Beijing – Lhasa – Kathmandu Train Tour
Beijing - Lhasa - Kathmandu - Train Tour
A delightful blend of high adventure and exotic culture
Exploration of the ancient palaces, monasteries and temples, a ride on the world’s highest train, a journey to the Base of Everest,this tour offers you an experience of a lifetime. This trip takes you on a whirlwind tour to three oriental cities: Beijing, Lhasa and Kathmandu. Exploring these three cities will give you an insight into three ancient cultures, Chinese, Tibetan and Nepalese. But the major highlights of this trip are the journey aboard the Qinghai-Tibet railway, the world’s highest railway and a trek to Everest Base Camp.
Your tour commences in Beijing, a city in Northern China. Beijing, an ancient capital and a bustling modern metropolis is a city of amazing contrasts. In Beijing some incredible historical sites await you, namely the Forbidden City, the Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall of China and the Temple of Heaven.
Leaving Beijing you embark on a train journey to Lhasa, aboard the world’s highest railway, the Qinghai-Tibet railway. As the train trundles along the high Tibetan plateau, picturesque scenes of Tibetan countryside whiz by. Owing to Tibet’s high altitude, the train has been equipped with oxygen-supplying equipments. Oxygen masks are available for those who are prone to altitude sickness.
In the old city of Lhasa, you will be taken on a guided tour to all the city’s major attractions: Potala Palace, Sera Monastery, Norbulingka etc. Excursions to important Tibetan cities of Shigatse, Gyantse and Shegar are also included in your itinerary. On reaching Rongbuk, you get to view the world’s highest mountain Mount Everest. As you leave, you will drive straight to Nepal-China border in Kerung. There is a refreshing change in scenery, as verdant greenery replaces the dry and arid Tibetan landscape. In Kathmandu you will get to explore the three medieval cities: Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur.
Outline Itinerary
- Day 1 Arrive in Beijing
- Day 2 Sightseeing tour in Beijing: Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City, Hutong by rickshaw
- Day 3 Sightseeing in Beijing: Great Wall (Badaling or Juyongguan Section), Summer Palace, outside view of Olympic park
- Day 4 Morning visit to Temple of Heaven - Evening Board the train from Beijing to Lhasa (3650m) (approximately 42 hrs and 42 minutes journey)
- Day 5 On Train
- Day 6 Arrive in Lhasa
- Day 7 Sightseeing in Lhasa- (Sera Monastery, Norbulingka, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Square, Drepung Monastery and Potala Palace)
- Day 8 Sightseeing in Lhasa- (Sera Monastery, Norbulingka, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Square, Drepung Monastery and Potala Palace)
- Day 9 Free day in Lhasa
- Day 10 Drive from Lhasa to Gyantse (3950m) 261km
- Day 11 Drive from Gyantse to Shigatse (3900m) 90km (Before leaving Gyantse visit Gyantse Dzong and Gyantse Kumbum)
- Day 12 Drive from Shigatse to Shegar (4050m) 244km (Before leaving Shigatse visit Tashilhunpo Monastery)
- Day 13 Drive to Rongbuk (5000m) 68km, visit Everest Base Camp (5200m)
- Day 14 Drive to Kerung
- Day 15 Drive to Kathmandu
- Day 16 Sightseeing in Kathmandu - (Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath)
- Day 17 Depart Kathmandu
PRICE:
USD 2995 per person on twin sharing basis - minimum of 3 persons
Single room supplement: USD 465 (compulsory if no one to share room with)
COST INCLUDES:
Beijing Portion:
- 3 nights twin sharing accommodation in 3 star hotel with buffet breakfast
- Train ticket (soft sleeper): Beijing-Lhasa only
- 3 Lunch during sightseeing in Beijing
- (first) Entrance fee of the monument
- English speaking accompanying guide throughout program on all days with excursions
- All Transfers specified in the itinerary by air-conditioned vehicle
- The travel agency liability insurance in Beijing
Tibet Portion:
- Hotel Dhood Gu or similar in Lhasa (3 star) & best available en route with breakfast
- Transportation by 4WD land cruiser
- English speaking local TIBETAN guide escorting throughout the trip
- Sightseeing tours in Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse with all entry fees
- Rongbuk to Everest base camp transfer by local bus (operated by Quomolangma National park Bureau)
- Quomolangma National park permit
- Tibet travel permit
- Airport transfers & supply of bottled oxygen in car
- Kodari to Kathmandu transfer by Jeep and escort
Kathmandu Portion:
- 2 nights’ accommodation at 3 star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with an English speaking guide
- (first) Monument entry fees,
- All sightseeing and airport transfer by private Car or Van
- Applicable government tax
Cost Excludes:
- Any airfare, airport tax,
- Chinese visa
- Lunch and dinner (10-15 USD per meal) except mentioned
- Personal clothing & equipments,
- Any expenses incurred in emergency evacuation/road block due any reason,
- Your insurance
Note:
We cannot guarantee the soft sleeper before issuing, if we only get hard sleeper, we will refund the price difference on the sport.
