11 Days Chengdu Lehsan Emei & Tibet Train Tour via Qinghai-Tibet Railway

Nihao! Welcome to Chengdu, the Hometown of Giant Pandas! Your private driver and guide will be ready for you when you arrive in Chengdu. Enjoy a trouble-free transfer to your hotel. The rest of today is yours to relax in panda city on your own.

Arrival Ideas:
Chengdu is well connected by air and high-speed rail. There are two airports - Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport operating many international and domestic airlines. Travelers can go to Chengdu by air from most cities in China, like Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xian, Guilin, Hangzhou, Kunming, Lhasa, Lanzhou, Wuhan, Xiamen, Guiyang, Chongqing… In addition, travelers can take high speed train to Chengdu from Xian (3-4 hours), Chongqing (1.5-2 hours), Guiyang (3.5-4.5 hours), Kunming (6-6.5 hours), etc.

Recommended Optional Evening Activities:
1)Watch a wonderful Sichuan Opera performance which includes face changing, spitting fire, hand shadows, puppet show, dancing, singing and acrobatics. (usually from 20:00 to 21:30).
2)Appreciate the city’s night view by boat (30mins) along the Jinjiang River, which winds through central Chengdu. ( 18:00~23:30)

In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel, then be driven about 2 hours from Chengdu to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site - Leshan Giant Buddha which is the largest and tallest stone-carved statue of Buddha in the world. Standing at the confluence of two rivers, the extraordinary, monumental 1200-year-old Buddha image at Le Shan is carved directly into the rock face. The monument stands 71m (233ft) tall and 28m (92ft) wide making it the largest ancient Buddha in the world. His shoulders span 28m, and each of his big toes is 8.5m long. His ears are 7m. He is indeed grand. There is a local saying: "The mountain is a Buddha and the Buddha is a mountain".

You will walk down and up and watch the Buddha from a very close distance. It allows you to see each part of Leshan Giant Buddha closely and presents you with a surprising experience with many ancient Buddhist temples, sculptures, caves and religious relics on the way up to mountain top near the head of the Buddha. (Recommended Optional Activity: The plank pathways are steep and narrow. If it is not convenient for you to walk, you can take a cruise to get a panoramic view and fully appreciate this Buddha’s magnitude on the river.)

Later you will be driven about 45 kilometers to Baoguo Temple, which is the biggest temple of Mount Emei at the mountain foot. After tour, drive to check in at your hotel and have a good rest.

You will spend a full day visiting Mount Emei, which is one of the World Heritage Sites for both cultural and natural heritages. Mount Emei is one of the four famous sacred Buddhist mountains in China, with numerous Buddhist temples and monasteries. Beyond its rich cultural heritage, the mountain also stands on the edge of the eastern Himalayan highlands and hosts a diverse range of plants and animals and amazing natural scenery.

You will take a relaxing way to visit Mount Emei by sightseeing bus+hiking+cable car. Tourist Center - Sightseeing Bus to Leidongping( about 1.5~2 hours) - Walk 30mins to Jieyin Hall - Go up to Golden Summit by cable car(5mins) - Sightseeing in Golden Summit - Ascend the Mountain in the Same Way.

It will help you save energy and focus on the highlights of Mount Emei. The Golden Summit is an extravagance of natural wonders and Buddhism spiritualism, which comprises of four marvelous spectacles of Sunrise, Cloud Sea, Buddhist Light and sacred lamp. You can stroll around the Golden Summit to explore Buddhist architecture and tradition, and enjoy a panoramic view of Mount Emei and surrounding. If weather permits, you will have luck to enjoy its magnificent wonder of Cloud Sea.

After the tour, your guide and driver will escort you back to the hotel in Chengdu.

