12 Days Scenic Tibet Train & Everest Base Camp Autumn Tour: Explore Tibet in Its Most Beautiful Season

Welcome to Xining, the starting point of the famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway!

After you arrive in Xining, our local guide will pick you up at the airport or train station and escort you to your hotel.

The rest of the day is at leisure and get acclimatized to Xining’s altitude (2,275m). You can explore the surrounding areas at your own pace.

Stay overnight in Xining.

After breakfast, you will first visit Ta’er Monastery, also known as Kumbum Monastery. As one of the six major Gelug sect monasteries in Tibet, Ta’er Monastery is the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism.

Here, you will appreciate the ancient architectural complex that combines Tibetan and Chinese artistic styles, as well as various cultural treasures in the temples, such as various thangkas, murals, etc.

Then, you will visit the Museum of China Tibetan Medicine Culture, where you can learn more about the mysterious Tibetan medicine and Tibetan handicrafts. The highlight of this museum is the world’s biggest Thangka, featuring the development of Tibetan medicine.

Besides Tibetan medicine, the museum gives a vivid display of Tibetan calligraphy, costumes, astrology, and the history of Tibetan Buddhism.

In the evening, you will enjoy the finger-licking local snacks in Mo Street, the well-known gourmet street in Xining. You can taste local delicacies like boiled mutton, lamb soup, noodles with chicken shreds and sesame, Muslim Yogurt, etc.

Stay overnight in Xining.

• Taer Monastery
• Museum of Tibetan Medicine Culture in Xining

After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a scenic 2.5-hour drive from downtown Xining to Qinghai Lake, China’s largest inland saltwater lake and one of the most beautiful destinations on the Tibetan Plateau.

As we journey westward, the landscape gradually opens into a vast highland panorama. Passing through Huangyuan County and Riyue Mountain, you’ll see endless grasslands, wide-open valleys, and traditional Tibetan villages beneath the deep blue autumn sky. In autumn, the plateau becomes especially beautiful, with golden pastures, colorful fields, and herds of sheep, horses, and yaks grazing peacefully along the way.

Upon arrival at the Erlangjian Scenic Area, you’ll have time to slow down and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Qinghai Lake. You may take a leisurely walk along the lakeside boardwalk and admire the endless blue waters stretching toward the horizon. Depending on the sunlight, the lake reflects different shades of blue, creating a stunning highland scene surrounded by golden autumn grasslands, sandy beaches, and distant mountains.

The clear autumn weather also offers excellent visibility, giving you a chance to spot snow-capped peaks in the distance and admire the unique landscape of Sand Island’s golden dunes. Beyond its natural beauty, Qinghai Lake is also a sacred place for Tibetan Buddhists, and you may see local pilgrims visiting the lake to offer prayers and show their devotion.

After a relaxing day exploring Qinghai Lake, we’ll drive back to Xining.

Stay overnight in Xining.

• Qinghai Lake—China's largest inland saltwater lake
• Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area

After breakfast, our guide will take you to Xining railway station for your train to Tibet. It is suggested to get to the railway station around 1 hour before departure.

You’ll need to present your passport and Tibet Travel Permit when boarding the scenic overnight train from Xining to Lhasa, the world’s highest railway. For our guests, we’ll help arrange a soft-sleeper berth with a lower bunk, offering the most comfortable and private way to enjoy your journey across the Tibetan Plateau.

Along the way, you’ll enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Qinghai–Tibet Railway as it crosses the vast Tibetan Plateau. In autumn, golden grasslands, colorful alpine vegetation, and crystal-clear skies create a stunning highland panorama, while snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, vast wilderness, and grazing yaks and sheep unfold outside your window. This unforgettable journey offers you a true taste of the beauty and tranquility as you slowly journey towards the “Roof of the World”.

Besides, the train is pressurized and equipped with an oxygen supply to ensure a more comfortable journey at high altitude.

Upon your arrival in Lhasa, your private Tibetan guide will welcome you at the airport or train station with a traditional white Hada.

