Himalayan Express

With the opening of the 1,956 kilometre long Qinghai-Tibet railway, a unique opportunity now exists to travel by train between Lhasa and Beijing, over 4,000 kilometres away. Our amazing journey starts in the scenic Sichuan Province where we will be able to visit the adorable Pandas in Chengdu before flying to Lhasa to discover the mystical lands of Tibet. Our return journey is by the Tibetan Railway which crosses the starkly dramatic Qinghai Plateau where we stop to visit the sacred Qinghai Lake. Our trip would not be complete without visiting the Terracotta Warriors and the Great Wall.

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Australia /Chengdu

Fly with Qantas to Chengdu via Hong Kong. Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province, renowned for its natural beauty as well as its popular and distinct cuisine. Transfer to the hotel and tonight enjoy some of Sichuan’s famous cuisine at our delicious welcome dinner.

Day 2: Chengdu

Visit the Panda Reserve to see these delightful animals being rared in surroundings reminiscent of their natural habitat.

Days 3-5: Chengdu to Lhasa

Fly to Lhasa, where upon arrival we will transfer from the airport to our hotel. The next day visit Barkhor Square, the sacred Jokhang Temple, as well as Sera Monastery. The following day visit the ‘crown jewel’ of Tibet, the Patola Palace and Norpulinka, the former summer palace of Dalai Lama.

Day 6: Lhasa - Drepung Monastery

Visit the Drepung Monastery along with Sera Monastery and Ganden Monastery. In the evening enjoy a traditional Tibetan dinner and performance.

Day 7: Lhasa to Gyantse

Travel by coach to Gyantse where we will explore this small town including the mystical Gyantse Kumbum, the largest shrine in Tibet.

Day 8: Gyantse to Shigatse

Drive to Shigatse, the second largest town in Tibet. Here we visit Tashilhunpo Monastery.

Day 9: Shigatse to Lhasa

Return to Lhasa via Yandrok Lake. Upon arrival in Lhasa transfer to our hotel and check-in for our final night in Tibet.

Days 10-11 Lhasa to Xining

Transfer to the railway station for our journey across the Tibetan Plateau. The new train is the first linking Tibet with China and it’s the highest rail link in the world. Travel through unforgettable scenery as our train crosses the Kunlun and Tangula Mountains. Arrive the following day in Xining, capital of the Qinghai Plateau and transfer to our hotel for two nights.

Day 12 Xining to Xian

Enjoy a visit to an ethnic village before transferring to the railway station this evening to board our overnight sleeper train to Xian.

Days 13-14: Arrive Xian

Arrive in Xian this morning. This afternoon visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda and enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao Dumpling Banquet in the evening. The following day, visit the Terracotta Warriors and the Ancient City Wall.

Day 15: Xian to Beijing

Visit the renowned Shaanxi Museum, where thousands of cultural relics are housed. Walk through the lively muslim Quarter, visit the Great Mosque and explore the interesting Islamic food markets, before boarding our overnight sleeper train to Beijing.

Days 16-17: Beijing

Arrive in Beijing early this morning. Our first day of sightseeing includes a visit to the exquisite Summer Palace, This evening try a sample of the most delicious local delicacy, Peking duck. Tomorrow stroll along Tiananmen Square, visit the Forbidden City and the unique Temple of Heaven.

Day 18: Beijing - Great Wall

Enjoy an exciting walk on the Great Wall, a highlight of any trip to China. Our evening entertainment tonight will be a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic Show.

Days 19-20: Beijing to Australia

Enjoy the morning at leisure, before transferring to the airport for our flight, arriving home the following morning filled with many wonderful memories.

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