BEIJING TO LHASA

Take a tour to the two great cities of the orient and savor the exotic cultural delights they have to offer....

Beijing, one of the ancient cities and capital of China, has been the heart and soul of Chinese politics and society throughout its long history. Take this tour and explore Beijing's ancient glory (the Great wall of China, the Ming Tombs). Leaving Beijing you embark on a train journey to Lhasa, aboard the world's highest railway, the Qinghai-Tibet railway. As the train trundles along the high Tibetan plateau, picturesque scenes of Tibetan countryside whiz by. Owing to Tibet's high altitude the train has been equipped with oxygen-supplying equipments. Oxygen masks are available for those who are prone to altitude sickness.

In the old city of Lhasa, you will be taken on a guided tour to all the city's major attractions: Potala Palace, Sera Monastery, Norbulingka etc

TRIP FACTS

• Trip length: 9 Days
• Starts in: Beijing
• Ends in: Lhasa 
• Accommodation: Hotel and train (soft-sleeper bed) 
• Transportation: Train from Beijing to Lhasa 
• Maximum altitude: 5072m

HIGHLIGHTS

> 2 full days to explore Beijing including the Forbidden City, The Great Wall, The Temple of Heaven, the Mings Tombs...
> Memorable 48 hours train journey from Beijing to Lhasa

OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 01 - Arrive in Beijing and transfer to hotel 
Day 02 - Sightseeing in Beijing (Tian Anmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven) 
Day 03/04 - Sightseeing to Great Wall (Bedaling Section, not included cable car), Evening board Train to Lhasa. Departure 20:30 hrs (48 hrs journey) 
Day 05 - Arrive in Lhasa (3650m)
Day 06 - Sightseeing in Lhasa 
Day 07 - Sightseeing in Lhasa
Day 08 - Free day in Lhasa
Day 09 - Depart Lhasa

Day 1: Arrive in Beijing

Soon after landing at Beijing airport, you will be escorted to your hotel. At the hotel, you shall be briefed about your travel arrangements and travel destinations. Thereon, you can enjoy the lively ambience and excellent facilities of the hotel.

 

Day 2: Sightseeing in Beijing
 

You will visit the Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world and the spiritual heart of China, where the national flag is raised exactly at sunrise everyday, the Forbidden City, located in the center of Beijing, which used to be the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties with a history of around 600 years ( it is the grandest integral palace complex still remaining in China). You will also be taken to visit the Summer Palace, located on the northwestern outskirts of the city. It was an imperial summer resort of the Qing Dynasty. With its perfect layout, magnificent buildings and enchanting landscape, it is the most splendid classical garden in China.

 

Day 3: Sightseeing in Beijing    

 Today you will visit the majestic Great Wall (Badaling section) and the Chang Tomb of Ming Tombs. You will be taken on a tour to the Great Wall, the most famous symbol of China and one of the world’s most remarkable architectural wonders. It was built over 2,000 years ago and stretches a long distance for about 6,700km.You will visit the Great wall at Badaling, the most outstanding representation of China’s Great Wall, located 70km north-west of Beijing, at an elevation of 1000m. This section was first built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD). It stands at a strategic highest point from north-west of Beijing and gives access to every direction. Badaling section is composed of Guan City, with city platforms, wall platforms and watch towers along the Wall. The surrounding scenery is magnificent and impressive. You will be taken on a visit to the Ming Tomb the burial site of the emperor Wanli, the 13th emperor of the Ming Dynasty who ruled for 48 years until his death in 1620. 

 

Day 4: Visit to Temple of Heaven & Evening- Board the Train from Beijing to Lhasa [3650m]

 Early in the morning you will be taken for a visit to the Temple of Heaven which spreads across a 267 hectare park. This temple serves as the best example of the fine Ming architecture. To the Chinese this is a sacred site where prayers for good harvests, prosperity and harmonious life are offered. In the evening you board the ‘Sky train’ to Lhasa and experience the world’s highest railway journey. 

 

Day 5: Onboard the Sky Train via Xian, Lanzhou, Xining and Golmud

The 4,064 km journey lasts for 48 hrs. Looking through UV blocked train window, you remain captivated by the flashing glimpse of Chinese countryside, flat cultivated lands, brown hills, and riverside valleys. The train passes across 5200m high Tanggula Mountain pass, amidst surreal mountain vistas, as you near the Tibetan plateau. The train continues to pass through mesmerizing views of the turquoise Qinghai Lake and uniquely shaped vast Tibetan Plateau right below huge mountain range with 7000+ meter peaks, dominating the entire landscape. 
Equipments for oxygen supply and an oxygen mask are also available in the train for those who are prone to altitude sickness. The train is fitted with soft sleepers, vacuum flush toilets, flat-screen TVs and the finest dining service.

 

Day 6: Arrive in Lhasa (3650 meter) 

Finally after a 2-day adventurous journey, you finally arrive in Lhasa. Your Tibetan escort will met you right at the station and escort you to your hotel in Lhasa and brief you about your further tour arrangement.  

 

Day 7: Sightseeing in Lhasa    

After an early breakfast, you will be escorted by your guide to the majestic Potala Palace. The imposing structure of the palace dominates the landscape of Lhasa. As you are guided through the ancient chambers of the palace, you get to see Tibetan art at its best. The Potala Palace has a vast array of intricate Tibetan murals and beautiful statues. You will also get to view the tombs of the eight Dalai Lamas. Later in the day you will visit the beautifully landscaped Drepung Monastery where you can observe nuns and monks chanting and performing religious discourses. After the day’s tour is over, you are escorted back to your hotel for a well- earned rest. Note: Since only a limited number of visitors are allowed inside the Potala Palace every day, the order of sightseeing places will be decided upon by your Tibetan guide.

Day 8: Free day in Lhasa

Day 9: Depart Lhasa 

You will be transferred to the airport in time to catch your flight home.