evening for your final night.
Meals: B
Destination: Shigatse – Tashi Lhunpo Monastery – Lhasa (by tourist bus or train)
Accommodation: Hotel in Lhasa
After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer you to the airport or train station for your onward journey. Farewell, Tibet!
Meals: B
Destination: Lhasa Airport or Railway Station
Accommodation: /
Cost
Includes
- Based on a private tour for 2 people;
- Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel;
- Professional licensed English-speaking guide;
- Admission tickets for all attractions listed in the itinerary;
- Accommodation as listed in the itinerary (4-star or 5-star standard);
- Domestic flights (economy class) and high-speed trains (second class) as listed in the itinerary;
- Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space;
- Airport (and train station) pick up and drop off;
- Luggage Transfers: between airports (railway station) and hotels;
- All meals as listed ("Breakfast" for Chinese and Western breakfast buffet in your hotel; "Lunch" for Chinese Lunch in local restaurant; "Dinner" for Chinese dinner in local restaurant.);
- Our service charge, including tour planning, handling, operational and communication charges.
Excludes
- China visa;
- International flights to and from China;
- Personal expenses;
- Accommodation not listed in the itinerary;
- Tourist sites which are not listed in the itinerary;
- Recommended optional activities;
- Flights or trains not listed in the itinerary;
- Excess Baggage Charges.