After breakfast, you are going to fulfill your panda dream with a 17-kilometer drive to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Also called Chengdu Panda Base, accommodated over 100 pandas, it is the base with the largest population of captive giant pandas in the world. You will see giant pandas of different ages there. It’s great fun to watch them playing, eating, climbing, sleeping... If you come in autumn, you will have the chance to see the pink newborn giant panda cubs in the Sunshine Nursery House and the Moonlight Nursery House. Besides giant pandas, you can also meet the cute red pandas walking by your side in the Red Panda Playgrounds. Then follow your guide to discover more about pandas’ secrets through the Panda Museum. (Note: Pandas like cool weather, so we advise you to arrive there early as pandas are more active in the morning.)

Later, pay a visit to Chengdu’s Renmin Park to witness the city’s slow lifestyle and how the local people are doing. Order a cup of fragrant green tea while sitting in the time-honored tea-house, chat with your friends and see locals playing mahjong and having fun. After that, take a relaxed stroll at one of the city’s “new old” walking streets - Kuanzhai Alley and feel the “new life” of Chengdu. An ancient block gathers buildings from the late Qing Dynasty, early Republic of China and the early western-style buildings. There are all kinds of Chengdu sneaks, folk arts and crafts nightclubs, and coffee shops which makes it one of the most active places in Chengdu. (Optional Activity: Try some local spicy dishes such as chuanchuan, dandan noodles, or even get out of your comfort zone and try some rabbit's head!)

After the tour, you will be transferred to the train station for your train to Lhasa. Train No. Z322 departs every other day from Chengdu West Railway Station at 21:08. The total train is about 37 hours’ ride and arrives at Lhasa Railway Station at 10:24 on the third day. (Note: Please be sure to bring your Tibet Permit which will be checked when you board the train.)

Kind Reminder:
The Chengdu-Lhasa train is available every other day. Please contact your travel consultant to confirm the train schedule.

You are riding on Qinghai-Tibet Railway - the world’s highest railway. Pull up a window seat to view Himalayan mountains, shimmering lakes, plains dotted with yaks and herders’ tents, and barren deserts, as you inch slowly up onto the high plateau. Keep your eyes peeled throughout the journey for antelope, foxes and wild asses, plus the occasional nomad.

Useful Tips:
Sleeping Berths: The train has four types of sleeping berths, including soft sleeper, hard sleeper, soft seat, and hard seat.
Dining: The train offers a variety of Chinese and Tibetan dishes in dining cars. If Chinese food is not to your taste, you can bring some instant food.
Toilets: The train has both Western-style and squat-style toilets available in each soft sleeper carriage. However, passengers should be prepared for their towels, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer.
Oxygen Supplies: When reaching to Xining, all passengers usually are required to transfer to another train that is equipped with an oxygen supply system to help passengers acclimate to the high altitude of the Tibetan Plateau.

Altitude: 3650m

After the morning on the train enjoying the views outside, the train finally arrives in Lhasa.

Tashi Delek! Welcome to Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region! Upon your arrival at the train station in Lhasa, the tour guide and driver will meet you at the exit, and then escort you to the hotel in downtown Lhasa. You can have a good rest to get used to the altitude (3,650m) in your hotel and get ready to explore Lhasa with your guide the next day.

Kind Reminds:
1. It is good to avoid highland sickness by slowing down, keeping warm, drinking some water frequently, not showering for the first one or two days, taking it easy, and sleeping well.
2. You should always follow your doctor’s advice on altitude according to your health condition.
3. Be sure to let your guide or the hotel staff know whenever you feel unwell or need help. The people there are always willing to help and good at dealing with altitude sickness.

Altitude: 3650m

Today, you and your group will explore Lhasa by visiting Jokhang Temple, a world cultural heritage site renowned for its brilliant architecture, culture, art, and history. After that, you will experience Tibetan Buddhism by witnessing the Monks' Debating in Sera Monastery. Finally, you can stroll through the famous Barkhor Street with locals and learn more about the daily kora life of Tibetans.

