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Xining to Lhasa Overland Tour via Qinghai-Tibet National Highway-11Days

  • Destination

    Tibet

  • Region

    Tibet

  • Trip Grade

    Grade 3: Hard/challenging

  • Accommodation

    Hotel

  • Total Distance

    4000km

  • Start / End Point

    Xining/Lhasa

  • Durations

    11 days

  • Max. Altitude

    4820m/15817ft

  • Meals Included

    Breakfast

  • Group Size

    above 1 pax

  • Best Season

    March to May/sept to Nove

  • Activity per day

    8 hr

  • Transportation

    Private Luxury Tourist Vehicles


Xining to Lhasa Overland Tour via Qinghai-Tibet National Highway-11Days

Tour Route: Xining – Qinghai Lake – Chaka – Golmud – Tuotuoheyan – Amdo – Nagqu – Namtso Lake – Lhasa icon View Trip Map

If you’re looking for the most scenic and accessible overland route into Tibet, the 11-day Xining to Lhasa tour via the Qinghai-Tibet Highway is your perfect pick. As the shortest road trip to Lhasa with the best road conditions, it still packs in plenty of adventure, taking you across the mighty Kunlun, Tanggula, and Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains, along over 1,000 km of the famous “Sky Road” on National Highway G109.

Your journey begins in Xining and leads you through breathtaking spots like Qinghai Lake, the magical Chaka Salt Lake, and into the vast wilderness of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. With our local experts by your side, you will travel through Golmud, visit the source of the Yangtze River at Tuotuoheyan, and continue across the high plains of Naqu to the stunning Namtso Lake. Along the way, you’ll experience the raw beauty of snow-covered peaks, open grasslands, and rich Tibetan nomadic culture.

The adventure ends in the holy city of Lhasa, where you will dive into Tibet’s spiritual heart, exploring the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, and the serene monasteries of Drepung and Sera. Whether it is your first time in Tibet or a return trip, this overland journey offers a slow and soul-stirring way to witness the best of the northern Tibetan Plateau.

 

