Meili Tianlu · Qinghai and Tibet Panorama — 11 Days
Meili Tianlu

Qinghai and Tibet Panorama — 11 Days

Qinghai–Tibet · 11 days and 10 nights

Original Chinese name

大美青海幸福西藏全景巡游11日

Journey overview

Reference fare
USD 2,949 and up
Duration
11 days and 10 nights

Departure dates

2027

Cabins

  • Tianlu Quadruple Room
  • Tianlu Double Room

Fares and availability vary by departure and cabin. Please confirm both when booking.

USD estimates use the 2026-11-13 exchange rate. Confirm the final amount and payment currency when booking.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1

Xining airport pick-up/station

  • MealsAt your own expense
  • Accommodation: Scenic Qinghai–Tibet Express

[Today] Tourists from all over the world arrive in Xining or Lanzhou and arrange airport/station pick-up services. After arriving at the meeting point, they can rest freely, adjust their physical condition, and initially adapt to the plateau climate.

[Evening] Follow the instructions to the station and board the Scenic Qinghai–Tibet Express tourist train. The train departs around 21:00 and heads towards Golmud. The private room is equipped with an independent oxygen supply system, so you can experience the night plateau all the way.

Today’s altitude (approximately): 2275 meters

boarding
boarding

Day 2

Golmud-Chaerhan Salt Lake-Jiangjun Tower

  • MealsTrain breakfast; Golmud lunch; Golmud dinner
  • Accommodation: Golmud Urban Oxygen Hotel

[Morning] Scenic Qinghai–Tibet Express arrived in Golmud and drove to [Chaerhan Salt Lake]. Stroll on the endless white salt flats, watch the natural salt flowers in various forms, check in at the Salt Bridge, where the clear lake water reflects the blue sky and white clouds. You can enjoy taking photos of the salt lake mirror and feel the majesty of the salt lake deep in the Gobi.

Tips: The wind is strong in the plateau lake area, so be sure to wear a windproof jacket.

[Afternoon] Go to [General Building], visit the Qinghai-Tibet Highway Historical Memorial Hall, learn about the story of General Mu Shengzhong and the Qinghai-Tibet road-building ancestors, and look back on the arduous process of building the Snowy Sky Road.

Return to Golmud city after the visit.

Today’s altitude (approximately): 2800 meters

Qarhan Salt Lake
Qarhan Salt Lake

Day 3

Golmud-Tanggula Mountain-Tsona Lake-Lhasa

  • Mealstrain breakfast; train lunch; Lhasa welcome dinner
  • Accommodation: Oxygen Supply Hotel in Lhasa City

[Morning] Returning to the Scenic Qinghai–Tibet Express train, the train slowly left Golmud and officially started the Qinghai-Tibet Railway’s highlight tour. Along the way, the Gobi desert gradually transitions to plateau meadows, and you can enjoy the scenery of Kunlun Snow Mountain through the widened viewing windows.

[Noon/Afternoon] The train continues westward, crossing the Tanggula Mountain Pass, passing by the blue and pure [Tsona Lake], and passing through the Qiangtang grassland. If you are lucky, you can see plateau wild animals. Special train private rooms can turn on point-to-point oxygen supply, so you can enjoy the picture of the plateau outside the window comfortably without having to rush around.

[Evening] The special train arrived in Lhasa, picked up the station to offer Hada, checked into the hotel, slowed down the pace of action, and adapted to the altitude of Lhasa.

Today’s altitude (approximately): 3650 meters

Tanggula Station
Tanggula Station

Day 4

Potala Palace-Yaowang Mountain Observation Deck-Jokhang Temple,

  • MealsHotel breakfast; Lhasa lunch; Lhasa dinner
  • Accommodation: Oxygen Supply Hotel in Lhasa City

[Morning] Go to the World Cultural Heritage [Potala Palace], follow a professional guide to visit the Red Palace and the White House, admire ancient murals, pagodas and a large number of precious cultural relics, learn about the rich history from Tibet to the Dalai Lama, and feel the sacred magnificence of the Red Mountain Palace.

[Afternoon] Came to [Yaowang Mountain Observation Deck], a ≈ USD 7.45 background shooting location, to take a panoramic view of the Potala Palace. Afterwards, go to the Jokhang Temple to pay homage to the core holy place of Tibetan pilgrimage, view the exquisite buildings and statues, and feel the devout worship atmosphere of believers.

