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Great Tibet Tour · Private Tour

8 Days Shanghai Tibet Train Tour

Shanghai to Tibet by the Qinghai-Tibet Railway sleeper train and coach

Illustration of 8 Days Shanghai Tibet Train Tour

Great Tibet Tour operates this 8-day private tour combining the famous Shanghai-Lhasa train journey with guided excursions through central Tibet. The trip begins in Shanghai and ends in Shigatse, with a 45-hour soft-sleeper train ride along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway as the centrepiece. After arriving in Lhasa on day 3, you have two full days exploring the city's main Buddhist sites: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung and Sera monasteries. Day 6 brings a coach drive from Lhasa through mountain passes to Shigatse, passing Yamdroktso Lake and Karola Glacier en route to Pelkor Chode Monastery. Day 7 includes visits to Tashilhunpo Monastery and Yungdrungling Monastery before returning to Lhasa. Your guide handles permits, translates, and arranges all logistics. Hotel class is your choice, ranging from guesthouse to 5-star. Most meals are not included, though breakfast and a welcome dinner are provided. This tour suits first-time rail travellers seeking a singular sleeper-train experience, history-minded visitors drawn to Tibetan Buddhism, and those preferring guided structure over independent exploration.

What to know before you look closer

  • Most meals are not included; the operator estimates USD 5-15 per meal and can recommend options.
  • The from-price of USD 1,235 is before any Chinese visa, domestic flights to or from Lhasa, gratuities, or payment-processing fees.
  • Accommodation class is your choice (luxury 5-star, 4-star, 3-star, or guesthouse), which affects the final cost; confirm your hotel tier when booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: on the train

    Train Shanghai - Lhasa

    Go to Shanghai Railway Station independently, about 1 hour before departure, with passport, booking number and Tibet permit copy.

  2. Day 2railovernight: on the train

    On the train

    Second day of the Z164 train's 45-hour, 4,373km journey; arrival in Xining, start of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, in the evening.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Lhasa

    Arrival in Lhasa (3,650m)

    Met at Lhasa Railway and transferred to the hotel (~20 min); free time to rest and acclimatize to altitude.

  4. Day 4overnight: Lhasa

    Lhasa Sightseeing

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

  5. Day 5overnight: Lhasa

    Lhasa Sightseeing

    Visit Drepung Monastery, then Sera Monastery, known for its scripture debating sessions.

  6. Day 6overnight: Shigatse

    Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse, 360km, Approx. 7hrs

    Via Khamba-la Pass with views of Yamdroktso Lake and the Karola Glacier; visit Pelkor Chode (Gyantse Kumbum) Monastery in Gyantse.

  7. Day 7overnight: Lhasa

    Shigatse - Lhasa, 280km, Approx. 5hrs

    Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, seat of the Panchen Lama, and Yungdrungling Monastery, a Bon monastery, then drive back to Lhasa.

  8. Day 8rail

    Lhasa Departure

    Transfer to Lhasa Airport/Railway Station for onward travel.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The Z164 train traverses the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, passing Tibetan antelope, wild yak, endless prairie, and views of Namtso Lake.
  • Day 4Visit Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, then walk Barkhor Street.
  • Day 6Coach journey from Lhasa to Shigatse passes Khamba-la Pass with views of Yamdroktso Lake and Karola Glacier; stop to visit Pelkor Chode Monastery in Gyantse.

Included

  • Tibet Tourism Bureau Permit and all other necessary permits to Tibet
  • Soft-sleepers from Shanghai 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 & 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 a tourist invitation letter and itinerary, or an invitation letter for a China Group Visa)
  • 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. Great Tibet Tour includes the Shanghai-Lhasa soft-sleeper train (Z164), approximately 45 hours and 4,373km. Overnight berths on days 1 and 2 are included.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is escorted. Great Tibet Tour provides an experienced English-speaking local guide throughout, plus pickup and drop-off from the airport or railway station.
What are the main sites visited?
In Lhasa: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery. From Lhasa: Pelkor Chode Monastery in Gyantse and Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, plus mountain passes with views of Yamdroktso Lake and Karola Glacier.
What is not included in the price?
Not included: international flights to China, Chinese visa, domestic flights to or from Lhasa, most meals (operator can arrange), gratuities for guide and driver, and personal expenses. Great Tibet Tour can assist with visa letters and domestic flight bookings.
What is the altitude in Lhasa?
Lhasa sits at 3,650m. The itinerary includes free time on day 3 to rest and acclimatize. An oxygen tank is provided for emergency use.
What are the permits required?
Great Tibet Tour includes the Tibet Tourism Bureau Permit and all other necessary permits. You must provide your passport and a copy of your Tibet permit when boarding the train in Shanghai. The operator can also provide a tourist invitation letter or help secure a China Group Visa.

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