16 Days Private Qinghai Tibet Train Tour with Nyingchi and Mount Everest from Chengdu
Experience the Spectacular Qinghai-Tibet Railway Journey to Nyingchi and the Majestic Mount Everest
Embark on a mesmerizing 16-day journey that takes you across some of China’s most iconic landscapes, from the rich cultural heritage of Lhasa to the awe-inspiring heights of Mount Everest. This thoughtfully designed private tour combines the serenity of Tibet’s sacred landmarks with the experience of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, providing an unforgettable adventure for those seeking both cultural immersion and natural beauty.
Your adventure starts in Chengdu, the "Land of Abundance" and gateway to Tibet, where you'll visit the Giant Panda Research Base and enjoy a relaxing tea ceremony. Then, fly to Xining and visit Qinghai Lake, a beautiful and sacred site. From there, hop on the famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway for a scenic ride through the Tibetan plateau, offering stunning views of the mountains. Next, arrive in Lhasa, Tibet’s spiritual heart, and explore the Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site and symbol of Tibetan Buddhism. Afterward, head to Nyingchi, known as the "Switzerland of Tibet" for its lush landscapes and majestic mountains. Continue your journey to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city, home to the important Tashilhunpo Monastery. No trip to Tibet is complete without seeing Mount Everest. Stand at its base and take in the breathtaking view of the world’s tallest mountain. This journey will leave you with unforgettable memories of Tibet’s natural beauty and spiritual heritage.
Throughout this 16-day adventure, the itinerary is thoughtfully paced to help you gradually acclimate to the high altitudes of the Tibetan plateau, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience. We take care of all the details - from Tibet Travel Permit, accommodations, and transportation to knowledgeable local guides - so you can focus on fully immersing yourself in the rich cultural and natural beauty of this remarkable region.
- Type
Private Custom Tour
- Code
TD-CDQNE-16
- Price
from Request
- Theme






- Physical Demands
- Destinations
Chengdu / Xining / Qinghai Lake / Lhasa / Nyingchi / Lhasa / Shigatse / Mount Everest / Lhasa
- Altitude
500~5,200m
Featured Experiences on This Tour
- Itinerary Details
- Included Services & Fees
- Reviews
- Gallery
- Make an Enquiry
Itinerary Details - Day by Day
Day 1 Chengdu Arrival
Chengdu Airport/Train Station Pick-upWelcome to the hometown of the Giant Panda! Upon arrival at the airport or train station, you will be warmly greeted by your local tour guide and transferred to your centrally located hotel in Chengdu. After check-in, take some time to rest from your journey. Or on your own experience the relaxed yet lively rhythm of this beloved city, known for its tea culture, spicy cuisine, and laid-back lifestyle.
Arrival Ideas: Chengdu is only about 2~3 hours flying from the majority of big cities in China, such as Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Guangzhou, etc. Additionally, the city offers direct international flights from Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, London, Sydney, and major U.S. cities. You can also get to Chengdu by high speed trains from Xian (4hrs), Chongqing (1hr), Guilin (6hrs), Kunming (6hrs), etc.
Free-time Evening Ideas: 1) Visit the Jiuyanqiao area to enjoy beautiful night views along the river, highlighted by the iconic Anshun Bridge, especially charming after sunset when the lights reflect on the water. 2) Wander through Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li area, where historic streets blend seamlessly with modern fashion, cafés, and shopping malls, offering a glimpse into Chengdu's vibrant urban life. 3) Treat yourself to an authentic Sichuan cuisine dinner at a local restaurant and discover the bold flavors that make Chengdu a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
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Night View of Anshun Bridge in Jiuyanqiao Area
Day 2 Chengdu (B, L)
Today's Highlights: Chengdu Panda Base, People's Park, Wuhou Temple, Jinli Old StreetChengdu is known for its three iconic features: giant pandas, rich history, and a relaxed lifestyle. Today, you will explore these highlights one by one.
Your day begins with a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, the top attraction in the city. You will leave your hotel early and enjoy a scenic drive of about 30 minutes to arrive in time to witness the most active moments of the pandas. Watch them feeding, playing, climbing trees, and interacting with one another. The base features well-designed enclosures for pandas of different ages, from adorable cubs to energetic juveniles and fully grown adults. Pleasant walking paths connect the enclosures, allowing you to enjoy a close and memorable encounter with these beloved animals.
