With China Tourist Visa Resumed,
Tibet Tours for All around the Globle are Available Right Now!

It is the best time to join our Tibet small group tour in 2024 at the best local price.
+ 86-28-81754631
TOP
listicon
21 Days Houston Beijing Lhasa Kailash Kathmandu Tour by Train

21 Days Houston Beijing Lhasa Kailash Kathmandu Tour by Train

(USATT09) Houston - Beijing - Train to Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Saga - Darchen - Mt. Kailash - Saga - Kyirong - Kathmandu

Overview

This 21-day USA China Tibet Nepal tour from Houston is an excellent chance for you to traverse through the land of China and the majestic Himalaya Ranges. Directly flying from Houston to Beijing, you’ll pay a visit to the imperial palace - Forbidden City and climb the breathtaking Great Wall. Then you’ll board the Beijing-Lhasa train and enjoy the unique alpine scenery along Qinghai-Tibet Railway. For the days in Tibet, you’ll roam around the most popular tourist attractions in Lhasa and travel along National Highway G318 to Tashilhunpo Monastery and Mt. Everest, finally get to Mt. Kailash and Manasarovar Lake. After the 3 days’ Kailash Kora trekking, you’ll travel south to Nepal via Gyirong Port, where you can wander around the Royal Durbar Squares, Monkey Temple, etc.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Fly from Houston to Beijing

There is one direct flights leaving daily from Houston to Beijing and the overall travel time is around 15 hours. Please pack your luggage well and get to the airport on the day of flying. (The direct international flight from Houston to Beijing suggests to be booked by yourself.)

Stay overnight on the plane.

Day 2: Beijing Arrival

When international flight lands in Beijing, please take a taxi by yourself to our reserved hotel or by agreement the transfer will be arranged for you. The rest of the day, you may have a good rest or explore around on your own.

Stay overnight in Beijing.

Day 3: Beijing Day Tour: Forbidden City, Imperial Ancestral Temple, Beihai Park

Today, you will head to visit the magnificent Forbidden City which used to be the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties with a history of around 600 years. Then, you will move to the Imperial Ancestral Temple (also Taimiao of Beijing). Lying to the east of the imperial palace, the Forbidden City, the Imperial Ancestral Temple was a place where Chinese emperors stored their ancestors' tablets and worshipped them during festivals and ceremonies.

After that, you will visit Beihai Park. It is one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved ancient imperial gardens in China. With over 1,000 years' history, the park is not only a classic combination of the grandiosity of the northern gardens and the refinement of the southern gardens in China, but also a perfect integration of magnificent imperial palaces and solemn religious constructions.

Stay overnight in Beijing.

Day 4: Beijing Day Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall; Take the Train to Lhasa

The Great Wall tour proves that China was one of the strongest countries in its history. Stretching thousands of kilometers, the Great Wall protected the ancient Chinese against the invasion of the enemy from its north side for more than 1000 years; the Great Wall was listed as one of the world's eight wonders. Mutianyu Great Wall featured “graceful”, enjoy the best quality among all Wall sections, 80km north-east of Beijing with 22 ancient watchtowers, about one every kilometer. (Cable car is optional if you do not want to walk.)

After the tour, you will be drop off at the train station to board the train to Lhasa. The train departs from Beijing West Railway Station in the evening. It takes about 1 hour to check in as the train takes about 1000 passengers. Please be sure to arrive at the train station for 1 hour and a half before the train departure. Your Tibet Travel Permit will need to be checked when you check in.

Stay overnight on the train.

Day 5: Train to Lhasa

It is quite a long journey that will take about 40 hours to Lhasa. You will first pass through two important provincial capital cities in northwest China, Lanzhou, and Xining. Xining is known as the beginning of Qinghai-Tibet Railway. Travelling along the rail line, you could see the scenery of the countryside and city in northwest China.

Stay overnight on the train.

