13 Days Classic Chengdu and Tibet Impression Tour via Qinghai-Tibet Railway
Trip Overview
This itinerary of Chengdu and Tibet Impression Tour via Qinghai is especially recommended for those who want to explore the capital of Sichuan province, “Chengdu,” in southwest China and Lhasa’s breathtaking scenery.
Experience the local way of life in Chengdu and have an intimate encounter with a giant panda. Then, you will enjoy the train ride to Tibet. You will stay on the train for two nights, enjoying the breathtaking scenery along the stunning Qinghai-Tibet Railway as you travel to Tibet via train. The main highlight of this train journey is the Sky Train, the highest train ride in the world, passing through the Tanggula Pass (5200m).
After you reach Lhasa, you will witness the majestic Potala Palace overlooking the Himalayas, the monks praying in front of the Jokhang Temple, and strolling beside the jade-like Namtso Lake. You will also witness the Drepung and Sera Monasteries, two of the largest monasteries, and the Tashilumphu monastery.
We at Tashi Delek have organized the itinerary so that you can quickly enjoy the tour of famous and historical places.
Contact our expert directly to learn more about the packages and customization of itineraries.
Trip Highlights
- Experience the world’s highest train ride, Sky Train, from Chengdu to Lhasa.
- Visit Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, the panda capital of the world, and witness pandas of all ages.
- Witness the finest hydraulic engineering achievements of the Qin Dynasty, an irrigation and flood control project.
- Discover Tibet’s historic Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Witnessing the breathtaking views of the Lhasa city and snow-capped mountains from Drepung Monastery.
- Discover Tibetan culture up close by taking a stroll down Barkhor Street.
- Observe monks’ debate and watch the Rock Thangka in Sera Monastery.
- See Tashi Lhunpo Monastery’s enormous golden statue of Maitreya Buddha.
- Enjoy the breathtaking view of Yamdrok Lake.
- Explore less-known trails and relish the excitement of friendly local communities and breathtaking views of ancient monuments, artifacts, and a massive Buddha statue.
- Enjoy traditional food and become fully immersed in Tibetan culture
- Explore the frantic, busy Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.
Detailed Itinerary
Close AllArrival in Chengdu, pick and transfer to Hotel O/N Hotel (BB)
Upon reaching the Chengdu International Airport, our amiable Tibetan guide will greet you with a Khada (welcome ceremonial scarf).
You will then be transported to your hotel, where you will rest for the day and prepare for the tour. In the afternoon, you can stroll around and enjoy authentic food outside.
Overnight at Chengdu.
Visit Giant Panda Breeding Centre, Sanxingdui Museum O/N Hotel (BB)
Today, we will explore Chengdu’s Giant Panda Breeding Centre. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is not just the breeding center but home to hundreds of Pandas. You can stroll around the bamboo path and witness the different ages and sizes of pandas playing, eating bamboo, tumbling, etc.
Also, if you happen to be there at a suitable time, you may be able to watch the cute panda babies in the nursery rooms. Also, you need to visit the panda cubs.
Later, we will drive for one hour to reach the Sanxingdui Museum, known as the Three-Star Piles Museum in Guanghan City. This museum is renowned worldwide for the more than 4,000 artifacts discovered in 1929 at the Sanxingdui site. A plethora of magnificent artifacts, including stone, gold, jade, and bronze ware, have been recovered at this site. These artifacts demonstrate that the ancient Shu Kingdom was home to a highly developed civilization.
Some artifacts, like a bronze statue and a stick of gold, are strikingly similar to those of the ancient Egyptian and Mayan civilizations. During your visit to this museum, you can find the mystery behind the similarity of different kingdoms.
Overnight at Chengdu.
Visit Dujiangyan Irrigation Project, Dufu Cottage & Kuan Zhai Xiang O/N Hotel (BB)
Once you have had a decent breakfast, we will drive to the Dujiangyan Irrigation System. The Dujiangyan is one of the finest hydraulic engineering achievements of the Qin Dynasty. It was constructed in 256 BC and offered irrigation and flood control to the surrounding area. You will learn about the construction of such a big project and how it has helped the community.
Later, we will visit Dufu cottage, the old home of a well-known Tang dynasty poet, Du Fu, who composed over 240 poems that captured the village’s woes. There is a museum built in his memory. The beautiful environment around and the museum is where you will learn more about Chinese literature, history, and architecture.
Then we will visit the Kuan Zhai Xiang, also known as Wide & Narrow Alleys, which is a set of three alleys located in Chengdu’s downtown: Kuan Alley (Wide Alley), Zhai Alley (Narrow Alley), and Jing Alley. You can visit these alleys anytime, but the nighttime view is extraordinary; the fullness of lights, dance, and music is what the night time makes this alley beautiful.
