12 days Tibet train tour from Beijing to Kathmandu via Everest

Beijing
⇀ Lhasa
⇀ Shigatse
⇀ Sakya
⇀ Mount Everest
⇀ Gyirong Border
⇀ Kathmandu
This 12 day Tibet tour starts from Beijing, the capital city of China to the highest mountain in the world - Mount Everest then continues to Kathmandu in Nepal. A train ride on Tibetan plateaus also gives you another travel experience in China.
Type
Private
Duration
12 days
Theme
Overland, Train travel
Trip code
CTTT-02
Price
From CN¥ 11,000 per person
CN¥ 10,000
you save CN¥ 1,000 (10%)
After spending a few days exploring China’s capital city of Beijing, board the world’s highest train to Lhasa, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Tibetan high plateaus during the latter half of the journey. Spend several days in Lhasa, visiting the highlights of this spiritual center of Buddhism while acclimatizing to the high altitude. Then, continue your journey by taking the Tibet Nepal Friendship Highway to the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest, and marvel at the breathtaking natural landscapes along the way. The tour concludes in Kathmandu, Nepal, after crossing the border at Gyirong Town.
Day 01 :
Arrival in Beijing

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

Day 02 :
Beijing City Tour - Forbidden City & Summer Palace (B)

Today, begin your tour with a guided visit to Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square and the symbolic heart of Imperial Beijing. This iconic location holds deep significance for the Chinese people as the site of many historical events.

Afterward, visit the Forbidden City, located at the north end of Tiananmen Square. As one of China's earliest World Heritage Sites, the Forbidden City is recognized by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world. This magnificent Imperial Palace, home to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties from 1420 to 1912, offers an incredible glimpse into Chinese culture and history.

Next, continue to Jingshan Park, situated directly across from the Forbidden City. A short climb to the park's summit provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Forbidden City and the vast Beijing cityscape.

After enjoying lunch, head to the Summer Palace, located in northwest Beijing. This royal garden, surrounding Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill (Wanshou Shan), is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China's four classic gardens. Built during the Qing Dynasty as a summer retreat for emperors, the palace features spectacular gardens, palaces, and temples that offer a serene and picturesque experience.

 In the evening you might enjoy a roasted duck dinner at one of the famous restaurants like Quanjude or be dropped off at Donghuamen night market to conclude the day.

Day 03 :
Beijing Great Wall Tour - Mutianyu Great Wall & Hutong Culture Tour, Train Beijing to Tibet (B)

In the morning, embark on an excursion to the Mutianyu Great Wall, considered one of the most beautiful sections of the Great Wall. The hike takes approximately 2-3 hours. After lunch, return to downtown Beijing to explore the historic Shichahai area. Here, you will visit a traditional courtyard and enjoy a Hutong tour by rickshaw. You’ll also have ample time to explore landmarks such as Yandai Xiejie and the Drum Tower.

In the evening, you will be transferred to Beijing West Train Station to board the train to Lhasa (Z21, 19:52 - 11:36+2 days, approximately 40 hours).

Day 04 :
On the train

Enjoy the scenery as you travel closer to Tibet on the highest railway in the world.

Day 05 :
Arrival at Lhasa [3595m]

Today, you will experience the stunning Tibetan Plateau, with its nomadic groups and the Kekexili Nature Reserve. Upon arrival at Lhasa around 11:36 AM, you will be picked up at the Lhasa train station and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day refreshing yourself and acclimatizing to the high altitude. Overnight stay in Lhasa.

Day 06 :
Lhasa City Tour - visit Potola Palace & Jokhang Temple (B) - Walking tour is arranged today

Today you will visit Jokhang temple and Potala Palace. Jokhang temple is the most scared shrine in Tibet which was built in the 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 the entire Tibetan world, multitudinous pilgrims are circumambulating and prostrating in their strong faith. Overnight at Lhasa.

Day 07 :
Lhasa monasteries Day Tour - visit Drepung monastery, Sera monastery & Norbulingka summer palace (B)

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.

