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Xi'an Lhasa EBC Train Tour

Duration:
12 Days
Route:
Xián - Lhasa - Shigatse- EBC - Lhasa
Season:
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn
  • Winter
Tour Type:
Private Tour
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Overview

This 12-day memorable tour starts from Xi'an, called “Changan” in ancient times. It was the ancient capital of 13 imperial dynasties with profound history and rich culture. So there are plenty of historical and cultural relics for you to explore, like Xi’an ancient city wall, Terracotta Warriors, the Shaanxi History Museum, etc. Meanwhile, ever since the Tang Dynasty, Xi’an had a solid connection with Tibet. After a 2-day exploration in Xi’an, you will take the Tibet train to Lhasa riding through the Qinghai-Tibet railway, along which you will see snow-capped mountains, clear and blue rivers, vast grasslands, etc. The whole Xi’an-Lhasa train journey covers 2,864km and takes about 31 hours. When you arrive in Lhasa, you will have your 8 days of Tibet journey and visit almost all the major spots including Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Yamdroktso Lake, and Everest Base Camp!

DayRouteAttractions & Activities
1 Arrive in Xi’an Check-in hotel
2 Xi'an Sightseeing Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses, Big Wild Goose Pagoda
3 Xi'an Sightseeing Shanxi History Museum, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter
4 Xi'an - Lhasa Train Departure from Xi’an to Lhasa
5 Arrival in Lhasa (3650m) Pick up and transfer to the hotel
6 Lhasa City Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
7 Lhasa Sightseeing Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery
8 Lhasa- Gyantse- Shigatse, 360km, Approx. 6hrs Yamdroktso Lake, Karola Glacier, Pelkor Chöde Monastery
9 Shigatse - Tingri - EBC, 350km, Approx. 7hrs Tashilhunpo Monastery, Sunset of Golden Everest Peak
10 EBC - Shigatse, 350km, Approx.7hrs Sunrise of Everest Peak, Everest Base Camp, Rongbuk Monastery
11 Shigatse – Lhasa, 280km, Approx. 5.5hrs Yungdrungling Monastery
12 Lhasa Departure Send off to the airport/railway station

Daily Itinerary

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Once you arrive in Xi'an, our guide will meet you at the airport or railway station. They will drive you to your reserved hotel in Xi’an. Then you will have a rest in the hotel.

Stay overnight in Xi'an

In the morning, we will drive to the Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses which is considered as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Here you can see the life-sized warrior figures and horses with distinct facial expressions and positions. You may be surprised by the various kinds of ancient weapons that reflect the highly advanced technology in weapon-making 2,200 years ago. It is a great chance for you to experience the profound and amazing history of the Qin Dynasty, the first United Dynasty in ancient China. It may give you an impressive image of the Period of the Warring States in ancient China.

After that, we are going to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda built in the Tang Dynasty, the most prosperous dynasty in ancient China. The Buddhist scriptures and figurines of the Buddha brought by Xuanzang from ancient India are well preserved in the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

Stay overnight in Xi'an

Shaanxi History Museum, one of the best museums in China, is the best place to catch a glimpse of the glory of ancient Chinese civilization. It possesses large quantities of precious exhibits that can date from the Paleolithic era to the Qing Dynasty, such as Bronze, Queen Jade Seal, Paintings, etc.

In the afternoon you can cycle on the top of Ancient City Wall. The wall is about 14 kilometers at the perimeter, with 98 defensive ramparts, four main gates, and a moat around it. The city wall is a wonderful example of an ancient defensive building. You can walk or cycle on the wall to get some good views of the city.

Later, we are going to the Muslim Quarter, the most famous gourmet street and largest Muslim business street in Xi’an where you can chat with street vendors of Muslims and buy some exquisite handicrafts and enjoy delicious local snacks.

Stay overnight in Xi’an

Today, you will depart from Xi'an to Lhasa. You need to get up early to go to the Xi’an Railway Station as the train will depart in the morning. You'd ​better arrive at the railway station ​1.5​ hours before the train departure time, for you need to exchange your E-ticket for a paper ticket. ​Please be sure you have taken your original Tibet Travel Permit and passport. ​Your local tour guide ​will send you off to the railway station.

You will spend 30 or 32 hours on the train and enjoy the breathtaking ​scenery along the famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway, such as Hoh Xil, Kunlun Mountains, Tanggula Pass, Tuotuo River and so on. You will see nomadic pastures, sapphire lakes, flocks of goats and yaks, snow-capped mountains, etc.

