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

Live the high life on a high-altitude adventure from Beijing to Kathmandu through Tibet.

Take part in an epic 5000-kilometre overland journey from imperial Beijing, through the mighty mountains and monasteries of Tibet, and finishing in Nepal’s compact capital of Kathmandu. There’s temples aplenty to explore, mountain passes and rugged landscapes to drive past, and, oh, did we mention standing in the shadow of Mt Everest? Experience one of the world’s greatest train journeys, get to know the highland haven of Lhasa and discover the world’s highest monastery in the foothills of Qomolangma. Respecting Buddhist cultures past and present, this insightful journey to the literal Roof of the World has never been so easy, yet still so incredibly fascinating.

Start
Beijing, China
Finish
Kathmandu, Nepal
Destinations
China, Nepal
Style
Original
Theme
Explorer
Code
CBST
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Like everything 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 journey to the literal Roof of the World, passing by incredibly mountainous and remote terrain, and the occasional grazing yak!

  • Get to know Lhasa, from the incredible atmosphere of the pilgrim-filled Jokhang Temple – the most sacred in the Tibetan Buddhist world – to a traditional momo making class, you’ll get a real taste for this place.

  • Climb phenomenal mountain passes, twist up thrilling peaks, and take in incredible views of skies and lakes on your overland journey, standing in the shadow of the mightiest of them all – Mt Everest – and visiting the world’s highest monastery on your way!

  • Relax in the lovely Thankot after an epic journey in Tibet and enjoy a short hike to Indradaha, with a view snow peaks of Langtang, Ganesha and Manaslu.

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 needs 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. 4-berth 'soft-sleeper' upgrade is available to purchase on this trip (subject to availability). Please consult your booking agent if you are interested.

  • 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, we recommend you spend arrive a few extra days before your trip if you want to experience all the city has to offer. If you would like to spend more time here, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Explore tibet and it's wonderful array of monasteries of palaces
The Great Wall, China
Potala Palace in Ilasa, Tibet
Buddhist prayer wheels at a monastery in Tibet
Some of the colourful details of Ihasa, Tibet
Monks walking to a monastery in Lhasa, Tibet
Explore the amazing wonder of Tibet with Intrepid Travel

Itinerary
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Touch down in China’s capital, Beijing, ready for a high-altitude adventure! Your trip begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your group leader and travel companions. After this important meeting, why not get together with your group for an optional dinner, perhaps finding one of the best Beijing duck restaurants in the city. Your group leader will definitely know of some delicious places eat this specialty.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Beijing - Forbidden City - CNY60
  • Beijing - Beijing by Bike Urban Adventure - CNY530
  • Beijing - Lama Temple (entrance fee) - CNY25
  • Beijing - Temple of Heaven (entrance fee) - CNY40
  • Beijing - Beijing Foodie Walk Urban Adventure - CNY360
  • Beijing - Summer Palace (entrance fee) - CNY60
  • Beijing - Beijing Insights Urban Adventure - CNY507
  • Beijing - Panjiayuan Antique Market - Free
  • Beijing - Beijing Wine, Beer & BBQ Urban Adventure - CNY530
  • Beijing - Beijing Taiji Lesson and Local Breakfast Urban Adventure - CNY450
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
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. The contingency plan should the group be unable to board the scheduled train to Lhasa is as follows – Day 1: Beijing, Day 2: Beijing, Day 3: Flight Beijing to Lhasa, Day 4-14: Continue as per original itinerary. Please note that the day to fly from Beijing to Lhasa also depends on ticketing availability as unfortunately there will be no notice of train cancellation given in advance. Travellers will need to use their emergency fund to cover the cost of this flight.
There's very limited time in Beijing on t

