Day 1 – Arrive in Beijing
Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed at the airport by an English-speaking member of our partner agency holding a sign with your name. They can assist with exchanging money, withdrawing cash, or answering any initial questions before escorting you to your comfortable hotel in the heart of Beijing’s Old Town. During the transfer, enjoy helpful tips and fascinating insights to begin your adventure in China with ease.
Day 2 – Beijing city tour
Today, you’ll set off with a private guide to explore Beijing. First, you’ll visit the Lama Temple of Tibetan Lama Buddhism, a sacred space filled with curling incense smoke and the scent of sandalwood. After this, you’ll head for the Temple of Heavenly Peace, set within a city park packed with pine trees before taking a break for lunch near Tian’anmen Square.
After a bite to eat, you’ll visit Tian’anmen itself. With a name meaning Gate of Heavenly Peace, it’s the largest urban square in the world, bordered by parliament buildings and the mausoleum of Mao Zhedong. The last stop is the The Forbidden City, the secluded home of China’s emperors for many centuries. Almost like stepping into a living museum, it’s really quite something to behold.
Day 3 – Train to Xi’an
This morning, you’ll be collected and driven to the train station in Beijing. From here, you’ll catch the high-speed train to Xi’an, known for its Terracotta Army, which takes around six hours. One of our friendly drivers will meet you at the train station and take you to your centrally located hotel. The city is a major business hub, and its accommodation reflects this, but its central location makes up for its lack of small-scale charm. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy. Wander around the Muslim district, thick with the scented smoke of barbecued meats and spices or browse through one of the huge mega-malls.
Day 4 – Terracotta Army and gourmet walking tour
The following morning, you’ll set off from your hotel to the Terracotta Army, one of China’s most staggering and curious sights. Here, you will buy your ticket and amble at your own pace between rows upon rows of Terracotta Warriors. When you’ve finished looking around this impressive site, your driver will transfer you back to your hotel in Xi’an. Spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace, before meeting your guide and heading on a walking food tour through Xi’an. During the tour, you’ll taste dishes such as rou jia mo (juicy Chinese burgers), spicy lamb skewers, and sweet persimmon pancakes. Alongside your friendly local guide, you’ll wander through the Muslim Quarter and watch the locals hand-pull noodles and craft sweet treats.
Day 5 – Train to Xining
Today, you’ll be collected and taken to the train station in Xi’an, where you’ll catch a high-speed train to Xining. The journey takes around five and a half hours, and we will reserve a second-class seat for you. One of our friendly local drivers will meet you at the station in Xining and take you to your centrally located hotel, where you’ll stay in the vibrant Ximenkou district, just steps from Huayuan Square. Spend some time relaxing after your journey, before heading out to explore the nearby restaurants for dinner.
Day 6 – Ride the Himalaya Express train to Tibet
Today you’ll travel towards the ‘roof of the world’, boarding the world-famous Himalaya Express train to Lhasa. A journey on the world’s highest railway is an adventure in itself, taking you through snowy mountains, glistening lakes and vast grasslands over the next 20 hours. You’ll sleep in a simple, but comfortable cabin, shared with others, for an authentic experience through some of the most beautiful areas of China, entering Tibet the following day.
Day 7 – Arrive in Lhasa
Upon arrival in Lhasa, you’ll be collected by your Tibetan guide and driver and driven for around an hour to the old town, where you will be staying for the next four nights. Lhasa sits at 3,600 metres, which is actually the lowest point in Tibet. Due to the high altitude, many travellers experience headaches or mild altitude sickness when they arrive, so it’s important to make sure you drink lots of water (around three litres is recommended) on your first day. Your guide will hold onto your passport to register for your tickets to the Potala Palace the next day, and you should receive it back the same day or the next. Once you’re checked into your hotel, take a stroll or sit in one of the charming nearby restaurants around Barkhor Market.
Day 8 – Visit Potala Palace & Jokhang Temple
Today, you’ll visit two of Lhasa’s most iconic sites, the Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple. You’ll most likely start at the Potala Palace, a 17th-century … that was once the seat of the Dalai Lama. Wander through the maze of chapels and grandly decorated halls, learning all about the rich history and its significance in Tibetan Buddhism. Later in the afternoon, you’ll visit the Jokhang Temple, known for the circular path(Barkhor kora) that surrounds it and draws pilgrims from all over Tibet. You’ll also find the Barkhor Bazaar here, where the streets are lined with vibrant stalls and shops selling prayer flags, incense and traditional Tibetan fabrics. Enjoy a tasty dinner at a local Tibetan restaurant and try the freshly made momo dumplings.
