13-Day Tibet Flights & Qinghai-Tibet Railway: Lhasa, EBC., Nyingchi & Namtso
Classic Route
Details
Arrive in Chengdu
Your journey begins with your arrival at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport. Upon arrival, make your way to the hotel for check-in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure before your Tibet adventure officially begins.
Take this opportunity to relax after your flight and prepare for the exciting journey across the Tibetan Plateau starting the following morning.
Meals: Not Included
Accommodation: Tianfu International Hotel
Fly to Xining and Board the Qinghai-Tibet Railway
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your morning flight from Chengdu to Xining.
Reference Flight
- Sichuan Airlines 3U6341
- Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (T2): 09:10
- Xining Caojiabao International Airport (T2): 10:40
Upon arrival in Xining, you’ll board the legendary Qinghai-Tibet Railway, widely regarded as one of the world’s most spectacular train journeys.
Travel in a comfortable soft sleeper cabin as the train gradually climbs onto the Tibetan Plateau. During the evening, relax and enjoy the unique atmosphere onboard before waking up to breathtaking views of snow-covered mountains, vast grasslands, crystal-clear lakes, and roaming wildlife the next morning.
Reference Trains: Z8991/Y971/Z22/(Subject to ticket availability)
Meals: Breakfast Included
Accommodation: Soft Sleeper on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway
Arrive in Lhasa
Welcome to Lhasa, the spiritual heart of Tibet.
Your local guide will meet you at Lhasa Railway Station and escort you to your hotel in the city.
The drive follows the beautiful Lhasa River, offering your first glimpse of Tibet’s magnificent highland scenery. Once you arrive at the hotel, the remainder of the day is reserved for acclimatization.
As Lhasa sits at an elevation of around 3,650 meters, it is strongly recommended to rest, stay well hydrated, and avoid strenuous activities to help your body adjust to the altitude.
Meals: Not Included
Accommodation: Taehf Phodrag Culture Theme Hotel or similar
Explore Lhasa – Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street
Today you’ll discover the cultural and spiritual highlights of Tibet’s capital.
Your first stop is the magnificent Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lamas and one of Tibet’s most recognizable landmarks. Rising above Red Hill, this UNESCO World Heritage Site houses countless treasures, including sacred Buddhist statues, ancient scriptures, colorful murals, and magnificent golden stupas.
Climbing the palace’s famous staircases is rewarded with panoramic views across the city of Lhasa.
A complimentary Potala Palace Afternoon Tea experience is also included.
In the afternoon, continue to the revered Jokhang Temple, considered the holiest temple in Tibetan Buddhism. The temple is home to the famous statue of the twelve-year-old Buddha Sakyamuni and attracts pilgrims from every corner of Tibet.
After your visit, stroll through the lively Barkhor Street, where spinning prayer wheels, traditional Tibetan handicrafts, local teahouses, and bustling markets create an authentic cultural atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to experience everyday life in old Lhasa.
Travel Note
- Entry to Potala Palace is by advance reservation only.
- Visit times are assigned according to ticket availability, so the sightseeing order may be adjusted if necessary.
- Security screening is required before entering the palace.
- Photography is prohibited inside the palace.
In the evening, enjoy a complimentary Tibetan Welcome Dinner, where you’ll sample traditional local cuisine.
Meals: Breakfast Included, Complimentary Tibetan Welcome Dinner
Accommodation: Taehf Phodrag Culture Theme Hotel or similar
Lhasa – Yamdrok Lake – Karola Glacier – Shigatse
After breakfast, leave Lhasa and travel southwest along one of Tibet’s most scenic highways.
Your first highlight is the breathtaking Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes. Known for its brilliant turquoise waters, the lake stretches across the plateau beneath snow-capped mountains and is regarded as one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in China.
Continue through the fertile Nyangchu Valley, where traditional Tibetan villages and farmland contrast beautifully with the surrounding highland scenery.
Later, stop at the spectacular Karola Glacier, whose massive ice wall descends almost to the roadside at an altitude of nearly 5,000 meters. It is one of Tibet’s most accessible glaciers and an excellent place to appreciate the dramatic landscapes of the Himalayan region.
