Tibetan Railroad

• Day 1-2 - Fly to Xian:
  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.
• 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.
• Day 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.
• 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.
• Day 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.
• 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. 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.
• 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, the summer residence of the Dalai Lama, set in parkland just outside the city.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Day 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'.
• Day 14 - Tsedang:
  Travel along the Brahmaputra River to Tsedang. Visit Gangpo Ri, where legend tells the Tibetan people were born.
• 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.
• Day 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.
• 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.

• 08 May 2026 - 24 May 2026
  from $9,980 pp twin share *
• 22 May 2026 - 07 Jun 2026
  from $9,980 pp twin share *
• 21 Aug 2026 - 06 Sep 2026
  from $9,080 pp twin share *
• 04 Sep 2026 - 20 Sep 2026
  from $9,380 pp twin share *
• 09 Oct 2026 - 25 Oct 2026
  from $9,380 pp twin share *
• 10 Apr 2027 - 26 Apr 2027
  from $9,980 pp twin share *
• 08 May 2027 - 24 May 2027
  from $9,680 pp twin share *
• 22 May 2027 - 07 Jun 2027
  from $9,680 pp twin share *
• 21 Aug 2027 - 06 Sep 2027
  from $9,680 pp twin share *
• 04 Sep 2027 - 20 Sep 2027
  from $9,680 pp twin share *
• 09 Oct 2027 - 25 Oct 2027
  from $9,980 pp twin share *

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

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

How long is this journey?

This itinerary runs for 18 days and 15 nights.

When can I travel?

Departures are currently scheduled between 08 May 2026 and 25 Oct 2027, subject to live availability.

Are there different departure options?

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

What is generally included?

Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.

What style of accommodation is used?

Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.