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Tibetan Railroad

18 Day Go Beyond Group Tour

All aboard the world’s highest railway as you travel from Xining in western China, up and over the 5,072-meter Tanggula Pass, across the stark beauty of the Tibetan Plateau to the sacred city of Lhasa. An incredible feat of engineering that passes spectacular lakes and mountains, crossing huge plains and permafrost at the “roof of the world”, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway puts you right in the heart of Tibet’s gigantic landscapes.

Immerse yourself in this once-in-a-lifetime expedition through Tibet’s rich past and vibrant present. Experience three incredible rail journeys, explore the palaces, temples, and monasteries of Lhasa, Shigatse, and Gyantse, stand in awe of Mt Everest at sunrise, and savour tasty local cuisine.

Your tour highlights

  • Xian
  • Xining
  • Lhasa
  • Shigatse
  • Rongbuk
  • Gyantse
  • Tsedang
  • Chengdu
  • Mount Everest Base Camp

Tour itinerary

Day
1-2
Fly to Xian

Fly overnight to Xian, the ancient former capital. You will be met in the arrival hall by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Day
3
Terracotta Warriors

After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors and horses. Visit the workshop to see where the warriors are intricately recreated in the style of their ancient counterparts and stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xian’s old town. Take a walking tour of the narrow and winding streets of the lively Muslim Quarter and gain an insight into the city’s fascinating culture and significance as the start of the Silk Road. In the evening, enjoy a dumpling feast and Tang Dynasty dancing show.

Day
4
Bullet Train to Xining

Board a five-hour bullet train to Xining, the capital city of Qinghai province in western China. Head to the Qinghai Tibet Cultural Centre to see the impressive 618-metre-long hand-painted thangka (a traditional Tibetan Buddhist painting) and the largest display in the world. End the day at the lively night street markets and sample some of the delicious local cuisine.

Day
5
Overnight train to Tibet

Explore the sacred Kumbum Monastery, also known as Ta’er Temple. Later, transfer to the railway station to embark on the incredible 21-hour overnight train to Lhasa on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the highest rail journey in the world. Please refer to the tour dossier for further information on the rail experience.

Day
6
Lhasa

Riding the highest railway in the world, under the gaze of 5,000 metre plus mountain peaks, you’ll cross a range of astonishing high landscapes and traverse the breathtaking Tanggula Pass (5,231 metres) on your journey across the ‘roof of the world’. Arrive in Lhasa, the heart and soul of Tibet, in the afternoon. The remainder of the day is free to relax and acclimatise to the altitude.

Day
7
Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Circuit

Lhasa is a quickly growing modern city but among the narrow, old streets you will feel a million miles from the stresses and strains of the modern world. Wander around the Barkhor Circuit to see traditionally dressed locals, stalls of religious trinkets and prostrating pilgrims. Inside the Jokhang Temple, the devotion is palpable as queues of people worship in the flickering light of yak butter candles. There will also be a visit to Sera Monastery, one of the three great monasteries of Tibet, to witness the debating monks. This evening, enjoy a tasty Tibetan dinner and dance performance.

Day
8
Potala Palace

This morning, visit the iconic palace of Potala, the largest monastery in the world. Sitting atop Red Mountain, the Potala Palace is painted in a traditional Tibetan blend of deep red and stark white. Next, visit Norbulingka, Lhasa’s answer to Beijing’s Summer Palace, set in parkland just outside the city.

Day
9
Train to Shigatse

Travel across Tibet’s stark plains to Shigatse. Dominated by a fort reminiscent of the Potala, Shigatse is Tibet’s second city and the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. Enjoy some free time to explore the local markets.

Day
10
Shigatse

Visit Shalu and Tashilhunpo Monastery, which was founded in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama, and join the pilgrims on their ‘Kora’ (circumnavigation) of the Monastery.

Day
11
Mount Everest Base Camp

Rise early for the drive through some of the world’s most incredible scenery to the Rongbuk Township with stops along the way. With Mount Everest dominating the horizon, stop by the world’s highest post office, then continue to Everest Base Camp Boundary Monument. Situated under the gaze of Everest’s north face, the views of the world’s highest peak are unsurpassed (weather permitting). Visit Rongbuk Monastery, draped in colourful prayer flags, as well as the small Old Rongbuk Monastery. Stay overnight in a Tibetan tent camp or guesthouse, depending on the weather conditions

Day
12
Sunrise over Everest

Rise early to see a glorious sunrise over Everest (weather permitting) before returning to Shigatse, passing the Tso La Pass and Gyatso La Pass and enjoying the awe-inspiring views.

Day
13
Gyantse

Travel to the charming town of Gyantse. Visit Gyantse Kumbum as well as the Tsang Traditional Folk House to see a traditional kitchen and taste some local snacks and homebrewed ‘chang’.

Day
14
Tsedang

Travel along the Brahmaputra River to Tsedang. Visit Gangpo Ri, the ‘birthplace of the Tibetan people’.

Day
15
Yumbulhakang Palace

Perched on a hill over the Yarlung River, legend says that the ancient Yumbulhakang Palace was the first building in Tibet and the palace of the first Tibetan king. Continue to Tradruk Monastery and the King’s Tomb before returning to Lhasa for an evening at leisure.

Day
16
Fly to Chengdu

Fly to Chengdu, transferring to your hotel on arrival. The rest of the day will be at leisure for you to relax or explore, with a farewell dinner this evening.

Day
17-18
Depart Chengdu

Your day is at leisure until it’s time to transfer to the airport for your flight back home, arriving the next day.

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Tour pricing:

from $10,280

per person twin/double share*

To secure your place now:

Phone: 03 364 3400 or 0800 747 737
Email: [email protected]

Contact Us for details

Tour Inclusions:

Transportation:

  • International flights and current taxes
  • Domestic transportation.

Accommodation:

  • 15 nights in 3/4+ star accommodation plus shared 4-berth train sleeper cabin & shared Mt Everest Base Camp tent camp.

Visas:

  • Visa fees & processing for NZ passports

Meals:

  • Breakfasts: 14 , Lunches: 12 , Dinners: 12.
Physical Rating 4
  • Extended walking. Physical activities on challenging terrain.

Not included:

Conditions:

Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 July 2024. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available. Customary tipping amount of approximately RMB895pp is paid locally in China. Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost. Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. NZ regional departures and flight upgrades available on request. Land only (Xian- Chengdu) 13 days from $9,080 per person, twin share Single Supplement from $2,000 (does not apply to Solo Exclusive Departures) Price listed is based on new bookings only
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