What’s the most quintessential image of China? That’s right, the great Great Wall. Today, you’ll take an early morning drive (approximately 2 hours) to visit to one of the most well-preserved areas of the Wall – the Mutianyu section. An incredible piece of engineering, the wall stretches 6000 kilometres westwards from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It's a 30-minute climb up some steep steps to the wall itself so pack some good walking shoes, but it’s well worth the effort. If you’re feeling like resting your legs, there’s also the option to get the chair lift up too, at your own expense. Travel back to the city and in the late afternoon, transfer to Beijing West Railway Station – one of the biggest and busiest in the world – to board your mighty train journey to Lhasa (approximately 45 hours). Be aware that, on the odd occasion, there may be interruptions to this schedule – see the ‘Special Information’ section of your first day in Beijing for more details.
Accommodation
  • Overnight Hard Sleeper Train (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Beijing - Mutianyu Great Wall (entransce fee, transfer included)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
We use 'hard sleeper' class cabin on this train journey. These are not as rough as they sound – compartments are open-plan, clean, with padded three-tiered berths (6 to a compartment). The Beijing-Lhasa train is one of the newest and best in China. Wherever possible, we will group travellers together, but this will depend on group size and ticket availability. Sheets, pillows and a blanket are provided. We recommend bringing your own sleeping sheet as the quality/cleanliness of sheets may not be what you are used to. Safe, hot drinking water is always available. It is a good idea to bring a mug and spoon if you will be preparing your own hot drinks or food on the train (as these are not provided in cabins). Basic bathroom facilities with toilets and washbasins are situated at the end of each carriage. As toilet paper isn't always available, it's best to bring an emergency supply. It's usually impossible to upgrade to a different class while on the train, so it shouldn't be relied upon as an option.

Today, all you can do is sit back, relax and take in the mountainous ridges and remote terrain along the highest railway in the world. The journey takes you through the major cities of Xi'an, Lanzhou and Xining, and across the wide open highlands of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, with a speckling of grazing yaks, sheep and glistening pristine lake. On this second night, you’ll climb in altitude and your breath will likely be taken away by the changing landscapes outside the windows – snow-dusted black cliffs and mountain peaks illuminated by the moonlight.
Accommodation
  • Overnight Hard Sleeper Train (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Much of the train journey takes place 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 a result, some travellers can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Compartments have an oxygen supply for each passenger and there is a doctor on board each train in case medical assistance is required.

Say goodbye to your local train pals and your 'home' for the last two nights after lunch time, and be greeted by Lhasa's crisp mountain air. The colourful and historic holy city of Lhasa is situated in a small valley, and for hundreds of years it was a mysterious place, virtually unknown to the outside world. Lhasa remains an intriguing city with deeply fascinating cultures, sights and stories. Check in to your hotel later this afternoon and begin to get acclimatised with both the city and the altitude.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Lhasa’s elevation is 3656 metres. So taking it easy and acclimatization is very important when travelling on high altitude.

Begin exploring Lhasa with an easy morning walk in the nearby area, before joining a momo making class for lunch – a type of Tibetan-style dumpling. In the afternoon, take a visit to the Sera Monastery and witness the residing monks taking part in heated debates in the courtyards.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Lhasa - Sera Monastery (entrance fee & transport included)
  • Lhasa - Momo cooking class
Meals Included
  • Lunch
Special Information
Please note that when travelling in Tibet, you'll also need to stick with your group when visiting sites as per local law, so if there's any further sightseeing you'd like to do, then please discuss it with your tour leader.
As the majority of the cultural and historical sites in Tibet are temples and monasteries, it’s best to choose carefully which activities you do in your free time, and pace yourself in order to enjoy the sites with your group as much as possible. Tibetan Buddhism is a fascinating part of the region's culture, however some travellers find that they get ‘temple-d out’ quickly with so much information to take in. Take your time, ask your local guide about what interests you most, and if you’d prefer your own time rather than visit a religious site with the group, let your leader know.

In the morning, visit the Potala Palace, the incredible former home of the Dalai Lama that’s perched 130 metres above the city. The palace is divided into two parts, the White Palace (secular and used as offices and the like) and the Red Palace (home to chapels, shrines, and tombs of Dalai Lamas). Although you must stick with your guide while exploring Potala Palace, this in no way lessens the impact of seeing what is truly a wonder of the architectural world. Afterwards, visit Jokhang Temple – considered the spiritual heart and most sacred temple of Tibet. It always attracts steady waves of pilgrims. Spend some time exploring this large World-Heritage listed site and learn a thing or two about its history. According to legend, the temple was built on top of a lake after many failed attempts to build monasteries in other nearby locations. Feast your eyes on golden Buddha which stands in the centre. If you still feel energetic enough, perhaps join the pilgrims walk around the Barkhor Street or around the Potala palace (in a clockwise direction) – both of which are considered sacred Koras by the Tibetan Buddhists.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Lhasa - Potala Palace (entrance fee included)
  • Lhasa - Jokhang Temple (entrance fee included)
Optional Activities
  • Lhasa - Drepung Monastery (entrance fee) - CNY60
  • Lhasa - Ganden Monastery (entrance fee) - CNY145
  • Lhasa - Norbulingka Palace (entrance fee) - CNY60
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Please note that the Potala Palace is the most popular attraction in Lhasa, especially among Chinese tour groups. It can be very crowded, and tickets are for a limited time period only. Although the palace cannot be explored freely and a strict viewing schedule has to be adhered to, this in no way hampers the impact of an adventure to one of the world's architectural marvels.

