Chengdu Tibet Nepal Air and Overland Tour
| Duration: | 11 Days |
|---|---|
| Route: | Chengdu-Lhasa-Shigatse-EBC-Gyirong-Kathmandu |
| Season: |
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| Tour Type: | Private Tour |
Overview
It's a good idea to go to Tibet from Chengdu after visiting the giant pandas and enjoying its local food and culture. You will take a flight from Chengdu to Lhasa, then experience an epic overland journey from Lhasa to Kathmandu, spend one night at Mount Everest Base Camp, and arrive in Kathmandu via Gyirong Port. You will explore spectacular scenery, have a better understanding of Tibetan Buddhism and feel the mysterious charm.
| Day | Route | Attractions & Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Chengdu | Pick up and transfer to the hotel |
| 2 | Chengdu Sightseeing | Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, Wenshu Temple, Jinli Street |
| 3 | Flight: Chengdu – Lhasa, Approx. 2.5hrs | Send off and pick up |
| 4 | Lhasa Sightseeing | Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street |
| 5 | Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse, 360km, Approx. 7hrs | Yamdroktso Lake, Karola Glacier, Pelkor Chode Monastery |
| 6 | Shigatse - Tingri - EBC, 350km, Approx. 7hrs | Gawula Pass, Everest Base Camp |
| 7 | EBC - Gyirong, 350km, Approx. 6.5hrs | Rongbuk Monastery, Peikutso Lake |
| 8 | Gyirong - Kathmandu, 160km, Approx. 8hrs | Transfer to Kathmandu via Gyirong Border |
| 9 | Kathmandu Sightseeing | Swyambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple |
| 10 | Kathmandu - Nagarkot, 35km, Approx. 1.5hrs | Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Nagarkot Village |
| 11 | Nagarkot – Kathmandu Departure, 35km, Approx. 1.5hrs | Patan Durbar Square (if time permits), transfer to Kathmandu Airport |
Daily Itinerary
CollapseUpon arrival at the airport/railway station, you will find your guide/driver holding your name sign at the exit. Then they will transfer you to your hotel in downtown Chengdu. The rest of the day is your free time.
Stay overnight in Chengdu
You will spend a whole day visiting Chengdu which has a reputation of a land of abundance. In the morning, pay a visit to Chengdu Panda Breeding Center, the home to giant pandas. The Panda Breeding Center is 10km(6 miles) in the north of Chengdu. When you arrive here, you will just catch up with the pandas' feeding time so pandas are at their most active. Then you can visit the panda museum. It takes about 2.5 hours to visit this site. After visiting Panda Breeding Center, we will drive you to Wenshu Monastery, the best-preserved Buddhist temple in Chengdu. It is the home of the Buddhist Association of Sichuan Province and Chengdu City. In Wenshu Monastery, you can visit the cultural relic and taste the delicious vegetarian food for dinner. After dinner, you may enjoy a short walk at the ancient Jinli Street. Then drive to Daci Temple, a tranquil place in Chengdu's bustling downtown areas, a few steps away from the Chunxi Road the largest shopping center in Chengdu. After a whole day's journey, it's highly recommended to have a rest and appreciate the transitional Cultural Show, including the face-changing performance.
Stay overnight in Chengdu
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Lhasa, which takes about 2.5 hours. Upon your arrival at Lhasa Airport, look for your Tibetan guide who will hold your name sign waiting for you at the exit. Then transfer to your hotel in downtown Lhasa. After arriving in Lhasa, please have a good rest and get acclimatized to high altitude.
Stay overnight in Lhasa
In the morning, your guide will meet you at the hotel and first take you to visit the famous Potala Palace, the cardinal landmark of Tibet and the masterpiece of Tibetan architecture. It was first built by the 33rd King - Songtsen Gangpo in the 7th century and rebuilt later by the 5th Dalai Lama in the 17th century. Now it's a museum and world heritage site.
In the afternoon, you will go to visit Jokhang Temple in the center of the Lhasa old town. Jokhang Temple is the most sacred temple in Tibet and it is always bustling with earnest local pilgrims since the early days. After that, you will take a walk around the Barkhor Street - one of the most devotional circuits as well as a crowded central market of Lhasa. Barkhor Street is a very ancient round street surrounding the Jokhang Temple and the locals are always proud of it. As a symbol of Lhasa, it‘s also a must-see place for visitors.
