The Shangri-La Express to Tibet
July 11-28, 2007
An inaugural adventure to the Roof of the World -- exclusive, private train voyages to Tibet. Be among the first to arrive Lhasa, Tibet, by train! China is currently completing the 713-mile rail line from Golmud to Lhasa, capital of Tibet. Join us for this legendary journey!
Tentative Itinerary
Day 1: BEIJING, Flight Arrivals
Passengers are met upon arrival in Beijing and transferred to the five-star Peninsula Palace Hotel, or similar, for a one-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 spend the morning on a tour of Beijing, including the Temple of Heaven and the Forbidden City, before transferring to Beijing’s main station for a mid-afternoon departure of China’s most prestigious private train, the China Orient Express. Spend the day settling into your cabin as we head for China’s ancient capital of Xian. Dinner on board.Day 3: 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 4: XIAN
Lunchtime arrival in the ancient city of Xian. 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. Evening departure of the Shangri-La Express.
Day 5: SHANGRI-LA EXPRESS
We pass through Lanzhou and head south to the city of Chengdu.
Day 6: GOLMUD
Golmud is the starting point for the new 713-mile (1,149 km) “roof of the world” line to Lhasa. From here we embark on a 12-hour daylight journey to the Tibetan capital of Lhasa. Evening arrival and transfer to the Lhasa Hotel for a three-night stay.
Day 7: LHASA
On the second day we visit the 13th-century Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s holiest shrine, and the adjacent Barkhor market before having lunch 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. Considered one of the architectural wonders of the world, it contains thousands of rooms and provides a breathtaking backdrop for the city.
Day 8: LHASA
Morning visit to Norbu Lingka, the Dalai Lama’s Summer Palace. Free time in the afternoon to explore Lhasa.
Day 9: ON BOARD THE SHANGRI-LA EXPRESS
We depart Lhasa mid-morning and spend the day on the train as we cross the Tibetan Plateau, heading for Golmud.Day 10: XINING
Afternoon arrival into Xining; provincial capital of Qinghai, and an important trading centre since the 16th century. A perfect base to explore the Tibetan monastery of Ta'er Si, we also find the beautifully painted, Chinese style Great Mosque, one of the most attractive in Northwest China.
Day 11. LANZHOU
Upon arrival in Lanzhou, situated on the Yellow River, we take a trip down to the river during our short stop and also visit the Gansu Provincial Museum.
Day 12: CHENGDU
Mid-morning we arrive in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province and home of the Giant Panda. During our city tour we visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Institute.
Day 13: CHONGQING
Morning arrival into Chongqing; the starting point for the Yangtze River Cruise. Famous for its spicy Sichuan cuisine and world renowned hot-pot, we spend the morning touring this cultural gem before enjoying dinner in the city.Day 14: THE THREE GORGES
This morning we transfer to one of China’s top river cruise boats for our two-and-a-half day cruise through the Three Gorges. In the afternoon we visit Fengdu Ghost City with its 75 temples.
Day 15: THE THREE GORGES
Cruising the Yangtze River, we pass though the splendid five-mile Qutang Gorge, which is the narrowest of the three gorges. We continue into the 27-mile Wu Xia gorge, which is considered the most scenic. In Shennong we transfer to a smaller boat for a trip along the narrower gorges before entering the western part of the 47-mile Xinling gorge. We then pass through the five locks of the Three Gorges Dam.
Day 16: THE THREE GORGES, YICHANG
We visit the Three Gorges Dam project and pass through the eastern part of the Xinling gorge before our lunchtime arrival in Yichang. Afternoon tour of the city. We re-board our awaiting Shangri-La Express for our journey back to Beijing.
Day 17: BEIJING
Late afternoon arrival back in Beijing. We stay overnight at the five-star Peninsula Palace Hotel, or similar, and bid farewell at our final gala dinner.
Day 18: BEIJING, Flight Departures
Transfers to Beijing airport for international flight departures.
Prices
Tour Double occupancy Single occupancy Beijing to Beijing land only: $ 12,995 $ 16,995
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 partner in this venture, GW Travel, is a pioneer in first-time, private train adventures, 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.
