Itinerary Details

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  Day 1: Kathmandu-Rasuwa Gadhi

  Attractions: No
  Meals: No
  Hotel: Hotel in Rasuwa Gadhi

  In the morning, our staff will pick you up at your hotel in Kathmandu and head to Rasuwa Gadhi, a town lying on the Nepalese side of the China-Nepal border.

  Riding to Rasuwa Gadhi takes around 6-7 hours. Take your time to enjoy the diverse landscapes on the Nepalese side of the Himalayas. Upon arrival in Rasuwa Gadhi, check in at your hotel and stay overnight there.

  Tips:
  1. Please arrive in Kathmandu in advance and visit Tibet Horizon’s office in Kathmandu at least 4 working days before your departure date.
  2. To apply for the Chinese Group Visa, you need to prepare the original passport, visa fee, and service fee. Our staff will apply for the Visa on your behalf.

  

  Kathmandu

  

  Nepalese
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  Day 2: Rasuwa Gadhi-Gyirong

  Attractions: Paba Monastery, Jipu Village, Gyirong Valley
  Meals: No
  Hotel: Hotel in Gyirong

  After breakfast, you’ll head to the China-Nepal border and enter China via the Gyirong border. Your Tibetan guide and team leader will meet you there and take you to Gyirong township.

  Paba Monastery: an ancient monastery where you can see the Sambu statue brought there by Chizun Princess from Nepal when she married Srongtsen Gampo.

  Jipu Village: a popular tourist spot where you can see the majestic Jifu Canyon and Jifu Bridge connecting the village with the outside world.

  Gyirong Valley: the lowest spot in western Tibet offers you a different view. You can see pastoral terrain, dense forests, and canyon landscapes in this back garden of the Himalayas.

  Stay overnight in Gyirong.

  

  Paba Monastery

  

  Gyirong Village
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  Day 3: Gyirong-EBC

  Attractions: Mount Shishapangma, Pelkhu Tso Lake, Gyawu La Pass, Everest Base Camp
  Meals: No
  Hotel: Guestroom or tent at EBC

  Today you’ll cycle to Everest Base Camp to view the towering peak. Along the ride, you’ll see continuous snow-capped mountains and beautiful lakes.

  Mount Shishapangma: drive southwest to the Gampala Pass where you can have a perfect view of the turquoise lake and the majestic Mount Nyenchen Khangsar (7191m).

  Pelkhu Tso Lake (4591m): descending to lower elevations takes you to the beautiful Pelkhu Tso Lake. The golden glow of water and the white peaks of Mt. Shishapangma enhance each other’s beauty, offering you a breathtaking view.

  Then, you’ll cross Gyawu La Pass (5250m), which offers you the first glimpse of Mt. Everest. Then, you will continue your journey towards Everest Base Camp along the winding road with the grand Everest drawing nearer.

  Everest Base Camp (5200m)
  1. Sunset View from EBC: a breathtaking spectacle that captivates your senses as you witness the sun descend toward the horizon, casting its golden hues on the towering peak.
  2. Milky Way: being situated at a high altitude, EBC has clear and unobstructed views of the night sky. You can enjoy a luminous band of stars, weaving its way through the darkness above the snow-white peak.
  3. 5200 Monument: a monument typically marks the elevation of Everest Base Camp itself where you can take a photo to commemorate your trip to EBC.
  4. 8848 Monument: a monument represents the elevation of Mount Everest about 500m from the tent area and the closest viewing spot to Mt. Everest. You can take photos here with the monument and the majestic Everest.

  Stay overnight at Everest Base Camp or in the local village near EBC.

  

  Majestic Mt. Everest

  

  Mt. Shishapangma
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  Day 4: EBC-Shigatse

  Attractions: Sunrise of Mt. Everest, Rongbuk Monastery, Tashilunpo Monastery
  Meals: No
  Hotel: 3/4★ Hotel in Shigatse

  Weather permitting, you may appreciate the sunrise of Mt. Everest, seeing the sunlight casting its golden glow on the towering peak.

  In the morning, you will visit a simple yet unusual monastery.

  Rongbuk Monastery (5,009m): the highest monastery on the north side of Mt. Everest. Its Observation Deck is a perfect site to view the towering mountain.

  Then, you will ride to Shigatse, where you will first visit the home of Panchen Lama.

  Tashilunpo Monastery
  1. Qamba Buddha Hall: a grand hall houses the tallest and largest bronze Qamba Buddha statue where you can appreciate Buddhist art.

  Stay overnight in Shigatse.

