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

6 Days Lhasa Three Major Monasteries Small Group Tour with Tibet Train Experience

Xining-Lhasa train tour to Drepung, Sera and Ganden monasteries

China Tibet Train runs this 6-day small-group tour from Xining to Lhasa, focused on Tibet's three most important Gelugpa monasteries. Day 1 boards the hard sleeper train at Xining Railway Station, with the first night spent aboard while acclimatising gradually to the altitude. From a single base in Lhasa, the group visits Drepung and Sera monasteries on day 3, including the Sera monk debates, then the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street on day 4. Day 5 is a day trip to Drak Yerpa, a meditation retreat outside Lhasa, and on to Ganden Monastery, established in 1409, with an optional guided hike around the Ganden Kora. A local Tibetan English-speaking guide accompanies the group throughout. This suits travellers who want a compact, guided introduction to Lhasa's religious sites without the longer drives of an Everest Base Camp extension.

What to know before you look closer

  • The included train fare is for a hard sleeper berth; upgrading to a soft sleeper 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 Rivers. 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

    Day Tour to Ganden Monastery & Drak Yerpa Monastery and back to Lhasa

    Visit Drak Yerpa Monastery, a meditation retreat 30km from Lhasa, with a simple lunch due to the remote location, then drive to Ganden Monastery (established 1409), one of the 'Great Three' Gelugpa monasteries, with an optional guided hike around the Ganden Kora.

  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 aboard while acclimatising gradually to the altitude.
  • Day 3The tour visits Drepung Monastery, described as the largest in Tibet, and Sera Monastery to see the afternoon monk debates.
  • Day 4The itinerary visits the Potala Palace, the Dalai Lamas' historic residence, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street.
  • Day 5The group visits Drak Yerpa, a meditation retreat 30km from Lhasa, then Ganden Monastery, one of the 'Great Three' Gelugpa monasteries established in 1409, with an optional guided hike around the Ganden Kora.

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.
What monasteries does this tour visit?
Drepung, Sera, and Ganden, described as the three 'Great Three' Gelugpa monasteries, plus Drak Yerpa, a meditation retreat near Lhasa.
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.
Is there a hike on this tour?
There's an optional guided hike around the Ganden Kora on day 5; the tour also touches on trekking the Lingkor circuit.
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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