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For centuries, Tibet was one of the most isolated parts of the world, a high plateau averaging 4,000 m above sea level, bound by the Himalayas, the Karakoram and the Kunlun ranges. Crossing the high passes to the plateau was a high-risk affair until the first roads were built, but until the advent of scheduled commercial flights from Chengdu in the 1970s, it took a bone-jarring 40-hour ride in decrepit buses to get from Qinghai province – formerly the Tibetan province of Amdo – to Lhasa. All that changed with the Qinghai-Tibet or Qingzang railway.
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Tibet by Rail (The World’s Highest Railway)
8 Days 08 – 15 Aug 2010
The official start of the railway is the city of Xining, though the 815 km section of railway from Xining to Golmud was the ‘easy’ section of the Qingzang railway, completed in 1984. This 1,142 km railway is the world’s highest, with 86% above 4,000 m; the highest point, Tanggu-la at 5,072 m, is the highest rail track ever laid.
08 Aug Arrival Chengdu
Arrive in Chengdu. Arrangements will be made for airport meeting services and transfer to the hotel. In the late afternoon, meet the tour leader and the rest of the group and proceed for dinner and the Sichuan Opera Show.
Overnight at Tainfu Sunshine Hotel. (only dinner included)
09 Aug Chengdu – Xining
Early morning transfer to the airport for flight 3U 8807 departing at 0725 to Xining, arriving at 0900. Xining is in Qinghai province, formerly part of Amdo in Tibet. Visit the Kumbum or Ta’er Monastery, built in 1577 and still the center of the Gelugpa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Continue to visit Dongguang Grand Mosque, built in 1380 and the biggest mosque in Qinghai Province. In the evening, transfer to the railway station and board the train to Lhasa.
Overnight in soft sleeper berth.
(B/L/D included)
10 Aug Golmud – Lhasa
Morning arrive at Golmud station, then continue across the Tibetan Plateau to Lhasa. The train ride continues all day on this section of the railway, the highest in the world, with parts of it over 5,500 m above sea level.
Arrive in Lhasa at night, meet the local guide and transfer to the Tibet Villa Hotel for 4 nights stay.
Overnight Lhasa. (Please note that no meals will be provided on the train, as all food must be purchased and consumed in the restaurant car)
11 Aug Lhasa
At 3,700 m above sea level, Lhasa is the highest major city in the world, and acclimatization is important to avoid altitude sickness. Morning visit the Potala Palace, dominating the skyline of Lhasa and Tibet’s best-known landmark. In the afternoon, visit Jokhang Temple, the most important pilgrimage center for Tibetan Buddhist, and home of the Sakyamuni Buddha. Then walk through the colorful bazaar on Barkhor Street.
Overnight Lhasa (B/L/D included)
12 Aug Lhasa
Morning drive to the Niangre Valley for some hiking amidst the spectacular scenery. In the afternoon, return to Lhasa and visit Sera Monastery, listed as one of China’s National Cultural Relics since 1982.
Overnight Lhasa (B/L/D included)
13 Aug Lhasa
Today we have a full day excursion to Yamdrok Yumtso, a 648 sq km freshwater lake at the foot of the Himalayas. This is one of the three holy lakes in Tibet, a site for religious pilgrimage for blessing and protection. Return to Lhasa and overnight. (B/L/D included)
14 Aug Lhasa – Chengdu
Morning transfer to the airport for flight 3U 8658 at 1045, arriving back in Chengdu at 1240. After lunch we will drive to visit the Chengdu Panda Research Center.
Overnight Tianfu Sunshine Hotel (B/L/D included)
15 Aug Depart Chengdu
The day is free at leisure. Airport transfers will be provided for all participants departing Chengdu today.
End of tour.
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