Today’s altitude (approximately): 3650 meters

Potala Palace
Potala Palace

Day 5

Barkhor Street citywalk-Intangible Cultural Heritage Incense Making Experience

  • MealsHotel breakfast; Lhasa lunch; Lhasa dinner
  • Accommodation: Scenic Qinghai–Tibet Express

[Morning] Start the [Bakuo Street citywalk] and roam slowly along the thousand-year prayer path, passing through old Tibetan houses, watching prayer flags fluttering and believers turning prayers, visiting unique Tibetan shops, and immersing yourself in the lively urban fireworks of Lhasa’s old city.

[Afternoon] Go to the [Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience Workshop] to participate in the Tibetan incense hand-making experience, learn about the thousands of years of Tibetan incense making techniques, grind spices, stir, and press Tibetan incense by yourself, take away the Tibetan incense souvenirs made by yourself, and deeply experience the traditional Tibetan intangible cultural heritage culture.

Today’s altitude (approximately): 3650 meters

Barkhor Street
Barkhor Street

Day 6

Linzhi-Basongcuo-Snow Mountain Camp Afternoon Tea-Kadinggou

  • Mealstrain breakfast; Linzhi stone pot chicken; Linzhi dinner
  • Accommodation: Linzhi

[Morning] Take the Scenic Qinghai–Tibet Express train to Linzhi, and drive to the 5A scenic spot [Basongcuo]. Use the VIP channel to enter the scenic spot and enjoy the emerald-like alpine barrier lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, turquoise lake water, and lush forests beside the lake.

[Afternoon] Come to the snow mountain camp next to Basongcuo and experience the "Snow Mountain Camp Afternoon Tea". You can experience making butter tea, kneading tsampa, and leisurely chatting in front of the holy mountain and holy lake. Afterwards, go to [Kadinggou], walk into the canyon forest, and watch the spectacular Tianfo Waterfall. The canyon is lush with trees and the air is fresh.

[Evening] Go to the station, board the Scenic Qinghai–Tibet Express train, and rush to the next stop at night.

Today’s altitude (approximately): 2900 meters-3700 meters

Basongcuo
Basongcuo

Day 7

Sejila Mountain-Lulang Town-Yani Wetland-Qugu Flower Sea Horseback Riding and Archery

  • Mealshotel breakfast; Lulang special lunch; train dinner
  • Accommodation: Scenic Qinghai–Tibet Express

[Morning] Drive over the [Sejila Pass]. The weather is fine and you can overlook the magnificent snow-capped mountains of Namjagbarwa Peak. Go all the way down to [Lulang Town] and stroll through the [Lulang Forest Sea]. The vast virgin forest is rolling, with meadows and streams scattered among it, like a little Switzerland in Tibet.

Afternoon: Go to [Yani Wetland] to enjoy the wetland scenery where the Brahmaputra River and Niyang River meet, with rivers and tidal flats and pastoral villages complementing each other. Afterwards, we came to [Qugu Flower Sea] to experience horseback riding and archery on the vast meadow, ride on the plateau like Tibetan children, and enjoy the fun of the mountains.

After the tour, gather and board the train. Board the Scenic Qinghai–Tibet Express train in the evening and head to Shigatse at night.

Today’s altitude (approximately): 2920 meters-4260 meters

Lulang Linhai
Lulang Linhai

Day 8

Shigatse-Tashilhunpo Monastery-Panchen New Palace or Shigatse Museum

  • MealsTrain breakfast; Shigatse yak soup pot; Shigatse dinner
  • Accommodation: Scenic Qinghai–Tibet Express

[Morning] The special train arrived in Shigatse and went to [Tashilhunpo Monastery], the most important Gelug sect temple in Houzang and where the Panchen Lama has been stationed for generations. We will follow the explanation to visit the palace, pay respect to the Qiangba Buddha and the Panchen Pagoda, and learn about the religious history and culture of Houzang.

[Afternoon] Choose one of the two to visit [Panchen Palace] or [Shigatse Museum] to gain an in-depth understanding of the folk customs, history and art collections in the Tibet.

After the tour, board the Scenic Qinghai–Tibet Express train in the evening and head to Shannan at night.

Today’s altitude (approximately): 3850 meters

Day 9

Shannan-Yumbulakang-Samye Temple-Pazhu Winery-Late View of Tashi Qudeng Tibetan Opera

  • MealsHotel breakfast; Shannan local lunch; Tibetan opera dinner
  • Accommodation: Oxygen Supply Hotel in Shannan City

[Morning] Arrive at Shannan, the birthplace of Tibetan culture, and go to [Yumbulakang], the first palace in Tibetan history, towering on the top of the mountain. You can view the murals in the palace, listen to ancient Tibetan legends, and look back at the early stories of the Tubo Dynasty.

