Xinjiang Gansu Qinghai Tibet Tour

Welcome to Urumqi – the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and a key stop along the ancient Silk Road! Whether you arrive by flight or train, our driver or local guide will be waiting for you at the exit, holding a welcome sign to greet you and your travel companions warmly. You’ll then be escorted to your hotel in the city center and assisted with check-in. Upon arrival, you can either relax at the hotel to recover from the journey or step out for a leisurely stroll to get your first impression of this ethnically rich and vibrant city in the western frontier of China.

Stay overnight in Urumqi

Today, you will start an exploration to the renowned Heavenly Lake (1,980m) of Tianshan Mountains – a stunning alpine lake nestled between snow-capped mountains and lush forests. In the scenic area, you’ll transfer to an eco- bus and walk to the lakefront. You can take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline and marvel at the breathtaking reflections of the snowy peaks in the crystal-clear waters. If you wish, you may enjoy an optional boat ride across the lake or take a cable car up to Mount Maya for a panoramic view of the lake and the majestic Bogda Peak.

After lunch, return to Urumqi and visit the vibrant Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar – one of the liveliest markets in the city. Here, you'll find a dazzling array of local specialties such as carpets, silk, handicrafts, spices, and dried fruits. Take your time to shop for souvenirs, soak in the rich multicultural atmosphere, and sample authentic Xinjiang cuisine – a perfect way to end your day.

Stay overnight in Urumqi

After breakfast, depart Urumqi and enjoy views of wind farms and salt lakes along the Tianshan Mountains. Turpan lies in the Turpan Basin, the second-lowest depression in the world and the hottest place in China. Upon arrival, visit Tuyuq Valley, home to one of the oldest Uyghur villages. Built into the hills with mud-brick homes, the village preserves its traditional lifestyle and deep Islamic heritage, once known as the “Mecca of the East.”

Next, explore the Karez Well System—an ancient underground irrigation marvel that brought mountain spring water to the desert oasis. Then, visit the Jiaohe Ancient City, a 2,000-year-old earthen city built on a plateau, and one of the best-preserved ruins of its kind. The panoramic view from the top is especially stunning at sunset.

Stay overnight in Turpan

Today, say farewell to Turpan as you take a high-speed train to Dunhuang. Upon arrival, your tour guide and driver will meet you at Liuyuan South Station and transfer you to your hotel in downtown Dunhuang for a rest. Dunhuang – an ancient oasis city in the desert – is famed for the Mogao Caves, Crescent Lake, and Echoing-Sand Mountain. This shining gem of the Silk Road awaits you for the next chapter of your journey.

Stay overnight in Dunhuang

After breakfast, embark on a full-day exploration of Dunhuang. Start with a visit to the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to over 40,000 square meters of murals and more than 2,000 painted sculptures, the caves are a true artistic treasure of the Silk Road. Begin your visit with a 4D film introduction, offering an immersive preview of the cave art. Then, follow a professional guide to explore eight classic caves, where you’ll witness stunning depictions of Buddhist deities, flying apsaras, and historical scenes.

In the afternoon, head to the Echoing-Sand Mountain and Crescent Lake, a striking desert landscape. The sand dunes are known to produce a humming sound in the wind, while Crescent Lake lies quietly in the midst of the sands, crystal-clear and unfailing for over a thousand years. You may choose to ride a camel, slide down the dunes, or try off-road desert activities like sand biking (optional, at your own expense). Alternatively, hike up the dunes to enjoy panoramic views or a breathtaking desert sunset.

In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through the bustling Shazhou Night Market, where you can savor authentic local snacks and soak in the vibrant atmosphere — a perfect way to end a rich and memorable day.

Stay overnight in Dunhuang

Today, continue your cultural journey along the ancient Silk Road. In the morning, take a high-speed train to Jiayuguan and visit the Jiayuguan Pass, often hailed as the "First and Greatest Pass under Heaven." As the western starting point of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, this grand fortress has stood for centuries as a key stronghold in China’s ancient defense system, rich in frontier heritage.

Next, visit the nearby Great Wall Museum, where you’ll gain deeper insights into the origin, construction, and historical significance of the Great Wall. Through a wealth of artifacts, displays, and visual materials, the museum offers a comprehensive understanding of the Wall’s crucial role in Chinese history. In the afternoon, drive to Zhangye.

Stay overnight in Zhangye

Rise early this morning to drive to the Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park and witness the stunning sunrise over the famous Rainbow Mountains. These vividly colored hills, glowing under the morning sun, resemble a natural oil painting. The park is the only national-level geological park in China that combines Danxia landforms with multicolored hills and has been ranked among the world’s top ten geographical wonders.

