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Rail
Tibet: Beijing to Kathmandu Overland
15 Days | Live the high life on an overland adventure from Beijing to Kathmandu
5
Excellent
circle5 reviews
location_on 15 days
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Start
Beijing, China
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Finish
Kathmandu, Nepal
tour
Trip Code
CBST
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Min Age
15
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Trip Size
1 - 12
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Physical Rating
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Meals
2 lunches
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Transport
Overnight Sleeper Train, Private Bus, Public Bus
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Accommodation
Hotel (11 nights), Overnight Hard Sleeper Train (2 nights), Permanent Tented Camp/Guesthouse (1 night)
From £3,537(15 days)
Trip Informations
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.
Why you’ll love this trip
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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 .
Is this trip right for you?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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).
Itinerary
- DAY 1Beijing
- DAY 2Great Wall – Train to the Roof of the World
- DAY 3Train to the Roof of the World
- DAY 4Lhasa (3656m)
- DAY 5Lhasa (3656m)
- DAY 6Lhasa (3656m)
- DAY 7Gyantse (4025m)
- DAY 8Shigatse (3890m)
- DAY 9Shigatse (3890m)
- DAY 10Sakya (4310m)
- DAY 11Everest National Park (5200m)
- DAY 12Kyirong (2800m)
- DAY 13Kathmandu
- DAY 14Kathmandu
- DAY 15Kathmandu
Inclusions
restaurant_menu Meals
2 lunches
airport_shuttle Transport
Overnight Sleeper Train, Private Bus, Public Bus
bed Accommodation
Hotel (11 nights), Overnight Hard Sleeper Train (2 nights), Permanent Tented Camp/Guesthouse (1 night)
festival Activities
circleBeijing - Mutianyu Great Wall
circleLhasa - Sera Monastery & Monk Debating
circleLhasa - Tibetan cooking class
circleLhasa - Old town and Barkhor Street walking tour
circleLhasa - Potala Palace
circleLhasa - Jokhang Temple
circleGyantse - Yamdrok Lake
circleGyantse - Tibetan family visit & lunch
circleGyantse - Pelkor Chode Monastery
circleGyantse - Kumbum
circleShigatse - Tashilhunpo Monastery
circleSakya - Sakya Monastery
circleSakya - Nunery visit
circleEverest National Park - Rongphu Monastery
circleEverest National Park - Base Camp Monument (Chinese side)
circleRongbu Monastery - Meditation & Tea (at the highest monastery in the world)
circleKathmandu - Leader-led old city walking tour
museum Add on activities
circleBeijing - Forbidden City - CNY60
circleBeijing - Lama Temple (entrance fee) - CNY25
circleBeijing - Temple of Heaven (entrance fee) - CNY40
circleBeijing - Summer Palace (entrance fee) - CNY60
circleBeijing - Panjiayuan Antique Market - Free
circleLhasa - Drepung Monastery - CNY60
circleLhasa - Ganden Monastery - CNY145
circleLhasa - Norbulingka Palace - CNY60
Dates and availability
Starting
Ending
Remaining
Prices From
Monday Jun 09, 2025
Monday Jun 23, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£3,537
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Monday Jul 07, 2025
Monday Jul 21, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£3,537
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Monday Aug 04, 2025
Monday Aug 18, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 9 spaces left
£3,537
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Monday Sep 01, 2025
Monday Sep 15, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 10 spaces left
£3,680
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Monday Sep 08, 2025
Monday Sep 22, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 11 spaces left
£3,817
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Monday Sep 15, 2025
Monday Sep 29, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 11 spaces left
£3,817
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Friday Oct 10, 2025
Friday Oct 24, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£3,817
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Wednesday Oct 15, 2025
Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 11 spaces left
£3,680
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Monday Oct 20, 2025
Monday Nov 03, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£3,680
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Monday Oct 27, 2025
Monday Nov 10, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£3,680
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Monday Nov 10, 2025
Monday Nov 24, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£3,729
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Monday Apr 06, 2026
Monday Apr 20, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£4,010
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Monday Apr 13, 2026
Monday Apr 27, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£4,010
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Wednesday May 06, 2026
Wednesday May 20, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£3,861
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Wednesday May 13, 2026
Wednesday May 27, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 9 spaces left
£3,861
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Important notes
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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 Tuuur will then apply for the Tibet group permit on your behalf. Please check our Essential Trip Information for more details.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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7. Please note while traveling through China you will not be able to access some popular internet websites.
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