11 Days Tibet Train Tour with Nyingchi
Tour Overview
The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the first railway leading to the hinterland of Xizang (Tibet), and also the plateau railway with the highest altitude and longest line in the world. This 11-day Tibet train tour starts from Chengdu and will take you to explore the natural and cultural landscape in southwest China.
After experiencing the slow life in Chengdu, take a plane directly to Nyingchi, where ancient cypress trees and tranquil temples await you. Drive west to the capital of Tibet, Lhasa, visit the landmark Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, etc. Before embarking on the China train our, visit two of Tibet’s three holy lakes, including Namtso Lake and Yamdrok Lake. Afterwards, enjoy a train journey from Lhasa to Xining. Enjoy the grasslands, villages, snow capped mountains along the way, and finally return to Chengdu via Xining.
Travel destinations: Chengdu, Nyingchi, Lhasa, Shigatse, Xining
Suitable for: Nature Lovers, Culture Explorers
Tour type: Private
Highlights of this tour:
- Experience the leisurely pace of life in Chengdu and savor the flavor of Sichuan cuisine.
- Be amazed at the thousand year old Cypress King in the Nyingchi area.
- Admire the crystal-clear waters and surrounding mountains of Basong Lake.
- Visit Namtso Lake and Yamdrok Lake, two of the three holy lakes in Tibet.
- Appreciate the magnificent Potala Palace, the highest palace in the world.
- Have a spiritual baptism in the sacred hall of Jokhang Temple.
- Enjoy a railway journey on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway with the scenery of lakes, mountains, and grasslands.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu
Welcome to Chengdu, the hometown of pandas. After arriving at the airport, your professional driver will pick you up, holding a sign with your name written on it. After that, we will transfer you to a comfortable hotel in the city center. You can freely explore this city in the remaining time.
Chengdu is famous for its leisurely pace of life and delicious Sichuan cuisine. If you can eat spicy food, try some authentic Sichuan cuisine dishes.
Meal: N/A
Accommodation: in Chengdu
- Day 2: Chengdu to Nyingchi TourExplore Ancient Cypress and Enjoy Local Cuisine
Enjoy a delicious breakfast in the hotel, and then the driver will escort you to the airport to take the flight to Nyingchi, Tibet. After landing, the local tour guide will be waiting to pick you up and accompany you to the hotel to check in. Nyingchi is located at a higher altitude (average altitude of 3,100 meters), so you need some time to acclimatize to avoid altitude sickness.
King Cypress In the afternoon, start your Tibet tour of NyingchiĀ at the awe-inspiring King Cypress. The tree is 57 meters high, with a trunk circumference of 14.8 meters, and is over 2600 years old. Your tour guide will take you to explore the Giant Cypress Nature ReserveĀ and learn more facts about the Cypress King. Afterwards, head to Bayi SubdistrictĀ to discover some cultural highlights. For dinner, taste the local specialty - Stone Pot Chicken, using fresh chicken without freezing treatment.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Accommodation: in Nyingchi
- Day 3: Nyingchi Temple and Nature TourDiscover Tibetan Culture, Mountain Azaleas, and Stunning Forests
After enjoying a sumptuous breakfast, set off to explore the cultural treasures of Nyingchi. Your first stop is Lamaling Monastery, located on a low mountain called Lamaling. The main hall of the temple is tower shaped, with three floors and a height of over 20 meters. The Buddhist temple is covered with a golden roof, and the four walls are white, blue, red, and green. Here you can learn about the spirit of Tibetan Buddhism.
Lamaling Monastery Next, on your Nyingchi tour, we will take you to Sejila Mountain, which is famous for the azaleas that cover the mountains and fields. From mid April to the end of June, azaleas bloom from the foot of the mountain to the top. Especially in June, all the azaleas on the mountain bloom in shades of yellow, white, purple, pink, etc., forming a sea of flowers.
Finally, go and appreciate the beautiful Lulang Forest, a forest shrouded in clouds and mist. The entire scenic area is lined with snow capped mountains, green forests, and neat meadows in the woods. In spring, thousands of wildflowers bloom in competition, turning this place into a paradise on earth. On the way back to Nyingchi, you can see the Niyang River passing through small Tibetan villages nestled among the mountains.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Accommodation: in Nyingchi
- Day 4: Nyingchi to Lhasa TourEnjoy Breathtaking Lake Views, Snow-covered Mountains, and Serene Pastures
Today's Tibet tour in NyingchiĀ takes you to the charming Basong Lake. In Tibetan, its name means "green water". The lake is about 18 kilometers long. The scenic area is densely covered with forests, and its oxygen content is higher than that of other lakes of Tibet. Tourists generally do not have altitude sickness. You will enjoy snow mountains, lakes, forests, and pastures here. Explore Xianren IslandĀ by crossing a wooden bridge, known as "Little Switzerland".
