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Take China Group Tours in 2026/2027 to enjoy 30% discount compared to private tour. Same Experience & Lowest Price! Check China Group Deals >>Take China Group Tours in 2026/2027 to enjoy 30% discount compared to private tour. Same Experience & Lowest Price! Check China Group Deals >>
Three parts for your 8 Days Beijing to Tibet Tour: Imperial Grandeur, Train Ride & The Roof of the World!
Part 1: Begin your adventure in Beijing, China’s historic gateway. Walk the ancient ramparts of the Great Wall, explore the vast halls of the Forbidden City, and immerse yourself in imperial grandeur.
Part 2: The journey peaks as you board the Xining-Lhasa train, the quickest and most scenic rail link to Tibet. Traverse the breathtaking Tibetan Plateau, witnessing untouched landscapes that define the "Roof of the World."
Part 3: In Lhasa, the spiritual heart of Tibet, the iconic Potala Palace and the ancient Tibetan Quarter await. Experience the mystical atmosphere of the Jokhang Temple and the Barkhor pilgrim circuit, where the scent of incense and the glow of butter lamps create an otherworldly embrace.
With AOT, we handle all the things for you. Local authentic experience & good price in 2026!
View Destinations
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | Beijing | Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Jingshan Park, Summer Palace, Bird's Nest and Water Cube, Temple of Heaven, Hutongs by tickshaw |
| 4 | Xining | Fly to Xining from Beijing. Board train. Enjoy the beautiful view along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. |
| 5-8 | Lhasa | Potala Palace, Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, Barkhor Street, Tibetan Cultural Experience |
Beijing
Xining
Lhasa
Nihao! Welcome to Beijing, China’s historic capital. Upon your arrival at the airport or train station, your private guide and driver will meet you at the exit. We will handle your luggage and escort you directly to your hotel in downtown Beijing for smooth check-in.
The rest of the day is yours to unwind. Whether you need to recover from jet lag or want to take a casual stroll around the neighborhood, take this time to settle in.
Travel Tips for Your Arrival
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Pace:
Today, we dive into the heart of imperial Beijing. We will explore iconic landmarks, grand palaces, and serene royal gardens that define China's rich history.
Tian’anmen Square & The Forbidden City
We start at Tian’anmen Square, the world’s largest public square and a powerful symbol of modern China. It is the perfect spot to capture photos of the iconic Tiananmen Gate.
From there, we walk through the Meridian Gate into the Forbidden City. This UNESCO World Heritage site was home to 24 emperors over 500 years. As the world’s largest palace complex, it served as the political heart of the Ming and Qing dynasties. We follow the central axis to ensure you see the most significant halls and hidden imperial treasures.
Jingshan Park
Just a short walk away, we climb Jingshan Park (about 15 minutes). From the hilltop, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Forbidden City’s golden-roofed architecture set against the modern Beijing skyline.
Summer Palace
This afternoon, we head to the Summer Palace, the ultimate "Museum of Royal Gardens." Once a private retreat for the imperial family to escape the summer heat, it is a masterpiece of landscape design. Enjoy a leisurely walk among the pavilions, bridges, and lakeside corridors. It feels like stepping into a traditional Chinese painting—a perfect, peaceful end to our exploration.
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This morning, we head northwest to the Mutianyu Great Wall (approx. 1.5–2 hours). This section is famous for being the best-restored part of the wall, offering a more tranquil experience with fewer crowds. It features 23 original Ming-era watchtowers and breathtaking mountain vistas.
Hiking the Great Wall
We take the cable car up to the 14th watchtower to begin our hike. As you walk along the ramparts, you’ll be surrounded by lush pines and rugged ridges. It is a photographer's dream. For those feeling adventurous, climb up to the 20th watchtower—the highest point in this section—to truly fulfill your Great Wall dream. Take your time to soak in the views and capture the scale of this ancient masterpiece. Take cable car to get down.
Olympic Landmarks for Outlook
After our descent, we return to downtown Beijing for a photo stop at the Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center). These architectural marvels, built for the 2008 Summer Olympics and repurposed for the 2022 Winter Games, offer a striking contrast to the ancient history we explored earlier today.
We then transfer you back to your hotel in Beijing downtown.
