Your browser does not support the running script, you cannot get a perfect browsing
HOT China Group ToursTake China Group Tours in 2025 to enjoy 30% discount compared to a private tour. Same Experience & Lowest Price! Check China Group Deals >>
  • Highlights
  • Itinerary
  • Price
  • Trip Notes
  • Accommodation
  • Photos
  • Reviews

Looking for an a lifetime overland adventure to Kathmandu? Well, with the Chengdu Tibet Train Tour, that dream can become a reality! You'll have the opportunity to meet the adorable pandas in Chengdu and then embark on an unforgettable train journey along the the Qinghai-Tibet Railway that will take you through the stunning Tibetan Plateau, where you'll witness some of the most breathtaking scenery on earth.

Upon arriving in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, continue your adventure with the Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour visiting enchanting destinations like Gyantse, Shigatse, and Mount Everest along the way. And finally, your journey will end at the Kathmandu border. This is truly an adventure of a lifetime, and with the Chengdu Lhasa Kathmandu Tour, you'll experience it all! So pack your bags and prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey to Everest Base Camp and beyond!

You Can Experience “Must-see & Must-do” with This Tour
Highlight 1: Step into the panda capital of the world, have memorable time at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and see pandas of different ages playing, climbing trees, rolling, eating, sleeping or fighting...
Chengdu Tibet Tour
Highlight 2: Enjoy a unique train journey on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway and witness the breathtaking landscape of the plateau, while also interact with locals and learnabout their way of life.
Chengdu Tibet Tour
Highlight 3: Get close to the the highest point on the Earth’s Surface - Mount Everest, at 8848 meters, and marvel at its grandness and holiness and you can stay overnight at the EBC Base Camp.
SShanghai Xining Tibet Train Tour
Highlight 4: Catch the breathtaking view of the YamdrokLake, one of the Great Three Holy Lakes in Tibet and also enjoy the awe-inspiring snow-capped KarolaGlacier framed by colorful prayer flags and high mountains
Chengdu Tibet Tour
Highlight 5: Reach the Roof of the World and pay a holy visit to the Potala Palace comprising the White and Red Palaces built on the Red Mountain and see local Tibetan Buddhists making a pilgrimage in front of the Jokhang Monastery.
Chengdu Tibet Tour
Highlight 6: Travel outside of Lhasa city to one of the“great three” Gelug university monasteries of Tibet - Sera Monastery to explore exceptionalBuddhist religious complex and see the famous debate among monks
Chengdu Tibet Tour
Show More

Itinerary at a Glance

icon View Destinations
More Options
Click to Enlarge for Details

Chengdu (2 Days)

Chengdu Panda Base, Renmin Park, Kuanzhai Alley

Chengdu to Lhasa Train Ride (2 Days)

Enjoy the beautiful view along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway

Lhasa (3 Days)

   Potala Palace, Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, Barkhor Street

Shannan & Gyantse

Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier

Shigatse (2 Days)

Tashilhunpo Monastery

Mount Everest (2 Days)

Rongbuk Monastery, Everest Base Camp, Gyawu La Pass

Gyirong Town (1 Day)

Gyirong Port

Itinerary Day by Day

Collapse All
Day 1 Arrival in Chengdu | Airport Pick-up and Hotel Check-in

Nihao! Welcome to Chengdu, the Hometown of Giant Pandas! Your private driver and guide will be ready for you when you arrive in Chengdu. Enjoy a trouble-free transfer to your hotel. The rest of today is yours to relax in panda city on your own.

Arrival Ideas:
Chengdu is well connected by air and high-speed rail. There are two airports - Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport operating many international and domestic airlines. Travelers can go to Chengdu by air from most cities in China, like Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xian, Guilin, Hangzhou, Kunming, Lhasa, Lanzhou, Wuhan, Xiamen, Guiyang, Chongqing… In addition, travelers can take high speed train to Chengdu from Xian (3-4 hours), Chongqing (1.5-2 hours), Guiyang (3.5-4.5 hours), Kunming (6-6.5 hours), etc.

Recommended Optional Evening Activities:
1)Watch a wonderful Sichuan Opera performance which includes face changing, spitting fire, hand shadows, puppet show, dancing, singing and acrobatics. (usually from 20:00 to 21:30).
2)Appreciate the city’s night view by boat (30mins) along the Jinjiang River, which winds through central Chengdu. ( 18:00~23:30)

Day 2 Chengdu Tour | Chengdu Panda Base & Board Train to Lhasa

After breakfast, you are going to fulfill your panda dream with a 17-kilometer drive to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Also called Chengdu Panda Base, accommodated over 100 pandas, it is the base with the largest population of captive giant pandas in the world. You will see giant pandas of different ages there. It’s great fun to watch them playing, eating, climbing, sleeping... If you come in autumn, you will have the chance to see the pink newborn giant panda cubs in the Sunshine Nursery House and the Moonlight Nursery House. Besides giant pandas, you can also meet the cute red pandas walking by your side in the Red Panda Playgrounds. Then follow your guide to discover more about pandas’ secrets through the Panda Museum. (Note: Pandas like cool weather, so we advise you to arrive there early as pandas are more active in the morning.)