Next, experience Chengdu's famous leisurely lifestyle at Renmin Park (People's Park), a favorite gathering place for locals. Here, you can observe residents enjoying a slow-paced life—strolling, chatting with friends, or playing mahjong. To truly step into the local rhythm, join in the essential Chengdu ritual: sit on a bamboo chair at a simple wooden table and savor a pot of Chinese tea.
After that, visit the historic Wuhou Temple, one of Chengdu's most important cultural landmarks, dedicated to Zhuge Liang of the Three Kingdoms period. Surrounded by ancient cypress trees, the temple features elegant traditional architecture, stone inscriptions, and peaceful courtyards, offering a deep insight into Sichuan's rich history and culture. Adjacent to the temple is Jinli Old Street, where you can continue your exploration at leisure. Wander along this lively traditional street, sample local snacks, browse souvenir shops, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of old Chengdu.
Optional Evening Activity: Enjoy a fascinating Sichuan Opera performance, featuring the famous Face-Changing (Bian Lian) art, at a local theater for a perfect cultural finale to your day.
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A Cute Giant Panda Photographed by Our Guest
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Our guests enjoyed tea at Renmin Park
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Statues in Wuhou Temple Showcasing History and Serene Beauty
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Jinli Old Street with Red Lantern
Day 3 Flight to Xining from Chengdu (B)
Today's Highlights: Sanxingdui Museum, 1.5 Hours' Flying TripAfter breakfast, take a one-hour drive to the Sanxingdui Museum in Guanghan, 50 km north of Chengdu. Discover the mysteries of the ancient Shu Kingdom, which thrived 3,000 to 5,000 years ago. The museum displays over 4,000 artifacts, including the famous Bronze Standing Figure, Bronze Sacred Tree, Gold Stick, and Bronze Mask with Protruding Eyes, as well as many other bronze, jade, stone, and gold objects. These treasures reveal a highly advanced civilization, similar in mystery to the Maya or ancient Egyptians. As you explore, imagine the lives of the people who lived here, their rituals, artistry, and daily activities. Recent discoveries from 2021 continue to shed new light on the origins of Chinese culture.
After the museum visit, you will be escorted to catch a flight to Xining (about 1.5 hrs). Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by local tour guide, and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
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Sanxingdui Bronze Mask with Protruding Eyes
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Gold-covered Sanxingdui mask
Day 4 Xining (B, L)
Today's Highlights: Erlangjian Scenic Area of Qinghai LakeAfter breakfast, embark on a 2.5-hour scenic drive (about 150 km) from Xining across the distinctive landscapes of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to Qinghai Lake. As China's largest inland saltwater lake, with its vast expanse of over 4,500 square kilometers at an altitude of 3,200 meters, it resembles a colossal sapphire embedded between mountains and grasslands.
You will enjoy a memorable experience at Qinghai Lake's Erlangjian Scenic Area, arriving by sightseeing bus at this unique peninsula likened to a sharp sword piercing the heart of the lake. Erlangjian offers visitors the closest possible encounter with the sacred waters of Qinghai Lake. As you stroll along the winding lakeside pathway, the gentle lapping of waves against the shore accompanies the sight of seabirds soaring freely overhead. Gazing across the lakeshore, you will witness the traditional dwellings of Tibetan and Mongolian communities, with scattered tents dotting the grasslands and prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. The iconic "Qinghai Lake" stone monument and landmarks like the Auspicious Four Companions sculpture are all perfect photo opportunities for lasting memories.
Transportation Options to Erlangjian Scenic Area: The Erlangjian Peninsula, the scenic core of Qinghai Lake, is located 13 km from the main tourist center and cannot be reached on foot. Visitors may choose 1). 25-minute high-speed cruise from Erlangjian Wharf to the peninsula, and return by sightseeing train or bus; 2). travel both ways via sightseeing train or bus. The ticket price ranges from CNY 120 to 140. Please inform your guide or travel consultant in advance to arrange your preferred option. Note that cruises may be suspended due to weather conditions, in which case land transportation will be provided instead.
