Border Information: if joining in Tashkent, you will most likely enter Uzbekistan at Tashkent International Airport (IATA code: TAS). There will be a pre-departure meeting at 10:00am - please look out for a note from your leader at the reception of the joining hotel upon arrival with more details about this important meeting. Your leader will need to carefully check your visas at this initial meeting. The rest of the day is free to explore the Uzbek capital. Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Tashkent before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Tashkent. In Tashkent we will stay in a comfortable hotel with good facilities. *Important note - do not bring any medicines containing tramadol, codeine, temazepam, morphine or opiates to Central Asia. These are illegal in all circumstances in most of Central Asia and you will risk arrest. If in doubt about a particular medicine, please do not bring it. See the notes at the bottom for more details.* *Another important note - please be aware that all itineraries in Kyrgyzstan are highly weather-dependent. The itinerary described in these notes are a statement of best intention, but we must approach each trip in Kyrgyzstan with a large degree of flexibility, as our leaders and local guides will have to 'play things by ear' according to the local conditions and weather. In low season certain routes become impossible and it may become far too cold to camp - in all cases there are fantastic and well-tried alternatives in place which means we can always run an excellent and comprehensive trip here, but please do not treat the exact details of the itinerary listed here as gospel - thanks for your understanding!*

Activities(Optional)
Explore urbane Tashkent and experience a surreal cabaret dinner - Cost: USD
Visit the nightclubs and Imperial Russian-style cabaret restaurants of Tashkent - Cost: USD
Visit the religious centre of Tashkent at Hast Imam Square and see the Uthman Koran, believed to be the world's oldest extant copy of the Koran - Cost: USD 5

This morning we travel in local transport over the Kamchik Pass to Kokand, where we will have the oppurtunity to visit the Khudayar Khan's Palace and the nearby Margilan Silk Factory before completing the journey to Fergana.  The truck must pass over the Kamchik Pass without passengers and will rejoin us this evening in Fergana. In Fergana we will stay in a basic local hotel. Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours (please note that all drive times given here are the approximate number of hours that the truck will be in motion only, and does not include any time taken for coffee or lunch stops, border crossings, photo stops, activities en route, comfort breaks, shopping stops, toilet stops, etc. The times given are approximate estimates only and whilst given with the best of intentions, the drive times are heavily dependent on traffic, road conditions, weather, police roadblocks, and many other factors - flexibility is essential on any overland trip!).

Activities(Included)
Overland through Uzbekistan's Fergana Valley including historic Kokand and Fergana City

Activities(Optional)
Explore the impressive 19th-century Juma Mosque in Kokand in the stunning Fergana Valley - Cost: UZS 17500
See the silk-weavers of the Fergana Valley at the Yodgorlik Silk Factory - Cost: USD

Border information: Exit Uzbekistan at Andijon, enter Kyrgyzstan at Dustlik. This morning we leave Uzbekistan behind and make our way into the magical mountain kingdom of Kyrgyzstan!  Once we have crossed the border we continue our journey to Arslanbob in Kyrgyzstan's Fergana Valley - if we are delayed at the border we may choose to stay in the closer town of Jalalabad instead. In Arslanbob we will stay overnight in a local family-run guesthouse. Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours.

We will spend the next 3 days overlanding through the stunning and remote Kyrgyz Fergana Valley, stopping often to admire the views and perhaps take some impromptu hikes in the hills and countryside. During these days we plan to wild camp en route. Please note that trips running in low season (May to mid-June and October to November), we may not be able to camp if temperatures are too low, in which case we will stay in local guesthouses along the route instead. Estimated Drive Times - 4-8 hours each day.

Activities(Included)
Get off the beaten track with 3 nights wild camping and a leisurely overland journey through the stunning mountains and National Parks of Kyrgyzstan

Today we complete the drive to the incredible Song Köl Lake, where we will spend the next two nights. We will have free time here to explore the area, and to enjoy some optional activities including hiking and horse-riding. At Song Köl we will stay in traditional felt yurts. Estimated Drive Time - 4-8 hours. Please note that trips during the low season will not be able to visit Song Köl Lake, as temperatures will be below freezing, the road will be snowed over, and there will be no yurts to stay in! Instead we will likely stay in yurts on the southern shore of Lake Issyk Köl.

Activities(Included)
Experience the daily life of the Kyrgyz mountain shepherds.

