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home page / private group / 12 Days Xining - Qinghai Lake - Golmud - Tuotuo River - Nakchu - Lhasa - Gyangtse - Shigatse - Lhasa
China Small Group and Private Tailor-made Tours
12 Days Xining - Qinghai Lake - Golmud - Tuotuo River - Nakchu - Lhasa - Gyangtse - Shigatse - Lhasa
Route Number 
L001205
Promise 100% zero shoppingcompare
Minimum USD 99999.00
Booking
Highlights of the Itinerary

l Follow us on an overland adventure trip from Xining all the way to Tibet

l Visit the famous Ta'er Monastery and the beautiful Qinghai Lake in Xining

l Namtso, one of the famous holy lakes for Tibetans to make spiritual pilgrimages

l Full insight visits of the sacred Potala Palace and pure land of Tibet


Arrival in Xining

Upon your arrival in Xining, our local guide will greet you outside the baggage claim area of the airport and accompany you to the 3-star Xining Hotel for a one-night registration. Xining, with an altitude of 2,100 meters above sea level, is not only the starting point of Qinghai-Tibet Overland Journey, but also a major city relevant to ancient Silk Road. Hence, many ancient temples and relics could be found here. 

Meals: No meals, advice freely available

Xining
Catering

The first sight spot today is the Ta'er Monastery, a mixture architecture complex of Tibet and Han style. Then you will enjoy the beautiful view of the Qinghai Lake and you will also see myriads of birds assembling in the Bird Island afar. It's really amazing to see so many species at one time and this Island has become a very large sanctuary for the birds in spring and summer. The exuberant meadow nearby provides a good place for groups of herds and the continuous exchange of Qinghai lake color is really impressive. Then transfer you to the 3-star Qinghaihu Hotel to spend overnight.

Meals: Western style breakfast, Lunch

Qinghai Lake - Golmud
Catering
Breakfast:Cinese breakfast

​You may be reluctant to leave the amazing Qinghai Lake in such a short time, but we have to continue the way to head to our next stop, the legendary Golmud city. During the long time transfer, you will see the golden rape flowers and grassland near and far. At times, some Tibetans are grazing the cattle near their tent. The road will become bumpy gradually. The Gibi scenery along the road comes into your sight. Upon arrival, our guide will help you check into the 3-star Golmud Tian Long Hotel to have a good rest.

Meals: Chinese breakfast, Lunch

Golmud - Tuotuo River
Catering

Today you will leave the Golmud and proceed to the Tuotuo River. Partaking in such an off-the-beaten track might be a little tough for you, but you are going to meet the unique scenes you have never view before. The pure azure sky and the Snow Mountains in the distance in their peace posture await you along the way. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the Chang Jiang Yuan Hotel for overnight. Then the guide will lead you to visit the First Bridge of Yangtze River from the Kunlun Mountain.

Meals: Chinese breakfast, Lunch

Tuotuo River - Nakchu
Catering

The breakfast is served outside the hotel. Drive to Nakchu and transfer you to 1 star Nakchu Hotel for overnight. Then you will have a guided tour to visit the Tanggula Mountain, the headstream of Nu River, Lancang River and the Yangtze River. Tanggula means “Mountains on a Plateau” in the local language and “Mountains that eagles can not fly over” in Mongolian. You will also have a chance to visit the beautiful Grassland in the north of Tibet.

Meals: Chinese breakfast, Lunch

Nakchu - Lhasa
Catering

e will lead you to Namtso Lake and the Yangpachen Geothermal Energy. Namtso Lake, which means “Heavenly Lake”, is considered as one of the three holy lakes in Tibet. It is quite sacred in the locals' mind and when it is the year of the Goat according to lunar calendar of Tibetan's, the pilgrims will come to Namtso to celebrate the grand Clockwise Circle along Lake Festival. Yangpachen Geothermal Energy is the largest geothermal energy power station in China. The hot spring here is in the open air and attracts both residents of Lhasa and tourists. Then head to the magic Lhasa. After arrival in Lhasa, we will transfer you to the 4-star Taehf Phodrag Tibet Culture Theme Hotel for 3 nights. For the balance day, you may have the dinner to recruit the energy by yourself.

Meals: Chinese breakfast, Lunch

Lhasa
Catering
Breakfast:Western buffet breakfast

In the morning, you will visit the first modern museum in the area, Tibet Museum. In the afternoon, go head to visit the Sera Monastery, which kept many precious cultural relics and art and craft. Then go to the beautiful Norbulingka Park, the former summer palace of Dalai Lama.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast

Lhasa
Catering

​Today's private trip starts with one of the most famous attractions in the area, the Potala Palace. With obvious Tibetan style, it is palace-castle-like architectural complex. Since the restoration in the 17th century, it has served as the winter living and working place for Dalai Lama. The next stop today is the Jokhang Temple, a Tibetan Buddhism temple and has been there for 1350 years. After that you will then visit the thriving bazaar of the Barkhor Street, where you may see art and craft and you can buy some souvenirs. Then you will also visit a Nunnery. 

Meals: Western buffet breakfast

Lhasa - Gyangtse
Catering

​ou will head westward and have a long time transfer to Gyangtse today. En route, stop by the sacred Yamdrok Yumtso Lake to wonder at the holy lake's tranquility beauty. Upon arrival, check in at the 3-star Gyangtse Hotel for overnight. Then have a guided excursion to the Palkhor Monastery, a typical Buddhist Temple fully representing the Tibetan architecture styles from the late 13rd century to middle 15th century. It is famous for the magnificent and exquisite murals, carvings and its 100,000 stupas. Then go along the Gyangtse Old Street, you may feel the special history and cultural atmosphere of Gyangtse. You must be exhausted undergoing a full day's sightseeing so please have a good rest at the hotel.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast

Gyangtse - Shigatse
Catering

After an hour's private transfer, you will arrive at Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet this morning. En route, you may catch the great view outside the car window. Upon arrival, you will bed transferred to the well-selected 3-star Wutse Hotel for overnight, which is located on Sichuan South Road, Shigatse. Then the guide will lead you to visit the Tashilunpo Monastery, one of the Six Big Monasteries of Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Sect in Tibet, which is the largest temple in Shigatse. Then walk about 20 minutes, you will reach the New Palace of Panchen, a gorgeous, splendid and elegant building with many precious historical relics and good arts. It is also a summer place of Dalai Lama.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast

Shigatse - Lhasa
Catering

​Today you will be transferred back to Lhasa and register at the 4-star Taehf Phodrag Tibet Culture Theme Hotel once again. Have a good rest tonight, since you will take a long flight back to your country tomorrow.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast

Departure from Lhasa
Catering

After a big breakfast at the hotel today, your guide will transfer you to the airport and see you off to board the flight back to your country. Your fabulous exploration ends here. Hope next time we can still serve you with our dedicated 24/7 service.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast

Detail

12 Days Xining - Qinghai Lake - Golmud - Tuotuo River - Nakchu - Lhasa - Gyangtse - Shigatse - Lhasa

12 Days Xining - Qinghai Lake - Golmud - Tuotuo River - Nakchu - Lhasa - Gyangtse - Shigatse - Lhasa

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Genuine Reviews
Based on 12 traveler reviews
Chengdu est tellement belle, j'aime beaucoup Chengdu, c'est la première fois que je vois des pandas géants, et la ville de Chongqing est vraiment magnifique. Les différences de hauteur des bâtiments dans toute la ville me donnent l'impression d'être dans une ville du futur.
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shanghai is a good city to visit, I think it is same as New York city! there are many people from UK and USA, so many people live in here. this tour make me know the China again, I will recommend the country to retire.
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For our 25th anniversary, my wife and I booked this Sichuan loop. Our guide Wang picked us up with hot tea, small start to a big adventure. Wolong's pandas were incredible, but the real magic began climbing toward Mount Siguniang. Snow peaks, empty valleys, Wang knowing every photo spot. At 4,700 meters near Litang, my wife felt dizzy. Wang had oxygen ready, made us rest. "No rush," he said. Twenty minutes later, we were walking among yaks on the roof of the world. Yading was worth every bumpy mile. Three holy mountains, turquoise lakes, prayer flags in the wind. Eight days, four thousand meters, one unforgettable anniversary.
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My friend and I booked this 5days trip for a quick getaway. Zhangjiajie's sandstone pillars looked like something from another planet. Our guide Liu timed the Bailong Elevator perfectly, no lines, just mist rising around us like entering Pandora. At Tianmen Mountain, I froze at the glass walkway. My friend had to drag me across while Liu pretended not to watch. Furong Ancient Town surprised us. The waterfall flowing right through town at night, lights reflecting on water, we just sat there with noodles, saying nothing. Fenghuang felt like stepping back in time. Liu arranged a boat ride at dusk. Our rower sang local songs, lights coming on along the stilted houses. Magic. For a short China trip hitting big sights, this works perfectly.
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Guilin, Shanghai und Beijing, von denen ich Guilin am liebsten mag. Es ist ein sehr geeigneter Ort für ein Rentnerleben. Früher habe ich viele Videos über Guilin auf YouTube gesehen. Ich denke, es ist ungefähr so wie Vietnam, das ich einmal besucht habe. Dort haben sich viele Europäer niedergelassen. Ich plane, im Alter mit meinem Mann in Guilin sesshaft zu werden. Das macht Vorfreude!
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we booked this 11-day trip for our first China visit. From Beijing's grandeur to Shanghai's skyline, every stop impressed. In Beijing, our guide Lucy took us to the Great Wall early, just us and misty mountains. She knew exactly where to stand for photos without crowds. The Forbidden City felt endless in the best way. Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors left us speechless. Lisa arranged a warrior-making workshop where we both failed hilariously at clay molding. That lopsided soldier now sits on our shelf. zhangjiawei stunned us most. Glass bridge had my husband gripping the railing while I laughed. Our guide Michael noticed my fear of heights and quietly suggested the forest path instead, shanghai's Huangpu cruise at night was pure magic. Different cities, different guides, all wonderful. For couples wanting hassle-free China, this tour delivers.
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