Tibet
China
     

Tibet by Train

Beijing & Lhasa (8 days)
or Beijing - Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Lhasa (11 days)

Tiananmen, the Gate of Heavenly Peace shields the elaborate grandeur of the Forbidden City from the vast expanse of the great square. 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties ruled from within its impressive walls.

The new high altitude rail line to Lhasa offers a unique view of the vast Tibetan Plateau - the scenery is simply awesome. The Golmud-Lhasa section of this epic rail journey opened in July 2005. The tracks zig zag 1142 km. across the Kunlun and Tanggula mountain ranges - reaching over 5000meters at its highest point.

The lure of Lhasa, capital on the roof of the world, cannot be under-estimated and it is truly a fascinating city, fully justifying its reputation. Dominated by the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Potala Palace and bustling with pilgrims circling the sacred Jokhang Temple it is a feast for the senses.

On yourlast evening in Lhasa we invite you to e njoy a Tibetan buffet dinner & cultural show

11-Day Option
Cross the spectacular Khamba-La (pass) with the turquoise waters of the sacred lake, Yamdrok-tso, spread below. Prayer flags, glaciers, snow covered mountain ranges - the scenery is incredible!

Gyantse stands at the junction of trade routes from India and retains the feel of a Tibetan town. The forts and well-protected monasteries of Gyantse and Shigatse reveal a not always peaceful history - the riches within, testament to past glory.

Tashilhunpo Monastery, seat of the Panchen Lama and one of the most important monasteries of the Gelukpa order, dominates the hillside behind the town - its golden roofs glittering in the afternoon sun.

Follow the Brahmaputra east to Tsetang to visit the secondof Tibet's great geomantic temples - Tradruk and one of Tibet's most dramatic buildings- the palace monastery of Yambulakhang.

Itinerary
Days 1-2 Beijing Days 3-4 train Days 5-7 Lhasa Day 8 Depart.
OR
Days 1-2 Beijing Days 3-4 train Days 5-7 Lhasa Day 8 Gyantse Day 9 Shigatse Day 10 Tsetang & Yambulakhang Day 11 Depart


Departures
A private departure at any time using good 2-3 star accommodation.
Best: April-November
Forbidden City
China's most iconic symbol are well aware of how cute they are - especially the young ones whose clumsy antics can entertain for hours.
Potala Palace
The symbol of Tibet, this awesome palace containing over 1000 rooms and 200,000 images dominates the city. The 7th century building was replaced by the current 130,000square meter structure in the 17th century.

Jokhang Temple
This 1300-year-old, golden-roofed building is the spiritual heart ofLhasa and of the Tibetan world. The courtyard in front of the entrance is almost constantly filled with prostrating pilgrims – inside the labyrinth of shrines, halls and galleries are dimly lit by butter lamps and filled with pilgrims and incense and house some of the finest treasures of Tibetan art.

Sera
One of Tibet's largest and most important monastic universities. Watch the monks from the philosophical college debate in the afternoons and be blessed at the shrine of the protector Hayagriva.
Gyantse
Built at the center of the trade routes from Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan, by 1440 Gyantse’s most impressive architectural achievements had been completed – the Kumbum, the dzong and Pelkor Chode monastery.
Tashilumpo
Founded in 1447 the original building was built above a sacred sky-burial site, the stone slab of which can still be seen on the floor. At its peak it housed 4700 monks and is still the largest functioning monastic community in Tibet. The most amazing image is the 26m Maitreya, covered with 279 kg of gold.

Tour Cost:
8-day option
1 person: € 880
2 people: € 640 p/p
3-4 people: € 610 p/p
single supplement: €150

11-day option
1 person: € 1440
2 people: € 820 p/p
3 people: € 690 p/p
4 people: € 620 p/p
single supplement: €170

Flight Cost
Return flight is not included in the tour cost as many travelers prefer to fly to other destinations in China or to Nepal at the end of their tour.
Lhasa - Beijing approx €242
Lhasa-Chengdu approx €165
Lhasa - Shanghai approx €280
Lhasa- Kathmandu USD320

 

Physical Grading:Moderate
Culture Shock Grading: Moderate
Accommodation: Hotel, sleeper train
Transport: Train, private vehicle
Accompanied by: Tibetan guide
 Meals: Breakfast in Lhasa (4). Tibetan buffet & cultural show (Lhasa).
Included Sightseeing:
Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City (Beijing), Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery (Lhasa)
11-day option: as above plus Pelkor Choede & Gyantse Kumbum, Tashilumpo Monastery.

*please note that in peak periods only hard sleeper train tickets may be available.

     


Tibetan Expeditions
100 Beijing Dong Lu, Lhasa, Tibet, PRC
Tel: +86-891-6330489
Fax: +86-891-6330482
Mobile: +86-891-6571338
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