Mountains & Monasteries Itinerary

Welcome to bustling Beijing! Discover the awe-inspiring wonder of the iconic Great Wall of China on a trip to this impressive feat of engineering.

Travel from Beijing to Lhasa on one of the world's great train journeys and soak up stunning landscapes on the climb to the Tibetan plateau.

Arrive in Lhasa, Tibet's eclectic capital city - a place of beauty and mysticism. Enjoy a cooking class and visit Potala Palace - the former residence of the Dalai Lama.

Spend the night in the atmospheric shadow of Samye Monastery, the oldest in Tibet.

Listen to the monks' morning prayers before taking a spectacular drive across the Kamba-La Pass. Make the pilgrim circuit at Pelkor Chode Monastery and see the imposing hill fortress of Gyantse Dzong.

Travel to Shigatse, one of the most spiritually important cities in Tibet, and explore Tashilhunpo Monastery. Browse Shigatse bazaar - a shopper’s heaven.

Journey onwards to the remote Sakya Monastery, which boasts a collection of rare medieval artwork.

Discover the world's highest monastery, Rongphu. Get higher again, trekking to Everest Base Camp - the view is out of this world.

Rise early and hit the road for a drive across the Tibetan Plateau. Travel onwards to Zhangmu and watch the harsh landscape give way to lush green valleys.

Cross the Nepalese border, trek to nearby villages or simply relax and enjoy the panoramic views.

The Mountains and Monasteries adventure ends in the narrow streets of Kathmandu with its great food and memorable sights. Recline in a cafe with a hot chai, shop for souvenirs or rise early to climb to Swayambhunath.