14 Days Xi’an Lhasa Everest Train Tour with Qinghai Lake

Welcome to Xi’an, the ancient capital of China with over a thousand years of history.

Upon your arrival in Xi’an, our local guide will meet you at the airport or the railway station (depending on your travel plans) and escort you to your hotel in Xi’an.

The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure.

Stay overnight in Xi’an.

In the morning, you will visit the Terracotta Army and witness the Eighth Wonder of the World. You will not only be attracted by the life-sized warrior figures and horses, each of which has distinct facial expressions and positions, but also be astonished by various kinds of ancient weapons that reflect the highly advanced technology in weapon-making 2,200 years ago.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta). Originally built in 652 during the Tang dynasty, the Pagoda is known for keeping the Buddhist scriptures and figurines of the Buddha brought by Master Xuanzang, one of the most renowned Chinese monks. The whole place is one of the most visited destinations by international tourists in Xi’an.

Stay overnight in Xi’an.

After breakfast, you will start your journey to Shaanxi History Museum, the best place to take a glance at the glorious history of ancient Chinese civilization. The precious exhibits date from the Paleolithic era to the Qing Dynasty. The breadth and depth of the artifacts and the quality of artwork from each time period and dynasty are breathtaking.

Next, you’ll visit the Ancient City Wall. With a total length of approximately 14 kilometers, the Ancient City Wall in Xian is the most complete and largest existing Ming Dynasty city wall in China. While walking along the city wall, you can see the complete layout of the imperial city more than 1,000 years ago. You can also rent a bike (Optional, with an additional fee) to cycle on the ancient city wall.

Later, you’ll travel to the Muslim Quarter, the most famous gourmet street and largest Muslim business street in Xi’an. It’s the perfect place to chat with Muslim street vendors, purchase exquisite handicrafts, and enjoy a variety of local snacks.

Stay overnight in Xi’an.

In the morning, you will take a high-speed train from Xi’an to Xining, the starting point of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

Upon arrival in Xining, your local guide will pick you up at the railway station and take you to your hotel in Xining.

After checking in, you will visit Ta’er Monastery (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.

Stay overnight in Xining.

After breakfast, you will take a 2.5-hour drive from downtown Xining to Qinghai Lake, China’s largest inland saltwater lake. Along the way, you will pass through Huangyuan, Riyue Mountain, etc. You will be amazed by the stunning landscapes of green grassland, blue sky, white sky, and herds of sheep.

After arriving in the Erlangjian Scenic Area, you will enjoy leisure time appreciating the beauty of Qinghai Lake. The lake stretches out like a long, narrow blade in the water. As you stroll along the boardwalk, you’ll take in a sweeping view of the lake, which changes colors because of its varying salt levels. The scenery around you includes endless grasslands, fields of rapeseed flowers, sandy beaches, and grazing sheep, horses, and yaks. On clear days, you can see snow-capped mountains and Sand Island’s dunes in the distance. Moreover, you will meet devoted Buddhists here because the Qinghai Lake is also a sacred place for Tibetan Buddhists.

After the visit, you will get back to your hotel in Xining.

Stay overnight in Xining.

Today is free for you until you board the train to Tibet.

The railway station is about 2.5 kilometers north of downtown Xining. It is suggested to get to the railway station around 1 hour before departure. You need to present your passport and the Tibet Travel Permit to board the train.

Stay overnight on the train.

Tibet Permit Notice:
1. Once you book your trip with us, we will handle the Tibet Travel Permit application.

2. It is suggested to make your reservation and provide the necessary documents for the permit application at least 20 days in advance.

3. The issued travel permit will be sent to you before the train departs. Please make sure to keep your Tibet Travel Permit safe.

In the morning, you will enjoy fabulous scenery along the world-famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the highest railway in the world. Spectacular land of snow, boundless desert, vast grassland, grand ice mountains, and beautiful lakes will continually appear and strongly attract your heart.

Upon arrival in Lhasa, our friendly Tibetan guide will greet you at the airport with a Hada (the traditional Tibetan ceremonial scarf) and warm blessings.

Then, the guide and the driver will take you to your hotel in downtown Lhasa. You may view the Yarlung Tsangpo River/Brahmaputra River (the Longest and largest river in Tibet) and Lhasa River.

