Xining Tibet Tour

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 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 range, Tuotuo River is the official headstream 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, travelers typically need the following permits:

Tibet Travel Permit : This permit is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) and is required for all foreign travelers visiting Tibet.

Aliens' Travel Permit: Travelers traveling to partially restricted areas such as EBC, Basumtso Lake, Samye Monastery, etc. need to obtain Aliens’ Travel Permit via Tibet Travel Agency (like Tibet Horizon).

Military Area Entry Permit: If you want to extend your trip to military-sensitive areas such as Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, Zanda County, etc. or travel along the G318 Highway, you need to apply for a Military Area Entry Permit.

Our Xizang 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 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.

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.

You can taste the unique flavors of Xining cuisine. Many ethnic snacks there 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 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. Travelers 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.