Current as of: September 2, 2025 - 11:09
Current as of: September 2, 2025 - 11:09
3 out of 7 - Moderate
Tibet is a land of majestic monasteries, Himalaya peaks and timeless traditions – with your expert tour leader, its secrets are revealed. Starting in Beijing, China, you’ll embark on a journey of extraordinary highlights: riding the world’s highest railway, gazing over Everest, and touring grand monuments. But the beauty of Tibet lies in the everyday moments too: walking with pilgrims, meeting monks, and cooking traditional food. Experience it all, guided by the best tour leader in the region.
Highlights
This trip is rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page.
Altitude: On most nights, we sleep above 9,845ft (3,000m), including several above 13,125ft (4,000m). The maximum altitude we reach is 16,895ft (5,150m); the maximum at which we sleep is 14,565ft (4,440m).
Sleeper train: Our journey from Xining to Lhasa is one of the world’s great train rides. It crosses the Tanggula Pass at 16,640ft (5,072m), making it the highest railway line in the world, with the oxygen regulated to prevent altitude sickness. We sleep in four-berth compartments, which could be a mix of male and female, plus others outside our group.
We have a Tibetan tour leader all the way from Beijing to the Nepalese border, plus a local guide in Beijing. A Nepalese guide accompanies us from the border to Kathmandu.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 5
Max group size: 16
Begin your adventure in Beijing, the capital of China, a modern megacity with a history stretching back more than 3,000 years.
Around 6pm, say ni hao to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.
Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome by arranging a group dinner.
Want more time in Beijing? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.
Accommodation: Dong Fang Hotel (or similar)
Bid farewell to Beijing this morning, catching a high-speed train for the journey (around 6hr 45min) to Lanzhou, the capital of the Gansu province.
Arriving at the station, we take a road transfer (three hours) to Xiahe. Also known as Little Tibet, it’s a town few tourists visit, but one well worthy of exploration as, despite sitting outside the borders of the Tibet Autonomous Region, it’s rich in Tibetan culture and tradition. Our stay here also gives us time to adjust to the altitude – Xiahe sits around 9,840ft (3,000m) above sea level.
Accommodation: Norbu Serwo Hotel (or similar)
We get our first proper exploration of Tibetan culture today. Start with a visit to Labrang Monastery this morning, one of the six great Tibetan monasteries from the Yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
In the afternoon, we dive further into Tibetan culture with an exploration of Xiahe market, where our tour leader introduces us to vendors selling an array of traditional products, such as yak wool goods, religious trinkets, and Tibetan clothing.
Accommodation: Norbu Serwo Hotel (or similar)
Set off this morning on a scenic drive through the grassland of Ganjia. After three hours, we arrive at Wutun in Tongren county.
The village is home to Wutun Monastery, which has become known as an artistic hub, particularly for producing thangka, a traditional Tibetan Buddhist painting on cotton or silk, which typically depicts Buddha or mandalas. During our visit, we get to see the artist-monks in action, creating their intricate, colourful artwork.
After, continue the drive (three hours) to the city of Xining, passing the valley of Longwu River en route.
Accommodation: Xining Mansion (or similar)
Visit Kumbum Monastery (also known as Ta’er Temple) this morning. Home to more than 800 monks, it’s also the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, founder of the Yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Like Labrang, it’s one of the six great Tibetan monasteries from the Yellow Hat sect.
Visit the 600-year-old Dongguan Mosque after, before exploring vibrant Mo Street, known for its foodie offerings, and enjoying a delicious dinner.
Tonight, we board the sleeper train to Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region. It’s an epic 1,240mi (2,000km) ride that takes us up to 16,640ft (5,072m) at the Tanggula Pass, making it the highest railway line in the world and earning it the nicknames the Sky Train and the Road to Heaven. We sleep in soft sleeper berths, the comfiest beds on the train. The train journey takes around 21 hours in total.
Accommodation: Sleeper train
Waking on the Sky Train, we spend most of today enjoying the views of vast desert, boundless grassland, snow-capped mountains, and glistening lakes, while also chatting together and dining. En route, your local guide can teach you Tibetan words or how to play the popular Chinese tile game of mahjong.
Arriving in Lhasa at 5.40pm, transfer (30 minutes) straight to our hotel for dinner. En route, enjoy highland views of the Lhasa River.
