8 Days Lhasa and Namtso Lake Tour from Hong Kong by Train

From Hong Kong you need to take a connecting flight to travel to Xining, in Qinghai province of China. On arrival in Xining, our guide will transfer you to your hotel, where you can rest. Feel free to take in some of the sights of Xining, the gateway to Tibet.

At 2,275 meters above sea level, Xining is the ideal place to start acclimatizing to higher altitudes. While getting used to the increased elevation it is advised not to exert yourself too much, as this can bring on altitude sickness, even at the altitude of Xining. Rest, eat plenty of green vegetables and high energy foods; these are recommended when acclimatizing to a new altitude.

Stay overnight in Xining.

Early in the morning you will take the short drive up to Qinghai Lake, the largest inland saltwater lake in China. The lake is the home to many different varieties of birds, and Bird Island, near the western shore of the lake, is a haven for both local and migratory species. The lake is elliptical in shape, and the crystal clear waters reflect the surrounding mountains and the clear blue sky. A great way to see the lake is from the deck of a boat, and 30-minute cruises are a popular attraction.

In the afternoon you will drive back to Xining, and will get to see the beautiful view of Riyue Mountain, known locally as “Sun and Moon Mountain”. Legend tells that it was on this mountain that Princess Wencheng lost a mirror called Sun and Moon, that allowed her to see her home in Xi’an, and the Datong River was born from her tears.

Later you will transfer to the Xining Railway Station, to begin the ride over the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Lhasa. Traveling along the most scenic railway in the world, you will experience sights that will leave you breathless, and cross a plateau with an average elevation of over 4,000 meters. Do not forget to check out the view as you go over the Tanggula Pass, the highest railway pass in the world at 5072 meters above sea level.

Tips: High Altitude Sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can be avoided by resting and acclimatizing to the increased elevation. We recommend that you rest and eat plenty of high-protein foods and drink lots of water while you get used to the high altitude. It is also a good idea not to shower for the first two days to avoid catching a cold.

Stay overnight on the train.

When you arrive in Lhasa in the mid-afternoon, our guide will greet you warmly with the phrase, "Tashi Delek", which means 'wish you all the best'. Your tour guide will meet you at the exit of the station, and a private car will transport you to your hotel to allow you to rest and acclimatize for the rest of the day.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

The following day your first stop will be the world famous Potala Palace, the winter palace of the Dalai Lama. Sitting atop Moburi (Red Hill), the palace looks down on the town of Lhasa from its 3,750-meter vantage point. The temple dates back to the 7th century, and houses artifacts and works of art from throughout Tibetan History. The palace also has the gilded burial stupas of the past Dalai Lamas, and below ground lies the ancient meditation cave of the 33rd King of Tibet.

After some lunch, you will head downtown to Jokhang Temple, the primary seat of the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It was built by the 33rd King of Tibet in 647AD, and is the spiritual center of Tibet and the holiest temple in Tibetan Buddhism. Inside sits the most precious object in the temple, a life-sized statue of Buddha Sakyamuni when he was just 12 years old. Adorned with many precious gems, this gilded statue is the most sacred object in Tibet.

Running around the temple is the famed Barkhor Street. As well as the route of the holy kora, or religious circumambulation, it is also the site of many sellers where you can buy authentic souvenirs from across the region. You can join the pilgrims on their clockwise walk around the temple.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

The next morning you will leave early for a trip outside Lhasa, first to Drepung Monastery, one of the Great Three monasteries of the Gelugpa sect. Sitting at the foot of Gambo Utse, 5 kilometers outside Lhasa, it was founded by Jamyang Choge, one of the disciples of Tsong Khapa, in 1416. The Ganden Potrang, sited in the southwest corner of the monastery, was the former residence of the Dalai Lama, until the move to the Potala Palace.

In the afternoon you will travel back across the city to the northern suburbs, to visit Sera Monastery, another of the Great Three monasteries. Founded in 1419, the name, Sera, means "wild rose" in Tibetan, and was named because of the roses that were in bloom on the hill behind it when it was built. The main attraction of the monastery is the colorful and animated debating of the monks, held under the trees in the debating field every afternoon. Definitely something to watch, even if you do not understand what is said.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

In the morning, you will set off from Lhasa towards Lake Namtso, which is one of Tibet's four sacred lakes and holds the title of being the highest saline lake in the world. On the journey, you will be able to witness the majestic Nyenchen Thanglha Mountain Ranges capped with snow, and observe nomads and their tents scattered across the flourishing grasslands (in the summer), with yaks and sheep grazing abundantly. As you travel, you'll also have the opportunity to admire the Sky-Road Railway with its snowy mountain backdrop. Once you reach the famous Lagenla Pass (5190m), you'll be treated to a breathtaking view of the holy Namtso Lake.

Afterward, you will take pleasure in a relaxed trek around Tashi Dor Island and along the lakeshore.

Return to Damxung afterwards. It's worth noting that the lakeshore guesthouses have been closed by the government in order to protect the environment.

Stay overnight in Damxung.

After enjoying breakfast, you will first visit Chimelong Nunnery (Phyirmil Lung Nunnery). Take a leisurely stroll through the serene surroundings of this small nunnery and gain an understanding of the various Buddhist studies practiced in Tibet. From a distance, you may also catch sight of a sky burial site, which is a Tibetan funeral site.

Next, you can proceed to Tsurphu Monastery, which serves as the seat of the Karmapa branch of the Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism. Here, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the Karma Kagyupa school, also known as the 'Black Hats'. During the summer months (June to September), you can also partake in a Tibetan-style picnic known as 'Linka outing' in the quaint village located at the foot of the hill of Tsurphu Monastery.

Finally, you will drive back to Lhasa, where you will spend the night.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Cultural Tip for Today: Sky burial is a funeral practice commonly observed in Tibet. It involves the disposal of the deceased's body, which is then consumed by vultures. In Tibetan Buddhism, sky burial is believed to symbolize the individual's journey to heaven. Only the family members of the deceased are allowed to attend these funerals.

On the last day of your tour, our guide will take you to the airport or train station, and help you with checking in and boarding.