11-Day Beijing Xi’an Tibet Train Tour
An unforgettable journey through Beijing Xi’an and Tibet
- Beijing ⇀ Xian ⇀ Lhasa/Gyantse/Shigatse ⇀ Lhasa
Begin your adventure in Beijing, walking the storied paths of the Ming Tombs, climbing the winding stones of the Mutianyu Great Wall, and standing amidst history at Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Next, fly to Xi’an to marvel at the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors and the soaring beauty of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Your journey then lifts you to the Roof of the World — Tibet — where you’ll acclimatize in Lhasa and step into the grandeur of the Potala Palace, the sanctity of the Jokhang Temple, and the lively hum of Barkhor Street. Feel the spirit of centuries past in the halls of Drepung and Sera Monasteries, and venture across sweeping landscapes to Shigatse, where the turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake and the ancient Tashilhunpo Monastery await before you circle back to Lhasa, your heart forever touched by the wonders you have seen.
2-15 Participants
Breakfasts: 10, Lunches: 9, Dinners: 1
Tourist vehicle transfers between attractions
Economy or comfortable hotel
Tibet Travel Permit for foreign travelers
Some extended walking on varied terrains.
English Speaking Local Guide
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Tour Highlights
Discover the heart of Tibetan culture and spirituality with visits to iconic landmarks.
Day 1 - Beijing (Arrival)
You will be warmly welcomed at airport and sent to the hotel.
- 30km, 60min drive
Day 2: Beijing - Ming Tombs & Mutianyu Great Wall
Morning (7:00 AM – 11:30 AM):
- Start your day with a prompt hotel pick-up between 7:00 AM and 7:30 AM.
- Journey to the Ming Tombs (Dingling), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore Dingling, the underground mausoleum of Emperor Wanli, offering a fascinating glimpse into imperial history. This is the best-preserved of the Chinese imperial tombs, boasting 500 years of history.
- Discover the Underground Palace Halls, the first royal tomb excavated in China, a labyrinth of palace architecture. (2-hour exploration)
- Before lunch, enjoy a 45 minute visit of Jade Carving Factory.
Lunch (11:30 AM):
- Savor an authentic Chinese traditional lunch.
Afternoon:
- Mutianyu Great Wall: Ascend to the renowned Mutianyu Great Wall, celebrated for its breathtaking scenery: lush woods and vibrant pastures that transform with the seasons.
- Optional Cable Car: For an elevated experience and access to the highest point, consider the cable car (optional: RMB100 one way / RMB120 round trip).
Late Afternoon:
- Chinese Tea Ceremony: Upon returning to downtown Beijing, immerse yourself in a traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony.
Evening (6:00 PM):
- Conclude your tour with a comfortable transfer back to your hotel around 6:00 PM.
85km, 2hrs drive
Day 3: Beijing - Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven & High-Speed Train to Xi'an
Morning (7:00 AM – 12:00 PM):
- Begin your day with a hotel pick-up between 7:00 AM and 7:30 AM.
- Tiananmen Square: Start at the northern part of Tiananmen Square, witnessing iconic landmarks such as the Tiananmen Rostrum (symbol of new China), ancient stone lions, ornamental columns, and the outer golden water bridge. View notable buildings from a distance: the National Flag Pole, Monument to the People’s Heroes, Chairman Mao Zedong Memorial Hall, the Great Hall of the People, and the National Museum.
- Forbidden City: Explore the magnificent Forbidden City, the world’s largest and best-preserved ancient imperial palace complex (500 years of history). Traverse the central axis from south to north, immersing yourself in its grandeur. (2-hour visit)
- Chinese medicine culture: On the way to Temple of Heaven, you will have a chance to visit the Chinese traditional medicine culture.
Lunch (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM):
- Enjoy a delicious Chinese lunch. (40 minutes)
Afternoon (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM):
- Temple of Heaven: Discover the Temple of Heaven, the largest ancient imperial worship complex where emperors prayed for peace and bountiful harvests. (1-hour visit)
- Pearl Market Visit: Enjoy a short visit to a pearl free market not missed.
- Summer Palace: Journey to the Summer Palace, the largest and most exquisite Chinese imperial garden. Explore this “museum of gardens” (1 hour and 20 minutes).
