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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.
For advice on where to go, what to do and how to choose your perfect tour, talk to our Travel Experts.
Our Tibetan Railroad tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine.
Explore the historic Tashilhunpo Monastery and join pilgrims in a sacred circuit around this 15th-century spiritual landmark
Stand in awe of the world's tallest peak from the Tibetan side of the mountain, in view of its sheer north face
Historically a center for Buddhism, immerse yourself in the profound cultural and spiritual heritage of this sacred place
An illustrious and age-old city, Xian is starting point of the fabled Silk Road with a history spanning 3,100 years
Watch the sun's rays spread over the rugged, snowy peak of Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain, in what must surely be considered one of the most dramatic and spectacular places to watch the sun rise (weather permitting).
Visit the debating courtyard of Sera, one of Tibet's most prolific monasteries, to watch the monks discussing Buddhist doctrine, using traditional gestures such as clapping, pushing and even screaming to emphasise their points.
Overnight on the 21-hour sleeper train from Xining to Lhasa, the world's highest railway and a marvel of engineering reaching over 5,000 meters in elevation. This specially designed train equipped with two oxygen supply systems passes through stunning mountains, vast plains, and the icy expanse of permafrost.
As it is so huge, China is a country made for train travel. With the world’s biggest and busiest rail networks, and the longest high-speed network, AND the world’s highest rail line, trains are a simple and fast way to deliver you right into the hidden corners of this vast nation. Modern and comfortable, travelling by train here gives more opportunity to see some of the huge variety of landscapes that China boasts and to interact with locals and fellow travellers alike.
China’s high-speed rail network runs to about 45,000 kilometres of track, with trains speeding along at a top speed of 350 kilometres per hour (217 mph). Sleek and sophisticated in appearance and nearly always on time, these bullet trains connect over 200 cities all over the country, and come in three categories, G, D and C.
G trains are the fastest, running during the day, while D is second-fastest and offers overnight facilities like soft sleeper carriages. C trains run between neighbouring cities. All of these trains are air-conditioned, provide free boiled and cold water, have both Western and squat toilets available and have a dining car and café/bar for drinks.
Seats are all forward facing and are wider, softer and plusher with more legroom than your average airline seat. They are also reclinable so you can sit back and watch the landscapes fly by the window or if you’re on one of the newer trains (G category) browse the internet with the train’s Wi-Fi.We take several journeys onboard high-speed trains on our China by Rail and Silk Road Explorer tours.
Although they don’t reach the speeds of their high-speed counterparts, China’s regular train services are just as effective of moving people around the country but tend to be older and with lower quality facilities which is reflected in the price.
Generally air-conditioned, washbasins and boiled water is available at the end of each coach and there is a dining car serving freshly cooked food. There are toilets onboard, but they tend to be squat only. They also come in three categories – Z, T and K – Z being non-stop express trains that operate long distances between cities, running up to 160 kph (99mph), T being express trains with limited tops and K being fast trains that make the most stops of the three.
Regular trains are more likely to offer sleeper services with two classes, soft and hard. Soft sleepers offer compartments with a closing door, with four berths, two on each side, with a pillow and sheet provided, plus an individual reading light – we use this class of carriage on our Tibetan Railroad tour.
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.
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. In the evening, enjoy a dumpling feast and Tang Dynasty dancing show.
Transfer to the train station to board the 5-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.
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 onboard the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the highest rail journey in the world. Please refer to the tour dossier for further information on the rail experience.
Traverse the 5,072 metre Tanggula Pass and across the stark beauty of the Tibetan Plateau to the 'roof of the world', Lhasa. Watch from your window as you cross huge plains and permafrost and pass spectacular lakes, mountains and wildlife. Whether you prefer to unwind with a book, engage in a game of cards, or enjoy a meal in the dining carriage, there's ample opportunity to relax during this scenic rail journey. 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. Please refer to the tour dossier for further information on this rail journey, facilities onboard and managing Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS).
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.
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 white. Next, visit Norbulingka, Lhasa's answer to Beijing's Summer Palace, set in parkland just outside the city.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Continue to the pleasant 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'.
Travel along the Brahmaputra River to Tsedang. Visit Gangpo Ri, the 'birthplace of the Tibetan people'.
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.
Fly 2 hours to Chengdu. On arrival, transfer to your hotel where the rest of the day will be at leisure before a farewell dinner this evening. Your guide will be on hand to suggest activities or places to explore, or you can use the time to just relax in your hotel.
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.
Places Visited: UK – Xian (2N) – Xining (1N) – Qinghai-Tibet Railway (1N) – Lhasa (3N) – Shigatse (2N) – Mt Everest Base Camp (1N) – Shigatse (1N) – Gyantse (1N) – Tsedang (1N) – Lhasa (1N) – Chengdu (1N) – UK
All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.
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Departures for Solo travellers only are available for this tour on selected
dates.
In addition to being for solos only these departures feature smaller group sizes, free
airport lounge access and complimentary cocktails on arrival.
There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.
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