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Our Beijing team will escort you to the airport for your morning flight to Xining (approx. 2.5 hours). Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you and transfer you directly to Xining Train Station to begin the highlight of your trip: the legendary train journey to Lhasa.
Note: Please keep your Tibet Permit handy, as you will need it to board the train.
Train to the Roof of the World
The Qinghai-Tibet Railway offers an unmatched view of the plateau. From your window, watch the landscape shift from shimmering lakes and vast plains dotted with yaks to the dramatic, snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Keep your camera ready—you might spot Tibetan antelope, wild asses, or nomadic camps along the way.
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Altitude: 3,650m
Tashi Delek! Welcome to Lhasa, the spiritual heart of Tibet. Upon your arrival at the Lhasa train station, your guide and driver will meet you at the exit and escort you directly to your hotel in the city center.
The rest of the day is yours to rest. Acclimatization is the most important part of your first day. Take it easy, stay hydrated, and get plenty of sleep to prepare for our explorations tomorrow.
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Altitude: 3,650m
Today, we dive deep into the spiritual heart of Lhasa. We will explore ancient temples, witness unique monastic traditions, and walk the sacred pilgrim circuits alongside local devotees.
Jokhang Temple
Jokhang Temple is the spiritual center of Tibet. With over 1,300 years of history, it was built by King Songtsen Gampo for his two brides, Princess Wencheng and Princess Bhrikuti. Known as the "House of Buddha," it enshrines the life-sized statue of the 12-year-old Sakyamuni, making it the holiest destination for pilgrims worldwide. Beyond its religious significance, it is a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture, featuring intricate carvings and vibrant murals.
(Note: The visit order may be adjusted based on your specific entry reservation.)
Sera Monastery
In the afternoon, we drive to Sera Monastery, one of the "Great Three" Gelug university monasteries. The highlight here is witnessing the monks’ daily debates. Between 15:00 and 17:00 (except Sundays), you can watch this fascinating tradition. The monks use rhythmic hand-clapping and stomping to emphasize their points—a dynamic expression of logic and philosophy. It is an unforgettable way to gain insight into the daily life and studies of Tibetan monks.
Barkhor Street
We conclude our day with a walk along Barkhor Street. Once an ancient kora (pilgrim circuit), it is now a thriving market surrounding the Jokhang Temple. Immerse yourself in the local atmosphere: sip traditional yak butter tea, browse for Tibetan, Nepalese, and Indian handicrafts, or try on traditional Tibetan clothing for a memorable photo.
After the tour, be escorted back to your hotel in Lhasa.
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Today, we explore the crown jewel of the Tibetan plateau: the Potala Palace. We will also delve into monastic history at the sprawling Drepung Monastery.
Potala Palace
We begin at the Potala Palace, the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas from 1649 to 1959. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a marvel of human ingenuity. We will climb the 365 steps to the Red Palace, the highest point of the complex at 3,700m. Inside, you’ll be surrounded by exquisite murals, jeweled shrines, and centuries of history. You will also see devoted pilgrims who have traveled great distances to pray here.
Note: Due to strict ticketing regulations, we may adjust our visit time. All visitors must tour with a group and are limited to one hour inside. Photography is not permitted within the palace.
Drepung Monastery
After lunch, we drive to Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in Tibet and the residence of the Dalai Lamas before the Potala was completed. It is famous for the annual Shoton Festival, where the giant Thangka is unveiled.
Beyond its grand halls, you can witness monks engaged in lively philosophical debates, characterized by rhythmic clapping and stomping.
Tibetan Cultural Experience
To round out your experience, we include a 2-hour cultural session where you can learn the art of traditional Tibetan incense making and ancient block printing. It is a perfect, hands-on way to connect with our living heritage.
After the tour, be transferred back to your hotel in Lhasa.
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Altitude: 3,650m | Transfer: Approx. 1.5 hours (100km)
After breakfast, our 8-day Beijing-Xining-Lhasa Tour concludes today. Enjoy a final morning of leisure in Lhasa. Explore the local streets or pick up last-minute souvenirs at your own pace. Our team will then escort you to the airport or train station for your onward journey.
Want to Explore Further in Tibet?