  

  Rongbuk Monastery

  

  Tashilunpo Monastery
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  Day 5: Shigatse-Gyantse-Lhasa

  Attractions: Simila Mountain Pass, Karola Glacier, Yamdrok Lake
  Meals: Breakfast
  Hotel: 3/4★ Hotel in Lhasa

  In the morning, you’ll start your ride to Lhasa.

  From Shigatse to Gyantse, you’ll pass by green Tibetan barley fields in summer and golden ones in autumn, along with countless farms. Upon your arrival at Gyantse, you can stroll down the streets and take some photos.

  Continue your journey to Lhasa, you’ll pass through picturesque landscapes of snowy mountains, glaciers and local villages.

  Simila Mountain Pass: a stop where you can hang prayer flags.

  Karola Glacier: the largest glacier in Tibet for you to enjoy at a distance on the motor.

  Yamdrok Lake: cycling to the Gampala Pass where you can have a perfect view of the turquoise lake and the majestic Mount Nyenchen Khangsar (7,191m).

  Upon your arrival in Lhasa, check in at the hotel and have a good rest. Stay overnight in Lhasa.

  

  Karola Glacier

  

  Yamdrok Lake
• 

  Day 6: Lhasa City Tour

  Attractions: Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery
  Meals: Breakfast
  Hotel: 3/4★ Hotel in Lhasa

  After breakfast at your hotel, your guide and driver will lead you to Drepung Monastery, the largest monastery in Tibet.

  Drepung Monastery
  1. Coqen Hall: the main assembly hall, located in the center of the monastery, where you can find a fine statue of Usnisa-sitapatra, a huge statue of Maitreya (Qamba Budda) and a mass collection of Buddhist sutras.
  2. Loseling College: the biggest one of the four colleges of Drepung Monastery, offering you an insight into the monks’ practices and studies.

  In the afternoon, you’ll continue your trip to visit another famous monastery.

  Sera Monastery
  1. Coqen Hall: the main assembly hall where you can see the statue of Shvakya-ye-shes, the founder of this monastery.
  2. Sera Je College: the largest college in Sera Monastery where you can visit the chapel of Hayagriva and pray for blessings.
  3. Tibetan Monks Debates: the debates among monks (15:00-17:00, from Monday to Friday) offer you a chance to see how they gain a better comprehension of Buddhist philosophy in this process.

  Then back to the hotel for a good rest. Stay overnight in Lhasa.

  

  Drepung Monastery

  

  Sera Monastery
• 

  Day 7: Lhasa City Tour

  Attractions: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
  Meals: Breakfast
  Hotel: 3/4★ Hotel in Lhasa

  After your breakfast at the hotel, you will head to the famous landmark Potala Palace.

  Potala Palace
  1. The Viewing Platform of Jag Pori: a popular photo spot where you may appreciate the splendid sunrise.
  2. Treasure Hall of Potala: offering you an insight into Tibetan history and culture with precious artworks and cultural relics.
  3. Mountain Path to the Palace: climbing up along the zigzag mountain path with over 900 steps gives you a sense of fulfillment.
  4. White Palace: the winter palace of Dalai Lamas shows you Tibetan architectural art.
  5. Red Palace: the chapel housing stupas, tombs, and relics of Dalai Lamas where you can experience the sanctity and solemnity of religion.

  In the afternoon you will head to the oldest temple in Tibet.

  Jokhang Temple
  1. Main Hall: the central hall serves as the main point for worship and houses the precious statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve.
  2. Golden Roof: an ideal site to overlook Jokhang Temple Square and Potala Palace.

  After viewing the holiest temple, you can visit Barkhor Street encircling it.

  Barkhor Street
  1. The Circumambulation Road: an essential pilgrim route where you can join pilgrims to do a kora around the Temple.
  2. Shops and Restaurants: you can eat local food and buy handcrafts like prayer beads, prayer wheels, and thangkas in this old market.

  Back to your hotel and stay overnight in Lhasa.

  

  Potala Palace

  

  Barkhor Street
• 

  Day 8: Lhasa-Nyingchi

  Attractions: Basumtso Lake, Niyang River
  Meals: Breakfast
  Hotel: 3/4★ Hotel in Nyingchi

  Leaving Lhasa, you’ll cycle to Nyingchi. Along the way, you can enjoy the beautiful rivers, grasslands and continuous snowy mountains. You will visit Basumtso Lake en route.

  Basumtso Lake: a scenic lake in eastern Tibet. The lake is surrounded by lush forests, which creates a beautiful reflection on the blue transparent water.