Day 6: Arrive in Lhasa and Acclimate to the High Elevation of Lhasa (3658m)

You will witness the most beautiful scenery of Qinghai-Tibet Railway, spectacular land of snow, boundless desert, vast grassland, and grand ice mountains, beautiful lakes that will continually appear and strongly attract your heart.

You will arrive in Lhasa in the noon. Your tour guide will hold a board with your name at the exit of the train station to welcome you. Transfer to the reserved hotel by a private car.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Day 7-8: Lhasa Sightseeing (B)

The first two days you are in Tibet will be put towards sightseeing inside Lhasa, to visit fabulous and typical Buddhist and historic sites, such as Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery. In Potala Palace, you can explore the grandest of these myriad chapels, its audience halls, the jeweled and Golden burial Chortens (stupa tombs) of past Dalai Lamas, and the tremendous number of Buddhist frescoes, Thangkas, combinations of the mandala, figures of the Buddha.

You will visit 3 important monasteries in Lhasa, the first and foremost is Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism, attracts pilgrims all over Tibetan Area, built during Songtsen Gonpo’s reign by Princess Wencheng of Tang Dynasty, 647 A.D. The other two Monasteries Sera and Drepung Monastery located in suburb of Lhasa, are hosted by hundreds of Monks, learning, praying, studying, living there. The famous monks debating is held in the courtyard of Sera Monastery in the afternoon (Except Sunday). You will also explore the circular pilgrim route - Barkhor while traveling at Jokhang Temple, to contact local folks here, and if possible purchase some traditional Tibetan artifacts, religious implements, antiques, books, Tibetan music instrument, Thangkas, and traditional Tibetan clothes etc.

Stay overnight in Lhasa 

Day 9: Lhasa - Yamdrotso Lake - Gyantse - Shigatse (7hrs, 370km)(B)

Passing by the green farmland of Nyangchu Valley, drive across pass Gangbala (5030m), we move westwards to Tibet's traditional town - Gyantse and finally reach to Shigatse. There are many sites to see today, among them, the most important attractions are Yamdro-tso Lake, and Kubum Monastery in Gyantse. Yamdro-tso Lake is shaped like coiling scorpion with deep blue in color and Kumbum Monastery has a 35m-high Chorten (stupa) with its white layers trimmed with decorative stripes and its crown-like golden dome.

Stay overnight in Shigatse.

Day 10: Shigatse - Rongbuk Living Area (8hrs, 340km)(B)

Morning in Shigatse, you will visit the famous Tashi Lhunpo Monastery (may be arranged at the end of the trip) where you can see the well preserved largest statue of Jampa (future god) in the world. The monastery itself is abiding place for the successive Penchen Lamas.

There are only 2-3 hours driving from Tingri to Rongpuk through 90km new winding road in the mountains. On the way from Tingri to EBC, you can enjoy the stunning mountain scenery and pass the wild grassland, the torrent, and soaring mountains. If it is in clear weather, you can see the panorama of Himalaya range and among mountains you can see 4 mountains which are 8000m high and more to enjoy like Mt. Lhotse (8516m), Mt. Everest (8848m), Mt. Qowowuyag (8201m) and Mt Mayalu (8463m) at the mountain pass Kyawula Pass (5180m). If the weather is good and time allows, you will have a chance to see the majestic view of the golden summit of Mt. Everest at sunset.

Stay overnight at Tent Guest House.

Day 11: Rongphu Monastery - Everest Base Camp - Saga (10hrs, 460km)

In the morning, you will visit Mount Everest Base Camp, either by trek or by eco-bus, the magnificent Mt. Everest is standing in the sky like a huge white pyramid, thus you are standing at the top of the world. Take pictures here before getting back to Rongpuk.

Notice:
For the needs of environmental protection, the Everest Base Camp Stone has been moved 4 km backward, do not allow tourists to enter the core area)

In late morning, we need to take the Old Tingri road to Saga County. From the Old Tingri, you can see the Mountain Everest, Chuyo, and Shishapangma which is at 8012m was the least of the world's 8000m peaks to be climbed. The road runs parallel to the Himalayan ranges and Nepalian sides called Annapurna ranges. The main road passes through the desolate plain of Digur tang, and the closely neighboring snow peaks of Shishapangma and Langtang to the south. Leaving the bum-chu basin, and then ascends into the depression of Pelkhu-tso (4600m), a cobalt blue lake. Today we drive to Saga, a small town 69km from the Phelgu-tso.

