Itinerary Suggestions Tibet Tour Spring 2026

Question

Hi,

I would like your suggestion for a Tibet tour. A travel agency in Kathmandu, which has suggested the following itinerary.

I would like to start with a train journey and finish in Kathmandu.

I am thinking about going up to to Kailash as well.

I want to get helpful tips from the people who have already been there.

Day 01 Welcome to Xi’an. Spend the day exploring the remarkable Terracotta Army, the Wild Goose Pagoda, the Grand Tang All Day Mall. Night in Xi’an.

Day 02 Morning transfer to the train station. Travel to Lhasa. Night on the train.

Day 03 Arrive in Lhasa in the afternoon. Transfer to the hotel and free time. Night in Lhasa.

Day 04 Lhasa - Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Bazaar, Night in Lhasa.

Day 05 Drepung monastery, Sera monastery and Norbulingka Park. Night in Lhasa.

Day 06 Travel to Xigatse via Gyantse. Night in Xigatse. visit to Lake Yamdrok, Kumbum monastery

Day 07 Travel to Xegar via Shakya. Night in Xegar.

Day 08 Drive to Everest Base Camp, Rongbuk. Night in Tashizong village

Day 09 Drive to Kyirung. Night in Kyirung.

Day 10 Cross the border. Drive to Kathmandu.

Thank you.

Answer

Your proposed Tibet tour itinerary looks comprehensive and covers the major highlights of Lhasa, Xigatse, and the Everest region, ending in Kathmandu. Here are detailed suggestions and tips based on experience:

Day 01 – Xi’an

Terracotta Army: Allocate at least 2–3 hours. Consider hiring a local guide to understand the history and details.
Wild Goose Pagoda & Grand Tang All Day Mall: Good for a relaxed afternoon. The Mall has shops and shows; plan accordingly if you want to watch performances.
Stay overnight in a hotel near the city center for convenience.

Day 02 – Train to Lhasa

Book the train in advance (hard sleeper for comfort). The journey takes approximately 36–40 hours from Xi’an.
Bring snacks, entertainment, and layers for changing temperatures.
Consider altitude acclimatization kits like Diamox, as this is a high-altitude journey.

Day 03 – Arrival in Lhasa

Check into your hotel and rest. Avoid strenuous activity on the first day.
Hydrate and get used to the altitude (~3,650m / 11,975 ft).

Day 04 – Lhasa Sightseeing

Potala Palace: Pre-book tickets online if possible; allow 2–3 hours.
Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Bazaar: Walk around slowly; keep an eye on your belongings as it can be crowded.

Day 05 – Monasteries & Norbulingka

Drepung & Sera Monasteries: Attend the monks’ debates at Sera if timing permits – it’s a unique experience.
Norbulingka: Enjoy a relaxed stroll in the park and palace grounds.

Day 06 – Lhasa to Xigatse via Gyantse

Lake Yamdrok: Scenic stop; take photos quickly as the roads can be windy.
Kumbum Monastery in Gyantse: Explore the stupas and murals.
Overnight in Xigatse: Moderate altitude (~3,800m / 12,500 ft).

Day 07 – Xigatse to Xegar (near Everest region)

The journey is long; prepare snacks and water.
Enjoy Himalayan landscapes, pass high mountain passes.
Overnight in Xegar (small guesthouses; basic facilities).

Day 08 – Everest Base Camp (Rongbuk)

Drive to EBC in the morning; the road can be rough.
Stay at Tashizong village (or nearby) – altitude is very high (~5,200m at EBC).
Acclimatize carefully; avoid heavy exertion.

Day 09 – Xegar to Kyirung

Crossing towards Nepal; Kyirung is near the border.
Ensure your visa for Nepal is ready if crossing by land.

Day 10 – Border to Kathmandu

Border crossing can take 1–3 hours depending on queues and paperwork.
Drive to Kathmandu; enjoy views of the Himalayan foothills.

Additional Tips:

Altitude Sickness: Carry medications and consider an oxygen canister for emergencies.
Travel Agency: Ensure your agency provides reliable vehicles, experienced drivers, and local guides.
Kailash Extension: If you plan to visit Mount Kailash, you need at least 10–12 additional days; the route is remote and physically demanding.
Train Tickets: Book early, especially for spring, which is peak season.
Photography: Tibet has strict rules in some areas; always ask before photographing people or military sites.

Overall, your itinerary is ambitious but feasible. Pay close attention to acclimatization, especially around Everest Base Camp and Xegar. Starting with the train and finishing in Kathmandu is convenient and scenic, offering both cultural and natural highlights.

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