Cross-Country Railway Tour

Travel over 4000km from Beijing to Lhasa. Starting in Beijing, visit the historic sites of Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Summer Palace, the Lama Temple, and the Temple of Heaven. Next, travel to Xi’an, which is home to the famous Terra-Cotta Warriors, the Huaqing Hot Springs, and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Then hop the train to Xining, the gateway to Tibet. In Xining, visit Qinghai Lake, Kumbum Monastery, the source of the Yellow River, and the Repkong Tibetan Art Village. At last, take the train to Lhasa. Along the way, watch snow mountains and the deep blue sky float by your cabin window. Once in Lhasa, visit the Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple, the Great Monasteries, the Yongbulakang Castle, and Yamdrok Lake.

Itinerary: 

Day 1: Arrive in Beijing Welcome to Beijing!

Our guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Settle in and, if time allows, explore a local night market for a first taste of the capital’s vibrant culture.

Day 2: Beijing Sightseeing: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Hutongs Start the day at Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world and a significant symbol of modern China. From there, walk to the Forbidden City, the vast imperial palace that served as the home of emperors for over 500 years. In the afternoon, explore the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Ming architecture and a site for imperial prayers. Conclude the day with a rickshaw tour of Beijing’s historic hutongs, the narrow alleyways that offer a glimpse into traditional Beijing life.

Day 3: Beijing Sightseeing: The Great Wall (Mutianyu Section) and Summer Palace Drive out of the city to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, a beautifully restored part of the wall that winds over forested hills. Enjoy panoramic views and learn about the wall’s military history. In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace, a grand lakeside retreat filled with gardens, pavilions, and historic structures.

Day 4: Beijing to Xi’an by Train (Duration: 13 hours) Board the overnight train to Xi’an, traveling through central China. Watch rural life pass by from your cabin window, and rest up for the next adventure.

Day 5: Xi’an Sightseeing: Bell Tower, Muslim Quarter, Huaqing Hot Springs Arrive in Xi’an and transfer to your hotel. After a short break, visit the iconic Bell Tower and stroll through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, where you can sample local snacks and browse traditional markets. End the day with a visit to Huaqing Hot Springs, once a royal bathing spot nestled at the foot of Mount Li.

Day 6: Xi’an Sightseeing: Terra-Cotta Warriors and Big Wild Goose Pagoda Spend the morning at the site of the Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses, one of the greatest archaeological finds in the world. Learn about the history of the Qin Dynasty and explore the massive underground army. In the afternoon, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a key Buddhist landmark dating back to the Tang Dynasty.

Day 7: Xi’an to Xining by Train (Duration: 10.5 hours) Take a scenic train ride to Xining, a city that marks the beginning of the Tibetan Plateau. The journey passes farmland, rivers, and rising mountain terrain.

Day 8: Xining Sightseeing: Kumbum Monastery and Qinghai Lake Visit Kumbum Monastery, one of the most important Gelugpa monasteries outside of Tibet. Then drive to Qinghai Lake, China’s largest saltwater lake, surrounded by grasslands and home to migrating birds.

Day 9: Xining Sightseeing: Repkong Artists’ Village and Gui’de Yellow River Monastery Travel to Repkong, a Tibetan town famous for its thangka painting tradition. Watch artisans at work and visit a local studio. Continue to Gui’de to explore a monastery near the source of the Yellow River.

Day 10: Xining to Lhasa by Train (Duration: 24 hours) Board the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the world’s highest train route. Ride through snow-capped mountains, frozen rivers, and remote highlands. Spot yaks and antelopes grazing across the vast plateau.

Day 11: Arrive in Lhasa [3,658m]

Arrive in the holy city of Lhasa. Transfer to your hotel and rest to acclimatize to the altitude. Take a slow walk around Barkhor Street if you’re feeling well.

Day 12: Lhasa Sightseeing: Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple Begin your Lhasa visit with the Potala Palace, the majestic former residence of the Dalai Lamas. Then walk to Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism. Witness pilgrims prostrating outside the temple and explore the surrounding Barkhor Bazaar.

Walking around Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, Tibet

Day 13: Lhasa Sightseeing: Drepung Monastery, Nechung Temple, and Sera Monastery Visit Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in the world. Then see Nechung Temple, home of the state oracle. In the afternoon, explore Sera Monastery and watch the lively monk debates in the courtyard.

Day 14: Day Excursion to Samye Monastery and Yongbulakang Castle

Drive to the Yarlung Valley, considered the cradle of Tibetan civilization. Visit Samye Monastery, the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet, and the ancient fortress of Yongbulakang, which offers sweeping views over the valley.

Day 15: Depart Lhasa Transfer to the airport or train station for your onward journey. Say farewell to Tibet and end your journey across China.