[Qinghai-Tibet Railway] 13-Day Train Tour from Shanghai via Xining to Lhasa and Everest Base Camp in Tibet

Welcome to Shanghai, the magic city. Our guide will meet you at the airport or train station exit and escort you to your selected hotel in Shanghai for check-in. You can arrange the remaining time freely. If you are tired, you can rest at the hotel to recharge. If it is still early, you can also stroll around the area. You may refer to the free-time suggestions below, or ask the guide for travel advice. Free-time suggestions 1. City walk: Stroll around the area, admire the exquisite architecture where history and modernity intertwine along the way, appreciate the unique culture that perfectly blends East and West, and feel the diverse charm of an international metropolis. 2. Taste local food: Find a time-honored brand restaurant, taste the most authentic Shanghai cuisine, and experience the local lifestyle and food culture. Suggested ways to arrive 1. By plane: Shanghai has two airports - Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). They have many direct domestic routes, such as Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Kunming, Harbin, Hong Kong, etc., as well as direct international routes, such as Malaysia, Singapore, Los Angeles, Japan, etc. Transportation is very convenient. 2. By train: Shanghai has a total of 5 railway stations. You can take high-speed rail to Shanghai from places such as Beijing (4.5-6 hours), Xi'an (6-7.5 hours), Huangshan (2.5-3 hours), Guangzhou (7-8.5 hours), Suzhou (0.5 hours), Hangzhou (about 45 minutes), and Wuhan (3.5-4.5 hours).

After breakfast, you will head to the Shanghai Museum, one of China's four major museums, to admire various exquisite traditional precious cultural relics and gain a deeper understanding of China's long and profound history and culture. The Shanghai Museum is known as holding "half of the cultural relics world," and its overall architecture is round on top and square below, in line with the ancient Chinese concept of "a round heaven and a square earth." The museum houses over 1.02 million cultural relics, covering the most precious artworks from China's 5,000-year history of civilization. Among them, the museum's treasures most worth seeing include the approximately 3,000-year-old bronze Da Ke Ding, the ancient musical instrument from the Western Zhou period known as the Jin Hou Su Bell, the Shang Yang Fang Sheng relic from Shang Yang's reforms, and the Spring and Autumn period bronze Zi Zhong Jiang Pan carved with more than 30 aquatic animals. Afterward, head to Yu Garden, known as the "crown of famous gardens in the southeast," to enjoy the scenery of classical Jiangnan gardens in China. Yu Garden was first built in the 38th year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty (1559 AD), with a history of more than 460 years. It was originally a private garden built by Pan Yunduan, the Ming Dynasty provincial administration commissioner of Sichuan, for his father to spend his later years in comfort. Strolling along Yu Garden's winding paths, you can admire China's ingenious garden layout, exquisite classical architecture, and superb brick carvings, stone carvings, clay sculptures, and wood carvings. In particular, the landmark sights such as the Dragon Wall, the Nine-Turn Bridge, and the Mid-Lake Pavilion are especially worth observing in detail. Afterward, walk to Yuyuan Bazaar near Yu Garden to taste the most authentic Shanghai cuisine, such as xiaolongbao, braised pork, and eight-treasure duck. If interested, you can also browse various traditional Chinese handicraft shops, such as embroidery, ceramics, and wood carvings. After lunch, you can walk along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, known as "China's No. 1 Commercial Street," to the Bund, about 2 kilometers in total. Along the way, you can appreciate Shanghai's architectural style from the 1930s and 1940s and browse various century-old brand stores. Then arrive at the Bund, known as the "Paris of the East," and feel the prosperity of magical Shanghai. Located on the west bank of the Huangpu River, the Bund is one of Shanghai's landmark attractions and is known as the "Exhibition of World Architecture." It gathers 52 exotic buildings of different styles, such as the Shanghai Club, Peace Hotel, and HSBC Building. Stepping into them feels like entering the golden age of the former Oriental Wall Street. Standing by the river, you can also look out at landmark buildings such as the world's third-tallest building, Shanghai Tower; Asia's tallest tower, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower; Shanghai's fourth-tallest building, Jin Mao Tower; and Shanghai's second-tallest building, Shanghai World Financial Center. Afterward, you will take a public ferry at East Jinling Road to cross the Huangpu River and arrive at Shanghai's Pudong Lujiazui business district. Walk to Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in Shanghai and even China. Here, you will take the world's fastest sightseeing elevator (73.8 kilometers per hour) directly to the "Top of Shanghai Observatory" on the 118th floor, 546 meters above the ground, and enjoy a 360-degree unobstructed view of Shanghai's magnificent skyline and panoramic city views, overlooking famous surrounding buildings. If interested, you can also send a special blessing from above the clouds to family and friends at the Top of Shanghai Air Post Office, currently the world's highest post office. Suggestions for nighttime activities in Shanghai 1. Shanghai Acrobatics Show (19:30-21:00, 1.5 hours): The Shanghai acrobatics performance is the favorite nighttime entertainment for domestic and international tourists. It not only features thrilling acrobatic performances but also incorporates graceful dance and humorous, comical plots, bringing the audience a brand-new viewing experience and allowing you to gain a fun and in-depth understanding of Shanghai's rich cultural heritage.

