Imperial Journey China-Tibet-Nepal 2026
TOUR IN
$5370.4
per person
Availability: 10 places
This Imperial Journey traces a rare geographical and historical arc across Asia: from the imperial capitals of China, across the high spiritual plateau of Tibet, over the Himalayas into the Kathmandu Valley. It is a journey shaped by dynasties, monks, pilgrims, traders, and nomads, and by landscapes that have changed little over centuries.
The itinerary balances guided insight with freedom of movement, allowing time for personal experience, reflection, and unstructured discovery. Some parts require an additional guide, particularly in Tibet and Nepal, where this is mandatory
Day 1
Day 1 Arrival Beijing International Airport.
Arrival in Beijing from the USA the airport. After arrival formalities, transfer to Beijing Rong Courtyard Boutique Hotel. This hotel was chosen for being located in the middle of the Hutongs in the old city of Beijing.
From here, you can walk and discover the imperial city of Beijing.
Beijing has transformed from an old city with hutongs into a dynamic metropolis. China still has a one-party system, and you will notice that government vehicles receive priority everywhere.
The days in Beijing are completely free, and you can get a sense of one of the most important cities in the world, rooted in a tradition dating back to the early dynasties of China.

Day 2
Day 2 Beijing | Independent Exploration
Explore Beijing at your own pace while gently acclimatizing to Asia. Visit famous landmarks such as:
Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world
The Forbidden City, the political and ceremonial center of China for nearly 500 years
A visit to China is not complete without climbing the Great Wall. A recommended section is Mutianyu, located about 45 kilometers outside Beijing. This part is not overly touristy, easy to walk, and offers phenomenal views. The oldest sections date back to around 550 AD, while newer parts date from the 14th century.

Day 3
Day 3 Beijing Explore sightseeing
In the evening, it is fun to visit Beijing’s night markets, where a wide range of delicacies is sold—from fried seahorses and scorpions to snake soup. Another option is attending a Peking Opera performance. Every evening, you can enjoy shows filled with colorful costumes, elaborate makeup, and acrobatic feats.
Be sure to set aside a morning or afternoon to wander through Beijing’s hutongs—the traditional residential neighborhoods with narrow alleys and single-story houses. Here, you experience the vibrant street life of residents. End your walk at Tiananmen Square to see Mao Zedong’s portrait.

Day 4
Day 4: Beijing → Xi’an (High-Speed Train)
Enjoy your final morning in Beijing. In the evening, transfer to the railway station for the high-speed train to Xi’an.
Your soft-sleeper tickets and the required Tibet Travel Permit will be delivered to your hotel. These permits are essential and can only be applied for by a licensed Tibetan tour operator two weeks before your tour.

Day 5
Day 5: Arrival in Xi’an
Arrival in Xi’an, once known as Chang’an, the capital of China for over a thousand years.
Transfer by taxi to Puyuan Laoyangfang Hunyuan Guest House. The remainder of the day is free to explore the city’s lively squares, open-air restaurants, and evening fountains.
Xi’an is the starting point of the Silk Road and has preserved much of its early glory. Here, you will find China’s oldest mosque and many Muslims who are descendants of ancient silk traders.
Xi’an is famous for the Terracotta Army, but modern Xi’an is also worth exploring, with its wide boulevards and the “new” old city walls perfect for walking. The city embodies a mix of old traditions and modern Chinese life, with squares where people gather peacefully.
The city is far less hectic than Beijing. People practice Tai Chi or chat calmly in the streets. In the evening, streets are often lined with red lanterns where people eat together. Food is a highlight in this hedonistic city, where ancient tradition and modern Chinese energy merge.

Day 6
Day 6: Terracotta Army Museum
Visit the Terracotta Army, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. It consists of more than 9,000 statues of soldiers, chariots, and horses placed in the mausoleum of China’s first emperor. Created in the 3rd century BCE, these life-sized figures were buried to guard the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor to unify China.
The rest of the day, explore Xi’an independently. It is highly recommended to walk through the Muslim Quarter, climb the Drum Tower for beautiful views of the city, or take a cycling tour of approximately 12 kilometers along the city wall dating back to the Ming Dynasty, which encircles the old city in a square.
Another masterpiece worth visiting is the Wild Goose Pagoda, dating from the Tang Dynasty and a marvel of Buddhist architecture. It is also highly enjoyable to attend one of the spectacular Tang Dynasty performances. Through song, music, dance, and elaborate costumes and sets, the Tang period (618–906) is brought back to life. The dances are reconstructed based on ancient Tang-era documents

Day 7
Day 7: Xi’an → Lhasa (High-Speed Train)
Board one of the world’s most extraordinary train journeys, crossing the vast Tibetan Plateau, often called “the Roof of the World.”
The train passes permafrost zones, grasslands, and snow-covered passes before reaching Lhasa.
Overnight on the train in a soft sleeper.

Day 8
Day 8: Arrival in Lhasa | Acclimatization
Arrival in Lhasa, situated at over 4,000 meters above sea level. For centuries, Lhasa has been the spiritual and political heart of Tibet. Transfer to Shambhala Palace Hotel.
This day is dedicated to rest and acclimatization. Altitude-support medication is available at pharmacies and the Tibetan Medical Center.
Gentle walks through the old city may include a visit to Jokhang Temple, founded in the 7th century, or enjoy a beautiful walk along the Barkhor and Lingkhor circuits.

