Package Details

Morning：visit the lakeshore to watch the Qinghai Lake sunrise: as the sun rises gently over the water, golden light sparkles on the lake surface, creating a dreamlike, enchanting spectacle. Next, travel to “Mirror of the Sky” Chaka Salt Lake in the Qaidam Basin, a natural crystalline salt lake with a mirror-like surface and thick salt layers. Dress in vibrant clothing to walk on the lake, where the sky and your reflection merge, creating a fairy-tale scene perfect for photos.

Afternoon：arrive in Guide, a town renowned for the saying “The Yellow River is clearest at Guide,” and soak in its unique charm.

Morning：visit to Ashigong Danxia Scenic Area, where colorful danxia landforms, canyons, and caves form a natural geological museum. The uniquely shaped peaks inspire awe at nature’s craftsmanship.

Afternoon：return to Xining and board the Qinghai-Tibet Railway for Tibet. Enjoy changing plateau landscapes from the train as you embark on a unique journey, spending the night on board.

Morning：visit to the Potala Palace, Tibet’s iconic landmark and a historic palace-fortress-monastery complex. Next, explore the Thousand-Buddha Cliff, where thousands of vivid, colorful statues—dating back to the 7th century Tang Dynasty—cover the cliff face, a testament to centuries of craftsmanship.

Afternoon：visit the Jokhang Temple, home to the 12-year-old Jowo Buddha statue brought to Tibet by Princess Wencheng, a supremely sacred relic in Tibetan Buddhism. Witness devout pilgrims from afar, moved by their devotion. 

Then, embark on a Barkhor Street Citywalk, a “moving meditation” alongside prostrating pilgrims, feeling the warmth of the stone pavement. 

Choose one of two cultural experiences: Thangka painting or Tibetan incense making. Learn to craft traditional incense from cypress, musk, and sandalwood, or paint a thangka under a master’s guidance, connecting with faith through minerals and pigments.

Morning：pilgrimage to Zaki Temple, Tibet’s only temple dedicated to wealth and a branch of Sera Monastery. Locals and visitors alike bring white liquor and hada scarves to worship, believing it grants wishes.

Next, explore Norbulingka, Tibet’s largest and most scenic man-made garden, divided into palace, front palace, and forest zones. Wander its pathways like exploring a meticulously designed RPG map of Tibetan architecture.

Afternoon：visit to Sera Monastery, one of the six major Gelugpa monasteries. Watch monks in crimson robes engage in lively philosophical debates (afternoons except weekends), a collision of faith and wisdom.

Morning：Drive along ancient Tibetan secret paths to the cliffside Zayeba Temple, where 108 meditation caves hold the hidden teachings of Padmasambhava. At Ganden Monastery, search for Tsongkhapa’s relic stupa amid labyrinthine maroon monasteries, as debate chants from the mountain (summit) reveal 600 years of Gelugpa heritage.

Afternoon：participate in a prayer flag ceremony at Najin Mountain Pass. Hang colorful flags inscribed with wishes, turning Lhasa into your personal wishing pool.

Evening optional: Attend the Princess Wencheng live outdoor drama (additional cost), a storytelling spectacle set against the Potala Palace, recreating the princess’s marriage to Tibet 1,300 years ago. Book with your guide one day in advance.