Today’s a day you’d want to call shotgun on a window seat, as you’ll be tackling a seriously scenic 8-hour drive. Heading towards Gyantse, cross over stunning mountain passes as you twist through dramatic valleys and peaks. Pass by the shimmering Yamdrok Lake, climb the Khama La Pass, pass sheep herder villages scattered along the banks, and marvel at the soaring Noijin Kangsang – the peak of the Lhagoi Kangri Mountain Range. You’ll stop by the roadside town of Nangartse for lunch, before driving the Karo La pass, and then descending down to your destination for tonight, Gyantse. This small rural town is perfect to just wander around and watch contemporary Tibetan life play out in front of you – where pilgrims mix with pop music, cows stroll past cowboys on motorbikes and monks go about their daily business.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Gyantse - Yamdrok Lake
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Accommodation in Tibet outside of Lhasa can be of a basic standard, and with limited options. Hot showers can be sporadic and the plumbing can be unreliable. You’ll stay in twin-share rooms in hotels, and multishare rooms will be arranged based on gender in guesthouses and Tibetan tents with shared facilities.

This morning, take some time to check out the unique Gyantse Kumbum – an impressive layered stupa on the grounds of the Pelkor Monastery. Each floor of this six-level structure can be visited, and as you wind up the floors past several tiny chapels, the air fills more and more with incense and the passageways get narrower on each step towards enlightenment. Later today, there’s a chance to experience a simple lunch at a family’s home, which is a a great opportunity for you to listen to some personal stories of living in Tibet, and all the while enjoying warm hospitality. After lunch, head towards Tibet’s second-largest city, Shigatse, taking about 2 hours. Translating to ‘all fortune and happiness gathered here’, Shigatse is a busy, mountain-clasped city that’s rapidly modernising. With some free time this afternoon, maybe head to the local bazaar and check out the local wares that this town has to offer.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Gyantse - Tibetan family visit & lunch
  • Gyantse - Pelkor Chode Monastery (entrance fee included)
  • Gyantse - Kumbum (entrance fee included)
Meals Included
  • Lunch

This morning, take a visit to the Tashilhunpo Monastery. Your group leader will take you on a tour through parts of the monastery – each building with their own intricate decorations, legends and religious imagery. Be sure to ask for directions to the tranquil Chapel of Jampa and meditate on the world's largest gilded statue. The courtyard outside of the Kelsang Chapel is one of the best places to observe the pilgrims and monks prepare for ceremonies. In the evening, perhaps join the pilgrims on their kora (prayer circuit), spinning prayer wheels on a 1-hour walk around the perimeter of the monastery while taking in its splendid, atmospheric views.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Shigatse - Tashilhunpo Monastery (entrance fee included)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Continue on your journey west to the town of Sakya (approximately 3-4 hours). This region of Tibet is known for its grey (kya) earth (sa), and so, provides the town’s name! Its monastery, the principal monastery of the Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, was built in 1073, and was originally in two sections, The Northern and Southern Monastery on either side of the Zhongqu River, until the Northern structure was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. The Southern Monastery is built in a medieval 'Mongolian' style, and rather than being whitewashed, the secular buildings are painted red white and grey in honour of the three Buddhist Tulkas (notable lamas). Today, you’ll have time to explore inside its high walls, stopping to admire some of its hundreds of shrines, temples and monastic residences. Afterwards, you might like to check out what’s left of the Northern Monastery complex, and even walk a little further to the town’s Nunnery high on a hill overlooking Sakya. Your leader will let you in on correct etiquette and rules when visiting these sacred sites, but as a rule of thumb, take your time and explore in a clockwise direction.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Sakya - Sakya Monastery (entrance fee included)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

