On arrival in Chengdu you are transferred to your hotel.Our airport representative will be holding a sign. In the evening you meet your tour leader and the other group members for a pre-tour briefing. This is generally followed by an optional group dinner at a local restaurant. Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is known for its hot, spicy dishes that are generally considered by the Chinese as one of the best cuisine within China. In such a food-loving country, that is no mean achievement.

A history of trade built on cottage industry handicrafts has had a major influence on the development of Chengdu. Recent changes in the regulations in China have seen a revival of this tradition of private industry and, at almost every turn, you see signs of a thriving market. Today we visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, located just out of the city. The giant panda is one of the world’s most endangered species and has become an icon for conservation movements everywhere. It is still found in parts of Sichuan province, but very difficult to spot in the wild. In the afternoon there is an opportunity to relax in a bamboo chair at the teahouse in Renmin Park. There is often an ear-picker with cotton buds wandering around, if you feel the need! A stroll to Wenshu Temple will take you past beggars, children, tourists, fortune tellers and fireworks sellers. This is an active and noisy place of worship.

Today we travel to one of the major monumental highlights of China - the Giant Buddha at Leshan. Situated on the shores of the Min River, the sleepy town of Leshan is bursting with alleys and backstreets just waiting to be explored. The Giant Buddha (‘Dafo’) measures 71 metres high and is located at the convergence of the Dadu and Min Rivers. At the time it was built, it was the largest Buddha image in the world. Carved out of the cliff face, construction on this amazing statue began in the year 713 AD by a Buddhist monk named Haitong. It took 90 years to be completed. It was built for good luck because many boats had previously come to grief on this treacherous bend in the river. Ironically the construction of the statue led to the creation of a buffer that resulted in the raging torrents being diverted away from the dangerous cliffs, perhaps saving many lives as a result. After our excursion we return to Chengdu.

An early morning flight takes us over snow-capped mountains to Lhasa, capital of the autonomous region of Tibet. This is a spectacular flight, as we cross over high mountain peaks before arriving in the high Tibetan Plateau. On arrival at Gonggar Airport we are met and driven by coach to the fabled city of Lhasa, which lies at 3650 metres above sea level. Here we have three days to explore this once-isolated city, with its monasteries and markets bulging with pilgrims and traders. This includes an organised tour to the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Sera and Ramoche Monasteries. Free time to explore the city is subject to the Chinese authorities and the ever-changing political climate, although there are never any problems with filling in the days to great advantage in such a fascinating city. In your free time you may wish to visit the Norbulingka Summer Palace or the interesting Tibet Museum.

Today we travel for about four hours as we take to the Friendship Highway; a spectacular road, which traverses high mountain passes and crosses plateaus, connecting Lhasa with Kathmandu. Please note that the road conditions are very poor in Tibet, so we should be prepared for bumpy journeys. We first travel through Tibet’s richest farming areas, then cross the Brahmaputra River as it winds its way down to the Bay of Bengal. Running here at an altitude of 3939 metres above sea level, it is the highest major river in the world. We cross the river on a solid suspension bridge and wind our way to Kamba La (Pass) and enjoy a view over the huge Yamdrok Tso Lake. After the lake, we climb again to Karo La (Pass) (5010 metres) before descending to the historic town of Gyantse, a small village and home to the Kumbum Monastery, where we find interesting Buddhist murals.

In the morning we explore Gyantse, a town renowned for the exploits of Colonel Younghusband in the 1920s. We walk down the newly rebuilt main street, along with the Nepali Kumbum stupa. In the afternoon we take a ninety minute drive across the Tibetan Plateau. Shigatse is the second largest city of Tibet with a population of some 40,000 people. The Tashilhunpo Monastery is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, the most important incarnation for Tibetan Buddhists, after the Dalai Lama. This impressive religious centre contains a giant statue of Buddha in the Temple of Maitreya as well as an ornate tomb, which is the final resting-place of the fourth Panchen Lama. Its huge size ensures it is almost a town in itself. One of Tibet's most active monasteries, it is currently being restored to its former beauty.

Our adventure continues with a five-hour drive over rough, dusty roads to Shegar. In the morning we cross the Gyatso La (Pass) with stunning views of the Himalayan peaks to the south. Although the scenery is desolate, the country is dotted with busy villages and ruined monasteries. Amongst these villages is the major town of Lhaze, which makes a convenient halfway stop, where we have a local-style lunch break. Shegar is a small village of 1500 inhabitants with an interesting fort.

Departing from Shegar, we drive to the south towards the mighty Himalaya. The initial part of the road journey involves climbs in a series of zigzags to the top of the Pang La (Pass) (5150 metres), where we stop to take photos of Mount Everest. Along the drive we can bask in the splendour of majestic views of all the other snow-capped peaks from Makalu to Shishapangma. As we are now travelling off the main highway it could get dusty travelling on these dirt roads, so you may like to carry something like a scarf or big handkerchief with you when we’re driving. Even though we are only travelling 140 kilometres on our round journey, it is a long day due to the poor road conditions. At 5000 metres above sea level, Rongphu is home to the highest monastery in the world. From here we can enjoy a breathtakingly close-up view of Mount Everest as it seemingly hovers over us. We then take a horse and cart ride for 45 minutes as we branch off on to a small path that leads to Everest Base Camp itself, which is situated at 5040 metres above sea level. The base camp itself is dry and barren, but the stunning view of Everest more than compensates. It truly is an awe-inspiring place with the sheer north face of the highest mountain in the world towering above you. This is certainly a major highlight on our incredible journey. From here we return to Rongphu by horse and cart and make our way back to Shegar.

