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

7 Days Central Tibet Culture Small Group Tour with Qinghai-Tibet Train Experience

Small-group Tibet train tour through Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse

China Tibet Train runs this 7-day small-group tour from Xining to Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse. Day 1 boards the hard sleeper train at Xining Railway Station, with the first night spent aboard while acclimatising gradually to the altitude. Three days in Lhasa cover the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, and the Drepung and Sera monasteries. On day 5, the route crosses the Gambala Pass and Simila Mountain Pass, passing Yamdrok Lake and the Karola Glacier on the way to Gyantse and on to Shigatse. Day 6 visits Tashilhunpo Monastery, home to the Panchen Lama and the world's largest Maitreya Buddha statue, before returning to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River, with an optional train transfer available instead of the road journey. A local Tibetan English-speaking guide accompanies the group throughout. This suits travellers who want Lhasa's main religious sites paired with the Yamdrok Lake and Shigatse side of central Tibet.

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.
  • Returning from Shigatse to Lhasa by train instead of road is offered as an optional extra at an additional charge; the base itinerary uses road transport for that leg.
  • Onward travel out of Tibet after day 7 (domestic train or flight) is not included; the operator offers to book it on request.
  • 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: Shigatse

    Lhasa to Shigatse Via Gyantse

    Drive via Yamdrok Lake and the Gambala Pass, lunch with a local family, the Karola Glacier and Simila Mountain Pass, sightseeing in Gyantse, then on to Shigatse.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Lhasa

    Return to Lhasa from Shigatse via Nyemo

    Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, home of the Panchen Lama and the world's largest Maitreya Buddha statue, then the Samzhubze Old Market, before returning to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River. An optional train transfer from Shigatse to Lhasa (additional charge) can replace the road journey.

  7. Day 7rail

    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 Gambala Pass and Simila Mountain Pass, passing Yamdrok Lake and the Karola Glacier, on the way to Gyantse and Shigatse.
  • Day 6The tour visits Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, home to the Panchen Lama and the world's largest Maitreya Buddha statue, with the option of returning to Lhasa by train instead of road.

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 Shigatse to Lhasa train transfer is also offered as a paid optional extra instead of the road journey.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It's an escorted small-group tour with a local Tibetan English-speaking guide throughout.
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, Yamdrok Lake, the Karola Glacier, Gyantse, and Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
How physically demanding is the route?
The route crosses the Gambala Pass and Simila Mountain Pass, and the itinerary builds in altitude acclimatisation time on day 1 aboard the train and on arrival in Lhasa.
Can I upgrade my hotel or train class?
Yes. A soft-sleeper train upgrade, a choice of Standard, Comfortable, or Top 5-star hotel class, and a Shigatse to Lhasa train option are offered at enquiry, each for an added cost.

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