Overnight at Chengdu.
Board on a Train to Lhasa O/N Train
Today, you will take the night train to Lhasa. In the morning and afternoon, you can explore the city. In the evening, we will transfer you to Chengdu Train Station. After being thoroughly checked at the station, the train will leave around 10 p.m.
Overnight on the train.
On Train O/N Train
Today, you will pass through two major cities, Lanzhou and Xining. You will witness northwest China’s rural and urban landscapes as you travel along the rail route. Xining is also known as the beginning of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.
Along the ride through the track, you will witness the breathtaking landscapes with vast grasslands, turquoise lakes, and snow-capped towering peaks.
Overnight on the train.
Arrive in Lhasa Railway Station then transfer to Hotel O/N Hotel (BB)
Today, you will arrive at Lhasa Railway Station and be transferred to the hotel. While traveling from station to hotel, you will be filled with a fantastic view of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and acclimatizing.
Overnight at Lhasa.
Lhasa - Visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Market O/N Hotel (BB)
Today, we will visit Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will also visit Barkhor Square market. Potala Palace, the winter home of the Dalai Lama, is a 13-floor building with more than 1000 rooms, several statues, artifacts, murals, and stupas.
Later, we will visit the Jokhang Temple, named Jo for Jowo Buddha and Khang for Chapel. It was built in 642 by the first King of Tibet, Songtsen Gampo, to place the image of Akshobhya Buddha, the gift of a Nepalese wife, Bhirkuti. Later, the temple was known for the gift, a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, by the King’s second Chinese wife.
We will stroll around the Barkhor market that encircles the Jokhang Temple. Pilgrims usually do the kora(circumambulate) of Jokhang temple in a clockwise direction. Also, you can buy gifts to take home, as numerous artifacts and cultural items like Buddha relics are available in this market.
Overnight at Lhasa.
Lhasa - Visit Drepung Monastery, Norbulingka Palace and Sera Monastery O/N Hotel (BB)
After breakfast, our guide will take you to two great Gelug monasteries in Tibet, Drepung and Sera Monastery.
Drepung Monastery is one of Tibet’s “great three” Gelug Monasteries. It was established by Jamyang Choge Tashi Palden in 1416. Before the Fifth Dalai Lama constructed the Potala Palace, this monastery served as Tibet’s political hub and the residence of the Dalai Lamas.
Later, we will visit the Sera Monastery, built in 1419 by Tsongkapa. This monastery’s most significant architectural features are the 3 Buddhist colleges, 29 monk dormitories, and Coqen Assembly Hall. If you visit between Monday and Friday, you can witness Monks debate in the monastery’s courtyard. Also, watching the 9-meter statue of Maitreya, constructed in 1419, is one of this monastery’s fascinating features.
In the evening, we will visit the Norbulingka Palace, also known as the “Jewel Park.”, built by the 7th Dalai Lama and the Summer Palace of the Dalai Lama.
Overnight at Lhasa.
Drive to Gyantse via Yamdrok Lake, visit Khumbum Stupa and Pelkhor Chode O/N Hotel (BB)
After breakfast, we will drive to Gyantse. On this journey, we encounter two high passes: Kamba La Pass(4794m) and Karo La Pass(5045m). For about 72km, we will travel through the tranquil, turquoise-toned Yamdrok-tso Lake bank. Yamdrok-tso Lake is among Tibet’s three holiest lakes and is believed to be the metamorphosis of the Goddess encircled by snow-capped mountains.
After hours of driving, we will reach Gyantse. Gyantse is the third largest historical city of Tibet, where we will visit the famous Khumbum Stupa and Pelkhor Chode.
Khumbum is a spectacular 9-floor Buddha stupa with beautiful carvings and paintings and is home to a massive 35-meter-tall gold-domed stupa. The combined efforts of the Chinese, Tibetans, and Nepalese resulted in a masterwork, as the eight doors of this Stupa open and are decorated with sculptures of dragons, elephants, and lions.
Then we will visit the Pelkhor Chode monastery, built in 1418, situated in the Nyangchu river valley, encircled on three sides by the mountains, and a unique blend of stupa and temple. The red-walled Pelkor Chöde was formerly a compound of 15 monasteries that united three orders of Tibetan Buddhism. Three monasteries were Sakyapa, nine were Gelugpa, and three were part of the little-known Büton suborder.
Overnight at Gyantse.
Drive to Shigatse, Visit Tashilimphu Monastery & Local Market O/N Hotel (BB)
Today, we will travel to Shigatse, the second-largest town in Tibet, and visit the Tashilimphu Monastery, the traditional home of Tibet’s second-holiest man, the Panchen Lama. There, you can view the enormous Future Buddha, the most massive statue of its type on the planet. It is adorned with priceless pearls, turquoise, coral, and amber.