Later, pay a visit to Chengdu’s Renmin Park to witness the city’s slow lifestyle and how the local people are doing. Order a cup of fragrant green tea while sitting in the time-honored tea-house, chat with your friends and see locals playing mahjong and having fun. After that, take a relaxed stroll at one of the city’s “new old” walking streets - Kuanzhai Alley and feel the “new life” of Chengdu. An ancient block gathers buildings from the late Qing Dynasty, early Republic of China and the early western-style buildings. There are all kinds of Chengdu sneaks, folk arts and crafts nightclubs, and coffee shops which makes it one of the most active places in Chengdu. (Optional Activity: Try some local spicy dishes such as chuanchuan, dandan noodles, or even get out of your comfort zone and try some rabbit's head!)

After the tour, you will be transferred to the train station for your train to Lhasa. Train No. Z322 departs every other day from Chengdu West Railway Station at 21:08. The total train is about 37 hours’ ride and arrives at Lhasa Railway Station at 10:24 on the third day. (Note: Please be sure to bring your Tibet Permit which will be checked when you board the train.)

Kind Reminder:
The Chengdu-Lhasa train is available every other day. Please contact your travel consultant to confirm the train schedule.

Day 3 Enjoy Train Ride of Qinghai-Tibet

You are riding on Qinghai-Tibet Railway - the world’s highest railway. Pull up a window seat to view Himalayan mountains, shimmering lakes, plains dotted with yaks and herders’ tents, and barren deserts, as you inch slowly up onto the high plateau. Keep your eyes peeled throughout the journey for antelope, foxes and wild asses, plus the occasional nomad.

Useful Tips:
Sleeping Berths:
The train has four types of sleeping berths, including soft sleeper, hard sleeper, soft seat, and hard seat.
Dining: The train offers a variety of Chinese and Tibetan dishes in dining cars. If Chinese food is not to your taste, you can bring some instant food.
Toilets: The train has both Western-style and squat-style toilets available in each soft sleeper carriage. However, passengers should be prepared for their towels, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer.
Oxygen Supplies: When reaching to Xining, all passengers usually are required to transfer to another train that is equipped with an oxygen supply system to help passengers acclimate to the high altitude of the Tibetan Plateau.

Day 4 Lhasa Arrival  

Altitude: 3650m

After the morning on the train enjoying the views outside, the train finally arrives in Lhasa.

Tashi Delek! Welcome to Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region! Upon your arrival at the train station in Lhasa, the tour guide and driver will meet you at the exit, and then escort you to the hotel in downtown Lhasa. You can have a good rest to get used to the altitude (3,650m) in your hotel and get ready to explore Lhasa with your guide the next day.

Kind Reminds:
1. It is good to avoid highland sickness by slowing down, keeping warm, drinking some water frequently, not showering for the first one or two days, taking it easy, and sleeping well.
2. You should always follow your doctor’s advice on altitude according to your health condition.
3. Be sure to let your guide or the hotel staff know whenever you feel unwell or need help. The people there are always willing to help and good at dealing with altitude sickness.

Day 5 Lhasa City Tour | Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, Barkhor Street Arrival

Altitude: 3650m

Today, you and your group will explore Lhasa by visiting Jokhang Temple, a world cultural heritage site renowned for its brilliant architecture, culture, art, and history. After that, you will experience Tibetan Buddhism by witnessing the Monks' Debating in Sera Monastery. Finally, you can stroll through the famous Barkhor Street with locals and learn more about the daily kora life of Tibetans.

Located in the heart of Lhasa for over 1300 years, the Jokhang Temple is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all over the world. Famed as the spiritual center of Tibet, it is said that the Jokhang Monastery was built for King Songtsen Gampo's two brides: Chinese Princess Wencheng and Nepalese Princess Bhrikuti. "Jokhang" means "House of Buddha", and it houses a life-size statue of the 12-year-old Sakyamuni, which is considered a treasure of the Buddhist world. This is why Buddhist pilgrims consider it the holiest destination. The Jakhong temple is also renowned for its beautiful architecture. You can admire the intricate carvings, colorful murals, ornate decorations, and details of the building, which is a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture. Time seems to stand still as you watch people pray in front of the temple during the day and night. (Please note that the visit order may be adjusted based on the reservation of your Jokhang Temple Ticket Reservation.)

In the afternoon, drive approximately 30km (50 minutes) to visit Sera Monastery, which is one of the three great Gelug university monasteries of Tibet. It offers the opportunity to experience Tibetan Buddhism up close. The highlight of Sera Monastery is watching the monks' debate, which takes place around 15:00-17:00 (except on Sundays). The debate is an interesting form of exchange, where one monk acts as the questioner, standing while the answerer or group of answerers sit. The standing monk asks questions and slaps his palms and stomps, each action having a special meaning, such as activating wisdom, and are not meant to be aggressive. You will also have the chance to attend prayer ceremonies, visit meditation halls, and learn about the monastic way of life. It is a must-visit destination to gain insight into the beliefs and practices of Tibetan Buddhism.

