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Great Tibet Tour · Private Tour

6 Days Xining Lhasa Train Tour

Six-day train journey from Xining to Lhasa on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway

Illustration of 6 Days Xining Lhasa Train Tour

Great Tibet Tour operates this six-day private journey combining one of the world's highest railway routes with guided exploration of Lhasa, the ancient capital of Tibet. The trip begins in Xining, where you board a soft-sleeper train and spend approximately 22 hours traveling 1,960km along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Lhasa. Along the way, you pass snowcapped peaks, glaciers, the Thangula ridge at 5,072m, the Kekexili Wildlife Reserve, and the Changtang plateau. Upon arrival, you spend four full days in Lhasa at 3,650m altitude, visiting Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery (known for monk debating), Drepung Monastery (the world's largest), and Norbulingka, the Dalai Lama's former summer palace. You also walk the bustling Barkhor Street and visit the Drak Yerpa meditation retreat. An experienced English-speaking local guide accompanies you throughout. This tour suits first-time rail travellers seeking a singular journey, history lovers interested in Tibetan culture and architecture, budget-conscious explorers, and those who prefer guided comfort with permit handling and logistics arranged.

What to know before you look closer

  • Accommodation class is your choice (luxury 5-star to guesthouse), so final hotel depends on the tier you select; Great Tibet Tour will offer options.
  • Most meals are not included; budget USD 5-15 per meal, though breakfast is provided and a welcome dinner is included.
  • A Tibet Travel Permit and Chinese visa are required; the operator provides documentation to support your visa application but does not obtain the permit or visa for you.
  • High altitude in Lhasa (3,650m) requires acclimatization; an oxygen tank is provided for emergency use, and two bottles of mineral water per person per day are included.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: on the train

    Train: Xining - Lhasa

    Board the train at Xining Railway Station (arrive 1 hour early with passport and Tibet Travel Permit); ~22 hours, 1,960km along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Lhasa

    Arrival in Lhasa (3,650m)

    Met at Lhasa Railway Station, transfer to the hotel via views of the Yarlung Tsangpo River; rest to acclimatize, optional visit to Potala Palace Square.

  3. Day 3overnight: Lhasa

    Lhasa Sightseeing

    Visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and walk Barkhor Street.

  4. Day 4overnight: Lhasa

    Lhasa Sightseeing

    Visit Drak Yerpa meditation retreat and Sera Monastery, known for its monk debating sessions.

  5. Day 5overnight: Lhasa

    Lhasa Sightseeing

    Visit Drepung Monastery, the world's largest monastery, then Norbulingka, the Dalai Lama's summer palace.

  6. Day 6rail

    Depart from Lhasa

    Transfer to Lhasa Airport or Railway Station for onward travel.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Depart Xining and spend 22 hours on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway soft-sleeper, passing snowcapped peaks, glaciers, Thangula ridge (5,072m), the Kekexili Wildlife Reserve, and the Changtang plateau.
  • Day 2Arrive in Lhasa and view the Potala Palace perched on the red hill; spend the day acclimatizing at 3,650m altitude.
  • Day 3Visit Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, then walk the bustling Barkhor Street in central Lhasa.
  • Day 4Visit Sera Monastery, known for its monk debating sessions, and the Drak Yerpa meditation retreat.
  • Day 5Visit Drepung Monastery, the world's largest monastery, and Norbulingka, the Dalai Lama's former summer palace.

Included

  • Tibet Tourism Bureau Permit and all other necessary permits to Tibet
  • Soft-sleepers from Xining to Lhasa
  • All entrance ticket fees for tourist attractions listed in the itinerary
  • Experienced local English-speaking tour guide
  • Travel-licensed vehicle according to group size & season as needed by the itinerary including gas and parking fees
  • All lodging listed in the itinerary; it's your decision to choose the accommodation class: luxury 5-star international hotel, comfortable 4-star hotel, economical 3-star hotel, or guesthouse
  • Breakfasts provided by hotels & a welcome dinner
  • Pick-up & Drop-off service from the airport/railway station
  • Travel Agency Liability Insurance
  • Government tax
  • Express delivery fee of the Permit (eg. SF Express)
  • Food for guide & driver
  • Oxygen tank for emergency use
  • Two bottles of mineral water per person per day

Not included

  • International flights to and from China
  • Chinese Visa/China Group Visa (the operator can provide hotel/flight reservation copies or an invitation letter to support the visa application)
  • Other domestic flights to and out of Lhasa (the operator can book these at the best price on request)
  • Meals (not included; typically USD 5-15/person per meal, operator can recommend options)
  • Gratuity for guide and driver (not mandatory but expected; suggested USD 8-15/person/day, given on the last day)
  • Commissions and taxes charged by PayPal or Bank, and government, when making a payment (e.g. PayPal 4.4%, wire transfer 2%)
  • Personal expenses, like laundry, phone calls, snacks, soft drinks, optional tour activities, etc. Anything not mentioned in the Inclusions

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The soft-sleeper train fare from Xining to Lhasa on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway is included in the package price from USD 880.
How long is the train journey?
Approximately 22 hours covering 1,960km along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, traveling overnight in a soft-sleeper cabin.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Great Tibet Tour provides an experienced local English-speaking tour guide for the duration of the trip and a travel-licensed vehicle with driver.
What hotels are included?
You choose your accommodation class: luxury 5-star international hotel, comfortable 4-star hotel, economical 3-star hotel, or guesthouse. Great Tibet Tour will offer options in each category.
Are meals included?
Hotel breakfasts and a welcome dinner are included. Other meals are not included; the operator estimates USD 5-15 per meal and can recommend local options.
What documents do I need?
You need a Chinese visa and a Tibet Travel Permit. The operator provides hotel and flight reservation copies or an invitation letter to support your visa application. The Tibet Travel Permit is included in the package and requires a passport and permit application; you must arrive at Xining Railway Station one hour early with your passport and permit.

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