16 Days Tibet and Nepal Adventure from Chengdu

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Welcome to Chengdu

   Upon your arrival at Chengdu, a local driver will be waiting to pick you up. He will then transfer you to your carefully selected hotel. After check-in, the remainder of the day is yours at leisure to explore at your own pace. You can ask your tour guide or travel consultant for some recommendations.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: in Chengdu

2. Day 2: Chengdu City Highlights
   Observe Cute Pandas in Their Natural Habitat

   This morning, the Chengdu tour guide will lead you to visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, home to over two hundred pandas. Observe these cute animals in their natural habitat and at the same time learn about the conservation activities to save the species. You will get some interesting information on the lifestyle habits of the pandas from your expert guide, and an exceptional chance to see the baby pandas at up close. Following the panda tour, transfer to a tranquil ancient Buddhist temple - Wenshu Temple.

   

   In the afternoon, go to Renmin Park, a relaxing public park where locals gather to have fun in many activities. Take a stroll, have a cup of tea at one of the tea houses (at your own expense), and enjoy the laid-back Chengdu way of life. In the later afternoon, walk down the ancient Jinli Old Street. The popular pedestrian street is lined with the Ming and Qing dynasties architecture and various Sichuan snacks. Try street food, shop for small handicrafts, and experience the lively ambiance.

   

   In the evening, you may wish to watch an amazing performance of Sichuan Face Changing Opera (Optional, Extra Fee). It is characterized by rapid changes of masks. You will be blown away by the performers' skills and colorful costumes!

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Chengdu

3. Day 3: Fly to Lhasa, Tibet

   After breakfast, take a flight to Lhasa, Tibet. Upon arrival at the Gonggar Airport, be welcomed by your expert guide and driver. They will send you to your selected hotel. After check-in, have a good rest and acclimatize to the high altitude in Lhasa (3,650 meters).

   Please avoid strenuous exercise on your first day in Lhasa and avoid drinking alcohol.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Lhasa

   

4. Day 4: Lhasa City Landmarks
   Explore the Essence in Lhasa from Palace to Street

   Your Tibet tour starts at the Potala Palace, located on the Red Hills. This UNESCO-listed World Cultural Heritage Site since 1994, is the winter palace of the Dalai Lama. The Potala Palace is a castle complex composed mainly of the White Palace and the Red Palace. The White Palace is where the Dalai Lama lives and governs, while the Red Palace is primarily for religious use.

   

   In the afternoon, we will visit Jokhang Temple, which is a Tibetan Buddhist temple with over 1,300 years of history! The temple itself is a four-storey wooden building complex with a golden roof. You can see the entire architectural complex from the square, with a mixture of Tibetan, Tang, Nepalese, and Indian architectural works. There is a wonderful historical story behind the temple with the main players being Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wencheng.

   The last stop of the day is Barkhor Street, one of the most famous circumambulation and shopping areas of Lhasa, surrounding the Jokhang Temple. Here, the ancient look and way of life of the ancient city are relatively well preserved. Each side of the street is lined with hand polished cobblestones and, on the right side, storefronts serve as a source of religious relics such as bronze Buddhas, butter lamps, prayer flags, scriptures, and incense offerings, along with daily necessities, Tibetan quilts, hats, wooden bowls, barley wine, sweet tea, handicrafts, contorted thangka paintings, handkerchiefs, Tibetan carpets, and products from India, Nepal, Myanmar, Kashmir, etc. After the visit, return to the hotel to rest.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Lhasa

   

5. Day 5: Temple Exploration
   Visit Lhasa's Some of the Most Famous Temples

   After breakfast, drive to Norbulingka Park in the western suburbs. Founded in the 1840s, this is a typical Tibetan style garden where successive Dalai Lamas have sought refuge from the summer heat. After more than 200 years of expansion, the entire garden has over 100 species of plants, some of which are common trees in the local area, some are exotic grasses from the Himalayas, and some are precious flowers transplanted from the mainland or imported from abroad. In addition, you can see exquisite gold and copper statues.

   

   Drepung Monastery is one of the large temples of the Yellow Sect in Tibetan Buddhism and it was the biggest of all Tibetan temples. You will be taken to see six main scripture halls that have numerous valuable cultural artifacts such as gilded Buddha statues, thangkas and Buddhist scriptures.

   Afterward, transfer to Sera Monastery, which is known as one of the three major monasteries in Lhasa along with Drepung Monastery and Ganden Monastery, and is the latest one built among them. The temple houses tens of thousands of Vajra Buddha statues, a small portion of which were brought back from India. You can also see well preserved colored murals on the walls of the main hall and scripture halls. Debate is a discussion of Buddhist knowledge and a highlight of Sera Monastery. The monks here have a daily debate activity, during which you will witness this magnificent scene.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Lhasa

6. Day 6: Drive to Shigatse
   Enjoy Landscapes of Plateau Lakes, Snow-capped Peaks

   Say goodbye to the city of Lhasa and drive to Shigatse. Stop for sightseeing at Yamdrok Lake on the way. The name Yamdrok Lake in Tibetan language means "Jasper Lake" and it's one of the three holy lakes in Tibet along with Namtso and Manasarovar. At Yamdrok lake, you will see landscapes of plateau lakes, snow capped mountains, wildlife and plant life, temples, and so on. Hike to the lake and enjoy the scenery. The lake water is amazing as the lake water changes in color based on the light. This produces many different colors, including light blue, deep blue, peacock blue... However, when the sky is covered with dark clouds, the lake will turn gray.

