12 Day Tibet Train Tour from Beijing to Kathmandu Via Tibet E.B.C

 

Arrive at the Beijing Capital Airport, be met and transferred to hotel by your guide and driver, have a good rest by your own. Overnight at Beijing.

 

Today you will be arranged to visit Tian'anmen Square - the largest public square in the world and Forbidden City - magnificent imperial Palaces of Ming and Qing dynasties for almost 500 years, and then head to the Temple of Heaven, a place where the Emperors prayed for peace and harvest. After lunch, drive to visit Summer Palace, originally a royal garden and a temporary dwelling palace for emperors of Qing Dynasty. On the way back Fresh-water pearl market for a good bargain can not to be missed. In the evening enjoy the cultural show - Kongfu show or Peking Opera after dinner. Overnight at Beijing.

 

Morning excursion to the most beautiful section of the Great Wall - the Mutianyu Great Wall. The hike takes about 2-3 hours. After lunch drive to visit Changling, one of the 13 Ming Tombs of the 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). In the evening transfer you to train station for the train to Lhasa (T27, 21:30 - 18:38+2days).

 

 

Today you will see the beautiful Tibetan plateau with the nomads groups, Kekexili Ntature Reserve, ect. Arrival at Lhasa around 18:30, Lhasa train station picking up and transfer to your hotel in Lhasa. Overnight at Lhasa.

 

Today is your first day of sightseeing on the high plateau, so we have purposely arranged only to visit Jokhang temple and Potala Palace. Jokhang temple is the most scared shrine in Tibet which was built in 7th century and located at the heart of old town in Lhasa, the circuit around it called Barkhor street, which is a good place to purchase souvenirs. Potala Palace is the worldwide known cardinal landmark of Tibet. The massive structure itself contains a small world within it. Mostly it is renowned as residence of the Dalai Lama lineages (Avalokiteshvara). Both of them are the focal points of pilgrims from entire Tibetan world, multitudinous pilgrims are circumambulating and prostrating in their strong faith. Overnight at Lhasa.

 

Today you will be arranged to visit Drepung, Sera monasteries and Summer Palace - Norbulingka palace. Both Drepung and Sera monasteries are Gelugpa (yellow hat) sect monastic colleges. Drepung monastery was the seat of the Government prior to Potala, it was once the world largest monastery in the history with 10,000 monks hailed from different monasteries all over Tibet. Sera monastery is famous for its Buddhism philosophical debate practice, the clapping sound and aggressive expression of the monks are well worth to see. Norbulingka is the summer palace of Dalai Lama, you can visit the residences of different lineages of the Dalai Lama. The park is crowded with picnickers and traditional activities during the Shoton (Yogurt festival) in August. Overnight at Lhasa.

 

Morning drive up to Kampala pass [4794m], you will have a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso and spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar in the distance, the turquoise coloured Lake Yamdrok Yutso is one of the three holy lakes in Tibet, the unforgettable vista of pincer-shaped turquoise water of the lake and amazing spectacle of Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar glacier from Karo la pass are wonders of the day. Continue along the Friendship southern Hwy drive to Gyantse, visit the famous stupa - Gyantse Kumbum, one of the most stunning architectural wonders in Tibet. Late afternoon drive to Shigatse. Overnight at Shigatse.

 

Morning visit Tashilunpo Monastery and the spectacular tombs of Panchen Lamas, monks in this monastery are nice looking in their hand-made traditional shoes-'Tsomba' in Tibetan. Late morning drive to visit Sakya Monastery which is the main monastery of Sakyapa sect, houses around the monastery are also in a typical gray colour. Hike around the monastery northern ruins and drive back to Lhatse. Overnight at Lhatse.

 

Early morning start driving to Rongbuk via Shegar, cross over Gyatsola Pass [5200m] and Gawu la pass [5200m], from the top of the Gawu la you will see the spetacular Himalayan Ranges and its glorious peaks viz Mt.Makalu [8463m], Mt.Lotse [8516m], Mt.Everst [8844m], Mt.Cho Oyu[8201m] and Mt.Shishapama [8020m] from Left

 

Morning after see the sunrise at E.B.C, start driving to Zhangmu via Old Tingri & Nyalam, crossing Thongla [5300m] pass, savoring the enchanting views of the surrounding peaks of Shishapangma [8020m], Cho Oyu [8201m], Menlungtse and Gauri, the road driving over the pass of Tongla is surrounded by the snow-capped peaks and it is like a road to the sky. Overnight at Zhangmu.

 

After breakfast, your Tibetan guide will help you clear the customs, say your farewells to the guide and driver at Friendship Bridge. Our Nepalese guide will pick you up there, after you check in at Nepali Immigration office, then drive about 5 hours to Kathmandu city, enjoy the scenery of great white waters along the way. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, end the trip.