[Afternoon] Visit [Samye Temple], a temple with three treasures of Buddhism, Dharma and monks. The architecture combines Tibetan, Chinese and Indian styles. Climb to the high platform and overlook the panoramic view of the Brahmaputra River Valley. The people of Shannan City... Then visit [Pazhu Winery] to learn about the plateau wine making culture and taste plateau specialty wines.

[Evening] Go to Tashi Qudeng to watch the national intangible cultural heritage "Yarlung Tashi Xueba Tibetan Opera". The six-hundred-year-old singing tune is sung. After the performance, people dance around the bonfire and dance Guozhuang, immersing themselves in the night of Shannan folk customs.

Today’s altitude (approximately): 3580 meters-3700 meters

Yongbulakang
Yongbulakang

Day 10

Shannan-Yanghu-Karola Glacier-Lhasa

  • MealsHotel breakfast; local lunch; Lhasa dinner
  • Accommodation: Scenic Qinghai–Tibet Express

[Morning] Depart from Shannan and rush to [Yamdrok Yumcuo] (Yam Lake). From the observation deck, you can overlook the holy lake that winds for hundreds of miles. The lake changes with the light and blue snow mountain meadows of different shades surround the lake. You can enjoy the beautiful bay picture of Yang Lake. The lakeside is windy and the temperature is low, so be sure to wear windproof and warm clothing.

[Afternoon] Continue forward to the [Carola Glacier], see the giant continental glacier up close, the huge ice mass stands between the mountains, and feel the majestic power of the snow-covered glacier. After the tour, drive back to Lhasa.

Go to the station in the evening, board the Scenic Qinghai–Tibet Express train, and start your return journey.

Today’s altitude (approximately): 4440 meters-5400 meters

Yamdrok Yongcuo
Yamdrok Yongcuo

Day 11

arrived in Xining

  • Mealstrain breakfast; train lunch
  • Accommodation: Arrange independently

[AM/PM] The Scenic Qinghai–Tibet Express train slowly travels eastward during the day. The train’s wide viewing windows allow you to enjoy the scenery along Qinghai Lake. The azure lakes and golden grasslands stretch continuously, and you can recall the snow-capped mountains, holy lakes and ancient temples during the entire trip to Qinghai-Tibet.

[Evening] The special train arrives at Xining Station, the journey ends, and drop-off to the airport and station is arranged according to the flight and train number, bidding farewell to the beautiful Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Today’s altitude (approximately): 2275 meters

Special note: The above train times are for reference only. They are subject to the final train times ordered by the Ministry of Railways. If the train times change, the Scenic Qinghai–Tibet Express train group will make fine adjustments to the scenic spots and meal arrangements. Please understand and cooperate!

What the fare covers

Included

Transportation

Scenic Qinghai–Tibet Express tourist train; local 2+1 air seat tour bus; Xining/Lanzhou airport/station pick-up service.

Train Accommodation

The 5-night train accommodation listed in the itinerary is subject to the actual reserved box (Tianlu Double Room/Tianlu Quadruple Room).

Local accommodation

5 nights in a 5-diamond hotel in the city.

Meals

All marked dates in the itinerary include 10 a.m. and 19 a.m. (the land meal or the special train meal will be adjusted depending on the final train time).

Train meal standard: breakfast ≈ USD 7.45/person; train ≈ USD 22.34/person.

Ground dining standards: Breakfast is included in the hotel; dinner is 150 per person.

Special note: Since the train meals need to be ordered in quantity before the train departs, and the local meals during the tour are group meals, the meals included in the itinerary will not be refunded if you do not use them. Please understand!

Attraction Tickets and Experience Items

The first large ticket for the entire attraction and the official reservation service fee; the entire journey includes all special experience items and VIP channel rights.

Service Staff

The special train has a full set of crew services, local full-time plateau tour guides in Lhasa, and 24-hour on-board medical care.

Excluded

1. Transportation (air tickets, high-speed rail, train tickets, etc.) to and from Xining/Lanzhou from the departure point.

2. Meals, personal drinks, beverages and snacks marked “please take care of yourself” in the itinerary.

3. Single supplement caused by traveling alone.

4. Voluntary consumption items in the scenic area (battery cars, cruises, shopping, souvenirs, private photography, etc. not marked included items).

5. Personal consumption: laundry, communications, entertainment, self-paid items, etc.

6. Medical treatment, first aid, return trip and related additional expenses due to personal physical reasons.

7. Additional expenses and losses caused by force majeure factors such as weather, railway dispatch, road control, policy changes, etc.

