Small-Group 6-Night Lhasa to Everest Tour: Train from Xining

Discovering Tibet from Xining: A Practical Look at a High-Altitude Journey

Traveling from Xining to Lhasa and Everest Base Camp by train offers a unique blend of comfort, culture, and breathtaking scenery. This six-night tour is designed for those who want to experience Tibet’s wonders without the hassle of complex logistics, thanks to a well-organized itinerary, local guides, and included permits.

What we really like about this experience is how smoothly it combines train travel — offering some of the best views available in Tibet — with carefully curated visits to iconic landmarks like Yamdrok Yumtso Lake and Rongbuk Monastery. The chance to see Everest at sunrise is undeniably a highlight that stays with travelers long after.

On the flip side, a potential drawback is the train ride itself. According to a reviewer, the journey can be bumpy at times and not ideal for light sleepers, which might be a concern if you’re sensitive to motion. Plus, the tour’s pace is quite packed, which might feel rushed for some travelers, especially given the high-altitude conditions.

This tour best suits travelers looking for a balanced introduction to Tibet’s culture and natural beauty, who don’t mind a busy schedule and are comfortable with moderate physical activity. It’s particularly good for those wanting a straightforward, guided experience with a focus on iconic sights.

Key Points

• Convenient train journey helps with acclimatization and offers spectacular views.
• All-inclusive with permits, guides, accommodation, and meals simplifies planning.
• Authentic cultural visits like Gyantse Kumbum and Tashilunpo Monastery add depth.
• High-altitude views of Everest and Yamdrok Lake provide unforgettable photo opportunities.
• Group size limited to 12 ensures a more personal experience.
• Potential challenges include the bumpy train ride and a packed itinerary.

The Full Breakdown of the Experience

Starting Point: Xining Railway Station

Your adventure kicks off right at Xining Railway Station, where you need to show your passport, China Visa, and Tibet Travel Permit. This process, while straightforward, requires you to be organized in advance, as tickets are issued at the station before departure. The train journey begins with anticipation, as you settle into your seat and start getting glimpses of the Tibetan Plateau’s sprawling landscape.

The train from Xining to Lhasa is a significant part of the experience. It allows for gradual altitude acclimatization and offers some truly compelling scenery. One reviewer noted, “The views from the train are good, and it does help to acclimate.” Still, the ride isn’t without its flaws, with some mentioning that the train can be a bit rocky, making sleep less restful. If you’re a light sleeper, bringing earplugs or a sleep mask may be wise.

Day 2: Arrival in Lhasa

Upon arrival at Lhasa Railway Station, your guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. The main highlight here is the excitement of being in Tibet’s spiritual heart, with a chance to start acclimating to the altitude. The city itself is a blend of religious sites, bustling markets, and traditional Tibetan architecture, though this tour focuses more on the surrounding natural wonders and Everest.

Day 3: From Lhasa to Gyantse and Shigatse

The journey from Lhasa to Everest begins with stops at some of Tibet’s most iconic sights. The drive over the Gampala Pass (4790m) offers your first glimpses of Yamdrok Yumtso Lake, which many travelers find mesmerizing due to its vivid turquoise waters and snow-capped mountains. “The scene from the Gampala Pass was breathtaking,” a reviewer shared, emphasizing how the landscape’s grandeur makes the early part of the trip memorable.

Further along, you’ll see Karo La Glacier and the roadside prayer flags at Simila Mountain Pass, adding colorful and spiritual touches to the scenery. Gyantse’s Pelkor Chode Monastery and Gyantse Kumbum are cultural highlights, showcasing Tibetan religious art and architecture. Traveling through these sites offers a window into Tibetan spiritual life, with the monastery visits providing photo-worthy moments and a sense of peaceful reverence.

Arriving in Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet, you might explore local sights or relax before the next day’s high-altitude adventure.

Day 4: Shigatse to Everest Base Camp

The morning begins with a visit to Tashilunpo Monastery, home to the Panchen Lama, where you can observe monks and nuns going about their daily routines. The tour then departs for Everest, passing through some of Tibet’s most dramatic landscapes. The Tsola and Gyatsola Passes (4600m and 5248m respectively) mark the transition into the Everest region, with Gawula Pass (5198m) offering a panoramic view of the Himalayas.

Driving along this route feels like traveling through a remote, untouched part of the world, with rugged mountains and vast valleys. When you reach Everest Base Camp, the view of the mountain itself is the main attraction — especially at sunrise if weather permits. One guide noted that they arrived around sunset to see Everest glow in golden hues, an image that stays with many travelers.

