Delight in the successes of the Panda Breeding Sanctuary and discover Chengdu's ancient tea houses or explore the religious centers of old Kathmandu before visiting a very special area of central Tibet and make the classic overland journey across the Roof of the World.

In the heart of central Tibet the great temples, monasteries, forts and palaces of Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse and Sakya are powerful testaments to a long and volatile history and to the spiritual and artistic traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. Skirt the turquoise lake of Yamdrok Tso, cross mountain passes topped by prayer flags, pass glaciers, barren hillsides and fertile valleys. Stunning views of Qomolangma (Mt Everest) and a trip up to base camp are a fitting finale to this incredible journey before we leave the Tibetan Plateau behind, plunging abruptly into a lush green world as we descend almost 2000 meters in just 30kms to the border town of Zhangmu.

Days 1-2: Chengdu, the bustling capital of Sichuan Province is home to some of the best (and spiciest!) food in the world. It is also a city of temples, gardens and teahouses. An early morning visit to the Breeding and Research Center sees the magnificent Giant Pandas and Red Pandas at their most active. In the evening discover a little of Sichuan’s rich cultural heritage at a tea-house performance of opera, acrobatics, puppetry and ‘changing faces’.

Day 3: The flight to Lhasa is spectacular. From Gongkar airport it is about 1 hours’ drive to Lhasa, first along the Yarlung Tsangpo then into the Kyi Chu Valley.

Days 4-6: With a relaxed pace to allow for the effects of altitude, explore this fantastic city on the roof of the world. The spiritual heart of Tibet is the Jokhang Temple and every morning is full of life as pilgrims bring offerings of butter and barley flour. The Potala Palace rises above the city and, more than any other sight, symbolizes the history and culture of Tibet. Nearby are the huge monastic universities of Drepung and Sera – still active institutions.

Day 7: A long, yet scenic day’s drive across the Khamba La and Kora La (passes), along the shores of Lake Yamdrok Tso to Gyantse. Once an important trading town, Gyantse retains a feel of ‘old’ Tibet.

Day 8: In the morning visit Gyantse’s monastery – Pelkor Choede – and the justifiably famous Kumbum, within the same complex. There may also be time to visit the dzong (fort) that towers above the town. In the afternoon we make the short (2-3 hour) drive along the valley to Shigatse.

Day 9: Tashilhunpo is the seat of the Panchen Lama, second only in importance to the Dalai Lama. Its numerous halls contain a 21.6-meter wooden statue of Maitreya, the future Buddha and elaborate, jewel encrusted reliquary chorten. After lunch drive via Sakya to Xegar. Sakya was the seat of political power in central Tibet from the 10th to mid 14th century. The fortified monastery is still head of one of the most important schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

Day 10: Turn off the Friendship Highway for a stunning drive through Qomolangma National Park to reach the tiny Rhongphu Gompa at 5000m. The view from here is utterly spectacular!

Day 11: Trek or ride (pony cart) the 7kms to Everest Base Camp (5200m) before heading to Lao Tingri via a rough, yet scenic track crossing small rivers and passes.

Day 12: Another high pass gives a last, spectacular view of the Himalaya before we leave the Tibetan Plateau, descending to Zhangmu – on the China-Nepal border. Completing border formalities the drive continues down the Bote Khosi valley. Spend a night at Dhulikhel on the Kathmandu Valley rim looking back toward the Himalaya.

Day 13: Back in Kathmandu you have time to continue sightseeing or shop for marvelous souvenirs – jewelry, carpets, clothing…

Day 14: Depart.