Travel from Beijing to Kathmandu across Tibet Plateau, traversing the Beijing-Lhasa Train

Arrival in Beijing

Welcome to Beijing, the capital of China! When you arrive in Beijing, our local travel guide will greet you at the airport and take you to your hotel in downtown Beijing. After checking in at the hotel, you can have a good rest or wander the surroundings as you like. Stay overnight in Beijing.Options for Today: For your free time today, it is recommended to take a Hutong visit by yourself. You can take a leisure walk through the traditional alleys in downtown areas to experience the perfect blend of traditional local houses and modern life. Some of the popular Hutongs in Beijing include Nanluoguxiang, Yandaixiejie, Mao’er Hutong, Bada Hutong, etc.Travel Tips: Beijing has two international airports: Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport. Please double-check which airport you're arriving at.Overnight in Beijing

Beijing Tour - Badaling Great Wall and Ming Tomb (B, L)

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and start your Great Wall tour to the Badaling Great Wall, the most famous section of the Great Wall in Beijing. The Badaling Great Wall is the best-preserved section and also the earliest section open to tourists from all over the world. As a symbol of ancient Chinese engineering, it has been an important military stronghold since the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period (770 BC-221 BC). You will hike along the ancient walls, pass through the watch towers, and enjoy the stunning view of the surroundings from the hilltop.Then, you will have lunch with your group at a local restaurant before visiting the famous Beijing Jade Factory, where you can shop for and purchase exquisite jade pieces as souvenirs.In the afternoon, you will visit the Ming Tomb, another UNESCO World Heritage Site for today. The emperor’s tomb for Emperor Shenzong and his queen was built in 1590, Ming Dynasty. The architectural scale and magnificence of the Ming Tomb are unparalleled among all tombs in China. With an area of about 100,000 square meters and perfectly, the Ming Tomb showcases the traditional layout of Ming Dynasty imperial tombs. You can visit the underground palaces of the emperor and empress to get a firsthand glimpse into this historical treasure. After the visit, get back to your hotel in downtown Beijing and stay overnight. Overnight in Beijing Breakfast | Lunch

Beijing Tour - the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, then Take the Overnight Train to Xining (B)

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and start exploring the historical sites of Beijing. The first stop is Tiananmen Square, the largest city plaza globally. From there, you will enter the magnificent Forbidden City with over 500 years of history where 24 emperors lived. As the largest ancient imperial palace, the Forbidden City has over 9,000 rooms. Even though only a few rooms are open for public visits, you can see of how the ancient emperors managed the country and what their daily life was like. After the tour, you will be dropped off at the train station to board the overnight train to Xining. Overnight on the Train Breakfast

Arrival in Xining and Take a Night Train to Tibet

Upon arrival in Xining, your local guide will meet you at the railway station. The rest of the day is free for you until you board the train to Tibet. You need to present your passport and the Tibet Travel Permit to board the train. Tibet Permit Notice: 1. Once you book your trip with us, we will handle the Tibet Travel Permit application. 2. It is suggested to make your reservation and provide the necessary documents for the permit application at least 20 days in advance. 3. The issued travel permit will be sent to you before the train departs. Please make sure to keep your Tibet Travel Permit safe. Tibet Train Travel Tips:1. A Xining to Lhasa soft sleeper train ticket is included in the package. 2. There is a dining car onboard the train to Tibet, which offers simple Chinese dishes. You can bring some snacks and instant noodles with you. 3. All trains to Tibet are equipped with oxygen supply systems. Do not worry about altitude sickness onboard. Overnight on the Tibet Train

Travel on the Tibet Train and Arrive in Lhasa

Today, you will enjoy the most beautiful scenery of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway through the Tibet Plateau. Endless land of snow, vast desert, boundless grassland, snow-capped mountains, and stunning lakes will continually appear and strongly attract your heart.After arriving in Lhasa, you will meet our friendly Tibetan guide at Lhasa Railway Station. The guide and the driver will take you to your hotel in downtown Lhasa. You may view the Yarlung Tsangpo River/Brahmaputra River (the Longest and largest river in Tibet) and Lhasa River.After settling into your hotel, take some time to rest and adjust to the high altitude.In the afternoon or evening, your guide will meet you with traditional Tibetan gifts, provide travel instructions, and introduce your group members.If you need any help or specific needs, feel free to visit our service center at Lhasa Gang-Gyan Hotel.Travel Tips: Lhasa is at an elevation of 3,650 meters above sea level. It is recommended to take a good rest in the hotel upon arrival, allowing your body to adapt to the high altitude in Tibet. Overnight in Lhasa

Lhasa Tour - Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery (B, D)

Today is Tibetan Monastery Day! You’ll have a full day to explore the largest monastery in Tibet, delve into the knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism, and immerse yourself in the daily life of Tibetan monks. In the morning, you’ll explore the largest monastery in Tibet - Drepung Monastery, which was once the home to over 10,000 monks. As you walk through the Coqen Hall, your guide will provide detailed explanations of the worldview of Tibetan Buddhism and introduce notable figures in Tibetan Buddhist history. Next, you’ll visit the renowned Loseling College (or an equivalent), offering a glimpse into the study and life of Tibetan monks. Explore their dormitories to gain insights into the Tibetan monks' daily routines and living conditions. In the afternoon, you’ll head to Sera Monastery, another of the ‘great three’ Gelug monasteries of Tibet, to witness the famous Tibetan Monks Debate (15:00 - 17:00, from Monday to Saturday). Your guide will intricately explain how Tibetan monks engage in these debates to acquire knowledge and advance in their academic degrees.After today’s tour, enjoy a welcome dinner with your group members. Overnight in Lhasa. Breakfast | Welcome Dinner

