13 Days Beijing Lhasa Kathmandu Train Tour
Trip Overview
Exploring the majestic Beijing and witnessing Lhasa’s beauty quickly in 13 Days Beijing Lhasa Kathmandu Train Tour, this itinerary will let you discover Tibet by Train from Beijing. This train ride from Beijing to Lhasa is the longest and most unforgettable journey on the Quinghai-Tibet Railway.
Along the way, you will be mesmerized by the glistening lakes, vast lands, and snowy peaks of the Tibetan Plateau. You can also watch the sunrise and sunset along the journey, as it will take 48 hours to reach Lhasa. This tour will offer an insight into the cultural contrasts between Beijing and Lhasa. The train cost from Beijing to Lhasa is affordable, and passengers may see the breathtaking geographical characteristics of two completely different parts of China, Beijing and Lhasa.
We at Tashi Delek have organized the itinerary so that you can quickly enjoy the tour of famous and historical places.
Contact our expert directly to learn more about the packages and customization of itineraries.
Trip Highlights
- Magnificent Beijing to Tibet journey across expansive grasslands, valleys, and High passes.
- Watch the unspoiled beauty of Namtso Lake, the highest Salt Lake, at an altitude of 4718 meters.
- Discover Tibet’s historic Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Witnessing the breathtaking views of the Lhasa city and snow-capped mountains from Drepung Monastery.
- Discover Tibetan culture up close by taking a stroll down Barkhor Street.
- Observe monks’ debate and watch the Rock Thangka in Sera Monastery.
- See Tashi Lhunpo Monastery’s enormous golden statue of Maitreya Buddha.
- Enjoy Samye Monastery, the earliest monastery in Tibet, with its marvelous circular structure.
- Experience the warmth and friendliness of the Tibetan people and gain insight into their unique way of life.
- Enjoy the breathtaking view of Yamdrok Lake.
- Explore less-known trails and relish the excitement of friendly local communities and breathtaking views of ancient monuments, artifacts, and a massive Buddha statue.
- Enjoy traditional food and become fully immersed in Tibetan culture
- Explore the frantic, busy Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.
Detailed Itinerary
Close AllArrival in Beijing, pick and transfer to Hotel O/N Hotel (BB)
Our amiable Tibetan guide will greet you with a Khada (welcome ceremonial scarf) upon reaching the Beijing airport.
You will then be transported to your hotel, where you will rest for the day and prepare for the tour. In the afternoon, you can take a rickshaw tour of one of Beijing’s well-known hutongs around Houhai Lake. You will next proceed to the Drum Tower, where, during the Ming dynasty, the hourly change was announced by the sound of a drum. The tower offers a lovely view of ancient Beijing and is located across from the Clock Tower.
Overnight at Beijing.
Visit Forbidden City, Tian anmen Square & Summer Palace O/N Hotel (BB)
After breakfast, we will explore Beijing’s history by visiting Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest city square. Chairman Mao proclaimed the People’s Republic of China on this very square at the Tiananmen Gate on the northern square. Entering Tiananmen, you will witness Forbidden City, the world’s third-largest city square. It is a vast complex of more than 9,000 rooms formerly home to 24 Ming and Qing Dynasty rulers. Navigate through various entrances to see the stunning and immaculate structures adorned with brilliantly colored paintings, a white marble base, and a yellow-glazed tile top.
Later, you will be taken to China’s largest royal garden, the Summer Palace. This well-preserved palace still has the same energy as in history. Explore historic bridges, palaces, temples, pavilions, and hallways. Admire the enormous lotuses in Kunming Lake and the vibrant murals in Long Corridor.
Overnight at Beijing.
Visit Great Wall & Temple of Heaven O/N Hotel (BB)
Once you had a decent breakfast, we will drive about 70km from the city to witness the Great Wall of China, one of the world’s seven wonders. This masterpiece was constructed during the Ming Dynasty and is still well preserved, which always amazes you whenever you visit. We can take a cable car ride to the 14th Watchtower; from here, we will walk to the 20th Watchtower. You will catch the most breathtaking natural landscape in this stretch, with the surrounding green pines, cypress trees, and the winding wall towering magnificently on the broad ground.
Later, we will drive towards the Temple of Heaven. This temple was once a worship site for Heaven and harvest prayers. It is now a busy gathering spot for residents to engage in dancing, Tai Chi, and other activities.
Overnight at Beijing.
Board on a Train to Lhasa O/N Train
Today, you will not visit any specific location as you are going on a scenic train journey lasting about 45 hours. You will cross the two significant northwest Chinese province capitals: Lanzhou and Xining. You will witness Northwest China’s rural and urban landscapes along the way.