Today we drive to the small village of Kochkor, where we stay in local family-run guesthouses and enjoy traditional Kyrgyz hospitality! Whilst here we will visit a small museum and women's felt making cooperative that produces 'shyrdaks', the felt carpets for which Kyrgyzstan is renowned. We may also have the opportunity here to see some excellent local musicians playing traditional Kyrgyz folk music and to see how a yurt is put up! In Kochkor we will stay in family-run guesthouses, accommodating up to 8 guests in each home. Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.

Activities(Included)
Overnight homestay at a traditional rural Kyrgyz village
See the traditional felt workshops or Kochkor and learn about how Kyrgyz carpets and hats are typically made here
See an incredible demonstration from a traditional eagle hunter near Kochkor

Activities(Optional)
Visit a folklore demonstration near Kockhor where you can learn all about the handicrafts of the area, see a fantastic outdoor concert of traditional music and help to erect a yurt! - Cost: KGS 1000

Today we drive along the southern shore of Lake Issyk Köl and up into the mountains to the alpine trekking region of Jeti Oguz. En route we will have an included demonstation from a local 'eagle hunter'. The next day we will have a free day to hike in the incredible scenery here, or take an optional horse ride with some of the local nomads! In Jeti Oguz we will camp close to a local family yurt. Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours. Please note that on trips in the low season we may not be able to camp in Jeti Oguz due to low temperatures. If this is the case, we will stay for 1 night in a local hotel at the base of Jeti Oguz Valley (allowing time for some day walks) and then move via a stunning and incredible drive up a mountain in a Russian 4x4 truck to Altyn Arashan, a hot spring development in a stunning alpine setting, staying in dormitory accommodation.

Activities(Included)
Trek into the wilds of the Jeti-Oghuz Gorge on the edge of the Tian Shan mountains

Activities(Optional)
Explore the incredible mountain landscapes of the Jeti Oguz Valley by horseback - Cost: KGS 800

Today we will move on from Jeti Oguz or Altyn Arashan to the Russian-style town of Karakol, where we will have a free afternoon to explore and relax! In Karakol we will stay in a decent local hotel. Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours.

Today we will drive to the northern shore of Lake Issyk Köl and visit the ancient petroglyphs at Cholpon Ata. We will then continue to the beautiful area of Chong Kemin where we will spend 2 nights. Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours. The next day we will have a free day to explore and hike in this stunning area, or to get involved in an optional white water rafting excursion! In Chong Kemin we will wild camp. If it is too cold or simply preferred by the group, we may choose to camp in the grounds of a guesthouse in Ashu, a village in the Chong Kemin valley, where there could be the possibility to upgrade to rooms.

Activities(Included)
Get off the beaten track with 3 nights wild camping and a leisurely overland journey through the stunning mountains and National Parks of Kyrgyzstan
Tourist time: pedalos, sand, sun. On Lake Issyk-Kul, it?s a time warp

Activities(Optional)
Explore the beautiful Chong Kemin valley on horseback - Cost: KGS 300
Head out on a white-water rafting adventure through the stunning Chong Kemin valley - Cost: KGS 1800
Walk around the incredible scenery of the Chong Kemin valley - Cost: KGS

Today we have a short drive to the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek, with the opportunity to visit the Burana Tower en route. We will have free time to relax and explore the city upon arrival. In Bishkek we will stay in a comfortable hotel with good facilities. Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours.

For everyone that is continuing with us to China, there will be quick pre-departure meeting at 10:00am in order to explain the next 6 days until Kashgar, and your leader will collect the kitty for this linking section. The remainder of the day is free to explore the relaxed and atmospheric city of Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. In Bishkek we will stay in a comfortable hotel with good facilities. Hotel for the night: Hotel Asia Mountains Hotel Asia Mountains 1a Lineinaja St Bishkek 720021 Kyrgyzstan Tel: +996 312 694 075

Activities(Optional)
Begin our journey in picturesque Bishkek - Cost: USD
Freely explore the vast Osh Bazaar, Bishkek's largest market - Cost: USD
Explore Bishkek's past at the State Historical Museum on Ala-Too Square - Cost: KGS 150

Today we drive to the small village of Kochkor, where we stay in local family-run guesthouses and enjoy traditional Kyrgyz hospitality! Whilst here we will visit a small museum and women's felt making cooperative that produces 'shyrdaks', the felt carpets for which Kyrgyzstan is renowned. We may also have the opportunity here to see some excellent local musicians playing traditional Kyrgyz folk music and to see how a yurt is put up! In Kochkor we will stay in family-run guesthouses, accommodating up to 8 guests in each home. Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours. Please note that if the group has no new people joining in Bishkek, we may choose to stay instead in a guesthouse in the small town of Naryn (a further 2 hour drive beyond Kochkor). This is so that we don't repeat Kochkor unnecessarily and can have more time to explore the area of Tash Rabat the following day.

