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Great Tibet Tour · Private Tour

8 Days Guangzhou Lhasa Train Tour

Eight-day rail journey from Guangzhou to Lhasa on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway

Illustration of 8 Days Guangzhou Lhasa Train Tour

Great Tibet Tour operates this 8-day private tour that combines urban exploration in Guangzhou with an extended train journey across central and western China to the Tibetan plateau. The itinerary begins with two days in Guangzhou, a historic gateway city, visiting the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, and the Canton Tower. On day 3, travelers board the Z264 train for a 53-hour journey covering 4,980 kilometers to Lhasa. The route crosses major rivers including the Yangtze, passes through Qinghai province's high-altitude landscapes including Qinghai Salt Lake and the Kekexili Nature Reserve, and culminates in arrival at Lhasa at 3,650 meters. Three days in Lhasa follow, including visits to Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery. An experienced English-speaking guide accompanies the tour throughout. This trip suits first-time rail travelers seeking guided support, history and spirituality seekers interested in Tibetan Buddhism, and travelers comfortable with high-altitude acclimatization.

What to know before you look closer

  • Meals are not included except breakfast and a welcome dinner; typical meal costs are USD 5-15 per person.
  • The package includes accommodation in a choice of 5-star, 4-star, 3-star, or guesthouse; final hotel depends on your tier choice and availability.
  • Gratuity for the guide and driver is not mandatory but is expected, typically USD 8-15 per person per day.
  • Domestic flights or trains to Guangzhou and from Lhasa are not included; Great Tibet Tour can book these separately.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Guangzhou

    Arrival in Guangzhou

    Met at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport and transferred to the hotel; evening visit to the Canton Tower for the night panorama.

  2. Day 2overnight: Guangzhou

    Guangzhou Sightseeing

    Visit Chen Clan Ancestral Hall in the morning and Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in the afternoon; evening Chimelong International Circus performance.

  3. Day 3railovernight: on the train

    Train: Guangzhou - Lhasa

    Board the Z264 train (53 hours, 4,980km); day one crosses Hunan, Hubei and Henan, passing Orange Island, Yueyang Tower, Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge and West Mount Hua.

  4. Day 4railovernight: on the train

    On the Train

    Full day on the train through Xining and Golmud; major sights include Qinghai Salt Lake, Yuzhu Peak, Kekexili Nature Reserve, Tuotuo River and Namtso Lake.

  5. Day 5railovernight: 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.

  6. Day 6overnight: Lhasa

    Lhasa Sightseeing

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

  7. Day 7overnight: Lhasa

    Lhasa Sightseeing

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

  8. Day 8rail

    Lhasa Departure

    Transfer to Lhasa Airport/Railway Station for onward travel.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Board the Z264 train in Guangzhou; the 53-hour journey begins crossing the Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge and passes Orange Island and Yueyang Tower.
  • Day 4Full day on the train through Qinghai province, passing Qinghai Salt Lake, Yuzhu Peak, and the Kekexili Nature Reserve en route to the high plateau.
  • Day 6Visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and walk Barkhor Street in Lhasa after acclimatizing to the 3,650-meter altitude.

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 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 the train travel included in the package price?
Yes, the Z264 train from Guangzhou to Lhasa and all entrance fees for attractions are included. International flights to China and domestic flights or trains to/from Guangzhou and Lhasa are not.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
It is a private escorted tour. Great Tibet Tour provides an experienced English-speaking guide for the entire 8 days, plus airport and railway station pick-up and drop-off.
How long is the train journey?
The Z264 train travels 4,980 kilometers from Guangzhou to Lhasa over 53 hours, with days 3 and 4 spent aboard.
What accommodations are included?
The package includes all lodging. You choose the accommodation class: luxury 5-star international hotel, comfortable 4-star hotel, economical 3-star hotel, or guesthouse.
What permits do I need?
Great Tibet Tour obtains the Tibet Tourism Bureau Permit and all other necessary permits for you. A Chinese visa is required but not included.
How much walking and physical activity is involved?
Days in Lhasa include walking tours of temples and monasteries at an altitude of 3,650 meters. The operator recommends resting on arrival day to acclimatize.

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