Beijing and Tibet Tours
Beijing, the capital city of China, is well-known for its long history and booming economy. It’s also a famous tourist place where you can learn Chinese history by visiting the amazing Forbidden City, the sublime Temple of Heaven, the awe-inspiring Great Wall, etc... Besides, you can sleep one night in Hutong, one kind of typical house for Beijing folks, with a totally different appearance and strong flavor of living life compared to other cool modern buildings in Beijing.
After 3~4 days' stay in Beijing, you may have Tibet tours from Beijing by train or by plane. It takes around 40.5 hours to arrive in Lhasa by the only daily train Z21 from Beijing. It's a long-time trip but you can enjoy the wonderful sightseeing along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway; on the other hand, it can help you acclimatize to the high altitude step by step. If your itinerary is tight, there are 4 to 8 flights flying to Lhasa from Beijing every day for your option.
In Tibet part, Lhasa and Mt. Everest are the must-see spots for most tourists. Depending on the different schedules, you can also choose an in-depth Tibet tour including the holy Namtso Lake, Mt. Kailash, or some Tibet trekking tours as you like. You will see the gorgeous plateau landscape and feel the strong Tibetan Buddhist atmosphere. Overall, you can witness the sharp contrast of two different natures and cultures by joining the Beijing-Tibet Tours.
Top Beijing to Tibet Tour Packages
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get to Tibet from Beijing?
There are three ways to get to Tibet from Beijing.
The most convenient way is to take a flight to Lhasa directly. Currently, 4 flights connect Beijing and Lhasa every day, taking about 4 hours and 15 minutes. These flights are operated by Shenzhen Airlines, Tibet Airlines, and Air China (2 flights), from Beijing Capital International Airport to Lhasa Gongga Airport. For people with a tight time schedule, flying to Tibet is the fastest way.
The most relaxing way-- taking the Beijing-Lhasa train (Z21/Z22). The whole train journey takes 40 hours and 20 minutes. Not only will you have enough time to adapt to the high altitude environment to avoid acute altitude sickness, but you can also enjoy endless grasslands, rolling snow mountains, the vast Gobi desert, Hoh Xil, the Tanggula Mountains, wild yak, Tibetan antelope, wild donkey, and many other national first-class protected animals along the way.
The most ingenious way-- taking a flight to Xining and then taking a train to Tibet. During the peak tourist season (from July to August), the demands for train tickets from Beijing to Lhasa greatly exceed the supply. You will save 20 hours by flying from Beijing to Xining. After arriving in Xining, you can visit the beautiful Qinghai Lake and the Ta'er Monastery. Then board the Xining-Lhasa train, which is easier to book. Xining is the starting point of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, so you will enjoy the spectacular window views from the world's highest train.
When is the best time to visit Beijing?
The climate of Beijing is distinct in four seasons - windy spring, hot summer, cool autumn, and cold winter.
Spring is from March to May with much wind and dust. In April, the weather is changeable with occasional sandstorms. Summer begins from June to August with much frequent rainfall. July and August are the hottest months throughout the year with the highest temperature around 37 ℃. Autumn in Beijing falls in September, lasts to November with cool pleasant weather, and you can do anything in Beijing to enjoy scenic spots. Winter is from December to February with occasional snow. Generally, the temperature in winter is below zero, and January is the coldest month with the lowest temperature around -5℃.
Therefore, the best months to visit Beijing are from May to June and September to October, but you should try to avoid national holidays like Labor Day (May 1st. to 3rd.) and National Day (October 1st. to 7th.). Beijing is very crowded with tourists during these two holidays.
How to plan my tour in Beijing?
You can spend 2 to 4 days touring in Beijing, including the most popular attractions like the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and Hutongs. If you want to experience more cultural activities, explore other attractions and enjoy delicious Beijing food, please contact us and we will help you plan your Beijing trip deliberately.
How to get Tibet Travel Permit when traveling to Tibet from Beijing?
Please sign a tour contract with a registered Tibet travel agency first. If you book your tour with GTT, we will guarantee your Tibet Travel Permit, subject to government approval. We encourage you to complete the booking as early as possible, so that GTT can begin preparing the invitation letter for your Chinese visa in a timely manner.
After confirming your booking, please send us a copy of your valid passport, Chinese visa, and other required information. The processing usually takes 7–17 working days.
Once your Tibet Travel Permit is issued, we will deliver it to your hotel or address in mainland China (such as Beijing), typically about 7 days before your departure to Lhasa. The hotel reception can receive it on your behalf, so you can collect it upon check-in.
Please note that the Tibet Travel Permit cannot be shipped to overseas addresses.
Staying in Beijing for at least one night is recommended. After a long international flight, a night's rest in Beijing can help you restore fatigue and reduce the possibility of high altitude sickness after entering Lhasa. It's also worthwhile to enjoy the sights and cuisines of Beijing.
If you take a direct flight or train from Beijing to Lhasa, you must present the original Tibet Travel Permit before boarding.
If you take a connecting flight via Beijing, we will arrange for airport delivery of your permit. Please allow at least 3 hours for the transfer to ensure a smooth handover.