Beijing - Xi'an - Chengdu - Lhasa - Gyantze - Shigatze - Dingri - Mt Everest Base Camp - Kyirong - Kathmandu 
Looking for adventure? Then this is the tour for you.
Fly to Beijing and explore the must-see sights. On to the ancient capital of Xian and Terracotta Warriors and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and then Chengdu for the Ancient City Wall, Great Mosque and Giant Pandas.
From now on the adventure really begins as you travel to higher altitude at Lhasa and visit the Dalai Lama’s winter and summer palaces. From Lhasa its on to the stunning Yamdrok Yumtso Lake at Gyantze and then to Shigatze, the second largest city in Tibet.
The adventure continues with a drive to Dingri and the Sakya Monastery on the banks of the River Drum. Finally, you will reach Mt Everest base Camp with some of the most dramatic views in the world. You’ll enter Nepal by walking across the Friendship Bridge where you’ll be met by our Nepalese guide for the journey to Kathmandu, set in a picturesque green valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
The final leg of the journey home is via Delhi where there’s the option of staying a few extra days to take in this amazing city.
Take international scheduled flight from London Heathrow to Beijing.
(We can also arrange flights from other UK airports without any additional cost; upgrade to premium economy class or business class available on request)
On arrival at Beijing Capital Airport we’ll be met by our guide and taken by private transfer to the 5* Artyzen Habitat Dongzhimen Beijing, located in the centre of this amazing city.
Once we have freshened up we begin with a visit to the Temple of Heaven – built in 1420, it was the place where the Ming and Qing emperors worshipped the God of Heaven and prayed for a good harvest for the year.
Time permitting, we will visit the Olympic Village, Birds Nest Stadium and Water Cube.
Finally, we end our first day with a welcome dinner in a traditional Chinese restaurant.
We start the day with a visit to Tiananmen Square – the largest public square in the world.
Walking through the Gate of Heavenly Peace (with the late Chairman Mao’s huge portrait hanging over the gate), we enter the magnificent Forbidden City, a massive palace compound (home to 24 Emperors since the 15th century) which never fails to impress.
In the afternoon the tour continues visiting the enchanting Summer Palace with its lakes, gardens, teahouses and pagodas. The largest Imperial garden in the world is where Qing Emperors and Empresses stayed between May and October, to escape the pollution inside the city. End your day with a relaxing boat ride on the beautiful Kunming Lake.
Today we travel outside the city to the world famous Great Wall of China at Mutianyu. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the largest man-made structure on earth and one of the Great Wonders of the World. Spend time just taking in the breath taking, panoramic views!
In the afternoon we visit the Ming Tombs where 13 Ming Emperors are buried in historical and palatial mausoleums, surrounded by the spectacular Tiger and Dragon Mountains.
The evening is time to relax with a traditional Peking duck banquet!
This morning we take a short flight to Xian – the ancient capital of China.
Upon arrival begins another highlight of our tour – a visit to the amazing Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Built over 2,000 years ago, to guard the tomb of Emperor Qinshihuang, over 7,000 life-size soldiers, horses and chariots lay undiscovered until 1974 when they were uncovered by a farmer. This is truly one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century and now a must-see UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We also visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda – initially built in 589, it’s known as the best-preserved Buddhist temple complex.
In the evening relax and enjoy a spectacular Tang Dynasty Dinner Show.
Today we visit the Ancient City Wall and the Great Mosque in Xian’s Muslim quarter before flying to Chengdu.
Upon arrival we visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, one of the most important centres in China for the captive conservation of giant pandas and a highlight of any visit to Chengdu.
Traditional teahouses flourish in Chengdu as the centre of local gossip and entertainment. We have the opportunity to step into a local teahouse to get a glimpse of Chengdu people’s daily life.
Finally we check in to the 4* Buddha Zen Hotel for the night.
After breakfast we take a trip to Leshan and visit the Grand Buddha Statue – the largest stone Buddha sculpture in the world.
We then take a boat to Wuyou Si Monastery, a warm pink-walled monastery founded in 742 AD, and tour around the Luohan Hall.
Following a sizzling Sichuan style dinner, we’ll enjoy the Chuan Opera performance and be dazzled by the spectacular changing-mask technique.
Enjoy a relaxing morning. Those who feel particularly energetic can follow your tour guide to visit a lively local market.
This afternoon we fly to Lhasa and transfer to the 4* Lhasa Hotel. It’s important to take plenty of rest on the first day to get used to the high altitude.
Dinner this evening will be served in the hotel.
Today we visit one of the most outstanding sites in Tibet, the Potala Palace. Built in the 7th century, this used to be the winter palace of Dalai Lama.
This afternoon we visit Norbulingka – recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Dalai Lama’s summer palace.
In the evening enjoy a Tibetan style dinner in a family restaurant – our friendly hostess will invite us to taste the homemade barley beer – it’s considered offensive to turn it down!
We start our tour today with a trip outside the city to Sera Monastery – one of the three largest Gelupa monasteries in Tibet.
