Lanzhou Tibet Train Tour

Today you are going to visit the Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park. In the morning, our guide will send you to Lanzhou Railway Station to catch a high-speed train to Zhangye and our local guide will pick you up at the train station. Then heading to the to Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, a representative of colored Danxia landform in China. This place is considered as the Rainbow Mountains because mountains there are composed of several rock strips which display different colors under the sunlight. The rocks here were formed into different size and shapes, due to water erosion. The hills in shapes of gorges, towers, waterfalls, pillars, and palaces will give an amazing natural view. If weather permits, you can appreciate the magnificent sunset scenery of Danxia landform. Afterward, we will drive you to the hotel in Zhangye.

Stay overnight in Zhangye.

Today, you will explore the Giant Buddha Temple and Mati Temple Grottoes. The Giant Buddha Temple, renowned for being the largest indoor reclining Buddha in China, is a landmark of Zhangye. It is said that this giant Buddha statue is made in the image of Sakyamuni. Besides, there are a large number of scriptures and ancient books displayed in the temple. Inside the temple, you may see the earth tower and a typical folk residence with traditionally carved beams and painted pillars. After lunch, we will drive one hour to visit the Mati Temple Grottoes. It is said that a heavenly horse once left a hoof print on a rock, and that mark can still be found in the temple. It is a temple that integrates Buddhist culture, grotto art, Qilian Mountain landscape and Tibetan culture.

In late afternoon, our driver will send you to take a high-speed train back to Lanzhou.

Stay overnight in Lanzhou

You will enjoy the stunning scenery along the Qinghai - Tibet Railway. When the train passes through Xining and enters the Golmud region, the breathtaking view will appear one after another. Be sure to capture the memorable scenes with your camera. Major attractions are Qinghai Salt Lake, Yuzhu Peak, Kekexili Nature Reserve, Tuotuo River, Tangula pass, Tsonag Lake, Qiangtang Prairie and Namtso Lake, etc.

Stay overnight in the train

Our local Tibetan guide will wait for you at Lhasa railway station by holding your name sign. You will be greeted with a warm Tashi Delek (a kind of blessing), and be presented with a white Hada (traditional Tibetan ceremonial by giving you a white scarf). Then transfer to the hotel in Lhasa city. On your first arrival day in Lhasa (3650m), it's essential to have a good rest to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS, also known as altitude sickness). Remember to drink lots of water, eat lighter and have high carbohydrate food which will be helpful to you to adapt to the high altitude better.

Stay overnight in Lhasa

In the morning your guide will meet you at the hotel and take you to visit the famous Potala Palace, the cardinal landmark of Tibet and the masterpiece of Tibetan architecture. It was first built by the 33rd King Songtsen Gangpo in the 7th century and rebuilt later by the 5th Dalai Lama in the 17th century. Now it is a museum and world heritage site. 

In the afternoon, we will go to visit Jokhang Temple in the center of the old Lhasa city. Jokhang Temple is the most sacred temple in Tibet and it is always bustling with earnest local pilgrims since the early days. After that, you will take a walk around the Barkhor Street which is one of the most devotional circuits as well as a crowded central market of Lhasa. Barkhor Street is a very ancient round street surrounding the Jokhang Temple and the locals are always proud of it. As a symbol of Lhasa, it is also a must-see place for visitors.

Stay overnight in Lhasa

Today’s first attraction is Drepung Monastery. Drepung means "piles of rice" in Tibetan, which symbolizes prosperity. It's the world's largest monastery that housed more than 10,000 monks in the past. Also, It's the highest-ranking monastery in the Gelug Sect. After lunch, you will continue to visit the Sera Monastery, the most beautiful Tibetan monastery in Lhasa. The Buddhist scripture debating is the highlight of Sera Monastery.

Stay overnight in Lhasa