China Tibet Nepal Tour

18 Days Exclusive & Personalized Journey

5 - Excellent

China Tibet Nepal Tour - 18 Days

Timeless wonders, spiritual discovery, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable cultural encounters

Highlights

  • Great Wall of China (Beijing) – iconic world wonder with breathtaking mountain views.
  • Forbidden City (Beijing) – ancient imperial palace with rich history.
  • Experience Xi’an’s timeless charm through the Ancient City Wall, the vibrant Muslim Quarter, and the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army.
  • Discover Chengdu’s relaxed culture with pandas, ancient temples, tea houses, and the majestic Leshan Giant Buddha.
  • Historical Monastery and exploration of different cultures in Tibet.
  • Amazing Palace Potala, a house of Dalai Lama, Visit Drepung Monastery, largest monastery in Tibet.
  • Tibetans culture, tradition and modern Lhasa with exploring Yamdrok Lake - turquoise hue.
  • Sightseeing of famous World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. Close look of culture and tradition of Nepalese people.
  • Pokhara’s lakeside charm pairs perfectly with Sarangkot’s stunning Himalayan sunrise views.
  • Beijing: 3 Nights in Beijing with Great Wall, Bird's Nest, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square & Temple of Heaven.
  • Xi'an: 2 Nights in Xi'an with Terracotta Army, Ancient Walls & Muslim Quarter Exploration.
  • Chengdu: 2 Nights in Chengdu with Wuhou Temple, Panda Base Visit & Leshan Giant Buddha.
  • Tibet: 4 Nights in Tibet with Potala Palace, Norbulingka, largest monastery Drepung, Barkhor street, Yamdrok Lake and local lifestyle.
  • Nepal: 6 Nights in Kathmandu Nepal with Boudhanath, Pashupati, Patan Durbar Square, and Pokhara city.
forbidden-city-beijing-landscape Tour Map

Set out on a once-in-a-lifetime 18-day journey through three remarkable destinations: the imperial wonders of China, the spiritual center of Tibet, and the Himalayan charm of Nepal. This is one of the best ways to enjoy Asia’s true natural beauty, spirituality, and culture. This trip combines famous sites with cultural interactions, beautiful scenery, and unique experiences created for the inquisitive and enthusiastic travelers.

This trip provide you through the great landmarks such as the Great Wall, the Potala Palace, and Kathmandu Valley’s historic monuments. For those seeking an adventure filled with beauty and culture, this is the perfect 18-day China Tibet Nepal tour itinerary.

Updated 11th November, 2025

Currently, Nepal to Tibet is only one direct flight available which operates 4 flights per week from Lhasa to Kathmandu (every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday) and Kathmandu to Lhasa (every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday). Also, there are direct flights available from Lhasa to Pokhara (Nepal) on Mondays and from Pokhara (Nepal) to Lhasa on Tuesdays. In the alternatives, Travelers have two options at present either taking a flight via Chengdu/Beijing(mainland China).
* No need visa to visit China or Tibet for the nationalities of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Poland, Andorra, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Bulgaria, Romania, Malta, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Estonia, Latvia, Georgia, Sweden, Russia, Brunei, Thailand, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand, and Australia, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain until December 2026. Also, there are already full visa exemptions for 26 other countries to enter China for up to 30 days: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, San Marino, Mauritius, Seychelles, Maldives, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, the UAE, Qatar, Armenia, Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Ecuador, Grenada, Bahamas, Suriname. (but this could change at any time, so again, confirm with embassy/counselor) 

YOUR JOURNEY DAY BY DAY

Cost & Inclusion

Experience unmatched local expertise and exceptional service with us, where your satisfaction is guaranteed. With over a decade of expertise in providing exquisite services, we prioritize quality above all else.

The pricing for each package may vary depending on factors such as hotel category, tour duration, travel season, routes, and activities. You have the option to customize your package to create your ideal itinerary, which may differ from cheaper alternatives elsewhere. Rest assured, we will make your visit truly worthwhile with Asia Experiences.

Tibet Tibet

  • All necessary travel permits to Tibet.
  • Entrance ticket fees for all the sight spots listed in the program.
  • Private transportation in Tibet with experienced local Tibetan driver.
  • Airport pickups and drops service.
  • Private guide: English speaking local Tibetan guide.
  • Accommodation with breakfast as per your choice.

Nepal Nepal

  • Airport pickups and drops service.
  • Private ground transportation with air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Hotel accommodation with breakfast as per your preference.
  • Local cultural tour guide with English speaking.
  • Sightseeing entrance fees for museums and monuments.

