Starting from Xining, you will visit the largest salt water lake in China —Qinghai Lake, the “Mirror in the Sky” —Chaka Salt Lake and then take Qinghai-Tibet train to Lhasa via Kekexili uninhabited land and Qiangtang prairie in northern Tibet. After arrival in Lhasa, You will visit the best part of the holy city Lhasa: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Drepung and Sera Monastery.
If you want to do an impression trip in Tibet and also want to expression Qinghai-Tibet train, this tour is worthwhile.
| Day | Route | Attractions & Activities | Accommodation | Meals |
| 1 | Arrival in Xining (2300m) | Pick up and transfer to the hotel. | In Xining | / |
| 2 | Xining-Qinghai lake-Chaka town | Qinghai Lake, Riyue mountain | In Chaka Town | B |
| 3 | Chaka Salk Lake-Xining, Taking Qinghai-Tibet train | Chaka Salk Lake | On Train | B |
| 4 | Arrival in Lhasa (3600m) | Pick up and transfer to the hotel. | In Lhasa | / |
| 5 | Lhasa City tour | Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery | In Lhasa | B |
| 6 | Lhasa City tour | Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street | In Lhasa | B |
| 7 | Depart from Lhasa | Send off to train/airport | B |
Day 1: Arrival in Xining (2300m)
Welcome to Qinghai. Upon your arrival at Xining Caojiapu International Airport or Xining Railway Station, your professional guide will meet you at designated location on time, with a welcome sign with your name on it. Then a comfortable car or bus and experienced driver will transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the time is at leisure. You can have a good rest or walk around in the city.
Overnight in Xining.
Day 2: Xining – Qinghai Lake – Chaka town
After the breakfast, you will proceed to the Qinghai Lake, the largest inland salt water lake in China. It is located at the east of Qinghai province and is at about 3,200 meter above the sea level. Magically, scenery in Qinghai Lake is totally different in different seasons. The weather conditions in summer and autumn are the most comfortable one, hence the lake’s scenery is the most beautiful during the two seasons. You can take beautiful photos here. Then drive to Chaka town.
Overnight in Chaka town.
Day 3: Chaka town – Chaka Salk Lake – Xining, take overnight Train to Lhasa
In the morning, you will go enter in to the site: Chaka Salt Lake or Chakayan Lake. As a salt lake, you can see crystal salt in the lake, thus it looks like a mirror. For this, it is reputed as one of the best places to take photo, and got a name as Mirror of Sky. It is recommended to you, a photographer, and an amateur of photo-taking. The best tour time is from July to August, and a sunny day is perfect for photo-taking.
In the afternoon, drive back to Xining. Then, transfer to railway station for your night train to Lhasa.
On the train, you will get excited with the amazing sceneries outside the train window. If you are lucky enough, you will have a chance to glimpse the elegant posture of the Tibet antelope.
Day 4: Arrival in Lhasa (3650m)
Welcome to Lhasa! Upon your arrival at Lhasa Railway Station, your professional Tibetan guide will meet you at designated location on time, with with a welcome sign with your name on it. Then a comfortable car or bus and experienced driver will take you to Lhasa hotel safely. It is only 30km from the railway station and takes about half an hour.
After arriving at hotel, tour guide will help you check in. You can take a rest and get acclimatized to high altitude.
Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 5: Lhasa day tour
After breakfast, your tour guide & driver will pick you and drive to visit the splendid Potala Palace, which is Lhasa’s cardinal landmarks. You will have a whole morning to explore this world-level architectural works: White Palace, Red Palace, corridors and stairs and countless lama’s dormitory. Others include: Buddha statues, red-robed lamas and devoted, murals, etc.
In the afternoon, you will walk to visit the age-old Jokhang Temple, as the spiritual center of Tibet, which will deeply impress you with its magnificence and sincere pilgrims. You will see pilgrims donating butter oil to keep the lights burning for the Buddha; learning Tibetan Buddhism; hearing the red-robed Lamas praying; taking photos of the gold roof and enjoying the beautiful sunshine of Lhasa.
Finally, you will have a relaxing walk around Jokhang Temple at Barkhor Street, which is the oldest street in Lhasa, and full of religious atmosphere, showcasing Tibetan culture, economy, religion and arts assemble. Then transfer back to the hotel.
Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 6: Lhasa day tour
After breakfast, you are going to visit the Drepung Monastery, located in the west suburb of Lhasa City. It is one of the “Three Great Monasteries and the largest one in Tibetan Buddhism.” Looking at a distance, the monastery is like a heap of rice, consisting of a group of white buildings layer upon layer. Proceeding to Lhasa Carpet Factory, you could see how an elegant, soft and colorful Tibetan carpet is weaved by locals.
Afternoon going to visit the famous Sera Monastery, you will get an insight into the important aspects of Tibetan Buddhism. In the monastery in Tibet which is well-known for the excellent debating of Buddhist doctrines among lamas from 3pm to 5 pm. Inside the monastery, you can see three sand Mandalas and colorful Rock Painting of Buddha. Then transfer back to the hotel.
Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 7: Departure from Lhasa
Today our guide will see you off at the airport for your homeward flight. Hope our dedicated service leaves you a pleasant memory for this comprehensive Tibet tour.
