Lanzhou Tibet Tour

Lanzhou to Tibet is one of the shortest routes to the Tibetan Plateau. The distance from Lanzhou to Lhasa is about 2,188 km by train along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway and around 1,180 km by air. A direct flight takes about 2.5 hours, while the train journey takes approximately 22 hours, offering spectacular views of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

In Lanzhou, the "City of Rivers”, you can explore a variety of attractions that showcase the region's rich history and cultural heritage.

Baita Mountain Park: Located on the north bank of the Yellow River, this park offers stunning panoramic views of Lanzhou and is a great spot for photography enthusiasts.
Xiguan Mosque: A prominent religious site, the Xiguan Mosque offers insight into the local Muslim community and its architectural style.
Gansu Provincial Museum: Housing a vast collection of historical relics and artifacts, including the renowned Bronze Running Horse, the museum is a treasure trove of knowledge about the region's past.

Riding on Qinghai-Tibet Railway from Lanzhou to Lhasa, you can enjoy the stunning landscapes of the snow-capped mountain range, vast grassland, and flowing rivers.

Yellow River: As you travel by train from Lanzhou, especially if you are on a route that follows the river, you may catch glimpses of the Yellow River's vast waters. The sight of the river can be particularly impressive as it meanders through the landscape, providing a scenic backdrop to the journey.
Qinghai Lake: As the train departs Xining, you will be greeted by Qinghai Lake. Located in the northeast of the Tibetan Plateau, it is China’s largest alkaline salt lake. The heavenly blue lake is like a sapphire set in the land. The lake is located at the intersection of several bird migration routes. You may witness many species here during migration.
Tanggula Mountain Range: Tanggula Mountain Range is the natural boundary of Qinghai and Tibet. It also marks the highest section of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. As the train climbs to a higher altitude, you can enjoy the stunning view of the blue sky and snow-white mountains.
Tuotuo River: Tuotuo River is the official headstream of the Yangtze River. It originates from the glaciers of the Jianggendiru Snow Mountains, the highest peak of the Tanggula Mountain Range.

To visit Tibet from Lanzhou, travelers typically need the following permits:

Tibet Travel Permit: This permit is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) and is required for all foreigners visiting Tibet.
Aliens' Travel Permit: Tourists venturing into partially restricted areas, such as Ngari Prefecture, need to obtain the Aliens’ Travel Permit through a Tibet Travel Agency (like Tibet Horizon).
Military Area Entry Permit: Travelers traveling along G318 Highway or visiting Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash need to apply for a Military Area Entry Permit.

Our Tibet tour packages include the Tibet Travel Permit and all the necessary Tibet travel documents. If you book with us, we’ll help apply for the permits needed to ensure a smooth and worry-free Lanzhou Tibet tour.

The best time to visit Tibet from Lanzhou is generally from April to June and from September to October. During these months, the weather is relatively stable, with less rainfall, clear skies and mild temperatures, making it ideal for enjoying the stunning views in Lanzhou and Tibet. Also, you can experience the grand Saga Dawa Festival in May. In summer, the weather may be rainy, but tourists can witness the celebration of Shoton Festival. Winter in Tibet is not as cold as you might think. Compared with Lanzhou, Tibet may enjoy more abundant sunlight during the day, making you feel warm. You can also enjoy a lower cost of transportation and accommodation and feel less crowded as there are fewer tourists. Also, Losar, the Tibetan New Year, often falls in February or March.

Major Tibetan cities like Lhasa and Shigatse offer more diverse options from 3-to 5-star hotels to local guesthouses. They provide basic to luxury facilities, all ensuring a comfortable stay. For private travelers, you can choose according to your standards. However, in remote areas like EBC and Mt. Kailash, only cozy tents and guesthouses are available.

Yes. Taking the Lanzhou to Lhasa train is one of the best ways to travel to Tibet. As one of the shortest routes on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, it offers spectacular views of snow-capped mountains, vast grasslands, and pristine lakes. The gradual ascent also gives your body more time to adapt to the high altitude, making the journey both scenic and comfortable.

For the Lanzhou to Lhasa train, a soft sleeper is the best choice if you value comfort and privacy. It has four berths per cabin, more space, and a quieter environment, making the long journey more relaxing. A hard sleeper is a more affordable option with six berths per cabin. It is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want a comfortable journey on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

Lanzhou's cuisine is as diverse and rich as the city itself, offering a plethora of flavorsome dishes that are not to be missed. Famous dishes include beef noodles, hand-grabbed mutton, and Lanzhou milk and egg fermented glutinous rice pudding (Niunai Jidan Laozao). During your trip in Tibet, we have handpicked restaurants with food safety guarantees for our travelers. You can enjoy unique Tibetan, Nepali and Sichuan cuisines along the way. Specialties include yak hotpot, sweet tea, butter tea, roasted pig, tsampa, barley wine, stone pot chicken and spicy diced chicken. Nepali dishes feature chicken masala and various curries. You can also find Indian dishes and Western-style dishes in Tibet. If you have any special dietary requirements, please keep our guides informed and they will help you check food composition when you order dishes.

Traveling on the Tibet Plateau with an average altitude of over 4,000 meters, it’s common for some tourists to experience altitude sickness. The symptoms of altitude sickness can include headache, nausea, and dizziness.

To minimize the effect of altitude sicknes, it is important to allow time to acclimate to the high altitude and to take precautions to prevent altitude sickness. You should drink plenty of water, eat light meals, and avoid alcohol or caffeine. It is also recommended to take a slow path in the first two days after entering Tibet, avoiding strenuous activities like running.

If you feel uncomfortable, tell your guide. We have prepared oxygen tanks in our vehicles. You can inhale oxygen and take medication when necessary. If symptoms of altitude sickness persist or worsen, we’ll help transfer you to the hotel or hospital to seek medical attention immediately.