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The Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, Tibet - Ancient City of Lhasa, China
The Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, Tibet
Potala Palace, Lhasa, Tibet - Ancient City of Lhasa, China
Potala Palace, Lhasa, Tibet  | Richard I'Anson
Elderly Tibetan women - Ancient City of Lhasa, China
Elderly Tibetan women  | Richard I'Anson
Stunning views across the Tibetan mountain range - Ancient City of Lhasa, China
Stunning views across the Tibetan mountain range  | Richard I'Anson
Prayer wheels - Ancient City of Lhasa, China
Prayer wheels
Local Tibetan monks - Ancient City of Lhasa, China
Local Tibetan monks  | Hugh Jenkinson

Ancient City of Lhasa

Train across the Tibetan Plateau and explore the monasteries and sacred landmarks of Lhasa.

China
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 3 reviews

10 Days from

$3290 USD

Trip Code: ACL
View dates to Book
Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Surcharge for Train Schedule Change via Chongqing
$80 USD
Duration
  • 10 Days
Activities
  • 9 days adventure touring
Accommodation
  • 5 nights hotel
  • 2 nights train
  • 2 nights basic hotel
Meals
  • 7 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 8 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
2 / 10

Adventure touring

Carbon Footprint  

92kg of CO2-e PP per day

(825kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Ride one of the world’s highest rail journeys across the Tibetan Plateau
  • Explore Lhasa, one of the highest cities in the world
  • Visit the iconic Potala Palace and sacred Jokhang Temple
  • Discover Samye, the first monastery established in Tibet
  • Gain insight into Tibetan culture through historic monasteries and sacred sites
  • Visit the revered Jokhang Temple and Norbulingka, the Summer Palace of the Dalai Lama

Overview

Travel across the Tibetan Plateau aboard one of the world’s highest railways before exploring the cultural heart of Tibet. Based in Lhasa, you visit important monasteries, temples and historic landmarks including the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. Excursions beyond the city provide insight into the origins of Tibetan Buddhism, including Samye, Tibet’s first monastery. This journey offers a rare opportunity to experience both the ancient traditions and modern realities of Tibetan life.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Join in Chengdu where a World Expeditions representative will meet you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel. Located in the fertile Sichuan Basin, Chengdu is known for its relaxed atmosphere, teahouse culture and renowned Sichuan cuisine. After checking in, the remainder of the day is free to rest or explore the city at your own pace. You may wish to wander through nearby markets, visit traditional teahouses or sample local dishes before returning to the hotel for the night. Accommodation: Chengdu Buddha Zen Hotel or similar

Meals: Nil

After breakfast you begin a day of sightseeing in Chengdu. Your first visit is to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where these iconic animals are protected and studied. Later you visit Wenshu Temple, one of Chengdu’s oldest Buddhist temples, before exploring historic Kuan Zhai Alleyway and visiting lively People’s Park. In the evening you transfer to the railway station to board the overnight train bound for Lhasa. Accommodation: Sleeper train (four berth cabin)

Meals: B,D

Today is spent onboard the train travelling across the vast landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau. Large windows reveal sweeping grasslands, distant snow-covered peaks and remote settlements scattered across the high plains. The train joins the Qinghai–Tibet Railway, the world’s highest railway line, equipped with oxygen supply systems to assist passengers travelling at altitude. The gradual ascent offers a spectacular introduction to the landscapes of Tibet. Accommodation: Sleeper train (four berth cabin)

Meals: Nil

This morning the train arrives in Lhasa, the spiritual and political heart of Tibet. After disembarking you transfer to a local restaurant for breakfast before continuing to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to rest while acclimatising to the altitude. Lhasa, meaning “Place of the Gods”, has served as the centre of Tibetan Buddhism for centuries. Accommodation: Gangjian Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Two days are set aside to explore the rich cultural and religious heritage of Lhasa. Visits include the magnificent Potala Palace, once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama, and the revered Jokhang Temple, the spiritual centre of Tibetan Buddhism. You will also visit Norbulingka, the former summer residence of the Dalai Lama, set within peaceful gardens on the outskirts of the city. Excursions to the important monasteries of Drepung and Sera offer insight into Tibetan monastic life and Buddhist scholarship. Accommodation: Gangjian Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Today you travel southeast from Lhasa into the Yarlung Valley, regarded as the birthplace of Tibetan civilisation. This fertile region is associated with the earliest Tibetan kings and the development of Tibetan culture. En route you visit Thadruk Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Tibet, famous for its remarkable pearl Thangka. The journey offers scenic views of rural Tibetan landscapes before arriving in Tsetang. Accommodation: Basic local hotel

