10 Days Qinghai-Tibet Railway Tour from Xining to Lhasa & Everest Base Camp

Welcome to Xining, the starting point of the legendary Qinghai-Tibet Railway! Upon your arrival at the airport or train station, your local guide and driver will meet you at the exit and transfer you to your hotel in downtown Xining. The rest of the day is yours to relax, recover from your travels, or explore the local neighborhood at your own pace.

Travel Tips for Your Arrival:

Xining is the capital of Qinghai Province and is easily accessible. Xining Caojiapu International Airport connects the city to major hubs like Beijing (2.5 hrs), Xi'an (1.5 hrs), Shanghai (3 hrs), and Lhasa (2.5 hrs). Alternatively, the high-speed rail network offers convenient connections from cities like Lanzhou (2.5–3.5 hrs) and Xi'an (5.5–6 hrs).

Your guide will transfer you to Xining Train Station today to board the Qinghai-Tibet Railway bound for Lhasa. Important: Please keep your Tibet Permit handy, as it will be checked upon boarding.

Prepare for a spectacular journey across the Tibetan Plateau. From your window, watch the landscape transform: snow-capped Himalayan peaks, shimmering lakes, and vast plains dotted with yaks and nomad tents. Keep your camera ready to spot Tibetan antelope, foxes, and wild asses roaming the high-altitude wilderness.

Tashi Delek! Welcome to Lhasa, the spiritual heart of the Tibet Autonomous Region. Upon your arrival at the Lhasa Train Station, your local guide and driver will meet you at the exit and escort you to your hotel in downtown Lhasa (approx. 1.5 hours). Use the rest of the day to rest, hydrate, and gently acclimatize to the high altitude (3,650m). You’ll be refreshed and ready to explore the city with your guide tomorrow.

Essential Tips for Acclimatization:

• Take It Easy: Avoid altitude sickness by moving slowly, staying warm, and drinking plenty of water. We recommend avoiding showers for the first 24–48 hours.
• Prioritize Rest: Get plenty of sleep and avoid strenuous activity. Listen to your body and follow your doctor's advice regarding altitude based on your health.
• We Are Here for You: Your well-being is our priority. If you feel unwell or need assistance, please inform your guide or hotel staff immediately. Our team is experienced in handling altitude adjustments and is always ready to help.

Today, you will immerse yourself in the soul of Lhasa. We begin with the Jokhang Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the most sacred destination for Tibetan Buddhists. Built over 1,300 years ago for King Songtsen Gampo’s brides, Princess Wencheng and Princess Bhrikuti, this "House of Buddha" is a masterpiece of architecture. It houses the life-size statue of the 12-year-old Sakyamuni, a treasure of the Buddhist world. Admire the intricate carvings and vibrant murals while watching pilgrims complete their prostrations—a deeply moving experience. (Note: The visit order may be adjusted based on your ticket reservation.)

In the afternoon, we drive to the Sera Monastery, one of the "Great Three" Gelug university monasteries. This is your chance to witness the legendary monks' debates (typically held 15:00–17:00, except Sundays). Watch as monks engage in spirited philosophical exchanges, using hand-clapping and foot-stomping to emphasize their points. It is a fascinating, high-energy display of monastic study. You will also have time to explore the meditation halls and gain insight into the daily lives of the monks.

We conclude the day on Barkhor Street, the ancient pilgrim circuit surrounding the Jokhang Temple. Once a quiet path for kora, it is now a bustling local market. Take a stroll with the locals, try a cup of traditional yak butter tea, or browse for unique Tibetan, Nepalese, and Indian handicrafts. It is the perfect place to soak up the vibrant, everyday atmosphere of Lhasa.

Today, we explore the architectural marvels and spiritual heart of Lhasa. We begin with the Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the historic winter residence of the Dalai Lamas.

Climbing the 365 steps to the Red Palace (3,700m) is a journey through history. Inside, you will be captivated by intricate murals, jewel-encrusted shrines, and the sacred tombs of past Dalai Lamas. You will also walk alongside devoted pilgrims who have traveled from afar to reach this holy site. Your guide will share the fascinating history of King Songtsen Gampo, who founded the palace in the 7th century for his marriage to Princess Wencheng.

In the afternoon, we drive to Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in Tibet and the former residence of the Dalai Lamas before the Potala was completed. This site is famous for the Drepung Shoton Festival and its grand Thangka Unfolding Ceremony. Beyond the stunning architecture, you can witness the spirited debates of the monks—a vibrant display of Tibetan Buddhist study.

To round out your day, we have arranged 2-hour cultural experience at Tibet Handicraft Art Center. You will learn the traditional arts of Tibetan incense making and block printing, giving you a hands-on connection to Tibet’s rich living heritage.