Evening:
Train to Xi’an: You will be transferred to the train station to board your train to Xi’an.
(Travel Time: 44km, 2 hours drive)
Day 4: Xi'an - Terracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Morning:
- Upon arrival at Xian Train Station, your tour begins!
- Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum: Discover the world-renowned Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, hailed as “the Eighth Wonder of the World.” Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, located 30 km east of Xi’an, and marvel at the astonishing level of sculpture. Learn about the discovery of the original site by local farmers in 1974, which has since become Xi’an’s most important attraction. See Pit 1 (the largest), Pit 2, Pit 3, and the exhibition hall of chariots and horses.
- Imitation Terracotta Figures Factory: Spend 40 minutes at an Imitation of the Qin Terracotta Figures Factory.
Lunch:
- Enjoy a satisfying lunch.
Afternoon:
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda: Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, constructed during the Tang Dynasty to house Buddhist Sutras and figurines brought from ancient India by Master Xuanzang. Stroll around the North Square of Big Wild Goose Pagoda, surrounded by a large amusement garden.
Evening:
- After a full day of exploration, you will be comfortably transferred back to your hotel in Xi’an.
(Travel Time: 90km, 2 hours drive)
Day 5: Xi'an-Lhasa Train
View on the sky train
- 2864 km, 32hrs drive
Day 6: Lhasa - Arrival and Acclimatization
Arrival:
- Upon arrival at the Lhasa Train Station/Airport, you will be greeted warmly in Tibetan with “Tashi Delek” by our professional Tibetan guide.
- Hotel Transfer: After meeting your guide, you’ll be transferred to your pre-arranged hotel in Lhasa.
Acclimatization:
- Rest or Exploration: The choice is yours: either relax at the hotel or take a leisurely stroll through the city streets to soak in the local atmosphere.
- Important Note: It is crucial to take it slow and allow your body to acclimatize to the altitude. This will ensure a more enjoyable experience for the rest of your time in Lhasa.
(Travel Time: 68km, 1 hour drive)
Day 7: Lhasa - Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street
Morning:
- Potala Palace: Begin your day with a visit to the magnificent Potala Palace! This UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in the 7th century, stands as the highest building in Lhasa. Ascend the approximately 1000 stairs and be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Lhasa City and the surrounding mountains. Explore the numerous rooms, courtyards, and viewpoints within this grand palace.
Afternoon:
- Jokhang Temple: Immerse yourself in the spiritual heart of Tibet at Jokhang Temple, considered the most sacred and important temple in the region. Built approximately 1350 years ago, the temple showcases a blend of Tibetan, Tang Dynasty Chinese, Nepalese, and Indian architectural styles.
- Barkhor Street Exploration: After the temple visit, explore the vibrant shopping district of Barkhor Street. Discover beautiful and unique handicrafts from across Tibet, enjoyed by both tourists and locals.
- Join the Kora: Participate in the traditional “kora” alongside locals and pilgrims – a clockwise walk around Buddhist sites (note: counterclockwise is for Bon religion followers).
- Tibetan Butter Tea: Relax and observe the diverse faces and colorful attire of the locals while savoring traditional Tibetan butter tea (made with fresh yak butter and yak milk).
Evening:
- Enjoy a complimentary welcome dinner.
(Travel Time: 1.5km, 10min drive)
Day 8: Lhasa - Drepung Monastery & Sera Monastery Monastic Debates
Morning:
- Drepung Monastery: Begin your day with a visit to Drepung Monastery, one of the “Great Three” Gelug monasteries of Tibet. Discover its significance as a center of learning and its role in hosting the unveiling of the enormous Thanka of the Great Buddha and the Tibetan Opera Show during the Shoton Festival.
Afternoon:
- Sera Monastery & Monastic Debates: Explore Sera Monastery, another of the “Great Three” monasteries. Witness a unique and captivating tradition of Tibetan Buddhism: the courtyard debates among the monks. Observe how these lively debates contribute to the monks’ understanding of Buddhist philosophy and their pursuit of higher levels of study. These debates are held on weekdays from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
(Travel Time: 8km, 30min drive)
Day 9: Lhasa to Shigatse via Gyantse - Scenic Valley, Turquoise Lake & Glacier Views**
Morning:
- Departure from Lhasa: Today, our tour departs the vibrant city of Lhasa and ventures into the scenic Nyangchu Valley.
