12 Days Travel from Beijing to Kathmandu across Tibet Plateau, traversing the Beijing-Lhasa Train

Welcome to Beijing, the capital of China!

When you arrive in Beijing, our local travel guide will greet you at the airport and take you to your hotel in downtown Beijing. After checking in at the hotel, you can have a good rest or wande the surroundings as you like. Stay overnight in Beijing.

Options for Today:
For your free time today, it is recommended to take a Hutong visit by yourself. You can take a leisure walk through the traditional alleys in downtown areas to experience the perfect blend of traditional local houses and modern life. Some of the popular Hutongs in Beijing include Nanluoguxiang, Yandaixiejie, Mao’er Hutong, Bada Hutong, etc.

Travel Tips:
Beijing has two international airports: Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport. Please double-check which airport you're arriving at.

Overnight in Beijing

• Beijing Daxing International Airport

• Beijing City night

Delve into the heart of China's emperor power, and explore the two major UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites in Beijing. to learn how the ancient Chinese emperors managed the country, what their daily life was, and how they sacrificed gods.

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and start exploring the historical sites of Beijing. The first stop is Tiananmen Square, the largest city plaza globally. From there, you will enter the magnificent Forbidden City with over 500 years of history where 24 emperors lived. As the largest ancient imperial palace, the Forbidden City has over 9,000 rooms. Even though only a few rooms are open for public visits, you can get a glimpse of how the ancient emperors managed the country and what their daily life was like. 

Next, you will get to Jingshan Park located behind the Forbidden City. From the hilltop within the park, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Forbidden City.

For lunch, you will enjoy the famous Beijing Roast Duck. Served with thin pancakes, spring onions, and sweet bean sauce, this traditional dish in Beijing offers a delectable blend of flavors and textures.

In the afternoon, you will take a drive to the Temple of Heaven, which is 6 kilometers from the Forbidden City. It is the  where ancient Chinese emperors worshiped the sky and prayed for rain, prosperity, and peace and prosperity for the country and the people.

After the visit, get back to your hotel in downtown Beijing and stay overnight.

Overnight in Beijing

Breakfast | Lunch

• The iconic architectural style and legendary history of Forbidden City are fun to explore.

• A group selfie taken before Temple of Heaven

Today is your day to be a hero by visiting the Great Wall!

In the morning, you’ll head to Mutianyu Great Wall, which is 65 kilometers to the north of Downtown Beijing. It is one of the well-preserved sections of the Great Wall that is less crowded. You will hike along the ancient walls, pass through the watch towers, and enjoy the stunning view of the surroundings from the hilltop.

After the tour, you will be dropped off at the train station to board the overnight high-speed train to Xining. The journey from Beijing to Xining by high-speed train takes around 10 hours. You’ll experience the modern sleeping cabins onboard China’s high-tech bullet train.

Travel Tips:
Please wear a pair of comfortable walking shoes for the Great Wall hiking.

Overnight on the Bullet Train

Breakfast

• Mutianyu Great Wall in Spring

• China High-Speed train

Get ready for the legendary Tibet train journey from Xining!

Upon arrival in Xining, your local guide will pick you up at the railway station and take you to have a lunch in a local restaurant to enjoy the traditional Beef Noodles. 

After lunch, you will visit Ta’er Monastery (Kumbum Monastery). As one of the six major Gelug sect monasteries in Tibet, Ta’er Monastery is the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. Here, you will appreciate the ancient architectural complex that combines Tibetan and Chinese artistic styles, as well as various cultural treasures in the temples, such as various thangkas, murals, etc.

After the visit, you will get back downtown and prepare for your Tibet train journey. The guide and driver will take you to the railway station for your train to Tibet. The railway station is about 2.5 kilometers north of the city center. It is suggested to get to the railway station around 1 hour before departure. You need to present your passport and the Tibet Travel Permit to board the train.

Tibet Permit Notice:
1. Once you book your trip with us, we will handle the Tibet Travel Permit application.

2. It is suggested to make your reservation and provide the necessary documents for the permit application at least 20 days in advance.

3. The issued travel permit will be sent to you before the train departs. Please make sure to keep your Tibet Travel Permit safe.

Tibet Train Travel Tips:
1. A Xining to Lhasa soft sleeper train ticket is included in the package.

2. There is a dining car onboard the train to Tibet, which offers simple Chinese dishes. You can bring some snacks and instant noodles with you.

3. All trains to Tibet are equipped with oxygen supply systems. Do not worry about altitude sickness onboard.

 Overnight on the Tibet Train

 Lunch

• Ta’er Monastery

• The world-renowned Qinghai-Tibet railway refers to the railway that starts from Xining to Lhasa.

Complete the lifetime Tibet train journey and welcome to Tibet!