Overnight on the train.
On Train O/N Train
Your train journey will continue today, too, and you will be amazed by the stunning views of Kekexii Nature Reserve, Tsonag Lake, Namtso Lake, Qiangtang Prairie, etc., on your train ride.
Overnight on the train.
Arrive in Lhasa Railway Station then transfer to Hotel O/N Hotel (BB)
Today, you will arrive at Lhasa Railway Station and be transferred to the hotel. While traveling from station to hotel, you will be filled with the fantastic view of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and acclimatizing.
Overnight at Lhasa.
Lhasa - Visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Market O/N Hotel (BB)
Today, we will visit Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will also visit Barkhor Square market. Potala Palace, the winter home of the Dalai Lama, is a 13-floor building with more than 1000 rooms, several statues, artifacts, murals, and stupas.
Later, we will visit the Jokhang Temple, named Jo for Jowo Buddha and Khang for Chapel. It was built in 642 by the first King of Tibet, Songtsen Gampo, to place the image of Akshobhya Buddha, the gift of a Nepalese wife, Bhirkuti. Later, the temple was known for the gift, a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, by the King’s second Chinese wife.
We will stroll around the Barkhor market that encircles the Jokhang Temple. Pilgrims usually do the kora(circumambulate) of Jokhang temple in a clockwise direction. Also, you can buy gifts to take home, as numerous artifacts and cultural items like Buddha relics are available in this market.
Overnight at Lhasa.
Lhasa - Visit Drepung Monastery, Norbulingka Palace and Sera Monastery O/N Hotel (BB)
After breakfast, our guide will take you to two great Gelug monasteries in Tibet, Drepung and Sera Monastery.
Drepung Monastery is one of Tibet’s “great three” Gelug Monasteries. It was established by Jamyang Choge Tashi Palden in 1416. Before the Fifth Dalai Lama constructed the Potala Palace, this monastery served as Tibet’s political hub and the residence of the Dalai Lamas.
Later, we will visit the Sera Monastery, built in 1419 by Tsongkapa. This monastery’s most significant architectural features are the 3 Buddhist colleges, 29 monk dormitories, and Coqen Assembly Hall. If you visit between Monday and Friday, you can witness Monks debate in the monastery’s courtyard. Also, watching the 9-meter statue of Maitreya, constructed in 1419, is one of this monastery’s fascinating features.
In the evening, we will visit the Norbulingka Palace, also known as the “Jewel Park.”, built by the 7th Dalai Lama and the Summer Palace of the Dalai Lama.
Overnight at Lhasa.
Drive to Gyantse via Yamdrok Lake, visit Khumbum Stupa and Pelkhor Chode O/N Hotel (BB)
After breakfast, we will drive to Gyantse. On this journey, we encounter two high passes: Kamba La Pass(4794m) and Karo La Pass(5045m). For about 72km, we will travel through the tranquil, turquoise-toned Yamdrok-tso Lake bank. Yamdrok-tso Lake is among Tibet’s three holiest lakes and is believed to be the metamorphosis of the Goddess encircled by snow-capped mountains.
After hours of driving, we will reach Gyantse. Gyantse is the third largest historical city of Tibet, where we will visit the famous Khumbum Stupa and Pelkhor Chode.
Khumbum is a spectacular 9-floor Buddha stupa with beautiful carvings and paintings and is home to a massive 35-meter-tall gold-domed stupa. The combined efforts of the Chinese, Tibetans, and Nepalese resulted in a masterwork, as the eight doors of this Stupa open and are decorated with sculptures of dragons, elephants, and lions.
Then we will visit the Pelkhor Chode monastery, built in 1418, situated in the Nyangchu river valley, encircled on three sides by the mountains, and a unique blend of stupa and temple. The red-walled Pelkor Chöde was formerly a compound of 15 monasteries that united three orders of Tibetan Buddhism. Three monasteries were Sakyapa, nine were Gelugpa, and three were part of the little-known Büton suborder.
Overnight at Gyantse.
Drive to Shigatse, Visit Tashilimphu Monastery & Local Market O/N Hotel (BB)
Today, we will travel to Shigatse, the second-largest town in Tibet, and visit the Tashilimphu Monastery, the traditional home of Tibet’s second-holiest man, the Panchen Lama. There, you can view the enormous Future Buddha, the most massive statue of its type on the planet. It is adorned with priceless pearls, turquoise, coral, and amber.
