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.
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Our Price From
US$2,330 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $999 per person
Operator
G Adventures
Trip Style
Classic
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
6-99 Years
Max. Group Size
15
Pace
Moderate
Guide Style
Fully Guided
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.
Accommodation: Celebrity Ruicheng Hotel
Included Experiences
- Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
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.
Accommodation: Lhasa Banak Shol Hotel
Included Experiences
- Orientation Walk: Join your CEO for an orientation walk around Lhasa.
- Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
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.
Accommodation: Lhasa Banak Shol Hotel
Included Meals: Dinner
Included Experiences
- Tibetan Cooking Class: Join your group for a local Tibetan cooking class. Make delicious, local dumplings called momos. Then sit together and enjoy your yummy creations!
- Jokhang Temple Tour: Enjoy a tour of this beautiful temple, which has been called the spiritual heart of Tibet. Watch prostrating pilgrims circle the temple day and night, some of them traversing the extremes of the Tibetan landscape by foot to come here and celebrate their faith. Make a kora ("revolution" in Tibetan) of the Barkhor, the holiest devotional circuit, which surrounds the Jokhang and houses a market bazaar where people bargain for Buddha images, yak skulls with ruby eyes, woodcarvings, carpets, prayer wheels, and the odd goat's head.
- Barkhor Square Orientation Walk: Explore the square with your CEO and learn more about this city.
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.
Accommodation: Lhasa Banak Shol Hotel
Included Experiences
- Potala Palace Tour: Enjoy a tour of Potala Palace, a magnificent structure and true architectural wonder built in the 1600s and steeped in history. This is where the Dalai Lamas would meditate, handle affairs of state, and eventually where their burial stupas remain. Check out the golden statues, three dimensional mandalas, ancient scriptures, and the devoted pilgrims who circle the palace day and night. This is truly a remarkable place.
- Sera Monastery Tour: Visit the Sera Monastery and witness the monks engaged in lively debate, a philosophical practice they have held for hundreds of years.
Set off early this morning for Gyantse. The drive to Gyantse is a spectacular one, crossing three passes over 5,000m (16,404 ft) and skirting the shores of the beautiful turquoise lake, Yamdrok Tso. Enjoy a visit to the lake in the morning. Then visit Karola Glacier en route and grab a bite of lunch if you wish in Nagarze. 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.
Accommodation: Gyangtse Yutok Hotel
Included Experiences
- Orientation Walk: Get your bearings of Gyantse on CEO led orientation walk.
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.
Accommodation: Gesar Hotel
Included Experiences
- Pelkor Chode Monastery and Gyantse Kumbum Visit : Enjoy a visit to these two significant places in Tibetan Buddhism. Pelkor Chode Monastery was founded in 1418 and is regarded as the centre of Gyantse. Gyantse Kumbum (meaning 100,000 images) is an 8 story structure containing a seemingly endless series of tiny chapels full of Buddhist images – Buddhas, demons, protectors, and saints.
- Tashilhunpo Monastery Visit: This massive complex is visited daily by hundreds of devotees, armed with yak butter to feed the lamps, who prostrate themselves around the stupas or walk up to the chapel that houses the 26m-high (85ft), gold-plated statue of the Maitreya (future) Buddha.
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.
Accommodation: Luowa Hotel
Included Experiences
- Sakya Monastery Visit: Take in the stunning views of one of Tibet's oldest monasteries and surrounding landscape.
Pack an overnight daypack, and depart to make your way towards your overnight near Everest Basecamp. Visit the Rongbuk Monastery on an easy walk. Tonight, spend the night in yak hair tents that allow you to get as close as possible to Basecamp in the hopes of getting glimpses of Mt Everest. Choose to go on additional hikes to the upper monastery with your CEO. 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.
Accommodation: Rongbuk Tent Guesthouse
Included Experiences
- Rongbuk Monastery Visit: Enjoy a visit to Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world. It was first built in 1902 by the Nyingma Lama and originally housed more than 500 monks. Today, only about 50 monks and nuns remain, sharing the same prayer hall but maintaining separate residences. The nuns here are great fun and will be delighted to have you join their evening prayers.
- Everest Viewpoint (North): Take a short hike up to an Everest viewpoint about 2.2km away from Everest Basecamp. Even though the viewpoint isn't from the Basecamp, it doesn't mean the views will be any less breathtaking. Pack some water and your camera and get hiking for a tiny taste of what it's like to scale this magnificent mountain.
- Everest Base Camp Yak Hair Tent: At the foot of Mt Everest, stay in a tent similar to those of nomadic Tibetan people. From a tent made completely on yak hair, take in the breathtaking view of Mt Everest.
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.
Accommodation: Kyirong Shell Hotel
Included Experiences
- Orientation Walk: Take an orientation walk of Kyirong town, 2400 m above sea level.
Today, cross the border into Nepal. The overland journey from Tibet to Nepal is considered one of the most stunning drives in Asia. Once across the border, travel to Kathmandu to enjoy a final evening in the city. 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.
Accommodation: Hotel Traditional Comfort
Included Experiences
- Border Crossing (Kyirong to Rasuwa): Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
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.
Accommodation: Hotel Traditional Comfort
Included Experiences
- Bhaktapur Excursion: Visit this unique old town known as the City of Devotees. Explore Hindu temples, pagodas, palaces, and monuments, including the beautiful wood-carved palace in Durbar Square. You can pick up clay pots and other souvenirs in the colourful open markets and taste home made yogurt, known as khopa dhau, which Bhaktapur is famous for.
- Durbar Square Orientation Walk : Every orientation walk will be a little different, allowing our CEOs to show off their favourite bits of the square. Learn more about Durbar Square and Kathmandu and get a good introduction to Nepal.
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
- Train, private vehicle, walking, plane
- One CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout China and Tibet
- You will have a Nepalese CEO in Nepal
- 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.
- 1 dinner
- 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 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.
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
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.
Dates & Pricing
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.
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.
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.
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