If your visit coincides with July or August, you'll find yourself surrounded by seas of golden rapeseed flowers. The vibrant yellow blooms create a striking contrast with the deep blue of the lake and sky, forming a once-in-a-lifetime visual spectacle that is every photographer's dream. Come winter, from December to February, the lake transforms into a vast expanse of crystalline blue ice, its surface etched with delicate natural patterns, offering an equally breathtaking wonderland to explore through your lens.
After fully immersing yourself in the serene beauty of Qinghai Lake, drive back to Xining for accommodation.
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Enchanting Natural Beauty of Qinghai Lake
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Seas of Golden Tapeseed Flowers on Qinghai Lake in August
Day 5 Train to Lhasa from Xining (B)
Today's Highlights: Tibetan Medicine & Culture Museum, Dongguan Mosque, Scenic Train JourneyAfter breakfast, drive to the Tibetan Medicine & Culture Museum, a comprehensive national museum of Tibetan culture that hosts Tibetan medicine as its central theme. You can explore its core exhibitions, immersing yourself in the visual spectacle of grand thangkas, admiring exquisite traditional costumes, and delving into the unique wisdom of Tibetan medicine. The museum’s crown jewel is the Guinness World Record-holding “Color Painting Panorama.” This 618-meter-long, 1,500-square-meter masterpiece features over 700 individual thangka paintings and more than 3,000 distinct embroidery patterns, forming a true living encyclopedia of Tibetan civilization.
Leaving the musuem, you will be taken to Dongguan Mosque, the largest and oldest mosque in Qinghai. Originally built during the Ming Dynasty, it is also one of the four major mosques in Northwest China. Its architecture uniquely blends traditional Chinese palace style with Islamic decorative arts, and its main prayer hall can accommodate nearly 3,000 worshippers. The mosque houses several historical stone tablets recording cultural exchanges along the ancient Silk Road. You can experience the distinctive atmosphere of multicultural harmony here.
After the Xining city tour, board the train to Lhasa (about 19.5~20.5 hours) on a soft sleeper. You'll have a cozy berth featuring soft bedding in a 4-berth compartment with a private door, offering a quiet and comfortable space to relax and enjoy the breathtaking Qinghai-Tibet Plateau scenery unfolding outside your window.
Note: Soft sleeper tickets are limited and sell out quickly. It's best to confirm your travel plans and book train tickets as early as possible.
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Xining Railway Station Shot by Our Guest - Chiranjibu from India
Day 6 Lhasa Arrival
Today's Highlight: Scenic Train Journey of Qinghai-Tibet RailwayContinuing your train journey from Xining to Lhasa, the true wonder may not lie in single landmark, but in the gradual, majestic transformation of the world outside your window.
As the train across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, you will pass the majestic ranges of the Kunlun and Tanggula Mountains, standing as silent and ancient sentinels. The terrain then opens into the breathtaking expanse of the Hoh Xil Nature Reserve where wildlife occasionally appears. Tibetan antelope may cross near the tracks, and you might see herds of wild yaks or Tibetan wild asses in the distance. The climb reaches its highest point at the Tanggula Pass, over 5,000 meters above sea level, where the landscape is bare and the air is thin. Not long after crossing this pass, the view changes dramatically. The vivid blue waters of Cuo’na Lake come into sight, surrounded by mountains.
Upon arriving at Lhasa Railway Station, you will be picked up by local tour guide, then be escorted to your hotel in Lhasa city in a private vehicle. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the local areas and acclimatize yourself to the air, temperature and high altitude of Lhasa.
High Altitude Acclimation Tips:1) go for some leisure walking to acclimate the high altitude but avoid strenuous activity after arrival; 2) you'd better not have bath, in case of catching a cold; 3) drink more water, and have some fruit; 4) have a good rest.
