The Shangri-La Express to Tibet
Beijing-Xian-Lhasa (11 days)
Sept. 21-Oct. 1
WAITLIST ONLY: Aug. 13-23; Sept. 11-21
Join us on this exciting adventures to the "Roof of the World" -- by private train to Tibet. China has recently completed the 713-mile rail line from Golmud to Lhasa, capital of Tibet. Be among the first to experience this new line. Join us on a legendary journey!
Day 1 BEIJING
Passengers are met upon arrival in Beijing and transferred to the five-star Peninsula Palace Hotel, or similar, for a two-night stay. Afternoon sightseeing program includes the Great Wall and an evening visit to Tiananmen Square. Dinner at a restaurant in the Square.
Day 2 BEIJING
After breakfast we visit the famous Temple of Heaven and Forbidden City. Lunch is in the city. Afternoon free time to explore the weekend market (open every day).
Day 3 BEIJING
Morning departure of China’s most prestigious private train, our awaiting Shangri-La Express. Settle into your comfortable cabin and have a drink in the bar car before dinner on board as we head for Luoyang.
Day 4 LUOYANG
Luoyang, in the middle reaches of the Yellow River Valley, has an interesting museum containing many relics from Luoyang’s days of glory, including historical maps of the city, and artefacts recovered from tombs, such as sculpted horses and camels. The day is spent touring this ancient city including a visit to the museum.
Day 5 XIAN
Arrival into the ancient city of Xian; we tour the city this morning with the highlights being the Great Mosque, the 14-km city walls, Drum and Bell Towers and Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The afternoon is dedicated to visiting the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, discovered by peasants barely 30 years ago. The 6,000 Terracotta figures, arranged in row after row of warriors and horses, are one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century and considered one of the wonders of the modern world.
Day 6 LANZHOU
Upon our arrival into Lanzhou, situated on the Yellow River, we take a trip down the river during our afternoon stop here as well as visiting the Gansu Provincial Museum.
Day 7 ARRIVE GOLMUD
Afternoon arrival into Golmud, which is the starting point for the new 1,149km ‘Roof of the World’ railway line to Lhasa.
Day 8 LHASA
On arrival into Lhasa passengers are transferred to the Lhasa Holiday Inn, where we stay for three nights. Once known as one of the most difficult cities on earth to get to, our first day here is spent at the hotel for acclimatisation purposes.
Day 9 LHASA
On the second day we visit the 13th century Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s holiest shrine and the adjacent Barkhor market. Lunch features a concert with traditional folk music. In the afternoon we visit the 17th century Potala Palace, former seat of the Tibetan Government and the Dalai Lama’s winter residence. Containing thousands of rooms, its outline dominates the city and is considered one of the architectural wonders of the world.
Day 10 LHASA
Morning visit to Norbu Lingka, the Dalai Lama’s Summer Palace. Free time in the afternoon to explore Lhasa.
Day 11
Transfers provided for international flight departures.
Prices
Tour Double occupancy Single occupancy Beijing to Lhasa land only: $ 5,395 $ 7,495
All prices are per personNow taking deposits of $1,500 per person to secure space on this historic journey!
Download our tour booking form here. Please read our terms & conditions.
Call us at (800) 478-4881 to secure your space.
Outside the U.S.: (502) 454-0277. Or e-mail us by clicking here.
Click here for other itineraries to Tibet.
The Line to Tibet...
In 2001, the Chinese Government included in its five-year plan the construction of a new, $3.6 billion, 713-mile railway line from Golmud to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. This project had been talked about for years as a way to link Tibet more closely with China. The project was not popular with the Tibetans as they feared that their culture would be overrun by the Han-Chinese once the link was established. In any case, no one could come up with a way to build a railway line through, that would have to climb over 17,000 feet and then cross 450 miles of permafrost. Indeed most engineers doubted that it was possible.
In late 2001, 100,000 workers started construction from Golmud. This was the easy section, having only to climb some 14,000 feet in 120 miles to pass through the Pamir Mountains at 17,146 feet—or 3.25 miles—above sea level. The line then descends onto the Tibetan Plateau, which averages 14,000 feet.
The workers were paid $200 per month, double the national average, and worked around-the-clock. The greatest problems faced were the altitude and cold. At such high altitudes, there must be a constant supply of oxygen available. Workers faced temperatures during the winter of –20ºF (-30ºC). The track is now complete.
The Trains...
Our British partner in this venture is a pioneer in first-time, private train adventures, and leads the way once again with this first-ever arrival of foreign visitors by train to the capital of Tibet—Lhasa. This Tibet trip will be aboard the most comfortable train available in China, the Shangri-La Express.
Aboard this train you will be transported in comfort and safety through the countryside that makes up the most populous nation in the world, China. Relax and enjoy life onboard our moving "hotel on wheels" as we take you back to a time when travel meant adventure and exploration. The train has all of the amenities available to travelers in China today, including: air-conditioned carriages, restaurant cars, first-class international and local cuisine, highly-trained staff that pampers guests with bathrobes, slippers, on-board laundry service and lectures.
Carriages are fitted with two bunk style beds; the lower converts to daytime sofa seating, with cabins being discreetly designed to provide optimal amenities and ample storage space.
The focal point of the train is the ‘bar car’. Whether it be to chat about local traditions, practice your local phrases with our bar staff, or to peruse the books, games, videos and magazines available, passengers can relax and enjoy the comfort of this cozy hive of activity.
Please call us with questions, bookings:
800-478-4881
Click here to send us an e-mail.