   

   Driving for about 2 hours to reach the Karola Glacier. It is the nearest landscape to the highway in Tibet. The huge glacier extends from the mountaintop to the roadside only a few hundred meters away from the highway, which is quite spectacular. Many famous movies such as Red River Valley have filmed outdoor scenes here, which further increased the fame of the Karola Glacier We will have lunch in Gyantse town today

   Continue your visit to Palcho Monastery (altitude 3,900 meters) in the afternoon. It took 10 years to complete and is a typical Tibetan Buddhist temple that combines towers and temples. The Bodhi Pagoda is the highlight of the temple, with nine floors and a height of 42.2 meters. Boasting 76 Buddhist halls, 108 shrines and scripture halls, it is a unique treasure in the history of Chinese architecture. There are over 100,000 Buddha statues painted in the hall, hence the name 'Ten Thousand Buddha Pagoda'.

   Note: Considering that the journey may be a bit long today, it is recommended that you bring some food and drinks to ensure that you stay energized throughout the entire road trip.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Shigatse

7. Day 7: Journey to the Roof of the World
   Capture Magnificent Scenery of Sunset Reflected on Snow Mountains

   After breakfast, continue your Tibet adventure to the amazing Mt. Everest! After about 4 hours, we will arrive at the Tingri Prefecture. You can get the first view of Mt. Everest from the Tingri Viewpoint. After entering the Everest Scenic Area, enjoy a panoramic view of the Himalayas from the Gwaura Pass.

   Next, continue along the road leading to Mount Everest. You will find that the mountain peaks are getting bigger and bigger. Arriving at the base camp, Mount Everest looks like a huge pyramid. We will arrive at Mount Everest Base Camp before sunset. At that time, you will capture the magnificent scenery of a golden sunset reflected on white snow-capped mountains.

   

   Notes:

   1. Tent camp: normally 8-12 people would share a tent together but it's clean. Please note that the tent camp has very limited facilities and food options, don't expect room facilities and services like in urban hotels.
   2. If the tent camp is removed from October to April due to the cold weather, you will stay overnight in the monastery guesthouse.
   3. Due to the high altitude and cold weather, you are recommended to keep warm and drink a lot of water to reduce altitude sickness symptoms.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: at Everest Base Camp

8. Day 8: Drive to Gyirong Town
   Visit a Rare Mixed Temple of Monks and Nuns

   Wake up early to witness the spectacular sunrise over Mount Everest. You will see the morning light coloring the snow-covered mountain top in gold and pink. This is something you will never forget. If you are lucky, you will be able to see the elusive milky white "flag clouds", a unique spectacle on Mount Everest. From a distance, the clouds look like a flag flying over the peak.

   

   After breakfast, be guided to visit Rongbuk Monastery. Located at the end of the Rongbuk Glacier at the foot of Mount Everest, 5150 meters above sea level, Rongbuk Monastery is a rare mixed temple of monks and nuns. The whole temple is built on the mountain, and there are five floors, now only two floors still in use. It is a good location for viewing Mount Everest, especially the Mani Stones Pile and the White Pagoda at the entrance of the temple.

   After that, you will be transferred to Gyirong Town. Enjoy towering mountains and beautiful lakes along the way. Upon arrival, check in at the local hotel.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Gyirong

9. Day 9: Transition to Kathmandu

   Today we will drive from Gyirong Town to Gyirong Port. The falling altitude means that we are about to leave Tibet.

   Crossing the border into Nepal at Gyirong Port. The local Nepalese tour guide is already waiting for you there. The driver then escort you to Kathmandu, the capital and largest city of Nepal. Check into your hotel upon arrival. You can explore this ancient city with a history of over 1,200 years on your own.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Kathmandu

10. Day 10: Kathmandu's Cultural Treasures
    See Over 50 Temples and Palaces at the Kathmandu Durbar Square

    After breakfast, hop on a cultural discovery of Kathmandu starting at Kathmandu Durbar Square, located in front of the old palace. Here you can see the classical architecture of Nepal between the 16th and 19th centuries, with over 50 temples and palaces. The tour guide will take you to visit some major temples and explain their backgrounds.

    

    Continue your visit to Swayambhunath, built in the 3rd century BC, which is one of the oldest Buddhist holy sites in Asia. The main building is a giant stupa, with a conical body and a square base with eye patterns painted on all four sides. Around the main stupa, there are some small stupas and prayer wheels. Due to many wild monkeys here, it is also known as the "Monkey Temple" by local people. Next is Bodhnath Stupa, the world's largest circular pagoda with a height of 38 meters and a diameter of 100 meters.