Detailed Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrive in Beijing
Soon after landing at Beijing airport, you will be escorted to your hotel. At the hotel, you shall be briefed about your travel arrangements and travel destinations. Thereon, you can enjoy the lively ambience and excellent facilities of the hotel..
- Day 2
Sightseeing in Beijing
Today you will first visit the historic Tiananmen Square, and then the magnificent Forbidden City. In the afternoon, you will visit the fine Summer Palace. You will also visit the Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world and the spiritual heart of China, where the national flag is raised exactly at sunrise everyday, the Forbidden City, located in the center of Beijing, which used to be the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties with a history of around 600 years ( it is the grandest integral palace complex still remaining in China). You will also be taken to visit the Summer Palace, located on the northwestern outskirts of the city. It was an imperial summer resort of the Qing Dynasty. With its perfect layout, magnificent buildings and enchanting landscape, it is the most splendid classical garden in China..
- Day 3
Sightseeing in Beijing
Today you will visit the majestic Great Wall (Badaling section) and the Chang Tomb of Ming Tombs. You will be taken on a tour to the Great Wall, the most famous symbol of China and one of the world’s most remarkable architectural wonders. It was built over 2,000 years ago and stretches a long distance for about 6,700km.You will visit the Great wall at Badaling, the most outstanding representation of China’s Great Wall, located 70km north-west of Beijing, at an elevation of 1000m. This section was first built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD). It stands at a strategic highest point from north-west of Beijing and gives access to every direction. Badaling section is composed of Guan City, with city platforms, wall platforms and watch towers along the Wall. The surrounding scenery is magnificent and impressive. You will be taken on a visit to the Ming Tomb the burial site of the emperor Wanli, the 13th emperor of the Ming Dynasty who ruled for 48 years until his death in 1620. .
- Day 4
Visit to Temple of Heaven & Evening- Board the Train from Beijing to Lhasa [3650m]
Early in the morning you will be taken for a visit to the Temple of Heaven which spreads across a 267 hectare park. This temple serves as the best example of the fine Ming architecture. To the Chinese this is a sacred site where prayers for good harvests, prosperity and harmonious life are offered. In the evening you board the ‘Sky train’ to Lhasa and experience the world’s highest railway journey. .
- Day 5
Onboard the Sky Train via Xian, Lanzhou, Xining and Golmud
The 4,064 km journey lasts for 48 hrs. Looking through UV blocked train window, you remain captivated by the flashing glimpse of Chinese countryside, flat cultivated lands, brown hills, and riverside valleys. The train passes across 5200m high Tanggula Mountain pass, amidst surreal mountain vistas, as you near the Tibetan plateau. The train continues to pass through mesmerizing views of the turquoise Qinghai Lake and uniquely shaped vast Tibetan Plateau right below huge mountain range with 7000+ meter peaks, dominating the entire landscape. Equipments for oxygen supply and an oxygen mask are also available in the train for those who are prone to altitude sickness. The train is fitted with soft sleepers, vacuum flush toilets, flat-screen TVs and the finest dining service..
- Day 6
Arrive in Lhasa (3650m)
Finally after a 2-day adventurous journey, you finally arrive in Lhasa. Your Tibetan escort will met you right at the station and escort you to your hotel in Lhasa and brief you about your further tour arrangement. .
- Day 7
Sightseeing in Lhasa
After an early breakfast, you will be escorted by your guide to the majestic Potala Palace. The imposing structure of the palace dominates the landscape of Lhasa. As you are guided through the ancient chambers of the palace, you get to see Tibetan art at its best. The Potala Palace has a vast array of intricate Tibetan murals and beautiful statues. You will also get to view the tombs of the eight Dalai Lamas. Later in the day you will visit the beautifully landscaped Drepung Monastery where you can observe nuns and monks chanting and performing religious discourses. After the day’s tour is over, you are escorted back to your hotel for a well- earned rest. Note: Since only a limited number of visitors are allowed inside the Potala Palace every day, the order of sightseeing places will be decided upon by your Tibetan guide..