In the afternoon we return to the city to visit Jokhang Temple, or “House of the Lord”, the holiest site in Tibet and the ultimate pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Buddhists.
Finally today we will pay a visit to the colourful Barkhor Market.
Today we travel by coach to Gyantze. On the way we’ll visit the stunning Yamdrok Yumtso Lake, one of the three holiest lakes in Tibet.
Upon our arrival you will visit the Palkhor Temple, which has an unusual structural style and houses a collection of pure silk costumes worn in Tibetan opera.
Stay overnight in the 3* Gyantze Hotel, the best hotel in the area with fine views of the medieval town and surrounding scenery.
We continue our journey this morning to the second largest city in Tibet – Shigatze.
We will visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery founded by the First Dailai Lama in 1447, located at the foot of Drolmari (Tara’s Mountain).
Tonight we stay at the 4* Shiga Yangcha Grand Hotel Shigatze.
We continue our journey today to Dingri and visit the Sakya Monastery on the way. This monastery is a ‘must see’ for visitors to Tibet, divided into the Northern Monastery and Southern Monastery by the Drum River.
Overnight stay in Dingri at the Roof of the World Hotel, located in Baiba Town at the foot of Mt. Everest.
Today we drive to the Mt Everest Base Camp and visit the Rongbuk Monastery, the sacred threshold to Mt Everest with the most dramatic views in the world, a power place through which all seeking the highest peak via the North Face must pass!
Later we return to Dingri for a well-earned rest. Although no hiking is required, the altitude can make you tired.
We will drive south to Nepal and traverse the Thongla pass. Then drive along the Peikutso lake with a great view of the Mt Shishapama, gradually descend into Kyirong valley with a series of switchback bends, the dry climate changes into a warm, moist environment and it is clear that we drawing into the Indian subcontinent. Our destination is Tibet border town Kyirong which is just opened border for travellers, because the previously Zhangmu border was closed after the deadly Nepal earthquake in April 2015. Overnight in Kyirong.
Today we drive to the Friendship Bridge. Time to say farewell to our Tibetan guide and driver. We walk across the bridge to enter Nepal and are greeted by our Nepal guide and driver. Drive to Kathmandu. Check in to 5* Hotel Yak & Yeti.
We begin today with a tour of Swayambhu Nath Stupa – one of the most ancient stupa in Nepal, situated on a steep hill above the valley of Kathmandu. It is believed to derive from a time when, tradition says, the whole area was under the waters of a vast lake in a territory that was once home to nagas (a term used for unseen beings associated with water and fluid energy).
Later we take a leisurely walk in Kathmandu, a city blessed with beauty and harmony, perfectly set in the green valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
Today is the last full day of our fantastic journey. Enjoy an excursion to the Pashupati Nath Temple – the holiest Hindu temple in Nepal, situated amidst a lush green natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River.
Later we also visit the ancient city of Patan, a city full of Buddhist monuments and Hindu temples.
This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner.
Optional morning flight in light aircraft over Mount Everest and Himalayas for unforgettable views and pictures (£120 per person).
Morning at leisure before we prepare to return home. Late afternoon you’ll transfer to Tribhuvan Airport for flight back to UK.
For those customers who wish to take advantage of the 3 day Delhi & Taj Mahal extension – click extensions tab above.
Visit the website to see more!
5* Grand Noble Hotel
Grand Noble Hotel Xi’an is a luxurious property, managed by Grand Noble Hotels & Resorts. The hotel offering comprehensive facilities and services for leisure and business stays. It is conveniently located in the commercial center, shopping and entertainment area of downtown Xi’an, neighboring several popular tourist attractions. Bell Tower and Forest of Stone Steles Museum is 10 minutes-walk away.
For more information click here
4* Buddha Zen Hotel
Buddha Zen Hotel, a territory for Buddha-worshippers, is located at Wenshufang folk and custom street and adjacent to famous thousands-year Wenshuyuan Buddhist Temple, where you can listen to Buddhist sermons, smell incense, and experience ancient charms everyday.
For more information click here
4* Thangka Hotel
Thangka hotel is situated beside the Jokhang Temple, the central area of the pilgrimage site. Near the sacred temple and overwhelmed by the religious atmosphere, the hotel is deemed as an auspicious place.
For more information click here
3* Gyantze Hotel
Gyantze Hotel is best hotel in the area. All rooms have en suite facilities with hot water, and many have fine views of the medieval town and the surrounding scenery.
This plush hotel is 4 km from both Tribhuvan International Airport and Pashupatinath Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit the website to see more!
Surrounded by dining and shopping options, this upscale hotel is 4 km from Humayun’s Tomb, which dates from 1572. It’s 3 minutes on foot from the nearest metro station.
Visit the website to see more!
Today we’ll transfer to the airport for our flight to Delhi, India.
Upon arrival you will be met and take private transfer to the 5* Ambassador, New Delhi – IHCL SeleQtions or similar.
This morning we visit the Red Fort, a fort constructed between 1638-1648 by the Shah. We then continue to Jama Masjid, the Great Mosque of Old Delhi, which is then followed by a rickshaw ride to Chandri Chowk, the main street of Old Delhi to Raj Ghat, which is the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.