After the tour, be escorted back to your hotel in Lhasa.

Today, we embark on a scenic 7.5-hour drive (270km) from Lhasa to Shigatse (3,850m). This route is a highlight of the Tibetan plateau, featuring breathtaking natural wonders and historic monasteries.

Yamdrok Lake & Kamba La Pass

Our first stop is the Kamba La Pass (4,797m). From here, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s four most sacred lakes. Its deep turquoise waters contrast beautifully against the snow-capped Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar (7,206m). You may spot locals with adorned Tibetan mastiffs and yaks; feel free to take photos for a small fee, which helps support their families.

Karola Glacier

Next, we visit the stunning Karola Glacier (5,012m), a massive "frozen waterfall" that serves as the source of the Nianchu River. Located just off the highway, it offers an incredible photo opportunity. Across the road, you can also admire the majestic Mt. Kalurong.

Pelkor Monastery & Gyantse

We continue along the Friendship Highway to Gyantse, Tibet’s third-largest city. Here, we explore the Pelkor Monastery, a unique site that harmoniously houses the Gelug, Sakya, and Kadampa sects. The highlight is the Kumbum Stupa (100-Thousand-Buddha Pagoda), a nine-story architectural masterpiece adorned with thousands of Buddhist images. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the town and the distant Gyantse Fortress.

Afterward, we drive the final 90km to Shigatse to rest for the night.

Today, we journey from Shigatse (3,850m) to the legendary Rongpuk Monastery (5,100m). This 340km drive is an epic ascent toward the roof of the world.

Gyawu La Pass

After 4.5 hours, we reach the Gyawu La Pass (5,200m). This is your first breathtaking glimpse of Mt. Everest. Marvel at the famous "zigzag" road that seems to stretch toward the horizon. You may spot dedicated cyclists and hikers making the pilgrimage to the base of the world's highest peak—a testament to the mountain's profound spiritual pull.

Rongpuk Monastery

We continue to Rongpuk Monastery (5,100m), the world's highest monastery. It offers the most spectacular view of the north face of Mt. Qomolangma (Mt. Everest). The site is steeped in history, surrounded by 400-year-old meditation caves carved into the cliffs. If the weather is clear, you will witness a magnificent sunset illuminating the peak. The iconic stupa here is the one you’ve seen on countless postcards.

Overnight at the Base

We will spend the night in a local tent guesthouse near Rongpuk Monastery. Step outside after dark to witness a heavenly, starry sky that few places on Earth can match.

Start your day early to witness the breathtaking sunrise over Mount Everest. As the first golden light hits the summit (usually between 6:30 AM and 7:00 AM), you'll understand why this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. After breakfast, take your time to hike around Rongbuk Monastery and Everest Base Camp (EBC). At 5,200m, this is the closest point for travelers to stand before the world’s highest peak (8,848m).

After soaking in these views, we begin the drive back to Shigatse (3,850m) on a well-paved road. We will make one final stop at the Gyawu La Pass (5,200m). On a clear day, you can see four of the world’s 8,000m+ peaks from here: Mt. Makalu, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Everest, and Mt. Cho-Oyu. We arrive in Shigatse in the evening for a well-deserved rest.

We begin our final full day with a visit to the historic Tashilunpo Monastery. After exploring its sacred halls, we will drive back to Lhasa (approx. 270km, 5 hours).

Tashilunpo Monastery

Founded in 1447 by the 1st Dalai Lama, this monastery serves as the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas, the second-highest incarnation in Tibet. As you walk through, you will visit the ancient tombs of the 4th and 10th Panchen Lamas and see the sacred chortens housing the remains of revered lamas. Your guide will share the profound history of the Panchen and Dalai Lamas as you admire the vibrant religious murals and hear the monks’ rhythmic chanting. We highly recommend hiking to the top of the complex for a stunning bird’s-eye view of the monastery and Shigatse City. If you have time, join the locals for a kora walk around the perimeter.

Return to Lhasa

After our visit, we head back toward Lhasa. The drive offers several scenic viewing platforms where you can pause to appreciate the dramatic Tibetan landscapes. We will arrive in Lhasa by evening and transfer you to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

After breakfast, your 10 Days Xining to Tibet Tour concludes today. Our local team will escort you to the airport or train station for your departure to your next destination.

Extension Ideas:

If you wish to explore more of the plateau, we can easily extend your trip to include Namtso Lake, the sacred Mount Kailash, or the scenic Gyirong Port. Let us know your travel goals, and we will gladly customize your itinerary.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel. It has been a pleasure serving you, and we hope to welcome you back for your next adventure in China or across Asia. Safe travels!