Tibet and Nepal

Expedition Details

In the company of mountaineer Peter Hillary, delve into the fascinating world of mountain lore and Tibetan and Nepalese cultures while visiting the fabled cities of Lhasa, Shigatse, and Kathmandu. On this specially crafted expedition, take in some of the most magnificent mountain vistas on Earth as we journey overland across the Tibetan Plateau to the North Face Base Camp of Mount Everest and into Nepal.

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Trip Highlights

• Explore the Himalaya with mountaineer Peter Hillary, son of the legendary Sir Edmund Hillary.
• Venture into Tibet's wondrous monasteries and the fabled Potala Palace in Lhasa.
• Gaze up at the soaring crags of Mount Everest from storied North Face Base Camp.
• Discover many layers of symbolism and belief at ancient Bodhnath—the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal.

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Itinerary - 16 Days

Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Beijing, China

Depart for Beijing, cross the international date line, and arrive the next evening. The Peninsula Beijing

Day 3 — Beijing/Chengdu/Lhasa, Tibet

This morning, embark on one of the world's most astonishing flights, crossing the Hengduan Range and three of Asia's greatest rivers—the Salween, the Mekong, and the Yangtze—en route to Lhasa (11,970 feet). Drive to the Holy City, scanning the vast countryside for the first sight of the Potala Palace. Gather for a welcome reception and dinner this evening. Dekang Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 4 — Lhasa

Explore Tibet's two greatest monasteries: Drepung and Sera. Drepung once housed 10,000 monks, and Sera almost as many. If we're lucky, we'll see and hear the lilting, booming chanting of the sutras or the theatrical debate of the monks. Set out on a hike in the afternoon. Dekang Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 5 — Lhasa

Venture up to the Potala Palace and explore the grandest of its myriad rooms. See the jeweled burial chortens of past Dalai Lamas as well as statuary, frescoes, and paintings. Then visit the lovely Jewel Park, where the Dalai Lamas spent their summers, enjoying an informality impossible in the Potala. Dekang Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 6 — Lhasa

Take an excursion to the historic Ganden Monastery, destroyed by China's Red Army in 1966 and now a working monastery once more. Later, visit the Jokhang, Tibet's holiest temple; and wander through the Barkhor, Lhasa's old market. Dekang Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 7 — Lhasa/Gyangzê

Our drive to Gyangzê (12,956 feet) traces the turquoise waters of the holy Lake Yamdrok and crosses two spectacular high passes. Stop to view a magnificent hanging glaciers, and if you wish, go on a hike for a closer view. Gyangzê Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 8 — Gyangzê

Take an optional hike to the Ganden Gyakgye Retreat, a monastic retreat badly damaged during the Cultural Revolution. Or choose an exploratory walk through the back streets of Gyangzê to visit houses and meet with locals. Later, visit the impressive Gyangzê Dzong fortress that dominates the skyline above and offers breathtaking views of the Nyang Chu Valley below. Gyangzê Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 9 — Gyangzê/Shigatse

Explore the Pelkor Chode, a complex of monasteries and temples in which all four major sects of Tibetan Buddhism worshipped. Then, drive to Shigatse (12,792 feet), home to the immense Tashilunpo Monastery, the seat of Tibet's second highest incarnation, the Panchen Lama. Venture into its warren of chapels and shrines linked by mysterious alleyways and steep staircases. Walk back to the hotel through the town of Shigatse, stopping to browse through the old market. Manasarovar Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 10 — Shigatse/Xêgar

The scenic drive to Xêgar crosses the Lakpa La (17,121 feet) and provides us with our first glimpse of Mount Everest (weather permitting). Settle into our hotel in the small town of Xêgar (14,268 feet) where the first expeditions to nearby Mount Everest stopped in the 1920s. Qomolangma Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 11 — Xêgar/Everest North Face Base Camp

From Xêgar, cross the 17,000-foot Pang La. Here, take in a superb vista of ice-capped peaks dwarfed by majestic Mount Everest— described by George Leigh Mallory, who pioneered today's route, as the "prodigious white fang...[rising] from the jaw of the world." Visit Rongbuk Monastery before continuing to the North Face Base Camp of Everest. Return to Xêgar tonight. Qomolangma Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 12 — Xêgar/Zhangmu

Today, journey from the barren Tibetan Plateau to the lush foothills of Nepal, descending more than 9,000 feet flanked by towering summits. In the border town of Zhangmu, settle into our hotel overlooking the Bhote Kosi river. Cai Yuan Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 13 — Zhangmu/Kathmandu, Nepal

Cross the Friendship Bridge from Tibet into Nepal, and continue to the medieval city of Bhaktapur where much of Little Buddha was filmed. Discover ancient temples and palaces adorned with intricately carved wooden windows and latticework. Continue to Kathmandu and settle into our hotel. Dwarika's Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 14 — Kathmandu

Spend today exploring the colorful capital city of Kathmandu. Visit the 2,500-year-old shrine at Swayambhunath. Delve into the bustle of Durbar Square and the Hanuman Dhoka palace complex. View the great Buddhist stupa of Bodhnath, the largest such structure in Nepal. Tonight, celebrate a remarkable journey with a festive farewell dinner. Dwarika's Hotel (B,L,D)

Days 15 & 16 — Kathmandu/U.S.

Depart Kathmandu and connect in Bangkok or Delhi for flights home. (B)