This morning, our guide will take you to visit the Jade Buddha Temple, praised as a pure land in the bustling city of Shanghai. Built in 1882, this ancient temple is one of the few and most influential Buddhist temples in Shanghai. Here, you can see a 1.95-meter-tall seated jade Buddha statue with a compassionate and serene expression, which is the main highlight of the temple. You can also stroll around the temple, learn about Buddhist culture in a peaceful and serene atmosphere, or admire the exquisite Buddhist temple architecture. If time permits, you can also visit Tianzifang in the Shanghai French Concession, browse the dazzling array of tourist souvenirs or handicraft shops, or look at the shikumen architecture and learn about Shanghai's longtang culture. Afterwards, head to Shanghai Airport and take a flight to Xining (about 3 hours). Upon arrival in Xining, our driver will greet you at the airport exit and escort you to a hotel in downtown Xining for check-in. You can arrange the remaining time freely. If you are tired, you can rest at the hotel to recharge; if it is still early, you can also stroll around the neighborhood.

This morning, you will depart from Xining and drive about 145 km (about 2.5-3 hours) to Qinghai Lake. [Qinghai Lake] (altitude about 3,194 meters) is the largest inland saltwater lake in China, like a shining pearl set on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It was rated by China National Geographic as "the first of China's five most beautiful lakes" and selected into the list of "55 places you must visit in your lifetime." Its deep blue and boundless lake water is surrounded by large fields of golden rapeseed flowers, rolling green grasslands, and dotted with colorful prayer flags and leisurely grazing cattle and sheep, making it a rich and colorful beautiful scene unique to Qinghai Lake where water and sky merge into one color. (PS: The best viewing period for Qinghai Lake's rapeseed flowers and grasslands: July to August) After arriving at Qinghai Lake, you will visit the Erlangjian Scenic Area, one of the famous attractions of Qinghai Lake. Here, you can experience the rippling blue waves of Qinghai Lake up close, enjoy the natural beauty of the lake and sky merging into one color, and also immersively explore rich cultural heritage such as Tibetan cultural symbols and the legend of the Queen Mother of the West. When the weather is clear, you may also have the chance to see snow-capped mountains in the distance. Optional activities at your own expense: If you want to fully enjoy the breathtaking natural scenery of Qinghai Lake, you can choose to take a boat for a comfortable tour of Qinghai Lake. Options include: high-speed boat (one way about 20 minutes, 140 yuan/person) or luxury cruise (round trip about 50 minutes, 180 yuan/person). In addition, you can also ride a horse or cycle around the lake. After the tour, return to your hotel in downtown Xining for rest.

After breakfast, head to visit the [Ta'er Monastery], one of the six great monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism in China. It is named Ta'er Monastery because the pagoda came first and the monastery was built later. With a history of about 600 years, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Xining and the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, a master of Tibetan Buddhism and the second Buddha of the world. The monastery has magnificent architecture, rich treasures, and thriving incense offerings, making it one of the best places to learn about Tibetan Buddhist culture. In addition, Ta'er Monastery is world-famous for its butter sculptures, murals, and barbola, known as the "Three Wonders of Ta'er Monastery." After the visit, we will take you to Xining Railway Station to board the Qinghai-Tibet train to Lhasa.

