China Tibet Train (China Tibet Tour) · Small group tour

8 Days Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Small Group Tour with Tibet Train Experience

Overland train and drive from Xining to Kathmandu via Everest

China Tibet Train runs this 8-day small-group tour that combines the Xining-to-Lhasa train with an overland crossing into Nepal. Day 1 boards the hard sleeper train at Xining Railway Station, with the first night spent aboard while acclimatising gradually to the altitude. After three nights in Lhasa visiting the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and the Drepung and Sera monasteries, the group drives via Yamdrok Lake and the Karola Glacier to Shigatse on day 5, then crosses the Gyatsola and Gawula passes to Everest Base Camp on day 6. Day 7 brings a sunrise view of Everest and a hike to Rongbuk Monastery before a long drive past Mt. Shishapangma to the Gyirong border, where Nepali staff take over for the final leg into Kathmandu on day 8. A local Tibetan guide and driver accompany the group throughout Tibet. This suits travellers who want a guided, overland route between Tibet and Nepal rather than flying directly.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Gyirong border to Kathmandu hotel transfer on day 8 is not included in the Tibet tour package; it's a paid optional extra, about USD 60 per person, with a cheaper public-bus-plus-taxi option also mentioned.
  • The included train fare is for a hard sleeper berth; upgrading to a soft sleeper costs a fare difference.
  • Solo travellers share a room unless they pay a single room supplement.
  • The evidence lists no current departure dates for this tour.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: On the train

    Board the train to Lhasa from Xining

    Board the Xining-Lhasa train at Xining Railway Station; the local guide provides the train ticket and Tibet travel permit in advance. First day acclimatising gradually to altitude on board.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Lhasa

    Arrive in Lhasa

    Welcomed at the airport or train station with a traditional Hada scarf, then transferred to the hotel in downtown Lhasa past the Yarlung Tsangpo and Lhasa River. Rest to acclimatise to the altitude.

  3. Day 3overnight: Lhasa

    Exploring Lhasa - Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery

    Visit Drepung Monastery, the largest in Tibet, including Coqen Hall and Loseling College, then Sera Monastery to see the monk debates. Welcome dinner at a local Tibetan restaurant.

  4. Day 4overnight: Lhasa

    Exploring Lhasa - Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street

    Visit the Potala Palace and the Dalai Lamas' history, folk activities at Longwangtan Park, the Jokhang Temple's Shakyamuni Buddha statue, and Barkhor Street, finishing at a Tibetan tea house.

  5. Day 5overnight: Shigatse

    Lhasa to Shigatse Via Gyantse

    Drive via Yamdrok Lake and the Gambala Pass, lunch with a local family, the Karola Glacier and Simila Mountain Pass, sightseeing in Gyantse, then on to Shigatse.

  6. Day 6overnight: Everest Base Camp

    Journey from Shigatse to Everest Base Camp

    Drive via Gyatsola Pass (5280m) and Gawula Pass (5198m) into Everest National Nature Reserve to Everest Base Camp (5200m), with sunset and night views of the peak.

  7. Day 7overnight: Gyirong

    Everest Base Camp to Gyirong Border

    Sunrise over Everest and a hike to Rongbuk Monastery, then a 380km drive through changing landscapes past Mt. Shishapangma (8027m) and Pelku Tso Lake to the Sino-Nepal border at Gyirong.

  8. Day 8

    Journey from Gyirong Border to Kathmandu

    After breakfast, cross the Nepal border where Nepali staff assist with luggage, Nepal visa and transfer to the hotel in Kathmandu, passing views of Gaurishankar Himal, Ganesh Himal, Annapurna III and other peaks. Tour service ends on arrival at the Kathmandu hotel.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1The group boards the hard sleeper train from Xining to Lhasa, spending the first night aboard while acclimatising gradually to the altitude.
  • Day 4The itinerary visits the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street.
  • Day 6The group reaches Everest Base Camp at 5,200 meters after crossing the Gyatsola and Gawula passes, with sunset and night views of the peak.
  • Day 7The tour sees sunrise over Everest and hikes to Rongbuk Monastery, then drives 380km past Mt. Shishapangma (8,027m) and Pelku Tso Lake to the Gyirong border.
  • Day 8The group crosses into Nepal at Gyirong and arrives in Kathmandu, passing views of the Gaurishankar Himal, Ganesh Himal, and Annapurna III along the way.

Included

  • Tibet Travel Permit and all other necessary permits to Tibet
  • Hard sleeper train ticket from Xining to Lhasa (soft-sleeper upgrade available for a fare difference)
  • All lodging listed in the itinerary (solo travellers share a room unless a single room supplement is paid)
  • Meals listed in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees for all tourist sites listed in the itinerary
  • Local tour transfers according to group size
  • Local Tibetan English-speaking guide
  • One shared oxygen tank in the vehicle

Not included

  • Chinese visa
  • International flight to and from China
  • Domestic train/flight out of Tibet (booking service available on request)
  • Price difference if upgrading the train ticket or taking a different train to Tibet
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Tips and gratuities for tour guide and driver
  • Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, snacks, soft drinks, optional activities, etc.)
  • Gyirong border to Kathmandu hotel transfer (not included in the Tibet tour package; see optional extras)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes, a hard sleeper ticket on the Xining to Lhasa train is included; a soft sleeper upgrade is available for an extra fare.
Is this an escorted tour, and who guides it?
Yes. A local Tibetan English-speaking guide and driver accompany the group in Tibet, and Nepali staff meet the group at the Nepal border.
How does the group cross into Nepal?
Overland, crossing the Sino-Nepal border at Gyirong on day 8 before continuing to Kathmandu.
Is the border-to-Kathmandu transfer included?
No. It's listed as not included in the base package; a paid transfer service (about USD 60 per person) or a cheaper public-bus-plus-taxi option is available.
What is the altitude like on this trip?
The route crosses the Gyatsola Pass (5,280m) and Gawula Pass (5,198m) and reaches Everest Base Camp at 5,200m; an oxygen tank is carried in the vehicle.
What is not included?
The Chinese visa, international flights, meals not listed in the itinerary, tips, personal expenses, and the Gyirong-to-Kathmandu transfer are not included.

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