  Then, keep moving east to Nyingchi by following Niyang River, a tributary of Yarlung Tsangpo River. Riding on your motor, you can appreciate the idyllic pastoral scene along the valley.

  Upon arrival, you’ll check in the hotel for a good rest.

  

  Basumtso Lake

  

  Niyang River
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  Day 9: Nyingchi-Bomi

  Attractions: Mt. Namcha Barwa, Lulang Forest
  Meals: Breakfast
  Hotel: Hotel in Bomi

  In the morning, ride about 94km to a platform where you can have a panoramic view of Namcha Barwa(7,782m).

  Mt. Namcha Barwa: a prominent peak with a rich variety of flora and fauna. You can appreciate the towering peak against the backdrop of blue sky and white clouds.

  Then, you’ll head to Lulang Forest.

  Lulang Forest: a paradise for natural lovers featuring stunning alpine scenery. Your eyes will be feasted with snow-capped mountains, beautiful forests, flower-dotted pastoral, and cloud seas.

  Then, continue your ride to Bomi. Stay overnight in Bomi.

  

  Mt. Namcha Barwa

  

  Lulang Forest
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  Day 10: Bomi-Ranwu Town

  Attractions: Midui Glacier, Ranwu Lake
  Meals: No
  Hotel: Hotel in Ranwu Town

  Today, you’ll leave Bomi to Ranwu Town. On the way, you can tour Midui Glacier.

  Midui Glacier: believed to be the most beautiful glacier in China for its integrated scenery of ice basins, snow mountains, forests, lakes, villages, and temples.

  Continue your ride to Ranwu Town, you may catch the sunset view of Ranwu Lake.

  Ranwu Lake: a vast deep blue lake glowing in the sunlight. Opposite the lake is a row of snow mountains and several steep snow-capped peaks, adding to the incomparable beauty of Ranwu Lake.

  Stay overnight in Ranwu Town.

  

  Midui Glacier

  

  Ranwu Lake
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  Day 11: Ranwu Town-Zogong

  Attractions: Seventy-two Curves of Nujiang River, Bangda Grassland
  Meals: No
  Hotel: Hotel in Zogong

  Riding to Zogong, travel across Yela Mountain and ride along the Seventy-two Curves of Nujiang River. Be careful when you ride on the narrow and winding road.

  Moving on, you’ll come across a vast grassland.

  Bangda Grassland: an alpine grassland with flowing waters and lush grass. You can see herds of cattle and sheep wandering there.

  Moving eastward, you’ll reach Zogong and stay overnight there.

  

  Seventy-two Curves of Nujiang River

  

  Bangda Grassland
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  Day 12: Zogong-Markam

  Attractions: Dongda Pass
  Meals: No
  Hotel: Hotel in Markam

  Today, move to Markam. Along the way, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, river valleys, and jumping wild animals. You’ll ride through Dongda Mountain.

  Dongda Pass: the highest mountain pass along the way, offering you a spectacular vista of zigzag paths and the incredible Lancang River.

  Stay overnight in Markam.

  

  Dongda Pass

  

  Markam County
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  Day 13: Markam-Shangri-La

  Attractions: Lancang River Grand Canyon
  Meals: No
  Hotel: 3/4★ Hotel in Shangri-La

  Today, you’ll enter Yunnan Province and reach Shangri-La. Along the way, you can see the flowing Lancang River.

  Lancang River Grand Canyon: one of China’s most beautiful canyons with the view of rushing river flows, towering snow mountains, and deep valleys. You’ll be amazed by the nearly vertical slope.

  Stay overnight in Shangri-La.

  

  Lancang River Grand Canyon

  

  Shangri-La
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  Day 14: Shangri-La Tour

  Attractions: Songzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo National Park
  Meals: Breakfast
  Hotel: 3/4★ Hotel in Shangri-La

  In the morning, you’ll visit an ancient monastery.

  Songzanlin Monastery: the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan where you can see a Sakyamuni statue of 8-meter high and exquisite murals in the halls.

  Then, you’ll visit Pudacuo National Park, the first national park in the Chinese mainland.

  Pudacuo National Park
  1. Shudu Lake: you can hear the sound of flutes and see yaks and goats grazing beside the lake.
  2. Militang Pasture: a vast green land under the blue sky with yaks and sheep scattered around. You can relax your body and mind in this tranquil place.

  Stay overnight in Shangri-La.

