English Speaking Guide
Max Group size of 12 people
All accomodations included
Our tours get great reviews!
We have over 15 years experience
Price of tour: $1300*
* (Price can be 10% lower or higher depending on the season. Please tell us your preferred travel month in the booking form)
Begin your adventure in Xining, the gateway to the Tibetan Plateau, where you’ll visit historic temples and vibrant markets. Embark on the legendary Qinghai-Tibet Railway, crossing dramatic high-altitude landscapes by comfortable train on your way to Lhasa.
Arrive in Tibet’s holy capital and explore spiritual landmarks like the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and lively Barkhor Street. Discover the monastic life at Drepung and Sera Monasteries, and soak in the atmosphere of this ancient Himalayan city.
Continue your overland journey to sparkling Yamdrok Lake, climb to fortress-filled Gyantse, and experience Tibetan culture in Shigatse at the Tashilhunpo Monastery.
The high point of your journey is reaching the legendary Everest Base Camp. Travel through high mountain passes and nomad valleys, with jaw-dropping Himalayan views, and wake up at the foot of the world’s highest peak.
Enjoy handpicked hotels or authentic guesthouses, daily breakfasts, private transfers, train tickets, all main entrance fees, and the dedicated service of an English-speaking Tibetan guide. This tour is perfect for travelers looking for breathtaking landscapes, culture, and the iconic rail journey of a lifetime—all seamlessly arranged.
Arrive in Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province and the gateway to the Tibetan Plateau. Your driver will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure—rest or explore the local food streets and Muslim Quarter on your own.
After breakfast, visit Ta’er Monastery (Kumbum Monastery), one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries outside Tibet, known for its butter sculptures and peaceful courtyards. Then drive to Qinghai Lake, the largest saltwater lake in China, famous for its turquoise waters and expansive highland scenery. After exploring the lakeside, return to Xining and board the overnight train to Lhasa—one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys across the Tibetan Plateau.
Arrive in Lhasa in the late afternoon or at evening. Your Tibetan guide will meet you at the train station and transfer you to your hotel in Lhasa city. Use the remainder of the day to rest and acclimate to the high altitude.
Embark on a cultural odyssey with a visit to the revered Drepung Monastery, an iconic Tibetan Buddhist site steeped in tradition. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the vibrant debates at Sera Monastery, where monks engage in spirited discussions, accompanied by enthusiastic hand-clapping and animated arguments. Gain an insightful perspective into the ancient traditions of Tibetan Buddhism as you absorb the spiritual atmosphere and passion surrounding these profound rituals. Please note that a welcome dinner, hosted in a Tibetan restaurant, is planned either on this day or the next. Our guide will coordinate and provide details accordingly.
Marvel at the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Potala Palace, an architectural masterpiece perched atop Marpo Ri hill. A symbol of Tibetan history and culture, the palace unfolds a narrative of religious devotion and political significance. In the park beneath the Potala Palace, witness and perhaps join in the traditional dances. Continue your journey to the spiritual heart of Lhasa. Explore the sacred Jokhang Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stroll through the lively Barkhor Street, an ancient circuit that encircles the Jokhang Temple, where traditional Tibetan goods and handicrafts abound. Finally, experience with a visit to a sweet tea house, a cherished element of Tibetan social culture. Savor the distinct flavors of Tibetan tea and engage in social interactions with locals and fellow travelers.
Wake up early and have breakfast at your hotel in Lhasa before checkout. Load your bags into your vehicle, and start the scenic journey from Lhasa to Shigatse. En route, be captivated by the breathtaking beauty of Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s sacred lakes with crystal-clear waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Pause at a quaint farmhouse situated along the tranquil shores of Yamdrok Lake, where you’ll relish a home-cooked Tibetan meal amidst the stunning rural landscapes. Continue your exploration to the awe-inspiring Karola Glacier, a radiant symbol of Tibet’s rugged allure. By late afternoon, arrive in Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet, concluding a day rich in natural wonders and cultural discovery.
The Tibetan Everest Base Camp is located at an elevation of approximately 5,200 meters above sea level. En route to Everest Base Camp, stop at Gawula Pass, a designated viewpoint that provides breathtaking vistas of Mount Everest and the adjacent Himalayas peaks. Transition to an eco-friendly bus Everest Base Camp, designed to navigate the winding roads with minimal environmental impact. Weather permitting, the climax of your day awaits as you reach Everest Base Camp. Witness the sun bidding farewell to the world’s highest peak. As the daylight fades and the stars emerge, relish the tranquility and majesty of this remote Himalayan sanctuary, creating a connection with nature that resonates deeply.
Visit Rongbuk Monastery, initially established as a meditation retreat for monks and currently shared by both monks and nuns. Observe their ritual practices characterized by monks engaging in chanting and traditional instrument performances. On the return journey to Shigatse, take a brief detour to Dingyal County, where you can marvel at the impressive views of Mount Lhotse and the eastern slope of Mount Everest. Conclude the day with a special dinner featuring Tibetan singing and dancing performances, providing a delightful cultural experience.
In the morning, explore the grandeur of Tashilhunpo Monastery. As the principal seat of the Panchen Lama, Tashilhunpo holds immense religious significance for Tibetan Buddhists. It serves as a center for Buddhist learning, meditation, and religious ceremonies. As the day unfolds, begin your journey back to Lhasa, tracing the meandering path along the picturesque Yarlung Zangbo River.( Customers may return to Lhasa from Shigatse by high-speed train.)
We will arrange your transfer to the airport or train station as your tour comes to a close.
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Our multilingual team’s passion ensures you receive personal, attentive, and friendly guidance—from planning to the last day of your trip.
Jessie | Founder
10 years experience in organizing expat tours in China.
Jessie first worked as travel consultant for many years, her excellent organizing skills and great travel route planning have won the trust of many customers. In 2018 she founded experiencetibet.org, an agency offering tours in Tibet autonomous region and other Tibetan areas in China such as Gansu, Yunnan and Sichuan. In 2020 she started yellowbirdtour.com, with destinations all over China.
Penny | China travel consultant
Penny has rich experience in organizing foreigners tours to many places in China, such as Tibet, Gansu, Yunnan, Xinjiang, Zhangjiajie. She is very responsive, always quick and patient. Customers like her, they always come back for more tours, and also recommend many of their friends to join.
Dawei | Tour guide / operator
Dawei is a Tibetan Buddhist, and comes from the most north edge of the Tibetan plateau in Qinghai province, Western China. He has travelled as a tour leader to many South Asian countries such as India, Bhutan and also nearly the entire country of China. He focuse especially on guiding in Qinghai, Gansu, Sichuan, Ningxia provinces and Tibetan regions. The activities of these various tour groups have included adopting family, horse racing, hiking, bird watching, cycling, camping, overseas students, cultural and religious sightseeing.
Andrew | Touir guide / operator
Andrew was born and grew up in a small village of Zhangjiajie, Hunan. From 2009-2012 he works for royal Caribbean International cruise as an onboard guest services officer. After that, he dedicates his life/time to guiding and operating tours in Zhangjiajie and around. As a native person, he knows all the corner of the scenic area, such as good restaurants, souvenir shops and cultures. He is very experienced and super flexible, he knows how to avoid the crowds and take advantage of the weather and offer the best travel experience to customers, all you need to do is just relax and enjoy!
