12 Days Xining and Tibet Natural Scenery Tour by Train

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Then, continue driving along the new zigzag road to Everest Base Camp (5200m). As you get close to the base camp, the majestic Everest gradually unfolds before you, drawing nearer with each winding turn.

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.

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:
During 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.

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 you are interested in witnessing the beautiful sunset at Namtso Lake, you can stay longer for the sunset. Please tell your travel consultant or your travel guide before departure.
2. Due to the higher altitude of Lake Namtso, standing at 4,718 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.

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.

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.