Essential Tibet

12 Days Chengdu to Kathmandu
Essential Tibet
Essential Tibet
Essential Tibet

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 12 Day Essential Tibet. From the sacred peaks of Tibet to the cultural hub of Kathmandu, explore overland the best of the Himalayas on this 12-day tour. Discover mighty temples and small outposts on a journey that offers incredible vistas at every turn of the trail. Camp in yak hair tents at the base of mighty Everest, and try your hand at making Tibetan momos. This adventure takes you from China through Tibet's incredible mountain scenery and delivers you straight to Kathmandu, Nepal's heart and soul.
Save 13%
Our Price From
US$2,906 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $423 per person
Check Availability
Trip Length
Trip Length

12 Days

Trip Starts
Trip Starts

Chengdu

Trip Ends
Trip Ends

Kathmandu

Countries Visited
Countries Visited:
Operator
Operator
G Adventures
Trip Style
Trip Style

Classic

Budget
Budget

Affordable

Age Range
Age Range

6-99 Years

Max. Group Size
Max. Group Size

15

Pace
Pace

Moderate

Guide Style
Guide Style

Fully Guided

Tour Code
Tour Code

ACLK

Itinerary

Arrive at any time and get settled in. Your China and Tibet adventure kicks off with a welcome briefing with your CEO and fellow travelers. If you're up for a meal, join your CEO for a local dinner after the briefing. Stay: Celebrity Ruicheng Hotel

Today begins your journey to Tibet. Board a flight to Lhasa and as you make your way off the plane, you will be greeted by your Tibetan CEO. Grab your bags and head to the hotel and join your CEO for an orientation walk of Lhasa. Stay: Lhasa Banak Shol Hotel

Spend the morning with your CEO exploring the Unesco World Heritage site of Jokhang Temple. Walk throughout the complex and take note of the many original pieces still intact from the original construction. Then, continue the tour in Lhasa's oldest district to explore Barkhor Street, an ancient and holy pilgrimage path. Then enjoy free time in the heart of the Tibetan Quarter. We recommend getting some lunch at a local teahouse. In the evening, we'll have a cooking class of traditional Tibetan food and then sit down together to eat what we made. Stay: Lhasa Banak Shol Hotel (D)

Start today's adventure with a visit to the Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This dzong fortress was the winter palace of Dalai Lamas for over three hundred years. Then in the afternoon, visit Sera monastery and witness the monks at debate. This unique cultural practice allows for a deeper understanding of Buddhist philosophy and visitors are allowed to observe as per a set schedule. Stay: Lhasa Banak Shol Hotel

As you make your way from Lhasa to Gyantse, make a few important stops along the way. First, visit Yamdrok Lake, a stunning freshwater blue lake thought to be part of a sacred group of four lakes guarded by a local deity. Then, drive through Karola Pass en route to Karola glacier where you will stop to admire the view of the Tibetan stupa flanked by glacial mountains all around. Arrive to Gyantse and if you have steam left, join your CEO to hike to the Gyantse Fortress for a birds-eye view of the area. Stay: Gyangtse Yutok Hotel

Today provides another opportunity to visit a sacred Tibetan Buddhist site in Gyantse. Visit Pelkor Chode Monastery this morning to admire the many sculptures and paintings lining the walls. See Gyantse Kumbum, the iconic multi-leveled edifice. Then, travel to Shigatse and visit the Tashilunpo Monastery, one of the most culturally significant monasteries in Shigatse. Witness monks going about their day and choose to join in with the kora, a meditative practice. Stay: Gesar Hotel

Bid Shigatse farewell and travel onward to Sakya, and visit the Sakya Monastery and Nunnery. Return to the hotel on foot and choose to join your CEO for dinner. Stay: Luowa Hotel

Please note that the yak hair tents are closed for the winter (October-Early April). Everest Base Camp area may also close without warning due to bad weather, political issues, natural disasters, etc. If we do not stay in the tented camp, we will stay in a local guesthouse with an incredible view of the Himalayas on a clear day. Stay: Rongbuk Tent Guesthouse

Depart Everest and make your way back the way you came to the entrance of the park. Board a private vehicle headed to Kyirong. This border town is known for it's warmer climate and green landscape. Relax and enjoy the view. Stay: Kyirong Shell Hotel