Afterward, head back to downtown Lhasa for a walk on busy Barkhor Street near the Jokhang Monastery, which was a place for Buddhists to do a kora (pilgrim circuit) in ancient times. Nowadays, it has become a thriving local market where you can drink a pot of yak butter tea, dress in Tibetan clothes for photos, and pick up some local Tibetan, Nepalese, and Indian handicrafts and souvenirs.

Day 6 Lhasa City Tour | Potala Palace, Drepung Monastery

Altitude: 3650m

Today you will explore the world’s highest palace for its brilliant architectures, culture, and history, then visits to one of the "great three" Gelug university monasteries in Tibet - the Drepung Monastery.

In the morning, you can walk into Potala Palace (World Heritage), the traditional residence and winter palace of the Dalai Lama (1649-1959). It takes 365 steps from potala gate to reach the Red Palace which is the highest palace in the world at an altitude of 3,700m. Through the principal halls, chapels, and shrines of past Dalai Lamas in the Red Palace, you will be astonished and touched by its remarkable paintings, gorgeous jeweled works, skilled carving, colorful ornamentation, and the mystery stories behind the treasures. Inside the Potala Palace you will meet lots of Tibetan pilgrims who come all the way from afar to this sacred site to pray as their life time destination. You can also ask your guide to share more information about Songtsen Gampo, the 33rd king of Tibet, who first build the Potala Palace in the 7th century for his marriage to Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty. (Note: We may adjust the visit order due to the visiting time of your Potala Palace Ticket. All visitors must visit the Potala Palace with a tour group while staying inside for an hour. No photo inside.)

Then, drive about 35 minutes (12km) to visit the Drepung Monastery, which was the largest Tibetan monastery (of the Gelug Sect) in Lhasa. It used to be the palace of the Dalai Lama before he moved to the Potala Palace in the 17th century. Today, it is famous for the Drepung Shoton Festival held each August, where people come to offer yogurt to the monks who have finished their 100 days of meditation. You can also witness the grandest Buddha/Thangka Unfolding Ceremony. Besides the unique architecture and amazing buildings, you can watch monks debating in Tibetan Buddhism, which is vibrant and active with expansive gestures, clapping, and stamping. After visiting the Drepung Temple, you will have about a 2-hour Tibetan culture tour, which includes an introduction, Tibetan incense making, and block printing.

Day 7 Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse | Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier

Altitude: 3850m | Distance: 380km, about 7 hours’ drive

On this day, drive about 8 to 9 hours (340km) from Lhasa to Shigatse, with a visit to two amazing natural landscapes - Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier - on the way.

In the morning, after about 3 to 4 hours of driving (200km), make sure to have your camera ready. When you reach Kampala Pass (4,797 meters), you'll have a breathtaking view of Yamdrok Lake, a freshwater lake down below, as well as spectacular views of the holy Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar in the distance. It is one of the four largest sacred lakes in Tibet, along with Lhamo Latso Lake, Manasarovar Lake, and Namtso Lake. Yamdrok Lake offers stunning views of the Tibetan plateau and is said to be able to help Tibetans find the reincarnated soul of the Dalai Lama. Moreover, you may see dressed-up Tibetan mastiffs, dogs, goats, and yaks there. It is optional for you to pay 5-10 yuan to pose with and take photos of them; for local Tibetans, it's a way to earn extra income for their families.

In the afternoon, drive about 1.5 hours (70km) to visit one of the most beautiful glaciers in Tibet - Karola Glacier, the filming location of the movie "Red Valley" (Hong He Gu). As one of Tibet's three major continental glaciers, backed by the southern slope of Naiqin Kangsang Peak (7,191 meters), one of the four highest peaks in Tibet, this white glacier is also the source of the eastern part of the Nianchu River. The Karola Glacier (5,012m) is only 300 meters away from the highway connecting Lhasa to Gyantse town, and you can view it right from your vehicle. You can also easily walk to the foot of the charming glacier, which has a shape like a frozen waterfall right above the road and you. Besides the fantastic hike to the Karola Glacier, on the opposite side of the road, you can appreciate the beautiful snow-capped mountain of Mt Kalurong.

Notes for visiting Karola Glacier:
1. The altitude at the glacier scenic spot is about 5,012m, so be sure to slow down to avoid altitude sickness.
2. The public toilet at the glacier is very basic.
3. Local people may ask you to take photos with them for a fee. Be sure to ask before taking photos to avoid potential issues.

After that, drive about 3.5 hours (170km) to your hotel in Shigatse, the nearest town on the Friendship Highway between Tibet and Nepal. Have a good rest and get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to EBC the next day.

Day 8 Shigatse - Mt. Everest | Gyawu La Pass, Rongbuk Monastery, Mt. Everest Base Camp

Altitude: 5100m | Distance: 340km, about 7 hours’ drive

After breakfast, drive about 6.5 hours (330km) to the peak of the world - Mount Everest, while stopping by the Rongbuk Monastery - the world’s highest altitude monastery, before spending the night at the Everest Base Camp (EBC).