  

  Songzanlin Monastery

  

  Pudacuo National Park
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  Day 15: Shangri-La-Lijijang

  Attractions: Tiger Leaping Gorge, First Bend on the Yangtze River, Lijiang Ancient Town
  Meals: Breakfast
  Hotel: 3/4★ Hotel in Lijiang

  In the morning, you’ll head to Lijiang. You can tour Tiger Leaping Gorge on the way.

  Tiger Leaping Gorge: one of the deepest gorges in the world with a stunning scene of rugged river trail and breathtaking snow mountain views.

  Moving on to the First Bend on the Yangtze River, where you can see the majestic gorge scenery and glowing waters. Then, continue cycling for about 50km and you’ll reach Lijiang. You can visit Lijiang Ancient Town. Taking a walk in the town allows you to explore its orderly system of waterways and bridges and feel the local Naxi culture.

  Stay overnight in Lijiang.

  

  Tiger Leaping Gorge

  

  Lijiang Ancient Town
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  Day 16: Lijiang Tour

  Attractions: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Baisha Ancient Town
  Meals: Breakfast
  Hotel: 3/4★ Hotel in Lijiang

  In the morning, cycle to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

  Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
  1. Spruce Meadow: a large meadow hiding behind a primeval forest where you can see many wild animals.
  2. Impression Lijiang Show: a large-scale live-action performance directed by the world-famous director Zhang Yimou. With wonderful singing and dancing performances, this show provides you with an audiovisual feast.
  3. Blue Moon Valley: an extremely blue river meandering through a lush valley, where you can hear a romantic tale.

  After enjoying the beauty of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, you’ll be guided to Baisha Ancient Town, which is an enchanting traditional Naxi-style old town. You can see the famous Baisha Murals.

  Stay overnight in Lijiang.

  

  Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

  

  Baisha Ancient Town
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  Day 17: Lijijang-Dali

  Attractions: Shaxi Ancient Town, Dali Ancient Town
  Meals: Breakfast
  Hotel: 3/4★ Hotel in Dali

  Today you’ll move to Dali, another major tourist city in Yunnan Province. Along the way, you can explore ancient towns with unique ethnic cultures.

  Shaxi Ancient Town: a historic market town in Jianchuan County. It was a bustling trade point on the ancient Tea and Horse Road. You can stroll down the tranquil town to explore local ethnic culture.

  Move on to Dali Ancient Town, where you can explore the well-preserved town with rich cultural heritage.

  Dali Ancient Town: a historic town that dates back to the year 1382. You can visit Foreigners Street, the Gate Towers and the Ancient City Wall and walk around to taste local food and handicrafts.

  Stay overnight in Dali.

  

  Shaxi Ancient Town

  

  Dali Ancient Town
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  Day 18: Dali Tour

  Attractions: Longkan Wharf, Erhai Lake Cruise
  Meals: Breakfast
  Hotel: 3/4★ Hotel in Dali

  In the morning, you can cycle to Longkan Wharf to appreciate the stunning sunrise view. You can witness the sun rise from between the mountains and shine on the surface of Erhai Lake, glittering with gold.

  Then you can do an Erhai Lake cruise to fully enjoy its charm.
  1. Xizhou Ancient Town: a famous culture town where you can fully appreciate Bai-style traditional architecture and famous local dishes like Three-course Tea and Xizhou Baba.
  2. Little Putuo Island: the smallest island in the east of Erhai Lake. You can see a small temple that dates back to the Ming Dynasty.
  3. Luoquan Peninsula: situated on the east bank of Erhai Lake, it faces the Dali Old Town across the lake. It is an ideal place to view the sunset of Erhai Lake.

  After circling the lake, return to the hotel and have a good rest. Stay overnight in Dali.

  

  Xizhou Ancient Town

  

  Enjoy the Beauty of Erhai
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  Day 19: Dali-Kunming

  Attractions: Dianchi Lake, Guandu Ancient Town
  Meals: Breakfast
  Hotel: 3/4★ Hotel in Kunming

  Today you’ll ride to Kunming. After reaching Kunming, you can tour Dianchi Lake.

  Dianchi Lake: a large freshwater lake with alluring waters like a pearl embedded in Kunming. Besides the captivating lake view, you can also see many species of fish and birds.

  Also, you can go to Guandu Ancient Town in the southeastern suburb of Kunming city.

  Guandu Ancient Town: an old commercial center and transportation hub where you can visit ancient temples and pagodas, watch Kun Opera performances, and taste local food.

  Stay overnight in Kunming.

  

  Dianchi Lake

  

  Guandu Ancient Town