Tibetan Railroad
All aboard the world's highest railway as you travel from Xining in western China, up and over the 5,072-meter Tanggula Pass, across the stark beauty of the Tibetan Plateau to the sacred city of Lhasa. An incredible feat of engineering that passes spectacular lakes and mountains, crossing huge plains and permafrost at the "roof of the world", the Qinghai-Tibet Railway puts you right in the heart of Tibet's gigantic landscapes.
Immerse yourself in this once-in-a-lifetime expedition through Tibet's rich past and vibrant present. Experience three incredible rail journeys, explore the palaces, temples, and monasteries of Lhasa, Shigatse, and Gyantse, stand in awe of Mt Everest at sunrise, and savour tasty local cuisine.
Monks debate at Sera Monastery - Visit the debating courtyard of Sera, one of Tibet's most prolific monasteries, to watch the monks discussing Buddhist doctrine, using traditional gestures such as clapping, pushing and even screaming to emphasise their points.
Watch the Sunrise over Mt Everest - Watch the sun's rays spread over the rugged, snowy peak of Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain, in what must surely be considered one of the most dramatic and spectacular places to watch the sun rise (weather permitting).
Ride the Qinghai-Tibet Railway - Overnight on the 21-hour sleeper train from Xining to Lhasa, the world's highest railway and a marvel of engineering reaching over 5,000 meters in elevation. This specially designed train equipped with two oxygen supply systems passes through stunning mountains, vast plains, and the icy expanse of permafrost.
Xian (2N) – Xining (1N) – Qinghai-Tibet Railway (1N) – Lhasa (3N) – Shigatse (2N) – Mt Everest Base Camp (1N) – Shigatse (1N) – Gyantse (1N) – Tsedang (1N) – Lhasa (1N) – Chengdu (1N)
- International flights and current taxes (prices may vary depending on departure city)
- 3-4* accommodation plus shared 4-berth train sleeper cabin & shared Mt Everest Base Camp tent camp
- Domestic transportation
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
- Most meals
- Breakfasts: 14 /Lunches: 12 /Dinners: 12
- Visa fees for Australian passport holders and Tibet entry permit
Your fare excludes:
- Travel insurance
Day 1-2: Fly To Xian
Fly overnight to Xian, the ancient former capital. You will be met in the arrival hall by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Includes: Dinner
Day 3: Terracotta Warriors
After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors and horses. Visit the workshop to see where the warriors are intricately recreated in the style of their ancient counterparts and stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xian's old town. Take a walking tour of the narrow and winding streets of the lively Muslim Quarter and gain an insight into the city's fascinating culture and significance as the start of the Silk Road. In the evening, enjoy a dumpling feast and Tang Dynasty dancing show.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Bullet Train To Xining
Transfer to the train station to board the 5-hour bullet train to Xining, the capital city of Qinghai province in western China. Head to the Qinghai Tibet Cultural Centre to see the impressive 618-metre-long hand-painted thangka (a traditional Tibetan Buddhist painting) and the largest display in the world. End the day at the lively night street markets and sample some of the delicious local cuisine.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Overnight Train To Tibet
Explore the sacred Kumbum Monastery, also known as Ta'er Temple. Later, transfer to the railway station to embark on the incredible 21-hour overnight train to Lhasa on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the highest rail journey in the world. Please refer to the tour dossier for further information on the rail experience.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Lhasa
Traverse the 5,072 metre Tanggula Pass and across the stark beauty of the Tibetan Plateau to the 'roof of the world', Lhasa. Watch from your window as you cross huge plains and permafrost and pass spectacular lakes, mountains and wildlife. Whether you prefer to unwind with a book, engage in a game of cards, or enjoy a meal in the dining carriage, there's ample opportunity to relax during this scenic rail journey. Arrive in Lhasa, the heart and soul of Tibet, in the afternoon. The remainder of the day is free to relax and acclimatise to the altitude.
Includes: Dinner
Day 7: Jokhang Temple And Barkhor Circuit
Lhasa is a quickly growing modern city but among the narrow, old streets you will feel a million miles from the stresses and strains of the modern world. Wander around the Barkhor Circuit to see traditionally dressed locals, stalls of religious trinkets and prostrating pilgrims. Inside the Jokhang Temple, the devotion is palpable as queues of people worship in the flickering light of yak butter candles. There will also be a visit to Sera Monastery, one of the three great monasteries of Tibet, to witness the debating monks. This evening, enjoy a tasty Tibetan dinner and dance performance.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Potala Palace
This morning, visit the iconic palace of Potala, the largest monastery in the world. Sitting atop Red Mountain, the Potala Palace is painted in a traditional Tibetan blend of deep red and stark white. Next, visit Norbulingka, Lhasa's answer to Beijing's Summer Palace, set in parkland just outside the city.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9: Train To Shigatse
Travel across Tibet's stark plains to Shigatse. Dominated by a fort reminiscent of the Potala, Shigatse is Tibet’s second city and the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. Enjoy some free time to explore the local markets.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Shigatse
Visit Shalu and Tashilhunpo Monastery, which was founded in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama, and join the pilgrims on their 'Kora' (circumnavigation) of the Monastery.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Mount Everest Base Camp
Rise early for the drive through some of the world's most incredible scenery to the Rongbuk Township with stops along the way. With Mount Everest dominating the horizon, stop by the world's highest post office, then continue to Everest Base Camp Boundary Monument. Situated under the gaze of Everest's north face, the views of the world's highest peak are unsurpassed (weather permitting). Visit Rongbuk Monastery, draped in colourful prayer flags, as well as the small Old Rongbuk Monastery. Stay overnight in a Tibetan tent camp or guesthouse, depending on the weather conditions
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Sunrise Over Everest
Rise early to see a glorious sunrise over Everest (weather permitting) before returning to Shigatse, passing the Tso La Pass and Gyatso La Pass and enjoying the awe-inspiring views.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Gyantse
Continue to the pleasant town of Gyantse. Visit Gyantse Kumbum as well as the Tsang Traditional Folk House to see a traditional kitchen and taste some local snacks and homebrewed 'chang'.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: Tsedang
Travel along the Brahmaputra River to Tsedang. Visit Gangpo Ri, the ‘birthplace of the Tibetan people'.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15: Yumbulhakang Palace
Perched on a hill over the Yarlung River, legend says that the ancient Yumbulhakang Palace was the first building in Tibet and the palace of the first Tibetan king. Continue to Tradruk Monastery and the King's Tomb before returning to Lhasa for an evening at leisure.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 16: Fly To Chengdu
Fly 2 hours to Chengdu. On arrival, transfer to your hotel where the rest of the day will be at leisure before a farewell dinner this evening. Your guide will be on hand to suggest activities or places to explore, or you can use the time to just relax in your hotel.