Accommodation: Banak Shol Hotel (or similar)
On our first full day in Tibet, we start with a visit to Jokhang, the most sacred temple in Tibet, which always attracts a steady stream of pilgrims. Spend time exploring this large World Heritage site, including the golden Buddha which stands in the centre, and learn about its rich history.
After, join the pilgrims walking around Barkhor Street in a clockwise direction, considered a sacred kora by Tibetans.
Then, in the late afternoon, we visit the great university monastery of Sera, where you witness lively philosophical debating (except Sundays).
Accommodation: Banak Shol Hotel (or similar)
Explore one of the biggest local markets in Lhasa this morning – an excellent chance to see daily life in action and, perhaps, pick up a souvenir or two. It’s also known for its food stalls, selling fresh produce, momo dumplings and yak butter cheese.
We also visit Pawang Monastery, where Tibetan calligraphy was first designed by Tonmi Sambhota, and the iconic Potala Palace. The latter, perched above the city, is an architectural wonder divided in two: the secular White Palace and the religious Red Palace, home to chapels, shrines and tombs of the Dalai Lamas.
Finally, we enjoy a Tibetan cooking class. Accompanied by a local guide, we visit the grocery store to pick up seasonal produce, then head to the kitchen to cook tasty Tibetan dishes, such as Tibetan yak cheese, vegetarian momos (dumplings), and yak butter tea.
Accommodation: Banak Shol Hotel (or similar)
Leave Lhasa this morning, driving to the town of Gyantse. Our route takes us down the Kyichu Valley to the Yarlung Tsangpo river before ascending to the Khamba La (Pass).
The views are outstanding: in the foreground is the vast freshwater Yamdrok Tso or Turquoise Lake; to the south, the snow-capped ranges merge with the main Himalaya. We drive along the western shores of the lake before crossing the Karo La 16,550ft (5,045m) to reach Gyantse.
Here, we visit Pelkhor Choede monastery, famous for its Kumbum Pagoda, an eight-level, three-dimensional mandala containing 100,000 images.
Total drive time: 3hr 30min
Accommodation: Gyantse Yutuo Hotel (or similar)
A one-hour drive takes us through small villages to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet. Upon arrival, we first visit Tashilumpo Monastery, home to the Panchen Lamas. Tour the buildings, each with their own intricate decorations, legends and religious imagery.
After, you can opt to do a kora around the monastery or visit the local market.
Accommodation: Gesar Hotel (or similar)
Transfer (three hours) to the town of Sakya, where we visit the principal monastery of the Sakyapa sect. It’s home to a colossal collection of Tibetan Buddhist scriptures, murals and thangkas.
Most of the murals are from the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) and include some of the most precious mural portraits of the Sakya ancestors and Phakpa’s meeting with Kublai Khan, the founder of the Yuan Dynasty.
Accommodation: Yuanfu Hotel (or similar)
It’s time to admire the great Himalaya peaks. We transfer (five hours) into Everest National Park, driving up to Pang La (16,570ft/5,050m) for superb views of the mighty mountains, including four over 26,245ft (8,000m) tall: Everest, Makalu, Lhotse and Cho-Oyu.
After, we arrive at Rongphu monastery, the highest monastery in the world, where we can gaze over the north face of Everest on a clear day. Late afternoon, we drive (1hr 30min) to Ganggar, where we stay in a Simple hotel.
Accommodation: Ganggar Snow Leopard Hotel (or similar)
Continue our journey along the Friendship Highway today. En route, we see Shishapangma to the south, the tallest mountain entirely in Tibet. We also drive alongside the turquoise waters of Lake Pelkutso, stopping to enjoy more views of Shishapangma and keeping our eyes peeled for some of the local wildlife, such as Tibetan antelope, wild donkeys, wild horses, and yaks
Arriving at Kyirong County Township, we descend more than 3,280ft (1,000m) into the Kyirong Valley, where stay tonight.
Total drive time: Seven hours
Accommodation: Shell Hotel Gyirong (or similar)
We travel (45 minutes) to the Tibet-Nepal border this morning, where we say a fond farewell to our Tibetan guide and pass through immigration and customs unaccompanied.
Once across the border, we meet the Nepalese vehicle for our transfer to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.