Activities(Included)
Overnight homestay at a traditional rural Kyrgyz village
See the traditional felt workshops or Kochkor and learn about how Kyrgyz carpets and hats are typically made here

Activities(Optional)
Visit a folklore demonstration near Kockhor where you can learn all about the handicrafts of the area, see a fantastic outdoor concert of traditional music and help to erect a yurt! - Cost: KGS 1000

Today we continue our journey south to Tash Rabat, once a key staging post on the Silk Road close to the Kyrgyzstan-China border. During our time here we will visit an ancient caravanserai and have some time to explore the surrounding area. In Tash Rabat we will wild camp. In cold weather (or if simply the group prefers and there is availability), we may choose to stay in local nomadic yurts that are set up for guests near the caravanserai, sleeping 8-10 people per yurt. Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours (from Kochkor).

Activities(Included)
Visit the ancient Silk Road caravanserai at Tash Rabat, close to the Kyrgyzstan-China border

Border information: Exit Kyrgyzstan at Torugart, enter China at Torugart. Today we will have a full day drive over the 3752m Torugart Pass, crossing into China and heading down to the Uighur city of Kashgar. In Kashgar we will stay in a comfortable hotel. Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.

Today we will have free time to explore the city of Kashgar and partake in any optional activities Tonight we will stay in a good quality hotel

Border Information: if joining in Kashgar, you will most likely enter China at Kashgar Airport (IATA code: KHG). Welcome to Kashgar, one of the ancient trading posts on the Silk Route! If you are joining in Kashgar, you are free to explore the city, and there will be a group meeting today at 6:00pm. Please do not be alarmed if there is no welcome note at the hotel on your arrival, as this is often a travelling day for the tour leader and they will often arrive in Kashgar mid-afternoon. Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Kashgar before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Kashgar. In Kashgar we will stay in a hotel with good facilities.

Activities(Included)
Hike up to Shiptons Arch - the largest natural arch in the world. 

Today we will visit the animal market just outside of town, and then the famous Kashgar Sunday Bazaar. We will also have an included visit to Shiptons Arch - the largest natural arch in the world!  The following day we will have a free day to explore the town, the central Id Kah Mosque and its surrounding square, while your crew finalise the customs procedures for our truck to continue further into China.

Activities(Included)
Explore Kashgar's Sunday market and Animal market.

Activities(Optional)
Visit the Id Kah Mosque, the finest example of Islamic architecture in Kashgar and the centre of religious life in the city - Cost: CNY 45
Discover the history of the ancient Silk Road at Kashgar's Silk Road Museum - Cost: CNY 45
Visit the mausoleum of the 17th-century religious leader Afaq Khoja, considered the holiest site in Xinjiang Province - Cost: CNY 30

Our journey through China begins as we leave Kashgar and head east through the Taklamakan Desert! Our crossing of the desert usually takes 3 days/2 nights, and we plan to stay in local hotels en route. Estimated Drive Times - 8-9 hours each day (please note that all drive times given here are the approximate number of hours that the truck will be in motion only, and does not include any time taken for coffee or lunch stops, border crossings, photo stops, activities en route, comfort breaks, shopping stops, toilet stops, etc. The times given are approximate estimates only and whilst given with the best of intentions, the drive times are heavily dependent on traffic, road conditions, weather, police roadblocks, and many other factors - flexibility is essential on any overland trip!).

Today we will complete our drive through the Taklamakan Desert and arrive at Heavenly Lake, a beautiful lake set in the Tian Shan mountains. Estimated Drive Time - 8-9 hours. We will stay here for 2 nights, and will have many opportunities to relax in the incredible scenery and walk around the lake. In Heavenly Lake we will stay in local yurts with very basic facilities.

Activities(Included)
Enjoy a day to walk around Heavely Lake, or maybe take the boat out onto the water. 

Today we will travel to the oasis town of Turpan, where we stay for 2 days exploring the surrounding sites including the famous Jiaohe ruins. In Turpan we will stay in a local hotel. Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.