If you aren't ready to leave, we can easily extend your adventure. From the sacred waters of Namtso Lake to the spiritual peaks of Mount Kailash and the mysterious Ancient Guge Kingdom, there is so much more of Tibet to discover. Share your travel dreams with us, and we will make them happen.
Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel. We hope to welcome you back to the Roof of the World again soon. Safe travels!
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For a first-time visitor, the most popular and rewarding route covers China's past, present, and future. A standard 8 to 12-day itinerary usually includes:
The universally agreed-upon best times to visit China are Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to October).
1. Autumn (September to October) - The Absolute Best: The weather is generally perfect across the country. The summer heat and rains have passed, leaving clear skies, crisp air, and comfortable temperatures. This is the best time to hike the Great Wall, see the fall foliage in places like Jiuzhaigou, and enjoy outdoor activities in Yangshuo or Zhangjiajie.
2. Spring (April to May) - The Close Second: The weather warms up, and nature comes back to life. Temperatures are mild and pleasant. You can witness beautiful spring blossoms, such as peach blossoms in Guilin and cherry blossoms in various cities. It is a great time for cruising the Yangtze River or visiting the pandas in Chengdu.
3. Best Time for Specific Interests:
Crucial Dates to Avoid:
Try your best to avoid traveling during China's major public holidays, when hundreds of millions of people travel domestically:
It is very simple to book a private China tour. Select the tour you are interested, and click “Make an Enquiry for Free”. Tell us your demands and likes while submitting the form. During this process, you don’t need to pay immediately.
After sending us your requirements, one of our professional travel experts will get back to you within 0.5 to 24 hours. When all the information have confirmed, then you make the deposit. Please feel free to contact the travel expert directly if you have any questions prior to booking.
The above itinerary is the sample one that most travelers would go like that. The tour can be customized based on your likes, interests and budget.
At the same time, if you want to extend this tour, just tell us your favored destinations and things to do. Our professional travel experts will redesign the trip totally for you and your group at the best price. Tell us your ideas now
In a private tour, it means you will transfer to the tourist attractions in one city by private vehicle. The private car we selected is spacious, comfortable and air-conditioned. And the driver we use are very experienced.
As for traveling between two destinations, we use domestic flights (economy seat) or high speed trains (second class seat, usually less than 6 hours). The local guides and drivers will pick you up at the airport/train stations, and escort you to the hotel.
“B” stands for breakfast. You will have it at your hotel in the morning.
“L” stands for lunch. The restaurants we will arrange for you are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. All are in good sanitary conditions. Your guide will assist you with ordering the dishes.
“D” means dinner. All dinners are excluded in the itinerary. You have the chance to taste some authentic Chinese food and local snacks.
If you have special dietary requirements (vegetarian, halal, kosher, Indian, or gluten-free), please let us know before your booking. We will try our best to take care of you.
Have a good sleep everyday is very important during your China tour. In a private tour, you can decide on your own which hotel class you want - luxury 5-star, comfortable 4-star, or economic 3-star.
All the hotels in each destination we selected are at good locations, close to commercial streets or tourist attractions. We have maintained long-term business relationships with these hotels to ensure they meet our high standards for a luxury and comfortable sleep experience.
Facilities & Service:
All hotels feature windows, air-conditioners, hot water, showers, and Wi-Fi (except for basic accommodation conditions when traveling to Mount Everest). The staff are English-speaking and dedicated to providing high-quality service. If you have any requirements, they are always ready to help.
Data in submission...Discover what our customers are saying about the latest Beijing Tibet Tours. Browse through their recent reviews and feedback on tour arrangements, guides, transportation, attractions, dining, hotels, and detailed itineraries to plan your own unforgettable China tour. View All Customers Reviews >>
Tripadvisor 4.9
4.9 | 16,674 reviews
This 10 Days Chengdu & Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour via Qinghai-Tibet Railway was one of the most meaningful trips of my life. Traveling across such vast landscapes—from the green valleys of Sichuan to the high plateau of Tibet and finally into the Himalayas—felt like crossing into another world. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway itself was an unforgettable experience, offering breathtaking views and a smooth, comfortable ride into Lhasa.