Located in the heart of Lhasa for over 1300 years, the Jokhang Temple is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all over the world. Famed as the spiritual center of Tibet, it is said that the Jokhang Monastery was built for King Songtsen Gampo's two brides: Chinese Princess Wencheng and Nepalese Princess Bhrikuti. "Jokhang" means "House of Buddha", and it houses a life-size statue of the 12-year-old Sakyamuni, which is considered a treasure of the Buddhist world. This is why Buddhist pilgrims consider it the holiest destination. The Jakhong temple is also renowned for its beautiful architecture. You can admire the intricate carvings, colorful murals, ornate decorations, and details of the building, which is a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture. Time seems to stand still as you watch people pray in front of the temple during the day and night. (Please note that the visit order may be adjusted based on the reservation of your Jokhang Temple Ticket Reservation.)

In the afternoon, drive approximately 30km (50 minutes) to visit Sera Monastery, which is one of the three great Gelug university monasteries of Tibet. It offers the opportunity to experience Tibetan Buddhism up close. The highlight of Sera Monastery is watching the monks' debate, which takes place around 15:00-17:00 (except on Sundays). The debate is an interesting form of exchange, where one monk acts as the questioner, standing while the answerer or group of answerers sit. The standing monk asks questions and slaps his palms and stomps, each action having a special meaning, such as activating wisdom, and are not meant to be aggressive. You will also have the chance to attend prayer ceremonies, visit meditation halls, and learn about the monastic way of life. It is a must-visit destination to gain insight into the beliefs and practices of Tibetan Buddhism.

Afterward, head back to downtown Lhasa for a walk on busy Barkhor Street near the Jokhang Monastery, which was a place for Buddhists to do a kora (pilgrim circuit) in ancient times. Nowadays, it has become a thriving local market where you can drink a pot of yak butter tea, dress in Tibetan clothes for photos, and pick up some local Tibetan, Nepalese, and Indian handicrafts and souvenirs.

Altitude: 3650m

Today you will explore the world’s highest palace for its brilliant architectures, culture, and history, then visits to one of the "great three" Gelug university monasteries in Tibet - the Drepung Monastery.

In the morning, you can walk into Potala Palace (World Heritage), the traditional residence and winter palace of the Dalai Lama (1649-1959). It takes 365 steps from potala gate to reach the Red Palace which is the highest palace in the world at an altitude of 3,700m. Through the principal halls, chapels, and shrines of past Dalai Lamas in the Red Palace, you will be astonished and touched by its remarkable paintings, gorgeous jeweled works, skilled carving, colorful ornamentation, and the mystery stories behind the treasures. Inside the Potala Palace you will meet lots of Tibetan pilgrims who come all the way from afar to this sacred site to pray as their life time destination. You can also ask your guide to share more information about Songtsen Gampo, the 33rd king of Tibet, who first build the Potala Palace in the 7th century for his marriage to Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty. (Note: We may adjust the visit order due to the visiting time of your Potala Palace Ticket. All visitors must visit the Potala Palace with a tour group while staying inside for an hour. No photo inside.)

Then, drive about 35 minutes (12km) to visit the Drepung Monastery, which was the largest Tibetan monastery (of the Gelug Sect) in Lhasa. It used to be the palace of the Dalai Lama before he moved to the Potala Palace in the 17th century. Today, it is famous for the Drepung Shoton Festival held each August, where people come to offer yogurt to the monks who have finished their 100 days of meditation. You can also witness the grandest Buddha/Thangka Unfolding Ceremony. Besides the unique architecture and amazing buildings, you can watch monks debating in Tibetan Buddhism, which is vibrant and active with expansive gestures, clapping, and stamping. After visiting the Drepung Temple, you will have about a 2-hour Tibetan culture tour, which includes an introduction, Tibetan incense making, and block printing.

Altitude: 3850m | Distance: 380km, about 7 hours’ drive

On this day, drive about 8 to 9 hours (340km) from Lhasa to Shigatse, with a visit to two amazing natural landscapes - Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier - on the way.