Activities(Included)
Exploration of the oasis and the Jiaohe ruins at Turpan
Learn about the Karez water system, the ingenious method of irrigating the area that was developed by the Han Dynasty and allowed Turpan to flourish as an oasis town
See the striking red sandstone landscape of the Flaming Mountains near Turpan

Activities(Optional)
See the Emin Minaret, a beautiful Uighur mosque built in the 18th century which is the tallest minaret in China - Cost: CNY 30
Explore the ancient oasis city of Gaochang, once a bustling trading trading centre along the Silk Road - Cost: CNY 40

Today we will have an early start and a big drive to the city of Dunhuang. Estimated Drive Time - 9-11 hours. Please note that sometimes it may be preferred by the group and the leader to split this drive over 2 days, wild camping in between - in this case we will have 1 less night in Pingliang towards the end of the trip. The following day we will have an included visit to the awe-inspiring Mogao Buddha Caves in the morning. We will then have a free afternoon to explore this amazing town and it’s surroundings - there are possibilities for camel rides along the sand dunes and bicycle rides out to the nearby White Goose Pagoda! In Dunhuang we will stay in a comfortable hotel.

Activities(Included)
Guided tour of the Mogao caves, Dunhuang

Activities(Optional)
Stopover and time to explore historic Dunhuang - Cost: CNY 20
Take a camel ride at Crescent Moon Lake. - Cost: CNY 240

Today we continue our journey with a drive to Jiayuguan, where we will have an included visit to the Jiayuguan Fort - the most western point of the Great Wall of China. Please note the Great Wall in this area is adobe, unlike the more famous stone sections further to the east. We will wild camp near an adobe section of the Great Wall near Jiayuguan. Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.

Activities(Included)
Journey down the Gansu Corridor to Jiayuguan Fort, our first stop at the Great Wall

Today we will drive to the incredible Zhangye Danxia Rainbow Mountains - we'll spend some time exploring the region before heading off to wild camp nearby. Estimated Drive Time - 3-5 hours.

Activities(Included)
Explore the incredible and colourful natural phenomenon of the Zhangye Danxia Rainbow Mountains

Today we will drive onto the lower slopes of the remote Tibetan plateau and reach the small city of Liujiaxia.  In Liujiaxia we will stay in a basic local hotel. Estimated Drive Time - 7-9 hours.

Today we set off to the enchanting Tibetan town of Xiahe where we spend the next 3 nights. We will have an included visit to the incredible Bingling Si Buddha Caves en route. Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours. The next few days are free to explore this beautiful town and surrounding grasslands. We can take a guided visit to the Labrang Monastery where Tibetan monks can be seen doing their daily rituals and chants. There may also be a chance to go trekking, horse riding or exploring the surrounding grasslands, visiting Tibetan families and perhaps trying the local Yak butter tea. In Xiahe we will stay in a local Tibetan-owned hotel.

Activities(Included)
See the vast Buddha statue and the outstanding Buddhist cave sculptures at the fabulous Bingling Si gorge

Activities(Optional)
Climb up onto the lower slopes of the remote Tibetan Plateau - Cost: CNY
3 night detour to the Tibetan town of Xiahe, one of the main pilgrimage sites for Tibetan Buddhists - Cost: CNY
Take a day trip up into the Sangke or Ganjia grasslands of the lower Tibetan Plateau surrounding Xiahe - Cost: CNY 400

Today we will leave Xiahe and head to the chaotic capital city of Gansu province, Lanzhou. We will have some free time this evening to explore the city. In Lanzhou we will stay in a comfortable hotel. Estimated Drive Time - 4-6 hours.

Today we will drive to the small town of Pingliang at the base of the Mount Kongtong, one of the holiest mountains in Chinese Taoism. Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours. The following day we will have an included visit to Mount Kongtong, and will have the full day to explore the temples and walk and explore the pilgrimage routes on the mountain.  In Pingliang we will stay in a decent local hotel. Please note that if the drive between Turpan and Dunhuang was split over 2 days, there will only be 1 night in Pingliang and a half-day exploration of Mount Kongtong.

Activities(Included)
Explore the stunningly beautiful Mt. Kongtong and its temples

Today we will journey to the amazing city of Xi'an, the ancient capital of Shaanxi province and the end of the 'Silk Road'! We will have a free afternoon to fully explore the city, it's famous walls, bell and drum towers, pagodas and Muslim Quarter. In Xi'an we will stay in a comfortable hotel with good facilities. Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.

