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From Badain Jaran to Lhasa

From Badain Jaran to Lhasa

Mongolia
12
3,391
summer
OverviewItineraryDates & PricingGalleryIs this tour Right for you

Overview

This is a fascinating private tour to some of China’s least-traveled regions. The trip begins with a thrilling ride through the mysterious sand dunes of the Badain Jaran Desert. Dotted with thousands of crystal-clear lakes locked amidst some of the world’s highest sand dunes, the Badain Jaran Desert features a landscape like no other. Drive out of the desert and continue through Qinghai Province, part of historical Tibet, and today home to diverse ethnic groups of distinct traditions and religions. After touring Qinghai, hop aboard the Sky Train, a true engineering feat that ascends along the Tibetan Plateau all the way to Lhasa. End the trip with a few days of exploring some of the most revered sites of Tibetan Buddhism and meeting the Tibetan people and culture up close. Recommended travel dates from the Badain Jaran Desert to Lhasa are June to September. However, July and August might be a bit more crowded (please refer to the list of Chinese national holidays below, during which these rates might not apply).

Highlights

  • Badain Jaran Desert. Explore the world’s tallest sand dunes dotted with surreal blue lakes and remote desert temples.
  • Danxia & Binggou Landscapes. Walk through rainbow-colored mountains and sculpted sandstone valleys.
  • Silk Road Zhangye. Visit ancient temples, wetlands, and night markets in a historic trading hub.
  • Sky Train to Lhasa. Ride the world’s highest railway across the Tibetan Plateau.
  • Sacred Tibet. Discover Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace, Sera Monastery debates, and Norbulingka gardens.
  • Yamdrok Lake & Yarlung Valley. Witness one of Tibet’s holiest lakes and the cradle of Tibetan civilization.
  • Samye Monastery. Visit the first Buddhist monastery ever built in Tibet, laid out as a mandala.

Itinerary

Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.

Beijing
Day 1
Arrival In Beijing
Zhangye
Day 2
Fly From Beijing To Zhangye
Badain Jaran Desert
Day 3
Drive to Badain Jaran
Bor Tulguu Lake
Day 4
From Badain Jaran Back To Zhangye
Xining
Day 5
By Bullet Train From Zhangye To Xining
Canbula National Forest Park
Day 6
Day Excursion To Canbula
Lhasa
Day 7
Riding The Sky Train To Lhasa
Jokhang
Day 8
Arrival In Lhasa
Potala Palace
Day 9
Exploring Lhasa
Tsedang
Day 10
From Lhasa To Tsedang
Beijing (2)
Day 11
Flight Back to Beijing
Beijing Capital International Airport
Day 12
Departure From China

Loading map...

Itinerary

Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.

Beijing

Zhangye

Badain Jaran Desert

Bor Tulguu Lake

Xining

Canbula National Forest Park

Lhasa

Jokhang

Potala Palace

Tsedang

Beijing (2)

Beijing Capital International Airport

Dates & Pricing

Badain Jaran to Lhasa private tour rates are quoted in US Dollars and are valid for 2 or more confirmed travelers.

Note: These Chinese private tour rates are valid all year round, but are not valid for tours that occur (in whole, or in part) during Chinese national holidays:
New Year (1-3 Jan 2025)
Chinese Spring Festival (28 Jan-03 Feb 2025)
Qingming Festival (4-6 Apr 2025)
Labor Day Holiday (1-3 May 2025)
Dragon Boat Festival (30 May-02 Jun 2025)
Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day (1-8 Oct 2025)

Trips@Asia reserves the right to change China private tour prices and programs due to changes in flight schedules, changes in airfares, and other local circumstances.

Prices are based on twin share occupancy.

Rates for private groups of 2 travelers and above:
2 travelers- US$4,590/ person
4 travelers- US$3,782/ person

**Granting travel permits to both Badain Jaran and Tibet are at the absolute discretion of the Chinese Government, and might be declined at any time without prior notice.


Dates
Status
PriceNotes
16 Jun 2026 - 27 Jun 2026available$ 3,391(For a group of 6 or more) $631 Single Room Supplement

Additional Information

Inclusions

  • 2 domestic flights Beijing/Zhangye-Lhasa/Beijing
  • Accommodation at hotels selected including breakfast
  • Bullet train Zhangye-Xining by 1st class
  • Soft-sleeper (4-berth) compartment for Sky train Xining-Lhasa
  • Transfer by private A/C vehicle (except transportation in Badain Jaran- no A/C)
  • 4WD for 2 days in Badain Jaran Desert
  • Meals as indicated in the program
  • English speaking guide for each area as per program
  • Entry fees for all sightseeing as mentioned on the program
  • Badain Jaran desert travel permit
  • Tibet travel permit

Exclusions

  • International travel to and from China
  • Travel insurance
  • PCR/COVID tests, or any tests that might be required for international or domestic travel
  • Expenses that might incur due to the results of COVID tests before, during or after the tour
  • Chinese tourist visa
  • Excess luggage
  • Gratuities
  • Expenses of personal nature (food and drinks beyond those provided, laundry, etc.)
  • Anything not clearly mentioned in the program

Accommodation

  • Beijing - Park Plaza Wangfujing Hotel 4-star
  • Zhangye- Dinghe International Hotel 4-star
  • Badain Jaran- Local simple guesthouse
  • Xining- Enraton International Hotel 4-star
  • Lhasa- Four Points by Sheraton 4-star
  • Tsedang- Tsedang Hotel 4-star
  • Beijing at the end of the trip- Crowne Plaza Beijing International Airport 5-star

Note: Note: the listed hotels are tentative. The final hotel list shall be confirmed upon booking and deposit payment.

Is this trip right for you?

You’re fascinated by extreme landscapes. This itinerary moves through deserts, high plateaus, wetlands, mountains, and sacred lakes, often far from cities.

You’re comfortable with basic conditions at times. Desert guesthouses and remote regions prioritize location over comfort.

You’re ready for high altitude. Lhasa and surrounding areas sit above 3,500 meters, and acclimatization is essential.

You enjoy long journeys as part of the experience. Flights, long drives, off-road travel, trains, and an overnight rail journey are integral to the route.

You’re curious about spiritual traditions. Tibetan Buddhism, pilgrimage sites, and monastic life are major parts of the experience.

You value depth over speed. This is not a highlights dash but a layered journey through history, geography, and belief systems.