Private Tour Highlights
- Full day train ride on the Tibetan Plateau and across the highest point at Tangula Pass
- Visit the Jokhang Temple, the most important religious site in Tibet
- Yamdrok Lake, one of the three largest sacred lakes of Tibet
- Witness the graceful Potala Palace, once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama,
- Stop by the Baiju Monastery, nestled on a highland 3,900 m above sea level
Tour Overview
Explore inland China with Yampu’s Central China Crossing to Tibet tour! China covers approximately 4 million square miles, yet many seem to overlook the wonders that the central regions have to offer while venturing through the popular destinations such as Beijing and Shanghai. With Yampu, travelers can truly experience China and what every region offers culturally and historically. Discover the ancient city of Xining, once a major stop in the Silk Road dating back nearly 2100 years. Traveling southwest, visit the holy city of Lhasa, once home to the Dali Llama. Watching the famous and enormous Potala Palace emerging over the clouds will be a sure highlight of this magnificent experience. Now in the region of Tibet, one can feel the enlightenment from the nearby Himalayan mountains separating the Tibetan Plateau from the Indian subcontinent. Outside from the hustle and bustle of the stimulating cities on the eastern coast, China has much to offer from exploring the glorious landscape, learning of the immense history and cultural blends, to an eye opening spiritual journey. Yampu will help lead the way to a China experience that will always be cherished. Attach this tour with any fantastic Yampu China tour to extend the China Experience!
Inclusions
Exclusions
International airfare (unless specifically included), airport departure taxes that must be paid on-site, gratuities, meals not mentioned, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages with meals, early / late check-out, room service, visa fees/services and other personal items or services not mentioned.
Package Price: $4925
Package Price: From N/A
Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.
Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
Welcome to Xining!
Upon arrival, be met by a Yampu representative and transferred to the hotel for check in.
Upon arrival, be met by a Yampu representative and transferred to the hotel for check in.
Xining - Lhasa by Train
Enjoy this morning at leisure. This afternoon, have lunch in a Chinese local restaurant and then transfer to the train station, here one will board the soft sleeper (4 bed compartment) night train to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region.
Enjoy this morning at leisure. This afternoon, have lunch in a Chinese local restaurant and then transfer to the train station, here one will board the soft sleeper (4 bed compartment) night train to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region.
Full day train ride on the Tibetan Plateau
Today, enjoy a full day train ride on the Tibetan Plateau and across the highest point which is 5072m above sea level at Tangula Pass. In the later afternoon or evening, arrive at Lhasa, average altitude 3700m above sea level. Transfer to the selected hotel. After a short break, have dinner at local restaurant.
Today, enjoy a full day train ride on the Tibetan Plateau and across the highest point which is 5072m above sea level at Tangula Pass. In the later afternoon or evening, arrive at Lhasa, average altitude 3700m above sea level. Transfer to the selected hotel. After a short break, have dinner at local restaurant.
Lhasa Monasteries and Palaces
This read more...
This morning visit the Jokhang Monastery. In the afternoon visit the Potala Palace. Jokhang Temple in downtown Lhasa is the most important religious site in Tibet. It is visited by hundreds or even thousands of pilgrims every day, who are coming from all parts of the region. Stroll along Barkhor Street which is surrounding the temple. Here one can buy all kinds of religious necessities and souvenirs. Potala Palace, which used to be the winter residence of the Dalai Lama, is located on a hill above Lhasa and will be explored in the afternoon. ...read less
Yamdrok Lake and Karuola Glacier
Transfer read more...
Transfer to Gyantse, on the way, visit the Yamdrok Lake and Karuola Glacier. The Yamdrok Lake is one of the three largest sacred lakes of Tibet. One can walk around the entire lake, taking around seven days, a good indication of the sheer size of Yamdrok Lake. The lake is considered sacred and the water has special powers: according to locals, it can make the old young again, and improve intelligence in children. The lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and is fed by numerous small streams. Arrive at Gyantse and overnight in Gyantse hotel. Lunch is included today. ...read less
Transfer back to Lhasa with the Baiju Monastery
Transfer back to Lhasa, and visit the Baiju Monastery enroute. Baiju Monastery nestles on a highland 3,900 m above sea level and is approximately 230 km south of Lhasa. Construction began in 1418, the flourishing age of Tibetan Buddhism after Master Tsongkhaba had held the grand Buddhist prayer ceremony in Lhasa in 1408. Baiju Monastery is also known as Ban kuode qing, which means Auspicious Wheels Temple in Tibetan.
Transfer back to Lhasa, and visit the Baiju Monastery enroute. Baiju Monastery nestles on a highland 3,900 m above sea level and is approximately 230 km south of Lhasa. Construction began in 1418, the flourishing age of Tibetan Buddhism after Master Tsongkhaba had held the grand Buddhist prayer ceremony in Lhasa in 1408. Baiju Monastery is also known as Ban kuode qing, which means Auspicious Wheels Temple in Tibetan.
Flight from Lhasa to Xian
At the appropriate time, be met at the hotel and transferred to the Lhasa Airport to connect with a flight home or to take an optional add on.
At the appropriate time, be met at the hotel and transferred to the Lhasa Airport to connect with a flight home or to take an optional add on.
Xining, Qinghai, China
Lhasa, Tibet, China
Gyantse, Xigaze, Tibet, China
Places You'll See
-
Xining
Once a key stop in the famous Silk Road trading system, Xining is a city of history dating back to over 2100 years, and is still a major gateway to the Tibetan Plateau. Known as the Summer Resort Capital of China for its cool summers, Xining is also home to the Qinghai Lake, the largest inland and saltwater lake in China. Many locals believe the lake is a source of youth and intelligence. Learn about the local customs and witness the blending of Chinese and Islamic styles.