Includes: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 17-18: Depart Chengdu
Your day is at leisure until it's time to transfer to the airport for your flight back home, arriving the next day.
Includes: Breakfast
* The above itinerary is subject to change.
- 07 Oct 2024 - 23 Oct 2024
from$8,990$8,390 pp twin share /$10,670/ $10,070 pp solo - 09 May 2025 - 25 May 2025
from$9,580$8,780 pp twin share /$11,350/ $10,550 pp solo - 23 May 2025 - 08 Jun 2025
from$9,580$8,780 pp twin share /$11,350/ $10,550 pp solo - 05 Sep 2025 - 21 Sep 2025
from $9,580 pp twin share / $11,350 pp solo - 10 Oct 2025 - 26 Oct 2025
from$9,580$8,780 pp twin share /$11,350/ $10,550 pp solo - 10 Apr 2026 - 26 Apr 2026
from$9,980$9,180 pp twin share /$11,960/ $11,160 pp solo - 08 May 2026 - 24 May 2026
from$9,980$9,180 pp twin share /$11,960/ $11,160 pp solo - 22 May 2026 - 07 Jun 2026
from$9,980$9,180 pp twin share /$11,960/ $11,160 pp solo - 21 Aug 2026 - 06 Sep 2026
from$9,980$9,180 pp twin share /$11,960/ $11,160 pp solo - 04 Sep 2026 - 20 Sep 2026
from$9,980$9,180 pp twin share /$11,960/ $11,160 pp solo - 09 Oct 2026 - 25 Oct 2026
from$9,980$9,180 pp twin share /$11,960/ $11,160 pp solo
Advertised pricing subject to departure date and availability. Please call 1300 414 198 to confirm up-to-the-moment availability and pricing.
Dajing Castle Hotel - Xian
Formerly known as Grand Park, the Dajing Castle hotel is a 4-star hotel located in the heart of Xi'an's Beilin district. Blending traditional and contemporary elements, the guestrooms boast comfortable interiors that exude style and elegance. Each room is equipped with modern amenities, including a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a minibar, and a safety deposit box. The ensuite bathroom is well-appointed with bathrobes and slippers for added convenience. The hotel features Wi-Fi, a fitness center, sauna, massage service, buffet breakfast and atrium bar.
Xining Mansion - Xining
Centrally located in Xining, the 4-star Xining Mansion offering guests a wide variety of amenities. Guests can unwind in the cafe and tea room, or take a visit to the sauna and fitness room. Each room is well appointed with Wi-Fi and air-conditioning, while the elegant en-suite is equipped with toiletries for your convenience.
Metropolo Hotels - Lhasa
The 4-star Metropolo Hotels (Potala Palace store, Lhasa) offers a relaxing haven for travelers in Lhasa, integrating Chinese and Western elements. Conveniently situated, it is just 7km from Lhasa Railway Station and in close proximity to attractions like Potala Palace and Tibet Museum, adding to its appeal. Featuring a fitness area, restaurant, Wi-Fi and good quality toiletries, this is the perfect hotel to stay in Lhasa.
Shiga Yangcha Grand Hotel - Shigatse
Formerly known as Tashi Choe Ta Hotel, this 4-star gem in Shigatse seamlessly blends Tibetan tradition with contemporary style. Enjoy a clean and comfortable stay in the spacious, air-conditioned rooms adorned in authentic Tibetan decor.
Yeti Hotel - Gyantse
The charming 3-star Yeti Hotel ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience in the heart of Gyantse County. The hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, room service, and breakfast.
Xiangqu Garden Hotel - Tsedang
The 3-star Xiangqu Garden Hotel has distinctive Tibetan interiors, with each room offering a clean and comfortable stay. In the hotel restaurant you can dine on traditional Tibetan dishes, while the ornately decorated bar makes for a great spot to enjoy a drink.
Xin Liang Hotel - Chengdu
The 4-star Xin Liang Hotel is centrally located in the Chunxi Road Business District, adjacent to Tianfu Square, making it an ideal starting point for exploring Chengdu. The hotel draws inspiration from Bashu culture, seamlessly blending elegant and modern elements, providing a tranquil oasis in the bustling city. Featuring Wi-Fi and a continental breakfast, the property also provides rooms with soundproof windows, a work desk, refrigerator, and a flat-screen TV featuring satellite channels.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 September 2023. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- Customary tipping amount of approximately RMB895pp (AU$199pp) is paid locally in China.
- Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.