How much does it cost?

From $1,035 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $1,035 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.

Is this an escorted or independent tour?

It's an escorted small-group tour with a local Tibetan English-speaking guide throughout.

What is the altitude like, and is it physically demanding?

The route crosses the Gyatsola Pass (5,280m) and Gawula Pass (5,198m) and reaches Everest Base Camp at 5,200m; the itinerary builds in acclimatisation time, and an oxygen tank is carried in the vehicle.

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 and the Karola Glacier, Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, and an overnight stay at Everest Base Camp.

Can I upgrade my hotel or train class?

Yes. A soft-sleeper train upgrade and a choice of Standard, Comfortable, or Top 5-star hotel class are offered at enquiry, each for an added cost.

China Tibet Train · Small group tour

9 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Train Tour

China Tibet Train runs this 9-day small-group tour from Xining to Lhasa and on to Everest Base Camp, using the Qinghai-Tibet Railway for the first leg. Day 1 boards the hard sleeper train at Xining Railway Station, with the first night spent aboard while acclimatising gradually to the altitude. After three nights in Lhasa visiting the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and the Drepung and Sera monasteries, the group drives via Yamdrok Lake and the Karola Glacier to Shigatse on day 5, then crosses the Gyatsola and Gawula passes to reach Everest Base Camp on day 6 for an overnight stay with views of the peak. A local Tibetan English-speaking guide accompanies the group throughout. This suits travellers who want a guided introduction to Tibet's main religious sites and high-altitude landscapes without arranging permits, transport, or altitude logistics themselves.

Price history

Across 5 checks, this price has held at US$1,035 every time.

Each point is a day we checked this operator's own page, not a weekly average, and the line holds flat between checks rather than guessing at movement we did not see. 2 of 5 points are a live read of the operator's page. Hollow points are values shown when the trip was first listed here and never confirmed with the operator.

One reading is held out of the price above and this history: a unknown. We only price on the operator's package from-price, read from its own page.

What to know before you look closer

The included train fare is for a hard sleeper berth; upgrading to a soft sleeper costs a fare difference.
Onward travel out of Tibet after day 9 (domestic train or flight) is not included; the operator offers to book it on request.
Solo travellers share a room unless they pay a single room supplement.
The evidence lists no current departure dates for this tour.

Day by day

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Day 6overnight: Everest Base Camp
Journey from Shigatse to Everest Base Camp
Drive via Gyatsola Pass (5280m) and Gawula Pass (5198m) into Everest National Nature Reserve to Everest Base Camp (5200m), with sunset and night views of the peak.
Day 7overnight: Shigatse
Return from EBC to Shigatse via Dinggye and Sakya
Visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world's highest monastery, then return via Dinggye (Dinggye Xilin Viewpoint for Everest and Lhotse views) and Sakya's Saga Ancient Town. Evening Tibetan song and dance at a Langma Hall in Shigatse.
Day 8overnight: Lhasa
From Shigatse to Nyemo and Back to Lhasa
Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, home of the Panchen Lama and the world's largest Maitreya Buddha statue, then return to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River with free time on Barkhor Street.
Day 9rail
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 aboard while acclimatising gradually to the altitude.
Day 4The tour visits the Potala Palace, the Dalai Lamas' historic residence, along with Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street.
Day 5The route passes Yamdrok Lake and the Karola Glacier on the drive to Shigatse.
Day 6The group reaches Everest Base Camp at 5,200 meters after crossing the Gyatsola and Gawula passes, with sunset and night views of the peak.
Day 7The tour visits Rongbuk Monastery, described as the world's highest monastery, on the return from Everest Base Camp.

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

How much does it cost?: From $1,035 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $1,035 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?: It's an escorted small-group tour with a local Tibetan English-speaking guide throughout.
What is the altitude like, and is it physically demanding?: The route crosses the Gyatsola Pass (5,280m) and Gawula Pass (5,198m) and reaches Everest Base Camp at 5,200m; the itinerary builds in acclimatisation time, and an oxygen tank is carried in the vehicle.
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 and the Karola Glacier, Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, and an overnight stay at Everest Base Camp.
Can I upgrade my hotel or train class?: Yes. A soft-sleeper train upgrade and a choice of Standard, Comfortable, or Top 5-star hotel class are offered at enquiry, each for an added cost.