Xi'an Imperial Heritage & Culinary Journey
Experience China's Tibetan Plateau Through Culture, Nature, and Spiritual Discovery
Day 1: Arrival in Multicultural Xining
Gateway to Qinghai Province
Upon arrival in Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province, your local guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Settle in and prepare for your highland adventure. This multicultural city serves as the perfect starting point for your Tibetan plateau exploration.
Meals: No meal | Accommodation: Xining hotel
Day 2: Qinghai Lake & Mountain Passes
China's Largest Saline Lake Experience
After breakfast, journey to Qinghai Lake, China's largest inland saline lake. During the 2.5-hour scenic drive, stop at the historic Sun & Moon Mountain pass, an important landmark along the ancient Silk Road. Spend the day marveling at the breathtaking blue waters of Qinghai Lake before returning to Xining in the late afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: Xining hotel
Day 3: Tibetan Buddhism & Overnight Train Journey
Ta'er Monastery and Highland Railway Adventure
This morning, visit the magnificent Ta'er Monastery, one of the six great monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. After this spiritual immersion and lunch, transfer to Xining railway station to board your overnight train to Lhasa - an unforgettable journey ascending to the Roof of the World.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: On the train
Day 4: Arrival in Mystical Lhasa
Entering the Heart of Tibet
Arrive in Lhasa in the afternoon, where you'll be met at the railway station and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is for acclimatization and rest, allowing your body to adjust to Lhasa's high altitude (3,656 meters).
Meals: No meal | Accommodation: Lhasa hotel
Day 5: Lhasa's Spiritual Heart
Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple & Tibetan Culture
Today explores Lhasa's most iconic sites. Visit the magnificent Potala Palace, former winter residence of the Dalai Lama and UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue to Jokhang Temple, Tibet's most sacred temple, and experience the vibrant Barkhor Street, where pilgrims circle the temple and local vendors sell traditional Tibetan handicrafts.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: Lhasa hotel
Day 6: Tibetan Monastery Circuit
Drepung, Sera Monasteries & Norbulingka Park
Discover three of Tibet's most important religious sites. Begin at Drepung Monastery, once the world's largest monastery. Continue to Norbulingka, the Dalai Lama's former summer palace and Tibet's largest garden. Conclude at Sera Monastery, famous for its animated Buddhist philosophical debates among monks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: Lhasa hotel
Day 7: Farewell to the Roof of the World
Departure from Lhasa
After breakfast, bid farewell to this spiritual city. You'll be transferred to Lhasa Airport for your flight to your next destination, carrying unforgettable memories of Tibetan culture and landscapes.
Meals: Breakfast
Important Travel Notes:
When traveling by train in Tibet, passengers are responsible for their own luggage throughout the journey. There is no checked luggage service on Tibetan trains, so keep your belongings secure and manageable during transfers.