6 Days Classic Xining and Lhasa Tour by Train

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Xining Arrival & Xining Tour (No meal)
   Ta’er Monastery

   Upon your arrival at Xining airport / train station, our local English speaking tour guide and driver will pick you up from the exit gate by holding a welcome board with your name.

   After short rest, your exploration begins with Ta’er Monastery. As one of the “Six Great Monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism Gelug Sect”, Ta’er Monastery is another site in Xining, Qinghai Province, sharing the same popularity with Qinghai Lake. Ta’er Monastery has profound historical origin that it’s the birthplace of famous Tsongkhapa, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism Gelug Sect. Not only bearing the divine position in religious followers, the monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist institution of higher education. Beneath the glorious decorations on surface fascinating your eyes, the rich accumulations in history, culture, religion and arts of Ta’er Monastery excites your souls deeply especially when meeting those devout followers trudged for pilgrimage here.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Xining

   

2. Day 2: Qinghai Lake-Lhasa by Overnight Train (Breakfast)
   Qinghai Lake

   In the morning, drive around 3 hours to Qinghai Lake.

   You must have heard the fame of Qinghai Lake before you go. It is indeed hot for tour to Qinghai and the whole Silk Road. Why? The co-existence of different views collected at the meantime at Qinghai Lake push its fame higher and higher: massive sea-like lake, vast desert, lush meadow-grass and yellow sea of rape flower. A single one of the four elements would attract people as a “wonderful place”, however, the mix of the four at Qinghai Lake makes it a “must-go” place. Each summer (June and July), it ushers in the annual peak when the blossom of rape flowers and round-the-lake cycle track here.

   Today, the main scenic area as you will be visiting is the Erlangjian Scenic Area where is reputed as the most beautiful place in Qinghai Lake. There is boat cruises, horse rides and bike rides available around the lake, you can optionally try it according to your interests (optional).

   After the relaxing sightseeing, you will be dropped off at Xining train station for overnight soft-sleeper train to Lhasa.

   Friendly tip: The overnight soft-sleeper train from Xining to Lhasa rides over 22 hours. You will be boarding the train in the evening of today and arrives Lhasa in the evening of second day. For the soft-sleeper train, there will be 4 pax sharing one cabin, NO private bathroom or breakfast provided. Please expect it. You are suggested to prepare some snacks and wear comfortable shoes for the long-time train travel.

   Accommodation: Overnight on the soft-sleeper train

   

    

3. Day 3: Lhasa Arrival (No meal)

   Today you will spend most time on the train which would be a good chance to enjoy the outside scenery on the way. Upon your arrival at Lhasa train station, the local English speaking tour guide and driver will be waiting for you at the exit gate by holding a welcome board with your name. Check in in local hotel and have good rest!

   Accommodation: Overnight in Lhasa

4. Day 4: Lhasa Classic City Tour (Breakfast)
   Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street

   The imposing Potala Palace is the highlight of any trip to Tibet. Today you are going to visit this majestic architectural treasure of Lhasa, over 3,700 meters above sea level. The whole architectural complex includes two parts, the White Palace and the Red Palace. The White Palace is the place where the Dalai Lamas lived and handled political affairs, while the Red Palace mainly houses the stupas of the Dalai Lamas. Your tour guide will share a wealth of information with you to help you understand its history and Tibetan Buddhism.

   After that, continue to explore the holy Jokhang Temple which has a history of over 1300 years. The temple is a mixture of Tibetan, Tang, Nepalese, and Indian architectural styles and has become an example of Tibetan religious architecture. The interior is so impressive with plenty of statues, colorful murals, and rows of butter lamps. It’s not allowed to take photos at most parts, but you will have opportunity to take some at the rooftop.

   After coming out of the sacred Jokhang Temple, you will follow your tour guide threading your way through the throngs of pilgrims and other travelers in the mesmerizing Barkhor Street. This old street will give you a taste of Tibetan people's life and their faith. You can casually walk around and do some shopping.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Lhasa

   

5. Day 5: Lhasa In-depth Tour (Breakfast)
   Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Norbulingka

   Today, you will go to one of the most significant monasteries in Tibet- Drepung Monastery. You will see the place is well preserved and many devout Tibetan people come to pray here. Wandering around the monastery full of the aroma of incense and butter, you will learn something about Tibetan Buddhism from your knowledgeable tour guide and enjoy the peaceful scenery everywhere.

   Next, continue the Buddhism trip to Sera Monastery which is the second largest monastery in Tibet. Sera Monastery was built in the Ming Dynasty by the famous Sagya Yeshes who was one of the eight disciples of Zongkapa and given the title of the Great Mercy Dharma by Emperor Xuanzong of Ming Dynasty after he had an audience with the Emperor in 1409 and 1414. The debate about Buddhism of Sera Monastery earns its fame in the Tibetan region, which is always taken a necessary activity to see for travelers from the whole world.

   Last, move on to the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas - Norbulingka. It is the largest garden in Tibet with gorgeous scenery and plenty of historic sites. This lovely garden will offer more insight into the life of the Dalai Lamas. You will have a pleasant walk through the garden and appreciate beautiful murals and other treasures.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Lhasa

   

6. Day 6: Lhasa Departure (Breakfast)

   Free and easy on your own until the pickup time for departure. Our guide and driver will meet you at the hotel lobby and transfer you to Lhasa airport/train station to see you off. Your 6-day Xining and Lhasa tour by Qinghai-Tibet train will end here.

   Accommodation: N/A