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The Clean Cuo'na Lake Along Qinghai-Tibet Railway
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Beautiful High Plateau Landscape around the Railway
Day 7 Lhasa City Exploration Tour (B)
Today's Highlights: Tibet Museum, Norbulingka, Sera Monastery Buddhism DebatingToday, you will explore Lhasa’s city and suburban attractions accompanied by your local guide, gaining deep insight into Tibetan history and culture. Your journey will begin at the Tibet Museum, where carefully curated exhibits trace the region’s past from the Paleolithic era to the rise of early civilization. Highlights include ancient stone tools and pottery, exquisite Buddhist statues, vivid Thangka paintings, and invaluable relics such as gold seals and traditional manuscripts. Next, visit Norbulingka, the summer palace of Lhasa. This expansive garden complex, filled with rare flowers and lush greenery, is often called the “Plateau Oxygen Bar.” Beyond its elegant Tibetan-style architecture, Norbulingka is also a vibrant cultural venue, hosting major Tibetan celebrations and performances, most notably the traditional shows during the annual Shoton Festival (June 30th in the Tibetan calendar, lasting about a week).
In the afternoon, head to Sera Monastery, one of Lhasa’s most renowned monasteries, famous for its daily Buddhist debating sessions. In the courtyard, monks engage in animated debates on Buddhist philosophy, using expressive gestures to sharpen understanding and deepen their studies-an unforgettable cultural experience. After enjoying the "Buddhism Debating", you will be transferred back to the city.
Optional Activity: If there is extra time, it is highly recommended to watch the outdoor live performance of Princess Wencheng at evening. Princess Wencheng Show, performed usually during 21:30~23:00 (late April to Early October), presents the Chinese and Tibetan history and culture through the story that Princess Wencheng of Tang Dynasty married Songtsen Gambo 1,300 year ago. Since the performance is outdoors and the nighttime temperatures in Lhasa are relatively low, please make sure to dress warmly in advance.
The Etiquette of Visiting Monastery: 1) you shouldn't wear short and uncover shoulders; 2) taking off your sunglasses and hat before entering the monastery; 3) taking photos and videos are usually not allowed inside the monastery.
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Buddhism Debating in Sera Monastery
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Norbulingka Summer Palace in October
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Buddha Statues Exhibited in Tibet Museum
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Princess Wencheng Outdoor Live Show
Day 8 Lhasa Potala Palace Tour (B)
Today's Highlights: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Zongjiao Lukang ParkStart today's cultural heritage journey from the Potala Palace Square, where you can admire the grandeur of Potala Palace and capture classic photos of its magnificent front facade. From here, continue to the landmark - Potala Palace, an outstanding symbol of Tibetan architecture mainly composed of the White Palace and the Red Palace with many cherished cultural heritages. After entering the gate of Potala Palace, you need to walk up about 30 minutes along the zigzag stone paths with white-and-red walls to the White Palace. Remember to ascend the steps slowly and take some stops for sightseeing and rest which will be helpful to reduce high altitude sickness. Then you will explore the palace in an orderly way from the White Palace to the Red Palace with explanations accompanied by your local guide. After exploring Potala Palace, enjoy a leisurely walk through Zongjiao Lukang Park, a scenic lakeside park located behind the palace. Here, you can experience authentic local life, often seeing Tibetans gathering for singing and dancing, chatting, exercising, and walking kora. On clear days, the lake also offers beautiful reflections of Potala Palace.
Continuing your exploration, you will then get to Jokhang Temple, widely regarded as the spiritual heart of Lhasa and the most sacred religious site in Tibet as it enshrines the revered Jowo Rinpoche, a life-sized (about 1.5 meters / 5 feet) statue of Shakyamuni Buddha depicting him at the age of twelve. In the square before the temple, you will witness devoted pilgrims performing full-body prostrations, gradually polishing the stone flagstones beneath them-a deeply moving and unforgettable sight. The day’s exploration concludes at Barkhor Street, the bustling circular street that surrounds Jokhang Temple. The local Tibetans usually walk clockwise on the street for several circles, as part of their daily pilgrimage. Lined with lively shops and stalls, Barkhor Street is also an excellent place to browse for traditional Tibetan handicrafts and local specialties, offering a vibrant glimpse into both the spiritual and everyday life of Lhasa.
Optional Activity: If your physical strength permits, you can take a short climb to the Chakpori Hill Viewing Platform, which is precisely the location featured on the back of China's fifth series 50-yuan banknote. From this platform, you can appreciate the terraced architecture of Potala Palace ascending the mountainside.