The journey also passes through the historic town of Gyantse, where you can admire the famous Kumbum Stupa and the ancient fortress from a distance before continuing to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city and the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama.
Meals: Breakfast Included
Accommodation: Shigatse Cangyu Yabu Hotel or similar
Shigatse – Tingri – Everest Base Camp
Today’s journey takes you along the famous Friendship Highway toward the Himalayas and the world’s highest peak.
Leaving Shigatse behind, travel through the vast landscapes of southern Tibet to Tingri County, a small town that serves as the gateway to Mount Everest. Along the way, cross several high mountain passes where, on a clear day, spectacular panoramic views of the Himalayan range unfold before you.
As you continue toward Everest Base Camp, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic. Wide alpine grasslands, winding rivers, snow-covered mountains, and remote Tibetan villages create an unforgettable drive.
Weather permitting, you’ll have the chance to admire four of the world’s highest mountains from a distance:
- Mount Everest (8,848.86 m)
- Mount Lhotse (8,516 m)
- Mount Cho Oyu (8,188 m)
- Mount Makalu (8,485 m)
Upon entering the Mount Everest National Nature Reserve, visit Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world and one of the best places to enjoy panoramic views of Everest.
Continue to Everest Base Camp (5,200 m), where you’ll stand face-to-face with the highest mountain on Earth.
This evening, enjoy a complimentary Mount Everest Hot Pot Dinner before spending the night near the mountain.
Meals: Breakfast Included, Complimentary Mount Everest Hot Pot Dinner
Accommodation: Rongbuk Hotel (with oxygen supply) or similar
Everest Base Camp – Tingri – Shigatse
Wake up early to witness one of Tibet’s most unforgettable experiences — sunrise over Mount Everest.
As the first rays of sunlight illuminate the summit, the mountain gradually changes color from silver to golden, creating an extraordinary spectacle for photographers and nature lovers alike.
You may also take the eco-friendly shuttle bus to Everest Base Camp for a closer look at the world’s tallest mountain. Travelers who enjoy hiking can choose to walk from Rongbuk Monastery to Base Camp, a trek of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours one way. Although the altitude makes the walk more challenging, it offers a rewarding and peaceful experience.
After enjoying the breathtaking Himalayan scenery, begin the return drive along the Friendship Highway back to Shigatse.
Meals: Breakfast Included
Accommodation: Shigatse Cangyu Yabu Hotel or similar
Shigatse – Tashilhunpo Monastery – Lhasa
Before returning to Lhasa, visit the magnificent Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the six great monasteries of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism.
Founded in 1447 by the First Dalai Lama, the monastery has long served as the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas. Its impressive architecture, golden rooftops, ancient chapels, and peaceful courtyards make it one of Tibet’s most important religious sites.
One of the monastery’s highlights is the enormous 26-meter-high gilded Maitreya Buddha statue, recognized as one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world.
After your visit, enjoy a scenic drive back to Lhasa through the beautiful Yarlung Tsangpo River Valley.
Meals: Breakfast Included
Accommodation: Taehf Phodrag Culture Theme Hotel or similar
Lhasa – Namtso Lake – Northern Tibet Grasslands – Lhasa
After breakfast, set out for Namtso Lake, one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes and one of the highest saltwater lakes in the world.
The journey offers magnificent views of the vast Northern Tibet Grasslands, where herds of yaks, sheep, and horses roam freely across the plateau. You’ll also travel alongside sections of the Qinghai-Tibet Highway while enjoying distant views of the snow-covered Nyainqentanglha Mountains.
Cross Nagenla Pass (5,190 m) before arriving at the shores of Namtso, located at an elevation of approximately 4,718 meters.
Known as the “Heavenly Lake,” Namtso is famous for its crystal-clear blue waters, dramatic mountain backdrop, and peaceful atmosphere. Spend time exploring the lakeshore, taking photographs, or simply enjoying the spectacular scenery.
