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Great Tibet Tour · Private Tour

13-Day Chengdu to Tibet Train & Overland Nepal Adventure

Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Lhasa, overland to Everest Base Camp and Nepal

Illustration of 13-Day Chengdu to Tibet Train & Overland Nepal Adventure

Great Tibet Tour operates this 13-day private adventure from Chengdu, China, to Kathmandu, Nepal. The journey begins in Chengdu with visits to the Giant Panda Research Base and Leshan Giant Buddha, then transitions to a two-night train ride aboard the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, one of the world's highest rail routes. After arriving in Lhasa at 3,650 metres, the tour includes three days exploring monasteries, temples, and sacred sites, acclimatizing to the altitude. From Lhasa, an overland expedition carries you through the Himalayas via Shigatse and Gyantse, reaching Everest Base Camp by day 9. The final phase crosses into Nepal at the Gyirong border and concludes in Kathmandu with visits to UNESCO-listed temples and stupas. An experienced local English-speaking guide and private vehicle accompany you throughout. This tour suits repeat rail travellers, history and culture enthusiasts, and adventurers comfortable with high altitude and private-tour logistics.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price does not include international flights to China, Chinese visa, Nepali visa, domestic flights to Lhasa, or most meals; only breakfasts and one welcome dinner are provided.
  • Gratuity for guide and driver is not mandatory but expected (suggested USD 8-15 per person per day).
  • Accommodation class is your choice: the final hotel depends on whether you select luxury 5-star, comfortable 4-star, economical 3-star, or guesthouse options.
  • This is a high-altitude trip; acclimatization time is built in, but altitude sensitivity varies.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Chengdu

    Arrive in Chengdu

    Pick up at the airport/railway station and transfer to the hotel in downtown Chengdu.

  2. Day 2overnight: Chengdu

    Chengdu - Panda Base - Leshan - Chengdu, 340km, Approx. 5.5hrs

    Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda, then Leshan Giant Buddha, the tallest rock Buddha statue in the world.

  3. Day 3railovernight: on the train

    Train: Chengdu - Lhasa

    Morning at Wenshu Monastery, afternoon at Kuan Zhai Lane; evening boarding of the Chengdu-Lhasa train at Chengdu West Railway Station.

  4. Day 4railovernight: on the train

    On the Train

    Full day on the train; arrival in Xining, the start of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, in the afternoon.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Lhasa

    Arrival in Lhasa by Train

    Met at Lhasa railway station with a Tashi Delek greeting and white Hada, transfer to the hotel; rest to acclimatize to altitude (3,650m).

  6. Day 6overnight: Lhasa

    Lhasa Sightseeing

    Visit Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery, two of the 'Great Three' Gelug monasteries.

  7. Day 7overnight: Lhasa

    Lhasa Sightseeing

    Visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and walk Barkhor Street.

  8. Day 8overnight: Shigatse

    Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse, 360km, Approx. 7hrs

    Via Gambala Pass with views of Yamdroktso Lake and the Karola Glacier; visit Pelkor Chode Monastery in Gyantse.

  9. Day 9overnight: EBC

    Shigatse - Tingri - EBC, 350km, Approx. 7hrs

    Cross Tsola and Gyatsola Passes and Gawula Pass into the Everest National Nature Reserve, arriving at Everest Base Camp.

  10. Day 10overnight: Gyirong Town

    EBC - Gyirong, 350km, Approx. 6.5hrs

    Optional sunrise over Everest, visit Rongbuk Monastery, then drive to the Tibet-Nepal border town of Gyirong via Peikutso Lake.

  11. Day 11overnight: Kathmandu

    Gyirong - Kathmandu, 160km, Approx. 8hrs

    Walk across the Gyirong Port border bridge and transfer by Nepali driver to Kathmandu.

  12. Day 12overnight: Kathmandu

    Kathmandu Sightseeing

    Visit Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple.

  13. Day 13

    Departure from Kathmandu

    Transfer to Kathmandu Airport for the flight home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Board the Chengdu-Lhasa train at Chengdu West Railway Station in the evening, beginning the journey via the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.
  • Day 4Full day on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway; arrive at Xining in the afternoon as the train enters the plateau.
  • Day 5Arrive in Lhasa by train at 3,650 metres elevation; meet with a Tashi Delek greeting and white Hada scarf.
  • Day 8Drive via Gambala Pass with views of Yamdroktso Lake and Karola Glacier; visit Pelkor Chode Monastery in Gyantse en route to Shigatse.
  • Day 9Cross multiple passes into Everest National Nature Reserve and arrive at Everest Base Camp (5,200m).

Included

  • Tibet Tourism Bureau Permit and all other necessary permits to Tibet
  • All entrance ticket fees for tourist attractions listed in the itinerary
  • Experienced local English-speaking tour guide
  • Travel-licensed vehicle according to group size & season as needed by the itinerary including gas and parking fees
  • Transfer from Gyirong border to Kathmandu by jeep
  • All lodging listed in the itinerary; it's your decision to choose the accommodation class: luxury 5-star international hotel, comfortable 4-star hotel, economical 3-star hotel, or guesthouse
  • Breakfasts provided by hotels & a welcome dinner
  • Pick-up & Drop-off service from the airport/railway station
  • Travel Agency Liability Insurance
  • Government tax
  • Express delivery fee of the Permit (eg. SF Express)
  • Food & lodging for guide & driver
  • Oxygen tank for emergency use
  • Two bottles of mineral water per person per day

Not included

  • Nepali Visa
  • International flights to and from China
  • Chinese Visa/China Group Visa (the operator can provide hotel/flight reservation copies or an invitation letter to support the visa application)
  • Domestic flights/trains to and from Lhasa (the operator can book these at the best price on request)
  • Meals (not included; typically USD 5-15/person per meal, operator can recommend options)
  • Gratuity for guide and driver (not mandatory but expected; suggested USD 8-15/person/day, given on the last day)
  • Commissions and taxes charged by PayPal or Bank, and government, when making a payment (e.g. PayPal 4.4%, wire transfer 2%)
  • Personal expenses, like laundry, phone calls, snacks, soft drinks, optional tour activities, etc. Anything not mentioned in the Inclusions

Questions travellers ask

Is the train included?
Yes. Great Tibet Tour includes the Chengdu-Lhasa train on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway for nights 3 and 4. Domestic flights to Lhasa and return flights home are not included but can be booked on request.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
It is escorted. Great Tibet Tour provides an experienced local English-speaking guide throughout, plus a driver and vehicle for the entire 13 days.
Which hotels are included?
Great Tibet Tour includes all lodging listed in the itinerary. You choose your accommodation class: luxury 5-star international hotel, comfortable 4-star hotel, economical 3-star hotel, or guesthouse. The specific hotels depend on your tier selection.
What meals are included?
Hotel breakfasts and a welcome dinner are provided. Other meals are not included and typically cost USD 5-15 per person; the operator can recommend options.
How much walking is involved?
Days include walking tours of monasteries, temples, and Barkhor Street in Lhasa, plus the optional sunrise at Everest Base Camp. An altitude of 3,650m in Lhasa requires acclimatization.
What permits does the operator arrange?
Great Tibet Tour secures the Tibet Tourism Bureau Permit and all other necessary permits for Tibet travel. You are responsible for your own Chinese visa, Nepali visa, and any visas required by your home country.

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