Day 08 :
Lhasa / Yamdrok Lake [4441m] / Gyantse [3980m] / Shigatse [3840m], 360KM, 7hrs (B)

In the morning, you will depart from Lhasa and head towards Yamdrok Lake, celebrated as one of Tibet's most sacred and visually stunning lakes. Perched at an altitude of 4450 meters, the lake is famous for its vivid turquoise hue. From there, you can also catch a glimpse of Mt. Nojin Kangtsang, towering at 7191 meters. After soaking in the beauty of the lake, your journey will continue to Gyantse. This mid-sized town, located at 3950 meters above sea level, is renowned for its impressive hilltop military fort and the Pelkor Chode Monastery, which is notable for housing Tibet's tallest Tibetan Buddhist stupa. While in Gyantse, you'll have the opportunity to visit the Gyantse Kumbum stupa, a marvel of Tibetan architecture. Then head to Shigatse for overnight, the 2nd largest city in Tibet. Stay overnight at Shigatse.

Day 09 :
Shigatse / Sakya [4280m] / Shegar [4250m], 290KM, 6 hours drive (B)

Morning visit Tashilunpo Monastery and the spectacular tombs of Panchen Lamas, do the monastery kora which provide you a great view of the whole Shigatse city. 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 color. Hike around the monastery northern ruins and continue the driving to Shegar, after a short ride crossing Gyatso-la pass [5200m], you will have the first sight of Mount Everest in the distance when it is a clear day. Overnight at Shegar.

Day 10 :
Shegar [4250m] / Rongbuk Monastery [4900m] / E.B.C [5250m], 100KM, about 2-3 hours drive (B)

Early morning start driving to Everest Base Camp (E.B.C), as you enter Mount Everest National Nature Reserve, the winding road takes you to Gawula Pass [5,250 m]. Here, you'll experience breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas, including a remarkable view of Mount Everest. You will switch to the local sightseeing bus at Tashi Zong Village, and from there, it is another hour's drive before you reach Everest Base Camp (E.B.C.).  Afternoon visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest-altitude monastery at 5154 meters above sea level. Relax and witness a splendid sunset (just depending on the weather) over Mount Everest.  Stay overnight at the tent guest house at E.B.C or the monastery guest house near Rongbuk (dorm bed).

Day 11 :
Rongbuk / Old Tingri [4250m] / Gyirong [2250m] 380KM, 6-7 hours drive

In the morning enjoy the sunrise over Mount Everest, have a relax morning at guest house for breakfast, then start driving to Gyirong Town, the border town between Tibet and Nepal, from where you gonna continue your trip to Kathmandu. Along this 380 km drive, you will witness dramatically changing landscapes, from towering snow-capped peaks to verdant forests and scenic canyon views at approximately 2,800m above sea level. Enjoy the stunning views of Mount Shishapangma [8,020m], the 14th highest peak in the world along with the beautiful turquoise Peiku-tso lake at the foot of the mountain. Arrive at Gyirong town in the late afternoon and check into one local hotel for overnight.

Day 12 :
Gyirong border / Kathmandu, 150km, 7-8hrs (B)

In the morning, drive to the Gyirong border to exit China with the assistance of your Tibetan guide. Our contracted Nepalese driver will meet you at the border with your name sign. After completing the check-in process at the Nepali Immigration Office, you will embark on a 7-9 hour drive to Kathmandu. Along the way, enjoy the scenic views of the powerful white-water rivers. The tour concludes upon your arrival in Kathmandu.

P.S. The road from the border to Kathmandu is quite challenging. For this transfer, we will use jeeps, each accommodating a maximum of five passengers.

Tour notes:

Please note prices are based in CNY.

General inclusions:

All required government taxes and fees.
Please contact one of our Tour Advisors to get a custom quotation made to your requirements.
All required Tibet permits and domestic travel documents.
Where possible 3 star hotels will always be provided, if the city or town does not have then the local guest house or monastery guest house will be provided (i.e. tent / dormitory bed, no private bathroom etc.)
Lodging at E.B.C. will be at either Rongbuk Monastery's Guest House or E.B.C Tent Guest House (dormitory bed with semi-private bathroom)
All entrance tickets as noted in the tour's itinerary.
Local Tibetan guide fluent in English, Chinese or Japanese that is certified by the state tourism build. (If your native language is not listed please let us know, we are certain we can assist your needs.)
Airport and/or train station pick-up and drop-off.
Comfortable and clean 7/8 seats minivan for groups of 5 persons or less; for larger groups minibus and tourist coach are available.
Nepal border pick up and transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu.
Train sleeper cabin either hard or soft-sleepers based on your selection to Lhasa.

