11 Days Xining Lhasa Shigatse Tingri EBC Tour
Tour Overview
The 11-day Xining Lhasa in-depth tour takes you through some of breathtaking natural and human landscapes of China. Your will begin your journey in Xining, where you will visit the beautiful Qinghai Lake, before traveling by train to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. In Lhasa, you will visit many of the city’s historical sites, including the Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple and the Norbulingka Summer Palace.
Besides, you will visit other beautiful places such as the Karola Glacier, Tingri and the Everest Base Camp. At the end of the tour, you will take a train back to Lhasa where you will return to your home country. Overall, this itinerary offers a great opportunity to explore the unique culture and stunning landscapes of Tibet and Qinghai.
Highlights of this tour:
1. Marvel at the crystal-clear waters and stunning landscapes of Qinghai Lake.2. Experience the thrill of riding the train from Xining to Lhasa and enjoy spectacular views of the Tibetan Plateau.
3. Discover the rich history and culture of Tibet by visiting iconic landmarks like the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Sera Monastery.
4. Sample local cuisine and haggle with vendors on the bustling commercial hub of Lhasa – Barkhor Street.
5. Be awed by the stunning natural beauty of Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier.
6. Drive on China’s Most Beautiful Viewing Avenue – National Highway 318 and take pictures with the Monument.
7. Witness the sunrise of Mount Everest and get up close to the world’s highest peak at the Everest Base Camp.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Xining Arrival
Welcome to Xining, Qinghai! Upon your arrival, the local driver will meet you at the airport and escort you to the hotel. After checking in, you can take some time to relax and recover from your travels.
Meal: Dinner
Accommodation: Sofitel Xining
- Day 2: Xining - Qinghai LakeQinghai 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. The largest inland lake in China, Qinghai Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world at 3,196 meters above sea level. The lake boasts crystal-clear waters and a vast expanse, and is surrounded by mountains and ravines, creating a picturesque scenery. During the summer, the lakeside is covered with lush green grass and vibrant blooming flowers, attracting numerous migratory birds to inhabit the area.
Qinghai Lake Boat Trip Upon arriving at the lake, you can take a leisurely walk along the shores of the clear lake, enjoy the fresh air, and capture some beautiful photos. Then, you can take a boat rideĀ to see more of the lake, and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Sofitel Xining
- Day 3: Xining - LhasaGreat 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 TibetanĀ people and appreciate the intricate details of artworks.Ā Then, you can take a car tour of Xining's urban area, and see some of the city's notable sights.
Great Tangka of Tibetan Art and Culture of China 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
- Day 4: Lhasa ArrivalQinghai-Tibet Plateau, Tanggula Mountain, Qiangtang Grasslands
On this day, you will spend most of your time on the train, but it will be an unforgettable experience. You will travel through the breathtaking scenery of the Tibetan Plateau, including snow-capped peaks, glaciers,Ā and glisteningĀ lakes.
You will cross the Tanggula Mountains, the highest railway pass in the world, and traverse the Qingtang Grasslands. As you approach Lhasa, you will see the majestic Potala Palace rising above the city skyline.Ā Upon arrival, a local guide and driver will meet you at the station and escort you to your hotel in downtown Lhasa to check in.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Shangri-la Hotel Lhasa
The scenery along the Qinghai Tibet Railway - Day 5: Lhasa Temple TourNorbulingka Summer Palace, Sera Monastery, Yaowang Mountain Observation Deck
In the morning, take a guided tour of 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 has been the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas for centuries and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking through it, you can see exquisite Tibetan architecture, colorful plants, and peaceful lakes, and get an initial impression on Tibetan culture.
Next, you will visit Sera Monastery, one of the "three" monasteries in Lhasa. There are a large number of cultural relics such as Buddha statues, Thangka, sutras and Buddhist artifacts, which are extremely precious. Entering the monasteries, you can see the monks debating, which is a unique and fascinating aspect of Tibetan Buddhism.
In the evening, you can climb onto the observation deck of Yaowang MountainĀ 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
Monks debating in Sera Monastery - Day 6: Lhasa City TourPotala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
Today, you will visit the magnificent Potala Palace. The Potala Palace integrates architectural styles from various ethnic groups, including Tibetan, Han, and Mongolian, and stands as an outstanding representation of Tibetan architecture. Located on Marpo Ri Hill, it consists of the White Palace and the Red Palace. The interior houses a vast collection of historical artifacts and artworks. Here, you can not only appreciate the unique charm of Tibetan culture but also experience the devout faith of the Tibetan people.
Potala Palace Next, drive for 10 minutes to the JokhangĀ 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
Barkhor Street - Day 7: Lhasa - ShigatseYamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, Red River Valley Filming Location
In the morning, your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Lhasa and drive to Yamdrok Lake. Along the way, you will pass through several high mountain passes with breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Upon arrival, you will have time to take a walk along the shoreĀ and enjoy the breathtaking views. You can even take a short boat trip to see the lake from a different perspective.
A yak by the lake of Yamdrok Lake Afterwards, your guide will take you to Karola Glacier, one of the lowest glaciers in the world, with the end of its glacierĀ tongue only 5,560 meters above sea level. The glaciers and lakes here are interspersed with magnificent scenery. You'll have the opportunity to get up close to this majestic natural wonder and take plenty of photos.
Last, you'll visit the filming locationĀ 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
Karola Glacier - Day 8: Shigatse - TingriTashilhunpo Monastery, National Highway 318
In the morning, you'll visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the largest temple in the Shigatse region. The temple complex is grand in scale and integrates Tibetan and Chinese architectural styles. There are a large number of precious cultural relics and historical and cultural heritage, including exquisite Thangka, Buddha statues, murals, and so on. Among them, the 26.2-meter-high Buddha statue is impressive.
Afterwards, hit the road and drive on National Highway 318, which is considered the most beautiful viewing avenue in China. Along the way, youĀ willĀ see some of the most stunning scenery in Tibet, including snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and grassy meadows. We willĀ also stop at the MonumentĀ to commemorate the journey and take some photos.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: PingCuo Kangsang Everest Base Camp Rich Oxygen Hotel
Tibet National Highway 318 - Day 9: Tingri - EBC - ShigatseMount Everest Sunrise, Rongbuk Monastery, Everest Base Camp
The day starts early in the morning and you will want to witness the sunrise over Mount Everest. Then, your guide will take you to Rongbuk Monastery, which is the highest monastery in the world at 5,154Ā meters above sea level.
Rongbuk Monastery 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.Ā After the visit, we drive back to Shigatse for the night.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hilton Shigatse
- Day 10: Shigatse - LhasaYarlung Zangbo River
After breakfast, your guide will accompany you to take aĀ bullet train from Shigatse back to Lhasa. The train journey takes about 3 hours and offers stunning views of the Yarlung Zangbo RiverĀ along the way.
Yarlung Zangbo River 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
- Day 11: Lhasa Departure
Today is the last day of your Xining LhasaĀ Train tour.Ā After breakfast, your guide will escort you to Lhasa Kongga International Airport, where you'll catch your flight back home. Along the way, reflectĀ on your amazing journey in Tibet through the photos you took.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A
