China Tibet Train (China Tibet Tour) · Small group tour

6 Days Lhasa and Namtso Lake Small Group Tour with Tibet Train Experience

Small-group Tibet train tour to Lhasa and Namtso Lake

China Tibet Train runs this 6-day small-group tour from Xining to Lhasa, with a day trip to Lake Namtso. Day 1 boards the hard sleeper train at Xining Railway Station, with the first night spent aboard while acclimatising gradually to the altitude. Three full days in Lhasa cover the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street and the Drepung and Sera monasteries, with time to rest and adjust to the altitude on arrival. On day 5, the group drives north through the Damxung Grassland and over the 5,190m Lagenla Pass to Namtso Lake, one of Tibet's Three Holy Lakes, with a trek to Tashi Dor Island, before returning to Lhasa the same evening. A local Tibetan English-speaking guide accompanies the group throughout and arranges the permits and train ticket in advance. This suits travellers who want a short, guided introduction to Lhasa's main religious sites and one of Tibet's holy lakes without arranging permits or transport themselves.

What to know before you look closer

  • The included train fare is for a hard sleeper berth; a soft sleeper upgrade or a different train route costs a fare difference.
  • Onward travel out of Tibet after day 6 (domestic train or flight) is not included; the operator offers to book it on request.
  • Solo travellers share a room unless they pay a single room supplement.
  • The evidence lists no current departure dates for this tour.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: On the train

    Board the train to Lhasa from Xining

    Board the Xining-Lhasa train at Xining Railway Station; the local guide provides the train ticket and Tibet travel permit in advance. First day acclimatising gradually to altitude on board.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Lhasa

    Arrive in Lhasa

    Welcomed at the airport or train station with a traditional Hada scarf, then transferred to the hotel in downtown Lhasa past the Yarlung Tsangpo and Lhasa River. Rest to acclimatise to the altitude.

  3. Day 3overnight: Lhasa

    Exploring Lhasa - Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery

    Visit Drepung Monastery, the largest in Tibet, including Coqen Hall and Loseling College, then Sera Monastery to see the monk debates. Welcome dinner at a local Tibetan restaurant.

  4. Day 4overnight: Lhasa

    Exploring Lhasa - Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street

    Visit the Potala Palace and the Dalai Lamas' history, folk activities at Longwangtan Park, the Jokhang Temple's Shakyamuni Buddha statue, and Barkhor Street, finishing at a Tibetan tea house.

  5. Day 5overnight: Lhasa

    Lhasa - Damxung - Namtso Lake - Lhasa

    Drive north through the Damxung Grassland and over the 5,190m Lagenla Pass to Namtso Lake, one of Tibet's Three Holy Lakes, with a trek to Tashi Dor Island, then return to Lhasa in the evening.

  6. Day 6rail

    Finish Your Memorable Journey and Depart from Lhasa

    Transfer to the airport or train station to depart. Tour ends.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1The group boards the hard sleeper train from Xining to Lhasa, spending the first night on board while acclimatising gradually to the altitude.
  • Day 4The tour visits the Potala Palace, the Dalai Lamas' historic residence, along with the Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street.
  • Day 5The route crosses the 5,190m Lagenla Pass on a day trip to Namtso Lake, one of Tibet's Three Holy Lakes, with a trek to Tashi Dor Island.

Included

  • Tibet Travel Permit and all other necessary permits to Tibet
  • Hard sleeper train ticket from Xining to Lhasa (soft-sleeper upgrade available for a fare difference)
  • All lodging listed in the itinerary (solo travellers share a room unless a single room supplement is paid)
  • Meals listed in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees for all tourist sites listed in the itinerary
  • Local tour transfers according to group size
  • Local Tibetan English-speaking guide
  • One shared oxygen tank in the vehicle

Not included

  • Chinese visa
  • International flight to and from China
  • Domestic train/flight out of Tibet (booking service available on request)
  • Price difference if upgrading the train ticket or taking a different train to Tibet
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Tips and gratuities for tour guide and driver
  • Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, snacks, soft drinks, optional activities, etc.)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes, a hard sleeper ticket on the Xining to Lhasa train is included; a soft sleeper upgrade is available for an extra fare.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It's an escorted small-group tour with a local Tibetan English-speaking guide throughout.
How physically demanding is the route?
The day trip to Namtso Lake crosses the 5,190m Lagenla Pass and includes a trek to Tashi Dor Island; a shared oxygen tank is carried in the vehicle.
What is not included?
The Chinese visa, international flights, onward domestic travel out of Tibet, meals not listed in the itinerary, tips, and personal expenses are not included.
What are the main sights on this tour?
The Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street in Lhasa, the Drepung and Sera monasteries, and a day trip to Namtso Lake.
Can I upgrade my hotel or train class?
Yes. A soft-sleeper train upgrade and a choice of Standard, Comfortable, or Top 5-star hotel class are offered at enquiry, each for an added cost.

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