- Day 8
Sightseeing in Lhasa
After an early breakfast, you will start sightseeing tour on motorbike with your guide to the majestic Potala Palace. The imposing structure of the palace dominates the landscape of Lhasa. As you are guided through the ancient chambers of the palace, you get to see Tibetan art at its best. The Potala Palace has a vast array of intricate Tibetan murals and beautiful statues. You will also get to view the tombs of the eight Dalai Lamas. Later in the day you will visit the beautifully landscaped Drepung Monastery where you can observe nuns and monks chanting and performing religious discourses. After the day’s tour is over, you will be escorted back to your hotel for a well- earned rest. Note: Since only a limited number of visitors are allowed inside the Potala palace every day, your guide will decide upon the order of sightseeing places. .
- Day 9
Free day in Lhasa
This day is for you to spend as per your wish. Explore and soak in the sights and sounds of the old city, revisit your favorite monastery, go for souvenir hunting in the busy local market at Barkhor Square, or simply sit in a café and watch pilgrims as they circumambulate the Jokhang. There is also the option of an additional tour to places such as the Tibetan Medical Centre, Ganden Monastery and Tsurphu Monastery. But this additional tour will incur an extra cost..
- Day 10
Drive to Gyantse (3950m) 261 km
Moving along the Friendship Highway, you will drive past Khamba La, at 4794m, with a brief halt to savor majestic views of Yamdrok-tso Lake and Nazin Kang Sa, standing at 7252m. On turning westwards, you will come across another pass, Karo La at 5045m. If you look at the road, you can see huge glaciers tumbling down. After driving 261 km, beautifully landscaped Tibetan villages become visible as you enter the town of Gyantse..
- Day 11
Sightseeing & drive to Shigatse (3900m) 90km
Gyantse prides on Gyantse Dzong and Kumbum. Gyantse Dzong, a 14th century historical fort, overlooks the entire Gyantse and the surrounding Nyang Chu Valley. Kumbum has a large gold-domed stupa and houses several chapels and Tibetan Buddhist murals. After exploring Gyantse, you take a 90 km drive and arrive at Shigatse (3900m), the second largest Tibetan city. Tashilhunpo Monastery, being one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet is the major attraction of Shigatse..
- Day 12
Sightseeing & drive to Shegar (4050m) 244km.
Today you will traverse along the Friendship Highway amidst picturesque landscape driving past small town of Lhatse and Gyamtso La pass at 5220m. As the route opens into plains, many monasteries and camps of nomadic herders become visible en route to Shegar. At Shegar, you will be accommodated at a comfortable local hotel..
- Day 13
Drive to Rongbuk (5000m) 68km, explore Everest Base Camp (5200m)
Away from Shegar, you will drive to the south crossing Pang La pass at 5150m. Along the drive you can bask in the splendor of majestic views of snow-capped peaks from Makalu to Shishapangma. After driving for 68 km, you eventually reach Rongbuk at 5000m. You can then view spectacular sight of Mount Everest. You have the opportunity to explore Everest Base Camp (5200m.) The Base Camp itself is dry and barren, but the views of Everest more than compensates for it. It truly is an awe-inspiring place with the sheer north face of the highest mountain in the world towering above you. .
- Day 14
Drive to Kerung (2450m), 246km
You will drive past the enchanting views of the surrounding peaks of Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, Menlungtse and Gauri Shankar. After driving for 246 km, you find yourself in Kerung at 2450m meter. This is your last point in Tibet. .
- Day 15
Cross Nepal-China border, Drive to Kathmandu (1400m) 175km
Today, you will part with your Tibetan guide and driver and cross Nepal-China border. Then after, you will meet your Nepali representative who will escort you to Kathmandu. It will take about 7/8 hours to reach Kathmandu (175km)..
- Day 16
Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. There will be a half day guided tour to UNESCO World Heritage Sites kathmandu Durbar Square, the famous and biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath & the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath..
- Day 17
Depart Kathmandu
Our driver and airport representative will drive you to the airport in time for your flight back home. We ensure you that you will leave Kathmandu with cherishing memories and an experience of a lifetime..
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Happy Explorers
The services of the guides and supporting staff was excellent. They were always helpful, friendly, flexible and punctual.
Community Service
We work with the motto "Tourism for Development". Explore Himalaya Community Service Project was conceived to empower underprivileged segments of Nepal.