Border Information: if joining the trip in Xi'an, you will most likely enter China at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (IATA code: XIY). Please note that our trips between Kathmandu and Xi'an travel through extreme environments and these itineraries WILL NOT NECESSARILY RUN AS PUBLISHED. We will adjust trip itineraries depending on weather, altitude effects, group make up and road conditions. This day by day itinerary is provided as a rough guide only. There will be a group meeting at 10:00am in our hotel in Xi'an - please look for a note from your tour leader when you arrive at the hotel giving more details about this important meeting. In the afternoon there will be an included visit to the awe-inspiring world-famous Terracotta Warriors. Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Xi'an before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Xi'an. In Xi'an we will stay in a comfortable hotel with good facilities.

Activities(Included)
Explore the world-famous site of the Terracotta Warriors, an army of 8000 life-size figures built to protect the Emporer Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife

Today we will start our journey with a drive from Xi'an to Pingliang. Estimated Drive Time - 6-7 hours (please note that all drive times given here are the approximate number of hours that the truck will be in motion only, and does not include any time taken for coffee or lunch stops, border crossings, photo stops, activities en route, comfort breaks, shopping stops, toilet stops, etc. The times given are approximate estimates only and whilst given with the best of intentions, the drive times are heavily dependent on traffic, road conditions, weather, police roadblocks, and many other factors - flexibility is essential on any overland trip!). On the following day we will have an included day visit to the holy mountain of Kongtong, where we can freely trek and explore the incredible area and visit all the temples built on impossibly steep mountain sides. In Pingliang we will stay in a local hotel.

Activities(Included)
Explore the stunningly beautiful Mt. Kongtong and its temples

Today we will arrive into the chaotic city of Lanzhou, with time to explore in the afternoon. In Lanzhou we will stay in a local hotel. Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours.

Activities(Optional)
Guided visit to the vast Buddha and cave at Bingling Si near Lanzhou - Cost: CNY

From Lanzhou we will drive on to the enchanting Tibetan town of Xiahe, where we will be staying for 3 nights. Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours. The following 2 days will be free to explore the incredible Labrang Monastery or the surrounding grasslands. Whilst in Xiahe we will stay in a basic guesthouse.

Activities(Optional)
Climb up onto the lower slopes of the remote Tibetan Plateau - Cost: CNY
3 night detour to the Tibetan town of Xiahe, one of the main pilgrimage sites for Tibetan Buddhists - Cost: CNY
Take a day trip up into the Sangke or Ganjia grasslands of the lower Tibetan Plateau surrounding Xiahe - Cost: CNY 400

Leaving Xiahe, we drive on to the small town of Liujiaxia. En route we will have an included visit to the phenomenal Bingling Si Buddha Caves. In Liujiaxia we will staying in a friendly local hotel. Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.

Activities(Included)
See the vast Buddha statue and the outstanding Buddhist cave sculptures at the fabulous Bingling Si gorge

For the next 2 days we will be overlanding through Qinghai province through an area that is a giant basin surrounded by high mountains, and en route we will pass the vast and starkly beautiful Qinghai Hu Lake. The population of this part of the Tibetan Plateau is thinly spread and mainly comprises of Kazakhs, Moguls and Hui.  We will be stopping off and wildcamping along the way. Estimated Drive Time - 9-10 hours.

Activities(Included)
Journey west through the lower realms of the Tibetan Plateau to the remote Qinghai Lake

We continue our overland journey today across the high plateau, arriving at the small town of Golmud. In Golmud we will stay overnight in small local hotel. Estimated Drive Time - 8-9 hours.

Leaving Golmud we head out across the plateau once again. We will spend the next 3 days slowly driving uphill to acclimatise to the altitude, finally crossing the famous Tanggula Pass (5231m) which marks the start of Tibet. If time allows we will make a side trip to Namtso Lake en route. Spare days have been included in this part of the itinerary as contingency due to poor roads and extreme conditions - they will be used as required. We will be wild camping en route. Estimate Drive Times - 5-8 hours each day.

Today we complete our journey to the famous and evocative city of Lhasa, the religious, cultural and economic centre of Tibet, where we will be staying for the next 3 days. In Lhasa we will stay in a comfortable hotel. Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours.