Total drive time: Eight to nine hours
Accommodation: Hotel Nomad (or similar)
You’ve marvelled at Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, gazed over the Himalaya, and ridden the highest railway line in the world, but now it’s time to begin your return journey home.
Alternatively, if you’d like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative to discuss our large range of extension options.
Altitude Warning: This trip includes one or more nights over 9,845ft (3,000m) above sea level, where there is a genuine risk of being affected by acute altitude illnesses; if left untreated, this can be life-threatening. Most should expect to experience some mild symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, shortness of breath or sleeplessness. Our leaders are trained to identify symptoms of severe altitude illnesses and, if a customer requires extra care, arrangements such as a rapid descent will be made.
Exodus itineraries are informed by the Wilderness Medical Society (WMS) Guidelines for the Prevention of Altitude Illnesses and designed to allow for adequate acclimatisation. Due to terrain and/or logistical factors, there may be nights where the sleeping altitude gain is more than 1,640ft (500m), increasing the risk. The WMS highlight that because the rates of acclimatisation and physiologic responses to high altitude vary considerably between individuals, the recommendations given, although generally effective, do not guarantee successful prevention. Participants should be aware of the inherent risk posed by altitude.
Several medical conditions or medications can affect a person’s ability to acclimatise, making them more susceptible to acute altitude illnesses. Those with pre-existing conditions, such as heart or lung conditions, those who have suffered with altitude sickness before, or those with concerns about overall physical ability, should consult their doctor before booking. The drug Diamox (acetazolamide) may aid acclimatisation in some individuals. Those considering using Diamox should speak to their doctor about the drug, its suitability, side-effects, and a prescription. Please note, while we endeavour to assist all our customers in achieving their goals, there may be times when a leader decides to delay or stop someone’s ascent based on their condition.
We aim to secure locally owned accommodation that is well located, offers good value for money, and plenty of comfort. To help you find your ideal adventure, each trip is given a Comfort Level rating, which indicates the overall standard of accommodation. For more on our ratings, see our Comfort Level guidelines.
Worth knowing
Tsampa, a dough made with roasted barley flour and yak butter, is the staple food of the Tibetan people, eaten with almost every meal. Meat also features heavily in the Tibetan diet, normally beef and mutton, plus sausages. In many cities or towns, Tibetan food is supplemented by Chinese food, mostly Sichuan cuisine. To drink, there’s butter tea, sweet tea and chang, also known as barley wine.
For transfers, we use a private minibus and ride the Sky Train into Tibet.
We only schedule this trip from April to October, the best times to travel. Spring runs from April to May, when it’s chilly in the mornings and evenings, but days are sunnier with temperatures of 12C-18C (54F-65F).
Summer is June to August, in which daytime temperatures reach 15C-23C (59F-73F), with rainfall typically in the evenings or overnight, leaving clear days.
In September, the temperatures are around 15C-20C (59F-68F) but with fewer showers, and October is a little cooler (8C-15C/46F-59F), but has clear skies – the best time to gaze over the mountains.
Whichever season you choose, expect big differences between day and night temperatures, strong sunshine, and snowfall at higher altitude.
Start hotel: Dong Fang Hotel, 11 Wanming Road, Xuan Wu District, Beijing
Phone: +86-10-63014466
Recommended arrival time: There is a welcome briefing around 6pm, followed by a welcome dinner
Airport: Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) or Beijing Capital Airport (PEK)
We provide one group transfer from the airport to the hotel, which you can join at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
There’s one group transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), which you can join at no extra cost. Please speak to your sales representative for the time of the transfer. If the group transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Beijing
Location end: Kathmandu
China
Most nationalities require a visa to enter China, including holders of British, US, Canadian and Australian passports. This must be obtained prior to departure. Applicants aged between 14 and 70 are required to make an in-person visit to a Chinese visa application centre where biometric data is collected.
The Chinese authorities require a letter of invitation, which Exodus will provide you with approximately eight weeks before the start of the trip. This details all your accommodation bookings. Along with this, you need to supply a copy of your flight details, which are on your invoice if you have booked directly through Exodus.
For further information on the process for British passport holders, please see here.
Visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
Essential information: We must have a clear copy of the photo page of your passport. This is required to book certain ground services in China and your booking is not fully confirmed until it has been received. This must be emailed as an electronic scan to customerops@exodus.co.uk at least eight weeks prior to your trip.
