Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City - traverse the vast Tibetan Plateau via the new Qinghai-Tibet rail line - Potala Palace - Jokhang Temple, Gyantse, Shigatse
Duration: 11 Days
Grading:EASYType:TAILOR-MADEPrices from: £954
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Tour Overview
Tiananmen, the Gate of Heavenly Peace shields the elaborate grandeur of the Forbidden City from the vast expanse of the great square. 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties ruled from within its impressive walls.
The new high altitude rail line to Lhasa offers a unique view of the vast Tibetan Plateau - the scenery is simply awesome. The Golmud-Lhasa section of this epic rail journey opened in July 2005. The tracks zig zag 1142 km. across the Kunlun and Tanggula mountain ranges - reaching over 5000meters at its highest point.
The lure of Lhasa, capital on the roof of the world, cannot be under-estimated and it is truly a fascinating city, fully justifying its reputation. Dominated by the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Potala Palace and bustling with pilgrims circling the sacred Jokhang Temple it is a feast for the senses.
Cross the spectacular Khamba-La (pass) with the turquoise waters of the sacred lake, Yamdrok-tso, spread below. Prayer flags, glaciers, snow covered mountain ranges - the scenery is incredible!
Gyantse stands at the junction of trade routes from India and retains the feel of a Tibetan town. The forts and well-protected monasteries of Gyantse and Shigatse reveal a not always peaceful history - the riches within, testament to past glory.
Tashilhunpo Monastery, seat of the Panchen Lama and one of the most important monasteries of the Gelukpa order, dominates the hillside behind the town - its golden roofs glittering in the afternoon sun. Follow the Brahmaputra east to the airport for your departure flight.
TRIP STYLE A tour offering a balance of included sightseeing and free time to make your own discoveries. Local guides ensure you get the most from your trip. Accommodation is in comfortable 3-star hotels with private bathrooms. Train travel is by soft-sleeper (4 berth compartments).
DEPARTURES Private departures are available at any time and may be tailored for you.
Travel from the heart of China's capital across the vast empty spaces of the Tibetan Plateau to the cultural and religious centers of Tibet.
Activities
Visit the great monasteries of central Tibet and gain an understanding of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and its magnificent archeitecture and art work. Make new friends as you travel by rail across the vast Tibetan Plateau by the high altitude rail link. At Tibetan New Year join a local family in their celebrations - discovering their lifestyle, customs and traditions.
Guiding and support
In China, experienced, liscenced local guides will meet you in each town/city and accompany you for all sightseeing and included meals/activities.
In Tibet all our guides are licensed by the Tibetan Tourist Bureau. We employ a core of staff of guides who are experienced and knowledgeable and speak good English. Your guide's role is to facilitate the smooth, safe running of your trip, solve problems that may occur, organise back-up plans should the need arise and provide you with an appreciation and understanding of the Himalayan world. Your guide will meet you at Lhasa airport/ station on arrival and accompany you throughout the trip. If you have any concerns or problems on the trip, this is the person to speak to. Most of our travel is by private transport. Within the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) overland transport is by private 4WD vehicle. Most trips will use minibus for airport transfers and city sightseeing. Our drivers are extremely experienced, both as drivers and mechanics. They speak varying amounts of English, but all will be delighted to point out the best photo spots etc. Make the effort to get to know them and you will have a lot of fun.
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Tour Highlights
Beijing - Qinghai-Tibet Railway - Lhasa - Potala Palace - Jokhang temple - Yamdrok Lake - Mountain passes, glaciers & turquoise lakes - Gyantse - Shigatse - Tibetan monasteries - Tibetan NewYear departure includes an invitation to a local family to share the celebrations
Itinerary
Days 1-2 | Beijing
Upon arrival at Beijing airport you are met by our local partner and transferred to your hotel.
The remainder of today is at leisure in Beijing so you can start exploring this vast and amazing city. You may wish to track down a bargain at the wonderful Silk Market, see the hutongs or back lanes of Beijing by rickshaw, or find a great restaurant for Beijing Duck!
On Day 2 you visit The Imperial Palace, better know as the Forbidden City, which has seen 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties rule from within its impressive walls and many precious mementos from their reign are on display. You also visit Tiananmen Square, famous for events both celebratory and disastrous, and walking on this huge 40 hectare meeting area is quite remarkable.
On the evening of Day 2 you are transferred to the train station for your train journey to Lhasa.