- Nyangchu Valley Drive: Journey through the valley, following the Nyang River (a tributary of the Yarlung Zangbo/Bramaputra River). Keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife and bird species inhabiting this wide floodplain.
- Gampala Pass: Cross over the Gampala Pass (4900m), enjoying breathtaking views along the way.
Midday:
- Yamdrok Lake: Marvel at the surreal turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake (4400m) as it stretches from horizon to horizon.
Afternoon:
Karo-la Glacier: Encounter the Karo-la Glacier (4960m), easily visible from the roadside. Capture stunning photos and create lasting memories.
Gyantse Exploration: Continue to Gyantse, a historically significant city.
Pelkor Monastery and Gantse Kumbum: Visit Pelkor Monastery and the unique Gantse Kumbum.
Evening:
- Arrival in Shigatse: Arrive in Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet.
(Travel Time: 360km, 7-8 hours drive)
Day 10: Shigatse - Tashilhunpo Monastery & Return to Lhasa
Morning:
- Tashilhunpo Monastery: In the early morning, the tour visits Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lamas.
- Explore the Monastery: Built in 1447, the monastery houses a giant statue of the Maitreya Buddha (Buddha of the Future). It is the biggest gilded statue of Maitreya in the world, along with the tombs of all Panchen Lamas. Admire this statue that is decorated with jewels and precious stones. You will see many pilgrims come to rub their “malas” or prayer beads along its flanks.
Afternoon:
- Return to Lhasa: In the afternoon, we will drive back to Lhasa. (Note: Transfer from Shigatse to Lhasa may be by train.)
(Travel Time: 280km, 6 hours drive)
Day 11: Departure
- Farewell:
- Today marks the end of our journey together. Your guide will assist you with your transfer from the hotel to the airport or train station, and wish you a safe and pleasant onward journey.
(Travel Time: 68km, 1 hour drive)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to process the Tibet Travel Permit?
Typically, it is recommended to apply at least 15-20 days before your planned travel date to ensure ample processing time.)
Q: When is the best time to travel to Tibet?
The best time to visit Tibet is from April to October when the weather is most favorable, with clearer skies and milder temperatures. However, for those looking to experience specific festivals or less crowded seasons, other times of the year can also offer unique advantages.
Q: Is it easy to find vegetarian food during the trip?
Yes, vegetarian options are available, especially in larger cities like Lhasa and Shigatse. Hotels typically offer simple Western meals, and vegetarian dishes can be found in local Chinese restaurants or noodle shops in remote areas or small towns during long journeys.
Q: WVhat about breakfast at the hotel?
Breakfast at the hotel usually includes simple Western options. In larger cities, you’ll have a wider range of choices, whereas in more remote areas, the selection may be more limited but still satisfying.
Q: What is the difference between 3-star and 4-star hotels?
4-star hotels generally offer a higher standard of accommodation, with more spacious rooms, additional amenities, and better service compared to 3-star hotels. Both options provide comfortable lodgings, but 4-star hotels may offer a more luxurious experience.
Q: What is the maximum andnum number of people in a group?
Our tours are designed for small groups, with a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 13 people. This ensures a more personalized and enjoyable travel experience.
Q: Will medical assistance be provided for altitude sickness?
Yes, we provide 1L oxygen bottles for each tourist. For destinations further from Lhasa, we also supply medical-grade oxygen canisters, which are more effective than small bottles. It’s also advisable to prepare some altitude sickness medication as a precaution.
Q: How do most guests travel to Tibet?
Most of our guests choose to fly into Tibet, with many domestic cities offering flights to Lhasa. It’s the quickest way, usually taking 1-3 hours, compared to over 20 hours by train. Train tickets can only be booked 15 days in advance.
Q: Do we have to carry our luggage, or will it be transported?
Large luggage can be stored in the vehicle or left at hotels during your stay. You’ll only need to carry personal items and anything you might need for the day’s activities.
Dates and availability
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