Tibet
Your Tibet entry permit is included in the trip price. China visas are not.
To obtain your Tibet entry permit and purchase your train tickets, we need a scan of your passport and visa at least 45 days before the start of your trip.
Do not mention travel to Tibet when applying for your Chinese visa.
Nepal
A Nepalese visa is required for most nationalities and is not included in the trip price. Visas can be obtained in advance or on arrival. The Immigration Department of Nepal has suspended visas on arrival for certain nationalities – please check if this applies to you with your nearest embassy or consulate.
To get a visa in advance you can apply online at nepaliport.immigration.gov.np and collect it from your nearest Nepali embassy. Find more information at www.immigration.gov.np.
Visa in advance
Apply for this through your local consulate or embassy. Further details on this option can be found here:
When applying for your visa in advance, the Nepalese government has an online application system (see links above for more info), but it is currently only accepting payments through Nepalese payment channels. Once the online form is completed, the applicant is required to print out the form and either send it, together with the passport, to the embassy, or attend in person.
Visa on arrival
A visa can be obtained at the border for many nationalities. We recommend bringing at least one standard passport photo with you in case needed. Payment in cash US dollars in recommended.
There are no required vaccinations for this trip. However, please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic as there are recommended vaccines and requirements can change.
China's time zone: Asia/Shanghai (UTC +08:00)
Nepal's time zone: Asia/Kathmandu (UTC +05:45)
China’s electricity: The most common socket type in China is type I (for plugs with three flat pins). In some places, you will find sockets additionally accept type A (two flat pins) or C (two round pins) plugs.
Internet: When accessing the internet in China (eg through hotel wifi), certain websites and apps are blocked, including Google (and therefore Gmail), Facebook, WhatsApp and many news sites. Alternative web search engines such as Bing are available. Yahoo (including email) is not supported. Most Chinese people use an all-in-one app called WeChat for messaging, voice and video calls, photo-sharing, language support and more. If you wish to stay connected, you may want to download WeChat before you go (and ask those who you want to stay in touch with to do the same).
Please note, the security and privacy levels offered by WeChat may not be as high as that of apps you may use at home. If your phone is eSim compatible, you may want to purchase one that works in China before travelling − 4G and 5G network coverage is excellent throughout most of the country.
Nepal’s electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard), D (three round pins) and M (three round pins) – 230V, 50Hz Mains electric ‘load shedding’ (planned temporary power cuts) occur regularly throughout towns and cities in Nepal.
China's currency: Chinese yuan (also known as renminbi) (CNY)
Nepal's currency: Nepalese rupee (NPR) It is illegal to import or export rupees, but foreign currency is not limited, provided it is declared on arrival. Keep your change receipts, as you will need them if you want to change rupees back into hard currency at Kathmandu airport.
Tibet is well serviced by ATMs, which are available in all the major towns and cities. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and large establishments, such as shopping malls, but are not recommended for day-to-day spending. Many restaurants and shops use WeChat Pay or Alipay, an electronic payment made through the application on your mobile phone.
There are ATMs in Kathmandu, too; however, many are broken or have run out of money, and all have a limit (typically 10,000 to 30,000 rupees) that you can take out at one time.
Meals in good standard local restaurants typically cost around 80 yuan (US$11) per person for lunch and 120 yuan (US$16.50) per person for dinner. If you drink alcoholic drinks, you will spend more than the suggested spending amount.
Our local staff are paid fairly for their work. Most wish to tip their tour leader and driver in appreciation of their help and friendliness. This, of course, is not compulsory and depends on the service received. As a starting point, we recommend:
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
Your Safe Participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
Speak to our friendly team of experts to plan your adventure:
After booking
You will receive a confirmation document and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements. Our dedicated Customer Operations team will help you with any pre-travel questions or arrangements and can easily add extensions or extra accommodation to your booking. Final Joining Instructions will usually be sent out two to three weeks prior to departure.
Adding transfers to your booking
If you have arranged your own flights and would like to add transfers to your booking, please provide your arrival and departure details to our Customer Operations team around four to six weeks before departure.
Trip Note validity
Trip notes may be updated after booking; if any updates significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary you will be advised in writing. A link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes will be sent out with your Final Joining Instructions before departure.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes, and occasionally it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.