Then, you'll be comfortably escorted to your hotel in Lhasa. Your private guide will provide a personalized overview of your journey ahead and share thoughtful advice to help you acclimate smoothly to the altitude.

Once you've checked in, please take some time to rest and allow your body to acclimate to the high altitude.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Qinghai-Tibet railway
• Tibet train soft sleeper

In the morning, after breakfast, you will immerse yourself in the sacred Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibet. Follow a long line of pilgrims in the dimly lit chambers to worship the life-size statue of a 12-year-old Buddha Sakyamuni.

Then, walk clockwise with prostrating Tibetan pilgrims to experience the famous 1km Barkhor circuit kora (pilgrimage trek) and unwind in a local teahouse to rest your legs and enjoy Tibetan sweet tea, noodles, momos, and Sha Phaley (crispy Tibetan bread), while soaking in the lively local Tibetan life, chatting with friendly locals. If time and energy allow, you may enjoy a slow wander through the quiet backstreets of Lhasa.

In the afternoon, you will explore Sera Monastery, the second-largest Gelug monastery next to Drepung in Lhasa. You can appreciate the exquisitely made sand mandala, admire Buddhist paintings, and explore its main assembly hall.

The biggest highlight is watching the dramatic monk debate (15:00 - 17:00, from Monday to Saturday). By clapping hands, jumping, yelling, and rolling Buddhist mala, the standing monk furiously debates with the other monk sitting on the ground about Buddhist philosophy.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Explore Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibet.
• Witness the dramatic Tibetan monk debate in Sera Monastery.

After breakfast, your first stop is the Potala Palace, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Lhasa city. You will discover the lives and stories of the Dalai Lamas through history within the palace, and the extraordinary treasures it holds. The most valuable collections of the Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.

After touring the Potala Palace, you can also take a stroll in the Zongjiao Lukang Park at the foot of the Potala Palace. Here, you can appreciate the majestic Potala Palace from a different perspective and engage in local Tibetan folk activities like the traditional Tibetan circle dance and later head to the Chakpori Hill Viewing Platform, one of the best spots to capture the iconic view of the Potala Palace.

In the afternoon, we’ll head to Norbulingka Park, the former summer palace of the Dalai Lamas. During autumn, the park transforms into a peaceful golden wonderland, with colorful trees, crisp blue skies, and gentle sunlight creating a perfect seasonal atmosphere.

Here, we’ll set up a traditional Lingka (Tibetan picnic) beneath the golden foliage, where you can sip Tibetan sweet tea, enjoy local pastries, and relax in the refreshing autumn breeze. After the picnic, follow our local guide to explore the elegant Tibetan palaces nearby, discovering their unique architecture, royal history, and the tranquil charm of Lhasa’s most beautiful garden in Autumn.

Before sunset, you’ll enjoy a peaceful stroll to the Lalu Wetland National Nature Preserve (open Tuesday to Sunday, about a 20-minute drive from downtown Lhasa), one of the best places to capture the autumn sunset over the Potala Palace. As the golden evening light bathes the palace and its reflection shimmers across the calm wetland waters, surrounded by golden reeds and autumn trees, you’ll experience a magical moment to slow down and appreciate the timeless beauty of Lhasa.

After a full but gentle day of sightseeing, we return to the hotel for a comfortable rest.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Potala Palace is always the No.1 attraction for travelers visiting Tibet.
• Golden leaves transform Norbulingka into Lhasa’s most charming autumn retreat.

After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a scenic 2-hour drive from Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake, a turquoise gem surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Here, you’ll discover a quieter side of Tibet, where the peaceful beauty of nature replaces the bustle of Lhasa city.

Arriving at Yamdrok Lake, you’ll be amazed by its crystal-clear waters, which shift from sapphire blue to emerald green under the changing autumn sunlight. Along the lakeshore, you may see local Tibetan nomads grazing their yaks among the golden autumn grasslands, adding a beautiful glimpse of traditional highland life to the breathtaking scenery.