Highlights

  • Xining is the capital and largest city on China's Tibetan Plateau, serving as the provincial center for Qinghai Province and a major gateway to Tibet. Situated in the Huangshui River Valley, it is an ancient city with a rich cultural history as a Silk Road commercial hub, now blending its diverse ethnic heritage, particularly Hui and Tibetan influences, with modern development. Xining is a transportation hub, offering access to Tibet via road and rail, and is known for its religious sites like the Dongguan Mosque and nearby Kumbum Monastery, as well as proximity to natural attractions like Qinghai Lake.
  • Qinghai Lake: A large salt lake, one of China's most beautiful natural attractions, and a gateway to the Tibetan Plateau from Xining.
  • Sun and Moon Mountain: A mountain range near Xining that divides the region into stock-raising and farming areas.
  • Food & Markets: Enjoy diverse local cuisine, including Muslim foods and other regional snacks, often found in areas like Mojiajie Street.
  • Gateway to Tibet: Xining is known as a major starting point for travel to the Tibetan Plateau.
  • Rail & Air: The city is connected by the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, often called the "sky-railway," and has regular flights to other major Chinese cities, including Lhasa.
  • Chaka Lake, also known as Caka or Chaka Salt Lake, is a major natural salt lake and tourist attraction in Qinghai Province, China, famous for its "Mirror of the Sky" phenomenon where its vast, flat, salt-covered surface reflects the sky and surrounding mountains. Located in the Qaidam Basin, it boasts over 3,000 years of salt harvesting history and is a key source of salt for China. Visitors can walk onto the lake's surface to experience the stunning reflections, creating a fairy-tale-like environment.
  • Golmud is a strategically important city and county in western China's Qinghai Province, situated on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and known as a transportation hub and a gateway to Tibet. It sits at a high elevation (around 2,800m) in the Qaidam Basin and is characterized by a vast, dry landscape that includes the enormous Qarhan Salt Lake and the Kunlun Mountains. While the city has a growing population, its main purpose is linked to resource exploitation, as a stop on the high-altitude railway and a vital point connecting multiple regions of western China.
  • Tuotuoheyan meaning "Tuotuo River Side" or "Tuotuo Riverside," refers to the settlement located near the Tuotuo River, a primary headwater of the Yangtze River, in the Tanggula Mountain Range of China's Qinghai Province. Situated on the high-altitude Tibetan Plateau, this area is known for its harsh, mountainous, and grassland environment, where the town of Tanggulashan serves as a key point along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway and railway corridor. The Tuotuo River itself originates from the glaciers of the Jianggendiru Snow Mountains
  • Amdo is one of the three traditional regions of Tibet, located on the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau and encompassing parts of Qinghai, Sichuan, and Gansu provinces. It is a major center of Tibetan culture and scholarship, home to a large population of Tibetans, particularly known for its nomadic lifestyle, influential monasteries like Labrang Temple, and the birthplace of the 14th Dalai Lama. The region is characterized by windswept grasslands and is the source of the Yellow River.
  • Nagqu is the largest prefecture-level city in northern Tibet, China, known for its high-altitude location on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, vast grasslands, unique nomadic culture, and the headwaters of major rivers like the Yangtze. It features stunning natural landscapes including the Tanggula and Nyenchen Tanggula mountains, the Changtang Prairie, and several sacred lakes such as Siling Tso and Tangra Yum Tso. Historically, the region was once the center of the Zhangzhung Kingdom and is a significant site for Tibetan Buddhism and nomadic traditions, offering a glimpse into a lifestyle that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
  • Namtso is a high-altitude saltwater lake in Tibet, China, known as a sacred "Heavenly Lake" revered by Tibetan Buddhists and Buddhists. Located north of Lhasa, it is a popular tourist and pilgrimage site framed by the Nyenchen Tanglha mountains. At an elevation of about 4,718 meters (15,480 ft), Namtso is one of the world's highest lakes and is notable for its clear, blue waters and spiritual significance
  • The main highlights of Lhasa include the iconic Potala Palace, the sacred Jokhang Temple, the bustling Barkhor Street, and the historically significant Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery. Visitors can also see the Norbulingka Park, the former summer residence of the Dalai Lamas, and experience the vibrant culture and spiritual atmosphere of this ancient city
  • Potala Palace: The massive fortress that was the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas, it's a symbol of Lhasa and Tibetan Buddhism.
  • Jokhang Temple: Considered the most sacred temple in Tibet, it houses a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha and is the spiritual heart of Lhasa.
  • Sera Monastery: Known for its large community of monks and famous for its monk debates, where young monks practice their debating skills.
  • Drepung Monastery: One of the largest and most important monasteries in Lhasa, it was once home to over 10,000 monks.
  • Norbulingka Park: The beautiful summer palace and park of the Dalai Lamas.
  • Barkhor Street: A circular street surrounding the Jokhang Temple, this market area is alive with pilgrims and tourists shopping for Tibetan handicrafts, religious items, and souvenirs.
  • Monk Debates: Witnessing the lively monk debates at Sera Monastery provides a fascinating insight into Tibetan Buddhism.
  • Pilgrimage: Experience the spiritual journey of thousands of pilgrims spinning prayer wheels and prostrating themselves as they complete their kora (circumambulation) around sacred sites like Jokhang Temple.
  • Yamdrok Lake: A sacred and beautiful turquoise-blue lake located outside the city, known for its clear waters and surrounding snow-capped mountains.