After settling into your hotel, take some time to rest and adjust to the high altitude.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

In the morning, you’ll explore the largest monastery in Tibet - Drepung Monastery, which was once the home to over 10,000 monks. As you walk through the Coqen Hall, your guide will provide detailed explanations of the worldview of Tibetan Buddhism and introduce notable figures in Tibetan Buddhist history.

Next, you’ll visit the renowned Loseling College (or an equivalent), offering a glimpse into the study and life of Tibetan monks. Explore their dormitories to gain insights into the Tibetan monks' daily routines and living conditions.

In the afternoon, you’ll head to Sera Monastery, another of the ‘great three’ Gelug monasteries of Tibet, to witness the famous Tibetan Monks Debate (15:00 - 17:00, from Monday to Saturday). Your guide will intricately explain how Tibetan monks engage in these debates to acquire knowledge and advance in their academic degrees.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

After breakfast, your first stop is the Potala Palace, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Lhasa Old Town. 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 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 will visit Longwangtan 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.

In the afternoon, you will head to the heart of Tibetan religion - the Jokhang Temple. Inside you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve. Outside, you can see pilgrims making prostrating in front of Jokhang Temple. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can do kora (a religious circle of a building or mountain) with pilgrims and locals, and explore the old market.

Next, follow your guide to one of the liveliest indoor Tibetan tea houses in Lhasa. Sip traditional Tibetan sweet tea alongside local Tibetans as your guide shares insights into Tibetan social dynamics and daily life.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

In the morning, start the overland journey from Lhasa to Shigatse, which includes visits to Tibet's most beautiful lake, glacier, and charming Tibetan villages.

First, drive over the Gampala Pass (4790 m) to catch a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso (4400m). The Yamdrok Lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and in the distance you can have spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar (7191m), the highest mountain near Lhasa. Continue to explore the lakeshore from various viewpoints, and at the end of the lake, you could visit a local family in the village and have lunch with the locals.

Next, you will pass and enjoy the Korola Glacier on the roadside. It is the largest glacier in Tibet. As you see the ice tongue of the glacier climb the entire hillside, you will feel the magical power of nature.

Then, continue your journey to Gyantse. On the way, you will stop at Simila Mountain Pass, where you can hang prayer flags to pray for world peace and the health of your family.

After arriving in Gyantse, you can spend some time taking photos of the ancient city of Gyantse. From Gyantse to Shigatse, you will pass by green (in summer) and golden (in autumn) Tibetan barley fields and countless farms.

Finally, we will arrive in Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet. After checking in to the hotel, you can take a good rest and prepare for the next day’s trip to Mount Everest.

Stay overnight in Shigatse.

After breakfast, you will head directly to Mount Everest.

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 Mount Everest National Nature Reserve, you will enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayas at Gawula Pass (5198m). At 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.

Then we drive along the new zigzag road to Everest Base Camp. 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 sparkling Milky Way and the snow-white peak of Mount Everest reveal your fifth and final encounter with Everest.

Stay overnight at Everest Base Camp or in the local village near EBC if the EBC tent hotels are closed during the winter season.

Insider Tips:
1. The visibility of Everest is subject to weather conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

2. During the winter season, typically from November to March, the tent hotels at Everest Base Camp close. Therefore, if you’re traveling in winter, your accommodation options are limited to the village near EBC.

Today, you will retrace the journey along the Himalayas and return to Shigatse. Once again savoring the beauty of the Himalayan mountain range.

In the morning, 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 stroll around Saga Ancient Town.

Finally, you’ll arrive in Shigatse.

Stay overnight in Shigatse.

Insider Tips:
Due to heavy rain in the summer or snowstorms in the winter, there might be changes to your travel route back to Shigatse from Mount Everest. Instead of passing through Dinggye and Sakya, you may return via Gyawula Pass and Tingri. If this happens, we’ll provide you with a paper notice while you’re in Tibet.

After breakfast, we will visit the home of Panchen Lama - Tashilunpo Monastery. The grand and magnificent halls of the largest local monastery occupy the entire hillside. This is the spiritual home of the Tibetan people in Shigatse, housing the world's largest statue of Maitreya Buddha. Inside, you will see monks adorned with yellow hats and red robes, moving about the temple.

Next, we will return to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River, the mother river of the Tibetan people.

Finally, you will arrive in Lhasa. Enjoy leisure time wandering freely through Barkhor Street, where you can shop for gifts to bring back home for your family.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Today marks the end of your tour.

Please make sure to verify your departure flight/train details with our guide in advance. And your guide will take you to the airport or train station.

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