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Great Tibet Tour · Private Tour

7 Days Lanzhou Tibet Train Tour

Seven-day Lanzhou to Lhasa rail journey with Zhangye stopover and monastery visits

Illustration of 7 Days Lanzhou Tibet Train Tour

Great Tibet Tour operates this seven-day private tour that combines rail travel with cultural exploration across western China. The journey begins in Lanzhou and ends in Lhasa, with a two-day stopover in Zhangye. On Day 1, you take a high-speed train to Zhangye and visit the Danxia National Geological Park, where layered red, orange, and yellow rocks create a landscape often compared to a rainbow. The next day you explore the Giant Buddha Temple and Mati Temple Grottoes before returning to Lanzhou by high-speed train. On Day 3, you board the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, one of the world's highest train rides, for a 24-hour overnight journey to Lhasa. The train passes Qinghai Salt Lake, mountain peaks, and Namtso Lake before arriving in Lhasa on Day 4. The final three days are spent in Lhasa visiting Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery, where you can observe monks debating Buddhist scripture. An English-speaking local guide accompanies you throughout, and the package covers permits, entrance fees, lodging, and most meals. This tour suits first-time rail travellers, history enthusiasts, and those seeking a guided exploration of Tibetan culture and Buddhism.

What to know before you look closer

  • Meals beyond hotel breakfast are not included; the operator estimates USD 5-15 per person per meal and can recommend options
  • The accommodation class is your choice, luxury 5-star, comfortable 4-star, economical 3-star, or guesthouse, so the final hotel depends on your selection
  • Altitude acclimatization in Lhasa (3,650 metres) is essential; the itinerary includes a rest day on arrival
  • Gratuity for guide and driver is not mandatory but is expected (suggested USD 8-15 per person per day)

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Zhangye

    Lanzhou - Zhangye

    High-speed train from Lanzhou to Zhangye, then visit the Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, known for its rainbow-coloured rock formations.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Lanzhou

    Zhangye- Lanzhou

    Visit Giant Buddha Temple, home to the largest indoor reclining Buddha in China, and Mati Temple Grottoes, then high-speed train back to Lanzhou.

  3. Day 3railovernight: on the train

    Lanzhou-Lhasa Train

    Board the train to Lhasa; scenery along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway includes Qinghai Salt Lake, Yuzhu Peak, Kekexili Nature Reserve, Tuotuo River and Namtso Lake.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Lhasa

    Arrival in Lhasa by Train

    Met at Lhasa railway station with a Tashi Delek greeting and white Hada, transfer to the hotel; rest to acclimatize to altitude (3,650m).

  5. Day 5overnight: Lhasa

    Lhasa Sightseeing

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

  6. Day 6overnight: Lhasa

    Lhasa Sightseeing

    Visit Drepung Monastery, the world's largest monastery, then Sera Monastery, known for its scripture debating.

  7. Day 7rail

    Lhasa Departure

    Transfer to Lhasa Airport/Railway Station for onward travel.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1High-speed train from Lanzhou to Zhangye, then visit the Danxia National Geological Park with its rainbow-coloured rock formations
  • Day 3Board the Qinghai-Tibet Railway from Lanzhou to Lhasa, passing Qinghai Salt Lake, Yuzhu Peak, Kekexili Nature Reserve, Tuotuo River, and Namtso Lake
  • Day 5Visit Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, then walk Barkhor Street in Lhasa
  • Day 6Tour Drepung Monastery, the world's largest monastery, and Sera Monastery, where monks debate scripture

Included

  • Tibet Tourism Bureau Permit and all other necessary permits to Tibet
  • 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 & lodging 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)
  • Domestic flights/trains to and from 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 in the price?
Yes, the price covers both the high-speed train from Lanzhou to Zhangye and the Qinghai-Tibet Railway from Lanzhou to Lhasa. However, domestic flights or trains to reach Lanzhou at the start are not included and can be booked separately through the operator.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
This is a private escorted tour. Great Tibet Tour provides an experienced local English-speaking guide throughout, plus pick-up and drop-off service from the airport or railway station.
What hotels are included?
Great Tibet Tour includes lodging as listed in the itinerary. You choose your accommodation class: luxury 5-star international hotel, comfortable 4-star hotel, economical 3-star hotel, or guesthouse.
When does this tour run?
The operator does not publish a schedule of fixed departure dates. Contact Great Tibet Tour to check availability for your desired travel dates.
What is included in the price?
The package includes Tibet Tourism Bureau permits, all entrance fees to listed attractions, the English-speaking guide, transport by rail and coach, all lodging, hotel breakfasts, a welcome dinner, airport or railway station pick-up and drop-off, travel insurance, and oxygen for emergency use. Meals beyond breakfast, gratuities, international flights, and a Chinese visa are not included.
How much walking is involved?
You will walk through Lhasa temples and monasteries (Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery) and around Zhangye's Danxia park. Altitude acclimatization is required; you rest on the first full day in Lhasa at 3,650 metres.

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