TIBET, CHINA, NEPAL — BY TRAIN TO THE ROOF OF THE WORLD

Departure for the Far East. Your exotic holiday begins.

Arrival in Beijing and your first steps in the heart of China’s capital—a city that has historically shaped the fate of Tibet and the Asian continent as a whole. We will visit Tiananmen Square, a site of political and historical events, then step back into the age of emperors at the Forbidden City, where the power of China’s dynasties was concentrated for centuries.

During the tour, we will explore the complex relationship between China and Tibet and discover how history, politics, and culture have shaped this fascinating region.

A morning excursion to the Great Wall of China. We will walk along the world’s largest defensive structure and share the stories and legends associated with it. In the evening, the famous Z21 train awaits us—we leave the capital of the Middle Kingdom and embark on a 3,757-kilometre journey along one of the world’s most fascinating railways.

Chinese railways are so punctual that train Z21 reaches its destination within just a few minutes of schedule, despite travelling thousands of kilometres and carrying thousands of passengers.

We travel through the Chinese landscape as if across a natural chessboard, gradually gaining altitude as the scenery changes with every kilometre. In the afternoon, we arrive in Qinghai Province, where the majestic Tibetan Plateau stretches out before us.

The railway, a small engineering marvel, crosses mountain passes at elevations of up to 5,000 metres above sea level, demonstrating how people can rise to nature’s challenges. During the night, we will also pass through Tanggula, the world’s highest railway station, at 5,068 metres above sea level—where earth and sky seem to meet.

To cope with the high altitude, the train carriages are equipped with a special oxygen system, allowing for a more comfortable journey even in an environment where oxygen would otherwise be scarce. The Qinghai–Tibet trains use both carriage-wide oxygen enrichment and individual oxygen outlets for passengers when needed.

In the morning, we are “awakened” by majestic mountains and green-yellow alpine meadows, where yaks graze peacefully and Tibetan nomads occasionally appear with their horses and herds. Step by step, we draw closer to the heart of Tibetan civilization—the capital city of Lhasa. The great train journey ends at exactly 12:33 p.m., after more than 40 unforgettable hours traveling through endless plains and mountain passes. At the station, a thorough inspection by customs officers awaits us—every tourist in Tibet must undergo a detailed screening.

We have arrived on the “Roof of the World”—welcome to Tibet! In the afternoon, we waste no time and set out to explore the heart of the holy city: we will stroll through Barkhor Square, which pulses with life and tradition, and visit Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s spiritual and cultural jewel, where every stone and every prayer tells its own story.

We dedicate this day to Lhasa, the heart of Tibetan culture and spiritual life. We will visit the iconic residence of the Dalai Lamas—the Potala Palace, which dominates the city as a symbol of power and spiritual authority. We will walk among crowds of pilgrims, visit the Buddhist monasteries of Drepung or Sera, depending on availability, and immerse ourselves in Tibetan culture. We will learn why pilgrims walk in circles, what the colorful prayer flags found on every corner represent, and how prayer wheels work, carrying blessings on the wind throughout the area. This day will allow you to experience the city’s spiritual atmosphere and gain a deeper understanding of traditions that have endured here for centuries.

We continue exploring the area around Lhasa and set out on an excursion to the mountain monastery of Ganden. We will walk through its quiet corners and admire the beautiful views of the wild Tibetan landscape surrounding the monastery. During the visit, we will explain the meaning of mantras, sky burials, and other Tibetan spiritual traditions that hold deep significance for local people.

In the afternoon, we return to Lhasa and visit the Dalai Lamas’ summer garden—Norbulingka—or, depending on availability, one of the monasteries. This day will take you deeper into Tibetan culture and offer a better understanding of the spiritual world that continues to shape the lives of people on the “Roof of the World.”

We leave Lhasa and travel through mountain passes toward the town of Gyantse. Along the way, we will enjoy dramatic views of sacred Lake Yamdrok, shimmering like a turquoise ribbon among the mountains, and the glacier above the Karo-La mountain pass, located at an altitude of 4,960 meters above sea level. For those interested, a short hike to Lamo Glacier is available, where you can fully take in the majesty of Tibet’s natural scenery.