We will have 2 full days to explore the Tibetan city of Lhasa. There will be organised visits to the Sera Monastery, and the Jokhang Temple, as well as the options to visit the Drepung and Ganden Monasteries and the Summer Palace. There will be lots of opportunity for free exploration of the city as well.

Activities(Included)
Take a guided tour of the incredble Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama and the most famous symbol of Tibet
Explore the Jokhang Temple, the centrepiece of Lhasa and the most sacred and important temple in Tibet
Visit the stunning Sera Monastery, and witness one of the fascinating debating sessions between the monks

Activities(Optional)
Explore the Norbulingka Palace, the former summer residence of the Dalai Lama, and visit its peaceful gardens and parks - Cost: CNY 60
Take a trip to the incredible Ganden Monastery in Dagze near Lhasa - a stunning monastery founded in 1409 by the founder of Gelug Buddhism - Cost: CNY 145
Visit the beautiful Drepung Monastery, the residence of the early Dalai Lamas before the construction of the Potala Palace - Cost: CNY 50
Explore the evocative and atmospheric Tibetan quarter of the Barkhor, and walk its sacred route around the Jokhang Monastery - Cost: CNY
Stop for a drink at the teahouse in Ani Sangkhung, the only nunnery in Lhasa - Cost: CNY 8
Explore the Chinese-style Ramoche Temple, the sister temple of the Jokhang and one of the holiest sites in Tibet - Cost: CNY

Today we will continue over the Kampa La Pass (4794m) to the town of Gyantse. In the afternoon we will have an included visit to the Palcho Monastery and time for an optional visit to the Gyantse Fort. In Gyantse we will stay in a friendly local hotel. Estimated Drive Time - 4 hours.

Activities(Included)
Visit to the stunning town of Gyantse and Baiju Monastery

Activities(Optional)
Visit the Gyantse Dzong Fortress that dominates over the town, site of a famous resistance effort again the British invasion of 1904 - Cost: CNY 30

Depending on what time we arrived in Gyantse yesterday, we may decide to have some more time here this morning before driving on to Shigatse, Tibet's second biggest city. On arrival in Shigatse we will have an included visit to the Tashilhunpo Monastery. In Shigatse we will stay in a friendly local hotel. Estimated Drive Time - 4 hours.

Activities(Included)
Stopover in Shigatse and visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery

Today we continue our journey with a drive over some more high mountain passes to reach New Tingri (also known as Shegar), where we will meet the junction for the road to Everest Base Camp on the Tibetan side. This is usually a fairly long day's drive, but the stunning views and scenery make this one of the world's most visually fantastic journeys! In New Tingri we will stay in a local guesthouse. Estimated Drive Time - 9-10 hours.

From New Tingri we make the journey to the Rongbuk Monastery. The drive is not an easy one, passing over another 5200m pass, but the views are sensational and (weather permitting) we should have excellent views of Mount Everest. Once we have reached the Rongbuk, we will have free time to explore the area and visit the Monastery and take in the stunning views of Everest!  Tonight we will stay in the Monastery Guesthouse Please note: It is no longer possible to visit the actual Tibetan Everest Base Camp as it is closed to tourists as of February 2019.  Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.

Activities(Included)
Visit the Rongbuk Monastery, one of the most remote monasteries in the world

This morning we have some more time at Rongbuk - hopefully when you open up in the morning, there will be a spectacular view of Mount Everest! We will drive back down to New Tingri this afternoon. In New Tingri we will stay in a local guesthouse. Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours.

We will spend the next 2 days climbing high into the mountains over the Lalungla Pass (5050m) up into the Himalayas and then down to the Nepalese border. This is part of the famous "Friendship Highway", cutting through gorges, across plateaus and over high passes. On all the passes that we cross you will see the ever present pilgrim prayer flags, cairns and scattered "wind horse" papers. We will be wild camping en route tonight. Estimated Drive Time - 8-9 hours.

Border information: Exit China at Kyirong, Enter Nepal at Rasuwa Gadhi. Crossing the border from the Tibetan Autonomous Region into Nepal, we will travel along small winding roads to the historic village of Nuwakot.  Nuwakot is one of Nepal’s hidden gems nestled in the central hills of the country. Full of ancient temples and palaces, it has a beautifully serene atmosphere and rustic ambience - perfect for getting a taste of the calm pace of rural Nepalese life. Estimated Drive Time - 8 - 9 hours. In Nuwakot we will stay in a hotel based inside an old manor house where we will have 2 nights to relax and unwind.

