Xi'an Unveiled: Ancient Capitals & Peaks
A Tailor-Made Expedition Through China's Cultural Heartland to the Summit of Tibet
Itinerary Overview
This meticulously crafted 18-day private tour takes you on an extraordinary journey from China's ancient capitals to the base of the world's highest peak. Experience the perfect blend of imperial history, Tibetan spirituality, and breathtaking high-altitude landscapes, culminating at Mount Everest Base Camp.
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Days 1-4: Imperial China Exploration
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport and transfer to your hotel - Meals: No meals included - Accommodation: Beijing hotel - Activities: Airport transfer and leisure time to recover from your journey
Day 2: Beijing's Imperial Grandeur
Discover the heart of ancient Chinese power - Meals: Breakfast and lunch - Accommodation: Beijing hotel - Activities: - Tiananmen Square (40 minutes) - Forbidden City (2.5-3 hours) - Temple of Heaven (1 hour)
Day 3: Great Wall Adventure
Walk along one of mankind's greatest architectural achievements - Meals: Breakfast and lunch - Accommodation: Beijing hotel - Activities: - Mutianyu Great Wall (including round cable car and scenic shuttle bus) - Olympic Park exterior view (Bird's Nest and Water Cube, 1 hour)
Day 4: Beijing to Xian Transition
Experience traditional Beijing life before heading to the ancient capital - Meals: Breakfast and lunch - Accommodation: Xian hotel - Activities: - Hutong tour by rickshaw (short route) - Summer Palace - High-speed train to Xian
Days 5-6: Ancient Capital Immersion
Day 5: Xian's Terracotta Legacy
Unearth one of archaeology's greatest discoveries - Meals: Breakfast and lunch - Accommodation: Xian hotel - Activities: - Terracotta Warriors Museum (2.5-3 hours) - Exterior view of Big Wild Goose Pagoda - Xian City Wall (1 hour) - Optional Muslim Street exploration
Day 6: Xian to Xining
Transition from ancient history to Tibetan gateway - Meals: Breakfast and lunch - Accommodation: Xining hotel - Activities: - Shaanxi History Museum (2 hours) - Flight to Xining (1.5 hours)
Days 7-9: Tibetan Plateau Introduction
Day 7: Qinghai Lake Expedition
Experience the breathtaking beauty of China's largest lake - Meals: Breakfast and lunch - Accommodation: Xining hotel - Activities: - Qinghai Lake (including scenic shuttle bus and lake cruising) - Sun & Moon Mountain viewpoint (ticket excluded)
Day 8: Religious Heritage & Train Departure
Immerse in Tibetan Buddhism before your epic train journey - Meals: Breakfast and lunch - Accommodation: Overnight train - Activities: - Ta'er Monastery (2 hours) - Overnight train to Lhasa (approximately 24 hours)
Day 9: Arrival in Lhasa
Acclimatize to the high altitude of the Tibetan capital - Meals: No meals included - Accommodation: Lhasa hotel - Activities: Train arrival and hotel transfer
Days 10-15: Tibetan Heartland & Everest Ascent
Day 10: Lhasa's Spiritual Centers
Discover the soul of Tibetan Buddhism - Meals: Breakfast and lunch - Accommodation: Lhasa hotel - Activities: - Potala Palace (1 hour) - Jokhang Monastery (1 hour) - Barkhor Street (1 hour)
Day 11: Deeper into Lhasa's Culture
Explore Tibetan history and monastic traditions - Meals: Breakfast and lunch - Accommodation: Lhasa hotel - Activities: - Tibet Museum (1 hour) - Norbulingka Park (1 hour) - Sera Monastery with monk debates (1.5 hours)
Day 12: Lhasa to Shigatse via Gyangtse
Journey through stunning landscapes to Tibet's second city - Meals: Breakfast and lunch - Accommodation: Shigatse hotel - Activities: - Yamdrok Lake (30 minutes) - Pelkor Chode Monastery at Dzong Hill
Day 13: Shigatse to Tingri
Continue your ascent toward the Himalayas - Meals: Breakfast and lunch - Accommodation: Tingri guesthouse - Activities: - Tashilhunpo Monastery - Sakya Monastery
Day 14: Everest Base Camp Expedition
Witness the majestic north face of the world's highest peak - Meals: Breakfast and lunch - Accommodation: Shigatse hotel - Activities: - Sunrise viewing at Mount Everest Base Camp (5,200m) - Full day of driving and mountain appreciation
Day 15: Return to Lhasa
Journey back through alternative scenic routes - Meals: Breakfast and lunch - Accommodation: Lhasa hotel - Activities: Scenic drive along Yurlong Tsangpu River
Days 16-18: Modern China Finale
Day 16: Lhasa to Shanghai
Transition from ancient traditions to modern metropolis - Meals: Breakfast - Accommodation: Shanghai hotel - Activities: Flight to Shanghai (3 hours)
Day 17: Shanghai Urban Exploration
Experience China's most dynamic city - Meals: Breakfast and lunch - Accommodation: Shanghai hotel - Activities: - Jade Buddha Temple (1 hour) - Yuyuan Garden (1 hour) - Chenghuangmiao Old Street (1 hour) - Shanghai World Financial Center (94th-100th floors, 1 hour) - The Bund (30 minutes) - Nanjing Road
Day 18: Departure from Shanghai
Conclude your epic Chinese adventure - Meals: Breakfast - Activities: Airport transfer for departure