In the afternoon we tour New Delhi, visiting Qutuab Minar and the Tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun. Finally today we drive past India Gate (War Memorial), President’s House (which was once the Viceroy’s Palace), Parliament House and Secretarial Buildings.
Early morning transfer to New Delhi railway Station to board the Shatabdi Express train to Agra. Breakfast will be served on board the train. Upon arrival we will visit Fatehpur Sikri, a city built by Emperor Akbar but later abandoned due to scarcity of water. We will have the opportunity this morning to see the graceful buildings within the city including Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Christi and Panch Mahal.
This afternoon we visit the world famous Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his second wife who died during childbirth. We will also have time to visit Agra Fort which was constructed on the banks of the Yamuna River. Evening transfer to Agra Railway Station to board the Shatabdi Express back to Delhi. Dinner will be served on board the train, and upon arrival you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Full day free for independent activities. Late evening we transfer to airport for our flight back to UK.
Your taxi will be waiting upon your arrival to transfer you back home.
Tour Price includes:
Tour Price excludes:
FLIGHT TIMES: 9.5 hours direct from London Heathrow to Beijing.
TIME DIFFERENCE: +7 hours in summer time / +8 hours in winter time (BST).
CURRENCY: Chinese Yuan (official name Ren Min Bi) £1 = approx. 9 CYN.
MONEY: You can take Sterling cash with you and exchange in China – hotels and banks all provide a currency exchange service. Credit cards are widely accepted and there are ATM machines for withdrawing cash in local currency.
TIPPING: Tipping is at your own discretion. We recommended £5 (approx. 45 CYN) per day for your tour guide but it’s entirely up to you based on how good you think your guide and driver are.
VISA: All visitors to China are required to apply for a Chinese visa in advance of travel. Upon booking Emperor Tours will provide visa forms and detailed instructions explaining the application process.
LANGUAGE: The official language spoken in China is standard Mandarin (Pu Tong Hua).
BEST TIMES TO VISIT: Generally Spring and Autumn months – end of March to early June and September to early November.
FESTIVALS: Here are the main Chinese festivals and what you will expect to see and experience during these festivities…
Chinese New Year – 1st-15th of the first lunar month
Scrolls and paper-cut pictures, firecrackers and fireworks, New Year visits to family and friends, eating celebratory dishes.
Lantern Festival – 15th day of the first lunar month
Lanterns and fireworks, guessing lantern riddles, folk dances and eating celebratory dishes.
Qingming Festival – April 4th or 5th of the solar calendar
Tomb sweeping, Spring outings and kite flying.
Dragon Boat Festival – 5th day of the 5th lunar month
Dragon boat racing, eating celebratory dishes and tying five-colour silk thread.
Double Seventh Festival – 7th day of seventh lunar month
Praying for skillful hands, appreciating the stars, and eating noodles, and wontons.
Mid-autumn Festival – 15th day of the 8th lunar month
Appreciating and offering sacrifice to the moonlight and eating moon cakes.
Chongyang Festival – 9th day of the 9th lunar month
Eating Chongyang cake, drinking chrysanthemum wine, climbing mountains and appreciating beautiful chrysanthemums.
Winter Solstice – Dec. 21st, 22nd or 23rd in solar calendar
Eating dumplings in Northern areas and sticky puddings in Southern areas.
Laba Festival – 8th day of the 12th lunar month
Eating laba rice porridge.
NOTE: A lunar month is the time between two successive syzygies (new moons or full moons).
FOOD & DRINK: Our China Group Tours include most meals however if you are venturing out to eat on your own all our hotels are in city centres so it’s very easy to find local restaurants. Your guides will be more than happy to recommend restaurants of various cuisines to you. It’s not expensive to eat out in China – a simple meal in a local restaurant costs around £10 per person.
It’s advisable not to use the minibar in your hotel room as it can be very expensive, and you can find cheap soft drinks, beer and wine in supermarkets. Emperor Tours provide bottled water for guests and your hotel will also provide free bottled water in your room.
SOCIAL ETIQUETTE: China is a fairly relaxed country regarding etiquette, but there are a few things to be aware of:
Greetings and goodbyes – shake hands but never kiss someone’s cheek.
Religion – dress sensitively when visiting Buddhist (especially in Tibet) and Taoist temples, churches and mosques.? You should avoid touching monks, especially women.
Eating and drinking – its polite to help fill your neighbour’s plate at the dinner table and toast the host and others at the table. At the start of dinner, wait until toasting starts before drinking from your glass.
Gestures – don’t use too many hand movements or excessive body language.
HEALTH ADVICE: Before you travel, please make sure that you have obtained appropriate medical / travel insurance. There is no compulsory requirement for vaccination – the common recommendations are Hepatitis A and Typhoid and Malaria tablets are required if you travel to Yunnan Province or Hainan Island.
If travelling in Summer months, please bring sunscreen, mosquito repellent etc.
It is not safe to drink tap water in China – please drink boiled water or bottled water only.
