16 days Beijing to Tibet Discovery Tour with Mount Everest

Welcome to Beijing, the vibrant capital of China and the starting point of your 16-day Beijing to Tibet journey. Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be greeted by your local guide and driver and transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure, perfect for resting after your flight or beginning to explore the city at your own pace. Your Travel Advisor and local guide will be happy to offer personalized recommendations on nearby attractions, restaurants, or evening activities based on your interests and location.

Your first full day in China begins with a deep dive into the heart of Beijing’s imperial and cultural heritage. This morning, visit the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties once held grand ceremonies to pray for good harvests. Surrounded by ancient cypress trees and local residents practicing traditional morning exercises, it offers a peaceful introduction to Chinese history and daily life.

Next, drive to Tian’anmen Square, then world’s largest public square and a landmark of modern China. From here, walk into the Forbidden City, the largest and best-preserved imperial palace complex in the world. With your expert guide, discover the former seat of Chinese emperors and its magnificent architecture and treasures.
Finish the day with a visit to Jingshan Park, located just behind the palace. A short climb to the top of the hill rewards you with panoramic views over the golden rooftops of the Forbidden City.
In the evening, consider trying Beijing’s signature dish - Peking roast duck at a renowned local restaurant like Quanjude or Da Dong, or enjoy a lively cultural performance such as a Peking Opera or Kung Fu show.

Start your day with a 1.5 hour drive to the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the most well-preserved and picturesque sections of the Great Wall of China. Located in the forested hills north of Beijing, this quieter section is surrounded by orchards and pine trees. Spend 2 to 3 hours walking along the wall, climbing its ancient watchtowers for breathtaking views as it winds like a stone dragon across the mountain ridges.

After lunch, drive back to Beijing and continue your cultural exploration with a visit to the traditional Hutongs around Beiluoguoxiang. Discover the unique layout of old courtyard homes and learn about the customs and lifestyle of historic Beijing with your guide. Enjoy a traditional rickshaw ride through the narrow alleyways for an authentic glimpse into the city's vibrant past.

This morning, transfer to the Beijing railway station and take the high-speed train from Beijing to Xi’an(about 4.5 hours). Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you at the station and accompany you to your hotel. After a short rest, begin your afternoon Xi'an city tour. Start with a walk along the ancient Xi’an City Wall, the oldest and best-preserved in China, for panoramic views over the historic city. Then stroll down Shuyuan Men Street, a cultural lane known for its traditional calligraphy shops and local art studios. End the day in the bustling Muslim Quarter, where you can sample local street food and experience the vibrant Hui Muslim culture.

This morning, head out to one of China’s most iconic sites—the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. Often called the “eighth wonder of the world,” this vast underground army was built over 2,000 years ago to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. You’ll explore the impressive excavation pits and even have a chance to create your own mini warrior figure in a hands-on clay workshop (optional, extra fee applied).
In the afternoon, return to Xi’an and explore the Beilin Museum (Forest of Stone Steles), home to a vast collection of ancient stone carvings, calligraphy, and historical texts.

Then visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Tang Dynasty landmark built to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by the monk Xuanzang.

In the evening you might take a stroll through the spectacular Datang Everbright City, known for its Tang-style buildings, light shows, and lively street performances—a modern cultural hub that really comes alive after dark.

In the morning, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Lhasa, the sacred heart of Tibet. The journey takes about 3 hours. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and escorted to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest and begin acclimatizing to the high altitude. Your Lhasa sightseeing begins tomorrow.

Begin your day with a guided visit to the Potala Palace, Lhasa’s most iconic landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas, this massive fortress-like structure houses sacred chapels, golden stupas, ancient murals, and religious relics. The White Palace served as living quarters, while the Red Palace is reserved for spiritual practices and houses important shrines.

Continue to the heart of Lhasa’s old town to explore the Jokhang Temple, the most revered religious site in Tibet. Built in the 7th century, it enshrines the statue of Jowo Shakyamuni and attracts thousands of pilgrims from all across the Tibetan plateau. Outside, walk along Barkhor Street, where you’ll witness pilgrims performing kora and locals selling traditional crafts, incense, and prayer items.

To end the day, stop at a local Tibetan sweet tea house, where locals gather to chat, relax, and enjoy a warm cup of Tibetan sweet tea.

Begin your day with about a 1-hour drive from Lhasa to Ganden Monastery, located on the slopes of Wangbur Mountain. Founded in 1409 by Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect, Ganden is one of the “Great Three” monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism and was the main seat of the Gelugpa school. You'll explore the monastery's main assembly hall, chapels, and prayer halls, gaining insight into its historical and spiritual importance.

Afterward, take a short walk along the Ganden Kora, a pilgrimage route that circles the monastery and offers breathtaking views over the Kyi Chu Valley.

In the afternoon, return to Lhasa and visit Sera Monastery, famous for its lively monk debates held in a courtyard. Monks challenge each other with claps and sharp questions as part of their training—a fascinating insight into Tibetan Buddhist education.

