The Shangri-La Express to Tibet
Private train tours to Lhasa
Join us on one of these exciting adventures to the "Roof of the World" -- exclusive, private train voyages to Tibet. Be among the first to arrive Lhasa, Tibet, by train! China has recently completed the 713-mile rail line from Golmud to Lhasa, capital of Tibet. Join us on a legendary journey!
Click on your desired itinerary for more information:
Train 1: Beijing-Xian-Lhasa-Three Gorges-Beijing (18 days)
July 11-28$12,995 p.p.
$16,995 singleBeijing-Xian-Lhasa (11 days)
August 13-23 [WAITLIST ONLY]
Sept. 11-21 [WAITLIST ONLY]
Sept. 21-Oct. 1$5,395 p.p.
$7,495 singleBeijing-Xian-Kashgar-Lhasa (17 days)
August 25-September 10$8,995 p.p.
$11,995 single
Lhasa-Xian-Three Gorges-Chengdu-Guilin-Hong Kong (17 days)
September 25-October 11$9,895 p.p.
$13,050 singleLhasa-Xian-Beijing (11 days)
August 15-25
Sept. 13-23 [WAITLIST ONLY]$5,395 p.p.
$7,495 singleHong Kong-Guilin-Kunming-Chengdu-Xian-Lhasa-Kashgar-Silk Road-Moscow (31 days)
October 10-November 9From
$16,250 p.p.Hong Kong-Guilin-Kunming-Chengdu-Xian-Lhasa-Kashgar (19 days)
October 10-28
From $9,895 Moscow-Silk Road-Kashgar-Lhasa-Beijing (29 days)
October 14-November 11From
$14,395 p.p.Kashgar-Turpan-Dunhuang-Lhasa-Xian-Beijing (16 days)
October 27-November 11, 2007
$8,995 p.p.
$11,995 single
Itineraries are in the process of being posted. Please check back for more information. Or e-mail us with any questions.
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