Departing from Shigatse, after about 4.5 hours of driving (240km), you’ll get your first glimpse of Mt. Everest from the Gyawu La Pass (5,200m, Gyatso La Pass), between Lhatse and Shelkar. In addition to Mt. Everest, you’ll be amazed by the winding road that seems to go on forever. Along the way, you may see local people biking or hiking all the way to Everest Base Camp. For them reaching the base of the world's highest mountain is a must-do goal or holy belief that is worth the effort.

After enjoying the beautiful and unique scenery on the pass, including incredibly snow-capped mountain ranges, blue skies, floating high clouds, and endless grasslands, it is time to head to Rongbuk Monastery (about 3.5 hours,122km) for the first good view of Mt. Everest. At an altitude of 5,154m, Rongbuk Monastery is the world’s highest monastery, a must-visit for spiritual travelers, and is also photo-worthy. It used to be an area of meditation huts, and you can find hermitage meditation caves with a history of over 400 years, dotting the cliff walls all around the monastery and the valley. Along with brilliant Mt. Everest views, at Rongbuk Monastery, you will be touched by the breathtaking scenery, such as large white chortens, piles of mani stones, colorful prayer flags, devout pilgrims passing by. This evening, you will enjoy dinner with the group, featuring Hot Pot in EBC.

Notes:
1.Travelers can only go as far as the Rongbuk Temple area rather than a few kilometers farther as before. But it’s not a big difference in terms of viewing Mt.
Everest. 2.Today’s food and lodging is very basic. Due to the high altitude, it is possible that you may experience some symptoms of altitude sickness. We recommend that you stay well hydrated, relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery to minimize your symptoms.

Day 9 Mt. Everest - Gyirong Town | Sunrise of Mount Everest

Altitude: 2800m | Distance: 370km, about 8 hours’ drive

Watching the sunrise over Mt. Everest is a popular activity, you can choose to wake up early in the morning and hike to a nearby vantage point to witness this breathtaking and unforgettable sight.The sunrise over Mt. Everest is not only a beautiful natural phenomenon but also a symbol of human achievement and perseverance. (Note: The sunrise usually starts around 6:30 am to 7am)

After having breakfast at EBC, it will be the time to drive from Rongbuk Monastery to Gyirong Town.

During the drive, you will make a stop at the Gyawu La Pass (5,200m) to catch another glimpse of Mount Everest. When the weather is clear, you will be able to see four mountains that are above 8,000m (Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, and Cho-Oyu). Apart from Mount Everest, you will be amazed by the zigzag road that looks as though it winds to the end of the world.

You will then head to Gyirong Town, where the Gyirong Port is located, via part of the Friendship Highway, also known as the China-Nepal Highway. Overnight in Gyirong/Kyirong.

Travel Note:
1.When we talk about Everest Base Camp (EBC), we are referring to the area near Rongbuk Monastery that ordinary travelers are allowed to visit. EBC is about 20km from Mount Everest’s summit as the crow flies. From EBC, travelers can view the summit of Mount Everest in fine weather.
2.The Friendship Highway is an 800-kilometre scenic route that connects Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, to the Chinese/Nepalese border at the Sino-Nepal Friendship Bridge between Zhangmu and Kodari. (Note: Currently, the Zhangmu Port is primarily used for freight, while Gyirong Port is used for tourism.)

Day 10 Gyirong / Kyirong Departure | Hotel Check-out and Across the Border

It is time to end your 10-day Chengdu-Tibet-Nepal Overland Tour. Your guide will say goodbye to you at Gyirong/Kyirong border between China and Nepal in the morning, and you will continue on your next destination in Nepal. (Note: If you require assistance for your tour in Nepal, such as a Nepal guide and vehicle to pick you up and transfer you from the border to Kathmandu, please do not hesitate to contact us.)

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your Tibet tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia. Safe journey!

Price: What’s Included & What’s Excluded

Price: request
The above price is based on a private tour for 2 people. Price varies depending on travel date, group size, hotel class, program in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate.

What’s Included?

icon
Professional licensed English-speaking local guide
icon
Private Vehicle: Experienced drivers & air-conditioned vehicles
icon
Hotel accommodation with breakfasts (3-star standard)
icon
Meals: Breakfasts plus featured meals - Tibetan welcome banquet in Lhasa & The world’s highest altitude hot pot experience at EBC (if you take the tour to EBC).
icon
Admission tickets, activities listed in the itinerary
icon
Tibet Permits: Tibet Entry Permit, Alien Travel Permit, Border Pass, etc.
icon
Pick up and Drop off Service: The pick up and drop off service are free from 7:00am to 22:00pm on the pick up and drop off date.
icon
Oxygen and Water: A container of Oxygen per person for emergency use; 2 bottles of drinking water per person per day (300ml); 4L Medical oxygen cylinder with car
icon
Our service from tour planning, handling, operational and finishing your trip

What’s Excluded?

icon
International airfares
icon
Entry visa fees
icon
Personal expenses
icon
Single room supplement
icon
Recommended optional activities
icon
Arrival/departure flights or train on the first and last day
icon
Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers

Important Trip Notes for Booking a Private Tibet Tour

Do I need to get a Tibet permit to visit Tibet? How long does it take to obtain?
All foreign travelers are required to obtain a Tibet Travel Permit to visit Tibet. The permit can only be applied for through a registered travel agency in Tibet (we are local based Tibet travel agency with office setting in Lhasa) and is required to purchase flight or train tickets to Tibet. The permit is necessary to enter Tibet and visit certain areas within the region, including Lhasa and Mount Everest Base Camp. Travelers should plan ahead and allow sufficient time for the permit application process, as it can take one to two weeks to obtain the necessary permits.
All foreign travelers are advised to make their bookings at least one week in advance and send the necessary documents to us for obtaining the permits. However, if you plan to visit Mount Kailash, it is recommended to book at least two weeks in advance, as it may take longer to obtain the necessary permits.
How do I book a private Tibet tour?
It is very simple to book a private Tibet tour. Select the tour you are interested, and click “Make an Enquiry for Free”. Tell us your demands and likes while submitting the form. During this process, you don’t need to pay immediately. After sending us your requirements, one of our professional travel experts will get back to you within 0.5 to 24 hours. When all the information have confirmed, then you make the deposit. Please feel free to contact the travel expert directly if you have any questions prior to booking.
Combine Your Tibet Tour with Other Destinations in China
The above itinerary is the sample one that most travelers would go like that. The tour can be customized based on your likes, interests and budget. At the same time, if you want to extend this tour, just tell us your favored destinations and things to do. Our professional travel experts will redesign the trip totally for you at the best price. Tell us your ideas now >>
Transportation
In a private tour, it means you will transfer to the tourist attractions in one city by private vehicle. The private car we selected is spacious, comfortable and air-conditioned. And the driver we use are very experienced. As for traveling between two destinations, we use domestic flights (economy seat) or high speed trains (second class seat, usually less than 6 hours). The local guides and drivers will pick you up at the airport/train stations, and escort you to the hotel.
Meals
“B” stands for breakfast. You will have it at your hotel in the morning.
“L” stands for lunch. The restaurants we will arrange for you are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. All are in good sanitary conditions. Your guide will assist you with ordering the dishes.
“D” means dinner. All dinners are excluded in the itinerary. You have the chance to taste some authentic Chinese food and local snacks.
If you have special dietary requirements (vegetarian, halal, kosher, Indian, or gluten-free), please let us know before your booking. We will try our best to take care of you.

Accommodation & Hotel Condition for Your Tibet Tour

Lhasa Recommended 3 Star Hotel
Shigatse Recommended 3 Star Hotel
EBC Accommodation
Have a good sleep everyday is very important during your China tour. In a private tour, you can decide on your own which hotel class you want - luxury 5 star, comfortable 4-star or economic 3-star.
All the hotels in each destination we selected are at good location, close to commercial street or tourist attractions. And, all the hotels we use have a business relationship for many years and they have windows, air-conditioners, hot water, showers, wifi... (except for basic accommodation condition when travel to Mount Everest) to ensure you luxury and comfortable sleep experience. The staff can speak English and they will provide you the high quality service. If you have any requirements, you can ask them to help.

View Photo Gallery for This Itinerary

  • Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
  • Mount Emei
  • Mount Emei
  • Chengdu Pandas
  • Chengdu's Renmin Park
  • Beautiful Scenery on the Way to Lhasa
  •  Qinghai Tibet Railway
  •  Qinghai Tibet Railway through Snow Mounains
  • Lhasa Airport
  • Lhasa Jokhang Temple
  • Lhasa Sera Monastery
  • Lhasa Potala Palace
  • Lhasa Drepung Monastery
  • Tibet Yamdrok Lake
  • Karora Glacier in Tibet
  • Mount Everest Base Camp
  • Mount Everest National Park
  • Gyirong Border Town, Tibet

Latest Chengdu Tibet Tours Reviews from Our Customers

Discover what our customers are saying about the latest Chengdu Tibet Tours. Browse through their recent reviews and feedback on tour arrangements, guides, transportation, attractions, dining, hotels, and detailed itineraries to plan your own unforgettable China tour. View All Customers Reviews >>
Ilwad
  • star
  • star
  • star
  • star
  • star
Trip of a lifetime: before, during and after

Tour name: Line B2, 8 days Lhasa-Yamdroktso-Shigaste-Mt.Everest tour.

Key people: Bob (local Tibetan tour guide), Catherine Wang (travel consultant), Mr. Yu. Jian (driver).

This tour was sublime, a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! From the very start, I was met with grace and incredible kindness. The driver assigned to me by the company was Susan and greeted me with a smile on her face, as well as the traditional Tibetan scarf she delicately placed around my neck. She then kindly offered to take some photos of me outside of the airport and offered me some water as we drove to the first accommodation in Lhasa. She then sent me a few locations within the city to explore, for shopping and food and shared her experience of living in the region for over a decade.

