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7-Day Xinning to Lhasa Driving Adventure Tour

Xinning to Lhasa Driving Adventure Tour

7-Day Xining, Golmud, Tuotuohe, Nagqu, Dangxiong and Lhasa Tour

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Xining Arrival and Train to Golmud

After your flight arrives at Xining airport, your personal tour guide will meet you at the airport and transfer to train station for Train to Golmud (No. T164/T165 (Xining West Railway Station - Golmud Railway Station) Dep 19:50 - Arr 04:52)

Day 2: Kunlun pass to Tuotuo River, Our guide and driver will escort you from Golmud to Tuotuohe

Kunlun pass to Tuotuo River: Drive southward from Golmud in the morning, passing Kunlun Pass (4,746m, about 60 km from Golmud), Kekexili Natural Reserve Region (largest one of its kind in China). There is some unique wildlife, which can only be seen in highland. Arrive at Tuotuohe River in late afternoon after passing the 1st Bridge on Yangtze River. Be prepared to cope with the mountain altitude today, so take things easy.

tuotuo river qinghai china
Day 3: Tuotuo River to Naqu, Our guide and driver will escort you from Tuotuohe to Nagqu

Tuotuo River to Naqu: Drive southward from Tuotuo River in the morning, passing Tangula Pass (5,231m, the borderline between Qinghai and Tibet, about 260km from Tuotuohe River). Today you will have a chance to see the North Tibetan Grassland, with uncountable small beautiful blue lakes, groups of Tibetan yaks, Tibetan Tents, dotting the area. Arrive in Nagqu in late afternoon. Be advised that there will be no signal for your mobile phones for the whole journey except in big towns like Nagqu.

Day 4: Nagqu to Dangxiong to Lhasa, Lake Namtso and Yangpachen

Today, drive from Nagqu to Dangxiong to Lhasa. The lake is beautiful with its azure water and surrounding snow-capped peaks are spectacular. The lake is the second largest in China and covers an area of about 150,000 square meters, Yambajan, 87 kilometers away from Lhasa, is situated in the basin at the foot of Nyainqentanglha, a range of mountains to the northwest of Lhasa. It is famous for its hot spring and is a nice choice for those whom want to get a close look at the Tibetan herders (drokpa) and their semi-nomadic lifestyle.

lake namtso in tibet
Day 5: Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace, Barkhor Street

Visit the awe-inspiring Potala Palace, the former winter home of the Dalai Lama. Climb up long stairways before you reach the palace, housing valuable religious relics like antiques, statues and murals. Watch the pilgrims coming from different parts of Tibet as they circle clockwise around Jokhang Temple with prayer wheels, or falling prostrate at the front gate of Barkhor Street.

tibet potala palace
Day 6: Sera Monastery, Norbulingka, Drepung Monastery

Sera Monastery is located in the northern suburbs of Lhasa. It is one of the three main monasteries of Lhasa, it is here that the monks "famous daily debates" take place every day (except Mondays) at 15:00. Visitors can watch the debate, but it is advised to keep quiet. Your guide will explain things on route.

Norbulingka means "Jeweled Garden", and served as a summer palace for the Dalai Lama. Drepung Monastery used to be the living palace of Dalai Lamas before the reconstruction of Potala palace. The grand Shonton Festival is held in the early part of August every year, it is a very busy time but fascinating.

sera monastery in tibet
Day 7: Lhasa Departure

As your tour concludes, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

FromUSD 2,527p/p Based on a private tour for 2 people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel

Price includes:

  • Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
  • English speaking local guide
  • Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
  • 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling

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