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Tour

China: Journey Across the Rooftop of the World: Beijing to Lhasa by Train (8 days)

Tour Operator
Remote Lands, Inc

Beijing, China to Lhasa, China

Valid for Departures Now Through: 01 Jun 2027
Virtuoso Benefits
For availability and pricing:

Take the ride through the rooftop of the world, from bustling Beijing to relaxed, holy Lhasa. Catch incredible panoramas of some of the world’s most majestic mountains, pristine lakes, rare wildlife, and more. Visit age-old sites that reveal the rich, ancient cultures of both Beijing and Lhasa, from Tiananmen Square to Potala Palace. See how both cultures are both similar, and at the same time, exceedingly different, on this memorable, scenic, thrilling journey.


Highlights


  • Take a stroll along the most beautiful part of China’s Great Wall

  • Ride the world’s highest train journey, from Beijing to the majestic Tibetan Plateau

  • Visit some of Lhasa’s most revered and important monasteries, including what was once the world’s largest

  • Overnight at some of Beijing and Lhasa’s most luxurious hotels

Itinerary

Day 1
Beijing, China

Hotel: Waldorf Astoria Beijing
Meals: Dinner

Arrive in Beijing, one of the world’s most populous cities. You’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your downtown Beijing hotel, where you are free to do as you please - be it resting up for the days ahead, or exploring your nearby surroundings.


Day 2
Beijing, China

Hotel: Waldorf Astoria Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore Beijing today, starting with a visit to the well-known and important site of Tiananmen Square, as well as the ancient Forbidden City. Check out the Temple of Heaven, where Emperors pray for their goals of both peace and success. In the afternoon, you’ll head to the Summer Palace, which once housed Qing Dynasty Emperors. Enjoy a delicious Chinese dinner, after which you’ll be entertained by a Chinese Kongfu show. Spend the night in your luxury Beijing hotel.


Day 3
Beijing, China

Hotel: Waldorf Astoria Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

For your final day of exploring Beijing, you’ll start with a hike through what what is generally agreed upon as the most beautiful section of the Great Wall. After lunch, you’ll be whisked away to Changling, one of the 13 monolithic Ming Tombs of the Ming Dynasty’s Emperors. Next, you’ll be taken back to your hotel, where you can pack your things for your long, scenic train ride to your next destination: Tibet. You’ll depart around 8pm, and overnight on the train.

Day 4
Lhasa, China

Beijing, China

Hotel: St. Regis Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up on the train to Tibet this morning, taking in the stunning views of the Qinghai plateau and snowcapped mountains in the distance. As you get closer to the Tibetan plateau, you’ll notice the skies transform into a lovely sunny blue color. Overnight once again on the train.


Day 5
Lhasa, China

Hotel: St. Regis Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Before dawn breaks today, your train will pass over the Tanggula mountain range, exceeding altitudes of 5,000 meters. You are now officially on the world’s highest train journey. Wake up to majestic sights of snowcapped mountains, fringed by fresh Tibetan lakes and miles of pasture. Arrive at the Lhasa train station in the afternoon, where you’ll be greeted and transferred to your Lhasa city hotel. We recommend the luxurious St. Regis.


Day 6
Lhasa, China

Hotel: St. Regis Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spend your first day in Lhasa getting acquainted with your new surroundings, and acclimatized to the high altitude. You’ll start off with a trip to Jokhang Temple, considered to be one of Tibet’s most important temples. Next, move on to Bakhor street, not only a sacred pilgrimage site, but also a bustling central market. Finish off with a visit to Sera Monastery, home to hundreds of monks from all over the country.


Day 7
Lhasa, China

Hotel: St. Regis Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today will be your second day taking in the sights and sounds of Lhasa - make the most of it with a trip to Potala Palace, a culturally-important Tibetan landmark. This majestic abode was once the chief residence of the Dalai Lama. In the afternoon, check out Drepung monastery; once upon a time, this was the world’s largest monastery, home to over 10,000 monks, including at one point, the Dalai Lama. Spend the remainder of your day at leisure.


Day 8
Lhasa, China

Hotel: None
Meals: Breakfast

This morning, you’ll check out of your luxury Lhasa hotel, and be escorted to the airport in time for your onward journey.


Virtuoso Benefits

VIP Arrival

The following VIP services are complimentary for all Virtuoso guests upon arrival at participating airports.

  • Meet and greet as you disembark the aircraft
  • Luggage assistance
  • Escort through immigration and customs formalities
  • Escort to your private guide

Further services may be available, contingent upon individual airport regulations. Please enquire for further details.

Product Terms & Conditions
Payment Notes
  • Payment by wire transfer or by cheque; American Express, Visa and MasterCard also accepted.
  • 25%

Refund Policy
  • Fully refundable, less a 15% of total trip price cancellation fee, if cancelled 91 days or more before departure, subject to the refund policies of each hotel, airline and other vendor
  • 50% of total trip price refundable if cancelled 30-90 days before departure, subject to the refund policies of each hotel, airline and other vendor
  • No refund less than 30 days before departure

  • Please note that some vendors have onerous cancellation policies with substantial penalties for changes where funds paid are non-refundable


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