Qinghai-Tibet Overland Tour
Itinerary (09 -10 days)
Inquiry On Line
Day 01 Arrive in Xi'ning (2295m)
Meet and transfer you to your hotel in Xi'ning, the capital of Qinghai Province.
Day 02 Xining-Kumbum Monastery-Koko Nor Lake (3194m/210km)
In the morning, we'll first drive to the well-known Kumbum Monastery (Ta'er Si in Chinese) in Huangzhong country, about 25km from Xi'ning. This 450 years old monastery has a group of fine buildings and is one of the largest active Tibetan Buddhism Monasteries outside Tibet. Then we'll get forward to the beautiful Koko Nor Lake (Qinghai Lake), the largest inland saltwater lake in China. Here you could see myriads of birds assembling in the Bird Island afar.
Day 03 Koko Nor Lake-Tsaka (Chaka)-Dulan (3180m/320km)
After breakfast, we'll drive to Dulan via Tsaka (Chaka) Salty Lake.
Day 04 Dulan-Gelmud (2800m/360km)
Today we'll drive through the Tsaidam Basin to the Amnyemagen mountain and then forward to Gelmud along the foot of the mountain. On the way, you'll enjoy the scenery of grassland, Gibi, etc.
Day 05 Gelmud-Tuotuohe (4600m/420km)
In the fresh morning air, we'll drive to Tuotuohe through the Kunlun Pass (4837m) with the unique scene of pure azure sky and snow-capped mountains. Tuotuohe River is the source of the three world-famous rivers: Yangtze River, Yellower River and the Lancang River.
Note: Tuotuohe is a main place to stay for this Qinghai-Tibet overland tour but the accommodation there is very poor. You are kindly suggested to take your own sleeping bag or rent it in Xi'ning at around 20-30CNY/day which the tour guide can help with no problem.
Day 06 Tuotuohe-Nagqu (4300m/430km)
Drive into Tibet across the famous Tangula Pass (5230m). On the way, you may see eagles, flocks of sheep and cattle, yaks and tents of Tibetan nomads in the grassland of Northern Tibet.
Day 07 Nagqu-Namtso Lake-Lhasa (3650m/480km)
It is about 220km from Nagqu to the Sky Lake of Namtso. Upon arrival, take a pleasant walk at the beautiful holy lake which is just like a big mirror reflecting the snow-capped Mt. Nianchengtangula beside it. Then we'll drive forward to the holy Lhasa city.
Day 08 Sigthsee in Lhasa
We'll visit the most important scenic sports in Lhasa: the cardinal landmark of Tibet - Potala Palce, the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism - Jokhang Temple and the bustling Barkhor Street around the Temple. And at evening, pay a visit to a local Tibetan family.
Day 09 Leave
Transfer you to the airport and help you board the plane to your next destination. Your wonderful Qinghai-Tibet overland tour ends.
OR Continue to sightseeing in Lhasa on this day to cover Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery and then leave on Day 10.
Tips: If you have more time, the following options are recommended to extend your Qinghai-Tibet overland tour:
Option 1: Combined with the classical Middle Tibet Tour
Day 01-08 the Qinghai-Tibet overland tour;
Day 09 Lhasa-Gyantse;
Day 10 Gyantse-Shigatse;
Day 11 Shigatse-Lhasa;
Day 12 Leave
Option 2: Combined with the amazing Mt. Everest Base Camp Tour
Day 01-08 the Qinghai-Tibet overland tour;
Day 09 Lhasa-Gyantse-Shigatse;
Day 10 Shigatse-Tingri;
Day 11 Tingri-Mt.Everest Base Camp-Tingri;
Day 12 Tingri-Shigatse;
Day 13 Shigatse-Lhasa
Look for travel independently in private groups? Please send us an online inquiry or email us at sales@toursoftibet.com for more information!
Want to join others? You can either register with your name, travel time and number of travelers to open an online grouping inquiry for others to join (then you are kindly required to be flexible on the travel dates, tour requirements, etc.).