Essential Information

Comparison: Train vs Flight

While planning your trip, you have mainly two options for the method of travel. This breakdown shows what each option brings so you can pick what suits you better.

Beijing to Xi’an & Xi’an to Chengdu

  • By Plane:
    • Flight time from Beijing to Xi’an is 2 – 2.5 hours.
    • Xi’an to Chengdu takes around 1.5 hours.
    • Might need additional time for airport transfers, check-in, security, and security.
    • Flight delays are possible during peak seasons or bad weather.
  • By High-Speed Train:
    • It takes approximately 4.5 – 6 hours from Beijing to Xi’an on a high-speed train.
    • Xi’an to Chengdu takes almost 3 – 5 hours.
    • Train stations are usually centrally located compared to airports, reducing travel time.
    • High-speed trains are really punctual – reliable for tight itineraries.
    • More comfort and space than domestic economy flights, allowing walking or stretching freely.
    • It offers beautiful countryside views on the way.

Recommendation: Choose the high speed train for extra comfort, on-time performance, and minimal cost & travel stress than flights.

Chengdu to Lhasa (Tibet)

  • By Plane/Flight
    • It takes about 2 – 2.5 hours, which is the fastest way.
    • Popular option for travelers for convenience.
    • Multiple daily flights operate from Chengdu to Lhasa.
    • Because of the rapid altitude gain - 3650m elevation in Lhasa, some you might experience mild altitude symptoms. Resting on the first day (no sightseeing) is highly recommended.
  • By Train
    • It takes approximately 36 – 44 hours (about two days).
    • This is better for those who want a slow and gradual ascent – easier for acclimatization.
    • Scenic route – featuring mountains, lakes, and high-altitude grasslands
    • It is a very long journey, and train tickets can be difficult to secure during peak travel seasons.

Recommendation: For most travelers, flying from Chengdu to Lhasa is the best choice. It’s fast, convenient, and widely available. Make sure to rest on the first day after landing to ensure a comfortable start to your Tibet journey.


Comparison: Flight vs Overland Drive (​Lhasa to Kathmandu)

By Flight

  • It takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes.
  • It is ideal if you want a quick transfer between Tibet and Nepal.
  • You can spend the extra time you saved sightseeing.
  • This is also good if you want to avoid physical strain from long drives.
  • Direct flights are limited and generally operate on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

By Overland via EBC

  • It usually takes 4 days, covering around 1200 – 1300 km depending on the route.
  • You’ll encounter spectacular landscapes in Tibet – the Tibetan Plateau, Shigatse, Gyantse, high-altitude lakes, monasteries, and the unforgettable Everest Base Camp approach.
  • The gradual descent lets your body handle height shifts without stressing about acclimatizing.
  • Plenty of opportunities to snap pics, local vis, and cultural experiences while travelling.
  • It requires more time and extra budget for lodging, guides, fuel, and paperwork.
  • It involves long hours on mountain paths, hitting bumpy sections, and possible delays due to weather or road conditions.

Recommendation:

  • Choose the flight for quick, smooth, and minimal hassle.
  • Go for the land route for a journey packed with scenery, local life, and cultural moments in the Himalayan peaks.

Reviews

5 - Excellent (Reviews on TripAdvisor)

cheryl-kathmandu-day-trip

Cheryl Couple
United States
April 2025

Amazing and Unforgettable Adventure to Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan

The unfulfilled dream for over 20 years of visiting the Himalayas has come to fruition with customized private tours by Asia Experiences. A well-crafted and well-organized tour met our diverse needs and interests. A huge shout-out to our ideal partner, Netra Bagale, and the team of knowledgeable, caring guides and skillful drivers. The extraordinary ambassadors in each country went out of their way to ensure unique natural and cultural heritage tours. Appreciate their flexibility and felt a strong kinship, leading to wonderful adventures and learning opportunities. Highlights included the rewarding Tiger’s Nest hike, Potala Palace night view, Pandas in Chengdu, village walks, young monks in debate, and vibrant cultural sites. An enriching experience to visit the living and active places of worship and community. The quick response, attentiveness, and constant assistance throughout the trip make it easy, wonderful, and satisfactory long anticipated adventure trips. Thank you Asia Experiences, for this unforgettable adventure.


boudhanath stupa kathmandu

Karen/Jasper/Jerome/Leah
United States of America
November, 2024

One for the books!

We had an amazing time during our China/Tibet/Nepal and Bhutan trip. The communication was clear and Netra arranged everything smoothly. The personalized trip was very well organized and well-assisted. Netra was readily available to answer all our queries and assist us with all our needs. Thank you so much Asia Experiences! Remarkable memories.

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