14 Days Shanghai Xian Tibet Train Tour with EBC

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Shanghai Arrival

   Welcome! Shanghai is China’s most modern and lively city, blending both Eastern and Western cultures. When you arrive at the airport or train station, your private driver will meet you at the exit and send you to your hotel in the city center.

   After checking in, you can relax and recover from your trip or walk around nearby and explore at your own pace. Here is a travel guide on how to explore Shanghai's nightlife on your own.

   Note: no tour guide service today.

   Accommodation: in Shanghai

2. Day 2: City Exploration of Shanghai
   Explore Classical Gardens, Colonial Architecture, Modern Skyscrapers

   After breakfast, meet your tour guide at the hotel lobby and then be led to explore the East and West mix in Shanghai, often called the “Paris of the East.” You'll first visit the Shanghai Museum. It’s shaped like a ding - an ancient bronze pot - with a round top and square bottom, symbolizing the old Chinese idea of “round Heaven and square Earth”. Inside, there are about 120,000 historical items showing China’s rich culture over 5,000 years. During your visit to the Bronze sections, you'll find many beautifully crafted pieces. Don’t miss the museum’s highlights: the Da Ke Ding (a 3,000-year-old bronze food vessel) and the Bianzhong (a set of bronze bells from the Marquis Su of Jin).

   In the rest of today, you will explore classic Chinese gardens, towering skyscrapers, and European style buildings.

   Next, head to Yuyuan Garden. It was built during the Ming Dynasty and is over 450 years old. It used to be a private garden and shows the peaceful and detailed style of gardens in southern China. Besides beautiful buildings, plants, and fish ponds, you’ll also see special items like old furniture from the Ming and Qing dynasties, famous paintings and calligraphy, as well as clay and brick artworks. Just outside the garden is Yuyuan Bazaar, where you can taste some authentic Shanghai snacks.

   In the afternoon, take a walk down Nanjing Road, a lively street filled with famous shops, restaurants, cafés, and tall buildings on both sides. After that, keep walking to the Bund — Shanghai’s must-see attraction. Here you’ll see 52 old buildings built in different Western styles, all lined up along the river. From the Bund, you can also enjoy the breathtaking view of the modern skyscrapers across the water.

   Your last stop today is the Shanghai Tower. It’s the tallest building in China (632 meters) and the second tallest in the world. Ride the elevator up to the observation deck on the 118th floor (about 546 meters high) for an incredible view of the whole city.

   Accommodation: in Shanghai

   

3. Day 3: Shanghai to Xi’an by Flight
   Witness Shanghai's Soul Through Peaceful Temple and Artisan Alleys

   In the morning, your guide will take you to visit the peaceful Jade Buddha Temple, hidden among the busy streets and tall buildings of Shanghai. It’s one of the few temples in the city where Buddhist monks still be active — about 120 of them. Here, you’ll see the world’s biggest Jade Buddha and watch local people come to pray for success and good luck.

   If time allows, you will be transferred to visit Tianzifang, located in the old French Concession. This area is known for its local-style Shikumen buildings, narrow lanes, handmade souvenirs, and lively local life.

   After your visit in Shanghai, be escorted to the airport and take a flight to Xian, which takes around 2.5 hours. Welcome to Xian, an ancient city that once served as the capital for 13 dynasties in Chinese history!

   After you arrive, your local driver will pick you up at the airport exit and take you to your hotel in the city center.

   Accommodation: in Xi’an

   

4. Day 4: Xian Highlights
   See Ancient Terracotta Warriors, A Unique Mosque, Lively Muslim Markets

   After breakfast, your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel lobby. Then it’s about an hour’s drive (45 km) to one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites — the Terracotta Army. These life-sized clay soldiers were built by China’s first emperor, Qin Shihuang, to guard him after death. Around 8,000 figures have been found so far.

   You’ll start at the biggest pit, where over 6,000 soldiers and horses stand in formation. It’s a powerful sight: rows of ancient warriors standing silently underground, showing the skill of craftsmen from over 2,000 years ago. Then, visit another pit with about 1,300 more figures. Here you can get a closer look at kneeling archers, standing soldiers, horse-drawn chariots, and more. The third pit was the "wartime command post" of the Qin army.

   Optional: Want a hands-on experience? Try making your own mini terracotta warrior (at an extra fee).

   After lunch, head back to downtown Xian to visit the Bell and Drum Tower Square. Here, you can see the largest and best-preserved bell and drum towers in China. Next, walk 10 minutes to the Great Mosque. This mosque is quite unique. It looks like traditional Chinese buildings on the outside, but the inside has Muslim-style decorations. After that, take a stroll through the busy Muslim Quarter. It’s a lively place full of local snacks, street food, and Muslim traditions, great for experiencing local life and trying something delicious.

   Accommodation: in Xi’an

   

5. Day 5: Xian City Sightseeing
   Admire Historic Pagodas, Walk Along Xi'an's Majestic City Walls

   Today is your last day in Xi’an. In the morning, you’ll visit the Xi’an Museum (note: closed on Mondays). Hera are around 130,000 ancient items, from the Han Dynasty (202BC-220AD) jade carvings to the Tang Dynasty (618-907) tri-colored horses. Through these exhibits, gain an insight into the profound history of Xi’an. In the same scenic area, you can also admire the Small Wild Goose Pagoda.

