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9 Days Xining to Lhasa and Sacred Namtso Lake Tour

9 Days Xining to Lhasa and Sacred Namtso Lake Tour

Tour Route: Xining - Qinghai Lake - Xining - Lhasa - Namtso Lake - Damxung - Lhasa

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Overview

This 9-day Xining to Tibet train tour is a scenic journey, offering the breathtaking landscapes of the Tibet Plateau.

Starting from Xining, the starting point of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, you will first appreciate the beauty of Qinghai Lake and explore the Ta’er Monastery, which is the birthplace of the Tsongkhapa, the founder of Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism.

Then, you will take the overland train from Xining to Lhasa via the Qinghai Tibet Railway. It is a rare chance to travel through the Tibet Plateau via the world’s highest railway.

Upon arrival in Lhasa, you will explore the majestic Potala Palace, visit the sacred Jokhang Temple, witness the Monk debating in Sera Monastery, and experience locals’ life in Barkhor Street.

The trip to Namsto Lake could be the highlight and unforgettable ending of your journey. It offers a serene and breathtaking experience that encapsulates the beauty and tranquility of the surrounding landscape.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Xining Arrival

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. You can explore surrounding areas at your own pace.

Stay overnight in Xining.

Day 2: Xining Tour - Ta’er Monastery, China Tibetan Medicine Culture Museum, and Mo Street

In the morning, 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 handiworks. 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 Tibetan Buddhism history. 

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. 

Day 3: Visit Qinghai Lake and Board the Overnight Train to Lhasa

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, the 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 need to present your passport and the Tibet Travel Permit to board the train.

Stay overnight on the train.

Day 4: Travel on the Tibet Train and Arrive in Lhasa

Today, you will enjoy the most beautiful scenery of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway through the Tibet Plateau. Endless land of snow, vast desert, boundless grassland, snow-capped mountains, and stunning lakes will continually appear and strongly attract your heart.

After arriving in Lhasa, you will meet our friendly Tibetan guide at Lhasa Railway Station. 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.

Day 5: Lhasa Tour - Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery (B)

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), which offers 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.

Day 6: Lhasa Tour - Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street (B)

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. Also, you can enjoy a cup of traditional Tibetan Butter Tea at a local teahouse to experience the daily life of Tibetans.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Day 7: Lhasa to Namtso Lake and Drive to Damxung (B)

In the morning, heading north from Lhasa, you’ll pass through the vast prairie in Damxung, where you can see the closest nomads area to Lhasa, with herds of yaks and sheep. Besides, you can also enjoy the view of the Qinghai-Tibet railway against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

While crossing the snow-capped Nyenchen Thanglha Mountain Rainges, pause at the renowned Lagenla Pass (5190m) to marvel at the stunning vista of holy Namtso Lake from a distance. Descend the road to reach today’s destination, Namtso Lake, one of the ‘Three Holy Lakes’ in Tibet.

Upon reaching the lake, you can enjoy your time doing a leisurely trek around Tashi Dor Island and along the lakeshore. For a panoramic view of Namtso Lake, climb to the top of the hill on Tashi Dor Island, where the circular lake resembles a boundless blue sea surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

Marvel at the magical stone pillars and peaks, and explore meditation caves and Buddhist holy sites on the island with your travel guide.

After visiting Namtso Lake, you will return to Damxung via the mountain pass.

Stay overnight in Damxung.

Insider Tips:
1. If the majority of your group is interested in witnessing the beautiful sunset at Namtso Lake, you can stay longer for the sunset. While you wait, we’ll provide hot coffee or Tibetan sweet tea.

2. Due to the higher altitude of Lake Namtso, standing at 4718 meters above sea level, it tends to be colder than Lhasa. It is advisable to bring a warm jacket with you for today’s visit.

Day 8: Damxung to Lhasa via Chimelong Nunnery and Tsurphu Monastery (B)

After breakfast, you will first visit Chimelong Nunnery (Phyirmil Lung Nunnery), the largest nunnery near Lhasa. Roam over the peaceful nunnery and get an idea of different Buddhist studies in Tibet, you may also spot a sky burial site (Tibet funeral site) in the distance.

Then, head to Tsurphu Monastery, the oldest monastery in Tibet. It is the seat of the Karmapa branch of the Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism and is also the birthplace of the system of reincarnated living Buddhas in Tibet. Here, you can learn more about the ‘Black Hats', the Karma Kagyupa school of Tibetan Buddhism.

At the end of the day, return to Lhasa.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Day 9: Depart from Lhasa (B)

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.

Service Guide

Service Included:

  • Tibet travel permit and all other necessary permits to Tibet;
  • All entrance ticket fees for all tourist sites listed in the itinerary;
  • Personal knowledgeable English-speaking Tibetan local tour guide;
  • Personal comfortable, clean and safe vehicle with reliable Tibetan local driver; vehicle ranging from 4WD land cruiser to minibus depending on your group size;
  • All lodging listed in the itinerary; it’s your decision about the accommodation class: luxury 5-star international hotel, comfortable 4-star hotel, economic 3-star hotel or budget hostel, guesthouse or tent. Please tell us your accommodation preference when submitting the enquiry; we will arrange the best-value hotels for you.
  • Domestic flight/train tickets listed in the itinerary;
  • All meals listed in the above itinerary;
  • Tourist accident/casualty insurance;
  • First aid kit;

Service Excluded:

  • International flight to and out of China;
  • Chinese visa (Note: we could help you with the Chinese visa application, like providing the invitation letter, presenting the hotel or domestic flight reservation copies, etc that you may need. )
  • Domestic flight/train not listed in the itinerary. (We can provide you the domestic flight/train ticket booking service at the BEST discount price; please contact us our travel experts for the details.)
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary; usually it costs about USD3-15 per person for one meal in TAR (Tibet Autonomous Region).
  • Tips and gratitude to tour guide and driver;
  • Personal expenses, like laundry, phone call, snacks, soft drinks (please do the best to avoid the alcoholic beverages during your Tibet trip), optional tour activities, etc.

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