The following day we met our tour guide Bob, who to date has been my favourite tour guide. He was nothing short of incredible. Not only did he translate everything from Tibetan to Mandarin and English, making the tour accessible to all of us, but went above and beyond for all of us. Whether it was taking extra photos from awkward angles as the photographer to answering our follow-up questions or even giving us his own recommendations i.e. where to rent the traditional Tibetan clothes or shop for souvenirs. He was incredibly knowledgeable and humble- a true mix of wisdom and personal insight. I found his personal experiences and insight made the tour feel more authentic, especially as he had been doing this since 2009. His great anecdotes and true appreciation of the Tibetan culture, as well as his uplifting attitude and great sense of humour made the trip that much more special. Especially on the days when we were on the road for up to 7 hours, as we began the travel towards Everest Base Camp (EBC).

In terms of the people I met on the tour, it was truly a mixed bag in the best way possible! As I was a 22-year-old solo solo-female traveler you might expect that I would want to be around a similar company. In contrast, I had the best time ever with a wildly different demographic! From middle-aged interracial married couples to retired solo travelers and other solo travelers, my group was made up of people from different neighbouring countries each with their own experiences of travel. As someone who is learning Chinese this was perfect for improving my linguistic skills however most could also speak English so there were no language barriers either.

The people in my group were lovely, kind and interesting characters. Each with open-minds and curiousity about the Tibetan culture. Having people from different walks of life and experiences in my group turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Even with our different backgrounds, we shared laughter, food and stories. I am grateful to have been in the same group as them for those 8 days- it was a true pleasure. Also, the nature of the tour meant that we overlapped with different groups based on both of our itineraries, meaning that we mixed with others for the first few days of the tour. This was a great way to also meet others as some were also staying at the same hotel as us.

The driver Mr. Yu Jian was also incredible. He so kindly brought our luggage in and out of the vehicles and always waited for us patiently in the mornings. Even when we (I) were running late, losing track of the timings and rushing outside with a hastily prepared buffet breakfast to go.

In terms of the tour, my personal highlights were of course seeing EBC and Everest in person, however, the in-betweens were just as remarkable. The 108 zig-zags we had to endure on the way to EBC, the petrol station stops where we’d stretch our legs and interact with the locals (often trying to sell us things) and growing closer and closer to the enchanting Everest. Being able to see the surreal landscape views of Tibet, both in Lhasa and outside, was awe-inducing. As I flew in on 25/03, I was met with the mountainscape being submerged with snow. By the time we made it to EBC, the snow had mostly melted but the rugged mountain view perfectly complemented the seemingly endless holy Yamdrok Lake. It was a nature lover’s paradise through and through, especially with the domesticated and wild animals across the area.

I also thoroughly enjoyed interacting with the locals. They met me with such curiosity, warmth and open-mindedness. I was touched to be perhaps the first black European person they met, and hope that they left our interactions with a new perspective. The first meal I had in Tibet was also sublime (I will put a picture below of the dish and a screenshot of the location I went to, recommended to me by my first driver). There was also a traditional Tibetan musical performance shortly after I had finished my meal, also recommended to me by Susan which began around 8pm!

My favourite monastery we visited was also the Tashi Lhunpo monastery in Shigatse, which we visited on our penultimate day in Tibet. We went on a Sunday which meant that not many tourists, if any, were there. Especially the tour took place during the off-season (End of March/Early April). As such it was an immersive experience being able to calmly walk through the monastery. With a history dating back to 1447, I felt like I connected to this the most, with there being living trees on the site that had been first planted over 400 years ago! Even seeing locals re-paint some of the religious paintings and the monks ready to enter for their evening classes gave a sense of serenity. It was a wonderful way to end the trip. Also, I would like to highlight seeing the Yamdrok Lake’s deep shades of turquoise from many angles (extraordinary), trying yak meat for the first time (different and at times tasty), seeing the Karola glacier (even when the rest of the landscape was snowless), seeing monks’ daily debates at Sera Monastery, of course climbing and seeing Polata Palace (tip: bring a 50 RMB note with you to take the famed picture outside Polata Palace- a fellow tour member loaned me his, thanks Yuki!), as well as Jokhang Temple and the Tibetan incense making where the activity leader wrote us, upon our request, a sign in the Tibetan language with anything i.e. our name or quotes. Seeing the stars on the first day of the new moon in the village just outside of Everest was also phenomenal (tip: walk 5-10 minutes in the opposite direction of heading into town to escape the light pollution for a better view, we only stayed out for 15 minutes just around midnight due to fatigue but if you really commit to it and maybe even venture further out and perhaps later on in the night around the new moon phase you will be stunned out what will find in the starry night sky.. hopefully the milky way!).

I would also like to give a warm mention to the hotel workers in the first hotel we stayed in Lhasa as they were incredibly kind to me. They were curious to know what my story was and where I had travelled as well as catering to my needs in the mornings (i.e. morning coffee etc.). Though they won’t see this, the woman working at the Tibetan clothes’ rental who helped me take pictures on my phone and conversed with me was also very kind! Even the shopkeeper who gave me a freebie after I bought some goods from his store was patient with me as I perused through the shops looking for instant noodles. Overall, I was met with such kindness from the very start of the trip until the very end!