   After that, transfer to see the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, built in the year 652 AD. This tall, seven-level brick tower is where the famous monk Xuanzang worked on translating Buddhist texts. You’ll also take a walk in the tranquil Daci’en Temple Park and feel the calm and spiritual vibe of the old temple.

   Last, take a relaxing visit to the Ancient City Wall. This old wall was built 650 year ago to protect the city. It is one of the biggest and best-kept city walls in China. You can walk along the top, see the enemy towers and moat, and get a great view of both old and modern Xi’an.

   Accommodation: in Xi’an

   

6. Day 6: Xian Train to Lhasa

   Today, you will take a train from Xi'an to Lhasa, known as the 'City of Sunlight'. The driver in Xi'an will escort you to the train station after breakfast. You will spend the night on the train and have a good sleep.

   Right now, there are two trains to Lhasa from Xi’an each day:

   Train Z165 leaves at 09:27 and reaches Lhasa at 15:30 the next day. The ride lasts around 30 hours.

   Train Z265 leaves at 07:53 and gets to Lhasa at 14:54 the next day. The trip takes about 31 hours.

   Important: Be sure to bring your Tibet Travel Permit, which is required to board the train.

   Helpful Tips:

   1. Seats & Beds: There are four choices on the train: soft sleeper, hard sleeper, soft seat, and hard seat. The price varies by the type.
   2. Food: You can buy Chinese and Tibetan meals in the dining car. But you are suggested to bring your own snacks or instant noodles.
   3. Toilets: Remember to bring your own towel and toilet paper.
   4. Oxygen: After reaching Xining, you’ll usually switch to another train with an oxygen system. This helps you get used to the high altitude in Tibet.

   Accommodation: on the Train

7. Day 7: Scenery along the Way, Arrival in Lhasa

   Traveling along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway — the highest railway on Earth — you can’t help but stare out the window in awe. You will see snow-capped mountains in the distance, bright blue lakes, flat grasslands with yaks grazing, and herders' tents scattered around. Slowly, the train climbs higher and higher onto the Tibetan Plateau.

   After a full day watching these amazing landscapes roll by, the train finally pulls into Lhasa city, the capital of Tibet. Welcome! When you arrive at the train station, your guide and driver will be waiting for you at the exit. They will take you straight to your hotel in the city center. After checking in, have time to relax and acclimatize to the high altitude (an average of 3,650 meters). Rest well and your Lhasa adventure will start tomorrow!

   Kindly reminds:

   • Today, try to rest and don’t do anything too tiring.
   • Drink lots of water and make sure you sleep well to help you feel okay.
   • It’s better not to take a shower that day to avoid getting cold.

   Accommodation: in Lhasa

   

8. Day 8: Lhasa’s Essence Exploration
   Visit Majestic Potala Palace, Sacred Jokhang Temple, Vibrant Barkhor Street

   After breakfast, you will be guided to visit the world’s highest palace — the Potala Palace, sitting over 3,700 meters above sea level. First built in 631 AD by King Songtsen Gampo, it was later damaged during the fall of the Tubo Kingdom. The current palace was rebuilt in 1645 and expanded over time.

   Shaped like a Buddhist altar city, the palace rises 13 floors high, with the main structure reaching 117 meters. With your tour guide, you’ll explore two main sections: the White Palace, once home and office of the Dalai Lamas, and the Red Palace, used for religious ceremonies. Inside, you'll see many treasures from murals, statues, and pagodas to thangka paintings and fine porcelain.

   Under the palace is the Longwangtan Park, where you can enjoy a different view of the grand Potala Palace and experience some fun local Tibetan traditions.

   After lunch (at your own expense), head to the Jokhang Temple, a famous Tibetan Buddhist temple also built by King Songtsen Gampo. There’s an important statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, which is one reason why Lhasa is called a “holy city.” Many people come from far away to pray here. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where people walk in circles as part of a religious tradition called kora. You can join them if you want. The street is full of small shops where you can find handmade items, prayer wheels, Tibetan clothes, and more.

   At the end of the day, your guide will take you to a local tea house to relax and enjoy a cup of sweet Tibetan tea.

   Accommodation: in Lhasa

   

9. Day 9: Explore More Temples in Lhasa
   Witness Monastery Rituals & Lively Monk Debates

   This morning, your guide will bring you to visit Drepung Monastery, used to be the largest monastery in Tibet. The temple is well known for its Shoton Festival, which happens every August. During this event, people give yogurt to the monks who have completed 100 days of meditation. You can also see the impressive Thangka Unfolding Ceremony. Inside the temple, you will find many old treasures like thangka paintings and ancient porcelain.