Tips of today: 1) Potala Palace (3,700m) is situated at a higher elevation than the average city altitude (3,650m) and requires climbing many steps, so please walk slowly and take breaks as needed; 2) taking photos, videos and wearing hats are not allowed in the palace; 3) please bring some water, a hat, sun cream, and sun glasses with you.
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Golden Roof of Jokhang Temple - shot by our guest Sabine
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Our Guests take photo at Chakpori Hill Viewing Platform
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Our Guests enjoy their family trip in Barkhor Street
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Our Guests from Belgium visited Potala Palace with Tibet Discovery
Day 9 Lhasa - Ganden Monastery - Nyingchi / 420 km, About 5 hrs' Drive (B)
Today's Highlights: Ganden MonasteryToday, you are going to drive about 6 hours along the well-paved 318 National Road to Nyingchi, the Switzerland of Tibet. On route, you will take a side trip to Ganden Monastery - the first monastery of Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It was founded in 1409 by the great master Tsongkhapa (1357-1419), which makes the monastery as one of the most important monasteries in Tibet. Ganden, in Tibetan, means "happiness and contentedness". So it is very meaningful to visit this temple. Ganden Monastery is also an architectural masterpiece with many features of traditional Tibetan-style monasteries. It made fully use of colors to create a sense of holiness and solemnity - white paths, red walls, black windows, golden roofs, yellow curtain. From the monastery, one can also enjoy a stunning panoramic view of surrounding mountains and valleys. Besides, there are a lot of infrequent cultural relics and handicrafts kept in the monastery.
After arrival at Nyingchi, you will be transferred to check in your hotel. The rest of today is free for you to explore this peaceful town.
Tips of Today: 1) wear warm clothes to prevent from cold and wild; 2) pack some food and drinks with you because you will spend much time on the road.
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Manuel's group from Spain visited beautiful Ganden Monastery
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Local Tibetan visiting Ganden Monastery, shot by our guest Di from Australia
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Ganden Monastery Unique Achitecture, shot by our guest Di from Australia
Day 10 Nyingchi - Lulang - Nyingchi / 150 km, About 3.5 hrs' Drive (B)
Today's Highlights: Sejila Pass, Mount Namjagbarwa, Lulang Forest, Lulalng TownWake up to a peaceful morning in Nyingchi, surrounded by fresh mountain air and serene landscapes.After breakfast, your tour guide and driver will pick you up and begin today's journey to discover why Nyingchi is known as the Tibetan Switzerland.
After driving about 50 km (1.5 hours), you’ll reach the Sejila Mountain Pass Observatory. On clear days, you may catch sight of the majestic Mount Namjagbarwa (7,782 m), soaring above the clouds with extraordinary grace. Known as one of China’s most beautiful peaks, it stands at the eastern end of the Himalayas, often shrouded in mist and mystery..
Continue driving westward, and soon the dense forest gives way to the vast greenery of Lulang Forest, one of Nyingchi’s most iconic natural wonders. Stop at the best viewing platform to take in a sweeping panorama of alpine meadows, snow-capped peaks, and rolling woodlands. The scenery here changes with the seasons, lush and vibrant in summer, golden and serene in autumn, each offering its own charm.
Then head to Lulang Town, a small but picturesque settlement nestled at the foot of the forest and surrounded by flower-filled meadows. Take a leisurely walk along the wooden boardwalk by Lulang Lake, where the tranquil water mirrors the mountains and clouds above. You can enjoy the calm atmosphere, the gentle sound of the wind, and the sight of a white pagoda standing gracefully in the distance, a perfect spot for quiet reflection and photography.
Then head to Lulang Passture, which is a magnificent high-altitude meadow (3,500m) spanning a 10km by 20km valley. Renowned for its ecological beauty—from fir forests and rhododendron seas to vast grazing lands—it offers vibrant flowers in spring, golden views in autumn, and winter skiing for a complete year-round experience.
After that, drive back to Nyingchi City. Have a good rest.
Tips for Today: 1) Mount Namjagbarwa is often hidden by clouds during July and August. 2) The altitude at Sejila Pass is relatively high, so walk slowly, avoid strenuous activity, and drink water frequently in small sips to stay comfortable. 3) A light jacket and sunglasses are recommended, as the weather can shift quickly from sunshine to mist in the mountain areas.
