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15 Days Private Tour Beijing – Xian – Xining – Qinghai-Tibet Train – Lhasa – Yamdrok – Gyantse – Shigatse – Shegar – Rongbuk / Everest BC – Paiku Tso / Xixiabangma - Kyirong – Kathmandu
The 15-day China-Nepal tour takes us first to Beijing, the political center of China. The highlights of Beijing - the Temple of Heaven (Tian Tan), the Forbidden City (Gugong) and the Great Wall are in the program.

By modern high-speed train we drive southwest to Xian, an ancient imperial city. Here we expect a view of the world-famous Terracotta Army and old city wall.

Then travel by train to Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province, at 2275 meters altitude on the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. From here, we take a nearly one day train ride to the holy city Lhasa on the roof of the world. Let us enjoy majestic and varied scenery while traveling on the Tibet Railway!

In Lhasa - the capital city of Tibet - you have two days for the attractions: Potala, Jokhang, Norblinka and Sera. And from Parla Lupu Monastery we'll enjoy the magnificent view of Potala Palace. We could circle around the Tibetan holiest Monastery Jokhang with pilgrims, who come from all over Tibet and the Tibetan cultural areas of Kham-Amdo of the provinces of Sichuan, Qinghai, Gansu and Yunnan. Many pious Tibetans measure the way on the Barkhor market with their body length.

On the scenic drive to Gyantse and Shigatse we will experience the magnificent scenery, pass by the turquoise Yamdrok Lake and cross over the passes Kamba La (4,794m) and Karo La (5,010m). Then visit the unique Kumbum Pagoda in Gyantse and Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.

On the adventurous drive to Everest Base Camp, we will enjoy the magnificent landscape between Himalayas and Transhimalaya. Rongbuk Monastery, at the foot of the spectacular north foot of Everest, is a highlight of our journey. Seeing from the Tibetan side, Everest is a lot more imposing than from the south.

Continue driving southward via Paiku Tso and Xixiabangma in the mountain world of Himalaya to Nepal. In Kathmandu we have 2-day sightseeing.
Highlights
Overland Tour from Beijing via Xian, Lhasa, and Everest BC to Kathmandu
DAY
1

Arrive in Beijing

Welcome to China. Visit Temple of Heaven

In the morning arrive in Beijing, the capital of China, and then transfer to hotel. In the afternoon visit the Temple of Heaven (Tian Tan) which was built in 1420 of the Ming Dynasty and expanded in the Qing Dynasty at present covering an area of 273 hectares. The grand temple served as the sacrificial place for the emperors of the Ming and Qing to worship the heaven, presenting gratitude for the harvest of this year and praying for another good harvest next year. It is the largest and most important of all imperial temples in China.

Overnight at Mercure Beijing Downtown
DAY
2

Beijing

Hiking and sightseeing on the Great Wall at Mutianyu. Visit hutongs of Beijing

In the morning go to the Great Wall at Mutianyu (about 70 km in northeast of Beijing). The local section of the Great Wall built in 1368 and restored in 1983, is particularly attractive with its numerous watchtowers along the picturesque ridge in green, gently undulating landscape. The Great Wall was built as a defensive line against attacks by warlike steppe people from the north, and was constantly expanded and strengthened, so the strategic passes with barracks, watchtowers and storage rooms were expanded to fortress. The Great Wall is one of the eight ancient wonders of the world and the only man-made construction on earth that the astronauts can see in the moon. Starting out in the east on the banks of Yalu River in Liaoning Province, the Wall stretches westwards for 12,700 kilometers to Jiayuguan in the Gobi Desert. It gradually becomes the symbol of the ancient Chinese civilization. Have a walking on the Great Wall about 2 to 3 hours. In the afternoon return to Beijing, and stroll through the hutongs, listening to the tour guide explain the cultural connotations of Beijing's hutongs and quadrangle courtyards, and learning about the traditional way of life in the hutongs. Hutong is an ancient urban alleyway unique to Beijing. In Beijing, there are thousands of hutongs surrounding the Forbidden City (Gu Gong), most of which were formed during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties in Chinese history.

Overnight at Mercure Beijing Downtown
Breakfast
DAY
3

High-speed train Beijing – Xian

Forbidden City (Gugong), Tiananmen Square, from Jingshan Park great view of the Forbidden City

Stroll in the Tiananmen Square that is probably the biggest one of its kind in the world. Then go to visit the Forbidden City (Gugong) - the emperor's palace, which was built between 1406 and 1420 with 9000 halls and rooms, containing many precious relics. Facing south and rising from a terrace, the largest palace in the world represents the supreme power and authority emperors enjoyed during the feudalistic dynasties, and exemplifies the elements of palace architecture. Then climb to the "coal hill" (Meishan) of Jingshan Park lined with pines and cypress, a beautiful park just opposite the north gate of the Imperial Palace, for a great view of the Forbidden City - a rectangular basic building with golden roofs in the center of Beijing. In the afternoon transfer to railway station to take the high-speed train to Xian, capital of province Shaanxi. After arriving, transfer to hotel.