Later, we will visit the local market and explore the Tibetan Buddhist culture, traditions, and lifestyle. We can also buy some artifacts to take back as souvenirs.
Overnight at Shigatse.
Drive to Shegar O/N Hotel (BB)
After breakfast today, we will go to Shegar, now known as the New Tingri. Before reaching Shegar, we will cross the two high passes: Tong La Pass (5130) and Gyatso La(5259m).
During the travel, capture the stunning views of Shishapangma(8013m) and Mount Everest(8848m), the world’s highest peak. Then we will reach Shegar. As part of your acclimatization, you can rest the remaining day.
Overnight at Shegar.
Drive to Kyirong. Hotel (BB)
Today, we will wake up early and drive about 8 km to Mount Everest’s North Base Camp (5250m). On the way, we will witness the three thousanders: Mount Everest (8,848m), Cho Oyu (8,188m), and Shishapangma (8,027m).
After reaching the base camp of Mount Everest, we will witness the Rongbuk Glacier along with the snow-capped towering peak. These are once-in-a-lifetime memories and unforgettable ones.
The Tibetan tradition believes that offering Lungta at temples/stupas and high passes brings good fortune and a long life. So, if you want to offer Lungta, the guide will provide you with information.
We will stay there for a while and then continue our journey towards Kyirong, Nepal-Tibet Border.
Overnight at Kyirong.
Drive back to Kathmandu
Today, we will wrap up our tour. While we are having breakfast, the guide will take care of the formalities. Once the border formalities at Kyirong are completed, we will travel to Kathmandu through Syabrubesi-Trishuli-Kathmandu.
You can stroll around Kathmandu’s best places in the evening, such as Durbarmarg and Thamel.
Please Note
We have updated our dates and price list, which you can find above. But if you cannot find a perfect date for the trip or want to customize it, then you can Contact Us here.
Also, we are offering a discount for those travelers who come in a group of 3 or more. You may also get a discount if you book the trip earlier. Contact Us for more.
Cost Includes
- Airport transfers to hotel.
- Accommodation on a twin-sharing basis.
- Private and public vehicles used for the trip
- Any required permits and entry fees during the trip
- Professional guide, profound in English, and approved by the Tibetan Travel Bureau.
- All meals that are mentioned in the itinerary.
- Any applicable government taxes.
Cost Excludes
- Any International flights and China Visa Fee (not included in the trip)
- Travel and medical insurance or any evacuation during the trip.
- Any gratitude or tips in any form to guide, porters, or any other.
- Personal expenses like phone calls, groceries, liquors, etc.
- Extra day staying or traveling expenses other than those mentioned in the itinerary.
- Any expenses incurred due to unforeseen events such as illness or a delayed or canceled flight.
We value your well-being and comfort trip
Surely, you may have researched a lot regarding the trip to Mt. Kailash and have gathered much more information. But, with all the information and your confidence in completing the trip will not be enough. We, our team, and guide with years of experience will do anything to make sure that you are safe and you experience a comfortable travel. Also, we have some other value-added services that will assure you had the perfect trip of lifetime.
A closer look at the vistas with a Telescope
Forget to bring your binoculars? Don’t worry, we got you covered. We have a high-end telescope which will provide you with an astonishing view (during the night). The telescope is mostly available during the trek to high passes like the Everest base camp trek.
Extra gears to make your travel more comfortable
We think that for a trekker to successfully finish the journey, they need to eat well and sleep well. Therefore, we can provide you with whatever additional equipment you desire, such as neck pillows, sleeping bags, eye masks, etc.
Rental Service of Gears and Equipment
We strongly suggest you bring the necessary gear and equipment with you. But if you forget or want us to arrange those items for you, then we are here to help. On rental, we will provide you with all the gear and equipment you need for your travel on your request before the trip.
Responsible and eco-friendly trip
Our goal is to go on an environmentally responsible excursion. We provide food and drink using environmentally friendly paper plates and mugs. We are preserving the beauty of nature in this way.
Accommodation
Hotels and guest houses are available for lodging on this tour. We will book you a 3-star hotel for this tour, but if you want a more luxurious one, you must mention it earlier, which may cost you extra.
Hospital and medical facilities
Hospitals and medical facilities are entirely available. This tour is leisurely, and you do not have to walk for hours to get somewhere. Our guides are professionals and ready for any emergencies.
Communication facilities
After you reach Tibet, you’ll need a Chinese SIM card. Once specific procedures are completed, Chinese SIM cards can be purchased and recharged while traveling. Lhasa has internet facilities, but you can also use a Chinese SIM card to connect to the internet.
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