Regarding altitude sickness, if you are worried about the high altitude, I bought Diamox , also known as Acetazolamide, (250mg per tablet) and got a prescription from a pharmacist. I took 1 tablet the day before I flew into Lhasa (during my layover in Kunming, Yunnan) and took another tablet for the next two days, waiting 24 hours between each 250mg dose. I adjusted well to the altitude and only took another one when we were heading to higher altitudes (particularly the mountain pass that is higher than EBC and the day of EBC). In total, I took 4 tablets on 4 days (the day before landing in Lhasa, days 1 and 2 of the tour as well as day 4 of the tour). I stopped taking it after EBC day and was fine throughout the trip. The tour will provide you with one free bottle of oxygen, as well as an emergency tank of oxygen in the shuttle bus. For reference I didn’t finish the bottle of oxygen throughout the trip but bought a spare one from the supermarket down the road from the hotel in Lhasa and the quality was great for only a few more RMB (lasted the entire trip). With a lot of water for hydration and taking it easy, alongside deep breaths, I think this tour is accessible to anyone without any underlying health conditions.

Finally, I would like to thank my tour agent Catherine Wang who has supported me throughout this trip! From when I first sent an email back in December 2024 to inquire about this tour until present she has supported me and provided me with updates throughout this process. Although I sent persistent emails (regarding the Shigatse earthquake and permit process/progress update) she always kept me in the loop. Even during the trip she had sent me an email to ask how it was going. Thank you very much for your patience and hard work, this trip has been the trip of a lifetime!

TLDR: I would 1000% recommend this trip and tour. All the little moments and cherished memories I have made will last a lifetime. Thank you to Bob, Mr. Yu Jian, Catherine, Susan, my tour group members and all the others who have made this trip so special. I am beyond grateful.

read more
Ilwad
  • star
  • star
  • star
  • star
  • star
Tour name: Line B2, 8 days Lhasa-Yamdroktso-Shigaste-Mt.Everest tour. Key people: Bob (local Tibetan tour guide), Catherine Wang (travel consultant)...
GalleryGallery

Destination(s): Tibet

Date of Experience: Oct 07, 2024

Tour Customized by: Catherine

You May be Interested in This Tour: 8 Days Lhasa Yamdrok Shigatse Group Tour with Everest Base Camp

Jia Yin
  • star
  • star
  • star
  • star
  • star
Great Experience to Tibet

Right from the start, Betty, our travel agent has helped us to create an unforgettable Tibet travel experience for my husband and I. She is attentive to our needs and has helped us to obtain the necessary documents to travel to Tibet. Our Tibetan guide, Lobsang, too is very friendly and eager to share Tibetan culture and history.

read more
Jia Yin
  • star
  • star
  • star
  • star
  • star
Right from the start, Betty, our travel agent has helped us to create an unforgettable Tibet travel experience for my husband and I. She is attentive ...
GalleryGallery

Destination(s): Tibet

Date of Experience: Jul 08, 2024

Tour Customized by: Betty

You May be Interested in This Tour: Customized Tour

Lynn
  • star
  • star
  • star
  • star
  • star
A memorable trip

We recently took a 6 day tour to Tibet , booking through Asia Odyssey Travel through agent Thalia.

Our itinerary including:
1, flying from Peking to Xining (with one day private tour in Xining)
2, taking overnight train from Xining to Lhasa.
3, Staying in Lhasa for 4 nights visiting several monasteries, palaces and Yamdrok Lake.
4, flying from Lhasa to Chengdu with one day private tour in Chengdu.

The highlights of the tour is the overnight train ride ( around 19 hours) passing snow capped mountains with breath taking scenery. Although we were told by several tours that it was extremely difficult to obtain train tickets, Thalia was able to secure train tickets and Tibet permits for us as promised ( soft sleeper cabin for four) Thalia is the best travel agent I have dealt with so far. We communicated by WhatsApp and paid by PayPal or WeChat. Thalia sent us itinerary first and followed us throughout the whole trip with updated detailed instructions of flight information, airport pick up and tour guide contact information, scenic points on the train ride , and precautions for high altitude sickness. ( there are oxygen and humidifier in Lagani hotel in Lhasa)

When our flight from Lhasa to Chengdu was delayed, Thalia made her best efforts to rebook different flights.

We also had fantastic tours in Chengdu lead by Tina Chen and in Xining by Sally

Thalia is reliable, always replying texts promptly and available even when she was on vacation. Her English is excellent. She is professional , pleasant , optimistic and reassuring.

We definitely will contact her for any future trips to China.