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View Namjagbarwa Peak from Sejila Pass
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Richard and Hamad from USA visited Lulang Forest with Tibet Discovery
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The White Pagoda in Lulang Lake
Day 11 Nyingchi - Kading Valley - Basum-tso Lake - Lhasa / 470 km, About 6 hrs' Drive (B)
Today's Highlights: Kading Valley, Bamsum-tso LakeAfter breakfast, we begin our journey from Nyingchi to Lhasa, with a memorable stop at the breathtaking Basum-tso Lake. En route to the lake, you will pass by lush green rivers, dense forests, traditional Tibetan homes, and local farmlands where modern machinery can be seen at work.
After about a 30-minute drive, we'll reach Kadinggou, a scenic park renowned for its primeval forest and the Heavenly Buddha Waterfall, which plunges over 200 meters down a steep cliff. Within the mist, a naturally formed Buddha image appears and disappears, flanked by two guardian figures—adding a sense of mystery and sacredness to the scene. A short hike is required, but the refreshing air, birdsong, and the thunderous sound of falling water make it a truly delightful experience.
As we approach Basum-tso Lake, the scenery becomes increasingly captivating. Situated 3,500 meters above sea level, this pristine lake mirrors the snow-capped peaks and glaciers of the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains. A short hike leads to a viewing platform, where you can take in a stunning panoramic view of the turquoise waters. On clear days, the lake's surface shifts between brilliant emerald and deep sapphire hues as clouds drift overhead—creating a scene like scattered jewels.
After admiring the vista, you'll descend to the lakeshore and cross a bridge to the central island. Here, a small Nyingma-sect Tibetan monastery awaits. You may observe pilgrims and visitors circling the white pagoda and turning prayer wheels. The island is also known for its "Three Wonders": the Taobao Pine, the Treasure House of the Dragon King, and the Tiger Claw Marks—each adding a touch of mystery and legend to your visit.
After immersing yourself in the beauty of the lake, continue the scenic drive to Lhasa.You will arrive in the late afternoon, and you will have time to check in, unwind, and acclimatize to the city's serene atmosphere.
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A Tibetan Buddhist Nun at Basum-tso Lake
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Central Island in Basum-tso Lake
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The Buddhist Pagoda on the Central Island of Basum-tso
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Heavenly Buddha Waterfall in Kadinggou
Day 12 Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Gyantse - Shigatse / 360km, About 8hrs' Driving (B)
Today's Highlights: Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, Palcho MonasteryToday, you will leave Lhasa and head to Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet. It may be a long journey, but there are many things to do and see along this scenic road. You will first pass through Shannan City and take a short stop in the viewing platform of Yarlung Tsangpo River Valley (4,280m), where you can take a view of the snaking road and gorge scenery. Go on with your trip and you will reach your first highlight - holy Yamdrok Lake (4,441m). As the largest fresh lake in the northern of the Himalaya Mountains, it spreads about 675 square meters from south to north, like an eardrop lying in the arms of snow-capped giant mountains. Viewing from a distance, you can see fertile pastures full of yaks and sheep, and some small Tibetan villages along the lakeshore. Keeping driving not so far from Yamdrok Lake, you will get to the imposing Karola Glacier (5,400m) towering aloft on the right side of the road. Go on driving, you will pass by Simi La Pass (4,330m) and have several minutes' break here to take some photos of Simila Mountain and Manla Reservoir.
Continuing your trip, you will get to the historical county - Gyantse. Feel hungry? Have a good lunch in the town, then go to visit the mysterious Palcho Monastery. The monks and tradition of three important sects of Tibetan Buddhism - Sakyapa, Zhalupa and Gelukpa, peacefully coexist in this monastery. Its Kumbum, which is 35 meters high and has 76 small chapels with hundreds images of Kriyatantras, is believed to be the largest such structure in Tibet.
After the Gyantse sightseeing, keep drive about 1.5 hours, and you will arrive at your hotel in Shigatse city. Have a good rest!
Tips of today: 1) some attractions are at high altitudes, so move slowly and bring an oxygen tank to prevent altitude sickness; 2) wear warm clothes to prevent from cold and wild; 3) pack some food and drinks with you because you will spend much time on the road.
