Tibet by Train - 8 or 11 days
The new high altitude rail line to Lhasa offers a unique view of the vast Tibetan Plateau - the scenery is simply awesome. The Golmud-Lhasa section of this epic rail journey opened in July 2005. The tracks zig zag 1142 km. across the Kunlun and Tanggula mountain ranges - reaching over 5000meters at its highest point.
The lure of Lhasa, capital on the roof of the world, cannot be under-estimated and it is truly a fascinating city, fully justifying its reputation. Dominated by the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Potala Palace and bustling with pilgrims circling the sacred Jokhang Temple it is a feast for the senses.
SPECIAL
At Tibetan New Year Lhasa comes vibrantly to life as virtually everyone in the city dons new clothing and comes to visit the Jokhang Temple.
Join a family at home and share in an evening of their New Year Celebrations
February 21 - March 3, 2009
Photos
Details
Departures:
Private departures at any time
Places Visited:
Explore Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City - traverse the vast Tibetan Plateau via the new Qinghai-Tibet rail line - wonder at the Potala Palace - join pilgrims in the Jokhang Temple and shopping on the Barkhor - witness the college of philosophy in action at Sera Monastery - enjoy a Tibetan buffet dinner & cultural show.
Activities:
Children Friendly
Cultural Activities
History & Archaeology
Outdoor Adventure
Spectacular Scenery
Price:
8-day option
From: 1 person: € 940 / 2 people: € 680 p/p / 3-4 people: € 640 p/p
11-day option
From: 1 person: € 1510 / 2 people: € 1020 p/p / 3 people: € 840 p/p / 4 people: € 720 p/p
Flight Cost
Return flight to Beijing is not included in the tour cost as many travelers prefer to fly to other destinations in China or to Nepal at the end of their tour
Detailed Description
Days 1-2: Upon arrival at Beijing airport you are met by our local partner and transferred to your hotel.
The remainder of today is at leisure in Beijing so you can start exploring this vast and amazing city. You may wish to track down a bargain at the wonderful Silk Market, see the hutongs or back lanes of Beijing by rickshaw, or find a great restaurant for Beijing Duck!
On Day 2 you visit The Imperial Palace, better know as the Forbidden City, which has seen 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties rule from within its impressive walls and many precious mementos from their reign are on display. You also visit Tiananmen Square, famous for events both celebratory and disastrous, and walking on this huge 40 hectare meeting area is quite remarkable.
On the evening of Day 2 you are transferred to the train station for your train journey to Lhasa.
Days 3-4: The new Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the highest in the world, climbing from 2,829m above sea level at Golmud to 3,641m at Lhasa. Its highest point is in the Tanggula Pass, just over 5,000m above sea level. You arrive in Lhasa in the evening of Day 4 and will be met at the station and transferred to your hotel.
Days 5-7: Colorful and historic, the holy city of Lhasa lies in a small valley 3700 meters above sea level. Lhasa rose to importance over 1300 years ago as attempts were made to unify Tibet. At this time the grand temples of Ramoche and Jokhang were built to house the Buddha images and religious artifacts brought to Tibet as dowries from China and Nepal. Although little of 7th century Lhasa remains intact, the 1600s saw a second stage of renovation and development, which included construction of the Potala Palace. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the town, this massive structure dominates the landscape with grace and dignity, confirming the suggestion that this palace is a true wonder of the architectural world.
During your time in the heart of Tibet, you will visit the Potala Palace, the Jokhang, the huge university monasteries of Drepung and Sera and the Barkhor pilgrim circuit. There is free time to explore other sights.
The Jokhang Temple is the spiritual heart of Tibet and also the most active. Prostrating pilgrims circle the temple endlessly day and night; some traversing the extremes of the country by foot to celebrate their beliefs. The Barkhor, the holiest devotional circuit, circumnavigates the Jokhang and houses a market bazaar. Here, Buddha images, yak skulls with ruby eyes, woodcarvings, carpets and prayer wheels are bargained for.
Nearby are the Drepung and Sera monasteries, once home to over 15,000 monks. Afternoon debating sessions by monks of the college of philosophy are a must-see experience.
Top it off with a Tibetan Buffet dinner including Chang (Tibetan Barley Beer), Yak Butter Tea, Yak Meat, Yak cheese, Momos and a variety of vegetable and other dishes. This is followed by a performance of Tibetan music and dance.
Day 8: Transfer to airport and depart or...It is a long, yet spectacular drive to Gyantse. From the top of the Kamba Pass (4794m) the views of the turquoise lake, Yamdrok-Tso are unforgettable. The road winds down and along its shores via the small town of Nangartse before climbing again to the Karo La (5054) and the glaciers of Mt Nojin Kangtsang. Gyantse was once of major importance as a trading center on the routes between India, Sikkim, Bhutan, Tibet and China, its imposing fort, Gyantse Dzong, dominates views of the town.
Day 9-10: Gyantse is also the site of the great 15th century monastic complex - Pelkor Choede which includes the fascinating Gyantse Kumbum. From Gyantse the Nyang-chu valley leads towards Tibet’s second largest town, Shigatse. Shigatse is site of Tashilhunpo Monastery, seat of the Panchen Lama and one of the most important monasteries of the Gelukpa order. The enormous, elaborate reliquary chorten are an incredible sight. Here there is also the option to visit the local carpet factory where hand woven carpets are produced using traditional designs.
Day 11: Follow the Brahmaputra - here known as the Yarlung Tsangpo - east to Tsetang to the airport for your return flight to Beijing or elsewhere in China.
