The Shangri-La Express to Tibet
Beijing-Xian-Lhasa (11 days)
May 3-13, 2008*
*No single supplement
Reverse (Lhasa-Beijing) itinerary: Oct. 8-18, 2008Be among the first Westerners to discover Tibet by train on the new, 713-mile Golmud-Lhasa railroad line. Tibet—the Roof of the World—is emerging from its isolation, and this tour will give you a glimpse into the Tibetans’ spiritually centered, mountain world. By contrast, you will visit Beijing, Luoyang and Xi’an to see first-hand bustling, yet beautiful, 21st-century China. This program is all-inclusive except air, tour insurance and visas.
“Tibet is one place that is not yet homogenized...they still have their customs and traditions...Go now. Don’t wait.”
–– Wayne Kennedy, Society of IRT Pullman Club member, Sept., 2007 Shangri-La Express
THE ITINERARY:
Day 1: Beijing
Transfer from airport to centrally located five-star hotel. Afternoon Summer Palace tour, followed by welcome dinner in local restaurant.Day 2: Beijing
Full day touring Beijing, including Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Afternoon dedicated to seeing the Great Wall at Badaling. Lunch and dinner in the city.Day 3: Beijing
Morning visit to Temple of Heaven. Afternoon departure of the Shangri-La Express.
Day 4: Luoyang
Morning arrival in ancient capital of Luoyang in the Yellow River Valley. Visit the local museum, which contains many relics from Luoyang’s days of glory, including artifacts recovered from tombs, such as sculpted horses and camels. Explore Longmen Caves, one of China’s most important artistic sites and a UNESCO World Heritage site, with over 100,000 statues.Day 5: Xi’an
Morning arrival in the ancient city of Xi’an. Morning dedicated to visiting the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, discovered by peasants just over 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. Afternoon city tour to Great Mosque, the eight-mile city walls, Drum and Bell Towers and Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Enjoy Tang Dynasty dinner show before a late evening departure.
Day 6: On board
Full day on board, relaxing and enjoying the passing scenery. Breakfast, lunch and dinner in the dining car.Day 7: Golmud-Lhasa
This morning we disembark the Shangri-La Express and switch to the regular service, high-altitude train that will take us the 14 hours to Lhasa over the world’s highest railway line. Travel through varied landscapes—mountains, plains, lakes—while spotting yaks and antelope. Cross Tangula Pass—the highest point on the line at 16,640 feet—before descending to Lhasa. Transfer to Brahmaputra Hotel for four-night stay.Day 8: Lhasa
Lhasa is located in a small basin surrounded by mountains, and it literally means “place of the gods.” At an altitude of around 11,975ft (3,650m), it is one of the highest cities in the world. Today is at leisure to allow time for acclimization to the high altitude.Day 9: Lhasa
Full day exploration of Lhasa’s many holy sites. First, we visit 13th-century Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s holiest shrine and the spiritual home for almost all Tibetans. Next we explore the adjacent Barkhor market. Afternoon at 17th-century Potala Palace, former seat of the Tibetan Government and the Dalai Lama’s former winter residence. Perched upon Marpo Ri hill, it contains thousands of rooms and dominates the city skyline.
Day 10: Lhasa
Morning visit to colorful and tranquil Norbu Lingka, the Dalai Lama’s Summer Palace. Afternoon at leisure followed by farewell dinner.Day 11: Lhasa
Transfer to Lhasa airport.
THE HIGHLIGHTS
• Lhasa, literally “place of the gods,” the 12,000-foot-high capital of the mountain kingdom of Tibet
• Extensive touring in Beijing: Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace and Great Wall
• Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an
• Luoyang’s Longmen Caves
• All meals; wine and beer with lunch and dinner; hotels; gratuities; transfers; sightseeing included
Prices
Tour Double occupancy Single occupancy Beijing to Lhasa land only: $ 5,995 $ 8,395* *No single supplement on May 3 - 13, 2008 departure.
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 China.
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 Train...
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
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