Stay overnight on the train

Welcome to Lhasa! Our local Tibetan guide and driver will wait for you at Lhasa Railway Station by holding your name sign. You will be greeted with a warm Tashidelek (meaning hello with blessing), and be presented with a white Hada (traditional Tibetan ceremonial). Then transfer you to the hotel in Lhasa city. On the way, you can enjoy the stunning views of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. After checking in your hotel, you will be free for the rest of the day to have a good rest and acclimatize to the high altitude at the top of the world. If you physically feel good, you can visit the Potala Palace Square, have a far view of the Yaowang Mountain, and take a panoramic view of the Potala Palace. Remember to drink lots of water, eat lighter and have high carbohydrate food, which will be helpful for 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

You will go to Shigatse from Lhasa via Gyantse today. Firstly, you can have a glimpse of Yamdroktso Lake at Gampala Pass (4790m), from there you will be amazed by the breathtaking view of the holy Yamdrok Lake with its turquoise color and snow-capped mount Nyenchen Khangsar in the distance.

Then you will see the Korala Glacier when we pass it on the roadside. After that, we will arrive in Gyantse. Here we'll visit Palkhor Chode monastery. This magnificent multi-door structure is the largest stupa in Tibet, not only well known for its architecture but also for its old sculptures and paintings all around its inner walls.

Stay overnight in Shigatse

Before driving to Lhatse to have lunch, you will visit the famous Tashilhunpo Monastery, the home of Panchen Lama.

After passing Tsola Pass(4,600m) and Gyatsola Pass(5,248m), you will enter the National Nature Reserve of Mt. Everest, with countless prayer flags flying in the wind. Then you will keep ascending to Gawula Pass(5,198m), where you can enjoy the panorama of the Himalayas.

And then you will go directly to Everest Base Camp(5,200m). You can see the amazing sunset of the Golden Everest Peak at the lodging area if the weather is good.

Stay overnight at a tent camp

The great Sunrise of Everest Peak is far out of your imagination. Enjoy the peaceful and wonderful morning you’ve never had. After that, we will go to the Rongbuk Monastery, which is the highest monastery in the world. Then we may trek to EBC from the lodging area. You can have a good look at Mt. Everest from EBC and take clear photos of it. In the end, we will start to return to Shigatse.

Stay overnight in Shigatse

We will visit the last attraction of this itinerary today---Yungdrungling Monastery, a typical Bon religion monastery in Tibet. The monks here are very friendly to visitors. Some of them can even speak English. If you are lucky to meet the key holder, he can show you the large Dukhang(the assembly hall). Inside the house, there are the impressive thrones of the monastery's two resident Shiromo along the walls-look for the deity's characteristic swastika mace. There are also a couple of more behind the main hall that you can pay a visit to. Those chapels include the Namjya Lhakhang. Keep in mind that you should visit those chapels in an anticlockwise direction. And then, the driver will take you to your hotel in Lhasa.

Stay overnight in Lhasa

Your tour ends today. Our guide and driver will collect you from your hotel and transfer you to Lhasa Airport/Railway Station for your next destination.

Our Service

INCLUSIONS

  • Tibet Tourism Bureau Permit and all other necessary permits to Tibet;
  • All entrance tickets fee for tourist attractions listed in the itinerary;
  • Experienced local English-speaking tour guide;
  • Travel-licensed vehicle according to group size & season as itinerary needed including gas and parking fee;
  • All lodging listed in the itinerary; it’s your decision about the accommodation class: luxury 5-star international hotel, comfortable 4-star hotel, economic 3-star hotel, or guesthouse. Please tell us your preference;
  • Breakfasts provided by hotels;
  • Pick-up & Drop-off service from Airport/railway station;
  • Travel Agency Liability insurance;
  • Government tax;
  • Express delivery fee of Permit (eg. SF. Express);
  • Food & lodgings for guide & driver;
  • Oxygen tank for emergency use;
  • Sleeping bags;
  • Two bottles of mineral water per person per day.

EXCLUSIONS

  • International flight to and out of China;
  • Chinese Visa/China Group Visa; (Note: we could help you by providing the hotel or domestic flight reservation copies for your Chinese Visa or the invitation letter for your China Group Visa)
  • Domestic flight/train to and out of Lhasa; (We can help you book the domestic flight/train ticket at the BEST price. Please contact us for details.)
  • Meals are not included but we will recommend some good ones for you according to your requirements. Usually, it takes 3-10 USD per person for each meal.
  • While the gratuity for guide and driver is NOT mandatory, it is expected. Based on their service, you can tip them on the last day of the tour. Each of you is suggested to tip them 5-10 USD/day in total;
  • All the commission and tax charged by PayPal, Bank, and government when making payment. (e.g. PayPal --- 4.4%. Wire transfer --- 2%);
  • Personal expenses, like laundry, phone call, snacks, soft drinks, optional tour activities, etc.
  • Anything not mentioned in the Inclusions.

Typically Asked Questions from Our Clients

Asked by Yap ***

I would like to know the cost for 1 pax for this trip. I am flexible on the dates as i have not booked my air tickets yet, but i am keen to look at first 2 weeks of March.

beatrice
Answered by Beatrice

Dear Yap,

If you prefer to have this trip in the first 2 weeks of March, we can arrange a private tour for you. For Xián to Lhasa train, you may take it in the evening of D3 or the morning of D4.  If you agree, I will quote you in my next email.

