Traveling throug East-Tibet or do the trip to Lhasa?

Question

Hi my travel friends,

at the begin of October I have around two weeks for traveling. One of my option is to travel through some parts of china. I never visit china before.

From germany there are good connections to Chengdu.

I read that the most travel routes through the eastern parts of Tibet are from Chengdu to Xining / Xining to Chengdu. There are alot of places of interest, a lot of monasteries and so on.

You think the Tibet experience is good at such a trip?

Is it possible to do the trip as a self driving trip with a rental car? Do you have any experience? If not, i think a private tour is the best way for me. But I prefer the self driving trip.

At the other hand, maybe its possible to travel to Lhasa with the train.

Which trip would you recommend to a german traveller, who visit China for it first time?

Thank you for your answers 🙏

Tony

Answer

Hello Tony,

Traveling through eastern Tibet (the Kham and Amdo regions, accessible from Chengdu to Xining) versus going straight to Lhasa offers very different experiences, and your choice depends on what you want from your first trip to China.

Here’s a detailed overview:

Eastern Tibet Route (Chengdu – Xining – Eastern Tibet): This route is rich in Tibetan culture and monasteries, such as Labrang Monastery near Xiahe and the vibrant Tibetan villages along the route. You will experience a mix of high plateau scenery, rivers, and Tibetan architecture, often less touristy than Lhasa. It is more about cultural immersion and scenic drives.
Self-driving feasibility: Technically possible, but it’s very challenging. Roads can be long, high altitude, and conditions unpredictable. You also need special permits (Tibet Travel Permit, Alien Travel Permit) for many areas. For foreigners, most car rental companies will not rent vehicles for self-driving in Tibet. Therefore, a self-driving trip is generally not recommended unless you are extremely experienced with high-altitude driving in remote areas and can arrange permits.
Private tour option: Many travelers opt for a private tour with a driver, which allows more flexibility than group tours. The driver handles navigation, local permits, and altitude acclimatization, which makes the experience far more comfortable and safe.
Lhasa and Tibet Train: The Qinghai–Tibet railway is one of the most scenic train routes in the world, and you can reach Lhasa comfortably from either Chengdu or Xining. This is highly recommended for first-time visitors as it avoids the challenges of self-driving. The train also helps with gradual altitude acclimatization. Once in Lhasa, you can join local tours to visit major sights like Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and nearby Tibetan landscapes.

Recommendations for a first-time traveler from Germany:

If you want cultural immersion and are okay with a long road trip, consider a private guided trip through eastern Tibet (with a driver and local tour agency).
If you prefer a safer, more comfortable, and scenic experience with easier logistics, take the train to Lhasa and explore central Tibet. This allows you to see iconic Tibetan landmarks without worrying about driving, permits, or extreme road conditions.
Do not attempt self-driving on your own without proper permits, local guidance, and high-altitude experience. The risks are significant.

In summary, for your first visit to China, the train to Lhasa is the most practical and rewarding choice. Eastern Tibet is beautiful and culturally rich but is better done with a guided/private driver arrangement rather than solo driving.

Safe travels and enjoy the unique Tibetan landscapes and culture!