Amdo to Lhasa by Train Tour

First day: Arrival in Xining Xining (Qinghai Province (2275m)

Upon arrival in Xining, your guide will transfer you to your hotel. Should time permit, spend the day relaxing and exploring the culturally diverse, historic city. Overnight: 3-star hotel in Xining

Second day: Explore Qinghai Lake (3200m) Roud trip 300km

Your driver will arrive at your hotel to receive you and our tour begins. In the morning we will take a trip to the Tibetan Medicine Museum in Xining City for an introduction to traditional Tibetan medicine and culture.

After lunch, we will head out west towards Nyisar Gongkar Mountain and into the grasslands. In the afternoon we will arrive at our destination—the feature from which this province takes its name—Qinghai Lake. The world’s largest high altitude salt lake, Qinghai Lake (Tso Ngonbo in Tibetan) is home to the unique golden fish and is a site holy to Tibetans. In the summer, the shores of the lake are covered with flowers. Local nomads herd their animals on the grasslands, selling yak milk and yogurt by the roadsides.

Relax and watch the sunset over the lake. Overnight choice of camping, homestay, or comfortable Tibetan festival tent guesthouse.

Third day: Kumbum Monastery

In the morning we return to Xining via Kumbum Monastery. Constructed in the 16^th century in honor of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, Kumbum is a monastery revered across Tibet by both Tibetan and Mongolian Buddhists.

Return to Xining in the evening for traditional fare at a Tibetan owned family restaurant before settling back into your accommodation for the night. Overnight: 3-star hotel in Xining

Fourth & Fifth days: Train to Lhasa (21 hours in the train)

Today your guide and driver will transfer you to the train station for the next leg of your journey. The train to Lhasa takes an entire day and night, but the breathtaking landscape views make the trip one of a kind. See wildlife, snow-capped peaks, sweeping grasslands, and high passes along the most unique railway on earth! Overnight: Sleeper Coach on Train

Sixth day: Lhasa’s Surrounding Monasteries

Today you will have a chance to see two of Tibet’s most famous Gelugpa monasteries, Sera and Drepung. Located just (north) of Lhasa on Mt. Gambo Utse, Dreqpung once housed ten thousand monks. Meander your way through the dormitories and prayer halls before making a visit to the former home of the state oracle at Nechung Temple. In the afternoon, take a trip to Sera Monastery, best known for its lively tradition of debate. Take a walk around the monastery or catch the monks debating in the late afternoon before returning to Lhasa City for the night. Overnight: Ganggyen Hotel (4-star hotel)

Seventh day: Departure

Our trip ends here! Your driver and guide will deliver you to the airport or train station. Good luck on the rest of your journey!