Basong Lake Later, we drive for 4.5 hours to Lhasa. On the way, you will see the striking Mila Mountain and the picturesque Maizhokunggar County. Upon arrival in Lhasa, have a good rest and acclimate to the higher altitude.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Accommodation: in Lhasa
- Day 5: Lhasa Highlights TourDiscover the Spiritual Essence of the Rood of the World
After breakfast, get ready for a full day of Lhasa cultural exploration. Start the visit at the Potala Palace, which is a sacred place in the hearts of all pilgrims. Here, you can not only admire many historical relics such as pagodas, sculptures, murals, Thangka paintings, jade, porcelain, enamel, and admire the wonderful architectural art of the Tibetan ethnic group, but also undergo a spiritual baptism in that sacred atmosphere.
Potala Palace In the afternoon, immerse in the spiritual ambiance at the sacred Jokhang Temple, a true holy land and center in the hearts of Tibetan Buddhist believers. Founded in the mid-7th century AD, theĀ temple features a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha at the age of twelve as its precious treasure.Ā Taking photos is not allowed inside the chapels of the monasteries.
After that, take a walk on the nearby Barkhor Street, the busiest commercial street in Lhasa where you can pick up unique Tibetan souvenirs and experience vibrant local culture.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Accommodation: in Lhasa
- Day 6: Lake Exploration TourImmerse in the Tranquil Beauty of Namtso Lake
Today, from Lhasa, hop on a journey through the Qinghai-Tibet Railway north to Namtso Lake, one of the "Three Holy Lakes" in Tibet. The lake is the highest lake in the world and the second largest saltwater lake in China after Qinghai Lake. Along the way you can see sheep and yaks grazing on the vast grassland.
Upon arrival, the first thing that catches the eye is the vast lake surface, which is clear and transparent, presenting a beautiful blue-green color. The lake shimmered in the sunlight, like a huge mirror reflecting the magnificent scenery of the surrounding snow capped mountains. This is an excellent photography opportunity.
If weather conditions allow, enjoy the spectacular sight of the peak of Mt. Tanggula, one of the world's highest railway passes. Please note that in the event of unfavorable weather conditions, your itinerary will include visits to the Drepung MonasteryĀ and Norbulingka Palace.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Accommodation: in Lhasa
Namtso Lake - Day 7: Lhasa to Shigatse TourExperience the Tibet's Natural Wonders and Spiritual Sites
Today, continue your Tibet tour after breakfast. Catch a glimpse of the Gabala Radar StationĀ in the distance and enjoy the spectacular Karola Glacier.
Your next stop is Yamdrok Lake, which is known as the three sacred lakes of Tibet with Lake Manasarovar and Namtso Lake. In the hearts of Tibetans, the lake is regarded as "the goddess's turquoise earrings". Take a leisurely walk along its shores and capture the breathtaking beauty with your camera. Also, be guided to explore the movie scenes of the classic movie 'Red River Valley'.
Ride a Yak by the Yamdrok Lake Last, go to visit Palcho MonasteryĀ and Kumbum Stupa. The Monastery is a typical Tibetan Buddhist monastery building combined with a pagoda and a temple. Your tour guide will show you around and tell you the cultural significance of these sacred sites.After the tour, we drive to Shigatse to spend the night.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Accommodation: in Shigatse
- Day 8: Shigatse Tour Back to LhasaVisit the Spiritual Heart of Shigatse - Tashilhunpo Monastery
After breakfast, your Tibet tour in Shigatse takes you to visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the spiritual heart of the city. It was built by the first Dalai Lama and served as the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. You can wander through the alleys, marvel at the tall statues of Buddha, and witness the prayers of the devoted monks. After that, your guide will take you to get close to Tibetan Mastiffs, a dog breed unique to Tibet. The nature of sincerely protecting the owner makes it the best protective dog for nomadic tribes.
Tashilhunpo Monastery After that, go back to Lhasa and experience the Tibetan Thangka art. This is a traditional form of religious painting. In the evening, you are suggested toĀ take a leisurely stroll around the illuminated Potala Palace Square.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Accommodation: in Lhasa
- Day 9: A Scenic Railway JourneyQinghai-Tibet Railway Tour, Qinghai Lake, Mount Kunlun, Qiangtang Grasslands
In the morning, your driver will pick you up in the hotel lobby and take you to Lhasa Railway Station. Step on the train and travel along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Xining. This will be an unforgettable Tibet train tour.
Enjoy the beautiful natural scenery along the way - the vast Qinghai Lake, the majestic Kunlun Mountains, and the vast Qiangtang Grassland. Occasionally, you can also see wild yaks and elegant Tibetan antelopes.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: on the train
Stunning scenery along Qinghai-Tibet Railway - Day 10: Xining to Chengdu TourTake a Day Tour in Xining at the Ta'er Temple
After arriving in Xining, the local driver will take you to the airport to take a plane back to Chengdu. If you want to have a day to explore Xining, we will arrange for you to stay overnight in a luxurious five-star hotel.
The local guide will take you to visit Ta'er TempleĀ or Kumbum Monastery. It is one of the six greatest Gelug Sect monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism in China. You will learn more about Tibetan cultural heritage.
Meal: Lunch + Dinner
Accommodation: in Chengdu
Ta'er Monastery - Day 11: Departure from Chengdu
Savor a leisurely morning in Chengdu. Your driver will then transferĀ you to the airport or train station for your journey to your next destination or back to your home. This is the end ofĀ your 11-day Tibet train tour throughĀ Chengdu, Nyingchi, Lhasa.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A