In the morning, after about 3 to 4 hours of driving (200km), make sure to have your camera ready. When you reach Kampala Pass (4,797 meters), you'll have a breathtaking view of Yamdrok Lake, a freshwater lake down below, as well as spectacular views of the holy Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar in the distance. It is one of the four largest sacred lakes in Tibet, along with Lhamo Latso Lake, Manasarovar Lake, and Namtso Lake. Yamdrok Lake offers stunning views of the Tibetan plateau and is said to be able to help Tibetans find the reincarnated soul of the Dalai Lama. Moreover, you may see dressed-up Tibetan mastiffs, dogs, goats, and yaks there. It is optional for you to pay 5-10 yuan to pose with and take photos of them; for local Tibetans, it's a way to earn extra income for their families.

In the afternoon, drive about 1.5 hours (70km) to visit one of the most beautiful glaciers in Tibet - Karola Glacier, the filming location of the movie "Red Valley" (Hong He Gu). As one of Tibet's three major continental glaciers, backed by the southern slope of Naiqin Kangsang Peak (7,191 meters), one of the four highest peaks in Tibet, this white glacier is also the source of the eastern part of the Nianchu River. The Karola Glacier (5,012m) is only 300 meters away from the highway connecting Lhasa to Gyantse town, and you can view it right from your vehicle. You can also easily walk to the foot of the charming glacier, which has a shape like a frozen waterfall right above the road and you. Besides the fantastic hike to the Karola Glacier, on the opposite side of the road, you can appreciate the beautiful snow-capped mountain of Mt Kalurong.

After that, drive to Gyantse County for a look at the Gyantse Kumbum sitting inside the Pelkor Chode Monastery. Marvel at the 32-meter structure adorned with intricate carvings, sculptures, and frescoes and take a look at the stupa inside. Later, continue your driving (97km, 2 hours) to your hotel in Shigatse, the nearest town on the Friendship Highway between Tibet and Nepal. Have a good rest and get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to EBC the next day.

Notes for visiting Karola Glacier:
1. The altitude at the glacier scenic spot is about 5,012m, so be sure to slow down to avoid altitude sickness.
2. The public toilet at the glacier is very basic.
3. Local people may ask you to take photos with them for a fee. Be sure to ask before taking photos to avoid potential issues.

Altitude: 3650m | Distance: 340km, about 7 hours’ drive

This morning, you will pay a visit to Tashilunpo Monastery. After that, take a train (about 2.5 hours) or take a vehicle (about 8 hours, 340km) back to Lhasa.

Founded by His Holiness the 1st Dalai Lama, Gyalwa Gedun Drup in 1447, Tashilunpo Monastery is the largest monastery in Tsang Area of Tibet. In Tashilunpo Monastery, you can visit the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, Tibet's second-highest incarnation. Pay a visit to the ancient tombs of the fourth and tenth Panchen Lama, as well as the chortens, which hold the bones and remains of the sacred Tibetan lamas. Learn more from your guide about Panchen Lamas and Dalai Lamas while appreciating the brilliant religious painting on Tibetan architecture, listening to the Tibetan Buddhism chanting by local monks, and even participating in the kora like locals. Don’t forget to hike up to the top of the monastery for a stunning bird’s eye view of the monastery itself and Shigatse City.

Afterward, head back to your hotel in downtown Lhasa for a good rest.

Altitude: 3650m | Distance: 100km, about 1.5 hours’ drive

It is time to end your 11-day Chengdu Tibet Train tour. You will have some free time in Lhasa and explore more on your own till your guide escorts you to the airport/train station for your flight or high speed train to your next destination. 

Extension Ideas: If you prefer to travel longer in Tibet, you can extend your trip to other highlighted parts of Tibet, including Namtso Lake, Everest Base Camp,Mount Kailash and Ancient Guge Kingdom. Tell us your ideas.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your China tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia. Safe journey!