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Great Tibet Tour · Private Tour

8 Days Essential Shanghai Tibet Train Tour

Shanghai to Lhasa by train via Qinghai-Tibet Railway in eight days

Illustration of 8 Days Essential Shanghai Tibet Train Tour

Great Tibet Tour operates this eight-day private tour from Shanghai to Lhasa, combining urban sightseeing in China's most cosmopolitan city with a legendary train journey across the Tibetan plateau. The trip begins in Shanghai with visits to gardens, temples, and the Bund, then moves to Suzhou and Tongli Water Town for traditional canal scenery and rickshaw rides. On day three, you board the Shanghai-Lhasa overnight train, spending nearly two full days on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway as it climbs toward the roof of the world. After arrival in Lhasa at 3,650 meters, you have two days to explore Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Sera Monastery with its debating monks, plus the cliffside Drak Yerpa meditation retreat. Throughout, Great Tibet Tour provides an English-speaking local guide, a private vehicle, all permits, and your choice of four hotel classes. This tour suits travelers new to rail journeys who value guidance and logistical care, couples seeking cultural immersion, and history lovers drawn to Tibetan Buddhism and the engineering feat of the high-altitude railway.

What to know before you look closer

  • Most meals are not included in the package price; the operator estimates meals cost USD 5-15 per person and can recommend options.
  • The package includes accommodations in a choice of hotel class (guesthouse, 3-star, 4-star, or 5-star), so the final hotel depends on which tier you select.
  • Gratuity for guide and driver is not mandatory but expected; the operator suggests USD 8-15 per person per day.
  • Chinese visa is not included; the operator can provide documents to support your visa application.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Shanghai

    Arrive in Shanghai

    Met at the airport and transferred to the hotel; rest of the day free.

  2. Day 2overnight: Shanghai

    Visiting Suzhou and Tongli Water Town

    Visit Tuisi Garden and take a Wu Peng boat ride in Tongli Water Town, then Humble Administrator Garden and a rickshaw ride in Suzhou.

  3. Day 3railovernight: on the train

    Shanghai Sightseeing and Departure from Shanghai

    Visit Yu Garden, the Bund, Nanjing Road and Jade Buddha Temple, then board the overnight train to Lhasa from Shanghai Railway Station.

  4. Day 4railovernight: on the train

    Scenery View of Tibet Railway

    Full day on the train westwards; arrival in Xining, start of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, in the evening.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Lhasa

    Arrival in Lhasa (3,650m)

    Met at Lhasa Railway and transferred to the hotel; free time to rest and acclimatize to altitude.

  6. Day 6overnight: Lhasa

    Lhasa Sightseeing

    Visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and walk Barkhor Street; optional Tibetan Culture Show in the evening (USD60/person, own expense).

  7. Day 7overnight: Lhasa

    Lhasa Sightseeing

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

  8. Day 8rail

    Lhasa Departure

    Transfer to Lhasa Airport/Railway Station for onward travel.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Visit Yu Garden, the Bund, Nanjing Road, and Jade Buddha Temple in Shanghai, then board the overnight train to Lhasa from Shanghai Railway Station.
  • Day 4Full day on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway traveling westward; the train reaches Xining in the evening, marking the start of the high-altitude plateau section.
  • Day 6Visit Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, then walk Barkhor Street; optional Tibetan Culture Show available in the evening.
  • Day 7Visit Drak Yerpa meditation retreat and Sera Monastery, known for its monk debating sessions.

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 47-hour overnight train from Shanghai to Lhasa on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway is included. The operator can also book domestic flights or trains to and from Lhasa on request, at additional cost.
Is this tour guided or independent?
It is a guided private tour. Great Tibet Tour provides an experienced local English-speaking guide for the entire eight days, plus a vehicle and driver.
What is included in the price?
Included are the Tibet Tourism Bureau Permit, all entrance fees to attractions in the itinerary, lodging (your choice of hotel class), breakfasts, a welcome dinner, airport and railway station pickup and drop-off, guide and driver, travel insurance, oxygen tank for emergency use, and two bottles of mineral water per person per day.
Which hotels will I stay in?
Great Tibet Tour offers four accommodation classes in Shanghai and Lhasa: luxury 5-star international hotels, comfortable 4-star hotels, economical 3-star hotels, or guesthouses. Your final hotels depend on which tier you select.
How much walking is involved?
Days in Shanghai and Lhasa include city walking tours, temple visits, and street walks. There are no high-altitude hikes. In Lhasa, the first day after arrival is free for rest and acclimatization to the 3,650-meter altitude.
What is not included?
Not included are international flights to China, Chinese visa, most meals (estimated USD 5-15 per meal), domestic flights or trains to Lhasa, gratuities for guide and driver, and personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, and snacks.

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