9 days Qinghai Tibet train tour

Upon arrival at Xining airport, to be met and transferred to your hotel in Xining. Afternoon free explore Xining on your own. Overnight at Xining. 

Today your will be arranged to visit Qinghai Lake, which is the largest inland saltwater lake in China. The ellipse-shaped lake looks like a huge poplar leaf sitting on the alpine prairie. The scenery in Qinghai lake varies according to seasons. Summer and autumn are the most comfortable weather conditions and the lake's scenery is most beautiful during these seasons. You can choose to pay extra to cruise on the lake. Afternoon drives back to Xining for the train to Lhasa.


Today you will see the beautiful Tibetan plateau with the nomads' groups, Kekexili Nature Reserve, etc. Arrival at Lhasa in the late afternoon or evening, Lhasa train station pick up and transfer to your hotel in Lhasa. Overnight at Lhasa.

Today is your first day of sightseeing on the high plateau, so we have purposely arranged only to visit Jokhang temple and Potala Palace. Jokhang temple is the most sacred shrine in Tibet which was built in the 7th century, the circuit around it called Barkhor street, which is a good place to purchase souvenirs. Potala Palace is the worldwide known cardinal landmark of Tibet. The massive structure itself contains a small world within it. Mostly it is renowned as residence of the Dalai Lama lineages (Avalokiteshvara). Both of them are the focal points of pilgrims from the entire Tibetan world, multitudinous pilgrims are circumambulating and prostrating in their strong faith. Overnight at Lhasa.

Today you will be arranged to visit Drepung, Sera monasteries and Summer Palace - Norbulingka palace. Both Drepung and Sera monasteries are Gelugpa (yellow hat) sect monastic colleges. Drepung monastery was the seat of the Government prior to Potala, it was once the world largest monastery in the history with 10,000 monks hailed from different monasteries all over Tibet. Sera monastery is famous for its Buddhism philosophical debate practice, the clapping sound and aggressive expression of the monks are well worth to see. Norbulingka is the summer palace of Dalai Lama, you can visit the residences of different lineages of the Dalai Lama. The park is crowded with picnickers and traditional activities during the Shoton (Yogurt festival) in August. Overnight at Lhasa.

Morning drive up to Kampala pass [4794m], you will have a glimpse of Yamdrok Tso and spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar in the distance, the turquoise-colored Lake Yamdrok is one of the three holy lakes in Tibet, the unforgettable vista of pincer-shaped turquoise water of the lake and amazing spectacle of Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar glacier from Karo la pass are the wonders of the day. Then along the Friendship southern Hwy drive to Gyantse, visit the famous stupa - Gyantse Kumbum, one of the most stunning architectural wonders in Tibet. Late afternoon drive to Shigatse. Overnight at Shigatse.

Morning visit Tashilunpo Monastery and the spectacular tombs of Panchen Lamas, do its kora with local people. Afternoon drive back to Lhasa along the friendship highway. Overnight at Lhasa.

Today make a day tour to Namtso Lake. Driving along Northern Tibetan grassland, distance view of the Nyenchen Thanglha snow mountain ranges, from the Largen-la pass[5190m] you can have the first view of Namtso lake. Namtso Lake means sky lake which is one of the three most holy lakes in Tibet, also it is the highest salt water lake in the world. You can hike at the lakeside and around the Tashi Do peninsula, then drive back to Lhasa. En route you will be arranged to visit one of the nomad families. Overnight at Lhasa.

Morning drop off at Lhasa airport or train station, end the tour.