Days 3-4 | Qinghai-Tibet Railway
The new Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the highest in the world, climbing from 2,829m above sea level at Golmud to 3,641m at Lhasa. Its highest point is in the Tanggula Pass, just over 5,000m above sea level. You arrive in Lhasa in the evening of Day 4 and will be met at the station and transferred to your hotel.
Days 5-7 | Lhasa
Colorful and historic, the holy city of Lhasa lies in a small valley 3700 meters above sea level. Lhasa rose to importance over 1300 years ago as attempts were made to unify Tibet. At this time the grand temples of Ramoche and Jokhang were built to house the Buddha images and religious artifacts brought to Tibet as dowries from China and Nepal. Although little of 7th century Lhasa remains intact, the 1600s saw a second stage of renovation and development, which included construction of the Potala Palace. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the town, this massive structure dominates the landscape with grace and dignity, confirming the suggestion that this palace is a true wonder of the architectural world.
During your time in the heart of Tibet, you will visit the Potala Palace, the Jokhang, the huge university monasteries of Drepung and Sera and the Barkhor pilgrim circuit. There is free time to explore other sights.
The Jokhang Temple is the spiritual heart of Tibet and also the most active. Prostrating pilgrims circle the temple endlessly day and night; some traversing the extremes of the country by foot to celebrate their beliefs. The Barkhor, the holiest devotional circuit, circumnavigates the Jokhang and houses a market bazaar. Here, Buddha images, yak skulls with ruby eyes, woodcarvings, carpets and prayer wheels are bargained for.
Nearby are the Drepung and Sera monasteries, once home to over 15,000 monks. Afternoon debating sessions by monks of the college of philosophy are a must-see experience. Top it off with a Tibetan Buffet dinner including Chang (Tibetan Barley Beer), Yak Butter Tea, Yak Meat, Yak cheese, Momos and a variety of vegetable and other dishes. This is followed by a performance of Tibetan music and dance.
Day 8 | Depart or Gyantse
Transfer to airport for departure flight
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It is a longish, yet spectacular drive to Gyantse. From the top of the Kamba Pass (4794m) the views of the turquoise lake, Yamdrok-Tso are unforgettable. The road winds down and along its shores via the small town of Nangartse before climbing again to the Karo La (5054) and the glaciers of Mt Nojin Kangtsang. Gyantse was once of major importance as a trading center on the routes between India, Sikkim, Bhutan, Tibet and China, its imposing fort, Gyantse Dzong, dominates views of the town.
Days 9-10 | Shigatse
Gyantse is also the site of the great 15th century monastic complex - Pelkor Choede which includes the fascinating Gyantse Kumbum. From Gyantse the Nyang-chu valley leads towards Tibet’s second largest town, Shigatse. Shigatse is site of Tashilhunpo Monastery, seat of the Panchen Lama and one of the most important monasteries of the Gelukpa order. The enormous, elaborate reliquary chorten are an incredible sight. Here there is also the option to visit the local carpet factory where hand woven carpets are produced using traditional designs.
Day 11 | Depart
Follow the Brahmaputra - here known as the Yarlung Tsangpo - east to the airport for your return flight to Beijing or elsewhere in China.
Responsible or ‘low impact’ travel may be defined as “minimizing the negative impact on environments and cultures caused by tourist activity and enhancing the positive results of tourism”.
Traveling is as much about how you visit as where you visit. Tourism does impact on local communities and we strongly believe in a need to balance the welfare and conservation of all people and environments with the benefits sustainable tourisms offers to protect the people, cultures, environments and resources of the areas in which we work.
Based in Lhasa, our original destination, we are inviting tourists into our home. As such we want them to gain as much as possible from the stunning natural environment and the immense cultural wealth of the Himalaya and Tibetan Plateau. We are also very conscious of the impact that mass tourism can have on the environment and the negative impacts that this can have on small communities, whilst appreciating the social and economic benefits that tourism can bring.
Our guides and group leaders follow detailed guidelines on acceptable behaviors and practices. These cover cultural considerations, reduction and disposal of waste and protection of endangered wildlife.
As travelers you are provided with country specific guidelines to help you make responsible decisions whilst traveling. These guidelines cover appropriate dress, etiquette for visiting homes and religious complexes, waste and environmental issues and endeavor to explain cultural behaviors which may seem alien to western travelers.
We are committed to 'putting back' into the communities and regions we visit by supporting development and conservation projects in these areas and specifically choosing to use local businesses that support such projects.