Travel notes

Changes and cancellations

1. Supplementary agreement on the “Cancellation and Change Rules” for tourist trains:

Since Scenic Qinghai–Tibet Express is a chartered train, the travel agency needs to pay the railway department performance deposit, hotel deposit and other fees in advance. Therefore, the cancellation rules for tourists on this tour route after registration are as follows:

(1) at least 30 days before the departure date, if the trip is canceled due to personal reasons of the tourist, ≈ USD 1,489.16/person will be charged for a double room and ≈ USD 744.58/person for a quadruple room.

(3) 15-29 days (inclusive) before the departure date, if the travel is canceled due to personal reasons, 50% of the contract amount will be charged.

(4) 1-14 days (inclusive) before the tour date, if the travel is canceled due to personal reasons of the tourist, 70% of the contract amount will be charged.

(5) If the trip is canceled due to personal reasons of the traveler on the day of departure, 100% of the contract amount will be charged.

2. Supplementary agreement regarding the “possible adjustment of the itinerary” of the tourist train:

This tourism activity uses the Scenic Qinghai–Tibet Express tourist train, which runs the Xining-Golmud-Lhasa-Ningchi-Shigatse-Shannan-Xining Qinghai-Tibet Ring Line. Its departure time, stops, operating route and carriage grouping must strictly comply with the unified dispatching orders of the railway department. In view that the Qinghai-Tibet Railway transportation safety requirements and operation diagram may be subject to temporary adjustments due to construction, rescue, transportation organization, etc., when the two parties signed the travel contract and attached the "[Scenic Qinghai–Tibet Express] | Beautiful Qinghai Happy Tibet Panoramic Cruise 11-Day" itinerary, we have fulfilled our obligation to reasonably explain it. The itinerary adjustment risks that are not attributable to the travel agency are clearly agreed as follows. Please read carefully and confirm your understanding:

(1) Possibility and reasons for itinerary changes: Due to railway department dispatching orders, train schedule adjustments, temporary line blockades, equipment failures, severe plateau weather, road safety control or other railway operator reasons, the departure of Scenic Qinghai–Tibet Express / Arrival time, stopovers (Golmud, Lhasa, Nyingchi, Shigatse, Shannan, etc.), itinerary sequence, carriage arrangements, etc. may be adjusted before departure or during the itinerary. Such adjustments are not caused by the fault of the travel agency and are events that cannot be attributed to the travel agency.

(2) The travel agency’s right to make reasonable adjustments: If the above situation occurs, the travel agency has the right to make reasonable adjustments to the itinerary plan on the premise of ensuring the quality of tourism services and the safety of tourists traveling on plateau (including but not limited to changing the departure or return time, adjusting the order of sightseeing tours, changing accommodation in oxygen-supply hotels of the same level, changing meals of the same level, etc.). This adjustment will not be regarded as a breach of contract by the travel agency, and the travel agency will not be liable for breach of contract, but it should make prudent and reasonable arrangements to avoid unnecessary impairment of tourists' rights and interests.

(3) Obligation to notify in writing: When the itinerary is confirmed to be adjusted, the travel agency will promptly send you a notice of the itinerary change in written form (including but not limited to paper notices, emails, text messages, WeChat and other verifiable electronic written forms). You will be deemed to have received the notice when it reaches the contact information you have reserved in the contract. Please cooperate after receiving the notice and continue to perform the contract according to the adjusted itinerary.

(4) Expense handling: If the contract fee increases or decreases due to reasonable adjustments to the itinerary, both parties will refund more or compensate less in accordance with the "itinerary change" clause in the travel contract, and settle the account according to the actual situation.

(5) Statement and confirmation: This agreement is an integral part of the travel contract and has the same legal effect as the main contract. By signing the main contract, you indicate that you have fully understood and voluntarily accepted the itinerary adjustments that may be caused by changes in orders from the Qinghai-Tibet Railway Department, agree to assume corresponding cooperation obligations, and exempt the travel agency from liability for breach of contract within the scope of reasonable adjustments.

Before you travel

1. People with severe heart disease, severe hypertension, asthma, emphysema, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, severe diabetes, severe anemia, mental illness, etc. are not recommended to participate in this high-altitude itinerary; if you conceal your medical history and insist on joining the group, you will be responsible for all risks.

2. Seniors over the age of 70 are recommended to be accompanied by immediate family members when participating in the tour; those over 80 are not recommended to participate in the tour. If you insist on traveling, you must consult a specialist before traveling to confirm that your body is suitable for long-distance travel on the plateau, and your family members sign an informed consent form.

3. When arriving at high altitude areas, avoid strenuous running and jumping, drinking a lot of alcohol, and taking long hot baths; drink more warm water to ensure sleep. Oxygen supply equipment for special trains and hotels is only auxiliary equipment and cannot guarantee the complete elimination of high altitude sickness.

