Tour Overview
This overland adventure begins in Xining, gateway to the Tibetan Plateau, and follows the legendary Qinghai–Tibet Highway into the heart of Tibet. Travelers will experience high‑altitude grasslands, sacred lakes, nomadic culture, and historic monasteries before arriving in Lhasa, the spiritual capital of Tibet. The journey offers gradual acclimatization, spectacular landscapes, and a balance of cultural and natural highlights.
Highlights
- Xining — gateway to the Tibetan Plateau
- Qinghai Lake (largest lake in China)
- Tanggula Pass (5,231m) on the Qinghai–Tibet Highway
- Nagchu grasslands & nomadic culture
- Sacred lakes in Tibet including Yamdrok and Namtso Lake
- Lhasa highlights: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street and Gelugpa monasteries near to Lhasa (Ganden, Drepung or Sera Monastery)
- Drive in for adventure, fly out for comfort
🗓️ Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Xining (2,275m) Meet at Xining airport. Overnight in Xining.
Day 2 – Xining Sightseeing (2,275m) Visit Qinghai Lake and Ta’er Monastery (Kumbum Monastery). Overnight in Xining.
Day 3 – Xining → Golmud (2,800m) Drive across Qinghai Plateau. Overnight in Golmud.
Day 4 – Golmud → Amdo (4,700m) Cross the Kunlun Mountains. Overnight in Amdo.
Day 5 – Amdo → Tanggula Pass (5,231m) → Nagchu (4,500m) Drive over the highest pass on the Qinghai–Tibet Highway. Overnight in Nagchu.
Day 6 – Nagchu → Damshung (4,200m) Explore nomadic grasslands. Overnight in Damshung.
Day 7 – Damshung → Namtso Lake (4,718m) Visit the sacred “Sky Lake.” Overnight near Namtso.
Day 8 – Namtso → Lhasa (3,650m) Drive to Lhasa. Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 9 – Lhasa Sightseeing (3,650m) Visit Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 10 – Lhasa Sightseeing (3,650m) Explore Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery. Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 11 – Lhasa → Yamdrok Lake Excursion (4,441m) Day trip to Yamdrok Lake via Kamba‑La Pass (4,794m). Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 12 – Lhasa → Ganden Monastery (3,800m) Visit Ganden Monastery, seat of the Gelug tradition. Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 13 – Lhasa Free Day (3,650m) Optional visits or shopping. Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 14 – Departure Fly out from Lhasa. End of tour.
✅ Price Includes
- Tibet travel permits
- Licensed Tibetan English‑speaking guide
- Accommodation in Xining, Golmud, Amdo, Nagchu, Damshung, Namtso, Lhasa
- All monastery and nature reserve entrance tickets
- Private transportation per itinerary
- Daily breakfast
❌ Price Excludes
- Lunches & dinners
- International & domestic airfare
- Chinese visa fee
- Personal expenses (drinks, shopping, tips)
- Travel insurance
🌿 Why Choose This Tour?
- Legendary Qinghai–Tibet Highway experience
- Gradual altitude acclimatization from Xining to Lhasa
- Sacred lakes: Qinghai Lake, Namtso, Yamdrok
- Cultural depth: Ta’er Monastery, Potala Palace, Jokhang, Ganden
- Drive in for adventure, fly out for comfort
