Best of China & Tibet

Best of China & Tibet

• Trip code: 480X023
• Dauer: 18
• Stil: Classic

China and Tibet shine in this 18-day odyssey. From buzzing Beijing to Xian's Terracotta Warriors and the Great Wall, this adventure starts by bringing you face-to-face with China's absolute best. Then, head off the beaten track as you make your way to through Tibets mountainous terrain, visiting some of the world's oldest monasteries. Camp overnight in yak hair tents, hoping to get a glimpse of Everest herself. Wrap up this thrilling tour with two days in Kathmandu, Nepal's cultural capital.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Nomadic Tent (1 night), hotel (15 nights)

Checklist

Cold weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers

Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Hiking/Trekking:
• Gloves
• Hat
• Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes
• Hiking pants (Convertible/Zip-off and quick dry recommended)
• Snacks (Protein bars, chocolate, dried fruits, candies, energy sweets)
• Socks (Trekking socks — woollen or synthetic, not cotton)
• Thermal base layer (Woollen or synthetic, not cotton)
• Walking poles (Highly recommended)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Group Leader

One CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout China, one throughout Tibet, and another in Nepal

Group Size Notes

Max 16, avg 12

Highlights

Visit natural and manmade wonders of China and Tibet, visit Great Wall of China, Explore Potala Palace, Watch as local Tibetan monks debate at the Sera Monastery, Camp with views to Everest, Explore historic Kathmandu

Introduction

China and Tibet shine in this 18-day odyssey. From buzzing Beijing to Xian's Terracotta Warriors and the Great Wall, this adventure starts by bringing you face-to-face with China's absolute best. Then, head off the beaten track as you make your way to through Tibets mountainous terrain, visiting some of the world's oldest monasteries. Camp overnight in yak hair tents, hoping to get a glimpse of Everest herself. Wrap up this thrilling tour with two days in Kathmandu, Nepal's cultural capital

Meals Included

1 Mittagessen, 2 Abendessen

Meal Budget

Plane USD545-710 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Beijing
- Wanderung durch die Hutongs
- Besuch im Himmelstempel
- Besuch des Lamatempels (25CNY pro Person)
- Besichtige den Trommel-und Glockenturm (30CNY pro Person)
- Sommerpalast (60CNY pro Person)

Mutianyu
- Toboggan at Great Wall (100-140CNY pro Person)
- Seilbahn auf der Großen Mauer (100-140CNY pro Person)

Xi'an
- Die große Moschee (25CNY pro Person)
- Besichtigung der Großen Wildganspagode (50CNY pro Person)
- Radtour auf der Stadtmauer von Xi'an (45-45CNY pro Person)
- The Tang Dynasty Cultural Show with Dumpling Banquet (328CNY pro Person)
- Südtor der Xi'an Stadtmauer (54CNY pro Person)

Start / Finish

Beijing nach Kathmandu

Transport

Train, private vehicle, walking, plane

What's Included

Dein Welcome-Moment: Anreise und Begrüßungstreffen
Dein Foodie-Moment: Local Family Lunch Xi'an, Xi'an
Dein Foodie-Moment: Tibetan Cooking Class, Lhasa
Dein Local-Living-Moment: Everest Base Camp Yak Hair Tent, Everest Base Camp. Orientation walk in Beijing, Xi'an. Forbidden City Visit. Tiananmen Square. Free time in Beijing, Xi'an. Great Wall of China. Muslim Quarters Visit. Terracotta Warriors Guided Tour. Lunch with local family in Xi'an. Giant Panda Breeding Center. 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

Internationale Flüge

Check-in-Zeiten und Freigepäck/Einschränkungen können je nach Fluggesellschaft variieren und sich jederzeit ändern. Für die aktuellsten Informationen zu deinem Flug wende dich bitte an deine Fluggesellschaft. Wir empfehlen Online-Check-in, um mögliche Verzögerungen am Flughafen zu vermeiden

Minimum Age

Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Beijing

Arrive at any time. Attend a welcome meeting in the evening followed by an orientation walk with your CEO in the area of Beijing near the joining hotel. There will be an optional group dinner afterwards at a local restaurant

Day 2 Beijing

Visit the vast expanses of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Use free time to explore the Hutongs (historic narrow streets and alleys) or The Temple of Heaven, the Drum and Bell Tower, Lama Temple, or Summer Palace

Day 3 Beijing

Travel north to the Great Wall, one of the most iconic sights in all of China. Spend the better part of the day exploring and taking photos, soaking in the atmosphere

Day 4 Beijing/Xi’an

In the morning catch a bullet train from Beijing to vibrant Xi'an. After settling in at your hotel go on an orientation walk with your CEO and visit points of interest around the city like the bustling Muslim Quarter. Known as one of Xi'an's most fascinating areas, you will pass the lovely and unusual Great Mosque and wander by food stalls with some of the best street eats in China

Day 5 Xi’an

Visit one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures—the Terracotta Warriors. This evening, opt for a dumpling banquet with your CEO and group

Day 6 Xi’an/Chengdu

Spend a free morning in Xi'An then board a bullet train in the afternoon to Chengdu. After getting settled at the hotel, join an orientation walk around the city. In the evening sit down for a Hotpot dinner with the group

Day 7 Chengdu

Enjoy a morning visit to see pandas at the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. Witness the conservation efforts being made to save this endearing species. Afterwards, take time for lunch on your own before your CEO will take the group to People's Park by metro for an orientation walk. End the walk in Tianfu Square, located in the city centre of Chengdu. Take the metro back to the hotel before an optional group dinner in the evening

Day 8 Chengdu/Lhasa

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

Day 9 Lhasa

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

Day 10 Lhasa

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

Day 11 Lhasa/Gyantse

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

Day 12 Gyantse/Shigatse

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

Day 13 Shigatse/Sakya

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

Day 14 Sakya/Everest Base Camp

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

Day 15 Everest Base Camp/Kyirong

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

Day 16 Kyirong/Kathmandu

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

Day 17 Kathmandu

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

Day 18 Kathmandu

Depart at any time

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Beijing

Day 2 Beijing

Explore bustling Beijing including the famous Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City. Due to restrictions in China after the pandemic, the maximum daily capacity in the Forbidden City has been reduced from 80,000 to 30,000. This significant decrease in daily tickets has had a great impact on availability for both individuals and group tours to secure tickets, especially during he summer season. Our local team works very hard to secure tickets for each group. However, on the off chance we are unable to secure tickets to the Forbidden City, we will visit the Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven, places of similar architecture and importance

Day 3 Beijing

Head out to discover the wonders of the Great Wall of China.

Day 4 Beijing/Xi’an

Day 5 Xi’an

Day 6 Xi’an/Chengdu

Hotpot is a very local way to have a meal. We sit around a table with a pot built in the middle – the pot is divided into 2 halves (spicy vs. non-spicy usually). The restaurants flavoured soup is added and brought to a boil, then we can start adding our food in the pot to cook ( including vegetable, meat or fish). The table also offers various sorts of herbs, spices, oil etc so you can make your own soup to taste.

Day 7 Chengdu

Day 8 Chengdu/Lhasa

Day 9 Lhasa

Day 10 Lhasa

Day 11 Lhasa/Gyantse

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.

Day 12 Gyantse/Shigatse

Day 13 Shigatse/Sakya

Day 14 Sakya/Everest Base Camp

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. Pack a small overnight bag with everything you need for tonight and tomorrow morning. Your big suitcase will be safely stored and you will not have access to it until the following day

Day 15 Everest Base Camp/Kyirong

Day 16 Kyirong/Kathmandu

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.

Day 17 Kathmandu

Day 18 Kathmandu