Xining Tibet Tour

Yes, Xining is worth visiting, especially for travelers heading to Tibet. Xining is the capital and transportation hub of Qinghai Province in northwestern China. The city and surrounding areas have much to offer to tourists.

Qinghai Lake: About 145km from Xining, it is China’s largest alkaline salt lake. The heavenly blue lake is like a sapphire inlaid in the land. You can also see the grassland, flowers, and yaks on the lake shore.
Chaka Salt Lake: Renowned as the Mirror of Sky, it is crystal-clear reflecting the blue sky and white clouds. If time permits, you can spend a day appreciating the captivating scenery.
Kumbum Monastery: Also known as Ta’er Monastery, it is one of the six major temples of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The building itself is spectacular, showcasing the charm of Tibetan architectural beauty.

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

Kunlun Mountains: Kunlun Mountains constitute one of the longest mountain ranges in Asia, stretching over 3000 km. You can admire spectacular glaciers and snow-capped peaks at a distance.
Tanggula Mountain Range: Tanggula Mountain Range is the natural boundary of Qinghai and Tibet. It also marks the highest section of 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: Originating from the glaciers of Jianggendiru Snow Mountains, the highest peak of the Tanggula Mountain, Tuotuo River is the official source of the Yangtze River.
Tibetan Villages: Travelers on the train can also catch a glimpse of the Tibetan villages near the railway. You may witness the living and farming scene of local Tibetans as they sow seeds of highland barley, buckwheat, or rape in spring and get a bumper harvest in autumn.

To visit Tibet from Xining, 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: Travelers traveling along G318 Highway or visiting Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash need to apply for a Military Area Entry Permit.
Provisional Driving License:Travelers joining a self-driving trip in Tibet need to apply for a provisional driving license.

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

The climate of Xining is semi-arid continental, with cold and dry winters and rainy summers. Taking Xining and Tibet’s climates into consideration, the best time to visit Tibet from Xining 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 Xining 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 and you can 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.

In theory, you can book Tibet train tickets yourself through the official China Railway 12306 website or Trip.com. However, Tibet train tickets are often in short supply, especially during peak travel seasons. More importantly, foreign travelers must book a Tibet tour through a licensed local travel agency and obtain a Tibet Travel Permit before taking a train or flight to Lhasa. Therefore, the easiest and most reliable solution is to let us arrange your Tibet train tickets and travel permits for you.

Trains to Tibet are often busy, and long lines are common at most railway stations. Foreign travelers must present their Tibet Travel Permit, passport, and Chinese Tourist Visa for additional security checks before boarding. To ensure a smooth journey, it is recommended to arrive at the station 2 hours before your train to Lhasa departs.

The cost of a Xining Tibet tour depends on the itinerary, travel season, transportation, and accommodation level. Most Xining to Tibet tour packages range from $800 to $1000+ per person. The price usually includes the Tibet Travel Permit, transportation, accommodation, local guide services, and sightseeing. Private tours, luxury hotels, and visits to destinations such as Everest Base Camp may increase the overall cost.

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 travelers on private tours, you can choose according to your standards. However, in remote areas like Everest Base Camp and Mt. Kailash, only cozy tents and guesthouses are available.

You can taste the unique flavors of Xining cuisine. Many ethnic snacks are affordable and delicious, such as roasted mutton, stewed lamb, Niangpi, etc. You can find unique Tibetan and Nepali cuisines in Tibet. 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.

Many travelers believe that taking a train to Tibet helps prevent altitude sickness better than flying to Lhasa. In reality, the benefit of altitude acclimatization is limited. The Qinghai–Tibet Railway climbs gradually, which may help some travelers adjust to the high altitude more slowly than a flight. However, Tibet trains are equipped with oxygen systems, creating an environment similar to that of an airplane. As a result, some passengers still experience mild altitude sickness symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness during the journey. It is important to remember that altitude sickness in Tibet can affect anyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or health condition. The key factor is how well your body adapts to high altitude.

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 high altitude, 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.