The Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, Tibet

Potala Palace, Lhasa, Tibet | Richard I'Anson

Elderly Tibetan women | Richard I'Anson

Stunning views across the Tibetan mountain range | Richard I'Anson

Prayer wheels

Local Tibetan monks | Hugh Jenkinson

Ancient City of Lhasa

Name: Ancient City of Lhasa
Brand: World Expeditions
SKU: ACL
Rating: 4.00 (3 reviews)

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

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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?

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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