Today you will have the chance to see the magnificent Himalayas, azure lakes, vast grasslands, and highland animals such as yaks and Tibetan antelopes through the train window, before finally arriving in Lhasa, the City of Sunlight. Tashi Delek! Welcome to Lhasa. Our driver will meet you at the train station exit and transfer you to your hotel in downtown Lhasa for check-in and rest. For the remaining time, you can rest well at the hotel and let your body slowly adapt to the high-altitude environment. Warm Tips 1. On the day of arrival in Lhasa, do not do strenuous exercise, and do not take a shower or drink alcohol. Rest more, drink water, eat fruit, and avoid overeating. You may bring American ginseng lozenges or health supplements such as rhodiola and Gao Yuan An to relieve altitude sickness. 2. Follow the guide's arrangements, try not to go out for activities, and maintaining a calm mind and adequate rest is the best way to prevent altitude sickness. 3. When you feel unwell, please promptly seek help from the guide or hotel staff and go to the hospital for treatment.

After breakfast, head to visit the Jokhang Temple, the holy site in the hearts of Tibetan Buddhist believers. The Jokhang Temple was first built in 647 AD and has a history of 1,350 years. It is the most glorious surviving Tubo-period architecture in Tibet, with 5 golden roofs and 108 Buddha halls. Here, you can see the world's rare life-size statue of Shakyamuni at age 12 and devout pilgrims worshipping in front of the Jokhang Temple. In the afternoon, drive about 30 kilometers (50 minutes) to visit Sera Monastery, one of the three great monasteries of Lhasa. Sera Monastery is also one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is solemn and sacred. At Sera Monastery, you can watch the famous Buddhist debate activity. The debate usually starts at 15:00 (except Sundays). During the debate, the monks in the courtyard engage in fierce debates, and you can truly feel the faith and power of Tibetan Buddhism. Finally, return to downtown Lhasa and visit Barkhor Street. This is not only the route for the local kora ritual, but also a very lively ancient commercial street. Here, you can encounter locals wearing Tibetan robes and devout pilgrims, stroll through the alleys to browse handicraft shops, or find a sweet tea house and learn from Tibetan friends' tranquility and contentment.

After breakfast, go to visit the Potala Palace, the ancient palace-fortress architectural complex at the highest altitude in the world. [Potala Palace] is located on Maburi Mountain in the northwest of Lhasa city. It is a magnificent building integrating palace, castle, and monastery, and is also the largest and most complete ancient palace-fortress architectural complex in Tibet. The Potala Palace is built against the mountain, with 13 floors in total, 117.19 meters high, and more than 400 meters long from east to west. You will climb up along the long stairs of the Potala Palace, overlooking Lhasa as you walk, taking in the grandeur of Lhasa city. While taking photos and resting, you will then enter the Potala Palace to explore this mysterious and ancient palace for which very few pictures are shown online. Afterwards, drive about 12 km (about 35 minutes) to visit [Drepung Monastery], one of the six great monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is built layer by layer along the mountain terrain, grand in scale, and its white walls and red eaves appear especially peaceful and serene under the sunlight. After entering the monastery, you can visit important buildings such as the Tsokchen Assembly Hall, Ganden Podrang, and the four major colleges in turn to learn about Tibetan Buddhist culture. You can also go to the debate courtyard to watch monks debating Buddhist teachings (around 14:00), or stroll within the monastery and seek inner peace. In addition, around August each year, a grand Buddha unveiling ceremony is held here, which is the well-known Shoton Festival.

