12 Days Xining and Tibet Natural Scenery Tour by Train

Tour Route: Xian - Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Shegar - Kyirong - Kathmandu
12 Days Xining and Tibet Natural Scenery Tour by Train
Duration 12 Days
12 Days Xining and Tibet Natural Scenery Tour by Train
Accomodation Hotel BB
12 Days Xining and Tibet Natural Scenery Tour by Train
Start Xian
12 Days Xining and Tibet Natural Scenery Tour by Train
End Kathmandu
12 Days Xining and Tibet Natural Scenery Tour by Train
Transportation Sky Train& Private Vehicle
12 Days Xining and Tibet Natural Scenery Tour by Train
Max Altitude 5248 M
12 Days Xining and Tibet Natural Scenery Tour by Train
Best Season April - November
12 Days Xining and Tibet Natural Scenery Tour by Train
Group Size 1 - 15
Grade Easy

Trip Overview

Xi’an to Lhasa is one of the most well-traveled train lines on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. This journey will shorten the train ride time and allow you to visit the oldest capital city of China, Xian, and explore its history and culture.

Experience the local way of life in Xian and have an intimate encounter with 8,000 life-size warriors, horses, and chariots of terracotta. 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 Xian to Lhasa, through a stunning railway.
  • Discover the historic imperial city of Xian and get a close-up look at the Terracotta Warriors.
  • 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

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Day 01

Arrival in Xian, pick and transfer to Hotel O/N Hotel (BB)

Our amiable Tibetan guide will greet you with a Khada (welcome ceremonial scarf) upon arrival in Xian.

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 Xian.

Day 02

Visit Terra Cotta Warriors, Horses Museum & Ancient Xian City Wass O/N Hotel (BB)

Today, we will witness the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, a fantastic man-made marvel, buried to guard Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. Over 8,000 life-size warriors, horses, and chariots of terracotta and bronze were built and buried to protect the first emperor in the afterlife. They were positioned east of the emperor’s burial chamber, facing the states he had conquered to unite China. Each life-size individual is distinctive, with various face traits, outfits, and body postures.

After witnessing the marvelous talent of Chinese artists and being mesmerized by the art done thousands of years ago, we will visit the Ancient Xian City Wall. The wall’s top is broader than its height, allowing for army drills, and was constructed during the Ming Dynasty as a military fortification. Enjoy the allure of this historic capital by strolling along the top of the wall. Also, if you want, you can do a bicycle tour here.

Overnight at Xian.

Day 03

Visit Shaanxi History Museum, Big wild Goose Pagoda & Folk Custom Museum of the central Shaanzi Plain O/N Hotel (BB)

Once you have had a decent breakfast, we will visit the Shaanxi History Museum. This museum houses items from the Paleolithic period to the more modern Qing Dynasty. It is a bustling, well-liked attraction filled with thousands of exhibits spanning all historical periods. Visiting this museum, you will get a chance to learn more about China’s rich history and its splendor.

Later, we will visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a 64.5-meter-tall pagoda constructed approximately 1,300 years ago to store Buddhist books and statues brought back from India.

Overnight at Xian.

Day 04

Board on a Train to Lhasa O/N Train

Today, we will take the train to Lhasa. You are free to stroll around until the time of your train ride.

We should reach the station one hour earlier to do all the processing. The train ride to Lhasa is about 33 hours, and you will experience a breathtaking journey on the highest railway.

Overnight on the train.

Day 05

Arrive in Lhasa Railway Station then transfer to Hotel O/N Hotel (BB)

Your train will continue today, and you will reach Lhasa by evening. During the journey, you will see breathtaking landscapes and cross a plateau with an average height of nearly 4,000 meters while traveling on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, a marvelous railway worldwide. Along the ride through the track, you will witness the breathtaking landscapes with vast grasslands, turquoise lakes, and snow-capped towering peaks. Enjoy the view outside as you cross the Tanggula Pass(5200m), the world’s highest railway pass.

You will arrive at Lhasa Railway Station by evening and be transferred to the hotel. You can stroll around the hotel or take a complete rest.

Overnight at Lhasa.

Day 06

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.

Day 07

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.

Day 08

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.

Day 09

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.

Day 10

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.

Day 11

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.

Day 12

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.

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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12 Days Xining and Tibet Natural Scenery Tour by Train - $2050

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