7-Day Xining & Tibet Tour from Xining to Lhasa

Tour Highlights
• Visit Qinghai Lake, the largest saline lake in China with a surface area of 4,317 km2 (1,667 sq miles)
• Hike the Sun Moon Mountain, the boundary of the Loess Plateau and Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
• Admire Kumbum Monastery, birth place of Tsongkhapa who founded Gelukpa Sect (Yellow Hat) of Tibetan Buddhism
• Visit Tibet Museum with a collection of more than 520,000 artifacts on display related to the cultural & history of Tibet
• Explore Potala Palace, Tibet's defining religious landmark and the former residence of the Dalai Lama
• Admire Jokhang Monastery, the most sacred temple in Tibet & the ultimate pilgrimage destination for Tibetan pilgrims
• Wander along the Barkhor street to see prayer wheels being spun, pilgrims prostrating, and sutras being chanted
• Visit Drepung Monastery, the largest of all Tibetan monasteries & one of Tibet's top Gelug university monasteries
• Wander along Norbulingka, the largest man made garden in Tibet and summer residence of the successive Dalai Lamas
• Witness monks debate Buddhist philosophy in the courtyard of Sera Monastery, one of Tibet's top university monasteries
• Marvel at the stunning views of Yamdrok Yumtso Lake, a holy lake of clear blue surrounded by softly rolling mountains

Tour Itinerary at a Glance
• Day 1 Arrival in Xining, Xining Airport/Train Station Pick-up
• Day 2 Xining, Qinghai Lake, Sun Moon Mountain, Kumbum Monastery, Overnight Train to Lhasa
• Day 3 Arrival in Lhasa, Lhasa Train Station Transfer
• Day 4 Lhasa, Tibet Museum, Potala Palace, Jokhang Monastery & Barkhor Street
• Day 5 Lhasa, Drepung Monastery, Norbulingka & Sera Monastery
• Day 6 Lhasa, Yamdrok Yumtso Lake, Tibetan Family Visit
• Day 7 Departure from Lhasa, Transfer to Lhasa Airport or Train Station

Accommodations & Meals
• 1 night of accommodation at 4-star Sanwant Hotel Xining or similar
• 4 nights of accommodation at 4-star Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa or similar
• 1 night of accommodation on the train (soft sleeper berth)
• Daily hotel breakfast included, lunch & dinner on your own

Price Remarks
• Prices are not valid during National Day (Oct 1-7), Chinese New Year, and Labor Day (May 1-5).
• Prices are based on double/twin/triple occupancy at the suggested hotels.
• A single supplement is charged for single room occupancy.

Price Inclusions
• Tibet travel permit.
• Sleeper train ticket from Xining to Lhasa.
• Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast.
• Professional English language speaking tour guide.
• Air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver.
• Admission tickets to sightseeing places.
• All government taxes.

Price Exclusions
• Your personal expenses.
• Lunches & dinners are excluded allowing you flexibility on menu.
• Travel insurance is not included. Please purchase before your trip to provide for any unforeseen circumstances.
• Gratuities to guide & driver. They are customary and would be of great encouragement and reward for quality service.

Additional Information
• Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
• The itinerary is subject to change due to traffic conditions or bad weather.
• The itinerary is flexible; changes can be made upon written request from travelers.
• Advice on Meals: Please feel free to ask your guide for recommendations on authentic local food.
• IMPORTANT: It is required by the government regulations that all travellers must provide their name, gender, nationality, passport number and date of birth to their tour operator upon booking a tour. Failure to do so could result in being denied access or admittance to sites and attractions during sightseeing. When you book this tour, please complete all required fields at checkout. Please bring your passport with you on the tour.

Cancellation Policy
• Cancellations made 31 days or more before departure will receive a 100% refund.
• Cancellations made 22-30 days before departure will incur a 10% fee.
• Cancellations made 15-21 days before departure will incur a 30% fee.
• Cancellations made 8-14 days before departure will incur a 50% fee.
• Cancellations made 0-7 days before departure are non-refundable.
• Once the tour commences, there are no refunds for unused services or missed days.
• Cancellation request will be confirmed within 2-5 business days, with refunds issued within 14 working days.

Tailor This Tour to Meet Your Needs
• If you've booked your own hotel, prefer a different stay, or wish to modify this itinerary, contact us via WhatsApp (+86 139 1083 0737) or email (info@GrandChinaTravel.com), and we'll craft a personalized tour just for you.

Know Before You Go
• Lhasa is 3,700 meters (12,139 feet) above sea level, be aware of High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE).
• Keep your passport with you throughout the tour; it may be needed to buy entrance tickets.
• Meals are not included; please feel free to ask your guide for recommendations.
• Tour guide's name and contact information will be confirmed via WhatsApp or email.
• Your guide will greet you in the airport/train station arrival hall with a GGC pickup sign displaying your name.

Day 1 Arrival in Xining
Meet your driver at Xining airport or train station and transfer to your hotel in a private vehicle. Xining is the capital city of Northwest China's Qinghai province as well as the capital of Amdo area of Tibet.