By late afternoon, we arrive in the forgotten town of Gyantse, which has retained the authentic atmosphere of a small Tibetan town. Simple yet comfortable accommodations and a home-style dinner await us—this is Tibet beyond the tourist routes, where you can experience the everyday lives and traditions of local people.

In the morning, we will visit the beautiful historic Pelkor Chode Monastery, known for its famous frescoes and the unique Khumbum Stupa, one of Tibet’s best-known symbols. Before lunch, we leave the area and travel through Tibet’s most fertile valley toward its second-largest city, Shigatse. Upon arrival, the impressive 15th-century Tashi Lhunpo Monastery awaits us, where we will admire a gigantic Buddha statue and the silver tomb of Tibet’s second most important spiritual leader—the Panchen Lama. This day offers a unique combination of spiritual heritage, artistic treasures, and an authentic Tibetan atmosphere.

Across mountain ridges and high-altitude plains, we head toward the shadow of the majestic Himalayas. We will stop at the Sakya Monastery complex, where we will “discover” Tibet’s most famous library, in which the books are said to move by themselves on the shelves—a place where history and mysticism pulse at every step. Here, you will experience the authentic atmosphere of Tibet you have dreamed of—a place visited by very few tourists. We continue into the heart of the Himalayas, and if the weather is on our side, we will catch our first glimpse of the world’s highest mountain—majestic Mount Everest, rising as a symbol of nature’s unattainable yet fascinating world.

An early morning wake-up and an hour-long drive along winding mountain roads will take us to one of the most beautiful sunrises you can find anywhere on the planet. If the weather cooperates, breathtaking views will unfold before us—not only of majestic Mount Everest, but also of three other eight-thousanders: Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. We continue closer and stop for unforgettable photos in front of the gates of Mount Everest Base Camp.

Across a mountain desert beneath majestic Shishapangma (8,027 meters above sea level), we make our way toward the Nepalese border. The landscape is harsh, barren, and wild, yet its beauty literally takes our breath away. We cross the highest point of the journey at 5,600 meters above sea level—after that, all that remains is the descent to the other side of the Himalayas. In just one day, we descend 2,800 meters as the barren plateau gradually gives way to lush forest.

In the evening, we will settle into very basic accommodations in the border village of Gyirong, carrying with us the feeling of having experienced a day filled with unforgettable moments and memories of the world’s highest mountains. This demanding day will captivate you with its wild beauty and dramatic views that will remain etched in your memory forever.

Crossing the border and entering Nepal brings an immediate, incredible contrast. Next to the enormous Chinese customs facility stand the simple buildings of local Nepalis. In contrast to the precisely lined-up Chinese soldiers, the relaxed, calm presence of the Nepalis feels almost like another world. Traffic switches to the other side of the road, and the asphalt gradually disappears. We cross the bridge, and we are in Nepal.

A long journey to Kathmandu lies ahead. How long will it take? Maybe six hours, maybe twelve—the exact time is difficult to predict given the mountain valleys of this poor yet incredibly charming country. Along the way, we say goodbye to the last views of the snow-capped Himalayas, which gradually give way to rice paddies and vegetable fields. In these moments, you feel as though you have traveled across half the world, from one culture to another, and every view brings new colors, shapes, and scents that define this fascinating region.

We will spend the entire day in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu. We will stroll through the picturesque Durbar Square, discover Hindu temples, and visit Boudhanath—an important refuge for Tibetan refugees, where Tibetan tradition blends with a new home. Nepal and Tibet share cultural ties, yet they are also very different, and it is here that these contrasts become visible.

After two weeks, we have journeyed through the full story of Tibet: from China’s strong influence, through the heart of Tibetan culture, to the lives of Tibetan refugees in Nepal. Along the way, we have truly come to understand what has unfolded on the “Roof of the World” over the past 100 years—and these experiences will help you grasp the history, spirituality, and everyday life of this fascinating region.

An excursion through the Kathmandu Valley. The city of Nepalese kings, Bhaktapur, will surprise you—there may be no more picturesque corner of Nepal. We will also visit the sacred Bagmati River and the famous Pashupatinath cremation site, where we will learn about local funeral traditions, including the public cremation of the deceased. We will end with a panoramic view of the city from the Swayambhu Monkey Temple. The sun sets behind the Himalayas, and our journey across the world’s highest mountains draws to a close.

Morning departure for Europe and return home. Your Tibetan vacation comes to an end.