We continue our journey on the main road and head in the direction of the Nepalese border, passing through a checkpost and continuing to Tingri, where we still enjoy more views of the world’s highest peaks including the 8201-metre-high Cho Oyu - the world’s 6th highest peak. From Tingri the road ascends to reach the Lalung La (Pass) (5050 metres), where the scenery is again fantastic. The panorama also includes the 8000-metre-high Xixapangma. From the top of the pass we descend nearly 3000 metres to the small town of Nyalam, before continuing to the border town of Zhangmu. As you near the border, the road is cut into the cliffs high above the valley floor. If you don’t like heights, sit on the left-hand side of the vehicle! At Zhangmu we say farewell to our Tibetan guide and driver.

After finalising departure formalities, you exit from China and enter Nepal. Descending steeply down the zigzag road, you reach the Nepalese immigration and customs at Tatopani. During the monsoon season there may be landslides, which may cause sections of the road near the border to be closed. Should this be the case, porters then carry our luggage as we walk across the border to our Nepalese vehicle. It is then a 4½-hour drive to Kathmandu. There is much to see in the Nepalese capital and we will cover two of the city’s major temples as well as the historic town of Bhaktapur on an included tour on Day 15. Meanwhile you enjoy a free day to do your own exploration. You may wish to walk down and visit the city's fascinating Durbar Square, whilst another Durbar Square in neighbouring Patan is also well worth a visit. You can enjoy views of the city from Swayambhunath Temple, also known as the Monkey Temple because of the large colony of macaques that call the temple home. The shops in the Thamel area are interesting in that they sell all sorts of things that are of interest to travellers.

In the morning we explore Kathmandu on an organised sightseeing tour. We visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where we observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. We also visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here we see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. In the afternoon we make a visit to Bhaktapur, probably the most fascinating of the medieval towns in the Kathmandu Valley. As we wander the timeless cobbled streets and admire the intricate wooden lattice-works that adorn the buildings, we feel as if we’ve been transported to a place that has changed little in centuries. We return to Kathmandu where our evening is free. A visit back to Thamel gives us a chance to choose from a wide array of cafes restaurants and cafes.

(Flight time: approx 1 hour) Today is an early departure from the hotel this morning as we are transferred to the domestic terminal at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan Airport. From here we fly to Pokhara, with a flight time of about 30 minutes and often spectacular views of the main Himalayan chain to the north. On arrival we take a boat ride across the lake (Phewa Tal), which is the second largest in Nepal. We visit the Peace Pagoda, where we enjoy excellent views of the mountains including the Annapurnas and the famous fishtail peak, Machhapuchhare, as well as back across to Pokhara. We also visit the fascinating International Mountain Museum, where we learn of the amazing tales and hear about the exploits of the various climbing expeditions in the past – some ending in triumph and some in tragedy. A free day has been allocated for further exploration in the peaceful surroundings of Pokhara. Your leader can advise you of sightseeing opportunities. It is certainly worthwhile taking a boat for a row out on the lake. The lakeside area has good shopping opportunities and internet cafés. Pokhara has an interesting old area as well as an elaborate Hindu temple and a Buddhist monastery.

(Driving time: approx 4 hours) After breakfast we are picked up and driven to Chitwan National Park. After arriving and settling in, we are introduced to the camp staff and resident naturalists who will discuss our program at Royal Park Wildlife Resort. There is some flexibility and activities may vary with the time of the year and known wildlife movements and locations. We may visit the elephant camp to see how their handlers, known as phanits, care for these beautiful animals. A late afternoon safari riding on elephants takes us into the forest and grasslands to observe the varied and exciting wildlife in the park. In the early evening the local Tharu dance troupe may perform a cultural program. We then enjoy dinner and afterwards we are free to relax in the bar and discuss the day’s sightings or listen to the exotic sounds of the jungle at night.

An early morning excursion could include either another elephant safari to different parts of the park in search of the great Indian rhino, deer and exotic bird life or joining one of several other activities including a visit to the elephant breeding centre. Tiger sightings are rare these days, but these magnificent animals do inhabit the park. After breakfast we leave the lodge for a trip by dugout canoe on the Rapti River. This is an exciting trip with chances to view marsh mugger crocodiles and various birds that inhabit the riverbanks. A program is organised for us for the rest of the day that may include further excursions by jeep or a visit to one of the nearby villages.

(Driving time: approx 5 hours) There is the option of an early morning bird watching safari for those interested - it is well worthwhile. After breakfast we drive on to the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu. The evening is free but usually our group leader will organise an evening meal (optional) at another of Kathmandu’s fine Nepali restaurants.

Our trip ends today after breakfast. Your leader will be on hand to advise and assist with your onward travel arrangements. A departure transfer to the airport is not included and Kathmandu has so much to offer, so we recommend that you consider booking pre-tour or post-tour accommodation and a departure transfer before you commence your travels.