China
Embark on a journey of extremes, striking across the starkly beautiful landscapes of Tibet, on the roof of the world, before descending into the verdant and chaotic valleys of Nepal under the ever watchful gaze of the mighty Himalayas.
Embark on a journey of extremes, striking across the starkly beautiful landscapes of Tibet, on the roof of the world, before descending into the verdant and chaotic valleys of Nepal under the ever watchful gaze of the mighty Himalayas.
Fly overnight to Chengdu. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
A visit to Chengdu's most famous Panda Conservation Centre allows you to see China's celebrated bears up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. Stroll through People's Park to Matchmaker's Corner, where parents come to look for suitors for their children and visit a traditional teahouse.
Fly to Lhasa, the heart and soul of Tibet. The afternoon is free to relax and acclimatise to the altitude.
Lhasa is a modern city but among the old streets at its core you will feel a million miles from the modern world. Venture inside Jokhang Temple where queues of people worship in the flickering light of yak butter candles. Wander around the Barkhor where the streets are lined with stalls selling trinkets, religious relics and exquisite jewellery and where traditionally dressed locals and pilgrims are plentiful. There will also be a visit to Sera Monastery to witness the debating monks. This evening, try yak burgers for dinner.
The Potala Palace is an architectural wonder towering over the city. The former winter palace of the Dalai Lama, it houses thousands of rooms filled with old treasures. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Tibetan dance performance.
Travel across Tibet's stark plains to Shigatse. Dominated by a fort reminiscent of the Potala, Shigatse is Tibet's second city and the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. Take a stroll through the local market and browse the wares on sale.
Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the hilltop complex that is the monastic seat of the Panchen Lama. From here, drive to New Tingri, also known as Shegar. When crossing the Gyatso-la Pass, admire small Tibetan villages and ruins of ancient dzongs along the way.
Rise early to make the final assault across the Gue-La Pass to Rongbuk, a monastic village festooned in colourful prayer flags. With the Himalayas dominating the horizon, stop en route at the world's highest post office, then continue to Everest Base Camp Boundary Monument. Situated under the gaze of Everest's north face, the views of the world's highest peak are unsurpassed (weather permitting). A total of 4-5 hours will be spent on foot today.
Drive to the pleasant town of Gyantse which was once an integral stop on the historic trade route between India and Tibet. Located inside the Pelkor Monastery, visit the Gyantse Kumbum which is home to the largest chorten in Tibet and houses exquisite sculptures and paintings that rise 35 metres over four floors. Stay overnight in the town.
Drive back to Lhasa, making a stop to admire the colossal Karuola Glacier, stretching down the side of Mount Simila towards the road. Also stop to admire the breathtaking turquoise-blue waters of the sacred Yamdrok Lake, backed by the snowy peaks of the Himalayas. Overnight in Lhasa.
Fly to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. The tiny Kingdom of Nepal sits atop the Himalayas wedged between India, Tibet and China. Upon arrival, meet your Nepalese guide and transfer to Dhulikhel to see the traditional Nuwari houses and browse the local market.
Take a visit to Changu Narayan Temple before taking a hike to Telkot through the forest landscapes, admiring the stunning Himalayan scenery. Drive to Bhaktapur and see the Old Houses and meet a local Newari family before enjoying a traditional Nepalese lunch. This afternoon wander Bhaktapur's cobblestone streets where you will stumble across many old courtyards, temples and artisans busy at their craft. Visit the Golden Gate and the Palace of 55 Windows on Durbar Square.
Fly to Pokhara. The town sits on the verdant banks of Phewa Lake with virtually uninterrupted views of the majestic Annapurna and Manaslu ranges. Take a walking tour, admiring the views. The next day, visit the Old Bazaar, Bindyabasini Temple, Gupteshwor Cave and Devi's Fall before looking around the International Mountain Museum.
Rise early to visit a Hindu Temple before departing for Chitwan National Park. The next day, take an early morning nature walk and visit the elephant stables. Later, enjoy a serene trip down the Rapti River to view the animals on the river banks. Observe an elephant bath and this evening enjoy a traditional Tharu Stick dance performed by local farmers.
Drive to Daman which has one of the most spectacular outlooks over the Himalayan range of anywhere in Nepal. Continue to Kathmandu.
Essentially a suburb of Kathmandu, Patan was once the capital of an independent kingdom, something that is noticeable in its distinctiveness. See the UNESCO World Heritage Royal Palace and the sights of Patan's Durbar Square. Returning to Kathmandu, visit the Bodhnath Stupa and Monastery for a very special Lama blessing. Continue to Pashupatinath Temple.
Kathmandu is a city of many layers - a modern day assault on the senses, a hub of cultural and artistic heritage and a monument to the medieval era. Today's visits include Swayambhunath Temple, Durbar Square, the Kumari Temple and Thamel Market.
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
Please contact us for alternative dates, durations and departure airports. Prices shown are for guidance only and are subject to availability.
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Opening Hours
Mon - Thur: 9am - 5:30pm
Fri: 9am - 5pm
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport
London to Chengdu 11.5 hours
GMT +7
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