10-Day Xining to Tibet Overland & Train Tour with Everest Base Camp
Professional English Speaking Guide
Max Group size of 12 people
All accomodations included
Our tours get great reviews!
We have over 15 years experience
Price of tour: $1300*
* (Price can be 10% lower or higher depending on the season. Please tell us your preferred travel month in the booking form)
Short tour summary
This epic 10-day journey combines the cultural highlights of Xining and Qinghai Lake with the breathtaking landscapes of Tibet, including the Potala Palace, Yamdrok Lake, and Everest Base Camp. Travel from the Tibetan regions of Qinghai by train to Lhasa, then cross the vast highlands to reach the foot of the world’s highest peak. Along the way, explore sacred monasteries, vibrant local traditions, and stunning mountain vistas.
Day by day schedule:
Day 1: Arrival in Xining
Arrive in Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province and the gateway to the Tibetan Plateau. Your driver will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure—rest or explore the local food streets and Muslim Quarter on your own.
Day 2: Xining – Ta'er Monastery – Qinghai Lake – Train to Lhasa
After breakfast, visit Ta’er Monastery (Kumbum Monastery), one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries outside Tibet, known for its butter sculptures and peaceful courtyards. Then drive to Qinghai Lake, the largest saltwater lake in China, famous for its turquoise waters and expansive highland scenery. After exploring the lakeside, return to Xining and board the overnight train to Lhasa—one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys across the Tibetan Plateau.
Day 3: Arrive in Lhasa (3650m)
Arrive in Lhasa in the late afternoon or at evening. Your Tibetan guide will meet you at the train station and transfer you to your hotel in Lhasa city. Use the remainder of the day to rest and acclimate to the high altitude.
Day 4: Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery(B/D)
Embark on a cultural odyssey with a visit to the revered Drepung Monastery, an iconic Tibetan Buddhist site steeped in tradition. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the vibrant debates at Sera Monastery, where monks engage in spirited discussions, accompanied by enthusiastic hand-clapping and animated arguments. Gain an insightful perspective into the ancient traditions of Tibetan Buddhism as you absorb the spiritual atmosphere and passion surrounding these profound rituals. Please note that a welcome dinner, hosted in a Tibetan restaurant, is planned either on this day or the next. Our guide will coordinate and provide details accordingly.
Day 5: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple(B)
Marvel at the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Potala Palace, an architectural masterpiece perched atop Marpo Ri hill. A symbol of Tibetan history and culture, the palace unfolds a narrative of religious devotion and political significance. In the park beneath the Potala Palace, witness and perhaps join in the traditional dances. Continue your journey to the spiritual heart of Lhasa. Explore the sacred Jokhang Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stroll through the lively Barkhor Street, an ancient circuit that encircles the Jokhang Temple, where traditional Tibetan goods and handicrafts abound. Finally, experience with a visit to a sweet tea house, a cherished element of Tibetan social culture. Savor the distinct flavors of Tibetan tea and engage in social interactions with locals and fellow travelers.
Day 6: Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake to Shigatse(B/L)
Wake up early and have breakfast at your hotel in Lhasa before checkout. Load your bags into your vehicle, and start the scenic journey from Lhasa to Shigatse. En route, be captivated by the breathtaking beauty of Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s sacred lakes with crystal-clear waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Pause at a quaint farmhouse situated along the tranquil shores of Yamdrok Lake, where you’ll relish a home-cooked Tibetan meal amidst the stunning rural landscapes. Continue your exploration to the awe-inspiring Karola Glacier, a radiant symbol of Tibet’s rugged allure. By late afternoon, arrive in Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet, concluding a day rich in natural wonders and cultural discovery.
Day 7: Everest Base Camp(B)
The Tibetan Everest Base Camp is located at an elevation of approximately 5,200 meters above sea level. En route to Everest Base Camp, stop at Gawula Pass, a designated viewpoint that provides breathtaking vistas of Mount Everest and the adjacent Himalayas peaks. Transition to an eco-friendly bus Everest Base Camp, designed to navigate the winding roads with minimal environmental impact. Weather permitting, the climax of your day awaits as you reach Everest Base Camp. Witness the sun bidding farewell to the world’s highest peak. As the daylight fades and the stars emerge, relish the tranquility and majesty of this remote Himalayan sanctuary, creating a connection with nature that resonates deeply.
Day 8: Ronghuk Monastery to Shigatse(D)
Visit Rongbuk Monastery, initially established as a meditation retreat for monks and currently shared by both monks and nuns. Observe their ritual practices characterized by monks engaging in chanting and traditional instrument performances. On the return journey to Shigatse, take a brief detour to Dingyal County, where you can marvel at the impressive views of Mount Lhotse and the eastern slope of Mount Everest. Conclude the day with a special dinner featuring Tibetan singing and dancing performances, providing a delightful cultural experience.
Day 9: Shigatse to Lhasa(B)
In the morning, explore the grandeur of Tashilhunpo Monastery. As the principal seat of the Panchen Lama, Tashilhunpo holds immense religious significance for Tibetan Buddhists. It serves as a center for Buddhist learning, meditation, and religious ceremonies. As the day unfolds, begin your journey back to Lhasa, tracing the meandering path along the picturesque Yarlung Zangbo River.( Customers may return to Lhasa from Shigatse by high-speed train.)
Day 10: Departure from Lhasa(B)
We will arrange your transfer to the airport or train station as your tour comes to a close.
Included in the price
- Application for Tibet Travel Permit
- Airport and train station pickup and drop service at designated times
- Services of a Tibetan English-speaking guide
- Transportation throughout the tour
- Accommodation in 3 or 4-star hotels with breakfast, based on double occupancy; tent guesthouse at Everest Base Camp with dorm bed
- Meals as specified above (including 1 farm house lunch and 2 dinners)
- Entrance fees (including Mount Everest Eco Car)
- Train tickets from Xining to Lhasa
- Travel insurance
- Complimentary bottled water
- Oxygen supply
Excluded from the price
- Flights or trains from Tibet
- Additional meals not specified in the itinerary
- Single room supplement for solo travelers requiring a single room or unable to find a roommate
- Tips (We recommend a gratuity of $7 per day per person, to be shared between the driver and guide.)
Enquiry & Booking
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- Country: China
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