Responsible Tourism

Tibet by Train

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Highlights of this tour.

Explore Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City - traverse the vast Tibetan Plateau via the new Qinghai-Tibet rail line - wonder at the Potala Palace - join pilgrims in the Jokhang Temple and shopping on the Barkhor - witness the college of philosophy in action at Sera Monastery - enjoy a Tibetan buffet dinner & cultural show. Join a local family in their home to celebrate on our special Tibetan New Year departure- Feb 21-Mar 3, 2009.

Example of the itinerary.
Days 1-2 Beijing
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.

Days 3-4 train
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 Tanggu mountain ranges - reaching over 5000meters at its highest point.

Days 5-7 Lhasa
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.
On your last evening in Lhasa we invite you to enjoy a Tibetan buffet dinner & cultural show.
At Tibetan New Year you will be invited to a local home to share their celebrations.

Day 8 Depart or Gyantse
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight or
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.

Days 9-10 Shigatse
Tashilumpo 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.

Day 11 Depart
Follow the Brahmaputra east to the airport for your departure flight to back to Beijing or elsewhere in China or to Kathmandu.
**Continue your trip in China or Nepal -we are happy to tailor make an itinerary and make all arrangements for you.

The benefits you bring in taking this tour. (How this tour helps the local community or project)
As a Lhasa based company with 98% Tibetan staff we are actively involved in both providing local job opportunities and the ongoing training of Tibetan staff in guiding and management positions within the tour agency and also in associated hotels. Traditionally tourism in Tibet has been dominated by Nepali companies, we are actively involved in promoting tourism in Tibet organised and operated by Tibetans to bring not only greater economic benefit, but to preserve and promote Tibetan language, history and culture.

 

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