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Tibetan Railroad

18 days Go Beyond Group Tour

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Tibetan Railroad

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.

  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 14 , Lunches: 12 , Dinners: 12
  • Flights
    International flights and current taxes
  • Accommodation
    15 nights in 3/4+ star accommodation
  • Visas
    Visa fees & processing for NZ passports
  • Group Tour
    Max Group Size: 18
  • Physical Rating 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.
    Learn More
    Extended walking. Physical activities on challenging terrain.
OFFER
Go Beyond Group Tour
18 DAYS
From $9,090PP
Xian (2N) – Xining (1N) – Qinghai-Tibet Railway (1N) – Lhasa (3N) – Shigatse (2N) – Mt Everest Base Camp (1N) – Shigatse (1N) – Gyantse (1N) – Tsedang (1N) – Lhasa (1N) – Chengdu (1N)
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Tour Highlights

Our Tibetan Railroad tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.

Day by Day Itinerary

Xian (2N) – Xining (1N) – Qinghai-Tibet Railway (1N) – Lhasa (3N) – Shigatse (2N) – Mt Everest Base Camp (1N) – Shigatse (1N) – Gyantse (1N) – Tsedang (1N) – Lhasa (1N) – Chengdu (1N)
  • Days 1-2
    Fly to Xian
    Dinner
    Days 1-2: Fly to Xian

    Fly overnight to Xian, the ancient former capital. You will be met in the arrival hall 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
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    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.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 4
    Bullet train to Xining
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 4: Bullet train to Xining

    Transfer to the train station to board the 5-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.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 5
    Overnight train to Tibet
    Breakfast, Lunch
    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.

    Breakfast, Lunch
  • Day 6
    Lhasa
    Dinner
    Day 6: Lhasa

    Traverse the 5,072 metre 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. Whether you prefer to unwind with a book, engage in a game of cards, or enjoy a meal in the dining carriage, there's ample opportunity to relax during this scenic rail journey. 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
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    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. 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, Dinner
  • Day 8
    Potala Palace
    Breakfast, Lunch
    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, Lhasa's answer to Beijing's Summer Palace, set in parkland just outside the city.

    Breakfast, Lunch
  • Day 9
    Train to Shigatse
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    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, Dinner
  • Day 10
    Shigatse
    Breakfast, Lunch, 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, Dinner
  • Day 11
    Mount Everest Base Camp
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    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

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 12
    Sunrise over Everest
    Breakfast, Lunch, 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, Dinner
  • Day 13
    Gyantse
    Breakfast, Lunch, 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, Dinner
  • Day 14
    Tsedang
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 14: Tsedang

    Travel along the Brahmaputra River to Tsedang. Visit Gangpo Ri, the ‘birthplace of the Tibetan people'.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 15
    Yumbulhakang Palace
    Breakfast, Lunch
    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, Lunch
  • Day 16
    Fly to Chengdu
    Breakfast, Dinner
    Day 16: Fly to 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, Dinner
  • Days 17-18
    Depart Chengdu
    Breakfast
    Days 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.

    Breakfast
Tibetan Railroad map

Download Tour Dossier & Trip Notes

Accommodation

We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.

Book With Confidence

When to go

The best times to visit China are in spring, April to May and autumn, September to October, when the days are warm and rainfall and humidity low.
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Chengdu
  • 3
    9
    6
  • 8
  • Lhasa
  • -9
    7
    -1
  • 1
  • Shigatse
  • 0
    0
    -3
  • 0
  • Xian
  • -4
    5
    0
  • 7
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Chengdu
  • 5
    11
    8
  • 12
  • Lhasa
  • -6
    9
    2
  • 1
  • Shigatse
  • 0
    0
    0
  • 0
  • Xian
  • -1
    8
    4
  • 10
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Chengdu
  • 8
    16
    12
  • 20
  • Lhasa
  • -2
    13
    5
  • 3
  • Shigatse
  • 0
    0
    4
  • 1
  • Xian
  • 4
    14
    9
  • 29
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Chengdu
  • 13
    22
    17
  • 44
  • Lhasa
  • 2
    16
    9
  • 6
  • Shigatse
  • 0
    0
    8
  • 2
  • Xian
  • 10
    21
    15
  • 43
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Chengdu
  • 17
    26
    22
  • 78
  • Lhasa
  • 6
    20
    13
  • 28
  • Shigatse
  • 0
    0
    11
  • 19
  • Xian
  • 14
    26
    20
  • 60
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Chengdu
  • 20
    28
    24
  • 107
  • Lhasa
  • 10
    23
    16
  • 71
  • Shigatse
  • 0
    0
    14
  • 64
  • Xian
  • 19
    31
    25
  • 54
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Chengdu
  • 22
    30
    26
  • 224
  • Lhasa
  • 10
    23
    16
  • 117
  • Shigatse
  • 0
    0
    14
  • 130
  • Xian
  • 22
    32
    27
  • 99
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Chengdu
  • 22
    30
    26
  • 201
  • Lhasa
  • 10
    21
    16
  • 121
  • Shigatse
  • 0
    0
    13
  • 152
  • Xian
  • 21
    31
    26
  • 71
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Chengdu
  • 19
    25
    22
  • 119
  • Lhasa
  • 8
    20
    14
  • 68
  • Shigatse
  • 0
    0
    12
  • 56
  • Xian
  • 16
    25
    21
  • 92
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Chengdu
  • 15
    21
    18
  • 35
  • Lhasa
  • 2
    17
    10
  • 9
  • Shigatse
  • 0
    0
    7
  • 5
  • Xian
  • 10
    20
    15
  • 60
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Chengdu
  • 10
    16
    13
  • 16
  • Lhasa
  • -4
    12
    4
  • 1
  • Shigatse
  • 0
    0
    1
  • 1
  • Xian
  • 3
    12
    8
  • 24
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Chengdu
  • 4
    11
    8
  • 5
  • Lhasa
  • -8
    8
    0
  • 1
  • Shigatse
  • 0
    0
    -3
  • 0
  • Xian
  • -2
    6
    2
  • 6

Pricing & Availability

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price unless a land only option is selected

2024
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Departure: All
  • Departure: All
1 Room, 2 Guests
  • 1 Room, 2 Guests
  • 1 Room, 1 Guest
    Depart NZStart Date
    Return DateEnd Date
    Price
    Availability

    Additional Price Information

    • Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 July 2024. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
    • Customary tipping amount of approximately RMB895pp 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 Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. NZ regional departures and flight upgrades available on request.
    • Land only (Xian- Chengdu) 13 days from $9,080 per person, twin share
    • Single Supplement from $2,000 (does not apply to Solo Exclusive Departures)
    • Price listed is based on new bookings only

    Group Tour includes

    • 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
    • Most meals
    • Visa fees for NZ passport holders and Tibet entry permit

    Important Information For Your Tour

    Before Booking
    Travel Protection, Booking Conditions
    and more
    Before you go
    Passports & Visas, Travel Guides & Packing Lists, Holiday FAQ’s and more

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