General exclusions:

Personal expenses such as laundry, drinks, internet access, fax, telephone calls etc.
Tips for your guide and driver.
Nepal visa (you can get upon arrival at Kodari, USD 25 for a 15 day tourist visa)
Meals that are not specified in the tour itinerary.
Hotel in Kathmandu.
Optional Attractions that are not specified in the itinerary.
Flight and/or railway ticket(s) to the first city of the tour and departure from the last city of the tour.
Meals not specified in the itinerary.

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Comments

Ursula Heintz
Ursula Heintz
Tue, 07/02/2024

Do I need a special permit ? I have a German and American Passport.A Chinese visa is in my American I think expires in 2025. I do live in California. So getting from Beijing to Tibet what would I need?

Is this tour in a group 12 days Tibet starting in Beijing ending in Kathmandu Nepal? I go single

Replied by
Victoria Zhu
Victoria Zhu
Sat, 07/13/2024

In reply to by Ursula Heintz (not verified)

Dear Ursula Heintz,

Thank you for your new inquiry! It's Victoria Zhu again, and I am happy to assist you with your travel plans to Tibet and Nepal.

First of all, I'd like to inform you that regardless of your nationality, a Tibet Travel Permit is required to enter Tibet. This permit is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau. Since you are planning to visit Mt. Everest and the Gyirong border, an Alien's Travel Permit is also necessary. This can be obtained through a travel agency like ours, and we can help you with this process once you book the tour.

Regarding our 12-day Tibet train tour from Beijing to Kathmandu via Everest, I regret to inform you that we only provide private tours for this itinerary. However, we do offer daily group tours to the Mutianyu Great Wall in Beijing, and a 7-day overland group tour from Lhasa to Gyirong via Mt. Everest. For the city tour in Beijing, including the Forbidden City, I recommend considering a private tour with an English-speaking guide and using taxis or Didi for transportation between your hotel and sightseeing spots to save costs. I've sent a detailed tour proposal to your email, please let me know if it aligns with your preference and let me know when you plan for this trip, I can then provide you with further information. 

Best regards,

Victoria

ramu ramakesavan
ramu ramakesavan
Thu, 10/08/2020

I am interested in the Beijing tour, beijing-lhasa train, lhasa tour. I am vegetarian. Can you accommodate my meal request. I can eat eggs,

Ramu, Phoenix, USA

Replied by
Hi, I'm Zoe,your trip advisor
Zoe Yu
Fri, 10/09/2020

In reply to by ramu ramakesavan (not verified)

Dear Ramu,

 

Thank you for your inquiry. This is Zoe from Windhorse Tour responding to your email.

I have already sent you the email with more details based on your inquire. Please feel free to contact me if you need further more information about traveling to Tibet.

 

Warm regards,

Zoe

kathleen Nolan
kathleen Nolan
Fri, 01/12/2018

Hello, This trip looks great. What is the pricing and dates? Also what is the single supplement?
'Thank you!

Replied by
MurphyF
Murphy Feng
Mon, 01/15/2018

In reply to by kathleen Nolan (not verified)

Hi Kathleen,
Thanks for contacting us. This is Murphy from WindhorseTour.
I've just sent you an email with some suggestions and tour details, please have a look and let me know if you have any further questions on it.
Look forward to hearing from you soon.
Cheers,
Murphy

Vaduva Iosif
Vaduva Iosif
Mon, 02/13/2017

Hi!
I'm Iosif from Romania. Me and my fiance, we are planing a trip in August 2017, from Beijing to Tibet with train. There will be in August a tour from Beijing to Kathmandu, and what is the price of it?

Gail Monk
Gail Monk
Fri, 12/09/2016

Looking to do this in reverse from KTMANDU to Bejing end Marh beginning April 2017. Can you letr me know if possible andf how much it will cost (2 people)

Replied by
personal picture
Anita Fan
Mon, 12/12/2016

In reply to by Gail Monk (not verified)

Hi Gail,

Thanks for your comment. This is Anita from WindhorseTour.
I have just sent you an email with all details, please go through it kindly let me know if you have any further comments on it.
Look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
Anita

Amanda Robertson
Amanda Robertson
Wed, 07/27/2016

Looking for a price for this trip in nov, thanks

Replied by
Yuki from WindhorseTour
Yuki Yi
Wed, 07/27/2016

In reply to by Amanda Robertson (not verified)

Hello Amanda,

Thanks for your comments. I have sent you a detailed email with tour itinerary & quotation, please check the information and kindly let me know for any comments or thoughts on it.

Look forward to hearing from you soon!

Best Regards,
Yuki

Replied by
personal picture
Anita Fan
Mon, 07/23/2018

In reply to by imran (not verified)

Hello Imran,

Thank you for your inquiry. This is Anita from WindhorseTour.
Could you kindly advise when you prefer to travel? So I can work out the itinerary and quotation details for you accordingly.
Look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best Regards,
Anita

Riza Erfandia Nidaurrizki
Riza Erfandia Nidaurrizki
Tue, 07/05/2016

I'm from indonesia

Replied by
personal picture
Anita Fan
Tue, 07/05/2016

In reply to by Riza Erfandia … (not verified)

Dear Riza,

Thanks for your comment! This is Anita from WindhorseTour.

I just send you an email with all details. Could you please advise when would you like to get the trip started, then I shall send you a quotation?

Look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best Regards,
Anita

Ian Hand
Ian Hand
Thu, 10/22/2015

I am in Hong Kong with a few weeks to spare. Can you help me with a train journey to Lhasa. My dates are very flexible and I don't mind joining a small tour group.
Thanks

Ian Hand

Replied by
Lycoris Yang
Lycoris Yang
Fri, 10/23/2015

In reply to by Ian Hand (not verified)

Hello Ian,
Glad to hear from you! Yes, we can certainly arrange a Tibet tour as you required. Regarding that you are traveling alone, I highly suggest you to join one of our group tours to save some cost. I have just sent you an email with the details, please check it.
Looking forward to hearing from your thoughts soon!
Cheers,
Lycoris

Luis
Luis
Wed, 09/16/2015

Por favor, envíenme precio de este viaje.
Gracias

Jan aungabsee
Jan aungabsee
Tue, 04/28/2015

Hi, could you please send me price information (on the reverse trip from Kathmandu to Beijing)? and the available date for the trip in July. I will be travelling alone.

Thanks

peter c
peter c
Fri, 12/26/2014

Want to fly in PEK around 3/27/15 and take train to LXA, for around 10 day fly tp HKG. Can you recommend the trip and arrange? Whether this is a good time to visit Tibet?

Replied by
Lycoris Yang
Lycoris Yang
Mon, 12/29/2014

In reply to by peter c (not verified)

Hi Peter,
Thanks for contacting us! Yes, we can certainly arrange a tour for you as you required. I've just sent you an email with some suggestions and details about this tour. Please check it and let me know your opinions.
Will look forward to hearing from you again soon:)
Best Regards,
Lycoris

Ronald
Ronald
Fri, 08/23/2013

Hi there. How much is the Kathmandu-Tibet trip? What are the inclusions? The trip will be for 2 person. Thanks

Replied by
Helen Wang
Helen Wang
Mon, 08/26/2013

In reply to by Ronald (not verified)

Hi Ronald,

Thanks for your inquiry. Please let me know when you want to have this trip and preferred accommodation, so that I can work out a quotation for you. I also sent you one email for further questions if you prefer to have a private tour. Look forward to hearing from you soon so that I can provide further assistance. Helen

 Dr arun ray
Dr arun ray
Tue, 05/28/2013

I am from usa. will travel from shanghai to beijing in november and like to take this tour,.how to proceed from kathmondu to kolkata? pl. advice and the prices. thank you.

Replied by
MurphyF
Murphy Feng
Tue, 05/28/2013

In reply to by Dr arun ray (not verified)

Hi Arun,

Thanks for contacting us. I just sent you an email with some suggestions and details about this tour. Please check it and let me know your opinions. 

I'm looking forward to hearing from you again!

Kind Regards,

Murphy

 

 

stacey
stacey
Thu, 05/23/2013

Please qwuote me price per person. I am interested in traveling with my 15 year old son sometime end of July this summer. Must make plans ASAP. Thank you very much.

