Mountains & Monasteries

All content by Intrepid

18 days (ex Beijing)

Destinations visited: Nepal, Around The Kathmandu Valley, China, Běijīng, Tibet, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$3,335

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Description

Satisfy your sense of adventure and spiritual curiosity on this overland journey. From the great capital of China, travel across the vast Tibetan Plateau, through remote villages and into the mountain kingdom of Nepal. Ride the world's highest railway all the way from Beijing to Lhasa and witness the intense spirituality of the Tibetan people in their remote monasteries, high mountain passes, traditional homes and colourful marketplaces. Sample yak cheese and fresh bread at an organic farm in Shigatse, visit chaotic Kathmandu and immerse yourself in the atmospheric monastic rituals along the way. Complete this epic tour with a view of Mt Everest for an extraordinary real life experience.

Highlights

Spend a night near Everest Base Camp.
Visit an organic farm in Shigatse.
Discover Nepalese culture in Kathmandu.
Mingle with pilgrims at Potala Palace in Lhasa.
Shop in bustling bazaars.
Take the world's highest railway from Beijing to Lhasa.
Hike the Great Wall of China.
Travel through the stunning landscapes of mountainous Tibet.
Stay at Tibet's oldest monastery.
Samye Monastery.
Soak up the spiritual atmosphere of Lhasa.

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Beijing

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.

Day 3 Train to the Roof of the World

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.

Days 4-8 Lhasa

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.

Day 9 Samye

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

Day 10 Gyantse

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.

Days 11-12 Shigatse

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

Day 13 Sakya

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

Day 14 Everest National Park

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

Day 15 Zhangmu

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.

Day 16 Dhulikhel

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

Days 17-18 Kathmandu

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.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (8 nts), Guesthouse (6 nts), Overnight sleeper train (2 nts), Permanent tented camp (1 nt)

Transport

Private Bus, Overnight sleeper train, Taxi

Budget

Allow USD $300 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$3,335

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