Activities(Included)
2 nights at a stunning mountain resort, nestling in the foothills of the Himalaya

Activities(Optional)
Trek around the incredible hills, terraced fields and traditional villages in the area, taking in some of the awe-inspiring scenery - Cost: NPR
Freely explore the historic Nepalese village of Nuwakot and visit its 18th-century palace, once an important stop on the bustling Tibetan-Kathmandu Valley trade route. - Cost: NPR

Today we will spend a little more time enjoying the serenity of Nuwakot, before taking a short drive to Nepal's second city - the adventure town of Pokhara! We will spend 2 nights here.  In Pokhara we will stay in a local guesthouse. Estimated Drive Time - 2-3 hours. On the 2nd day we will have a free day in the fantastic city of Pokhara. The area is famous for its myriad of spectacular waterfalls surrounded by fertile forests and towering mountains, for its fantastic choice of yoga and meditation retreats, and for its overwhelming choice of adventure activities from trekking to rafting to zip-lining to mountain biking!

Activities(Optional)
Trek around the stunning Himalayan foothills, the local villages and monasteries in the peaceful area of Dhulikhel - Cost: NPR
Take a boat out on Phewa Lake near Pokhara, basking in the spectactular mountain-and-forest scenery of one of Nepal's most beautiful spots - Cost: NPR 500
Head out to the stunning Phewa Tal Lake on an unforgettable pony trek through the lush forests near Pokhara - Cost: NPR 4000
Take an early trip to the summit of Sarangkot to witness the incredible sunrise while surrounded by some of the world's highest mountains, with the possibility of trekking downhill back to Pokhara - Cost: NPR 4000
Visit one of Pokhara's beautiful ashrams to take a yoga or meditation course - Cost: USD 20
Head out on an adrenaline-fuelled white water rafting expedition near the adventure town of Pokhara - Cost: USD 50
Head out for an exhilarating mountain biking expedition in the mountains surrounding Pokhara - Cost: USD 45

This morning we will journey to Khatauti Khola, home to the Royal Beach Camp eco-adventure camp in the Nepalese mountains.  There are several optional activities on offer here such as kayaking, rafting, hiking and mountain bikings or simply relax in the quiet surroundings.  In Khatauti Khola we will camp at the Royal Beach Camp.  Estimated Drive Time - 3 -4 hours.

Activities(Optional)
Discover Kathmandu on a guided city tour - Cost: NPR 1000
Visit the former royal palace of Narayanhiti and see the crown jewels of Nepal - Cost: NPR 500
2 night stay at the 5 star Dwarika Hotel - Cost: NPR 250
Feast on a 9 course traditional Nepali meal - Cost: NPR 750
2 nights to enjoy the sights of Kathmandu - Cost: NPR 250
Visit the sacred Hindu Pashupatinath Temple, dedicated to Nepal's unofficial national deity - Cost: NPR 1500
Get out of the city and explore the nearby national park of Sundarijal, and see its idyllic waterfalls and rock formations - Cost: NPR 500
Visit the beautiful and tranquil Durbar Square in the nearby medieval town of Bhaktapur, and visit its nearby museums - Cost: NPR 1500
Whitewater rafting, kayaking and other mountain adventures in the Himalayas - Cost: USD 35
Head out for half a day of canyoning in the gorges of the Trishuli River near Khatauti Khola - Cost: USD 35

This morning we will spend some free time at the Royal Beach Camp to give us more time to take part in the optional adventure activities there, then after lunch we will drive the last stretch up to Kathmandu, the evocative capital of Nepal.  In Kathmandu we stay in a comfortable local hotel.  Estimate drive time - 3.- 4 hours

Activities(Optional)
Visit the beautiful and tranquil Durbar Square in the nearby medieval town of Bhaktapur, and visit its nearby museums - Cost: NPR 1500
Visit the former royal palace of Narayanhiti and see the crown jewels of Nepal - Cost: NPR 500
Get out of the city and explore the nearby national park of Sundarijal, and see its idyllic waterfalls and rock formations - Cost: NPR 500
Visit the sacred Hindu Pashupatinath Temple, dedicated to Nepal's unofficial national deity - Cost: NPR 1500

Border information: if leaving in Kathmandu, you will most likely exit Nepal at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport. Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Kathmandu. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact the Sales Team if you are interested in booking extra nights of accommodation in order to fully explore and take part in some of the optional activities listed below.