Tibet: Beijing to Kathmandu Overland

15 days525 reviews
Explorer
Rail
From
CAD $5,415

Live the high life on an overland adventure from Beijing to Kathmandu

Go on an epic 5000-km overland journey from imperial Beijing, through the mystical land of Tibet, to Nepal’s compact capital, Kathmandu. Experience one of the world’s greatest train journeys, discover the highland haven of Lhasa and visit the world’s highest monastery in the heart of the Himalayas. You’ll find temples aplenty, divine landscapes and unbeatable views of Mt Everest. Celebrating Buddhist cultures past and present, this insightful journey to the Roof of the World is simply unforgettable.

Map of Tibet: Beijing To Kathmandu Overland including China and Nepal
Trip code: CBST
Start
Beijing, China
End
Kathmandu, Nepal
Destinations
China, Nepal
Meals
2 lunches
Transport
Overnight Sleeper Train, Private Bus, Public Bus
Accommodation
Hotel (11 nights), Overnight Hard Sleeper Train (2 nights), Permanent Tented Camp/Guesthouse (1 night)
Days
15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Ages
Min 15
Theme
Every trip caters to specific interests and activities, such as wildlife or family.
Explorer, Rail
Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time

Orginal: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time

Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities

Premium: 4+ star accommodation, exclusive premium inclusions, our most experienced leaders
Original
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
This trip generates 114 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip

Like everything else it does, China’s ancient history is on a grand scale – see it first-hand, with time to explore and walk the epic Great Wall’s Mutianyu section.

Sit back and relax on one of the world’s greatest train journeys – a marathon 45-hour ride to the literal Roof of the World, passing by incredibly mountainous and remote terrain, and the occasional grazing yak!

Immerse yourself in Tibetan culture, from the spiritual side – explored on monastery visits, pilgrim trails and a monk-led meditation session – to traditional daily life, experienced at a momo-making class and Tibetan family home.

Climb phenomenal mountain passes and thrilling peaks on your scenic overland journey to see the mightiest of them all – Mt Everest – and visit the world’s highest monastery on your way!

With a Tibetan leader by your side, it’s a great opportunity to gain true local insight and understanding of the Tibetan culture and the modern life on the plateau .

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025

Itinerary

Map of Tibet: Beijing To Kathmandu Overland including China and Nepal

Inclusions and activities

Meals

2 lunches

Transport

Overnight Sleeper Train, Private Bus, Public Bus

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights), Overnight Hard Sleeper Train (2 nights), Permanent Tented Camp/Guesthouse (1 night)

Included activities
  • Beijing - Mutianyu Great Wall
  • Lhasa - Sera Monastery & Monk Debating
  • Lhasa - Tibetan cooking class
  • Lhasa - Old town and Barkhor Street walking tour
  • Lhasa - Potala Palace
  • Lhasa - Jokhang Temple
  • Gyantse - Yamdrok Lake
  • Gyantse - Tibetan family visit & lunch
  • Gyantse - Pelkor Chode Monastery
  • Gyantse - Kumbum
  • Shigatse - Tashilhunpo Monastery
  • Sakya - Sakya Monastery
  • Sakya - Nunery visit
  • Everest National Park - Rongphu Monastery
  • Everest National Park - Base Camp Monument (Chinese side)
  • Rongbu Monastery - Meditation & Tea (at the highest monastery in the world)
  • Kathmandu - Leader-led old city walking tour

Optional activities
  • Beijing - Forbidden City - CNY60
  • Beijing - Lama Temple (entrance fee) - CNY25
  • Beijing - Temple of Heaven (entrance fee) - CNY40
  • Beijing - Summer Palace (entrance fee) - CNY60
  • Beijing - Panjiayuan Antique Market - Free
  • Lhasa - Drepung Monastery - CNY60
  • Lhasa - Ganden Monastery - CNY145
  • Lhasa - Norbulingka Palace - CNY60

Is this trip right for you?

  • There have been recent cases where the Chinese Railway Bureau has not permitted foreign groups to travel from Beijing to Lhasa by train without any prior notice or specific reason. Please ensure you have access to your contingency fund of USD 500 in cash should your group be affected and need to fly from Beijing to Lhasa. Please see ‘Special Information’ section of Day 1 itinerary notes for more details.
  • This trip visits places that are over 3500 metres above sea level, and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. We recommend not partaking in any strenuous activity until you have time to gauge your reaction to the high altitude at each location, as some people experience mild symptoms of attitude sickness such as dizziness, shortness of breath and sleeplessness. See the ‘Health’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
  • Overnight train accommodation on this tour is in 6-berth ‘hard-sleeper’ class. Bedding is provided and wash basins and toilets (squat/western) are available in each carriage, but there are no shower facilities.
  • Though there is a long two-night train journey on this trip, it is through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. The train to the ‘Roof of the World’ travels at high altitude, including the Tanggula Pass (5072 m) and Fenghuahan tunnel (4095 m). Altogether, over 80% of the section between Golmud to Lhasa is at elevations of over 4000 metres.
  • As important cultural and historical sites, there are visits to many monasteries and temples on this itinerary. Some travellers find that they can get 'temple-d out' quickly as there's just so much information to take in. Be sure to stop and rest when you have the chance and to take up opportunities to do varied activities when available.
  • There are some nights in more basic accommodation on this trip (including some nights in simple multishare rooms) and at some of the hotels hot water may not be available. Patience and flexibility will go a long way to ensuring you have a good experience when travelling here!
  • As this trip spends very little time in Beijing and Kathmandu, we recommend you extend your stays in both cities if you want to experience all has to offer. If you would like to spend more time here, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. In order for us to apply for your Tibet entry permit and purchase your train ticket to Lhasa you must provide a scanned, colour copy of the personal details page of your passport and Chinese visa to your booking agent no later than 40 days prior to the start date of your trip. You will also need to advise us of your current profession at the same time. When applying for Chinese visa it is imperative not to mention travel to Tibet. You must first apply for your Chinese visa as instructed and Intrepid will then apply for the Tibet group permit on your behalf. Please check our Essential Trip Information for more details.
2. Please be aware that in recent years there have been times when restrictions on nationalities being able to travel on specific departures have been implemented or Tibet has been closed to foreign tourists without warning.
3. You must bring an emergency fund of 500 USD in cash with you on this trip, which you may need to use in case when foreign groups are denied of purchasing Beijing to Lhasa train tickets due to government decision and we'll need to make alternative plans depending on what's possible.
4. Due to the demands of travelling at high altitudes (above 3000 meters/ 9800 feet), a Passenger Self Assessment Form is required for this trip.
5. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 2 and Day 3 (Overnight sleeper train) and Day 11(Permanent Tent Camp or Guesthouse) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
6. It's a criminal offence for anyone to carry images of the Dalai Lama or the Tibetan flag - doing so may lead to confiscation of the items, detention, arrest or imprisonment by Chinese authorities.
7. Please note while traveling through China you will not be able to access some popular internet websites.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

5 out of 5 based on 25 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Catherine · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 08 Nov 2024

Michel · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 05 Nov 2024

Irene Maria · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 26 Oct 2024

John · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 25 Oct 2024

Yvonne · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 25 Oct 2024
Tibet: Beijing to Kathmandu Overland
From
CAD $5,415