Outline Itinerary

  • Day1: Arrive in Xining
  • Day2: Xining to Qinghai Lake (159km)(B).
  • Day3: Qinghai Lake to Chaka (200km)(B).
  • Day4: Chaka to Golmud (515.5km)(B).
  • Day5: Golmud to Tuotuoheyan (420 km)(B).
  • Day6: Tuotuoheyan to Naqu (430km)(B).
  • Day7: Naqu to Namtso Lake (390km)(B).
  • Day8: Namtso Lake to Lhasa via Yangpachen Hotspring (220km)(B).
  • Day9: Lhasa Tour: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street (B)
  • Day10: Lhasa Tour: Drepung and Sera Monastery (B).
  • Day11: Depart from Lhasa (B)

Cost Includes

  • Tibet travel permit and all other necessary permits to Tibet;
  • All entrance ticket fees for all tourist sites listed in the itinerary;
  • Personal knowledgeable English-speaking Tibetan local tour guide;
  • Personal comfortable, clean and safe vehicle with reliable Tibetan local driver; vehicle ranging from 4WD land cruiser to minibus depending on your group size;
  • All lodging listed in the itinerary; it’s your decision about the accommodation class: luxury 5-star international hotel, comfortable 4-star hotel, economic 3-star hotel or budget hostel, guesthouse or tent. Please tell us your accommodation preference when submitting the enquiry; we will arrange the best-value hotels for you.
  • Domestic flight/train tickets listed in the itinerary;
  • All meals listed in the above itinerary;
  • Tourist accident/casualty insurance;
  • First aid kit;

 


Cost does not Include

  • International flight to and out of China;
  • Chinese visa (Note: we could help you with the Chinese visa application, like providing the invitation letter, presenting the hotel or domestic flight reservation copies, etc that you may need. )
  • Domestic flight/train not listed in the itinerary. (We can provide you the domestic flight/train ticket booking service at the BEST discount price; please contact us our travel experts for the details.)
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary; usually it costs about USD3-15 per person for one meal in TAR (Tibet Autonomous Region).
  • Tips and gratitude to tour guide and driver;
  • Personal expenses, like laundry, phone call, snacks, soft drinks (please do the best to avoid the alcoholic beverages during your Tibet trip), optional tour activities, etc.

 


Detail Itinerary

Day1: Arrive in Xining

Upon your arrival, our guide will meet you and transfer you to the city center. And you may explore freely in Xining. Stay overnight in Xining  
  • Altitude:2200m/7217ft
  • Duration:2 hrs
  • Accommodation:Hotel

Day2: Xining to Qinghai Lake (159km)(B).

Today, after breakfast, we will start our overland trip from Xining, and take the first stop to the Kumbum Monastery, the most important monastery in Qinghai Tibetan Area. Next to Qinghai Lake, also called Koko Nor Lake, where you will see birds assembling in the bird island, which has become a very large sanctuary for the birds in spring and summer. Stay overnight at the shore of Qinghai Lake, Grassland Hotel  
  • Altitude:3260m/10580ft
  • Duration:5 hrs
  • Accommodation:Hotel

Day3: Qinghai Lake to Chaka (200km)(B).

After breakfast you will have a good chance to walk briefly around the Qinghai Lake, which is the largest inland saltwater lake in China. Drive to Chaka in the late morning. Stay overnight in Chaka  
  • Altitude:3088m/10131ft
  • Duration:5 hr
  • Accommodation:Hotel

Day4: Chaka to Golmud (515.5km)(B).

Today you will be driven to Golmud. This afternoon go to see Gobi sight, oasis in the desert, and so called Treasure bowl, also one of the four basins in China Qaidam basin on the way. Stay overland to Golmud  
  • Altitude:2800m/9186f
  • Duration:6 hr
  • Accommodation:Hotel

Day5: Golmud to Tuotuoheyan (420 km)(B).

Take a drive through the vast wilderness and Tsaidam meadow on the Tibet-Qinghai-Plateau. This journey moves along the road that lies at the foot of the Kunlun-mountain. Move upwards through a steep valley to cross over the 4.837- meters-high Kunlun Pass. After that you pass by the First Bridge over the Yangtse River reach Tuotuoheyan (located in head stream of River Yangtse) Stay overnight in Local Guest House  
  • Altitude:4564m/14975ft
  • Duration:6 hrs
  • Accommodation:Hotel

Day6: Tuotuoheyan to Naqu (430km)(B).