Asked by Mr. ***

Dear Great Tibet Tour-Team,

I have plans to visit Xi‘an & Tibet (by train) from May 16th - 27th, 2024. your program covers it all, I would like to get more information about availability, prices for single traveller (all hotel categories), train ride options, travel document and other requirements (new: as a german national I don‘t need a visa to enter China) and more.

Merry
Answered by Merry

Dear Mr. Dr. Rein****, 

As per your request, we can arrange 12 days Xi'an Lhasa EBC Train private tour departing on 16 May 2024 for you. The price is relatively high for 1 pax. If you agree, I'll quote you in my next email.

 

Asked by Be***

3 persons (2 adults and 1 kid with 8 years old) arrive Xian on 09 Jun at 12:30am and 1 person arrive Xian at 2:35pm. Tour will start 09 Jun at Xian and finish 20 Jun at Tibet. Then will take 21 Jun early flight at 1am++ in Xian and fly back to home country.
(1) How much is the cost per person (3 adults and a kid)? Is it a small group tour with max 12 persons? Must want to join a small group with max 12 persons tour.
Jun 09 Day 1 : Arrive Xian.
Jun 10 Day 2 : Xi’an Tour: The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Shanxi History Museum,
Jun 11 Day 3 : Board the train to Lhasa from Xi’an and enjoy the train scenery. 4-Cabin soft sleeper.
Jun 12 Day 4 :Arrive in Lhasa
Jun 13 Day 5: Lhasa Sightseeing: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery
Jun 14 Day 6 : Lhasa - Gyantse-Shigatse
Jun 15 Day 7 : Shigatse to Rongbuk Monastery
Day 16 Day 8 : Rongbuk Monastery-EBC to Shigatse
Day 17 Day 9 : Shigatse - Lhasa (Tashilumpo Monastery)
Day 18 Day 10 : Lhasa - Namtso
Day 19 Day 11 : Namtso - Yampachen Hotspring Lhasa. Include Wencheng princess show with cheapest fare at D area at Lhasa.
Day 20 Day 12 :Departure from Lhasa
(2) What is the different cost between 3-STAR and 4-STAR hotel?
(3) How much cost for Wencheng princess show ticket, is it RMB380 for adult? How much for a kid?
(4) How much for the Hotspring bath?
(5) How much soft sleeper Xian->Lhasa train ticket for adult and kid on ?
(6) How much flight Lhasa->Xian ticket for adult and kid on 20 Jun?
(7) What is the different cost between 3-STAR and 4-STAR hotel?

Cherry
Answered by Cherry

Usually 4~8 travelers in a group. 

We have 10 Days Lhasa Gyantse Shigatse Everest Namtso Group Tour from Jun.11th to Jun.20th. Is it available to you?

I will quote for you after you confirm the itinerary. 

Asked by Ma***

(1) Suitable for child at the age of 8 at Everest Based Camp?
(2) 3 persons travel from KUL on 08/06 and arrive Xian on 09/06 at 12:25 AM and 1 person will arrive Xian on 09/06 at 2:35 PM. Included accommodation and different airport pickup?
(3) Can push the Xian tour after Lhasa?
(4) Want to fly back to Xian. What is the flight cost?
(5) 3 person stay until 19 Jun and 1 person will stay until 20 Jun at Xian. 3 person will flight back to home country is 21/6 at 1:40 AM and one person is on June 21 15:50. Can arrange different time drop off?
(6) Feasible to have alternative way to take train from Xining instead of Xian as from Xian is a bit long hours? Do not mind to cut short the Xian tour if needed but Terra Cotta is a must.
(7) Want to have WengChen Princess show.
(8) Do not mind to join others.

Please advise the original cost and also the cost after amended my request. Thank you.

Cherry
Answered by Cherry

It is okay for an 8-year old child to have the Everest Base Camp tour. 

I will quote for you after you confirm the itinerary. 

Asked by wann***

To whom it may concern,

I plan to have a summer trip in Tibet around July 2019. Me and my friend are currently living in Europe and we are interested in the program. We would like to know about the traveling period, visa application and the total price. We hopefully hear from you in the near future and look forward to a pleasant trip.

Best regards,

Wannisa Ritmahan

Caroline
Answered by Caroline

In your inquiry, you mentioned that two of you would like to have our 12-day Xian Tibet Train Tour in July 2019, which is a private tour. Frankly speaking, the cost of a private tour for only two travelers would be a little bit expensive. For people less than five, we usually suggest they join our small group tours to keep the cost down.

So, how about we divide this tour into two parts? Xi’an (private tour) and Tibet (group tour).

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What Our Customers Say
Paro Dzong

As I return home from my Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet adventures, I owe you a very BIG “ THANK YOU “, for making it one if not the best trip ever! Your thorough planning, flawless execution and above all your willingness to respond to ALL of my questions is most appreciated. I must give a big compl ....

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