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Our Guests visited Karola Glacier with Tibet Discovery in 2018
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Solemn and Dignified Palcho Monastery with Kumbum Stupa
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Beautiful Yamdrok Lake View from No.1 Viewing Deck
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Our Dear Guest Holly visited Picturesque Simila Mountain with Manla Reservoir
Day 13 Shigatse - Mount Everest / 350km, About 7hrs' Driving (B)
Today's Highlights: Himalaya Views from Gawula Pass, Mount EverestAfter breakfast, embark on your once-in-a-lifetime Mount Everest expedition. Departing from Shigatse and traveling along National Highway 318, the scenery outside the window gradually transforms from farmland to vast mountains and deserts. Upon reaching the Gyatsola Pass (5,248 meters), you will first see fluttering prayer flags and the prominent Mount Everest Nature Reserve signpost. This is one of the highest points on G318, symbolizing your official journey toward the summit of the world. Next, you arrive at the Mount Everest National Park gate, the formal entrance to the core area. The large signboard is a classic photo spot.
Following this, you will begin ascending the Gawula Pass (5,200 meters). It is the highest, most open, and most spectacular viewing platform for the Himalayas in the world. On clear days, you can see four snow-capped peaks over 8,000 meters from here: Mount Makalu (8,463 meters, 5th highest in the world), Lhotse (8,516 meters, 4th highest), Mount Everest (8,848.86 meters, 1st highest), and Cho Oyu (8,201 meters, 6th highest), along with many peaks over 7,000 meters. Descending from Gawula Pass, you enter the famous "Everest 108 bends." Vehicles travel along zigzag roads, continuously descending with sharp turns one after another. Each hairpin turn offers a different perspective on the grandeur of the Himalayas.
After descending, you arrive at the thriving Tashi Dzong Town, also known as Everest Town. This is the most important supply point before reaching Everest Base Camp. Here, you can buy water and snacks. At the nearby eco-shuttle transfer point, you switch to the park's unified eco-electric vehicles for the final journey to Everest Base Camp (5,200 meters). When the eco-shuttle comes to a stop, the massive pyramid-shaped peak of Mount Everest stands before you, unobstructed. The remaining time is yours to enjoy up close with the world's tallest mountain. Walk to the 8,848.86-meter measurement monument for photos, gaze at the "flag cloud" drifting from the summit, and feel the peak moment of life.
In the evening, stay overnight in a tent lodge at Base Camp or Rongbu Temple Guesthouse.
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Boguisia's group had a good view of snow-capped peaks in Gawula Pass
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Alfonso's group from Italy visited Mount Everest with Tibet Discovery
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Everest Base Camp with a close-up view of Mount Everest
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Dining Room in Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse with Everest View
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The Road to Mount Everest - Everest 108 bends with Zigzag Roads
Day 14 Mount Everest - Shigatse / 350km, About 7hrs' Driving
Today's Highlights: Sunrise over Mount Everest, Rongbuk Monastery, Dinggye Xilin Viewpoint, Sakya MonasteryAt dawn, get ready for encountering the sacred sunrise at the World’s Roof. As the first rays of sunlight pierce the clouds, wait quietly at the 5,200-meter-high Everest Base Camp to witness the sunrise—watching the snow peaks gradually gilded with gold, the golden glow of sunrise cascading like molten lava, intertwining with the crimson prayer flags and silvery glaciers into a breathtaking panorama.
After breakfast, visit the nearby Rongbuk Monastery, a Nyingma sect temple founded in 1899—the world’s highest-altitude temple. The monastery preserves the meditation cave of Master Padmasambhava and a holy stone carved with hand and footprints. Here, it is not only a religious sanctuary but also a window to gaze up at Everest up close, where faith and nature coexist.
