10D QINGHAI/ TIBETAN PLATEAU (QINGHAI-TIBET TRAIN RIDE)

Your holiday begins with a pleasant flight to Chengdu, provincial capital of Sichuan. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel to rest for the night.

Depart by flight to the capital of Qingha –Xining, the largest city on the Tibetan Plateau. Upon arrival, proceed to visit Qinghai Lake. Also known as Koko Nor or Tso Ngonpo, it is the largest lake in China, classified as a saline and alkaline lake. Then, experience the difference between Loess Plateau and Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, as well as between Chinese and Tibetan culture by visiting the well-know Ri Yue Mountain, Ri Pavilion, Yue Pavilion and Dao Tang River. 

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

After breakfast, visit Ta’er Monastery, one of the six greatest monasteries of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is noted for its extraordinary art of yak butter embroidery, wall painting and yak butter sculpture. Next, visit  Dongguan Mosque – one of the most famous mosques in Northeast China. Thereafter, transfer to Xinning train station to board the Qingzang Train Ride to Lhasa (meals on board are at own expense). *Total travel time is about 22 hours. 

Breakfast / Lunch

The Qinghai–Tibet railway or Qingzang railway, is a high-elevation railway that connects Xining, Qinghai Province, to Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region of China. The length of the railway is 1,956 km. You will be welcomed at Lhasa Railway Station.

Dinner

In the morning, visit the landmark of Lhasa–Potala Palace, a structure that deserves a place as one of the wonders of Eastern architecture. In the afternoon, visit Jokhang Temple – the most revered religious structure in Tibet, and the surrounding area – Barkhor Street , Lhasa’s pilgrimage circuit. This area is both the spiritual heart of Lhasa and the main commercial district for Tibetans. Enjoy Tibetan-style dining, watch the unique Tibetan song and dance performances on the plateau and celebrate with the Tibetans.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Today, start your excursion to Namco. Drive through the Qiangtang Plain, look over Nyaiqen Tanglha mountain range, encounter the occasional herds of yaks and bharals before you finally reach the Sky Lake. Thereafter, coach back to Lhasa. You will visit the world-famous Yagpachen Geothermal Zone. Marvel at the spectacular hot spring and spouting geysers (hot spring bathing at your own expense) . Return to Lhasa to rest.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Today, you’ll explore outside of Lhasa. Travel 110km to visit Yamdrok Yumtso – one of the three holy lakes in Tibet. The winding road all up to the mountain is bumpy but also thrilling. Let the beauty of Kambala  Pass (5030m) overwhelm you along the journey. Be charmed by the fabulous shade of deep turquoise as we view the holy lake from the summit of Kambala pass. Next, view Karola Glaciers. Continue your journey to Gayngtze and visit Kumbum Monastery. Next, travel about two hours (100km) to Shigatse. 

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

In the morning, travel to the residence of Panchen Lama, the largest Gelung (Yellow Hat Sect) monastery in Tibet – Tashilunpo Monastery. Built in 1447 by Gendun Drup, the 1st Dalai Lama, the monastery houses a 28m bronze statue of a sitting Buddha, the largest in the world. After visiting this magnificent monastery and having lunch at Shigatse, travel back to Lhasa along the picturesque Yarlung Zangbo River

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Depart by flight to Chengdu. Upon arrival, visit Kuanzhai Alley and Jinli Street.

Breakfast / Lunch

Transfer to airport for your flight back to Singapore.

Breakfast