Replied by
Helen Wang
Helen Wang
Fri, 05/24/2013

In reply to by stacey (not verified)

Hi Stacey,

Thanks for your inquiry! I just sent you one email regarding this 12 day tour itinerary and quotation, please go through the email and let me know if you have any questions on the tour.

I will look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best regards
Helen

Nicole
Nicole
Mon, 02/11/2013

Hi, I am still waiting for a reply please. Can I have a quote for one adult and one boy (11yrs). We would like to depart around middle of August 2013. It is possible one more adult will come also, but I need to check the price first. We would like a soft sleeper seat on the train please. Thank you. Nicole

Eduardo Vergara
Eduardo Vergara
Tue, 01/22/2013

I`d Like to know, if y can get the tour in the day 04(in the train to Lhasa) get the rest of the tour and stay in Katmandu where y´ll going to India. Whats the price in dollars?

Replied by
MurphyF
Murphy Feng
Fri, 01/25/2013

In reply to by Eduardo Vergara (not verified)

Dear Eduardo,

 

Thanks for contacting us. Of course we can adjust the tour itinerary according to your requirements and travel schedule. I just sent you an email with few questions that about your travel plan, please check it and I'm looking forward to hearing from you!

 

Regards,

 

Murphy

Lis
Lis
Mon, 01/14/2013

We are four Indonesian, plan to go to Lasa via Chengdu by train on August 2013. Could you guide us how to go there?

Replied by
MurphyF
Murphy Feng
Wed, 01/16/2013

In reply to by Lis (not verified)

Hi,

 

Thanks for your comments, and we'd love to help you plan this trip! 

 

I just sent you an email with some advices, please check it and let me know if you have any questions on it!

 

I'm looking forward to hearing from you :)

 

Kind Regards,

 

Murphy

Lisa
Lisa
Mon, 01/14/2013

I am wondering about prices for the 12 Day Tibet Train Tour from Beijing to Kathmandu Via Tibet E.B.C. However, I would want to do this trip in reverse (Kathmandu-Beijing). I would be travelling at the end of April 2013. I don't know if it makes a difference on prices, but I would be by myself. Thank you.

Replied by
MurphyF
Murphy Feng
Wed, 01/16/2013

In reply to by Lisa (not verified)

Hi Lisa,

 

Thanks for contacting us. We'd love to help you plan this overland trip, and I just sent you an email with some advice for your further reference. Please check it and let me know how do you think!

 

Looking forward to hearing from you!

 

Regards,

 

Murphy

Lum fook heng
Lum fook heng
Tue, 12/11/2012

planning to visit Beijing to Tibet by rail and hope to get acclimatize by travelling from one station to another station until i reach Lhasa. Any one can assist me out there. Can I really acclimatize this way.

Al
Al
Sat, 10/27/2012

I am interested in that travel, from Xining, in July or August 2013, and can join a group if any.

Replied by
MurphyF
Murphy Feng
Mon, 10/29/2012

In reply to by Al (not verified)

Hi Al,

Thanks for your comments. We'd love to help you organize this trip, and we will have several groups during next July and August. Do you mean you plan to enter Lhasa from Xining by train? I will send you more details if you can provide your email address to us!

I'm looking forward to hearing from you!

Regards,

Murphy 

MurphyF
Murphy Feng
Fri, 09/14/2012

Hi Caitlin,

Thank you very much for your comment. I just sent you an email with some details about this tour for your reference. 

Please feel free to contact me if you have any question on it and I'm looking forward to hearing from you :)

Regards,

Murphy

Caitlin
Caitlin
Thu, 09/13/2012

Wondering if this trip is available in reverse (Kathmandu - Beijing)? Looking to go probably in September of next year (2013). What approximately is the cost in September/October/November?
Thanks!

Replied by
MurphyF
Murphy Feng
Fri, 09/14/2012

In reply to by Caitlin (not verified)

Hi Caitlin,

Thank you very much for your comment.

I just sent you an email with some details about this tour for your reference.  Please feel free to contact me if you have any question on it and I'm looking forward to hearing from you :)

Regards,

Murphy

Lawrence Dack
Lawrence Dack
Tue, 08/28/2012

Looking for travel dates beginning around 11/15 or 12/15/2012; also, if trip is available in reverse (Kathmandu-Beijing).