Overnight at Titan Times Hotel
Breakfast
DAY
4

Xian

The Eighth Wonder - Terracotta Army, Grand Wild-Goose Pagoda, the best-preserved Chinese city wall

Xian's main attraction is the famous Terracotta Army of the First Emperor of China Qin Shihuangdi (reigned 221 - 210 BC) who managed to unit China for the first time. The guardians of his grave offer you one of the greatest insights into the world of ancient China. In the morning visit the Museum of Terracotta Warriors. An inside museum has been built over these pits, covering a floor space of 20,000 square meters and displaying 8,000 life-size terracotta warriors, 100 or so chariots, and 30,000 weapons-an assemblage famed as the Eighth World Wonder and a world cultural heritage site. Besides, visit Da Yan Ta (Big-Wild-Goose Pagoda) that was built by Emperor Li Zhi in 650 AD. Biking on the old city wall should not be missed. Built between 1374 and 1378, the city wall has a total length of 13.6 km and is the best preserved, oldest and largest ancient city defense system in China.

Overnight at Titan Times Hotel
Breakfast
DAY
5

High-speed train Xian – Xining, night train Xining – Lhasa

Train ride on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and through the human-less areas

In the morning transfer to railway station to ride express train (D2649 0710/1141, 2nd class) to Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province. It was an important pivot on a side route along the ancient Silk Road that pilgrims, merchants and armed forces converged for thousands of years, and that people and traditions mixed colorfully and harmoniously.At Xining Railway Station, a local guide will help you to take the Qinghai-Tibet train (Z8981 1250/1020+1, soft sleeper, 4-bed compartment) to Lhasa. In 21 hours’ drive via Golmud and Naqu to Lhasa. The special feature is the 1,956 km long railway line from Xining to Lhasa, which is considered the highest railway in the world. You can enjoy a grand, seemingly endless landscape gallery with snow-capped mountains, countless rivers and gorges, high mountain lakes and endless steppes along the way. Over and over, you will see flocks of yaks, sheep, horses and wild animals as well as birds, and with some luck, you can watch the herds of Tibetan antelopes that live mainly in the steppes of the Qinghai-Tibet highlands at an altitude of 3,500 to 5,000 m.

Overnight on the train
Breakfast
DAY
6

Arrive in Lhasa

Welcome in Tibet – the roof of the world. Visit Ani Sangkhung Nunnery

In the morning arrive in Lhasa (3650 m), the capital of Tibet, meet the local guide at the Lhasa Railway Station and then transfer to hotel. In the afternoon visit the beautiful Ani Sangkhung Nunnery. There are plants everywhere and it feels like you are in a garden in the middle of the city. In the nunnery there is a little shop where they print prayer books. If the nuns are working on it you are welcome inside to see how it is done. 

Overnight at Snow Paradise International Hotel
Breakfast
DAY
7

Lhasa

Potala Palace – landmark of Lhasa, Jokhang and Barkhor Street

In the morning visit Potala that was originally constructed in 637 by Songtsen Gampo, the first king of the united Tibet, and later expanded and served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas as well as the religious-political nexus of traditional Tibet. The crowds of pilgrims, innumerable magnificent murals, Buddhist statues, scriptures and rare treasures altogether create a dense religious and art atmosphere that impresses every visitor. In the afternoon visit Jokhang Monastery, the center of the Tibetan Buddhism and the sacred land of Buddhist followers where thousands of pilgrims come for worship everyday. The temple, built in 647, is the earliest wood-and-masonry structure still existing in Tibet. Walk on the Barkhor street surrounding Jokhang, a big free market with its prolific stalls for selling local specialties.

Overnight at Snow Paradise International Hotel
Breakfast
DAY
8

Lhasa

Panoramic view over Potala, Norbulingka, Debate in Sera

In the morning visit Parla Lupu Cave Monastery, located on the slopes of Yaowang Mountain, was built in the 7th century. It is 22m high and from here you can have a wonderful panoramic view over Potala palace. Afterwards visit Norbulinka, the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas. In the afternoon visit Sera Monastery, which was created in 1419 and has always been an important Buddhist seminary. It is also one of the six master monasteries of the Gelugpa. As rose are planted everywhere in the monastery, it is also called “the court of wild rose”. Today still 200 lamas live in there. You have the opportunity to experience the famous monks' "Buddhism scriptures debates". Public religious debates are part of the education of monks.