4. The vehicle is equipped with medical staff, portable oxygen, and first aid supplies. The medical staff are only for emergency treatment during the trip and cannot replace regular hospital diagnosis and treatment. If you experience severe symptoms of high altitude sickness, such as severe chest tightness, difficulty breathing, severe headache, vomiting, etc., you must follow the advice of medical staff and tour guides to evacuate to low-altitude areas in a timely manner. The resulting additional expenses for transportation, accommodation, etc. shall be borne by the tourists themselves.

5. Please carry personal long-term medicines with you and prepare sufficient quantities; the on-board emergency supplies do not provide personal chronic long-term medicines.

6. The plateau has a huge temperature difference between day and night and extremely strong ultraviolet rays. Please bring your own windproof and warm clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses and hats. If you are physically unable to complete the entire itinerary during the journey, you can choose to cancel the tour midway. Unused tickets, accommodation, special train berths, etc. are special train package resources and cannot be refunded.

7. On special trains, please hold on to the handrails when walking and avoid wearing slippers or slippery soles; when riding special trains for a long time, please move your limbs regularly to prevent blood clots in the lower limbs.

8. This itinerary will pass through high-altitude areas such as Tanggula Mountain, Lhasa, and Shannan. For those over 65 years old or with underlying diseases, it is strongly recommended to travel according to your physical ability. If you experience symptoms of high altitude sickness such as chest tightness and headache, you may voluntarily give up visiting some high-altitude scenic spots. If you insist on going to high altitude points, please inform the tour guide in advance and sign an informed consent form.

9. When visiting scenic spots (Potala Palace, Tashilhunpo Temple, Yumbulakang, etc.), most of the scenic spots are on foot or by shuttle bus. Some steps have steep slopes and the ground is slippery, so please act according to your ability. Please wear non-slip, comfortable sneakers or flat shoes and avoid slippers and high heels. During the tour, please strictly abide by the "Tourist Stop" area prompts and do not enter undeveloped areas without authorization.

10. High-risk entertainment or entertainment projects: such as horse riding, archery, bonfire hotpot, etc., have high safety risks and are not recommended for the elderly to participate. If you really need to participate, please do so under the guidance of professionals and purchase insurance for corresponding risk items.

11. The food in Tibet is greasy, mostly beef and mutton, and catering conditions are limited in some scenic spots and on special trains. It is recommended to bring your own snacks that are easy to digest. Pay attention to dietary hygiene and avoid eating raw, cold, or unclean foods to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort. When you first go to the plateau, maintain a regular schedule. Do not take hot baths for a long time to avoid inducing altitude sickness. Try to avoid going out at night.

12. There is a huge temperature difference between day and night in Tibet. The temperature in Tanggula Mountain, Yanghu Lake and Karola Glacier is very low in the morning and evening. Please prepare a full set of warm clothes such as down jackets and fleece jackets. Ultraviolet rays are extremely strong on the plateau during the day, so please prepare sun hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and other protective equipment.

13. If you experience chest tightness, dizziness, difficulty breathing, severe headache, vomiting or other high-reaction discomfort, please inform the tour guide or the on-board medical staff of Scenic Qinghai–Tibet Express immediately. Please carry your personal medical insurance card and common medical history card (such as allergy history, basic medical history, etc.) with you in case of emergency.

14. It is recommended that family members familiarize themselves with the itinerary in advance and maintain daily contact with elderly tourists. If an elderly tourist becomes obviously exhausted during the trip or the altitude sickness worsens, the family members should cooperate with the travel agency to make reasonable adjustments or terminate the trip early.

Questions

How much is Qinghai and Tibet Panorama — 11 Days?

From USD 2,949 (Meili Tianlu, 11 days and 10 nights). Fares vary by departure, cabin and party size; confirm the quote when booking.

When does Qinghai and Tibet Panorama — 11 Days depart?

Departures: Mar 24, Apr 7, Apr 19, May 7, May 19, May 31, Jun 12, Jun 23, Aug 28, Sep 9, Sep 21, Oct 9, Oct 21 2027. Availability is confirmed when booking.

What does the fare include?

The fare covers Transportation, Train Accommodation, Local accommodation, Meals, Attraction Tickets and Experience Items, Service Staff. See “What the fare covers” on this page.

How do I book?

Select “View dates and book” to choose your date, cabin and party size, or call +86-23-88721881 and an adviser will book for you. Payment by PayPal, SWIFT bank transfer, UnionPay, Alipay, WeChat Pay.