    After a day of temple exploration, drive 35 kilometers to Nagarkot, a place known for its magnificent scenery of the Himalayas (including Mount Everest). Check into the hotel and enjoy the stunning sunset over the Himalayas, casting a golden glow on the snow peaks.

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: in Kathmandu

    

11. Day 11: Heritage in Bhaktapur
    Be Amazed by the Landmarks on the Bhaktapur Durbar Square

    Wake up early to capture the beautiful sunrise over Mount Everest. After that, go back to enjoy the breakfast.

    Then your guide will take you to visit the Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Compared to the other two Durbar squares in Nepal, Bhaktapur Durbar Square is wider. Known as the 'open-air museum', this square houses the palace of the Malla Dynasty dating back 500 years, as well as many unique halls, temples, stupas, statues, and more. Golden Gate stands out among many red buildings. To the southeast, there is a 30 meter high Nyatapola Temple, which is a landmark on the square. You can climb up its stairs and sit down to overlook the entire square.

    

    After the visit, drive to Pokhara (Nepal’s second largest city) for an overnight stay.

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: in Pokhara

12. Day 12: Natural Wonders of Pokhara
    Explore the Waterfalls, Caves, and Temples in Pokhara

    Pokhara is the most famous scenic spot in Nepal. This morning you will explore the natural scenery of the area. David's Fall is located about 4 kilometers southwest of the city. It is said that a couple from Switzerland (male named David) embarked on a hiking expedition and discovered this waterfall. But due to the slippery ground, they fell and were swallowed up by the waterfall. People named the waterfall after them. Later, in order to alert tourists and increase the mystery of the waterfall, its name gradually evolved into Devil's Falls.

    

    Proceed further to Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, the most popular cave of Pokhara, which stretches for over 2,000 meters long, and located directly opposite to David's Falls. March on with your knowledgeable tour guide into the cave and you will spot Shiva and thousands of Lingas enshrined in there.

    You will take a trip to some temples after lunch on your Nepal tour of Pokhara. Bindhyabasini Temple is located on the top of a small hill north of the old market. Inside the temple's main hall is the Combative Goddess Durga, the Prosperous God Vishnu,and the Black God who is worshipped by women in particular.

    Tal Barahi Temple is a two-storey stupa temple. This is a Hindu temple located on a small island southeast of Lake Fewa in Pokhara. We need to take a boat to reach the temple. Here is the protector of the god - Durga. After the visit, we return to the hotel to rest.

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: in Pokhara

13. Day 13: Pokhara to Chitwan
    Spectacular Sunset View from a Boat

    After having breakfast, set off on a trip to Chitwan. You will drive through amazing countryside in Nepal. Chitwan is a national park that is well known in all of Asia for their unicorn rhinoceros. The unicorn rhinoceros is an endangered species in the world and very beloved.

    After arriving, check into your hotel. As the sun is about to set, take a boat tour along the Narayani River (at our own expense) to enjoy the spectacular sunset. The sun paints the sky in warm tones.

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: in Chitwan

    

14. Day 14: Jungle Adventure
    Have Thrilling Experiences in Chitwan National Park

    After breakfast, we start exploring the jungle and encountering wild animals. Chitwan National Park is a refuge for endangered species, including the unicorn rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, and Gangetic dolphin.

    You can have thrilling experiences such as going to the wildlife parks to see many types of wild animals such as elephants, crocodiles, deer, and birds; Trekking to the inner jungle and walk through some dense vegetation and hear the sounds of the jungle; Or experience the peacefulness of the journey while canoeing down the Rapti River and looking for wild life along the river bank. In between those activites, you will be exposed to many rare animals and plants that your guide will divulge.

    Along the way, you will encounter many rare animals and plants, and your guide will share them with you.

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: in Chitwan

    

15. Day 15: Return to Kathmandu
    Walk on the Patan Durbar Square for Intricate Architecture

    Enjoy your leisurely breakfast in the beautiful environment of Chitwan. Then drive back to Kathmandu for lunch at a local restaurant.

    In the afternoon, make your way to Patan, one of three historic cities in Kathmandu. Your tour guide will take you to visit Patan Durbar Square, which is historic, as described during the day trip tour. The layout is similar to Kathmandu Durbar Square as it is rectangular and the Palace, Golden Temple, and a Fountain are located on the east, while you go to the west side to see temples of all shapes, and styles. The most notable being the Black God Temple and the Vishnu Temple. Afterwards, you will spend your final night in Kathmandu.

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: in Kathmandu

    

16. Day 16: Departure from Kathmandu

    If you'd like to have an amazing ending, consider an early morning scenic plane ride to get you closer to the tallest mountains in the world, including Mount Everest. You can take in this unique view of the Himalayas.

    After the optional mountain flight, your guide will pick you up and send you to the airport in time for your scheduled departure. This is the end of your 16-day China and Nepal tour from Chengdu. Hope you had a great time with us!

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: N/A