Thalia email Thalia@aisiaodysseytravel.com

read more
Lynn
  • star
  • star
  • star
  • star
  • star
We recently took a 6 day tour to Tibet , booking through Asia Odyssey Travel through agent Thalia. Our itinerary including:1, flying from Peking to Xi...
GalleryGallery

Destination(s): Tibet, Chengdu/Sichuan, Qinghai

Date of Experience: Nov 09, 2024

Tour Customized by: Thalia

You May be Interested in This Tour: Customized Tour

icon
icon
ALL
Closeclose
Destinations
  • Chengdu
  •  
  • Chengdu to Lhasa Train Ride
  •  
  • Lhasa
  •  
  • Shannan & Gyantse
  •  
  • Shigatse
  •  
  • Mount Everest
  •  
  • Gyirong
Tour Information
icon
Flexible Dates
icon
Trusted Route
icon
Guaranteed Experience
icon
Trip Style: Private Tour (flexible travel dates & numbers of travelers)
icon
Tour Code: AOT-FCD-013
icon
Travel Route: Chengdu - Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Mt. Everest - Gyirong Port (China and Nepal Border)
icon
Features: History, Culture, Pandas, Religious Sites, Holy Mountains

Price: request

(Based on a private tour for two people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people.)

Free Enquiry! You don’t need to pay for the reservation.

Customize Your Own Trip
icon
icon
  • United States (+1)
  • Australia (+61)
  • Singapore (+65)
  • Malaysia (+60)
  • Philippines (+63)
  • Canada (+1)
  • Italy (+39)
  • Indonesia (+62)
  • United Kingdom (+44)
  • Spain (+34)
  • Mexico (+52)
  • Hong Kong (+852)
  • Thailand (+66)
  • United Arab Emirates (+971)
  • New Zealand (+64)
  • South Africa (+27)
  • Germany (+49)
  • Brazil (+55)
  • India (+91)
  • France (+33)
  • Vietnam (+84)
  • The Netherlands (+31)
  • Saudi Arabia (+966)
  • Ireland (+353)
  • Argentina (+54)
  • Switzerland (+41)
  • Romania (+40)
  • Pakistan (+92)
  • Japan (+81)
  • Portugal (+351)
  • Bangladesh (+880)
  • South Korea (+82)
  • Puerto Rico (+1)
  • Türkiye (+90)
  • China (+86)
  • Belgium (+32)
  • Qatar (+974)
  • Greece (+30)
  • Taiwan (+886)
  • Austria (+43)
  • Poland (+48)
  • Israel (+972)
  • Chile (+56)
  • Sri Lanka (+94)
  • Nigeria (+234)
  • Peru (+51)
  • Colombia (+57)
  • Hungary (+36)
  • Nepal (+977)
  • Denmark (+45)
  • Bulgaria (+359)
  • Norway (+47)
  • Slovenia (+383)
  • Sweden (+46)
  • Kuwait (+965)
  • Costa Rica (+506)
  • Ecuador (+593)
  • Venezuela (+58)
  • Malta (+356)
  • Croatia (+385)
  • Tunisia (+216)
  • Czechia (+420)
  • Mongolia (+976)
  • Bahrain (+973)
  • Mauritius (+230)
  • Papua New Guinea (+675)
  • Cambodia (+855)
  • Dominican Republic (+1)
  • Luxembourg (+352)
  • Finland (+358)
  • Guatemala (+502)
  • Myanmar (+95)
  • Maldives (+960)
  • Slovakia (+421)
  • Laos (+856)
  • Serbia (+381)
  • Brunei (+673)
  • Oman (+968)
  • Macao (+853)
  • Panama (+507)
  • Morocco (+212)
  • Jordan (+962)
  • Georgia (+995)
  • Fiji (+679)
  • Bolivia (+591)
  • Lithuania (+370)
  • Bahamas (+1)
  • Cyprus (+357)
  • Latvia (+371)
  • Bhutan (+975)
  • Iraq (+964)
  • Iran (+98)
  • Kenya (+254)
  • Jamaica (+1)
  • Zimbabwe (+263)
  • Azerbaijan (+994)
  • Uruguay (+598)
  • Estonia (+372)
  • Andorra (+376)
  • Cameroon (+237)
  • Ghana (+233)
  • Kazakhstan (+7)
  • Nicaragua (+505)
  • Egypt (+20)
  • Russia (+7)
  • Albania (+355)
  • Réunion (+262)
  • Montenegro (+382)
  • Algeria (+213)
  • Afghanistan (+93)
  • Martinique (+596)
  • Uganda (+256)
  • Honduras (+504)
  • North Macedonia (+389)
  • Trinidad and Tobago (+1)
  • Suriname (+597)
  • Antigua and Barbuda (+1)
  • Zambia (+260)
  • Ukraine (+380)
  • Armenia (+374)
  • Barbados (+1)
  • Belarus (+375)
  • Palestine (+970)
  • Lesotho (+266)
  • Moldova (+373)
  • Ethiopia (+251)
  • French Polynesia (+689)
  • Gambia (+220)
  • Guam (+1)
  • Gibraltar (+350)
  • Isle of Man (+44)
  • New Caledonia (+687)
  • El Salvador (+503)
  • Comoros (+269)
  • Seychelles (+248)
  • Chad (+235)
  • Samoa (+685)
  • Cook Islands (+682)
  • Palau (+680)
  • Paraguay (+595)
  • DR Congo (+243)
  • Solomon Islands (+677)
icon
loadingData in submission...

Highly Recommended Tibet Tours in 2025

china group tours 2025
close
Please "click" to switch the language
Contact Us
top