For lunch, you’ll visit a local family-run restaurant and enjoy authentic Tibetan dishes by the lakeside. Afterwards, take some time to relax at the viewing platform, savor a cup of coffee, and admire the unforgettable autumn scenery of Yamdrok Lake from the southeast corner.

Then continue your journey to Gyantse. Along the way, you may stop to admire the stunning Karola Glacier right by the roadside, perfect for a few unforgettable photos. You’ll also cross Simila Mountain Pass, where you can hang Tibetan prayer flags and send heartfelt wishes for your family and friends.

After arriving in enchanting Gyantse County, you will enjoy a gentle stroll through Pelkor Monastery, a special Buddhist site where three Tibetan Buddhist traditions, Gelug, Sakya, and Bon, coexist harmoniously under one roof.

Just a minute’s walk away, you can explore the Gyantse Kumbum, the most famous landmark of Gyantse. This 32-meter-high, seven-story stupa features a unique Nepali style, with Buddha's wise eyes on all four sides. Its white layers are decorated with stripes, and it’s topped with a golden dome that looks like a crown.

You can climb to the top floor for a panoramic view of the old Gyantse town, the golden barley fields stretching across the valley, and the majestic Gyantse Fortress standing proudly in the distance.

Stay overnight in Gyantse County for acclimatization.

• Enjoy the fascinating scenery of the holy Yamdrok Lake
• Marvel at the stunning Karola Glacier on the way to Gyantse.

After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive from Gyantse to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city and the gateway to Mount Everest. Along the way, you will make a stop in Bailang County, where the ripe barley fields stretch across the Nianchu Valley, with golden stalks gently swaying in the breeze under the clear Tibetan sky. You may see local Tibetan farmers working in the fields and traditional barley stacks scattered across the farmland, creating a beautiful scene of rural Tibetan life.

Take your time to enjoy this warm and peaceful harvest scene. If the timing is right, you may join local farmers in harvesting highland barley, a staple food that has nourished our Tibetan people for generations.

After you arrive in Shigatse, you can explore the vast Tashilunpo Monastery, the main sect of the Panchen Lama, a great scholar in Tibetan Buddhism. After you enter this massive monastery, you can see locals doing kora around iconic white stupas, while those beneath the tree are drinking Tibetan sweet tea and chatting leisurely.

In the Maitreya Temple, you can admire the world’s largest statue of Maitreya (26m), made of 278kg of gold and 23,000kg of copper, and continue through peaceful alleys to visit the tomb of the 10th Panchen Lama and sit on a cushion and meditate along with the monks in the tranquil Assembly Hall.

Then, you can enjoy a peaceful 1-hour pilgrimage walk (kora) around Tashilhunpo Monastery, following the traditional path taken by local pilgrims and enjoy beautiful views over Shigatse’s Dzong and the charming Shigatse old quarters below.

With time permitting, you can wander through the Samzhubze Old Market in the old quarter of Shigatse, where narrow lanes, traditional shops, and local stalls offer a glimpse into everyday Tibetan life at a relaxed and easy pace.

Finally, you will board our comfortable tour bus for a scenic final drive (around 2 hours) to Lhatse County (4,010m), where you will rest and acclimatize before continuing your journey to Everest Base Camp the next day.

Stay overnight in Lhatse for acclimatization.

• Experience Tibet's golden barley harvest season in autumn.
• Explore the revered Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse.

After breakfast, you’ll embark on an unforgettable journey toward Mount Everest. Autumn’s crisp air, clear skies, and excellent visibility make it the perfect season to witness Everest in its full splendor.

First, you will pass Gyatsola Pass (5280m). At Gyatsola Pass viewpoint, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest. Hidden behind the mountain range, the Everest resembles a budding lotus flower, a captivating sight along the roadside.

Shortly after, we enter the Mount Everest National Nature Reserve, and you will enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayas at Gawula Pass (5198m). From this viewpoint, you will marvel at the majestic lineup of the five highest peaks in the Himalayas, including Everest at the forefront. This is your second glimpse of Everest, and under the clear autumn sky, this dramatic panorama becomes even more breathtaking.