In the late afternoon, return to Lhasa as the sun sets over the grasslands.
Meals: Breakfast Included
Accommodation: Taehf Phodrag Culture Theme Hotel or similar
Departure from Lhasa
Your unforgettable Tibet adventure comes to an end today.
After breakfast, check out of the hotel before your driver transfers you to Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Railway Station, depending on your onward travel arrangements.
For guests flying back to Chengdu, the reference flight is: Sichuan Airlines 3U6683 Lhasa → Chengdu 18:30 – 20:55
As you leave the Roof of the World, you’ll take home lasting memories of Tibet’s breathtaking landscapes, ancient monasteries, sacred lakes, and unique culture.
We look forward to welcoming you back to Tibet in the future.
Tashi Delek!
Meals: Breakfast Included
Accommodation: Not Included
Dates & Prices
| Month | Date | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2026-01-05 | $ 1470 | Book now |
| 2026-01-10 | $ 1470 | Book now | |
| 2026-01-15 | $ 1470 | Book now | |
| 2026-01-20 | $ 1470 | Book now | |
| 2026-01-25 | $ 1470 | Book now | |
| 2026-1 | $ 1615 (6‑Person Airline‑Style Seat Bus Group-Contact) | Book now | |
| Feb | 2026-02-05 | $ 1470 | Book now |
| 2026-02-10 | $ 1470 | Book now | |
| 2026-02-15 | $ 1470 | Book now | |
| 2026-02-20 | $ 1470 | Book now | |
| 2026-02-25 | $ 1470 | Book now | |
| 2026-2 | $ 1615 (6‑Person Airline‑Style Seat Bus Group-Contact) | Book now | |
| Mar | 2026-03-05 | $ 1560 | Book now |
| 2026-03-10 | $ 1560 | Book now | |
| 2026-03-15 | $ 1560 | Book now | |
| 2026-03-20 | $ 1560 | Book now | |
| 2026-03-25 | $ 1560 | Book now | |
| 2026-3 | $ 1730 (6‑Person Airline‑Style Seat Bus Group-Contact) | Book now | |
| Apr | 2026-04-05 | $ 1560 | Book now |
| 2026-04-10 | $ 1560 | Book now | |
| 2026-04-15 | $ 1560 | Book now | |
| 2026-04-20 | $ 1560 | Book now | |
| 2026-04-25 | $ 1560 | Book now | |
| 2026-4 | $ 1730 (6‑Person Airline‑Style Seat Bus Group-Contact) | Book now | |
| May | 2026-05-05 | $ 1560 | Book now |
| 2026-05-10 | $ 1560 | Book now | |
| 2026-05-15 | $ 1560 | Book now | |
| 2026-05-20 | $ 1560 | Book now | |
| 2026-05-25 | $ 1560 | Book now | |
| 2026-5 | $ 1730 (6‑Person Airline‑Style Seat Bus Group-Contact) | Book now | |
| Jun | 2026-06-05 | $ 1560 | Book now |
| 2026-06-10 | $ 1560 | Book now | |
| 2026-06-15 | $ 1560 | Book now | |
| 2026-06-20 | $ 1560 | Book now | |
| 2026-06-25 | $ 1560 | Book now | |
| 2026-6 | $ 1730 (6‑Person Airline‑Style Seat Bus Group-Contact) | Book now | |
| Jul | 2026-07-05 | $ 1760 | Book now |
| 2026-07-10 | $ 1760 | Book now | |
| 2026-07-15 | $ 1760 | Book now | |
| 2026-07-20 | $ 1760 | Book now | |
| 2026-07-25 | $ 1760 | Book now | |
| 2026-7 | $ 1880 (6‑Person Airline‑Style Seat Bus Group-Contact) | Book now | |
| Aug | 2026-08-05 | $ 1760 | Book now |
| 2026-08-10 | $ 1760 | Book now | |
| 2026-08-15 | $ 1760 | Book now | |
| 2026-08-20 | $ 1760 | Book now | |
| 2026-08-25 | $ 1760 | Book now | |
| 2026-8 | $ 1880 (6‑Person Airline‑Style Seat Bus Group-Contact) | Book now | |
| Sep | 2026-09-05 | $ 1760 | Book now |
| 2026-09-10 | $ 1760 | Book now | |
| 2026-09-15 | $ 1760 | Book now | |
| 2026-09-20 | $ 1760 | Book now | |
| 2026-09-25 | $ 1760 | Book now | |