Day 9 & 10 – Monasteries visit and free time in Lhasa
This morning, you’ll visit Drepung Monastery, which was once the largest monastery in the world. Perched on the mountainside, just outside Lhasa, this 15th-century complex was home to thousands of monks, as well as being the residence of the Dalai Lama before the Potala Palace was built. Next, you’ll explore Norbilingka, the former summer residence of the Dalai Lama. Wander through the beautiful palaces, colourful murals and willow tree gardens, and admire the intricate details of traditional Tibetan architecture. At Sera Monastery, you can witness a “debating session” with the monks (usually between 3-5 pm), where you can watch them engage in lively discussions and complex philosophical questions. The following day is free for you to explore as you wish.
Day 11 – Continue to Gyantse
Today, you’ll begin your journey to Gyantse. The first stop will be Yamdrok Lake, which is one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes. Here, you’ll find waters that shimmer in every shade of turquoise, with reflections from the surrounding snow-covered mountains. Soak up the tranquil atmosphere and take a stroll along the shore and breathe in that fresh mountain air. Next, you’ll wind your way through the mountains until a huge wall of ice appears beside you. Looking up at the Karola Glacier, take some time to admire the striking contrast of the bright white icy mass against the deep blue sky and watch the strings of prayer flags dance in the wind. As you get closer to Gyantse, the landscape shifts to rolling hills dotted with Tibetan villages, and soon you’ll arrive at your local hotel, where you can continue acclimatising to the high altitude.
Day 12 – Visit Pelkor Monastery and continue to Shigatse
This morning, you’ll start with a visit to Pelkor Monastery, known for its unique blend of architectural styles. Built in the 15th century, the monastery is home to the striking Kumbum Stupa, a 35-metre-high structure with 108 chapels, each decorated with detailed murals depicting Buddhist stories. Wander through the quiet courtyards, where the scent of incense fills the air, and watch monks go about their daily rituals, beneath a wave of ancient prayer flags. Next, you’ll visit Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city, and home to Tashilhunpo Monastery, which is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. Admire the 26-metre-high Maitreya Buddha statue covered in gold leaf and precious stones, and take a look at the extensive collection of religious scroll paintings (thangkas) and ancient manuscripts. Tonight you will spend the night in a small-scale hotel in Shigatse.
Day 13 – Along the Yarlung River to Samye
After breakfast, you will begin your journey towards Samya, along a winding road following the Yarlung (Brahmaputra) River. The scenery will change from fertile valleys and local farmers working in barley fields, to rocky mountain passes with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and the vast Tibetan plateau in the distance. On arrival in Samye, you will visit the monastery that is considered to be the first Buddhist monastery ever built in Tibet. Founded in the 8th century, this is a very symbolic place for pilgrims, where colourful murals tell Buddhist stories and immerse you in Tibet’s spiritual history. You’ll spend the night in Samye, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Day 14 – Visit to Yumbu Lakhang Palace & Traduk Monastery in Tsetang
Today, you’ll travel to Tsetang, often referred to as the cradle of Tibetan civilisation, where you’ll start with a visit to Yumbulagang Palace. Perched on a hill overlooking the valley, this palace is believed to be Tibet’s oldest building, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. Inside, you’ll wander through rooms filled with ancient artefacts and murals that tell stories of Tibet’s early days. Next, you’ll head to Traduk Monastery, one of Tibet’s first Buddhist monasteries, founded in the 7th century. The main hall houses a statue of the Sakayamuni Buddha, and the walls are decorated with well-preserved ancient paintings. Tonight, you’ll stay in Tsetang, a town that feels like a living museum, with traditional Tibetan houses and lively markets that give you a glimpse into everyday life here.
Day 15 – Return to Lhasa
This morning, you’ll be collected and driven back to Lhasa, passing herds of yak grazing across the vast plains. Returning to the same hotel for one final night, you can head out for a stroll through the cobbled lanes and pick up some handmade souvenirs from one of the local markets.
Day 14 – Departure from China
After breakfast, your driver will take you to Gonggar Airport to catch your flight home. Enjoy your final glimpses of Tibet’s incredible landscapes before you bid farewell to this extraordinary region.
Accommodation