Every detail of the journey was thoughtfully arranged, from permits to border crossings, which could have been very complicated without a professional team. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and supportive, especially in helping us adjust to the altitude. Standing in front of the Potala Palace, visiting ancient monasteries, and finally reaching Kathmandu felt like completing a once-in-a-lifetime journey. I am deeply grateful for the care and professionalism of the team. This tour is truly for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and a deeper connection to the world.
Beijing - Xian - Chengdu - Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Mt. Everest - Lhasa - Shanghai
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Beijing - Xian - Chengdu - Lhasa - Shanghai
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Beijing - Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Mt. Everest - Lhasa
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Beijing - Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Mt. Everest - Lhasa
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This 10 Days Chengdu & Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour via Qinghai-Tibet Railway was one of the most meaningful trips of my life. Traveling across such vast landscapes—from the green valleys of Sichuan to the high plateau of Tibet and finally into the Himalayas—felt like crossing into another world. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway itself was an unforgettable experience, offering breathtaking views and a smooth, comfortable ride into Lhasa.
Every detail of the journey was thoughtfully arranged, from permits to border crossings, which could have been very complicated without a professional team. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and supportive, especially in helping us adjust to the altitude. Standing in front of the Potala Palace, visiting ancient monasteries, and finally reaching Kathmandu felt like completing a once-in-a-lifetime journey. I am deeply grateful for the care and professionalism of the team. This tour is truly for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and a deeper connection to the world.
We were on private trip to kailash- Mansarovar through Lhasa with Asia Odyssey travel.
It was a great experience booking with Asia Odyssey travel. Asia Odyssey provided agent Rex to work with us. Rex is amazing individual who helped us through out our journey like carving itenary the way we wanted, provided good comfortable vehicle with very good driver and a very
friendly and caring tour guide. We are also satisfied with hotel stay in each city.All stays were upto the standard as he promised they would be. Thank you Rex.we are happy with the deal we got. Rex was in constant touch with us before, during and ending our journey. We requested many changes during our journey due to changed interest and flight schedule . He was there to help us every time.
I would highly recommend to travel with Asia Odyssey specially having Rex by your side.
Just one thing I would like to mentions is that the meal plans. I would suggest that if all three meals included in itenary would be great help for vegetarian travellers like us. So we didn't have to worry about food.
Overall it was a very good experience with Asia Odyssey and travel and Agent Rex. Much appreciated
Simple
Canada
Our agent Chia is simply the best! She was in contact with us every step of the way from the time we committed to the Beijing - Xian - Chengdu - Lhasa - Shanghai tour. There was absolutely no stress with the entire tour ie. Pick ups, train/ plane tickets, payments. Each time Chia was able to answer any questions that we had almost immediately. The tour itself was great, met some really nice people from different parts of the world. Groups were a maximum of 12 so the guides were always very attentive - in Tibet, we only had 3 left in the group. We have travelled quite extensively but this is the first time we have engaged in a tour and it certainly did not disappoint. Highly recommended!
We had a very memorable trip in Tibet with Mt Kailash trek in September of 2025. First of all,I must say that Mr Isaac of Asia Odyssey was the most patient tour agent I have come across. Not only was he most patient with our questions, he was with us for a whole year into our preparation for this trip. Not only that, on more than one occasion,he was taking care of us as situations arose which affected our trip, like the flooding which occured at Gyirong border, the unrest in Nepal and such. The permits were applied in a timely manner and when things didn't work out for our group, Asia Odyssey made alternative arrangements as soon as possible to help our group. The guides arranged for us stayed with us till almost midnight to help us out when we had some difficulty. Most of the trip went smoothly and everything went like clockwork and hotels were good. We would definitely use Asia Odyssey for our travel plans again for this region. Asia Odyssey was outstanding and Mr Isaac was most helpful in arranging our trip and taking care of us.
Thank you Asia Odyssey for a wonderful trip! From planning stage to execution, we felt supported and taken care of the entire way.
Highly recommend Asia Odyssey - they planned a fantastic itinerary against our brief for Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan. Special shoutout to Ms. Mandy who planned our trip, answered all our questions, was incredibly responsive, and was always helpful. She checked in during our trip to make sure we were okay as well. On our trip, our local guides were knowledgeable and kind and our accommodation was comfortable. All-in-all a fantastic experience and highly recommended.
Thank you for a wonderful experience!!