Later, we will visit the local market and explore the Tibetan Buddhist culture, traditions, and lifestyle. We can also buy some artifacts to take back as souvenirs.
Overnight at Shigatse.
Drive to Shegar O/N Hotel (BB)
After breakfast today, we will go to Shegar, now known as the New Tingri. Before reaching Shegar, we will cross the two high passes: Tong La Pass (5130) and Gyatso La(5259m).
During the travel, capture the stunning views of Shishapangma(8013m) and Mount Everest(8848m), the world’s highest peak. Then we will reach Shegar. As part of your acclimatization, you can rest the remaining day.
Overnight at Shegar.
Drive to Kyirong O/N Hotel (BB)
Today, we will wake up early and drive about 8 km to Mount Everest’s North Base Camp (5250m). On the way, we will witness the three thousanders: Mount Everest (8,848m), Cho Oyu (8,188m), and Shishapangma (8,027m).
After reaching the base camp of Mount Everest, we will witness the Rongbuk Glacier along with the snow-capped towering peak. These are once-in-a-lifetime memories and unforgettable ones.
The Tibetan tradition believes that offering Lungta at temples/stupas and high passes brings good fortune and a long life. So, if you want to offer Lungta, the guide will provide you with information.
We will stay there for a while and then continue our journey towards Kyirong, Nepal-Tibet Border.
Overnight at Kyirong.
Drive back to Kathmandu
Today, we will wrap up our tour. While we are having breakfast, the guide will take care of the formalities. Once the border formalities at Kyirong are completed, we will travel to Kathmandu through Syabrubesi-Trishuli-Kathmandu.
You can stroll around Kathmandu’s best places in the evening, such as Durbarmarg and Thamel.
Please Note
We have updated our dates and price list, which you can find above. But if you cannot find a perfect date for the trip or want to customize it, then you can Contact Us here.
Also, we are offering a discount for those travelers who come in a group of 3 or more. You may also get a discount if you book the trip earlier. Contact Us for more.
Cost Includes
- Airport transfers to hotel.
- Accommodation on a twin-sharing basis.
- Private and public vehicles used for the trip
- Any required permits and entry fees during the trip
- Professional guide, profound in English, and approved by the Tibetan Travel Bureau.
- All meals that are mentioned in the itinerary.
- Any applicable government taxes.
Cost Excludes
- Any International flights and China Visa Fee (not included in the trip)
- Travel and medical insurance or any evacuation during the trip.
- Any gratitude or tips in any form to guide, porters, or any other.
- Personal expenses like phone calls, groceries, liquors, etc.
- Extra day staying or traveling expenses other than those mentioned in the itinerary.
- Any expenses incurred due to unforeseen events such as illness or a delayed or canceled flight.
We value your well-being and comfort trip
Surely, you may have researched a lot regarding the trip to Mt. Kailash and have gathered much more information. But, with all the information and your confidence in completing the trip will not be enough. We, our team, and guide with years of experience will do anything to make sure that you are safe and you experience a comfortable travel. Also, we have some other value-added services that will assure you had the perfect trip of lifetime.
A closer look at the vistas with a Telescope
Forget to bring your binoculars? Don’t worry, we got you covered. We have a high-end telescope which will provide you with an astonishing view (during the night). The telescope is mostly available during the trek to high passes like the Everest base camp trek.
Extra gears to make your travel more comfortable
We think that for a trekker to successfully finish the journey, they need to eat well and sleep well. Therefore, we can provide you with whatever additional equipment you desire, such as neck pillows, sleeping bags, eye masks, etc.
Rental Service of Gears and Equipment
We strongly suggest you bring the necessary gear and equipment with you. But if you forget or want us to arrange those items for you, then we are here to help. On rental, we will provide you with all the gear and equipment you need for your travel on your request before the trip.
Responsible and eco-friendly trip
Our goal is to go on an environmentally responsible excursion. We provide food and drink using environmentally friendly paper plates and mugs. We are preserving the beauty of nature in this way.
Accommodation
Hotels and guest houses are available for lodging on this tour. We will book you a 3-star hotel, but if you want a more luxurious one, you must mention it earlier, which may cost you extra.
Hospital and medical facilities
Hospitals and medical facilities are entirely available. This tour is leisurely, and you do not have to walk for hours to get somewhere. Our guides are professionals and ready for any emergencies.
Communication facilities
After you reach Tibet, you’ll need a Chinese SIM card. Once specific procedures are completed, Chinese SIM cards can be purchased and recharged while traveling. Lhasa has internet facilities, but you can also use a Chinese SIM card to connect to the internet.
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