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.
Qinghai Tibet train tour
- Xining
- Qinghai Lake
- Lhasa
- Gyantse
- Shigatse
- Lhasa
- Namtso
- Lhasa
Tour facts
- Trip code
- CTTT-03
- Duration
- 9 days
- Type
- Private
- Theme
- Culture and Heritage, Natural scenery, Photography, Train travel
Tour overview
Begin your train journey in the multinational city-Xining, Qinghai province. This Tibet train tour offers you a once in a lifetime chance to relax in these breathtaking spots including Qinghai Lake, the Potala Palace and more.
From USD 1,063 per person
Based on 2 travelers in low season
- Private Tour at Your Own Pace
- Tibet Travel Permit Included
- Local Tibetan Guide
- Private Vehicle & Driver
Itinerary
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.
What’s included
Tour notes
- Please note prices are based in CNY.
General inclusions
- All required government taxes and fees.
- All required Tibet permits and domestic travel documents.
- Airport and/or train station pick-up and drop-off.
- Hard sleeper (6-berth) train ticket to Lhasa (Tibet) included. Soft sleeper (4-berth) upgrade available on request.
- Admission tickets for all attractions included in the itinerary.
- Professional licensed English-speaking local Tibetan guide (Other languages, including Spanish, German, and Japanese, available upon request).
- Comfortable 4-star hotels where available (upgrade or downgrade on request). Otherwise, the best local hotels or guest houses (typically 3-star or budget).
General exclusions
- Personal expenses such as laundry, drinks, internet access, fax, telephone calls etc.
- Tips for your guide and driver.
- Flight or train tickets to the first city and from the last city of the tour.
- Optional Attractions that are not specified in the itinerary.
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Ask a question
Questions from other travelers
14 questions
Hello, we are planning to make a trip to China next year and would love to take a train to Lhasa.
We do understand that there are some requirements which cannot be missed like Tibet Travel Permit.
I just wonder… as Polish citizens are not required to have a visa for China if their stay does not exceed 15 days… how does it work? Did you have any Polish travellers in a past? Can you say something about it from your experience?
I would be very grateful if you could answer me
Thank you
Mariola
Dear Mariola,
Thank you for your message! It’s wonderful to hear that you’re planning a trip to China, and taking the train to Lhasa sounds like a fantastic experience. I’m Victoria Zhu, a travel advisor at WindhorseTour, and I’d be happy to answer your questions and assist you in planning your once-in-a-lifetime Tibet train journey.
Polish citizens who are not staying in China for more than 15 days do not need a visa for mainland China, including Tibet. However, this exemption does not apply to Tibet. Even if you are visiting China for a short stay, you will still need a Tibet Travel Permit to enter Tibet, including Lhasa. This is a separate process from the regular Chinese visa and must be arranged in advance due to Tibet’s special entry requirements.
Yes, we have assisted Polish travelers in the past, and I can assure you that we handle the Tibet Travel Permit process for all our guests, regardless of their nationality. We can assist you with your Tibet permit application by submitting copies of your passport data page and your detailed travel plan on your behalf. Typically, the Tibet Tourism Bureau accepts Tibet permit applications about 1 month before the start of your tour.
Please feel free to let me know if you need further details or if you’d like us to assist with the Tibet Travel Permit and organizing your trip. We’ll be happy to help!
Warm regards,
Victoria
When will China open for tourism to US citizen?
Hello Joseph,
Thanks for your comment. Given the current situation, it’s hard to tell the exact re-open time of Chinese borders, we are expecting the fall of 2022. I have sent you an email with the details, please go through it and feel free to share your thoughts. Look forward to hearing from you back soon to provide further assistance.
Kind regards,
Yuki
Please give me quotation PP. We are two people. in Beijing Apr. 28. We have to take soft berth train . 4 and above stars hotel.
Thanks!
Hi Lei Zhang,Thanks for contacting us! Of course we could help you with the soft-sleeper train tickets to Lhasa. I just sent you an email with some comments and the quotation for your reference, please take a look.Look forward to hearing from you soon!Cheers,Murphy
We are 3 people traveling to Thailand and Siem Reap. Want to travel from Siem Reap to Lhasa on 19 July. We are Indians based in the USA. We will be applying for Chinese visa on 20 June. How long will it take to get the Tibet permit? We will exit on 27/28 July
Hi Adarsh,Thanks for your comment! I just sent you an email with some suggestions and details about Tibet permit application, please take a look.Feel free to let me know if you have any further questions on it:Look forward to hearing from you soon!Cheers,Murphy
Hello. I am Janet from Malaysia. I am interested in above tour & I plan to visit Tibet by train in early June 2016. I would like to know the price & the itinerary in detail on this tour.