Lhasa Tour - Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street (B)

After breakfast, your first stop is the Potala Palace, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Lhasa Old Town. Discover the lives and stories of the Dalai Lamas through history within the palace, and the extraordinary treasures it holds. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.After touring the Potala Palace, you will visit Longwangtan Park at the foot of the Potala Palace. Here, you can appreciate the majestic Potala Palace from a different perspective and engage in local Tibetan folk activities. In the afternoon, you will head to the heart of Tibetan religion - the Jokhang Temple. Inside you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve. Outside, you can see pilgrims making prostrating in front of Jokhang Temple. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can do kora (a religious circle of a building or mountain) with pilgrims and locals, and explore the old market. Next, follow your guide to one of the liveliest indoor Tibetan tea houses in Lhasa. Sip traditional Tibetan sweet tea alongside local Tibetans as your guide shares insights into Tibetan social dynamics and daily life. Overnight in Lhasa Breakfast

Lhasa to Shigatse via Gyantse 360 km (B, L)

In the morning, start the overland journey from Lhasa to Shigatse, which includes visits to Tibet's most beautiful lake, glacier, and a charming Tibetan village.First, drive over the Gampala pass (4790 m) to catch a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso (4400m). The Yamdrok Lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and in the distance you can have spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar (7191m), the highest mountain near Lhasa. Continue to explore the lakeshore from various viewpoints, and at the end of the lake, you could visit a local family in the village and have lunch with the locals.Next, you will pass and enjoy the Korola Glacier on the roadside. It is the largest glacier in Tibet. As you see the ice tongue of the glacier climb the entire hillside, you will feel the magical power of nature.Then, continue your journey to Gyantse. On the way, you will stop at Simila Mountain Pass, where you can hang prayer flags to pray for world peace and the health of your family.After arriving in Gyantse, you can spend some time taking photos of the ancient city of Gyantse. From Gyantse to Shigatse, you will pass by green (in summer) and golden (in autumn) Tibetan barley fields and countless farms. Finally, we arrive in Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet. After checking in to the hotel, you can take a good rest and prepare for the next day’s trip to Mount Everest. Overnight in Shigatse Breakfast | Lunch

Shigatse (3,850m) to Everest Base Camp (5,200m) (B)

After breakfast, you will head directly to Mount Everest. First, you will pass Gyatsola Pass (5280m). At Gyatsola Pass viewpoint, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest. Hidden behind the mountain range, the Everest resembles a budding lotus flower, a captivating sight along the roadside.Shortly after we enter Mount Everest National Nature Reserve, you will enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayas at Gawula Pass (5198m). At this viewpoint, you will marvel at the majestic lineup of the five highest peaks in the Himalayas, including Everest at the forefront. This is your second glimpse of Everest.Then, we drive along the new zigzag road to Everest Base Camp (5200m). As you get close to the base camp, the majestic Everest gradually unfolds before you, drawing nearer with each winding turn. This marks your third view of Everest. Upon reaching Everest Base Camp, the colossal white pyramid peak of Mount Everest stands towering before you. As the day transitions to dusk, witness the golden hues of the sun casting a warm glow on Everest's northern face—your fourth view. As night falls, the sparkling Milky Way and the snow-white peak of Mount Everest reveal your fifth and final encounter with Everest. Stay overnight at Everest Base Camp or in the local village near EBC if the EBC tent hotels are closed during the winter season. Insider Tips: 1.The visibility of Everest is subject to weather conditions and cannot be guaranteed. 2.During the winter season, typically from November to March, the tent hotels at Everest Base Camp close. Therefore, if you’re traveling in winter, your accommodation options are limited to the village near EBC. Overnight in EBC Tent Hotel Breakfast

Everest Base Camp to Gyirong Border

Today, you will reach Gyirong Border, witnessing the breathtaking landscapes changing from 5200 meters to 2800 meters above sea level.In the morning, before departing from the base camp, you will visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest monastery, where nuns and monks live together at 5,154 meters above sea level. Then, you will cross the Himalayas and take a drive to Gyirong at the Sino-Nepal border. Across the 380-kilometer journey, marvel at the evolving scenery - from snow-capped peaks towering over 5000 meters to the lush forests and canyon vistas at around 2800 meters above sea level.As you pass by Mt. Shishabangma (8027 meters), one of the world’s highest mountains over 8000 meters, you can enjoy a close view of the three main peaks of Shigabangma, as well as the golden glow of Pelku Tso Lake beneath the peaks.Afterward, the altitude drops dramatically. You’ll be mesmerized by forests, waterfalls, and bottomless canyons as you enter the edge of the Himalayas.When you arrive in Gyirong Valley, what you will see is the dense forest and the snowy peaks above the forests. In Gyirong town, you can breathe in the abundant oxygen. Travel Tips: The accommodation at Everest Base Camp does not include breakfast, so breakfast today is at your own expense. Overnight in Gyirong

Gyirong Border to Kathmandu (B)

Today marks the end of your adventure. Please make sure to verify your departure flight details with our guide in advance. And your guide will take you to the airport.Thank you for choosing Tibet Vista, and we extend a warm welcome for your return trip in the future. Breakfast