9 days Qinghai Tibet train tour

Xining
⇀ Qinghai Lake
⇀ Lhasa
⇀ Gyantse
⇀ Shigatse
⇀ Lhasa
⇀ Namtso
⇀ Lhasa
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.
Type
Private
Duration
9 days
Theme
Culture and Heritage, Natural scenery, Photography, Train travel
Trip code
CTTT-03
Price
From $ 1,080 per person
$ 982
you save $ 98 (10%)
Qinghai Lake is the largest salty Lake in China and it's a 5A national natural spot, it becomes frozen since December and lasts for about 6 months every year. There are various kinds of birds living on the island in Qinghai Lake, it's very beautiful and lively. On the other side of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway is Tibet, another attractive place for travelers. There are countless famous temples and monasteries introducing the culture and customs of Tibet, in Lhasa, the Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace and Drepung Monastery are the best destinations for visitors of this purpose. Also, You can find plenty of scenic spots in Tibet, the holy lakes, natural towns and solemn mountains. This trip helps you visit these breathtaking places and what's more, travel by train is a better way to enjoy the beautiful views along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway!
Day 01 :
Arrival at Xining

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. 

Day 02 :
Xining - Qinghai lake / take train from Xining to Lhasa (B)

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.

Day 03 :
Arrival at Lhasa [3,595m]

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.

Day 04 :
Lhasa City sightseeing, visit Potola Palace & Jokhang Temple (B) - walking tour is arranged

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.

Day 05 :
Lhasa City sightseeing, visit Drepung monastery, Sera monastery & Norbulingka summer palace (B)

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.

 

Day 06 :
Lhasa / Yamdrok Lake[4441m] / Gyantse[3,980m] / Shigatse[3,840m], 360KM, 7hrs (B)

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.

Day 07 :
Shigatse / Lhasa, 300km, 5-6hrs drive (B)

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.

Day 08 :
Lhasa / Namtso Lake / Tibetan nomad family visit / Lhasa (B)

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.

Day 09 :
Lhasa train station / airport dropping off(B)

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

Tour notes:

Please note prices are based in CNY.

General inclusions:

All required government taxes and fees.
Please contact one of our Tour Advisors to get a custom quotation made to your requirements.
All required Tibet permits and domestic travel documents.
Your selection of 3, 4 or 5 Stars hotel (shared twin room, private bathroom and daily breakfast)
All entrance tickets as noted in the tour's itinerary.
Local Tibetan guide fluent in English, Chinese or Japanese that is certified by the state tourism build. (If your native language is not listed please let us know, we are certain we can assist your needs.)
Airport and/or train station pick-up and drop-off.
Comfortable and clean private minivan with driver (please note that on days designated with walking tours, no private vehicle will be arranged by default.)
Train sleeper cabin either hard or soft-sleepers based on your selection to Lhasa.

General exclusions:

Personal expenses such as laundry, drinks, internet access, fax, telephone calls etc.
Tips for your guide and driver.
Meals that are not specified in the tour itinerary.
Optional Attractions that are not specified in the itinerary.
Flight and/or railway ticket(s) to the first city of the tour and departure from the last city of the tour.

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Comments

Joseph Chen
Joseph Chen
Fri, 10/01/2021

When will China open for tourism to US citizen?

Replied by
Yuki from WindhorseTour
Yuki Yi
Sun, 10/03/2021

In reply to by Joseph Chen (not verified)

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

lei Zhang
lei Zhang
Mon, 03/20/2017

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!

Replied by
MurphyF
Murphy Feng
Mon, 03/20/2017

In reply to by lei Zhang (not verified)

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

Adarsh
Adarsh
Fri, 06/17/2016

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

Replied by
MurphyF
Murphy Feng
Mon, 06/20/2016

In reply to by Adarsh (not verified)

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

Janet Ng
Janet Ng
Sat, 04/09/2016

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

Replied by
Yuki from WindhorseTour
Yuki Yi
Mon, 04/11/2016

In reply to by Janet Ng (not verified)

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

Ross
Ross
Wed, 07/29/2015

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

Replied by
Tracy Dong
Tracy Dong
Thu, 07/30/2015

In reply to by Ross (not verified)

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

Lycoris Yang
Lycoris Yang
Mon, 02/09/2015

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

Masud Ahmad
Masud Ahmad
Sat, 02/07/2015

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

jill schreiber
jill schreiber
Thu, 05/29/2014

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

Replied by
Victoria Fang
Victoria Fang
Fri, 05/30/2014

In reply to by jill schreiber (not verified)

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

Alex Watson
Alex Watson
Mon, 05/12/2014

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

Replied by
Yuki from WindhorseTour
Yuki Yi
Tue, 05/13/2014

In reply to by Alex Watson (not verified)

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

Ruth
Ruth
Tue, 11/19/2013

Is it possible to see Everest without doing the Base Camp part of the trip?

Replied by
MurphyF
Murphy Feng
Wed, 11/20/2013

In reply to by Ruth (not verified)

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

AI LING
AI LING
Mon, 04/08/2013

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?

Replied by
MurphyF
Murphy Feng
Tue, 04/09/2013

In reply to by AI LING (not verified)

Hi Al Ling,

Thanks for contacting us! I'm glad to answer your questions as below:

  1. 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.
  2. There's train available from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xining and Lanzhou to Lhasa. 
  3. 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

Ms Jenjit Jennavin
Ms Jenjit Jennavin
Mon, 02/11/2013

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

Jessie
Jessie
Tue, 01/01/2013

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

Replied by
MurphyF
Murphy Feng
Wed, 01/02/2013

In reply to by Jessie (not verified)

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 (sales@windhorsetour.com) so we will get your email address for further assistance!

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Warm Regards,

Murphy