Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Xining Arrival

   Welcome to Xining! Upon your arrival, you will be escorted to your hotel by a skillful driver. After checking in, you can take some time to relax and recover from your travels.

   Meal: Dinner

   Accommodation: Sofitel Xining

2. Day 2: Xining - Qinghai Lake
   Qinghai Lake

   In the morning, your driver will pick you up from your hotel for a scenic 3-hour drive to Qinghai Lake. You can stop along the way to admire the stunning landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau.

   

   Upon arriving at the lake, you can take a leisurely walk along the shores of the crystal-clear lake, enjoy the fresh air, and capture some beautiful photos. Then, you can take a boat ride to see more of the lake, and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

   Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Accommodation: Sofitel Xining

3. Day 3: Xining - Lhasa
   Great Tangka of Tibetan Art and Culture, Xining's Urban Area

   After breakfast, you will be guided to visit the Great Tangka of Tibetan Art and Culture of China. This is a unique and exquisite collection of Tibetan art and cultural relics. You can learn about the history and culture of the Tibetan people and appreciate the intricate details of the artwork.

   

   Then, you can take a car tour of Xining's urban area, and see some of the city's notable sights.

   In the late afternoon, you will take the train from Xining to Lhasa. This train journey is a highlight of any trip to Tibet, as it provides spectacular views of the plateau's dramatic landscapes. Along the way, you will pass by towering mountains, vast grasslands, and sparkling lakes.

   Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Accommodation: On the Train

4. Day 4: Lhasa Arrival
   Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Tanggula Mountain, Qiangtang Grasslands

   On this day, you will spend most of your time on the train, but it will be a memorable experience. You will pass through the stunning scenery of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau, including snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and glistening lakes. You will cross the Tanggula Mountain range, the highest railway pass in the world, and travel through the Qiangtang Grasslands. As you approach Lhasa, you will see the majestic Potala Palace rising above the city skyline.

   Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Accommodation: Shangri-la Hotel Lhasa

   

5. Day 5: Lhasa Temple Tour
   Norbulingka Summer Palace, Sera Monastery, Yaowang Mountain Observation Deck

   In the morning, visit the Norbulingka Summer Palace, located in the western suburbs of Lhasa. This is a beautiful park with lush gardens, ornate pavilions, and many historic buildings. It was the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas for centuries and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

   Next, you can visit Sera Monastery, one of the "great three" Gelug university monasteries of Tibet. You can witness the monks' daily debating, which is a unique and fascinating aspect of Tibetan Buddhism.

   In the evening, you can climb onto the observation deck of Yaowang Mountain to enjoy a stunning night view of the Potala Palace. The palace is especially beautiful at night when it is illuminated with golden lights.

   Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Accommodation: Shangri-la Hotel Lhasa

   

6. Day 6: Lhasa City Tour
   Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street

   Today, you will visit the iconic Potala Palace first, which is the most recognizable landmark in Lhasa. This grand palace was a former residence and is now a museum that showcases the rich history and culture of Tibet.

   

   Next, tour the Jokhang Temple, one of the holiest sites in Tibetan Buddhism. This temple is located in the heart of Lhasa and is a bustling center of pilgrimage and worship. You can explore the temple's many chapels and halls, and marvel at the intricate religious artwork and sculptures.

   Finally, freely explore Barkhor Street, a bustling marketplace that encircles the Jokhang Temple. This is the main commercial street in Lhasa and is a lively hub of activity. You can browse the shops and stalls, haggle with vendors, and sample some of the local cuisine.

   Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Accommodation: Shangri-la Hotel Lhasa

   

7. Day 7: Lhasa - Shigatse
   Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, Red River Valley Filming Location

   In the morning, your guide will meet you at your hotel in Lhasa and drive you to Yamdrok Lake. Along the way, you'll pass several high mountain passes with stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Upon arrival, you'll have some time to walk along the shore and take in the breathtaking scenery. You may even want to take a short boat ride to get a different perspective of the lake.

   

   Afterwards, your guide will take you to Karola Glacier, which is just a short drive from Yamdrok Lake. You'll have the opportunity to get up close to this majestic natural wonder and take plenty of photos.

   Finally, you'll visit the filming location of the movie 'Red River Valley', which is located in the nearby town of Langmusi. Here, you can explore the Tibetan-style buildings and enjoy the stunning landscapes that made it a popular filming spot.

   Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Accommodation: Hilton Shigatse

   

8. Day 8: Shigatse - Tingri
   Tashilhunpo Monastery, National Highway 318

   In the morning, you'll visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, which was founded in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama. This massive complex is home to several impressive structures, including the 26-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha statue.

   Afterwards, you'll hit the road and drive on National Highway 318, which is considered the most beautiful viewing avenue in China. Along the way, you'll see some of the most stunning scenery in Tibet, including snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and grassy meadows. You'll also stop at the Monument to commemorate the journey and take some photos.

   Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Accommodation: PingCuo Kangsang Everest Base Camp Rich Oxygen Hotel

   

9. Day 9: Tingri - EBC - Shigatse
   Mount Everest Sunrise, Rongbuk Monastery, Everest Base Camp

   This day starts very early in the morning, as you'll want to witness the sunrise of Mount Everest. Your guide will take you to the Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world located at an elevation of 4,980 meters.

   

   From there, you'll hike or take a shuttle bus to the Everest Base Camp, which is located just a few kilometers away. Here, you can get up close to the world's highest peak and take plenty of photos. You can also enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in one of the local tents.

   Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Accommodation: Hilton Shigatse

10. Day 10: Shigatse - Lhasa
    Yarlung Zangbo River

    Today, take the bullet train from Shigatse back to Lhasa. The train journey takes about 3 hours and offers stunning views of the Yarlung Zangbo River along the way.

    

    When you arrive in Lhasa, you'll have some free time to explore the city on your own. You may want to visit some of the local markets, sample some Tibetan food, or simply take a walk around your hotel and enjoy the charming night view of Lhasa.

    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Accommodation: St.Regis Lhasa

11. Day 11: Lhasa Departure

    After breakfast, your guide will escort you to Lhasa Kongga International Airport, where you'll catch your flight back home. Along the way, you can reflect on your amazing journey in Tibet and think about all the memories you've made.

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: N/A