6-Day Xining to Lhasa Train Tour via the Qinghai-Tibet Railway

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Xining Arrival

   Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province, is the first stop of your 6-day Xining to Lhasa train tour. Upon arrival, the local guide and the driver will be waiting for you outside the arrivals hall and transfer you to your downtown hotel for check-in.

   Transportation Tips: Xining Airport operates direct flights from key cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Guangzhou. Visitors from nearby cities like Lanzhou, Xi’an, or Zhangye can also take a train to Xining.

   Optional Night Activities:

   Savor various snacks at Mojia Street Night Market and experience local food culture and laid-back city vibes. Niangpi Cold Noodles, Yak Yogurt, Sweet Fermented Highland Barley and Hand-Grabbed Lamb are all must-try specialties.

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   4-star hotel in Xining
2. Day 2: Xining to Qinghai Lake & Train to Tibet
   Immerse Yourself in Picturesque Scenery of China’s Largest Inland Saltwater Lake

   Depart Xining for the Erlangjian Scenic Area of Qinghai Lake after breakfast. The journey covers approximately 150 km and takes about 2.5 hours, passing through Huangyuan and Riyue Mountain along the way.

   With an area of over 4,500 sq km, Qinghai Lake is China’s largest inland saltwater lake. Holding deep spiritual significance in Tibetan Buddhist culture, it also draws devotees to make a pilgrimage or perform a ritual circumambulation around the lake.

   Erlangjian is one of the lake’s main scenic areas. Its long, narrow peninsula extends into the water, offering a prime point for lake views. Stroll along the wooden boardwalks and enjoy expansive lake, snow-capped mountains and sand dunes.

   

   Travel Tips:

   From the visitor center to the Erlangjian Peninsula, visitors need to take the internal shuttle. You can choose either a combination of boat and sightseeing bus, or the sightseeing bus for the entire journey. (Note: If boat service is suspended due to weather, only sightseeing bus is available for the entire round-trip.)

   Return to Xining by car after the trip and board your overnight train to Lhasa in the evening.

   Notes:

   • Qinghai Lake is open year-round, but the most comfortable travel season is typically from May to October.
   • The sun is very strong at Qinghai Lake, so remember to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
   • The lake sits at an altitude of about 3,200 meters. Please avoid strenuous activities if it's your first time traveling to high-altitude areas.

    

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   Overnight train (soft sleeper)
3. Day 3: Tibet Train Tour & Lhasa Arrival
   Enjoy a Scenic Train Journey and Feast Your Eyes on Ever-Changing Landscapes

   The train will pass through Delingha and Golmud overnight. As daylight breaks, the vast and breathtaking plateau scenery along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway gradually unfolds before your eyes.

   Then, travel through the Kekexili Nature Reserve, a protected area renowned as the habitat for rare wildlife such as Tibetan antelopes, kiangs and yaks. You will have great opportunities to spot these animals.

   Upon arrival at Lhasa Railway Station, meet your guide at the exit and take a private car to your hotel in the city center. No activities are scheduled for the rest of the day. We highly recommend you get some rest, allowing your body to gradually acclimate to the high altitude.

   

   Health & Altitude Tips for Your Tibet Journey:

   Oxygen supply facilities are available on the train. If you feel unwell during the trip, don't hesitate to seek assistance from the train staff.

   After arriving in Lhasa, avoid strenuous activity, get plenty of rest, and keep warm.

   If you experience significant or ongoing discomfort, please inform your guide immediately and seek medical attention.

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   4-star hotel in Lhasa
4. Day 4: Lhasa City Highlights
   Walk Through Sacred Places and Step into a Vibrant Street

   Your today's guided exploration of Lhasa begins at the Potala Palace. Originally commissioned by Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century, the existing architecture was largely built in the 17^th century and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

   Perched on Marpo Ri (Red Hill), it consists of the White Palace and the Red Palace. Inside, there are several palaces, halls, and prayer rooms, housing a vast collection of murals, statues, and thangkas.

   Take a short stroll in Longwantan Park, a beloved city park for locals to unwind. If you visit on a clear day, do not forget to capture the picturesque view of the Potala Palace and its reflection in the lake.

   Continue your trip to the Jokhang Temple. Also dating back to the 7th century during the reign of Songtsen Gampo, the temple is closely tied to the introduction of Buddhism and the historic marriages of King Songtsen Gampo to Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty and Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal.

   The statue of the 12-year-old Sakyamuni Buddha enshrined here is the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhists and a primary pilgrimage destination for devotees visiting Lhasa.

   

   Barkhor Street, encircling the temple, is one of Lhasa's most important pilgrimage routes and a vibrant old town district. Shops here sell Tibetan incense, thangkas, jewelry, carpets, and religious artifacts. You'll witness devotees performing the ritual kora clockwise along the street.

   Etiquette Tips:

   • Lhasa has strong ultraviolet radiation; please remember to wear a hat and sunglasses outdoors.
   • Remove your hat when entering temple halls and respect local religious customs.
   • Taking photos is prohibited in most temple halls. Please follow signs and your guide's directions.
   • Always keep your original passport with you during the tour.

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   4-star hotel in Lhasa
5. Day 5: Lhasa's Major Cultural Sites
   Trace Tibet's Living Heritage and Witness Centuries-old Monk Debates

   As the largest comprehensive museum in the Tibet Autonomous Region, Tibet Museum houses an extensive collection, including thangkas, Buddhist statues, handwritten scriptures, textiles, and a variety of archaeological artifacts.

   Proceed to Norbulingka Park. First built in the mid-18th century, it served as the summer palace of successive Dalai Lamas and is now a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

   The park is an important venue for festive celebrations in Lhasa. During the annual Shoton Festival, it hosts traditional Tibetan opera performances.

   Sera Monastery was founded in the 15th century and is one of the three great monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. It is renowned for its lively tradition of monk debates. (Note: The debate schedule is subject to change due to religious festivals or special ceremonies.)

   Optional Night Activity: You can watch the large-scale outdoor spectacular live show Princess Wencheng at your own expense. It is usually performed during the warmer months. Exact dates and schedules vary by season, so please check the latest information in advance.

   

   Tips:

   Please keep quiet when visiting monasteries and respect the local rules and order.

   Considering the dry climate in Lhasa, we recommend carrying enough drinking water at all times.

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   4-star hotel in Lhasa
6. Day 6: Lhasa Departure

   Today is free for you with no scheduled group activities. The driver will pick you up at the hotel based on your flight or train schedule and escort you to Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Railway Station. Your 6-day Xining to Lhasa tour comes to an end.

   Departure Note: Both international and domestic flight schedules in Lhasa vary by season. If you wish to check the latest information, feel free to contact us at any time.

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