Meals: B,L,D

Today you visit Samye Monastery, the first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet. Established in the 8th century, the monastery symbolises the Buddhist universe with its distinctive architectural layout. Samye played a major role in the spread of Buddhism across Tibet and was the location where the first Tibetan monks were ordained. Surrounded by mountains and open plains, the monastery remains an important pilgrimage destination. Accommodation: Basic local hotel

Meals: B,L,D

This morning you depart the Yarlung Valley and drive back to Lhasa, a journey of approximately three hours through scenic rural Tibetan landscapes. The route follows rivers and agricultural fields, passing traditional villages that provide insight into daily life on the Tibetan Plateau. Arriving in Lhasa around early afternoon, the remainder of the day is free to relax or explore the city independently. Many travellers choose to return to Barkhor Square to observe pilgrims completing their devotional circuits around Jokhang Temple. Accommodation: Gangjian Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast you transfer to Lhasa Gonggar Airport for the scheduled group flight to Chengdu. The flight takes approximately two hours and crosses the vast landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau before descending into the fertile Sichuan Basin. On arrival in Chengdu the journey concludes, marking the end of your exploration of Tibet’s historic monasteries, sacred temples and cultural landmarks.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

4 scheduled departures between 2 Sep 2026 and 4 Sep 2027.

  • Departs 2 Sep 2026 – ends 11 Sep 2026 (10 days)
  • Departs 19 Sep 2026 – ends 28 Sep 2026 (10 days)
  • Departs 27 Sep 2026 – ends 6 Oct 2026 (10 days)
  • Departs 4 Sep 2027 – ends 13 Sep 2027 (10 days)
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 4 berth sleeper train ticket from Chengdu to Lhasa on the Qinghai–Tibet Railway
  • Accommodation as listed in the itinerary
  • 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
  • All scheduled sightseeing and entrance fees
  • Private transportation as specified in the itinerary
  • Expert English-speaking local guides throughout
  • Comprehensive first aid kit and bottled oxygen for emergency use
  • Pre-departure information guide with essential trip details

Not included

  • International flights
  • Lhasa to Chengdu flight (we can assist with booking)
  • Airport and departure taxes
  • Visa fees
  • Tibet Travel Permit fee
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Meals not listed as included
  • Bottled water, aerated drinks and alcoholic beverages
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Any items not listed as included

Reviews (3)

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It was really exciting to finally travel to Tibet, the almost mystical land that I've read about for years. To be able to walk around Barkhor square, the corridors of the Potala, and the gardens of the Norbulingka was a dream come true. I found the Tibetan people to be super welcoming and delighted to have us visit, so very happy to help me to have a wonderful stay. The train ride to Lhasa was an adventure on it's own. I highly recommend the Ancient City of Lhasa tour, even novice travellers will be at ease on this trip.

Paula Kerslake|Mangrove Mountain, NSW Australia
17 Oct 2024
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Wonderful, interesting trip. Inspiring and educational, not difficult

Debra Freeman|Salamander Bay, NSW Australia
1 Oct 2024
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A fantastic spiritual trip - my tour guide made this happen, with his expert knowledge about Tibet.

S. Shaw|Australia

Responsible Travel

Extra trip info

Buddha Zen Hotel, Chengdu: A traditional Chinese building with carved wooden balconies and a peaceful courtyard, offering a serene retreat in the city.

Buddha Zen Hotel or similar - Chengdu

In Chengdu, we stay at the Buddha Zen Hotel, conveniently located near Wenshu Temple. The hotel features traditional Chinese architecture and offers a quiet, serene atmosphere. Its central location makes it easy to explore the surrounding area, which is rich in cultural attractions and local markets. The Buddha Zen Hotel provides a comfortable and peaceful base for our stay in Chengdu.

Interior of Buddha Zen Hotel, Chengdu: A serene space featuring traditional Chinese architecture, centred around a beautiful Buddha statue.

Buddha Zen Hotel or similar - Chengdu

The interior of Buddha Zen Hotel in Chengdu is a peaceful space featuring traditional Chinese architecture. A central Buddha statue, along with simple wood carvings and lanterns, adds to the calm and culturally rich atmosphere.

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