-
Lhasa
“The Place of the Gods” has been the center of the Tibetan Buddhist world for over a millennium. Witness the massive Potala Palace soaring above the clouds of this holy city while Tibetans engage on a kora around the Jokhang Temple.
-
Gyantse
Gyantse, the fourth largest city in Tibet, is a city rich in culture and History. Once a major trade center, Gyanste is home to the Gyantse Dzong and the Pelkor Choede. While visiting Tibet be sure to sample the Famous Yak products, from yogurt to butter!
Media Gallery
Hotel Options
Featured Accommodation
Superior Soft Sleeper Train Xining – Lhasa
China has one of the biggest and busiest rail networks in the world, and trains link almost every town & city. Chinese trains are a safe, comfortable & economical way to travel around China, and a Chinese train journey is an experience in itself, in contrast with less reliable and environmentally-unfriendly internal flights.
Xining , CHINA
3 Star Properties
Xining Bin Guan
Xining , CHINA
The Xining Hotel (Xining Binguan) is located close to Xiaoxiao Park and Sanjiao Garden. This Xining hotel features both business and standard guestrooms, which are equipped with TVs. For business travelers, a number of different-sized function rooms are available which are suitable for a range of events. On-site dining facilities include Chinese and halal food, while room service is also available. Recreational options include chess, massage and a sauna.
Yak Hotel
Lhasa , TIBET
Yak Hotel is located in the old city center downtown area, with the world famous Jokhang Temple , and the magnificent Potala Palace only a short distance away. Enjoy comfortable rooms (suites), each equipped with air conditioning and direct dial telephone, and 24 hours of hot water supply.
4 Star Properties
Xingding’an Hotel
Xining , CHINA
Situated in central Xining, the Xingding’an Hotel is located near Beishan Site Forest Park, Caojiabao Airport, Xining Railway Station and West Railway Station. Diners can enjoy eating at the Western and Chinese restaurant facilities. Those traveling on business can utilize the meeting rooms and business center. After a long day guests can relax with a massage or head to the sauna or spa. Free parking and Wi-Fi in public areas are available at Xining hotel.
Lhasa : Four Points by Sheraton
Four Points by Sheraton
Lhasa , TIBET
Designed with each guest’s comfort in mind, our 102 rooms and suites feature a warm and contemporary design. The style is uncomplicated and comfortable, a feeling of home coupled with luxurious touches. Each room contains one 32-inch Flat Screen LCD TV with cable and satellite stations, and High Speed Internet Access. Our rooms come with a courtyard view, while our Deluxe Suite features views of Potala Palace. Our Four Points Suite offers the extra space that you need, such as a large sitting area and kitchenette. Also, our 24-hour room service will ensure you have everything you need.
5 Star Properties
Sofitel Xining
Xining , CHINA
Each Sofitel is a unique blend of the French art de vivre and local refinement. Your exotic sojourn along the ancient Northern Silk Road takes a respite at Sofitel Xining, where 5-star European luxury meets Chinese hospitality on the Tibetan Plateau.
A 19th century-style porte-cochère delivers you to a neo-Gothic façade. Fragrant fresh flowers awaken the senses as you drift through a lobby with soaring ceilings, translucent chandeliers and marble finishings. Welcome to luxury from another era.
Moved by the spirit of exploration, you step out into the city to immerse yourself in a unique cultural experience. Colorful street markets and traditional shops contrast with gleaming modern architecture, set against an inspiring mountain backdrop.
Lhasa : Shangri-La Hotel Lhasa
Shangri-La Hotel Lhasa
Lhasa , TIBET
You arrive at the luxury urban resort of Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa to find a copy of Lost Horizon by James Hilton in your elegant and spacious room. This is the legendary story of Shangri-La, a paradise for travellers high among the Himalayas – and the inspiration for the hotel’s brand.
On the cool patio of the Lodgers Lounge, overlooking the city and majestic mountains, you enjoy a cup of tea while reading the book. Afterwards, you adjust to Lhasa’s altitude with a visit to the hotel’s unique oxygen lounge and reflexology pavilion.
Your first day in one of the world’s highest cities begins at the nearby Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site and traditional residence of the Dalai Lamas. From Lhasa, you can travel by car to each of Tibet’s magnificent holy lakes, which the concierge is delighted to arrange. Returning to the hotel for dinner, you meet friends at Shambala for a taste of local barley wine and authentic Tibetan-Yunnan tapas.
The following morning, your breakfast is prepared in the open kitchens at Altitude, which offers delicious international fare throughout the day. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a relaxing massage in a private treatment room at Chi, The Spa before retiring to the comfort of your room to enjoy spectacular views of the Potala Palace and surrounding Himalayas.
As the temperature drops in the peaceful night, you marvel at your experience in Lhasa so far. You have found your way to the original Shangri-La.
Testimonials
Jim, Travel Agent
Traveled July, 2016
An incredible time……
WOW!!!…..
Just had Evelyn on the phone for over an hour and they had an incredible time……
“Very impressed with China and learned a lot! We loved our experience in Tibet. The people are lovely and scenery magnificent. We had very accommodating and thoughtful guides. Very helpful.”
Flights in China were great and no delays, hotels were awesome, guides were wonderful, tours were perfect and even the train worked out. The 8th person on the train was a young Tibetan woman and they felt safe with her in the compartment.
Once again, a total success and very happy clients….
Traveled To
