Imperial Beijing & Sacred Tibet Journey

Arrive in Beijing and transfer privately from the airport or railway station to the hotel. After check-in, take time to rest from the journey and prepare for the first evening in the capital.

Later, visit Jingshan Park and climb the central hill for a panoramic view over the Forbidden City and Beijing's historic north-south axis. The sunset visit provides a clear introduction to the scale and layout of the imperial city before returning to the hotel.

Begin at the Forbidden City and enter through the Meridian Gate. Walk through the three great ceremonial halls, continue into the Inner Court, and finish in the Imperial Garden before leaving through the Gate of Divine Prowess.

After lunch, continue to Beihai Park for its lakeside paths, White Dagoba, and Nine-Dragon Screen. The park offers a quieter counterpoint to the formal courtyards of the imperial palace.

In the late afternoon, explore the hutongs around Shichahai and Houhai on foot, passing courtyard homes, small workshops, and the historic lakes. Dinner beside the lake completes the day before the return to the hotel.

Leave Beijing by private vehicle for Mutianyu, a restored Great Wall section set among forested mountains. Ascend by cable car and walk between watchtowers at a comfortable pace, allowing time for the ramparts, viewpoints, and surrounding ridgelines.

Return to the city for the Temple of Heaven. Explore the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, Echo Wall, and Circular Mound Altar while learning how emperors used the complex for seasonal rites.

Finish in Nanluoguxiang, where historic hutong lanes now hold local restaurants, cafés, and small shops. After dinner, return to the hotel for the final night in Beijing.

Transfer to Beijing airport and take the domestic flight to Lhasa. On arrival at Lhasa Gonggar Airport, continue by private vehicle to the city at approximately 3,650 metres above sea level.

Check in at the Lhasa hotel and keep the remainder of the day quiet for acclimatisation. Rest, drink water, and avoid strenuous activity while the body adjusts before the cultural visits and overland plateau journey begin.

Today’s cultural immersion begins with a visit to the majestic Potala Palace, once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama and now a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism. Wander through the ancient halls filled with golden stupas, murals, and relics, and take in panoramic views over Lhasa.

Next, head to the sacred Jokhang Temple, the most revered spiritual site in Tibet, where pilgrims from across the region prostrate and circle the temple clockwise. Then walk through the bustling Barkhor Street, a traditional kora route lined with stalls, incense smoke, and prayer flags.

Conclude the day with a warm local dinner before returning to the hotel in Lhasa.

Depart from Lhasa early in the morning and start your journey along the scenic Yarlung Tsangpo River Valley. This segment of the 101 Provincial Road offers breathtaking views of the river's widest stretch near Lhasa, providing a stunning introduction to the grandeur of the Tibetan Plateau.

Climb the winding road to Gambala Pass, which sits at 4,950 meters and serves as the best panoramic viewpoint for Yamdrok Lake. From this vantage point, you can admire the surreal sight of turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks—an iconic view that locals describe as “teardrops from heaven.”

Descend toward Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s three holy lakes. With its mirror-like surface and gentle curves, the lake resembles a sapphire nestled between the hills.

Continue your journey to the Karola Glacier, one of the three largest continental glaciers in Tibet. It cascades down from the slopes of Mount Nojin Kangtsang, featuring dramatic black-and-white striations that make it a photographer's paradise.

Arrive in Shigatse, meaning “The Best Manor” in Tibetan, by late afternoon. Known as the granary of Tibet and the seat of successive Panchen Lamas, Shigatse serves as both a spiritual center and the second-largest city in the region.

Cross Gawula Pass at approximately 5,198 metres and continue deeper into the Himalayas. The pass marks a dramatic transition toward the Everest region, with the high peaks and broad plateau valleys unfolding along the road.

Arrive at Rongbuk Monastery, set beneath the north face of Mount Everest at roughly 5,100 metres. Explore the monastery and its stark high-altitude setting before continuing to the nearby Everest Base Camp area for close views of the mountain.

Finish the day with a warming Mount Everest hotpot before settling into the overnight accommodation near Rongbuk. The pace remains measured at this elevation, with walking kept gentle between the principal viewpoints.

Wake up to the awe-inspiring sight of Mt. Everest in the early morning light. After breakfast, begin the return journey to Shigatse.

En route, stop at Gyatsola Pass (5,248m), where prayer flags flutter in the high mountain winds. Take in the sweeping views of the snowbound peaks before descending to the plateau.

Arrive back in Shigatse and enjoy a restful evening.

After breakfast, visit the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. Explore its golden-roofed chapels, large prayer halls, and the world’s largest statue of the Future Buddha.

Then return to Lhasa by tourist coach, retracing the scenic route through the plateau. Arrive in Lhasa by evening for your final night.

After breakfast, check out from the Lhasa hotel and prepare for the onward journey. The final morning contains no scheduled sightseeing, leaving time to organise the luggage and complete the high-altitude route at a calm pace.

Continue by private transfer to Lhasa Gonggar Airport or the railway station. The ten-day journey concludes at the departure terminal after the return from Shigatse and the final cultural visits in Lhasa.