I completed a 16 day Tibet tour with Asia Odyssey Travel which included Lhasa, EBC, Kailash kora and Guge kingdom, and was very satisfied with all the detailed services, transport arrangements (despite some days with long drives), and hotels provided. Our tour guide Samdrup was very attentive to the groups needs. I am grateful that the company was one of the few that was able to expedite my necessary Tibet permits within less than 2 weeks of my travel due to my last minute planning and visa delay. My travel agent Ashley communicated closely throughout the process for reassurance. All in all, it was a good experience and makes me more confident in other potential tours with this company.
Five months ago, I was amazed by the glowing reviews for Asia Odyssey Travel. Now, having just returned from our Tibet tour, I can wholeheartedly confirm every single one. They absolutely deserve their stellar reputation.
From start to finish, every detail was handled with utmost professionalism and kindness. The admin and paperwork were seamless, and our consultant, Aliny, was a tremendous help, expertly accommodating our flight delay into Lhasa due to extreme weather.
During the tour itself, the "hardware" was excellent—modern, comfortable buses and hotels. But the true highlight was the "software": the people. Our guides and drivers were not only competent and considerate but also a genuine joy to be around.
Our main guide, Daniel, was exceptional. He fostered a wonderful sense of community within our group, handled any curveballs with ease, and made us all feel truly cared for. His love for life was contagious! He’s also a gifted photographer, patiently helping us capture key moments, like the breathtaking sunset and sunrise on Mount Everest we were blessed to witness.
While Tibet's nature and architecture are stunning, it was the people—Daniel, our fellow tour members, and even the locals we met—that made this a trip of a lifetime. With AOT, you're not just booking a smooth and comfortable tour; you're signing up for genuine joy and beauty. I cannot recommend them highly enough.
My private tour with Nor Bu was really enjoyable and engaging. After a few days of scheduled group tours, we wanted a free day to explore the city at our own pace and just relax—and Nor Bu was exactly the right guide for that. He’s incredibly knowledgeable about Buddhist culture and art, has a really laid-back and friendly personality, and knows all the best local spots where you can unwind with tea and find great souvenirs at fair prices. As a true local who’s well-connected in the community, Nor Bu knows many people around Lhasa, which gave us a genuine glimpse into daily life in the city beyond the usual tourist experience. I left Lhasa feeling like I’d not only learned so much about the culture, but had also made a real friend.
Ten of my friends and I embarked on an unforgettable 3-week overland journey from Beijing to Kathmandu, travelling via Everest Base Camp and the sacred Mount Kailash. We covered approximately 7,500 kilometers by train, bus, van, and domestic flight—an epic and deeply spiritual journey that will stay with me forever.
We began with six vibrant days in Beijing, immersing ourselves in the rich history, food, and culture of China’s capital. From there, we boarded what turned out to be the most breathtaking train ride I’ve ever taken—a 30-hour, 3,750-kilometer journey from Beijing to Lhasa, crossing vast landscapes and climbing into the thin air of the Tibetan plateau.
This extraordinary trip was made possible by Asia Odyssey, and especially our dedicated agent Lea Zhang, who worked tirelessly for over a year to plan every detail. Coordinating such a complex journey remotely from mainland China—with so many moving parts and challenges—was no small feat, but Lea did it with meticulous care, professionalism, and passion.
In Tibet, we traveled through majestic Himalayan canyons, visited ancient monasteries, and stood in awe at the glowing summit of Mount Everest at sunrise from the Tibetan side base camp—a truly humbling and magical sight.
The 52-kilometer pilgrimage trek around Mount Kailash, reaching up to 5,630 meters in elevation, was the spiritual centerpiece of our journey. Though physically demanding, it was also deeply transformative—a once-in-a-lifetime experience that connected us with something far greater than ourselves.
We also had the profound privilege of visiting Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha in Nepal, adding yet another spiritual layer to this unforgettable trip.
The local guides and drivers arranged by Lea were of the highest quality—warm, trustworthy, and knowledgeable. They became more than facilitators—they became our friends.
This journey was not just a vacation. It enriched my life in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. It was the trip of my life so far—a rare and beautiful blend of adventure, friendship, culture, and spirituality.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank Lea Zhang and Asia Odyssey for crafting and executing this extraordinary experience. I will treasure it always.
