Beijing to Delhi

Days 1-3 Beijing

Discover the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the awe-inspiring Great Wall.

Days 4-5 Xi'an

Explore China's ancient imperial centre and don't miss the remarkable Terracotta Warriors.

Day 6 Chengdu

Visit the residents of a giant panda reserve. This region is home to spicy Sichuan cuisine, including the much-loved hot pot.

Days 7-10 Leshan/Emei Shan

See the world's largest outdoor seated Buddha then enjoy the spectacular views from mythical Emei Shan.

Days 11-16 Lhasa/Nam-tso Lake

Fly to Lhasa, a place of beauty and mysticism. Learn a few words of Tibetan and enjoy a cooking class. Visit Potala Palace, precariously built on a hilltop overlooking the town. Stop by Jokhang Temple - Tibet's spiritual epicenter which is constantly awash with pilgrims. An afternoon debating session between the Sera Monastery monks is a must-see.

Day 17 Samye

Spend the night in the atmospheric shadow of Tibet's oldest monastery.

Day 18 Gyantse

Listen to the monks' morning prayers before taking a spectacular drive across the Kamba Pass. Make the pilgrim circuit at Pelkor Chode Monastery. A visit to Kumbum Chorten is an unforgettable experience - its five storeys represent the five steps to enlightenment and the pilgrim route through the mandala is a visual feast of technicolour Buddhist images.

Days 19-20 Shigatse

Experience two of Tibet's most spriritually important towns and explore the Tashilhunpo Monastery. Browse curios and produce at the Shigatse Bazaar; from slabs of yak butter to prayer wheels and rosaries, with antiques and fur hats in the mix, it's shopping heaven.

Day 21 Sakya

Visit the Sakya Monastery, home of the once-powerful 'red hat' Sakya sect of Buddhism.

Days 22 Everest National Park

Discover the world's highest monastery, Rongphu. Get higher again, trekking up to Tibet's own Everest Base Camp - the view is out of this world.

Day 23 Tingri

Journey through high mountain passes to the tiny settlement of Tingri, once an important trading town and now know for it's amazing mountain views.

Day 24 Zhangmu

As the Tibetan Plateau abruptly ends, the harsh landscape gives way to lush green valleys.

Days 25-26 Dhulikhel

Across the Nepalese border, enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas.

Days 27-28 Kathmandu

Explore the vibrant city of Kathmandu with its great food and memorable sights.

Days 29-31 Chitwan National Park

Explore the Chitwan National Park by jeep and on foot to experience some of Asia's best wildlife viewing. Spot rhinos, monkeys and even wild Nepalese chickens.

Day 32 Lumbini

The final stop in Nepal is at the border town of Lumbini. It was here that Siddhartha Gautama, better known as Buddha, was born.

Day 33 Varanasi

The change of scenery from Nepal to India is immediate - enter Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state, and be greeted by holy cows moseying along the highway.

Day 34 River Ganges Boat Trip

What better way to experience the sacred River Ganges than by boat? Journey down the waterway and spend a night camping on its banks.

Days 35-36 Varanasi

One of the world's oldest living cities, Varanasi is a hive of religious life and colour. Wander through the ruins of nearby Sarnath or just sit by the river and watch the constant flow of activity.

Days 37-38 Orchha

By the banks of the River Betwa sits Orchha, a historical masterpiece of stone temples and palaces. Explore the grand buildings untouched by modern life that lie scattered across the countryside.

Day 39 Agra

Visit one of the finest monuments ever constructed, the Taj Mahal. This 'embodiment of all things pure' was built as a memorial for Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan's second wife.

Days 40-41 Delhi

The adventure concludes in India's capital, alive with historical sites, museums, galleries and endless bazaars. The ruins of Qutb Minar, the Indira Gandhi Museum and Birla House are all worth visiting.