Then we drive along the zigzag road to Everest Base Camp (5,010m). As you get close to the base camp, the majestic Everest gradually unfolds before you, drawing nearer with each winding turn. This marks your third view of Everest.

Upon reaching Everest Base Camp, the colossal white pyramid peak of Mount Everest stands towering before you. As the day transitions to dusk, witness the golden hues of the sun casting a warm glow on Everest's northern face - your fourth view.

As night falls, the magic continues. Under a crystal-clear autumn sky filled with countless stars, the Milky Way rises above the snow-capped summit of Everest, creating a breathtaking Himalayan masterpiece, your fifth encounter with the world’s highest peak. With the exceptional visibility of the season, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to capture incredible night photos of Everest shining beneath the stars.

Stay overnight at Rongbuk Hotel (4,980m) near EBC or Zhaxizong Village (4,200m).

Insider Tips:

For our guests, if you adapt well to the altitude at Everest Base Camp (5,010m), we will arrange your stay at Rongbuk Hotel, the closest and most comfortable accommodation near Everest. If you experience any discomfort from the altitude, we can instead arrange an overnight stay at Zhaxizong Village (4,200m), nearly 1,000 meters lower, where you will find it easier to rest and sleep.

For both options, essential comforts such as oxygen supply, floor heating, hot water, clean Western-style toilets, and on-site dining are available. Throughout the journey, our experienced local Tibetan guide will be by your side, providing attentive support and helping ensure a safe, enjoyable, and worry-free experience.

Please note that visibility of Mount Everest is subject to weather conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Marvel at the mighty Himalayan Range from the famous Gawula Pass.
• Standing at the foot of Mt. Everest, a lifelong dream come true.

After breakfast, before departing from the base camp, you will visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest monastery, where nuns and monks live together at 5154 meters above sea level.

Then, you'll return to Shigatse via Dinggye, taking an alternative Himalayan route different from the traditional path. Here, you’ll stop at the Dinggye Xilin Viewpoint.

You can not only see the majestic eastern slope of the towering Mount Everest again, but also the world's fourth-highest peak, Mount Lhotse, standing at an elevation of 8,516 meters. Additionally, you can enjoy the vast and delightful wetland landscape at the foot of Mount Everest.

Next, you’ll make a brief stop in the ancient town of Sakya to explore the Sakya Monastery, the “treasure house” of Tibetan Buddhism. Inside the Sakya Monastery library, you can see around 24,000 ancient texts, including 8,848 volumes of precious Buddhist scripture. Many of these texts are written in gold and are over 800 years old, making them the largest and longest scriptures in Tibet.

You may also head up to the rooftop to capture the iconic view of the monastery's red, black, and white colors against the grey walls. Or discover Buddhist treasures like a white conch shell, a gift from Kublai Khan, and soak in rich Buddhist traditions and holy vibes at this hidden gem.

After visiting Sakya Monastery, you will enjoy a relaxing drive back to Shigatse. In the evening, a warm, hearty dinner awaits you, a perfect way to celebrate your unforgettable journey to the world’s highest peak.

Stay overnight in Shigatse.

• Explore Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest monastery.
• Sakya Monastery with Mongolian architectural style.

Today marks the end of your Tibet tour.

After breakfast, our local guide will take you to Shigatse Railway Station, where you’ll board the high-speed train back to Lhasa. During the comfortable 2-hour journey, sit back and enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery along the Yarlung Tsangpo River Valley, with golden farmlands, peaceful wetlands, and stunning mountain views creating a relaxing farewell to your Tibet adventure.

Upon arrival in Lhasa, you can either connect to your onward train or enjoy our arranged transfer to the Lhasa Gonggar Airport for your flight home.

Thank you for choosing Tibet Vista, and we extend a warm welcome for your return to Tibet in the future.

• Experience the high-speed train from Shigatse to Lhasa.
• Big farewell to Lhasa, and may you have a safe and pleasant journey back home!