Day 5: Rongbuk Monastery and Return to Shigatse

Early morning offers the possibility of catching the sunrise over Everest, which many travelers describe as a once-in-a-lifetime view. Following that, a visit to the Rongbuk Monastery — the highest in the world — reveals a fascinating blend of religious life and stunning backdrops. Travelers report that the monastery feels both remote and spiritual, with monks and nuns living amidst awe-inspiring scenery.

The return drive to Shigatse allows travelers to reflect on the towering peaks and vast Tibetan landscapes, with some noting the journey’s emotional and visual impact.

Day 6: Returning to Lhasa

This day involves a scenic six-hour drive along the Friendship Highway through Yalong Valley, a route renowned for its awe-inspiring scenery. The Yalong Valley is often praised for its lushness and natural beauty, offering a fitting end to the high-altitude part of the trip. The relaxed pace helps travelers absorb the landscape and recover from earlier exertion.

Day 7: Departure

Your guide will assist with your transfer to the airport or onward travel plans, marking the end of this Tibet adventure. The smooth logistics, from hotel transfers to airport drop-off, ensure that all you need to do is cherish the memories.

Analyzing the Value

At $931.48 per person, this tour offers a substantial experience packed into six nights. It covers a range of iconic sights, cultural visits, and the unforgettable Everest view, all with the convenience of included permits, guides, accommodation, and transportation. The train journey, which is often considered a highlight, is especially valuable for those seeking a comfortable, scenic way to acclimate.

However, the tour’s value hinges on your priorities. If you’re after a comprehensive, hassle-free trip that emphasizes natural beauty and cultural sights, it delivers well. But if you’re looking for luxury or extra time at each site, you might find the schedule slightly rushed. The included accommodations are 3-star, and while comfortable, they are shared, which might not suit all travelers.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a guided, organized Tibet adventure with a good mix of scenery, culture, and iconic sights like Everest. It suits those who are comfortable with moderate physical activity and can handle the altitude, especially considering the varied elevations and the need for acclimatization.

It’s perfect for first-timers to Tibet or those with limited time who want to see the highlights without the hassle of planning every detail. If you’re a solo traveler, the small group size (max 12) offers a more intimate experience, reducing the feeling of being just another tourist.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a practical way to experience Tibet’s stunning landscapes and spiritual sites without the stress of organizing every step. The combination of scenic train rides, visits to key monasteries, and the awe-inspiring sight of Everest makes it a memorable journey. The included permits, guides, and accommodations streamline the process, which is a significant plus given Tibet’s complex entry requirements.

While the train ride may not be perfect for light sleepers, many travelers appreciate the scenery and the sense of gradual altitude adjustment it provides. The itinerary, though busy, ensures you hit the major highlights in a short amount of time, making it an excellent option for travelers with limited days available.

If you value authentic views, cultural insights, and the convenience of an organized tour, this experience is a solid choice. It offers great value for those wanting to tick Everest off their bucket list while exploring Tibetan culture in a manageable, guided format.

FAQ

Do I need a Tibet Travel Permit?
Yes, a Tibet Travel Permit is required to join this tour. The tour provider assists in obtaining this permit, which you must present at entry points.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes Tibet permits, train tickets from Xining to Lhasa, transportation by comfortable vehicle, local guide, accommodations (including 3-star hotels and a tent guestroom at Everest), meals as per itinerary, and insurance.

Are meals included?
Meals are provided as per the itinerary, but lunches and dinners outside the scheduled ones are not included.

Can I see Everest from the tour?
Yes, the Everest Base Camp visit is a highlight, with opportunities for sunrise views and photographs of the mountain. Weather permitting, you’ll witness some of the most iconic mountain scenery.

What is the accommodation like?
The tour provides 3-star shared hotels in Lhasa, Gyantse, and Shigatse, along with a tent guestroom at Everest Base Camp or Rongbuk Monastery — offering a mix of comfort and adventure.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
The itinerary involves some moderate physical activity and high-altitude exposure. Travelers should have a moderate fitness level and be prepared for the effects of altitude.

What about the train ride?
The train from Xining to Lhasa is scenic but can be bumpy and noisy at times. It helps with altitude acclimatization, but keep in mind it might not be comfortable for light sleepers.

How long is the drive from Shigatse to Lhasa?
It’s approximately six hours via the Friendship Highway, taking you through Yalong Valley with stunning landscapes along the way.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour’s success depends on good weather, especially for views of Everest. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Is single supplement available?
Yes, but it depends on availability and incurs an additional charge. Most accommodations are shared unless specified otherwise.

In summary, this Tibet tour is a great pick for those seeking a well-organized, scenic, and culturally enriching experience. It balances comfort with adventure, making it a meaningful way to enjoy some of the world’s most spectacular sights.