Simatai Great Wall & Gubei Water Town
An Unforgettable 7-Day Himalayan Journey Through Tibet's Sacred Landscapes
Tour Overview
Experience the Ultimate Tibetan Adventure
Embark on an extraordinary small-group journey across the roof of the world, combining spiritual discovery with breathtaking natural wonders. This carefully crafted 7-day overland expedition takes you from Tibet's ancient capital through sacred monasteries, turquoise lakes, and majestic glaciers, culminating in an awe-inspiring encounter with Mount Everest before descending to Kathmandu through the Himalayan border.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa - Acclimatization to High Altitude
Activities: Airport transfer, hotel check-in, altitude acclimatization
Meals: No meals included
Accommodation: Gang-gyan Lhasa Hotel or similar
Begin your Tibetan adventure with arrival in Lhasa via flight or train. Our professional guide welcomes you with traditional "Tashi Delek" greeting and transfers you to your hotel. The afternoon is dedicated to resting and acclimatizing to Lhasa's 3,650-meter altitude. Free airport shuttle services operate at fixed times: 10:00, 13:30, 16:00, and 18:30.
Important Notes: First-time visitors must prioritize rest for proper altitude adjustment. Avoid strenuous activities, walk slowly, and inform your guide immediately of any discomfort.
Day 2: Lhasa Spiritual Exploration
Activities: Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, monk debates, welcome dinner
Meals: Breakfast and welcome dinner
Accommodation: Gang-gyan Lhasa Hotel or similar
Discover Tibet's spiritual heritage starting with Drepung Monastery, renowned as the "Nalanda of Tibet" for its exceptional academic standards. In the afternoon, visit Sera Monastery to witness the captivating monk debating sessions (typically 3:00-5:30 PM), a 600-year-old Buddhist tradition. The day concludes with a traditional Tibetan welcome dinner.
Day 3: Lhasa's Iconic Landmarks
Activities: Potala Palace, Jokhang Monastery, Barkor Street, Tibetan teahouse experience
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Gang-gyan Lhasa Hotel or similar
Explore Lhasa's most sacred sites beginning with the magnificent Potala Palace, considered Tibet's greatest architectural miracle. Continue to Jokhang Monastery, the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism, where countless pilgrims worship daily. Wander through Barkor Street's bustling market and observe local devotees performing koras (circumambulations). Experience authentic Tibetan culture at a local teahouse.
Cultural Guidelines: Photography restrictions apply in monasteries; seek permission before photographing pilgrims; walk clockwise around Barkor Street; avoid sensitive political topics.
Day 4: Lhasa to Shigatse - Natural Wonders
Activities: Yamdrok Lake scenic drive, Karola Glacier, farmhouse lunch
Meals: Breakfast and farmhouse lunch
Accommodation: Shiga-Yangcha Hotel Shigatse or similar
Embark on a spectacular 7-8 hour drive (340 km) to Tibet's second-largest city. Marvel at Yamdrok Lake's turquoise waters during a 20-km shoreline drive, then experience authentic Tibetan hospitality with a farmhouse lunch in a lakeside village. Continue to the stunning Karola Glacier, where massive ice formations create a frozen waterfall effect above the road.
Day 5: Shigatse to Everest Base Camp
Activities: Himalayan viewpoints, Gawula Pass, Everest Base Camp overnight
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Everest Base Camp Guest House (dormitory)
Journey 6.5 hours (330 km) toward the world's highest peak. Pass through rural Tibetan landscapes, with your first Everest sighting at Dingri Viewpoint. From Gawula Pass, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Himalayan giants rising above cloud seas. Arrive at Everest Base Camp for sunset, witnessing the golden glow on the mountain's north face.
Winter Note: During cold months, accommodation shifts to Basong Village near Everest when base camp tents close.
Day 6: Everest to Kyirong Border
Activities: Everest sunrise, Rongbuk Monastery, Peiku Tso Lake, Shishapangma views
Meals: No meals included
Accommodation: Pengcuo Kangsang Hotel or similar
Experience Mount Everest at sunrise (weather permitting) before visiting Rongbuk Monastery, the world's highest temple featured in "2012." Depart for Gyirong border town, passing the majestic 8,000-meter Shishapangma peak and picturesque Peiku Tso Lake. Cross the 5,200-meter Kongtang La Pass as you descend through Himalayan canyons toward the border.
Day 7: Border Crossing to Kathmandu
Activities: Gyirong Port crossing, Sino-Nepal Friendship Bridge, transfer to Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
Bid farewell to Tibet at Gyirong Port with photos at the Chinese border gate. Cross the Sino-Nepal Friendship Bridge where Nepali staff welcomes you. Optional transfer service to Kathmandu (additional $70/person) includes luggage handling and hotel drop-off, continuing through stunning Himalayan scenery to Kathmandu Valley.
Alternative: Public bus available from border to Kathmandu with taxi arrangements to your hotel.
Journey Highlights
Unforgettable Experiences
• Small-group tour ensuring personalized attention and affordable pricing
• Comprehensive overland journey from Lhasa to Kathmandu across the Himalayas
• Iconic Everest Base Camp visit with overnight stay near the world's highest peak
• Spiritual immersion in Tibet's most sacred monasteries and temples
• Breathtaking natural wonders including Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier
• Authentic cultural experiences with local communities and traditions