11 Days Chengdu Train to Lhasa Shigatse Everest Base Camp and Namtso Lake Tour

Trip Overview:

On this tour, you will take the scenic Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Lhasa, explore the city's highlights, and visit famous sites along the way to Everest Base Camp, including Yamdrok Lake, Kumbum Monastery in Gyantse, Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, and the stunning Namtso Lake under the Nyenchen Thanglha Mountains.

Tour Code: TTO-CTTT01

Trip Level: Easy - suitable for all level of fitness

Tour Type: Private tour with private guide and vehicle

Time to Visit: Available all year around

Highlights:

Capture the stunning vistas of Mount Everest at the base camp.
Explore the world's highest monastery - Rongbuk Monastery.
Visit the top two holy lakes in Tibet - Yamdrok and Namtso.
Discover authentic Tibetan monasteries and local traditions.

Daily Itinerary

What's Included?

1. Permit: All necessary Tibet Travel Permits (Incl. Tibet Entry Permit, Alien Travel Permit, Border Pass, etc.).

2. Accommodation: all hotels or guestrooms listed in the itinerary.

3. Ticket: All entrance tickets fees for all tourist sites listed in the itinerary.

4. Guide: Professional English-speaking Tibetan local tour guide.

5. Vehicle: 5-29 seats Comfortable Tibet tourist vehicle with licensed and experienced driver.

6. Meal: Breakfasts in the hotel.

7. Insurance: Tourists Accident/Casualty Insurance.

8. Drinking water provided during the trip.

9. A container of Oxygen for emergency use.

10. Accommodation and meal allowance to the guide & driver.

11. Arrangements include planning, handling, operational and communication charges.

What's Excluded?

1. Meal: not specified in the itinerary (All lunches & dinners).

2. Single room supplement: If you are a solo traveler, you need to share twin room with another tourist (same sex in most cases). You can pay the single room supplement to stay in one room by yourself. And the exact cost depends on market fluctuation in high and off season of Tibet tourism.

3. Tips: If you are satisfied with the service of guide, driver and waiters, you may consider tipping them appropriately ( Tips is not required but expected).

4. International and domestic flight/train (we can offer the ticket booking service at the competitive price).

5. Personal expenses such as laundry, drink, fax, telephone call, optional tour activities, etc.

6. Any losses incurred from the force majeure factor like government control, natural disaster, etc.

Trip Notes

1. What documents are required for Chengdu Tibet train tour?

To board a Chengdu-Lhasa train to Tibet, travelers need to prepare a valid passport (with at least six months' validity), a Chinese Visa and a Tibet Travel Permit, which must be arranged through a licensed travel agency.

Depending on the destinations within Tibet, additional documents such as the Aliens' Travel Permit and Military Area Entry Permit may also be required.

2. How to get Tibet Travel Permit?

Book at least 20 days in advance so the tour operator may have enough time to apply for and deliver your Tibet Travel Permit. Normally, it takes around 8-9 days to process your Tibet Travel Permit from the Tibet Tourism Bureau and another 3-4 days to deliver your Permit to your address in Chinese Mainland. Please provide photocopies of your passports and Chinese L Visa at least 15 days before the travel date, making sure we have enough time to apply for your Tibet Travel Permit. If you have other type of visas, please contact our travel consultant.

3. How to book Chengdu Lhasa train ticket?

Tibet train tickets can be booked either online through official railway websites or via authorized ticketing platforms in China. Since tickets, especially during peak seasons, are in very high demand, it is strongly recommended to book as early as possible. Foreign travelers usually cannot purchase Tibet train tickets directly with international credit cards, so the most convenient way is to book through a licensed travel agency like us. We can not only help secure train tickets but also arrange the mandatory Tibet Travel Permit required to board the train to Tibet.

4. What can I expect to see during Chengdu Tibet train journey?

During Chengdu Tibet train journey, you'll travel through some of China's most spectacular landscapes, including Qinghai Lake, the Kunlun Mountains, Hoh Xil Nature Reserve, and Changthang Grasslands. The train crosses the world’s highest railway pass at Tanggula (5,072 m), offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, yak herds, and crystal-blue lakes.

5. What's the best time to start a Chengdu Tibet train trip?

The best time to take a Chengdu Tibet train trip is from April to October, when the weather is mild, skies are clear, and scenery is at its most beautiful. Spring (April-June) brings blooming flowers and green pastures; summer (July-August) offers warm temperatures and lush landscapes; and autumn (September-October) provides crisp air, golden grasslands, and stunning views of snow-capped mountains, making it ideal for photography.

6. What can I eat on Chengdu Tibet Train?

On the Chengdu Tibet train, you have several dining options to keep you comfortable during the journey. Most trains have dining cars serving hot Chinese meals, including rice, noodles, vegetables, and meat dishes. The train staff also push the food trolley through the carriages, offering snacks, instant noodles, soft drinks, and bottled water. You can bring some snacks if you prefer. Meals are usually reasonably priced, and the staff are happy to assist passengers with special dietary requests.

7. How to prevent altitude sickness on Tibet train?

The beginning of the Tibet train journey is usually comfortable, as the altitude is low. But it rises noticeably after leaving Xining, especially at Tanggula Pass (5,072 m). After Golmud, the train's oxygen systems automatically activate. Mild symptoms like headache, dizziness, or shortness of breath are normal, just stay calm, drink plenty of water, move slowly, use the oxygen supply if needed, avoid overeating, and keep warm to prevent catching a cold.

8. What to pack for Chengdu to Tibet train tour?

When traveling to Tibet from Chengdu, it's helpful to organize your luggage for both the train journey and sightseeing. For the train ride, keep essential personal items in a small bag for easy access, such as travel documents (passport, Chinese Visa, Tibet Travel Permit), medications, snacks, water, towel, and toiletries. Larger luggage, like additional clothing, can be stored in your suitcase. This arrangement ensures convenience and comfort during the whole train journey.