Today, you will enjoy the most beautiful scenery of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway through the Tibet Plateau. Endless land of snow, vast desert, boundless grassland, snow-capped mountains, and stunning lakes will continually appear and strongly attract your heart.

After arriving in Lhasa, you will meet our friendly Tibetan guide at Lhasa Railway Station. The guide and the driver will take you to your hotel in downtown Lhasa. You may view the Yarlung Tsangpo River/Brahmaputra River (the Longest and largest river in Tibet) and Lhasa River.

After settling into your hotel, take some time to rest and adjust to the high altitude.

In the afternoon or evening, your guide will meet you with traditional Tibetan gifts, provide travel instructions, and introduce your group members.

If you need any help or specific needs, feel free to visit our service center at Lhasa Gang-Gyan Hotel.

Travel Tips:
Lhasa is at an elevation of 3,650 meters above sea level. It is recommended to take a good rest in the hotel upon arrival, allowing your body to adapt to the high altitude in Tibet. 

Overnight in Lhasa

• Drepung Monastery, one of the Great Three Gelug monasteries of Tibet

• Monk Debate is a highlight of Sera Monastery

Today is Tibetan Monastery Day! You’ll have a full day to explore the largest monastery in Tibet, delve into the knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism, and immerse yourself in the daily life of Tibetan monks.

In the morning, you’ll explore the largest monastery in Tibet - Drepung Monastery, which was once the home to over 10,000 monks. As you walk through the Coqen Hall, your guide will provide detailed explanations of the worldview of Tibetan Buddhism and introduce notable figures in Tibetan Buddhist history.

Next, you’ll visit the renowned Loseling College (or an equivalent), offering a glimpse into the study and life of Tibetan monks. Explore their dormitories to gain insights into the Tibetan monks' daily routines and living conditions.

In the afternoon, you’ll head to Sera Monastery, another of the ‘great three’ Gelug monasteries of Tibet, to witness the famous Tibetan Monks Debate (15:00 - 17:00, from Monday to Saturday). Your guide will intricately explain how Tibetan monks engage in these debates to acquire knowledge and advance in their academic degrees.

After today’s tour, enjoy a welcome dinner with your group members.

Overnight in Lhasa

Breakfast | Welcome Dinner

• Drepung Monastery, one of the Great Three Gelug monasteries of Tibet

• Monk Debate is a highlight of Sera Monastery

Today’s Highlight is a visit to UNESCO World Heritage Sites Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, providing a glimpse into the daily beliefs and lives of the people of Lhasa.

After breakfast, your first stop is the Potala Palace, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Lhasa Old Town. Discover the lives and stories of the Dalai Lamas through history within the palace, and the extraordinary treasures it holds. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.

After touring the Potala Palace, you will visit Longwangtan Park at the foot of the Potala Palace. Here, you can appreciate the majestic Potala Palace from a different perspective and engage in local Tibetan folk activities.

In the afternoon, you will head to the heart of Tibetan religion - the Jokhang Temple. Inside you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve. Outside, you can see pilgrims making prostrating in front of Jokhang Temple. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can do kora (a religious circle of a building or mountain) with pilgrims and locals, and explore the old market.

Next, follow your guide to one of the liveliest indoor Tibetan tea houses in Lhasa. Sip traditional Tibetan sweet tea alongside local Tibetans as your guide shares insights into Tibetan social dynamics and daily life.

Overnight in Lhasa

Breakfast

• Potala Palace is always the No.1 attraction for travelers visiting Tibet.

• A Tibetan pilgrim is worshipping Jokhang Temple

In the morning, start the overland journey from Lhasa to Shigatse, which includes visits to Tibet's most beautiful lake, glacier, and a charming Tibetan village.

First, drive over the Gampala pass (4790 m) to catch a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso (4400m). The Yamdrok Lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and in the distance you can have spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar (7191m), the highest mountain near Lhasa. Continue to explore the lakeshore from various viewpoints, and at the end of the lake, you could visit a local family in the village and have lunch with the locals.

Next, you will pass and enjoy the Korola Glacier on the roadside. It is the largest glacier in Tibet. As you see the ice tongue of the glacier climb the entire hillside, you will feel the magical power of nature.

Then, continue your journey to Gyantse. On the way, you will stop at Simila Mountain Pass, where you can hang prayer flags to pray for world peace and the health of your family.

After arriving in Gyantse, you can spend some time taking photos of the ancient city of Gyantse. From Gyantse to Shigatse, you will pass by green (in summer) and golden (in autumn) Tibetan barley fields and countless farms.

Finally, we arrive in Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet. After checking in to the hotel, you can take a good rest and prepare for the next day’s trip to Mount Everest.

 Overnight in Shigatse

 Breakfast | Lunch

• Yamdrok Lake at Gampala Pass, where you can get a marvelous bird's-eye view of the lake.

• The Karola Glacier is so close that you will appreciate a spectacular view of the white glacier contrasted with blue sky.

Take the most use of your time today to admire the stunning Himalayan mountain ranges!

After breakfast, you will head directly to Mount Everest.

First, you will pass Gyatsola Pass (5280m). At Gyatsola Pass viewpoint, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest. Hidden behind the mountain range, the Everest resembles a budding lotus flower, a captivating sight along the roadside.

Shortly after we enter Mount Everest National Nature Reserve, you will enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayas at Gawula Pass (5198m). At this viewpoint, you will marvel at the majestic lineup of the five highest peaks in the Himalayas, including Everest at the forefront. This is your second glimpse of Everest.

Then, we drive along the new zigzag road to Everest Base Camp (5200m). As you get close to the base camp, the majestic Everest gradually unfolds before you, drawing nearer with each winding turn. This marks your third view of Everest.

Upon reaching Everest Base Camp, the colossal white pyramid peak of Mount Everest stands towering before you. As the day transitions to dusk, witness the golden hues of the sun casting a warm glow on Everest's northern face—your fourth view.

As night falls, the sparkling Milky Way and the snow-white peak of Mount Everest reveal your fifth and final encounter with Everest.

Stay overnight at Everest Base Camp or in the local village near EBC if the EBC tent hotels are closed during the winter season.

Insider Tips:
1.The visibility of Everest is subject to weather conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

2.During the winter season, typically from November to March, the tent hotels at Everest Base Camp close. Therefore, if you’re traveling in winter, your accommodation options are limited to the village near EBC.

Overnight in EBC Tent Hotel

Breakfast

• Drive along the zigzag road to Everest Base Camp

• Enjoy your group tour to Everest Base Camp

Today, you will reach Gyirong Border, witnessing the breathtaking landscapes changing from 5200 meters to 2800 meters above sea level.

In the morning, before departing from the base camp, you will visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest monastery, where nuns and monks live together at 5,154 meters above sea level.

Then, you will cross the Himalayas and take a drive to Gyirong at the Sino-Nepal border. Across the 380-kilometer journey, marvel at the evolving scenery - from snow-capped peaks towering over 5000 meters to the lush forests and canyon vistas at around 2800 meters above sea level.

As you pass by Mt. Shishabangma (8027 meters), one of the world’s highest mountains over 8000 meters, you can enjoy a close view of the three main peaks of Shigabangma, as well as the golden glow of Pelku Tso Lake beneath the peaks.

Afterward, the altitude drops dramatically. You’ll be mesmerized by forests, waterfalls, and bottomless canyons as you enter the edge of the Himalayas.

When you arrive in Gyirong Valley, what you will see is the dense forest and the snowy peaks above the forests. In Gyirong town, you can breathe in the abundant oxygen.

Travel Tips:
The accommodation at Everest Base Camp does not include breakfast, so breakfast today is at your own expense.

Overnight in Gyirong

• Rongbuk Monastery, the higest monastery in the world

• Pelku Tso Lake is surrounded by rugged mountains.

Farewell to Tibet and welcome to Nepal today!

After breakfast, you will say goodbye to your Tibetan tour guide and driver. Our Nepali staff at the Nepal border port will warmly welcome you, assist you in applying for a Nepal visa, and be responsible for carrying large luggage (A tip of 3-5 USD is required). We ensure a safe transfer for you to your hotel in Kathmandu with Tibet Vista’s vehicle.

From the border, you will cross to the southern foothills of the Himalayas and pass through the Langtang National Forest.

The road conditions are not comparable to those in Tibet, China. , there are bumps and mud along the way, but the scenery is beautiful. You can continue to enjoy the beautiful scenery of many snow mountains in the southern foothills of the Himalayas, such as Annapurna III (7,555 meters), Lamjung W (6,983 meters), Mount Kanguru (6,981 meters), Himchuli West (6,441 meters), Ngadi Chuli (7,871 meters), and Gaurishankar (7,181 meters).

Finally, you will finish the 130-kilometer journey and arrive at your hotel in Kathmandu.

Nepal Visa Application Tips:
1. You need to prepare a passport-size ID photo with a white background

2. You will pay the Nepal visa fee at the border. Only US dollars in cash are accepted, and not credit cards.

 Overnight in Kathmandu

 Breakfast

• The picturesque scenery of Gyirong Town

• You will be transferred to Gyirong Port for your Nepal tour.

Today marks the end of your adventure.

Please make sure to verify your departure flight/train details with our guide in advance. And your guide will take you to the airport.

Thank you for choosing Tibet Vista, and we extend a warm welcome for your return trip in the future.

 Breakfast