Is train travel included?

Yes, the international sleeper train from Beijing to Ulaanbaatar, a soft-sleeper journey of about 31 hours, is included.

Is it escorted or independent?

It's a private tour with an experienced, English-speaking local guide throughout.

What hotels are used?

Lodging is included throughout, with a choice of 5-star, 4-star, or 3-star hotel, or a guesthouse, as listed in the itinerary.

What is not included?

International flights to and from China, the Chinese visa, most meals, gratuities for the guide and driver, and domestic flights or trains to and from Lhasa.

Great Tibet Tour · Private Tour

Lhasa Tsedang Beijing Ulaanbaatar Tour

14-day private tour: Lhasa, Beijing, and the Beijing-Ulaanbaatar sleeper train

Great Tibet Tour operates this 14-day private tour from Lhasa to Ulaanbaatar, with an experienced, English-speaking local guide throughout. The trip opens with three days in Lhasa, at 3,650 meters, including a rest day to acclimatize before visiting the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, then a side trip to Tsedang and Samye Monastery. A flight leads to Beijing for three days including the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, before the tour boards the international sleeper train to Ulaanbaatar, a soft-sleeper journey of about 31 hours. The trip closes with sightseeing in Ulaanbaatar and an overnight at a Ger camp in Terelj National Park, with optional hiking, trekking, or horse riding. It suits travelers interested in Tibetan and Mongolian history and Buddhist sites, who want a private guide and vehicle throughout rather than a group tour, and who are prepared for the altitude in Lhasa.

What to know before you look closer

Lhasa sits at 3,650 meters, and the first day is set aside to rest and acclimatize to the altitude; an emergency oxygen tank is provided.
International flights to and from China, the Chinese visa, most meals, and gratuities for the guide and driver are not included.
Domestic flights or trains to and from Lhasa are not included and would need to be booked on request.

Day by day

Day 1railovernight: Lhasa
Arrival in Lhasa (3,650m)
Pick up at Lhasa Airport or Railway Station and transfer to the hotel; rest to acclimatize to the altitude.
Day 2overnight: Lhasa
Lhasa Sightseeing
Potala Palace, the former winter palace of the Dalai Lama; Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism; and a stroll along Barkhor Street.
Day 3overnight: Lhasa
Lhasa Sightseeing
Drepung Monastery, the world's largest monastery and highest-ranking in the Gelug Sect, followed by Sera Monastery, known for its Buddhist scripture debating.
Day 4overnight: Tsedang
Lhasa - Tsedang
Drive about 2 hours to Tsedang, the political center of Shannan prefecture; visit Yumbulakang Monastery, Tibet's first palace, and Trundruk Monastery.
Day 5overnight: Lhasa
Tsedang - Lhasa
Visit Samye Monastery, believed to be the first official Buddhist monastery established in Tibet, then return to Lhasa.
Day 6overnight: Beijing
Flight: Lhasa - Beijing
Fly to Beijing, the capital of China; free time to explore the city.
Day 7overnight: Beijing
Beijing Sightseeing
The Forbidden City, the world's largest imperial palace complex, followed by Tian'anmen Square and a rickshaw ride through the Hutongs.
Day 8overnight: Beijing
Beijing Sightseeing
Temple of Heaven Park in the morning, then a drive to the less-crowded Mutianyu section of the Great Wall.
Day 9railovernight: Aboard the Beijing-Ulaanbaatar train (soft sleeper)
Beijing - Ulaanbaatar
Transfer to the railway station and board the international train to Ulaanbaatar with a soft sleeper; the journey takes about 31 hours, spending one night on the train.
Day 10railovernight: Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar (A)
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar in the afternoon after the train journey; met by your guide and transferred to your hotel.
Day 11overnight: Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar (B)
Gandantegchinlen Monastery, Sukhbaatar Square, the National Museum of Mongolia, and local markets.
Day 12overnight: Ger camp, Terelj National Park
Ulaanbaatar - Terelj National Park
Drive to Terelj National Park via the Genghis Khan Statue and museum; lunch at a Ger camp, Turtle Rock, the Ariyabal meditation temple, optional hiking/trekking/horse riding, and a herder family visit.
Day 13overnight: Ulaanbaatar
Terelj National Park - Ulaanbaatar
Return to Ulaanbaatar, visit the Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan and Zaisan Memorial, and enjoy the 'Wonders of Mongolia' folk show in the evening.
Day 14rail
Departure from Ulaanbaatar
Transfer to the airport or train station for onward travel.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 2In Lhasa the tour visits the Potala Palace, the former winter palace of the Dalai Lama, and the Jokhang Temple.
Day 5Samye Monastery, believed to be the first official Buddhist monastery established in Tibet, is visited before returning to Lhasa.
Day 8In Beijing the tour visits the Forbidden City, Tian'anmen Square, and the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall.
Day 9The international train from Beijing to Ulaanbaatar takes about 31 hours in a soft sleeper, with one night spent aboard.
Day 12A drive to Terelj National Park passes the Genghis Khan Statue and includes lunch at a Ger camp and a visit to Turtle Rock.

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 per group size and season, including gas and parking fees
All lodging listed in the itinerary (choice of 5-star, 4-star, 3-star hotel, or guesthouse)
Breakfasts provided by hotels and a welcome dinner
Pick-up and drop-off service from the airport/railway station
Travel Agency Liability Insurance
Government tax
Express delivery fee of the Permit
Food and lodging for guide and driver
Oxygen tank for emergency use
Two bottles of mineral water per person per day

Not included

International flights to and from China
Chinese Visa / China Group Visa
Domestic flights/trains to and from Lhasa (can be booked on request)
Meals (approx. USD 5-15/person per meal, not included)
Gratuities for guide and driver (suggested USD 8-15/day in total)
PayPal, bank, or government payment commissions/taxes
Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, snacks, drinks, optional activities)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?: Yes, the international sleeper train from Beijing to Ulaanbaatar, a soft-sleeper journey of about 31 hours, is included.
Is it escorted or independent?: It's a private tour with an experienced, English-speaking local guide throughout.
What hotels are used?: Lodging is included throughout, with a choice of 5-star, 4-star, or 3-star hotel, or a guesthouse, as listed in the itinerary.
What is not included?: International flights to and from China, the Chinese visa, most meals, gratuities for the guide and driver, and domestic flights or trains to and from Lhasa.