Rail journey · Wendy Wu Tours · 15 nights

Tibetan Railroad

Journey on the world's highest railway
Discover Tibetan culture in Lhasa, Shigatse, and Gyantse
Witness the majesty of Mount Everest at sunrise

$9,380 pp twin share

Was $9,980 pp

$11,360 pp solo share

15 nights

Enquire

Tibetan Railroad

Supplier image

Departs 9 October 2026 Returns 23 October 2028

Duration15 nights

OperatorWendy Wu Tours

StyleRail journey

HighlightJourney across the 'roof of the world' on the world's highest railway, immersing yourself in Tibet's rich past and vibrant present

Travel the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, crossing the breathtaking Tanggula Pass. Explore the palaces, temples, and monasteries of Lhasa, Shigatse, and Gyantse. Stand in awe of Mount Everest at sunrise from Everest Base Camp

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.

$9,380

pp twin share

Was $9,980 pp

$11,360

pp solo share

Enquire

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When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs

9 October 2026

Returns

23 October 2028

Duration

15 nights

From pp twin share

$9,380 pp

Was $9,980 pp

From pp solo cabin

$11,360 pp

09 Oct 2026 - 25 Oct 2026
Land only: from $8,180 pp twin share / $10,160 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $9,380 pp twin share / $11,360 pp sole use *
10 Apr 2027 - 26 Apr 2027
Land only: from $8,580 pp twin share / $10,580 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $9,780 pp twin share / $11,780 pp sole use *
08 May 2027 - 24 May 2027
Land only: from $8,580 pp twin share / $10,580 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $9,780 pp twin share / $11,780 pp sole use *
22 May 2027 - 07 Jun 2027
Land only: from $9,380 pp twin share / $11,380 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $10,580 pp twin share / $12,580 pp sole use *
21 Aug 2027 - 06 Sep 2027
Land only: from $8,580 pp twin share / $10,580 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $9,780 pp twin share / $11,780 pp sole use *
04 Sep 2027 - 20 Sep 2027
Land only: from $8,580 pp twin share / $10,580 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $9,780 pp twin share / $11,780 pp sole use *
09 Oct 2027 - 25 Oct 2027
Land only: from $8,580 pp twin share / $10,580 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $9,780 pp twin share / $11,780 pp sole use *
08 Apr 2028 - 24 Apr 2028
Land only: from $8,980 pp twin share / $10,980 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $10,180 pp twin share / $12,180 pp sole use *
06 May 2028 - 22 May 2028
Land only: from $8,980 pp twin share / $10,980 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $10,180 pp twin share / $12,180 pp sole use *
20 May 2028 - 05 Jun 2028
Land only: from $8,980 pp twin share / $10,980 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $10,180 pp twin share / $12,180 pp sole use *
19 Aug 2028 - 04 Sep 2028
Land only: from $8,980 pp twin share / $10,980 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $10,180 pp twin share / $12,180 pp sole use *
02 Sep 2028 - 18 Sep 2028
Land only: from $8,980 pp twin share / $10,980 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $10,180 pp twin share / $12,180 pp sole use *
07 Oct 2028 - 23 Oct 2028
Land only: from $8,980 pp twin share / $10,980 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $10,180 pp twin share / $12,180 pp sole use *

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice. Land only prices exclude international flights.

Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Day by day

Itinerary

1
Fly to Xian
Days 1–2
Fly overnight to Xian, the ancient city with an illustrious history. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
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.
4
Bullet train to Xining
Board a five-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.
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.
6
Lhasa
Riding the highest railway in the world, under the gaze of 5,000 metre plus mountain peaks, you'll cross a range of astonishing high landscapes and traverse the breathtaking Tanggula Pass (5,231 metres) on your journey across the 'roof of the world'. 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.
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. Continue to the great monastery of Sera, where you'll see a famous monk debate. This evening, enjoy a tasty Tibetan dinner and dance performance.
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, the summer residence of the Dalai Lama, set in parkland just outside the city.
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.
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.
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.
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.
13
Gyantse
Travel to the charming 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'.
14
Tsedang
Travel along the Brahmaputra River to Tsedang. Visit Gangpo Ri, where legend tells the Tibetan people were born.
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.
16
Fly to Chengdu
Fly to Chengdu, transferring to your hotel on arrival. The rest of the day will be at leisure for you to relax or explore, with a farewell dinner this evening.
17
Depart Chengdu
Days 17–18
Your day is at leisure until it's time to transfer to the airport for your flight back home, arriving the next day.

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

International flights and current taxes.
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.
Tibet entry permit.

Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

Dajing Castle Hotel
Xining Mansion
Metropolo Hotels
Shiga Yangcha Grand Hotel
Yeti Hotel
Xiangqu Garden Hotel
Xin Liang Hotel

From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

How long is this journey?

This itinerary runs for 18 days and 15 nights.

When can I travel?

Departures are currently scheduled between 09 Oct 2026 and 23 Oct 2028, subject to live availability.

Are there different departure options?

Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.

Can I travel solo?

Solo pricing may be available on selected departures, and final options can be confirmed at enquiry.

Are discounts available?

Seasonal or loyalty discounts may be available on selected departures at the time of enquiry.

Ready to lock in?

Book this rail journey

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

Enquire about this rail journey

The fine print

Terms & conditions

Read the operator’s full booking conditions

Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2025. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
Customary tipping amount of approximately RMB895pp (AU$195pp) 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.