Afterward, head south to visit the Mati Temple (Horse Hoof Temple), a Tibetan Buddhist temple complex that dates back to the Jin Dynasty. The temple is best known for its North Mati Cave, where legend has it that a celestial horse once left its hoofprint—hence the temple's name. Inside, you'll also find a revered statue of Green Tara Bodhisattva. Built into the cliffs, the entire temple complex features beautifully carved grottoes scattered across the mountainside, reflecting both deep religious significance and remarkable artistic value.

Stay overnight in Zhangye

After breakfast, board a train to Xining, enjoying the scenic journey through the picturesque Qilian Mountains, with their stunning landscapes of peaks and valleys.

Upon arrival in Xining, your guide will greet you at the station and take you to visit the Ta'er Monastery (Kumbum Monastery), one of the six great monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism in northwest China. Second in importance only to Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, Ta'er Monastery is a sacred site for Tibetan Buddhists. Built along the mountainside, the monastery showcases a harmonious blend of Han and Tibetan architectural styles. Its halls and pagodas are magnificently arranged, and it is especially renowned for its Three Artistic Wonders: butter sculptures, murals, and embroidered silk thangkas. The butter sculptures, in particular, are intricately detailed and truly breathtaking.

The monastery is also surrounded by rows of prayer wheels. You may take a peaceful walk among them, turn the wheels, and experience the serene and spiritual atmosphere.

Stay overnight in Xining

Today, travel to Qinghai Lake, the largest inland saltwater lake in China, located at an altitude of 3,194 meters. Hailed by National Geographic as “the most beautiful lake in China,” its deep blue waters are surrounded by the Qilian and Kunlun mountain ranges. In summer, golden rapeseed flowers bloom across the meadows, with herds of cattle and sheep dotting the grasslands — creating a breathtaking highland scene.

You’ll visit the Erlangjian Scenic Area, where you can admire panoramic views of the lake and distant snowcapped peaks. The area also features colorful prayer flags, an altar, and a statue of the Queen Mother of the West. Optional activities include hiking or cycling along the lakeshore, or enjoying a boat ride on the lake.

Along the way, you will have the opportunity to visit a local Tibetan herder’s family, step into a traditional black yak-hair tent, experience Tibetan hospitality, taste local food, and immerse yourself in authentic nomadic culture. In the evening, drive approximately 2.5 hours to Chaka.

Stay overnight in Chaka

Today, you’ll visit the breathtaking Chaka Salt Lake, often referred to as the “Mirror of the Sky.” The lake’s surface is as smooth as a mirror, perfectly reflecting the blue sky, white clouds, and distant mountains, creating the illusion that heaven and earth are connected. In Tibetan, “Chaka” means “salt lake.” The lakebed is covered with glistening white salt crystals, making it seem as if you’re walking on water—like stepping into a dreamlike painting.

Upon arrival, you may climb the viewing tower for a panoramic view of the lake, admire the world’s largest outdoor salt sculpture park, and take a sightseeing train deep into the lake’s heart to capture its stunning scenery.

After the tour, you’ll drive back to Xining. From there, you’ll board the train to Lhasa and admire the magnificent scenery along the world’s highest railway — the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. Please arrive at the station at least one hour in advance with your original passport and a photocopy of your Tibet Travel Permit.

Stay overnight on the train

Welcome to Lhasa! Your 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 at 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, you are heading to Drepung Monastery, which means Monastery of Rice Heaps in the Tibetan language. It’s a white magnificent building complex that looks also like rice heaps in the distance. Drepung monastery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery, where lived more than 10 thousand monks in the past.

In the afternoon, you will pay a visit to Sera Monastery, which is one of the “great three” Gelug monasteries of Tibet. Monks debate from around 3 pm to 5 pm. If the debate is not your type, you can also see the three sand Mandalas and colorful Rock Paintings of Buddha. Besides, the sight here is quite good because you can see wild roses around. That’s why people also call it “the Court of Wild Roses”.

Stay overnight in Lhasa

On your third day, you will be feeling much more acclimatized to Lhasa’s high elevation. It is an excellent idea to spend the day exploring the Potala Palace, which is the winter palace of the Dalai Lama. The superb collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet. It is best to explore the inside of the Potala in the morning for 2-3 hours. Afterward, you can walk the pilgrimage route around the Potala Palace.

In the afternoon, you will head to the Jokhang Temple, which is well known as the center of Tibetan Buddhism, and features Buddhist prayer wheels, reclining deer, and golden sutra streamers. Also, you can see a great many pilgrims praying in front of the temple and doing kora with local pilgrims.

After visiting the Jokhang Temple, you can stroll in the old alleys of Barkhor Street, where you may drink sweet tea, chat with locals to experience real life in Lhasa.

Stay overnight in Lhasa