Stay overnight in Saga.

Day 12: Saga to Darchen (9hrs, 450km)

Moving towards the Drongpa County, the region around the sources of Brahmaputra River, which is about 167km from the Saga town. In the late afternoon, we will reach Darchen, a small town at the foot of Mt. Kailash. The tour guide will help clients to make a reservation of porters and Yaks if clients need (cost on tourists' own) and do some preparation for your following 3 days trekking around Mt.Kailash.

Stay overnight in Darchen.

Day 13: Trek Day One - Darchen to Drirapuk (6.5 hrs, 11km)

8 kilometers after leaving Darchen with Eco-bus (20 minutes), we get to a village called Sershung, where porters are waiting for their clients. From here we begin our trek around Mt.Kailash, during your trek you can see a lot of pilgrims prostrating along the path and plies of Mani stones, small scenic sites and west face of Mt. Kailash. On the way, there are some tent shops you can refresh yourself and drink some soft drinks. First day's trek ends at guest house on the opposite side of Drirapuk Monastery. If you have more energy, you can visit Drirapuk Monastery on your own. From the guesthouse, you can have stunning view of north face of Mt. Kailash.

Stay overnight at the guesthouse.

Day 14: Trek Day Two - Drirapuk to Zutulpuk (18km, 9-10 hours)

The second-day is the hardest and most tough circuit with the Dolma-la Pass lying 6.4km ahead. The peak of Dolma-la pass is about 5630m above sea level, so it is better to set off early in the morning as the sun rays break over the ridges above. After taking a rest at the peak of Dolma-la pass, you will descend staircase bringing you to Lhachu Valley floor, on the way you can see the small beautiful lake called Khandotso. From here it is still four hours trekking to the today's final destination with no shelters on the way. The second day trek's destination is Zutulpuk. If have energy, you can visit the Zutulpuk Monastery and its miracle cave of Milarepa.

Stay overnight at the guesthouse.

Day 15: Trek Day Three - Zutulpuk to Darchen (11km, 4hours)

We continue our Kora to Darchen and the exit from the valley can be reached within 4 hours walk. At the ending point of the valley, you can take the eco-friendly bus to Darchen(4km).

Optional:
After trekking, we take a drive to Chui Gompa (4560 m). Besides taking bath in the Holy Lake Mansarovar, you will also have free time for puja if you are Hinduist or like to do it. After all, if time permits you can have a bath in the hot spring water at the lakeside (additional charges for bathing in Hot Spring not covered in the package).

Bath and hot spring may be arranged in the morning of Day 16, which is optional and is based on time and physical condition of tourists after the trek. We may not organize such activities if the weather is not so good and less than half of the tourists are willing to do this.

Stay overnight in Darchen.

Day 16: Drive from Darchen to Saga ( 530Km, 14 hours)

Drive from Darchen to Saga.

Stay overnight in Saga.

Day 17: Saga to Kyirong, Exit the Border (5-6hrs, 300km)

Today, you will go exit China in the afternoon after 5-6 hours driving from Saga to Chinese Kyirong border, also called Rashuwaghadi in Nepal, living in the border to wait for the Nepalese driver to pick you up in the next morning.

From Saga to Kyirong border, you will find a whole new world quite different than the snow land, waterfall, flourish forest, deep gorges accompany you traveling all the way. The most amazing view is the snow-capped mountains standing behind the forest, which makes scenery take varied forms.

Overnight in the hostel at Rashuwaghadi, the border town in Nepal side.

Day 18: Rashuwaghadi to Kathmandu (8-9 hrs, 130km)

The road between the border to Kathmandu is small, it takes 8-9 hours driving to Kathmandu, you are free to stop anywhere on the road if it is safe to park and enjoy the mountain view. And the driver will send you to your reserved hotel.

Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 19: Day tour in Kathmandu: Kathmandu City, Swayambhunath and Patan City (B)

The day starts with a tour of Kathmandu City, and takes in the famous Kathmandu Durbar Square. The most famous square in the city, the Durbar Square is the Royal Palace square in the city, and is surrounded by ancient buildings from the early 16th century. The magnificent architecture, exquisite decorations, and the intensity of historical items gives a great insight into Nepali culture.

You then continue the tour with a visit to the Swayambhunath Pagoda, which is one of the oldest Buddhist sites in Nepal. Swayambhunath is a huge golden stupa festooned with prayer flags that flutter in the breeze, on a hill that overlooks the entire city. Then it is on to Patan City, the second largest city in the Kathmandu Valley area. Patan City has one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Nepal that dates back to the 12th century, and is a great place to explore the Buddhist culture of Nepal.

Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 20: Day tour in Kathmandu: Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and Bhaktapur City

You will also get to go further afield in Nepal, to visit the ancient Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath, one of the largest stupas in Asia, and a focal point for Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Set on the banks of the Baghmati River, Pashupatinath is one of Nepal’s famous UNESCO sites, and the sunset over the temple roofs is spectacular.

Another great place to see is Boudhanath, located on the ancient trade route. It is a place of meditation and part of the spiritual journey around Kathmandu. With one of the largest stupas in the world, it has been the site of many Tibetan prayers over the centuries. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the last place to visit for the day, with its pagoda and shikhara temples strewn around the royal palace. The square really highlights the ancient building arts of Nepal.

Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 21: Kathmandu Departure

For the last day, the guide will transfer you to the airport and help you get on board. There is no direct flight leaving from Kathmandu to Houston and you can make connection at Doha. The overall travel time is around 25 hours. Hope you have a nice trip home and look forward to traveling with you again! (The international flight from Kathmandu to Houston suggests to be booked by yourself.)

Service Guide

Service Included:

  • Tibet travel permit and all other necessary permits to Tibet;
  • All entrance ticket fees for all tourist sites listed in the itinerary;
  • Personal knowledgeable English-speaking Tibetan local tour guide;
  • Personal comfortable, clean and safe vehicle with reliable Tibetan local driver; vehicle ranging from 4WD land cruiser to minibus depending on your group size;
  • All lodging listed in the itinerary; it’s your decision about the accommodation class: luxury 5-star international hotel, comfortable 4-star hotel, economic 3-star hotel or budget hostel, guesthouse or tent. Please tell us your accommodation preference when submitting the enquiry; we will arrange the best-value hotels for you.
  • Domestic flight/train tickets listed in the itinerary;
  • All meals listed in the above itinerary;
  • Tourist accident/casualty insurance;
  • First aid kit;

Service Excluded:

  • International flight to and out of China;
  • Chinese visa (Note: we could help you with the Chinese visa application, like providing the invitation letter, presenting the hotel or domestic flight reservation copies, etc that you may need. )
  • Domestic flight/train not listed in the itinerary. (We can provide you the domestic flight/train ticket booking service at the BEST discount price; please contact us our travel experts for the details.)
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary; usually it costs about USD3-15 per person for one meal in TAR (Tibet Autonomous Region).
  • Tips and gratitude to tour guide and driver;
  • Personal expenses, like laundry, phone call, snacks, soft drinks (please do the best to avoid the alcoholic beverages during your Tibet trip), optional tour activities, etc.

Contact us for your dream trip now !

Enquire Now

Most Frequently Asked Questions from our Clients

Check more Q&A here

Get Started - 21 Days Houston Beijing Lhasa Kailash Kathmandu Tour by Train

You’re getting closer to your dream Tibet vacation! Fill out this form so our travel designers can start helping you plan a trip.

Privacy Policy: Your information is kept strictly confidential. Tibet Vista will never sell, trade, or give away your contact information to a third party.
2
---
Wechat WhatsApp Phone call Video appointment
Inquiry Now