The Tibetan Plateau Circuit
The highest railway in the world: Xining to Lhasa through the Kunlun and Tanggula passes, paired with the Potala Palace and the road to Everest Base Camp.
routes2026-10-18
At a glance
- Best for
- adventure travellers, railway enthusiasts, pilgrims and culture seekers
- Theme
- natural
Overview
The Qinghai-Tibet Railway crosses the world's highest and longest plateau railway — from Xining through Golmud, across the Kunlun and Tanggula passes, to Lhasa. This circuit pairs the train journey with Lhasa's Potala Palace, Jokhang temple and the Himalayan highway to Everest Base Camp.
Day by day
5 — Train + Lhasa essentials
Train Xining–Lhasa (24h), acclimatise 2 days, Potala Palace, Jokhang, Barkhor Street.
10 — Plateau + Everest
Train to Lhasa, 3 days in Lhasa, drive to Shigatse, Everest Base Camp and return. Requires Tibet Travel Permit.
Key stops
- Xining
- Golmud
- Lhasa
- Shigatse
Famous for
- Qinghai-Tibet Railway (world's highest railway, 5,072 m at Tanggula)
- Potala Palace (UNESCO)
- Everest Base Camp (Tibet side)
- Kumbum Monastery (Kumbum stupa and butter sculptures)
Provinces
- qinghai
- tibet