An exhilarating drive (approximately 5–6 hours) brings you to Everest National Park. The road is winding but the you'll be greeted with great views of world's greatest snow-capped mountains standing together like giants. As al the buses can only continue to the National Park's parking lot. You'll leave your big luggage on the vehicle and take an overnight bag with you to continue on the National Park shuttle to Rongbuk Monastery – this world's highest monastery. On a clear day you might even get a photo of the monastery's chorten against the backdrop of mighty Everest, or Qomolangma, as it is known in Tibetan. Today, around 50 monks and nuns remain in this relatively modern Tibetan monastery (in the early 1900s, some 500 lived here). Then get settled where you'll stay tonight – a camp ground made of the yak hair tents set up by Tibetans to accommodate travellers who come for a night close to Everest. Depending how you feel, you can either relax at the tent site or walk to the Everest Base Camp Monument Stone that's about 500 metres away. The monument is the closest you can get to the Base Camp on the Chinese/Tibetan side, but simply standing in front of Everest will leave you speechless – ask your leader why it's such a sacred mountain to Tibetans. For the more energetic, your leader can take you for a hike to the upper Rongbuk Monastery and visit some caves where the monks meditated in the ancient times.
Accommodation
  • Permanent Tent Camp or Guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Everest National Park - Rongphu Monastery (entrance fee included)
  • Everest National Park - Base Camp Monument (Chinese side)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
In the summer months, you’ll stay near Rongphu Monastery in a 'tent city' that lies along the road to Everest Base Camp. Here, nomad-style tents accommodate up to seven people with basic bedding provided, but a sleep sheet and warm clothes for cool nights are recommended. There are basic pit toilets nearby. A yak dung stove in the central open area of each tent provides heat. Being so close to the tallest mountains in the world more than makes up for the basic sleeping conditions. In colder months, you’ll stay in the monastery guesthouse or in a nearby town. Rooms here are quad share with very simple, shared facilities. Please note that Everest Base Camp can close without any prior notice because of political issues, weather, landslides or other reasons. We will always try and give our travellers prior notice where possible, but please prepare yourself that this can happen without any notice. In these cases, you will likely stay in Old Tingri, where you will still get a view of Everest on a clear day.

Take a moment to take one last look at Everest close up before a long drive ahead. You’ll head to the Tibet–Nepal border today, stopping at the closest town of Kyirong. It’ll be roughly a 10-hour drive today, but this long effort will be worth it with the changing scenery around you – from the barren highlands of Tibet to the deep Alpine Valley. Put your feet up tonight, and enjoy a dinner with your Tibetan leader who will say goodbye to you tomorrow.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

This morning, cross the border from Tibet into Nepal. Keep in mind today that your Tibetan group leader and driver will bid you farewell at the border, and you’ll need to pass through immigration and customs unaccompanied. Once you’ve crossed the border, your Nepal group leader will be waiting on the other side! The border crossing can be long and dull depending on the queues and volume of people, so it is best to be patient. After the formalities are all over, head on a 5-hour drive to the charming town of Thankot. At your resort, take the afternoon and evening to chill out and enjoy the sweeping views of the Kathmandu valley, perhaps with a drink in hand.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Stretch out with an easy 2-hour hike to the sacred Indradaha – a perfect place to witness panoramic views over the valley towards the lesser-known but no less striking peaks of Langtang, Ganesh and Manaslu. On your way, there’s also a chance you’ll see spotted deer and monkeys in the surrounding lush forest. Later on, make your way into Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, for the afternoon. Take some free time to explore the old town and feel the hustle and bustle of the big city. At night, why not get your group together for an optional final dinner to celebrate how far you’ve come travelling on your overland adventure.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Thankot - Indradaha hike
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave the accommodation at any time. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end! As you haven’t had much time to explore Kathmandu, we recommend spending an extra couple of days to explore the city and its charming vibes. If you would like to spend more time here, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

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 (entransce fee, transfer included)
  • Lhasa - Sera Monastery (entrance fee & transport included)
  • Lhasa - Momo cooking class
  • Lhasa - Potala Palace (entrance fee included)
  • Lhasa - Jokhang Temple (entrance fee included)
  • Gyantse - Yamdrok Lake
  • Gyantse - Tibetan family visit & lunch
  • Gyantse - Pelkor Chode Monastery (entrance fee included)
  • Gyantse - Kumbum (entrance fee included)
  • Shigatse - Tashilhunpo Monastery (entrance fee included)
  • Sakya - Sakya Monastery (entrance fee included)
  • Everest National Park - Rongphu Monastery (entrance fee included)
  • Everest National Park - Base Camp Monument (Chinese side)
  • Thankot - Indradaha hike

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Tibet: Beijing to Kathmandu Overland trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

All travellers on Intrepid trips (outside Australia, New Zealand and the Cook Islands) are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. From 1 December 2021, all travellers on Intrepid trips, including in Australia, New Zealand and the Cook Islands, are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Read details here.

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.
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. This trip has an increased deposit due to non refundable train tickets from Beijing to Lhasa. 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.
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.
8. There's not a lot of extra time planned in Beijing and Kathmandu. We highly recommend you spending extra time to explore both cities. Please consult your booking agent for booking extra nights in the city.

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.

View Essential Trip Information

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