Day 9
Day 9: Potala Palace & Lhasa City Walk
Visit the iconic Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important symbols of Tibetan Buddhism. It is a 13-story fortress that dominates the entire city. The palace was built in the 7th century during the reign of King Songtsen Gampo and covers an area of 41 hectares. The 13-story building consists of white and red palaces with 1,000 rooms, including bedrooms, study rooms, stupas, and monk quarters. It is the headquarters of the Dalai Lama and has served as the home of each successive Dalai Lama. It is a treasure of traditional Tibetan culture.
Afterwards, visit the Norbulingka Palace, the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas since the mid-18th century.
Beyond the Potala Palace, Lhasa is filled with historic buildings and lively streets. A walk around the Barkhor area is always worthwhile, offering a fascinating glimpse into local life and tradition.
You may also choose to visit the School for the Blind, founded by Sabriye Tenberken. The school was established in response to the high rates of blindness among nomadic children, often caused by constant exposure to thick smoke inside traditional tents. Visiting the school offers a meaningful insight into both the challenges and resilience of life in Tibet.

Day 10
Day 10: Samye Monastery
Enjoy a full-day excursion to Samye Monastery, the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet. Travel by Land Cruiser with an experienced guide, passing through scenic countryside and traditional Tibetan landscapes along the way.
Founded in the 8th century under King Trisong Detsen, Samye marked the formal introduction of Buddhism to Tibet. It was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution and was later rebuilt after 1988.
Return to Lhasa the same day and stay overnight at your hotel. The following day, you will either fly to Kathmandu as part of the shortened tour or prepare for a five-day overland journey via Gyantse, Shigatse, and Old Tingri, traveling by Land Cruiser across the Himalayas.

Day 11
Day 11: Lhasa | Free Day
A free day to explore further or rest before the Himalayan crossing.

Day 12
Day 12: Lhasa → Gyantse
Depart Lhasa, cross the Kamba La Pass (4,794m), visit the stunning Yamdrok Lake, view the Karola Glacier. Arrive in Gyantse and explore the Palcho Monastery and Kumbum Stupa.
Spend the evening in Gyantse, a very traditional featuring an old fort and several pleasant local restaurants
Day 13
Day 13: Gyantse → Shigatse
Short scenic drive through the Nyangchu Valley to Shigatse, Tibet's second-largest city. Visit the magnificent Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama .
Arrive in Shigatse, home to many important historical sites, including the former monastery of the Panchen Lama. Along the way, enjoy landscapes dotted with yak herds.
Overnight stay in Shigatse
Day 14
Day 14: Shigatse → Rongbuk/Everest Region
Drive via Shegar (New Tingri), cross the Gawula Pass (5,200m) for a panoramic Himalayan view. Continue to the Rongbuk Valley for sunset views of Mount Everest.
Day 15: Everest Region → Kuyrong
View the Everest sunrise, then drive west towards the border. Enjoy views of Peiku Tso Lake and Mt. Shishapangma. Descend to the lower, greener altitude of Gyirong Town near the border

Day 15
Day 16: Kyrong Border (Tibet) → Kathmandu via Jeep
Cross the Gyirong/Rasuwa Gadhi border. Complete immigration formalities. The drive from the border to Kathmandu goes through deep valleys and lush landscapes
On the Nepal side, your local guide will be waiting with a jeep to transfer you to Yak & Yeti Heritage Central Kathmandu.

Day 16
Day 17: Kathmandu Explore and sightseeing
Kathmandu is a melting pot of different cultures. Ancient traditions, such as those of the Newars, blend with Indian Sikhs and Tibetan refugees. At certain times of the year, you will encounter remarkable sadhus on almost every street corner, on their way to an ice-cold lake to take a purifying bath.
Kathmandu, of course, also has modern aspects: heavy traffic and tuk-tuks. Fortunately, the old city center is almost traffic-free and accessible only by rickshaws. Vendors selling salted lemon soda stand next to boys trying to sell boiled eggs. Here and there, a last weary cow drags itself through the traffic in search of something to eat. Visit to Heritage sites

Day 17
Day 18: Changunarayan → Nagarkot Club Himalayas Resort
Kathmandu to Changu Narayan by land rover with a guide, then walking to Nagarkot.
Changu Narayan is a beautiful temple complex and a perfect place to relax. The complex dates back to the 4th century AD and features exquisite sculptures, including sculptures of the Hindu god Vishnu as well as a Malla king and queen.
After visiting the temple, you continue on a walk featuring various cultural sights and spectacular views over the valley—one of the reasons this trek is so popular. The walk takes about 3 hours, passing through Chhetri villages and green rice terraces to Nagarkot. From here, you enjoy a stunning panorama stretching from the Annapurna Himalaya in the west to the Khumbu Himalaya in the east.

Day 18
Day 19: Nagarkot → Dhulikhel Overnight
An easy walk from Nala to Dhulikhel via Banepa, a historic town. Banepa was a small kingdom for about 10 years, starting in 1880.
Continue to Dhulikhel, an ancient trading town on the Tibet–India route.

Day 19
Day 20: Dhulikhel Exploration with Namahbudhha Monasteries
Morning walk to Heritage site and drive to Namahbudhha, Beautiful holy Monasteries and drive back to Kathmandu Hotel Yak & Yeti heritage Hotel and evening farewell Dinner in Nepal culture Restaurant.

Day 20
Day 21: Departure to International Airport .
Morning Super Breakfast after. According to Flight schedule, departure from the International Airport and flight to hometown Destinations make a wonderful lifetime experiance