Move southwards as you cross Tangra Shan Mountain. The environment is in harmony with local animals like eagles, sheep, cattle and yaks along with the snow-capped mountains and tents belonging to Tibetan farmers. It is a place to relax. Stay overnight at Local Guest House  
  • Altitude:4500m/14763ft
  • Duration:5 hr
  • Accommodation:Hotel

Day7: Naqu to Namtso Lake (390km)(B).

Today, you will drive across immense northern Tibet Qiangtang Grassland and have close contact with the Tibetan Nomad, and drive to Namtso Lake. Today, your will have enough time to play on the grassland, visit the nomad family, and go into the tent to drink fresh yak milk, play with the Tibetan Children, and Sheep, Yaks and wander on the glass land, ride horses. (Notice, the nomad visit is only available at summer time from June to August). Namtso Lake is the Heavenly Lake which is one of the three holy lakes of Tibet and also the highest salt lake. You can do a very relax trekking around the lake side and Tashi Island. Stay overnight at Lake Shore Guest House, dorm bed  
  • Altitude:4718m/15563ft
  • Duration:4 hr
  • Accommodation:Hotel

Day8: Namtso Lake to Lhasa via Yangpachen Hotspring (220km)(B).

While enjoying the clear morning at the lake shore, you can trek along the lake shore to Tashi Dor Island to explore the meditation caves and drive to Dumxung to have lunch. In the afternoon, you will visit Yangpachen hot spring which is noted for its highest geothermal power plant in the world on the way back to Lhasa. Stay overnight in Lhasa  
  • Altitude:3650m/11975ft
  • Duration:4 hr
  • Accommodation:Hotel

Day9: Lhasa Tour: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street (B)

After breakfast, start your day with a visit to the fortress-like Potala Palace, an architectural marvel, and the winter palace of Dalai Lamas. You can explore the Dalai Lama’s living quarters, and ceremonial hall, and marvel at gilded buddhas, intricate mandalas, and jewel-encrusted tombs of generations of Dalai Lamas, and enjoy the panoramic view of Lhasa city atop Red Palace. Next, roam over the Zhongjiao Lukang Park nearby and view the Potala Palace from behind where you can take a glimpse of how locals spend their day lives, such as enjoying Guozhuang/circle dance, paddle boat in the pool, etc. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the sacred Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibet. Follow a long line of pilgrims in the dimly lit chambers to worship the life-size statue of a 12-year-old Buddha Sakyamuni. Then, walk clockwise with prostrating Tibetan pilgrims to experience the famous Barkhor circuit/kora and unwind in a local teahouse to savor local obsessions,i.g. sweet tea, Tibetan noodles, Tibetan momos, Sha Phaley, or roam over the backstreet of Lhasa. Stay overnight in Lhasa.  

Day10: Lhasa Tour: Drepung and Sera Monastery (B).

Awake to a day of brilliant sunshine. After breakfast, let’s head to Drepung Monastery for a 3km leisurely hike/kora. The Drepung Monastery is one of the great three Geluga monasteries founded by a disciple of Tsongkhapa called Jamyang Chöje. As you follow the pilgrim route towards Loseling College, you will see the iconic huge rock paintings depicting the Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Geluga Sect, and Buddhist mantras. You can gather junipers and burn them as an offering to Buddha, drink refreshing mountain springs, or meditate alongside the local pilgrims beneath the rock face. At the mountaintop, the sweeping view of the enchanting Lhasa Valley will take your breath away. In the afternoon, you will explore Sera Monastery, the second-largest Gelug monastery next to Drepung. You can appreciate the exquisitely made sand Mandala and admire Buddhist paintings. The biggest highlight is to watch the dramatic monk debate (15:00 - 17:00, from Monday to Saturday). By clapping hands, jumping, yelling, and rolling Buddhist mala, the standing monk furiously debates with the other monk sitting on the ground about Buddhist philosophy. Stay overnight in Lhasa.    

Day11: Depart from Lhasa (B)

Today marks the end of your Tibet tour. Please make sure to verify your departure flight/train details with our guide in advance. And your guide will take you to the airport or train station. Thank you for choosing Good Karma Trekking, and we extend a warm welcome for your return to Tibet/Nepal in the future.