Stay overnight in Lhasa
From Lhasa to Gyantse is about 264km, en route you will pass by Gambala Mountain Pass (4,790m), where's the best place to overlook the Yamdroktso Lake. Later we will pass and enjoy the Karola Glacier, which looks spectacular from the highway. Then visit the main monastery in Gyantse - Pelkor Chode Monastery, famous for its exquisite architecture and intact murals and statues. Finally head to Shigatse via the fertile Nyangchu Valley, a wide agricultural plain where yaks and horses are used by Tibetan farmers to cultivate this land.
Stay overnight in Shigatse
Along the way, you will cross Tsola Pass and Gyatsola Pass, where colorful prayer flags flutter across the mountain passes. In the late afternoon, you will enter the Mount Everest National Nature Reserve. From Gawula Pass, you can enjoy a spectacular panorama of the Himalayan peaks before continuing along the winding mountain road to Everest Base Camp. If weather permits, you may witness the beautiful sunset over the golden summit of Mt. Everest.
Stay overnight at EBC
You can get up early and enjoy the sunrise over Everest Peak at the lodging area if the weather is good. Then you will visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world's highest monastery, located at about 5,000 meters above sea level. It is renowned for its stunning views of the north face of Mount Everest and its peaceful Tibetan Buddhist atmosphere.
After sightseeing, we will drive to Gyirong, the border that connects Tibet & Nepal. On the way, tourists can enjoy the breathtaking vista of Mt. Shishapangma and Peikutso Lake. After passing the Ghungtang Lhamo (5,236m), we will arrive in Gyirong in the late afternoon.
Stay overnight at Gyirong Town
Drive to Gyirong Port in the early morning. You are required to walk on your own to cross the border bridge which is about 50m long. Your Nepali driver will greet you on the other side of the bridge and transfer you to Kathmandu. Although the distance between Gyirong Port and Kathmandu is only over 160 kilometers, due to the poor mountain road conditions, it takes 7~9 hours from Gyirong Port to Kathmandu.
Stay overnight in Kathmandu
Today you will start to explore Kathmandu with our experienced Nepali guide. First, visit Swayambhunath Temple, also known as the Monkey Temple, an ancient Buddhist site believed to be over 2,000 years old. Admire the stupa’s iconic Buddha eyes and enjoy panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley while watching the monkeys around the complex.
Next, head to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the world’s largest stupas and an important center of Tibetan Buddhism. Observe pilgrims performing kora (ritual circumambulation) around the stupa, a fascinating glimpse into local religious traditions.
Finally, visit Pashupatinath Temple, one of Nepal’s most sacred Hindu sites, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located along the Bagmati River, the temple complex is also known for its traditional Hindu cremation rituals on the riverbanks.
Stay overnight in Kathmandu
In the morning, visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, where ancient palaces, intricately carved wooden windows, and historic temples offer a glimpse into Nepal’s rich history. Despite its historical charm, the square remains lively, with local vendors, bustling streets, pigeons, and everyday activities adding to its vibrant atmosphere. Take your time exploring the square and enjoy the local surroundings. You can also try momos, Nepal’s popular dumplings, at a nearby restaurant.
In the afternoon, drive to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, one of the three famous Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley. Once the royal seat of the Malla kings, Bhaktapur is known for its ancient palaces, temples, and traditional Newari architecture. Wander through the historic square and admire its artistic wood carvings, stone sculptures, and centuries-old buildings, which make it a remarkable showcase of medieval Nepalese art.
After the visit, drive to Nagarkot, a hill station about 35 km northeast of Kathmandu. Surrounded by forested hills, Nagarkot is known for its panoramic Himalayan views. If the weather permits, you may enjoy beautiful mountain scenery at sunset or the following morning.
Stay overnight in Nagarkot Village
After enjoying the sunrise over the Himalayas in Nagarkot, return to Kathmandu. If time permits before your flight, you can visit Patan Durbar Square, one of the historic royal squares in the Kathmandu Valley.
Patan Durbar Square is famous for its elegant Newari architecture, intricate carvings, and beautiful temples, reflecting the rich artistic traditions of the Kathmandu Valley.
