Xi'an Tibet Tours

Xi'an is about 2,860 kilometers away from Lhasa. The distance can be covered by either train or flight. A direct flight from Xi'an to Lhasa takes around 3 to 4 hours. By train, the journey takes approximately 30 to 31 hours along the Qinghai–Tibet Railway. Both options offer different travel experiences to reach the Tibetan Plateau.

As an ancient capital city of 13 dynasties, Xi'an has many historical and cultural wonders you shouldn’t miss.

Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses: Famed as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”, it is a massive collection of terra-cotta sculptures, vividly depicting the army of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor.
Ancient City Wall: With a history of over 600 years, this wall was built during the Ming Dynasty. It’s located in the center of Xi'an, from which you can have a panoramic view of the city.
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda: Big Wild Goose Pagoda is famous for the great monk and traveler Xuanzang of the Tang Dynasty. He traveled to India to learn Buddhism and returned to China with many precious Buddhist scriptures. He then translated the scriptures and taught Buddhism there.

The Tibet train from Xi'an to Lhasa offers beautiful views along the way.

Wei River: As the train travel in Baoji, you can catch a sight of this vital waterway in China's history, which offers a scenic view of flowing waters with fertile valleys.
Kekexili: Situated in the northwest part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, it’s one of the largest and highest nature reserves in China, home to many rare species such as snow leopards, Tibetan antelope, and wild yaks.
Tuotuo River: Originating from the glaciers of Jianggendiru Snow Mountains, the highest peak of the Tanggula Mountain range, Tuotuo River is the official headstream of the Yangtze River.
Cuona Lake: It’s the world’s highest freshwater lake and the closest lake to the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, with clear and green waters against the blue sky and the mountains beyond.

To visit Tibet from Xi'an, you 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: Traveling along G318 Highway or visiting military-sensitive areas such as Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash, you need to apply for a Military Area Entry Permit.

Our Tibet tour packages include 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 Xi'an Tibet tour.

The climate of Xi'an is continental, with cold, dry winters and humid summers. In December, January, and February, the temperature may fall below zero. Taking Xi’an and Tibet’s climate into consideration, the best time to visit Tibet from Xi'an is generally from April to June and from September to October. During these months, the weather is relatively stable, with clear skies and mild temperatures, making it ideal for enjoying the stunning views. Also, you can experience the grand Saga Dawa Festival in May. In summer, rainfall increases, but you can witness the celebration of Shoton Festival. Winter in Tibet is not as cold as you might think and you can enjoy a lower cost of transportation and accommodation and feel less crowded as there are fewer tourists. Additionally, Losar, Tibetan New Year, often falls in February or March.

The cost of a Xi'an to Tibet tour depends on the travel style, itinerary, and season. On average, group tours start from around 800–1,000 USD per person. Luxury tours with upgraded hotels, private guides, and flexible services can exceed 1,500 USD. Train-based tours are generally more affordable, while flight tours cost more but save time. Prices also vary depending on whether the itinerary includes Everest Base Camp or Mount Kailash.

Major Tibetan cities like Lhasa, Shigatse, and Nyingchi 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.

Xi'an cuisine is deeply influenced by Muslims. Popular dishes include flatbread in mutton soup, cold noodles, pepper beef ball soup, biangbiang noodles, etc. Then, moving to Tibet, you can find unique Tibetan and Nepali cuisines there. Tibetan dishes include yak hotpot, sweet tea, butter tea, roasted pig, tsampa, and barley wine. Nepali dishes feature chicken masala and various curries. You can find specialties of other Tibetan prefectures and cities such as the stone pot chicken, a specialty of Nyingchi. You can also find Indian dishes and Western-style dishes in Lhasa.

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 sickness, 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.