Tibet & Everest Base Camp

Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrive Beijing.
We arrive in Beijing in the morning and spend the day exploring the highlights of the Chinese capital. In the evening, we embark on one of the most iconic train journeys in the world - 3,757 km from Beijing to Lhasa. Over the next 40 hours, we cross several Chinese provinces, climbing to great altitudes as we enter Tibet. The train is equipped with supplemental oxygen for use when needed. This journey - along with our first days in Lhasa - gives us valuable time to acclimatize before ascending to 5,200 m above sea level.

Day 2. Continuing by train on the Beijing–Lhasa railway.

Day 3. Lhasa.
We arrive in Lhasa (3,650 m) around midday. Check-in, rest, and free time to settle in. Lhasa is the capital of what was once an independent Tibet, now the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Whose name means House of God, the city is home to around 300,000 people and is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage centers in the world.

Day 4. Lhasa.
A full day exploring Lhasa - the Potala Palace, residence of the Dalai Lama from 1649 to 1959; the Jokhang Temple, the sacred spiritual heart of Lhasa; and Barkhor Street, the city's vibrant and bustling marketplace. The day ends with a traditional Tibetan dinner.

Day 5. Dadong Village & Sera Monastery.
We visit Dadong, one of the best-preserved Tibetan villages, nestled in a beautiful valley and believed to have been home to the 6th Dalai Lama. In the afternoon, we head to Sera Monastery, renowned for its fascinating and lively monastic debates. Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 6. Lhasa – Gyantse – Shigatse.
A long and rewarding drive of 340 km across the Tibetan landscape to the city of Shigatse. Along the way, the Khamba La Pass (4,797 m) rewards us with breathtaking views of Yamdrok Lake - one of Tibet's four sacred lakes - where we may encounter locals with their yaks and dogs. We then come face to face with the Karo La Glacier, at the foot of Noijin Kangsang peak (7,191 m), one of the highest summits in Tibet. We ourselves will be standing at 5,012 m above sea level. Overnight in Shigatse.

Day 7. Rongbuk Monastery 
We push on toward the Himalayas for an encounter with the North Face of Everest - covering another 330 km and crossing the Gyawu La Pass (5,200 m), from which five eight-thousanders are visible on a clear day. Our final destination - and tonight's home - is Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world at 5,154 m, sitting directly below Everest Base Camp. With the world's highest peak towering above, meditation caves carved into the slopes, pilgrims making their way along the path, and prayer flags snapping in the wind - this is the undisputed highlight of our photographic journey.

Day 8. Rongbuk Monastery – Shigatse.
The day begins with sunrise over the mighty Everest. We then make our way back toward Shigatse, stopping once more at Gyawu La Pass for photographs. In Shigatse, we visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded by the First Dalai Lama in 1447 and the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas - second in rank to the Dalai Lama - who play a key role in identifying his next reincarnation. Overnight in Shigatse.

Day 9. Shigatse – Lhasa.
We return to Lhasa, taking our time along the way to enjoy and photograph the stunning scenery once more.

Day 10. Lhasa – Xi'an & the Terracotta Army.
We fly to Xi'an to visit the world-famous Terracotta Army - one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Thousands of life-size warriors crafted from terracotta have stood guard over the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, for over 2,200 years. Overnight in Xi'an.

Day 11. Xi'an – Shanghai.
We board a high-speed train for the 1,400 km journey to Shanghai - covered in just 6 hours. Our final evening is spent in one of the most electrifying megacities on Earth.

Day 12. Departure 

Dates and the detailed program may be subject to minor adjustments depending on flight availability.