Overnight at Snow Paradise International Hotel
Breakfast
DAY
9

Lhasa – Gyantse – Shigatse

Karo La Pass and Glacier, holy lake Yamdrok, Palkhor with Pagoda Kumbum

Drive to Gyantse. On the Kamba La (4796 m) have a fantastic view of the holy lake Yamdrok (4,441 m), one of the three holy lakes in Tibet and the largest habitat of waterfowls in south Tibet. On arriving, visit Pelkor Monastery as well as the splendid Kumbum Stupa (100-Thousand-Buddha Pagoda) nearby. Both of them were built in the 15th century and situated in the northwestern edge of Gyantse. This typical Tibetan Buddhist monastery is the only one large building complex in Tibet that old monastery and stupas are completely preserved and characterized as a monument. It is recorded that 14,000 kilograms of copper was used to make the 8-meter-high sitting statue of Sakyamuni Buddha housed in the grand hall of the temple. The 8-storey stupa is 42m high and 62m in diameters and contains a total of 76 chapels with wonderful murals revered by art scholars around the world. Afterwards drive about 90 kilometers to Shigatse (3880m), the second largest city with 40,000 inhabitants in Tibet and the traditional capital of the Tsang.

356 km
6 hours 41 minutes
Overnight at Wangrun Hotel
Breakfast
DAY
10

Shigatse – Shegar – Rongbuk / Everest BC

Tashilhunpo Monastery, Rongbuk Monastery, Sunset on Qomolangma (Everest)

In the morning visit the Tashilunpo, "Mountain of Happiness". Tashilunpo is also one of the six major temples of the Gelug Sect. Shigatse is the seat of the Pantschen Lama. The monastery houses a giant statue of the Maitreya Buddha, the biggest gilded statue of Maitreya (Buddha of the future) in China. Then drive to Shegar, crossing the paths to Yalung La (4.520 m) and Gyathso La (5.220 m). Continue (90 km, 2 hours) to the Rongbuk Monastery (5,154 m) and the Everest Base Camp, where you can see the steep north side of Qomolangma. On the way at Jiawu La (5210 m), the view is magnificent: from left to right are Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Nuptse and Cho Oyu. Rongbuk is the largest monastery in this region and was built at the beginning of the 20th century. You can also admire the spectacular sunset on Everest (Qomolangma) in good weather.

334 km
6 hours 6 minutes
Overnight at simple Rongbuk Guesthouse
Breakfast
DAY
11

Rongbuk – Paiku Tso – Kyirong

Sunrise over Qomolangma (Everest), Paiku Tso Lake and Xixiabangma Mountain

Today you will wake up early to have a clear view of the unforgettable sunrise over Qomolangma (Everest). Then drive via Paiku Tso Lake and Xixiabangma Mountain to the Chinese border station Kyirong (Jilong). Covering an area of 300 square kilometers, Paiku Tso is the largest lake in Shigatse. Paiku-Tso is located between three mountains and is rich in fish. There live various wild animals such as wild horses, wild donkeys and yellow ducks, etc.

366 km
6 hours
Overnight at QoMoLangZong Hotel Kyirong
Breakfast
DAY
12

Kyirong – Kathmandu

Hello Kathmandu, Nepal

Drive to the official border crossing of Kyirong China in the morning. Say goodbye to colleagues from Tibet and the colleagues from Nepal are waiting for you at the Nepalese border post. After finishing formalities for leaving Nepal, continue to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.

Overnight at Maya Manor Boutique Hotel
Breakfast
DAY
13

Kathmandu

Swayambhunath Temple, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath Stupa

After breakfast, begin your Kathmandu sightseeing tour. Visit Swayambhunath Temple, also known as the Monkey Temple, offering stunning views of Kathmandu Valley.
Explore Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples.
Visit Boudhanath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest stupas in Nepal.

Overnight at Maya Manor Boutique Hotel
Breakfast
DAY
14

Walking Tour of Kathmandu

Durbar Square, Kumari Temple, Asan Market

After breakfast, embark on a walking tour of the local area.
Explore some local temples and immerse yourself in the city's rich culture.
Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, known for its historical architecture.
Explore Kumari Temple, where you may see the Living Goddess.
Discover the vibrant Asan Market, a hub of local goods and spices.

Overnight at Maya Manor Boutique Hotel
Breakfast
DAY
15

Fly Back Home

Home flight or onward journey to the next destination

Check out from your hotel in Kathmandu.
Depending on your flight schedule, head to the airport.
Depart from Kathmandu and fly back home, concluding your memorable trip.
Breakfast
Tailor-make this tour

This trip can also be tailor-made, please let us know your travel idea: travel date, duration, number of travelers, child (2 - 12 years old), baby (0 - 2 years old), other travel destinations, meals, accommodation category, boutique hotel, special interest ...

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Private travel, great experiences! Please contact us for your tailor-made travel offer.

With individual China Tibet travel, you can decide when, where and how you go on tour by yourself. What's more, you can choose the length of travel and whom you go with.

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Hotel, program, itinerary and train are subjected to change with prior notice.
We must point out that you counter a basic tourism infrastructure in the region from Lhasa to Kathmandu. You stay overnight in simple guesthouse at Rongbuk. Long journeys on bad roads and on high altitude and delays require good physical fitness, resilience and flexibility of the participants. Program and route changes due to unforeseen events are expressly reserved. If you desire the unknown and have an understanding of contingency, this is the right trip for you.
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Travel Program 2026

Member number: small group for 4-16 persons

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