Meals Included: No meals
Hotel: 4-star Sanwant Hotel Xining or similar

Day 2 Xining, Qinghai Lake, Sun Moon Mountain, Kumbum Monastery, Night Sleeper Train to Lhasa
Drive out of Xining to visit Qinghai Lake (151 km). Qinghai Lake is the largest salt water lake in China, its surface at an elevation of about 10,500 feet (3,200 metres) above sea level. The length of the lake approaches 65 miles (105 km) and the width 40 miles (65 km). The greatest known depth is about 125 feet (38 metres). Both Tibetans and Mongolians regard this lake a holy lake. Many Tibetan worshippers can be seen praying along the shore of Qinghai Lake. Later, visit the Sun Moon Mountain, a memorial dedicated to the Tang Dynasty Princess Wencheng, who is credited as one of the people who brought Buddhism to Tibet. Visit the Kumbum Monastery in the afternoon. The Kumbum Monastery which was built in 1560 AD is one of the six most famous Buddhist Monasteries in Tibet. Kumbum in Tibetan means a grand place housing 100,000 Buddha. It was originally built upon the birth place of the founder of the Gelukpa Sect (Yellow Hat) of Tibetan Buddhism, Tsong Khapa. Two of his disciples went on to become famous in the Buddhist world, one becoming Dalai Lama, the other the Panchen Lama. Board night sleeper train to Lhasa (about 22 hours)

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel
Accommodation: Soft sleeper berth

Day 3 Arrival in Lhasa, Transfer to Hotel
Arrive in Lhasa late in the afternoon or at night. Upon arrival at this 3700 meters (12000 feet) elevated city, you will be transferred to hotel for rest and adjust your body to high elevation. You may feel the effects of high altitude and be sure to drink plenty of water during your time in Tibet. Meaning "Land of the Gods" in Tibetan language, Lhasa has been the capital of Tibet for over 1,300 years.

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel
Hotel: 4-star Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa or similar

Day 4 Lhasa, Tibet Museum, Potala Palace, Jokhang Monastery & Barkhor Street
Explore Lhasa from Tibet Museum to know the history, culture and the development of Tibet. Tibet Museum houses a large amount of valuable treasures found in Tibet: ancient religious books written in gold, silver or coral powders, Buddha statues made from diverse materials, colorful Thangkas and many handicrafts with distinctive Tibetan characteristics. Next, visit the highest palace in the world, the Potala Palace. Built on the red hill in the center of Lhasa, the Potala Palace boasts more than 1000 rooms including the Red Palace where Dalai Lama once lived. Continue with a visit to the 1300-year-old Jokhang Monastery. Constructed by King Songtsen Gampo in the year 647, Jokhang Monastery is the most famous Buddhist temple in Lhasa and has remained the center of Buddhist pilgrimage for centuries. Afterwards, follow local Tibetans for a Kora of Jokhang Monastery, walking around the Barkor Bazaar.

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel
Hotel: 4-star Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa or similar

Day 5 Lhasa, Drepung Monastery, Norbulingka & Sera Monastery
Morning visit to Drepung Monastery, the largest of all Tibetan monasteries & one of Tibet's top Gelug university monasteries founded in 1416. The Ganden Phodrang in Drepung was the residence of the Dalai Lamas until the Great Fifth Dalai Lama constructed the Potala. Drepung was known for the high standards of its academic study. Followed with a visit to Norbulingka, the summer residence of the successive Dalai Lamas. Constructed in the 18th century, Norbulingka comprises a large garden with four palace complexes and a monastery as well as other halls, and pavilions all integrated into the garden layout to create an exceptional work of art. Afterwards, witness monks debate Buddhist philosophy in the courtyard of Sera Monastery.

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel
Hotel: 4-star Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa or similar

Day 6 Lhasa, Tibetan Family Visit, Yamdrok Yumtso Lake
Drive south of Lhasa to Yamdrok Yumtso Lake (70km/44 miles, about 2 and half hours). Visit a local Tibetan family on the way. Sitting at an altitude of 4,441 meters (14570 feet) above sea level, the lake is 130 kilometers (80 miles) in length and 70 kilometers (44 miles) in wide at its furthest spot. Yamdrok Yumtso is the largest inland and freshwater lake on the northern Himalayan range with an average depth of 20 to 40 meters (66 to 132 feet), and the deepest point being 60 meters (199 feet). The journey winds through Tibetan countryside, offering picturesque scenery of traditional Tibetan dwellings and snow capped mountains. Just before arriving at the lake, you will reach the Kambala Pass. Sitting at an altitude of 4,990 meters (16371 feet) above Yamdrok Yumtso Lake, Kambala Pass is the best place to admire the holy lake at a distance. Then drive down to the shores of the lake and walk alongside the crystal-clear water. Yamdrok Yumtso Lake is one of the four largest sacred lakes of Tibet along with Lake Lhamo Latso, Lake Manasarovar, and Lake Namtso. Tibetans perform pilgrimage to Yamdrok Yumtso Lake and circumambulate around the lake in seven days to wash away sins and earn merit.

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel
Hotel: 4-star Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa or similar

Day 7 Departure from Lhasa, Transfer to Lhasa Airport or Train Stations
Private transfer (without guide) to Lhasa airport for your departure flight. Wish you a pleasant journey and thank you for traveling with GoGrandChina.

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel