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    11 Days Xining to Lhasa Overland Tour via Qinghai-Tibet National Highway

    11 days

    If you’re seeking the most scenic, accessible overland route into Tibet, our 11-day Xining-to-Lhasa tour via the Qinghai-Tibet Highway is the ultimate choice. As the shortest road trip to Lhasa with top-tier road conditions, it’s brimming with adventure—taking you across the majestic Kunlun, Tanggula, and Nyenchen Tanglha mountain ranges, and along over 1,000 km of the legendary “Sky Road” (National Highway G109).
    Your journey kicks off in Xining, winding through awe-inspiring landscapes: the turquoise waters of Qinghai Lake, the ethereal Chaka Salt Lake (known as the “Mirror of the Sky”), and into the vast, untamed wilderness of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Guided by our local experts, you’ll traverse Golmud, visit the source of the Yangtze River at Tuotuoheyan, and cross the high-altitude plains of Naqu to reach the stunning Namtso Lake—one of Tibet’s three holy lakes. Along the way, immerse yourself in the raw, unspoiled beauty of snow-capped peaks, endless grasslands, and the rich cultural tapestry of Tibetan nomadic life.
    The adventure culminates in Lhasa, Tibet’s sacred capital, where you’ll delve into its spiritual core. Explore the iconic Potala Palace, the revered Jokhang Temple, the bustling Barkhor Street (a sacred circumambulation route), and the serene Drepung and Sera Monasteries—home to centuries-old Buddhist traditions. Whether it’s your first visit to Tibet or a return journey, this overland expedition offers a slow, soul-stirring way to experience the very best of the northern Tibetan Plateau.

    Itinerary Quick Look

    Day 1: Arrival in Xining

    Upon your arrival in Xining, our guide will greet you and transfer you to the city center. The rest of the day is yours to explore freely—whether you want to wander through local markets, sample Qinghai’s famous lamb noodles, or simply acclimate to the pleasant “Summer Capital” atmosphere.
    Accommodation: Overnight in Xining

    Meals: None included

    Day 2: Xining → Qinghai Lake (159km)

    Meals: Breakfast included
    After breakfast, embark on your epic overland journey to Tibet, starting with two iconic stops:
    First, visit Kumbum Monastery (Ta’er Monastery)—the most sacred Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Qinghai. Immerse yourself in its spiritual ambiance, admire the exquisite butter sculptures, vibrant murals, and intricate thangkas, and learn about its role as a key religious center for the Gelugpa sect.
    Next, journey to Qinghai Lake (Koko Nor Lake)—China’s largest inland saltwater lake. In spring and summer, the lake’s Bird Island becomes a bustling sanctuary, where thousands of migratory birds gather to breed, creating a spectacular natural spectacle.
    Accommodation: Overnight at a Grassland Hotel on the shores of Qinghai Lake

    Day 3: Qinghai Lake → Chaka (Approx. 200km)

    Meals: Breakfast included
    Start your day with a leisurely stroll along the shores of Qinghai Lake, soaking in the serene views of turquoise waters, rolling grasslands, and distant snow-capped peaks. In the late morning, depart for Chaka, a small town famous for its otherworldly salt lake.
    Accommodation: Overnight in Chaka

    Day 4: Chaka → Golmud (515.5km)

    Meals: Breakfast included
    Today’s drive takes you deep into the heart of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, with breathtaking landscapes unfolding at every turn. En route, marvel at the stark beauty of the Gobi Desert, lush oases dotting the arid terrain, and the vast expanse of the Qaidam Basin—one of China’s four major basins, often called the “Treasure Bowl” for its rich mineral resources.
    Accommodation: Overnight in Golmud

    Day 5: Golmud → Tuotuoheyan (420km)

    Meals: Breakfast included
    Embark on a scenic drive through the boundless wilderness and grasslands of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, following the route at the foot of the majestic Kunlun Mountains. Navigate a steep valley to cross the Kunlun Pass (4,837 meters above sea level)—a significant milestone marking your ascent into the high plateau.
    Continue onward to pass the First Bridge over the Yangtze River, then arrive at Tuotuoheyan—located at the headwaters of the Yangtze River, the longest river in Asia.
    Accommodation: Overnight in a local guest house

    Day 6: Tuotuoheyan → Naqu (430km)

    Meals: Breakfast included
    Head southward as you traverse the imposing Tanggula Mountains, one of the key mountain ranges on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Along the way, soak in the harmonious blend of nature and wildlife: soaring eagles, grazing sheep, cattle, and yaks, all set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks and scattered Tibetan nomad tents. This stretch offers a peaceful respite to connect with the plateau’s raw beauty.
    Accommodation: Overnight in a local guest house

    Day 7: Naqu → Namtso Lake (390km)

    Meals: Breakfast included
    Today, drive across the vast Qiangtang Grassland in northern Tibet—an endless sea of green where you’ll have the chance to engage closely with Tibetan nomadic culture.
    Upon arrival at Namtso Lake—Tibet’s “Heavenly Lake,” one of its three holy lakes, and the world’s highest saltwater lake—you’ll have ample time to immerse yourself in its magic:
    • Wander the grasslands, visit a nomad family (available June-August only), step into their tents to sip fresh yak milk, play with local Tibetan children, and interact with grazing sheep and yaks.
    • Embark on a leisurely trek along the lakeshore or explore Tashi Island, soaking in the serene views of crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding mountains.
    Accommodation: Overnight in a lakeside guest house (dormitory beds)

    Day 8: Namtso Lake → Lhasa via Yangpachen Hotspring (220km)

    Meals: Breakfast included
    Start your morning with a peaceful walk along Namtso Lake’s shores, then trek to Tashi Dor Island to explore ancient meditation caves carved into the cliffs. Depart for Dumxung, where you’ll enjoy lunch before continuing toward Lhasa.
    En route, visit Yangpachen Hotspring—home to the world’s highest geothermal power plant. Relax and rejuvenate in the natural hot springs, a perfect way to unwind after days of overland travel.
    In the evening, arrive in Lhasa, the sacred capital of Tibet, and check into your hotel to rest and acclimate to the altitude (3,650m).
    Accommodation: Overnight in Lhasa

    Day 9: Lhasa City Tour | Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street

    Meals: Breakfast included
    After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the Potala Palace—a fortress-like architectural masterpiece and former winter palace of the Dalai Lamas. Explore the Dalai Lamas’ historic living quarters and ceremonial halls, where you’ll marvel at gilded Buddha statues, intricate mandalas, and jewel-encrusted stupas housing the relics of past Dalai Lamas. Climb to the top of the Red Palace for a panoramic view of Lhasa, where the city’s red-roofed buildings and distant mountains unfold beneath you.
    Next, wander through nearby Zhongjiao Lukang Park—a peaceful oasis offering a unique perspective of the Potala Palace from behind. Observe locals going about their daily lives: joining in lively Guozhuang (circle dances), paddling boats on the lake, or simply relaxing amid the greenery.
    In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the spiritual heart of Tibet—the Jokhang Temple. Follow the line of devout pilgrims through dimly lit chambers to pay homage to the temple’s most sacred relic: a life-size statue of the 12-year-old Sakyamuni Buddha.
    Cap off the day with a clockwise walk around the Barkhor Street Kora (sacred circumambulation route), joining prostrating pilgrims in their spiritual journey. Unwind at a local teahouse to savor Tibetan favorites—sweet tea, hand-pulled noodles, momos (dumplings), or Sha Phaley (fried bread stuffed with meat and vegetables)—or wander the labyrinthine backstreets of Lhasa to discover hidden gems.
    Accommodation: Overnight in Lhasa

    Day 10: Lhasa City Tour | Drepung & Sera Monasteries

    Meals: Breakfast included
    Wake up to Lhasa’s brilliant sunshine and set off after breakfast for Drepung Monastery—one of Tibet’s “Great Three” Gelugpa monasteries, founded by Jamyang Chöje, a disciple of Tsongkhapa. Embark on a leisurely 3km kora (pilgrim circuit) around the monastery, following the ancient pilgrim route toward Loseling College. Along the way, admire iconic giant rock paintings of Tsongkhapa (founder of the Gelugpa sect) and sacred Buddhist mantras carved into the cliffs.
    Pause to gather juniper branches and burn them as offerings to the Buddha, sip refreshing mountain spring water, or meditate alongside local pilgrims beneath the rock face. Reach the mountaintop viewpoint for a breathtaking sweeping view of the enchanting Lhasa Valley—an unforgettable reward for your walk.
    In the afternoon, explore Sera Monastery—the second-largest Gelugpa monastery after Drepung. Admire exquisitely crafted sand mandalas and ancient Buddhist paintings that showcase the depth of Tibetan artistic heritage.
    The highlight of the visit is witnessing the dramatic monk debates (held 15:00–17:00, Monday–Saturday). Watch as standing monks engage in lively philosophical discussions with seated counterparts, using expressive gestures—clapping hands, jumping, chanting, and rolling prayer beads—to emphasize their points. This dynamic tradition is a fascinating window into Tibetan Buddhist learning.
    Accommodation: Overnight in Lhasa

    Day 11: Departure from Lhasa

    Meals: Breakfast included
    Today marks the end of your unforgettable Tibet journey.
    Please confirm your flight/train departure details with your guide in advance. Your guide will transfer you to Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Railway Station in time for your onward travel.
    Thank you for choosing Tibet Vista. We warmly welcome you to return to Tibet in the future to explore more of its sacred landscapes and rich culture.
    Accommodation: No accommodation


    Discount available at low season, please send inquiries!

    • Included
      Tibet travel permit and all other necessary permits to Tibet;
      All entrance ticket fees for all tourist sites listed in the itinerary;
      Personal knowledgeable English-speaking Tibetan local tour guide;
      Personal comfortable, clean and safe vehicle with reliable Tibetan local driver; vehicle ranging from 4WD land cruiser to minibus depending on your group size;
      All lodging listed in the itinerary; it’s your decision about the accommodation class: luxury 5-star international hotel, comfortable 4-star hotel, economic 3-star hotel or budget hostel, guesthouse or tent. Please tell us your accommodation preference when submitting the enquiry; we will arrange the best-value hotels for you.
      Domestic flight/train tickets listed in the itinerary;
      All meals listed in the above itinerary;
      Tourist accident/casualty insurance;
      First aid kit;
    • Not Included
      International flight to and out of China;
      Chinese visa (Note: we could help you with the Chinese visa application, like providing the invitation letter, presenting the hotel or domestic flight reservation copies, etc that you may need. )
      Domestic flight/train not listed in the itinerary. (We can provide you the domestic flight/train ticket booking service at the BEST discount price; please contact us our travel experts for the details.)
      Meals not specified in the itinerary; usually it costs about USD3-15 per person for one meal in TAR (Tibet Autonomous Region).
      Tips and gratitude to tour guide and driver
      Personal expenses, like laundry, phone call, snacks, soft drinks (please do the best to avoid the alcoholic beverages during your Tibet trip), optional tour activities, etc.


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    11 Days Xining to Lhasa Overland Tour via Qinghai-Tibet National Highway

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