Roof of the world: Kathmandu. Tibet. West China

Price

€2945

Days

Tour description

An exclusive journey from the capital of Nepal through the main spiritual centers of Tibet to the Chinese Gobi desert. Incredible views of the highest mountains of the planet and some of the most authentic cultures in Asia.

Walk around the main stupas of Kathmandu with pilgrims from around the world.
See the amazing treasures of the palace of the Dalai Lama in the capital of Tibet, Lhasa.
Take the highest mountain railway in the world, enjoying incredible views.
Explore the sacred Mogao caves. Hundreds of Buddhist temples are located in a huge cave complex here since the 4th century.
Walk on the endless Minsha sand dunes in the oasis of the Chinese Gobi desert.

Tour departures

20 April 2025 - 07 May 2025

€2945

Book

22 September 2025 - 09 October 2025

€2845

Book

The price of the tour includes

Entry permit to Tibet; All accommodation in budget hotels and guesthouses during the trip; All transportation including buses, trains, rented vehicles and public transportation; Professional guiding services.

What is NOT included

Flight to Kathmandu and from Urumqi back home; Visa to Nepal ($25); Insurance (mandatory); Entrance fees to museums, palaces and other attractions ($200); Food (in Nepal $5-10 per person per day, in China $6-13).

Tour itinerary

Day 1-3

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, Swayambhu and Buddhanath stupas, Ancient cities Patan and Bhaktapur

We arrive in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, and check into the guesthouse in the historic center. We begin to walk through the narrow streets between the ancient stupas and palaces and immediately realize that we are in one of the most ancient cities of the continent. You can wander between traditional stone houses, peeking into the courtyards for days on end. And enjiy the most delicious milk tea from street vendors and chat with Tibetan healers in their shops smelling of herbs.

We reach the Kathmandu Durbar square to see the royal palace and the house of the living goddess Kumari. This girl is worshiped here as a deity. We go to the Swayambhu stupa on the mountain, and then, according to the Buddhist custom, walk around the 6th century Buddhanath stupa three times. Pilgrims from all over the world stretch along the earth here in unusual prayers. Monks in colorful clothes conduct their ceremonies. This place is just magical.

One day we spend in the neighboring ancient cities - Patan and Bhaktapur. A few centuries ago, they were the capitals of separate kingdoms, and now they boast unique ancient temples and palaces.

Day 4-6

Town of Shigatse, 15th century Tashilhunpo monastery

In the morning we leave for Lhasa on specially rented cars. We will spend 4 days on the way, traveling for 1000 kilometers. It is necessary to acclimatize to the local heights of 4000-5200 meters above sea level. On the way, we will stop at the main centers of Tibet and spend nights in hotels in cities. And of course admire the incredible views of snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes and observe picturesque Tibetan desert with yaks.

First night we will spend in Rasu Vaghadi, second - in Nyalam. We arrive in the city of Shigatse. It boasts the famous Tashilhunpo monastery, built in the 15th century. The second man in Tibet - the Panchen Lama shares this monastery with thousands of monks. We will see Buddhist ceremonies and huge stupas of gold and precious stones. Inside each is the body of the previous Panchen Lama. But the main attraction of the monastery is the 26-meter tall statue of the Buddha of the future - Maitreya. It is considered the largest statue in Tibet and consists of 280 kilograms of gold, the same amount of silver, 40 diamonds and thousands of large pearls.

Day 7-8

The town of Gyantse, Kumbum stupa, Sacred Yamdro lake

We reach Gyantse- the third largest city in Tibet with a population of only 10 thousand people. Walk between the traditional houses and observe local life. We reach the main shrine of the city - the Kumbum stupa. This is one of the few multi-storie stupas in the world. Its numerous halls and niches hold hundreds of ancient Buddha statues. Pilgrims from all over the world come here to roll prayer wheels and stretch along the ground in prayers.

We go to the lake Yamdro, which is considered sacred. The blue of its water merges with the color of the sky, and the mountain peaks are framed on all sides. On the banks heavy yaks graze. Sit down by the water and enjoy these views and the fragrant mountain air.

In the evening of the last day of the trip we reach Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region and check into a hotel.

Tour leaders

Yevgeniy Ikhelzon

co-founder, tour leader

Is this trip for you?

The trip is of medium physical grade. It includes long walks in cities and towns. One part of the journey involves train journey of 14 hours at high altitudes of up to 5200 meters above sea level. Accommodation in double/twin rooms of tourist class hotels and guesthouses. All will have attached bathroom with hot water, and wi fi internet.