The return trip takes the Eastern Road, known as the "Third Pole Sky Road" of Earth, which traverses quiet villages, pastures, and towering mountain passes in its wild and open manner. Arriving at the Dinggye Xilin Viewpoint (4,900 meters above sea level), you can simultaneously capture the pyramidal peak of Everest’s eastern slope, the sharp ridge of Lhotse (the world’s fourth-highest peak) forming a twin-peak composition, and the red-and-white striped geological gallery of river valley sedimentary rocks, with vast wetlands, lovely sand dunes, and winding rivers beneath your feet. In the afternoon, reach Sakya Ancient Town, stroll around, then enter Sakya Monastery to explore its unique treasures. Established in 1073, Sakya Monastery holds a pivotal position in Tibetan Buddhism. Its outer walls feature three distinct colors—red, white, and black—symbolizing Manjushri (the Bodhisattva of Wisdom), Avalokiteshvara (the Bodhisattva of Compassion), and Vajrapani (the Bodhisattva of Power), respectively. The monastery houses 84,000 volumes of Buddhist scriptures, including the Budda Jalongma(the world's largest sutra) and numerous precious palm-leaf manuscripts (written on talipot leaves). It also boasts over 3,000 Yuan Dynasty murals, whose themes cover religion and history. These murals were created with vibrant pigments made from minerals such as turquoise, earning the monastery the title "China's Second Dunhuang." Also climb the city wall of Sakya Monastery to overlook the panoramic view.
Later, return to Shigatse, and have a good night in the city.
Friendly Reminder: The return route may be adjusted according to the season, especially during heavy summer rains or winter blizzards. Due to weather conditions, the return route may be subject to changes. In such cases, the route will be changed to pass through Gyawula Pass and Tingri, and return to Shigatse, but this will not affect the visit to Sakya Monastery.
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Mount Everest Flag Clouds photographed by Our Guest
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Our Guests take photo with Mount Everest 5200 Altitude Monument
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Solemn Rongbuk Monastery stands at the foot of Mount Everest
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Solemn Sakya Monastery with Local Tibetan monks
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Dinggye Xilin Viewpoint along Mount Everest Eastern Road
Day 15 Shigatse - Lhasa / 280km, About 6hrs' Driving (B)
Today's Highlights: Tashilhunpo Monastery, Nyemo TunbaToday after breakfast, you will firstly take a visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery, located in the Shigatse city area, which is also the largest and most influential Gelug Monastery in the Shigatse prefecture. Here, you will be awed by the giant statue of Future Buddha, the largest of its kind in the world, standing at an impressive 26.2 meters tall and 11.5 meters wide. Adorned with precious pearls, turquoises, corals, and ambers, it is a magnificent sight.
After your visit in Tashilhunpo Monastery, you will begin your journey back to Lhasa, traveling along the legendary Yarlung Tsangpo River, also known as the mother river of Tibet. On the way, you will make a stop at Nyemo Tunba, the historic home of Tunmi Sangbuzha, the inventor of the Tibetan character as well as the renowned Tibetan Incense. During peak season (usually from May to October), you might have a chance to witness the traditional process of making Tibetan Incense with a water mill. The surrounding scenery here is equally captivating, with ancient cypress trees, lush green willows, and the soothing sound of the river adding to the charm of the place.
After about 2 hours of driving, you will arrive at your hotel in Lhasa city and take a good rest.
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Silvia's group visited Tahilhunpo Monastery with Tibet Discovery
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Majestic Tashilumpo Monastery with Traditional Red Architecture
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Traditional Tibetan Character in Nyemo Tunba
Day 16 Lhasa Departure (B)
Lhasa Airport or Train Station Drop-OffToday is free for you until your tour guide and private driver transfer you to the airport in time for your flight or drop you off at Lhasa train station.
Recommended Activities: If you have extra time, you can visit Nanshan Park on the way to the airport or train station. Nanshan Park (Lhasa’s “Green Lung”), a hillside oasis that tells the story of Tibet’s ecological triumph. Pause at viewpoints to marvel at the greening project’s success: once-barren hills now burst with emerald foliage, a testament to local efforts to harmonize with nature. The most highlight part is the panoramic view of Lhasa’s skyline, where the Potala Palace rises like a golden crown against the azure sky-its whitewashed walls and red-tiled roofs glowing in the sunlight, framed by distant snow-capped peaks.
Tips of today: 1) please pack your luggage carefully, especially for small things like camera charger, power adaptor, mobile phone, phone charger, wallet and towel; 2) if your flight is arranged in the afternoon, please make sure you check out the hotel before 12 PM.
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Panoramic Cityscape with Potala Palace in Nanshan Park
Useful Trip Notes
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