   In the afternoon, drive about half an hour to Sera Monastery, one of Tibet’s three major Gelug monasteries. Here, you can get a close look at Tibetan Buddhism. The best part is watching the monks’ debate, happening from 3 to 5 pm. During the debate, one monk stands and asks questions, while the others sit and answer. Besides, you can visit meditation halls and learn about how monks live. Sera Monastery is a must-see for anyone curious about Tibetan Buddhist traditions. After the visit, we will drive you back to your hotel.

   Accommodation: in Lhasa

   

10. Day 10: Travel to Gyantse, Arrival in Shigatse
    Marvel At Beautiful Yamdrok Lake, Experience Authentic Tibetan Life

    After breakfast at Lhasa’s hotel, we drive for 8 hours finally to Shigatse. On the way, we’ll pass beautiful lakes and quiet Tibetan villages, with some amazing stops.

    Gampa La Pass is the first stop (4,790 meters), where you can see Yamdrok Lake far below, surrounded by snow-covered mountains. If the weather is good, you might even spot Mt. Nyanchen Khangsar (7,191 meters), the tallest peak near Lhasa. As you get closer to one of the three holy lakes in Tibet, Yamdrok Lake, stop at different viewpoints to enjoy the lake view. You’ll also get to visit a local Tibetan family and share lunch with them.

    In the afternoon, keep driving and stop to a safe roadside to admire the Karola Glacier (5020 meters). It’s very close to the road, just about 300 meters away, so you can get a good look without walking far. There have been famous movies such as "Red River Valley" and "Yunshui Ballad" filmed on location here, which has led to the increasing popularity of the Karola Glacier.

    After that, you’ll head toward Gyantse town, with a stop at Simila Pass, about 4,200 meters high. Here, you can hang prayer flags and make a wish for the health of your family. Upon arrival in Gyantse, take some pictures of this old town. After that, continue our journey to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city. Tonight, check into a local standard hotel and have a good rest.

    Accommodation: in Shigatse

    

11. Day 11: Drive to Everest Base Camp from Shigatse
    Conquer High-Altitude Passes to Witness Everest's Golden Sunset

    Today, it’s still a long drive journey towards Mount Everest. When we arrive at the Gyatso La Pass, which is 5,280 meters high, we’ll get our first glimpse of the Everest. It appears behind the other mountains. Take some time to enjoy the snowy scenery and snap some great photos.

    Next, continue driving into the Everest National Park. Soon, you will arrive at Gawula Pass, sitting at 5,198 meters. From this spot, you can get a wide view of the Himalayas, with five high peaks lined up. After that, take the mountain road to reach Everest Base Camp. On the way, Everest will slowly come into view again and look bigger as we get closer.

    Once arriving at the camp (5,200 meters), you’ll see the massive white peak standing right in front of you, shaped like a pyramid. As the sun goes down, golden light shines on the top of Everest. Don’t miss the chance to record the amazing moments with your camera. Stay overnight at the tent.

    Note: During winter (November to March), the tents at Everest Base Camp are normally closed. Visitors will stay at nearby guesthouses instead.

    Accommodation: in EBC or nearby Guesthouse

    

12. Day 12: EBC to Shigatse
    Capture Golden Sunrise on Everest, Explore the World's Tallest Temple

    In the morning, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery of Sunshine on Golden Mountain (7:30-8:30 in spring and autumn; 9:00 in winter). Afterward, the tour guide will take you to visit the world's tallest temple - Rongbuk Monastery, which is 5154 meters high. The rare feature of this temple is the coexistence of monks and nuns. The entire temple is built along the mountain, with a total of five floors, and only two floors are used. The temple has two sites, among which the new one is the best location for viewing Mount Everest.

    After the visit, we drive back to Shigatse and passed by Xilin Viewpoint, which offers a beautiful view of the east side of Mt. Everest. When the weather is clear, you can also see the fourth highest peak in the world, Mount Lhotse (at an altitude of 8516 meters). Then, have a short visit in the ancient town of Sakya. From there, keep driving for 3 hours to reach Shigatse. Check in at a local hotel and rest well.

    Accommodation: in Shigatse

    

13. Day 13: Shigatse Back to Lhasa
    Explore Panchen Lama's Holy Monastery, Marvel at Giant Buddha Statues

    Before leaving Shigaste, you’ll be guided to visit Tashilunpo Monastery, the most important temple in the city. It’s where the Panchen Lama has lived for many generations. The monastery is very big, covering a whole hill. There are 57 rooms for monks and more than 3,000 halls in total. Local Tibetans see this place as very holy. Inside, you can see the tallest statue of Maitreya Buddha in the world, it’s 11 meters high. You might also notice monks in red robes walking around and doing their daily activities.

    After that, we drive back to Lhasa for 4 hours along the lifeline of the Tibetan people, Yarlung Tsangpo River. When arrival, take a good rest at the comfortable hotel.

    Accommodation: in Shigatse

    

14. Day 14: Lhasa Departure

    Your 14-day Shanghai Xian Tibet train tour is coming to an end after breakfast. You’ll have some free time to relax or look around by yourself in the morning. Later, your guide will take you to the railway station or airport for your high-speed train or flight to your home. If you want to visit Namtso Lake, we can extend your Tibet tour for another 2 days!

    Accommodation: N/A