- Use all Tibetan drivers and guides - Privately owned Tibetan owned hotels unless clients request 4 or 5 star accommodation in Lhasa - Option to visit and support Project for the Blind, Lhasa - Proper waste disposal – encouraged to refill water bottles. Plastic water bottles all returned to Lhasa for recycling - Responsible Travel guidelines distributed to all pax.
TRAIN The western world describes the train as controversial – take this opportunity to talk to fellow passengers and discover for yourself the positives of this major communication link, remembering that a cheap, efficient transport link to a remote provincial capital would be considered not only positive, but a right, by most societies - faster, cheaper transport of goods, people able to afford to travel to visit friends and relatives, smart children and students on scholarships to schools & universities in larger Chinese cities able to afford regular visits home, access to remote areas ..
Our Trusted Partner's Responsible and Sustainable Travel Policy
Responsible or ‘low impact’ travel may be defined as “minimizing the negative impact on environments and cultures caused by tourist activity and enhancing the positive results of tourism”.
Traveling is as much about how you visit as where you visit. Tourism does impact on local communities and we strongly believe in a need to balance the welfare and conservation of all people and environments with the benefits sustainable tourisms offers to protect the people, cultures, environments and resources of the areas in which we work.
GOALS & OBJECTIVES Based in Lhasa, our original destination, we are inviting tourists into our home. As such we want them to gain as much as possible from the stunning natural environment and the immense cultural wealth of the Himalaya and Tibetan Plateau.
From this, the heart of Asia, we are expanding to include South Asia, Indochina, China and Mongolia and are very conscious of the strong links as well as differences between these regions. We are also very conscious of the impact that mass tourism can have on the environment and the negative impacts that this can have on small communities, whilst appreciating the social and economic benefits that tourism can bring.
- In Tibet we are our own ground operator employing all Tibetan managers, office staff, guides and drivers. - Throughout China, Nepal, Bhutan and India we work with wholly locally owned and operated agencies. - In Indochina and Mongolia we work with joint ventures with a strong commitment to responsible travel and using and employing local staff and operators. - We use existing infrastructures where possible and small-scale, privately, locally owned accommodation. - Encourage small groups - Guides and group leaders follow detailed guidelines on acceptable behaviors and practices. These cover cultural considerations, reduction and disposal of waste and protection of endangered wildlife. - Travelers are issued with country specific guidelines to help them to make responsible decisions whilst traveling. These guidelines cover appropriate dress, etiquette for visiting homes and religious complexes, waste and environmental issues and endeavor to explain cultural behaviors which may seem alien to western travelers. - We are committed to 'putting back' into the communities and regions we visit by supporting development and conservation projects in these areas and specifically choosing to use local businesses that support such projects.
About our Trusted Partner
Tibetan Expeditions offers he opportunity to experience some of the most incredible cultures and landscapes that this planet has to offer. Asia is home to some of the most diverse and most friendly peoples in the world; It offers stunning landscapes, enticing shopping, mouth watering cuisine... a kaleidoscope of incredible cultures and history.
Based in Lhasa, we know the region better than anyone. Locally and foreign owned and managed, employing predominantly Tibetan staff in our main office and working with a close network of locally owned and managed companies throughout the region, we are able to provide the best on-the-ground organisation and support possible.
At Tibetan Expeditions we carefully design our itineraries to introduce you to the best the region has to offer, a mix of historical and cultural sights; outdoor adventureand spiritual encounters. Free time for you to make your own discoveries, friendly knowledgeable guides, comfortable accommodation and transport and some meals at specially selected restaurants highlight the culinary delights of the region.
All our itineraries are designed for private departures at time that suit you - come alone or together with a group of friends. In addition we have group departures on set dates for some of our most popular itineraries in Tibet and Bhutan. We are always happy to tailor-make your tour especially for you; let us know where and when you wish to travel, how long for and the number of people in your group - and we will do the rest.
Potala Palace, Lhasa : Tibet by Train at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
Potala Palace, Lhasa
Monks at Sera Monastery, Lhasa : Tibet by Train at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
Monks at Sera Monastery, Lhasa
Tibetan Landscape - Lhasa-Gyantse : Tibet by Train at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
Tibetan Landscape - Lhasa-Gyantse
Barkhor Square in front of Jokhang, Lhasa : Tibet by Train at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
Barkhor Square in front of Jokhang, Lhasa
Religious dances are a highlight at monasteries : Tibet by Train at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
Religious dances are a highlight at monasteries
Train across the Tibetan Plateau : Tibet by Train at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
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