| 2026-9 | $ 1880 (6‑Person Airline‑Style Seat Bus Group-Contact) | Book now | |
| Oct | 2026-10-05 | $ 1560 | Book now |
| 2026-10-10 | $ 1560 | Book now | |
| 2026-10-15 | $ 1560 | Book now | |
| 2026-10-20 | $ 1560 | Book now | |
| 2026-10-25 | $ 1560 | Book now | |
| 2026-10 | $ 1730 (6‑Person Airline‑Style Seat Bus Group-Contact) | Book now | |
| Nov | 2026-11-05 | $ 1560 | Book now |
| 2026-11-10 | $ 1560 | Book now | |
| 2026-11-15 | $ 1560 | Book now | |
| 2026-11-16 | $ 1470 | Book now | |
| 2026-11-20 | $ 1470 | Book now | |
| 2026-11-25 | $ 1470 | Book now | |
| 2026-11 | $ 1615 (6‑Person Airline‑Style Seat Bus Group-Contact) | Book now | |
| Dec | 2026-12-05 | $ 1470 | Book now |
| 2026-12-10 | $ 1470 | Book now | |
| 2026-12-15 | $ 1470 | Book now | |
| 2026-12-20 | $ 1470 | Book now | |
| 2026-12-25 | $ 1470 | Book now | |
| 2026-12 | $ 1615 (6‑Person Airline‑Style Seat Bus Group-Contact) | Book now |
You are consulting 2025-04-12 10-Day Deluxe Tibet Tour by Flight & Qinghai-Tibet Railway: Lhasa, Everest Base Camp & Namtso Lake
Fee Description
Tour Includes
Transportation: Economy-class flight from Chengdu to Xining, soft sleeper train ticket on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway from Xining to Lhasa, economy-class flight from Lhasa to Chengdu, comfortable 9–17 seat tourist vehicle throughout the tour, professional driver, fuel, and highway tolls.
Accommodation: Carefully selected 4-star hotels or equivalent throughout the journey, including oxygen-equipped hotels in Shigatse and near Everest Base Camp. Hotels of a similar standard may be substituted depending on availability.
Entrance Fees: Admission tickets to all attractions listed in the itinerary.
Meals: Daily hotel breakfast, complimentary Tibetan Welcome Dinner, and complimentary Mount Everest Hot Pot Dinner.
Professional Guide: Experienced English-speaking, Chinese-speaking, or bilingual local tour guide.
Tibet Travel Permit: Guaranteed Tibet Travel Permit application and processing service.
Insurance: Travel agency liability insurance and vehicle seat insurance.
Complimentary Services: Potala Palace afternoon tea, portable oxygen during the tour, and one bottle of drinking water per person per day.
Tour Excludes
International & Domestic Transportation: International flights, transportation to Chengdu before the tour begins, and return flights or train tickets after the tour (ticket booking service is available upon request).
Meals: Lunches and dinners not specified in the itinerary.
Personal Expenses: Laundry, beverages, telephone charges, shopping, and any other personal expenses.
Gratuities: Tips for the guide and driver are not mandatory but are appreciated for excellent service.
Single Room Supplement: Additional charge applies for travelers requesting a private room or when no roommate is available (approximately CNY 180 per night).
Other Expenses: Any costs arising from personal activities, itinerary changes requested by the traveler, medical expenses, force majeure, or services not specifically listed under “Tour Includes.”
Hotel Reference:
Taehf PhodragCulture Theme Hotel
Shigatse Cangyu Yabu Hotel
Tianfu International Hotel
Rongbu Hotel
Soft sleeper on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway
