Wendy Wu Tibetan Railroad

Shigatse
Explore the historic Tashilhunpo Monastery and join the pilgrims in a sacred circuit around the landmark.

Mt Everest Base Camp
Get a glimpse of the world’s tallest peak from the Tibetan side of the mountain, offering views of its sheer north face.

Lhasa
Immerse yourself in the cultural and spiritual heritage of this sacred centre of Buddhism

Xian
Explore this age-old city, the starting point of the fable Silk Road

Days 1-2: Fly overnight to Xian
Fly overnight to Xian, the ancient former capital. You will be met in the airport 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.
(Dinner)

Day 3: Terracotta Warriors
Spend the morning viewing the Terracotta Warriors. 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. In the evening, enjoy a dumpling feast and Tang Dynasty dancing show.
(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 4: Bullet Train to Xining
Start the day with a visit to the Little Wild Goose Pagoda and the Xian Museum, home to a number of relics and artefacts. Later, transfer to the train station to board the 5-hour bullet train to Xining, capital of Qinghai province in western China.
(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 5: Overnight train to Lhasa
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 onboard the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the highest rail journey in the world.
(Breakfast and lunch)

Day 6: Arrive in Lhasa
Traverse the 5,072m 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. 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.
(Dinner)

Day 7: Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Circuit
Today, 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.
(Breakfast, lunch and 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 white. Next, visit Norbulingka, Lhasa’s answer to Beijing’s Summer Palace, set in parkland just outside the city.
(Breakfast and 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.
(Breakfast, lunch, and 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.
(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 11: Mt 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.
(Breakfast, lunch and 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.
(Breakfast, lunch and 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’.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 14: Tsedang
Travel along the Brahmaputra River to Tsedang. Visit Gangpo Ri, the ‘birthplace of the Tibetan people’.
(Breakfast, lunch, and 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.
(Breakfast and lunch)

Day 16: 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.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 17: Depart Chengdu
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
(Breakfast)

Sunrise over Mt Everest
Watch the sunrise over the peak of Mount Everest (Weather permitting)

Monks Debate at Sera Monastery
Visit the debating courtyard of Sera, one of Tibet’s most prolific monasteries and watch the monks discussing Buddhist doctrine.

Ride the Qinghai-Tibet Railway
Travel overnight on this sleeper train from Xining to Lhasa, the world’s highest railway, reaching over 5,000m in elevation.

• International flights
• 15nts in 3 & 4* accommodation
• Selected Meals: 14 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 12 dinners
• Domestic transport
• Touring with guides and entrance fees
• Visa fees for UK passport holders

Go Beyond
Venture off the beaten track to explore fascinating destinations away from the tourist trail. You will discover the local culture in depth and see sights rarely witnessed by other travellers. These tours take you away from the comforts of home but will reward you with the experience of a lifetime.

This tour has a maximum group size of 18 people

This tour has a physical rating of 4. A good level of fitness is required as you can expect to be walking, or taking part in a physical activity like cycling, for longer periods of time on several days throughout the tour, and may be required to tackle some more challenging terrain.