12 days Beijing Tibet Train Tour to Kathmandu via Everest

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.

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.

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).

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.