Regards,
Janet Ng
Dear Janet,
Thanks for your comment! I’ve sent you the tour proposal with quotation for you review via Email, please take a look. Feel free to let me know if you have any further questions on it:
Look forward to hearing from you soon!
Best Regards,
Yuki
Just wondering if it was possible to actually travel Tibet on the cheap, I’m a 21 year old backpacker and was planning a trip to china. Would love to make Tibet one of the locations but everything I’ve seen has made it look kind of expensive. Does it always have to cost alot
Hello Ross,
Wonderful to hear from you. This is Tracy from Windhorse Tour.
I have sent you an email based on your inquiry, please kindly go through it and let me know your questions.
I am looking forward to your reply
Best regards,
Tracy
Hello Masud,
Thanks for contacting, I’m very glad to assist you organize a Tibet tour. I have just sent you an email with details about this trip, please kindly check it and don’t hesitate to share with me your thoughts and comments.
Best Regards,
Lycoris
Planning. Trip to Tibet in late July for 2 .Delux soft 2 berth Train from Bejing to Lhasa and return by air to Bejing. I have only6-7 days and want to cover as much as possible. More interested in outdoors and culture than religious sites.Moderately priced accommodation .please quote my your approximate expenses . Thanks, Masud Ahmad
Just beginning to plan a trip to tibet. We want to see as much of the area as possible. After going to myanmar, friends say tibet is where wewant to go. Help! BestTime of year? How much time needed? Cost? Etc. Thanks for your help . Jill
Hi Jill,
Thanks for your inquiry, we are very pleasure to assist you organize your Tibet tour. I have sent you an email with tour proposals please check it and don’t hesitate to share with me your thoughts and comments.
Best regards,
Victoria
Hi,
I am an Englishman living in Tokyo. I am interested in visiting Tibet in mid-late August with 8-10 days. I would like to see the main sights, and my main interest is the history and culture of the country. Would you be able to recommend something to me?
Best.
Alex
Dear Alex,
Thanks for your inquiry! I guess you are very interested in Tibetan history and culture! I just sent you a tour proposal for you review, Please check the details and feel free to get me back for any questions you may have!
Cheers,
Yuki
Is it possible to see Everest without doing the Base Camp part of the trip?
Hi Ruth, Thanks for contacting us! It is possible to see Everest from Gewu-la Pass / Tingri if the weather is good. We have received another inquiry from you, and I've sent you more details by email, please check it and I hope that's helpful!Cheers,Murphy
I ‘m interested to travel to Tibet by train.When is a good time to visit the place and which city does the train start from? How many days will it take to get the permit ready to enter Tibet?
Hi Al Ling,Thanks for contacting us! I'm glad to answer your questions as below:Generally speaking, the appropriate time to visit Tibet is from mid of April to mid November, that will depend on which area you plan to go.There's train available from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xining and Lanzhou to Lhasa. To apply for your permit, we suggest you confirm your travel plan and send all necessary documents to us at least 20 days in advance.I've sent you an email with more details, please check it and I'm looking forward to hearing from you again!Kind Regards,Murphy
If we change the planed on day 7-9 to go to EBC how it’s cost? We have 5 ladies from Thailand .We want to start the tour on 12th or 13th Oct. 2013 or(20-30 sep). First class train cabin,3 star hotel.
Love to hear from you.
Jenjit
hello, I am interested in this train trip to Tibet. Is it oxygen pressurised train? pls can you give me a quote based on 2 persons, First Class train cabin, 5 star hotel, and 4 star hotel, trip period around 25th Sept.
I understand it can be difficult to obtain a Tibetan permit.
thank you.
Jessie
Hi Jessie,
Thanks for your comments!
Regarding Tibet train, I don’t know where you plan to board the train, however, oxygen will be pumped in the cabins after Golmud.
On the other hand, we don’t think there will be any problem to get permits in next September 🙂
We’d love to send you a tour proposal with quotation, please send us a simple email ([email protected]) so we will get your email address for further assistance!
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Warm Regards,
Murphy
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Qinghai Tibet train tour
Xining → Qinghai Lake → Lhasa → Gyantse → Shigatse → Lhasa → Namtso → Lhasa
- Step 1: Your trip
- Step 2: Your details
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