You’ll have the rest of the day free to explore Lhasa on your own.

After breakfast, leave Lhasa and head southwest toward Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet. The journey takes about 6–7 hours and offers some of the most scenic views in the region.

Your first stop is at Kambala Pass (4,794 m), where you’ll get a stunning panoramic view of Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes. On a clear day, the lake shimmers in vibrant shades of turquoise, nestled beneath snow-capped peaks.

From there, drive along the Southern Friendship Highway, the main route connecting Tibet to Nepal. Continue on to Gyantse, a historic town known for its wool, carpets, and traditional crafts. Visit the impressive Gyantse Kumbum, a white stupa with nine levels and over 100 chapels filled with beautiful murals and statues. If time allows, take a walk through the old town area, where you might find some interesting local souvenirs.

Arrive in Shigatse (3,840 m) by late afternoon and check in at your hotel.

Today you’ll make your way to Everest Base Camp, a highlight of any trip to Tibet. Depart Shigatse in the morning, passing through Gyatsola Pass (5,248 m), where you’ll get your first glimpse of Mount Everest in the distance.

After passing the checkpoint in Shegar, the road ascends to Gawu La Pass (5,198 m), a spectacular viewpoint offering panoramic views of Himalayas mountains.

From the small village of Tashizong, take an eco-bus up to Rongbuk Monastery (5,154 m) and Everest Base Camp (5,200 m). Rongbuk is the highest monastery in the world and offers a unique spiritual setting with views of Everest's north face. If the weather is good, stay outside and enjoy the sunset over the peak—it’s an unforgettable experience.

Overnight at a local guesthouse near Rongbuk Monastery or in tent-style accommodation depending on the season.

If skies are clear, get up early to catch the sunrise over Mount Everest, a truly awe-inspiring sight. After breakfast, you’ll visit Rongbuk Monastery, where monks and nuns live side by side, and take one last look at the mighty mountain.

Then begin your journey back to Shigatse via a more scenic route through Dinggye County. Along the way, stop at Dinggye Xilin Viewpoint, where you can see both Mount Everest and Mount Lhotse from a different perspective. In winter, the nearby wetlands turn into rolling sand dunes, offering a surreal view of the Himalayan landscape.

Continue driving through Sakya, where you can visit the Sakya Monastery ruins if time permits. This monastery was once a major center of Tibetan Buddhism and still holds historical and cultural significance.

In the evening, return to Shigatse. You’ll have the option to enjoy dinner at a Langma Hall, a local Tibetan venue where traditional dance and music performances bring your journey to life. Overnight in Shigatse.

This morning, visit the impressive Tashilhunpo Monastery (3,850 m), the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. Explore its golden-roofed chapels, ancient prayer halls, and take a peaceful walk along the kora path that circles the monastery, offering panoramic views of Shigatse city.
After the visit, drive back to Lhasa (3,650 m). The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city at your own pace, perfect for a final stroll through Barkhor Street or some last-minute souvenir shopping.

After breakfast, your guide will transfer you to the airport for your flight from Lhasa to Shanghai, the final stop of your 2-week China tour. Upon arrival, your local Shanghai driver will greet you and take you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace.

In the morning, cross the Huangpu River and head to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower located at the tip of Lujiazui in the Pudong District. Recognized globally as the official landmark of Shanghai, it offers breathtaking views of the city and the Huangpu River. Next, visit Yu Garden, a beautiful garden established by a Ming Dynasty government officer, renowned for its intricate layout, stunning pavilions, and extensive use of rockeries and water features that capture the essence of nature. Afterwards, explore Shanghai Old Street to gain insights into Shanghai's history.

After lunch, head to Xintiandi in the French Concession. Originally the site of the first congress of China's Communist Party, it is now a vibrant cultural center of Shanghai featuring cafes, bars, bookstores, and boutiques.

Finally, experience the historical charm of the Bund along the Huangpu River. Your day tour in Shanghai ends at Nanjing Road, which offers a bustling shopping experience. 

In the evening you might consider to enjoy a spectacular Chinese Acrobatics show (available only on weekends) or take an evening cruise along the Huangpu River to enjoy the night view of the Bund (additional fee). Overnight stay in Shanghai.

After breakfast, head out to Zhujiajiao, an ancient water town on the outskirts of Shanghai. With a history spanning over 1,700 years, it’s known for its peaceful canals, graceful stone bridges, and charming Ming and Qing-era buildings. Wander through the narrow streets, browse local shops, and soak in the old-world atmosphere along the waterways.

In the afternoon, return to Shanghai, where you’ll have the rest of the day free to relax, explore the city, or pick up some last-minute souvenirs.

After breakfast, your guide will escort you to the airport for your onward flight. We hope you’ve enjoyed this unforgettable 2-week China Tibet tour and return home with wonderful memories. If you have any custom requests or future travel plans, feel free to reach out — we’re always here to help.