Prepare for another beautiful driving day on your way to Nepal. Cross high mountain passes amongst fluttering prayer flags, enjoy jaw dropping views of the Himalayan range, stunning lakes and forest, then begin to descend in altitude towards lush, green Nepal. After immigration, cross the bridge joining Tibet and Nepal by foot. Jump in the vehicle and make the winding, bumpy, yet extremely scenic drive to Kathmandu. Kyirong-Rasuwa is the main customs border crossing between Tibet and Nepal, for tourists and for commercial purpose. As such, it can be quite busy and there can be long wait times. Stay: Hotel Traditional Comfort

Join your CEO on a morning exploration of Bhaktapur. A World Heritage Site, Bhaktapur is made up of three large squares filled with shrines, temples and plenty of activity. In its heyday, Bhaktapur was the most powerful of the Kathmandu Valley kingdoms and its capital for 300 years. Return to Kathmandu for the afternoon at leisure. Join your CEO for an optional farewell dinner to your incredible journey through China, Tibet and Nepal. Stay: Hotel Traditional Comfort

Depart at any time.

Trip Inclusions

  • Stay in a Yak hair tent.
  • Traditional to nomadic Tibetans.
  • With an incredible view of Mt. Everest.
  • Explore Lhasa and take a tour of the famed Potala Palace.
  • Witness Tibetan Monks debate at the Sera Monestary.

  • Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Your Foodie Moment: Tibetan Cooking Class, Lhasa
  • Your Local Living Moment: Everest Base Camp Yak Hair Tent, Everest Base Camp
  • Orientation walk in Lhasa, Durbar Square
  • Gyantse, Jokhang Temple Tour
  • Barkhor Square Orientation Walk
  • Tibetan Cooking Class
  • Potala Palace Tour
  • Sera Monastery Tour
  • Pelkor Chode Monastery and Gyantse Kumbum Visit
  • Tashilhunpo Monastery Visit
  • Sakya Monastery Visit
  • Rongbuk Monastery
  • Everest Viewpoint
  • Everest Base Camp Yak Hair Tent
  • Border crossing to Nepal
  • Bhaktapur Excursion

  • Nomadic tent (1 night), hotel (10 nights)
  • A variety of styles of hotels/guest houses are used on this trip. In many instances they might not be like what you are used to back home as service and efficiency can vary. In some areas we stay in simple local guest houses in stunning locations - rooms are small and simple and there may only be shared toilet facilities and showers. A sleep sheet/bag is recommended as whilst there is plenty of bedding and (in most cases) it does get washed, it can be dusty and cold especially in winter/Spring.

  • One CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout China and Tibet
  • You will have a Nepalese CEO in Nepal

  • 1 dinner

  • Train, private vehicle, walking, plane

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included

Operator

G Adventures
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful more experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.

On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Trip Style: Classic
Trip Style: Classic

Get the best of both worlds with G's Classic trips as your knowledgeable CEO (Chief Experience Officer) leads you to iconic highlights and hidden gems, while ample free time lets you discover what excites you most. Enjoy included meals showcasing local flavours, plus opportunities to dive deeper into the food scene independently. Stay in comfortable hotels, authentic homestays, and unique accommodations that capture the spirit of each destination.

Play Youtube Video

Dates & Pricing USD USD

Friday 17 Apr 2026 17 Apr 26 Chengdu
Tuesday 28 Apr 2026 28 Apr 26 Kathmandu
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$3,099
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Friday 24 Apr 2026 24 Apr 26 Chengdu
Tuesday 05 May 2026 05 May 26 Kathmandu
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$3,099
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

Similar Tours

13 Day China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Hanoi (G Adventures)

13 Days Chengdu Hanoi

Operated By: G Adventures

From 1,813
Save 403
11 Day Solo-ish China (G Adventures)

11 Days Shanghai Beijing

Operated By: G Adventures

From 2,143
Save 474
13 Day Southeast Asia Family Journey: Vietnam to Cambodia (G Adventures)

13 Days Hanoi Siem Reap

Operated By: G Adventures

From 2,143
Save 544
13 Day Thailand to Laos: Kanchanaburi, Chiang Rai & Laos Countryside (G Adventures)

13 Days Bangkok Luang Prabang

Operated By: G Adventures

From 3,380
Save 719