Transfer to Kathmandu Airport for your flight home.
Our Service
INCLUSIONS
- Tibet Tourism Bureau Permit and all other necessary permits to Tibet;
- All entrance ticket fees for tourist attractions listed in the itinerary;
- Experienced local English-speaking tour guide;
- Travel-licensed vehicle according to group size & season as needed by the itinerary including gas and parking fees;
- All lodging listed in the itinerary; it’s your decision to choose the accommodation class: luxury 5-star international hotel, comfortable 4-star hotel, economical 3-star hotel, or guesthouse. Please tell us your preference;
- Breakfasts provided by hotels & a welcome dinner;
- Pick-up & Drop-off service from the airport/railway station;
- Travel Agency Liability Insurance;
- Government tax;
- Express delivery fee of the Permit (eg. SF Express);
- Food & lodging for guide & driver;
- Oxygen tank for emergency use;
- Two bottles of mineral water per person per day.
EXCLUSIONS
- International flights to and from China;
- Chinese Visa/China Group Visa; (Note: we could help you by providing the hotel or domestic flight reservation copies for your Chinese Visa or the invitation letter for your China Group Visa)
- Domestic flights/trains to and from Lhasa; (We can help you book the domestic flight/train ticket at the BEST price. Please contact us for details.)
- Meals are not included but we will recommend some good options for you according to your requirements. Usually, it costs USD 5-15/person for each meal.
- While the gratuity for guide and driver is NOT mandatory, it is expected. Based on their service, you can tip them on the last day of the tour. Each of you is suggested to tip them USD 8-15/day in total;
- All the commissions and taxes charged by PayPal or Bank, and government when making a payment. (e.g. PayPal --- 4.4%. Wire transfer --- 2%);
- Personal expenses, like laundry, phone calls, snacks, soft drinks, optional tour activities, etc.
- Anything not mentioned in the Inclusions.
I am well, thank you. It turned out to be a great trip. I have two excellent guides and the driver. Especially as Lakdun (not sure how to spell her name) was there to help me at the airport when my flight got cancelled. You might also be interested to know that I run spiritual retreats and pilgrim ....
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Typically Asked Questions from Our Clients
Mr. ***
Is it possible to combine the first part of this tour with the Tibet tour of my first enquiry, skipping Nepal?
Dear Wilfried, Yes, it's possible to combine your Tibet tour with Chengdu tour. Please let me know which month you are going to visit, and also your preferred hotel class. I can quote you accordingly.
Kart***
Nepal & Lhasa - Any Group Tour with flight options and I am living in shanghai
In your inquiry, you mentioned you would like to have the 12 Days Chengdu Tibet Nepal Overland Flight Tour which is a private tour. As travelers less than five, we often suggest them join our small group tour to keep the cost down. How about dividing this tour into two parts? 7 Days Lhasa Mt. Everest Kathmandu Overland Group Tour +6 Days Nepal Private Tour. May I know when would you like to do this tour?
Fede***
August 2019
Chengdu Tibet Nepal Overland Flight Tour
Could you help me with fligths roundtrip from italy?
In your inquiry, you mentioned three of you would like to do the 12 Days Chengdu Tibet Nepal Overland Tour which is a private tour.
We can book the domestic flight ticket for you. You would better to book the flight ticket from Italy to mainland China by yourself.
Nikk***
I am hoping to do this tour late April 2019 preferably starting April 22. How much will this trip cost?
In your inquiry, you mentioned that you are interested in our Chengdu Tibet Nepal Overland Flight Tour, which is a private tour. And you want to have it in April 2019. Frankly speaking, the cost of a private tour for a solo traveler would be a little bit expensive. For people less than five, we usually suggest them join our small group tours to keep the cost down.
So, how about we divide this tour into two parts? Tibet (group tour) and Nepal (private tour).
Lore***
Hi Penny. Would you please price this tour for me? It looks appealing to me as I can get Tibet and Nepal in one tour. Thank you.-Lorenzo
Dear Loren, please let me know when you plan to do this tour first and then I can provide you the cost accordingly. Besides, I have to remind you that all the borders between Nepal and Tibet still are closed now. So you have to return to Lhasa and then fly to Kathmandu (Nepal) instead of travelling to Kathmandu directly through the Zhangmu Port after visiting the EBC.
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