After breakfast, you will depart from Lhasa and drive about 8-9 hours (about 270 kilometers) to Shigatse, the center of Tsang. On the way, you will first cross the [Gampala Snow Mountain] at an altitude of 4,900 meters. From the Gampala Pass, you can take in a panoramic view of Yamdrok Lake, like a blue ribbon drifting among the mountains, and the majestic Noijin Kangsang Snow Mountain in the distance. Then continue toward Yamdrok Lake, the highest freshwater lake in the world, and appreciate its beauty from multiple angles, including the mountainside and the lakeshore. [Yamdrok Lake] is one of the three great sacred lakes of Tibet and is also praised as the most beautiful water in the world. The lake is as clear as a mirror, stretching into the distance and merging with the distant snow mountains. Together with the rolling mountains on both sides, the scenery is absolutely stunning. Local Tibetans praise Yamdrok Lake in folk songs: "A fairyland in the sky, Yamdrok on earth. Stars in the sky, cattle and sheep by the lake." Afterward, the car will continue along the shore of Yamdrok Lake for a while, allowing you to see the beautiful lake again. Then head to visit [Karo La Glacier], the most accessible glacier in Tibet. The glacier is right beside the road, like a giant thangka hanging on the cliff, crystal clear and pure white, so close that it seems within reach. You can admire the towering glacier by the roadside or walk to its foot for a closer look at its grandeur. Visiting tips 1. The Karo La Glacier scenic area is at a high altitude, over 5,000 meters. When walking along the boardwalk, please slow down. You may also carry a small oxygen bottle and inhale oxygen if you feel unwell. 2. Please beware of photo traps. If a stranger offers to take photos, ask in advance whether there is a charge. Afterward, continue to Shigatse and stay overnight in a star-rated hotel in Shigatse.

After breakfast, set off toward the world's highest peak - Mount Everest. The drive takes about 6-7 hours (about 330 kilometers). Along the way, you will pass the Gyatso La Pass at an altitude of 5,252 meters, the highest point on the China-Nepal Highway. On a clear day, standing at the pass, you can see Mount Everest in the distance. Then arrive at Everest Base Camp, which is not only the best viewing point for Mount Everest but also the best accommodation point for visiting Everest. Here, you can enjoy the stunning sunrise and sunset over Everest and the starry night sky. Upon first arrival, you can rest and adapt for a while, then walk to visit Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world and the best viewing point for the north face of Mount Everest, only 20 kilometers from the peak. Here, you can enter the monastery and see this ancient temple standing beneath the snowy sky, where time seems to stand still. You can also gaze at Mount Everest from the white stupa outside the monastery, which is the most common scene in many Everest postcards and posters. If you have good stamina, you can continue along the road to the Everest altitude marker for a photo. In the evening, stay in a tent at Base Camp (tents are shared rooms with limited conditions and are closed in winter, in which case you will stay in a guesthouse in a nearby village instead).

This morning, you might try your luck and get up early, hoping to encounter the most magnificent sunrise over Mount Everest and once again admire the majestic figure of the world's highest peak from different angles. Then after breakfast, return to Shigatse. On the way, you will stop again at Gyawu La Pass and Gyatso La Pass to look back at Mount Everest, and finally arrive at your hotel in Shigatse for rest.

After breakfast, go to visit [Tashilhunpo Monastery]. This is the largest monastery in Shigatse and the seat of successive Panchen Lamas. It was once also the political ruling center of the rear Tibet region. The monastery enshrines the world's largest seated bronze Buddha statue, the 28-meter-high "Maitreya Buddha" (namely the Buddha of the Future). Here, you can visit the Panchen Lama's living quarters, the sutra college, the stupa hall, the Buddha unveiling platform, and other buildings, learn about the long cultural history of Tibetan Buddhism and its development in the rear Tibet region, and also see exquisite murals, carvings, and other cultural relics. If interested, you can also climb to a high point to overlook the panorama of the monastery and the distant view of Shigatse city. Afterwards, drive about 280 km (about 3h40m) back to Lhasa. Along the way, you can enjoy the magnificent Yarlung Valley scenery through the window, seeing the wide riverbed and the peaceful villages and farmland... Finally, return to your hotel in downtown Lhasa. (PS: You can also take a train from Shigatse to Lhasa, which takes about 2h28m)

Today concludes this wonderful 13-day train journey from Shanghai via Xining to Lhasa, Tibet. Our driver will take you to Lhasa Airport or Railway Station in advance according to the agreed time for your next destination. If you wish to extend this trip and explore more destinations in Tibet, such as Nyingchi, Ali Mount Kailash, and other places, you can also contact our customer service to arrange it for you. We look forward to welcoming you again someday in the future.