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13 Days/12 Nights Mysterious Tibet & the Ancient Silk Road Adventure by China Orient Express Plus the Qinghai-Tibet Rail
All Inclusive Train & Land Tour Fare from $3299 P/P (after early bird discount with reservation and deposit submitted by Feb. 28th, 2020)-double occupancy for both hotel room and private train compartment
Lhasa (Capital of Tibet)- Sigaze - Gyantse - Qinghai-Tibet railway - Xining -Lanzhou - Jiayuguan - Dunhuang - Turpan - Urumqi
*Qinghai-Tibet railway:
Qinghai-Tibet railway (the total length is 1956 kilometers) stretches from Xining in the east and Lhasa in the southwest, spanning the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Known as the "Sky Path", Qinghai-Tibet railway has been considered a miracle of railway engineering and construction. Of the total railway length, 960 kilometers of railway is constructed on the area of more than 4,000 meters (about 12,000 ft.) above the sea level with 550 kilometers of railway on the permafrost area. The highest elevation section of the railway is 5072 meters (about 15,200 ft.), where the rail passes through Tanggula Mountains. Being the most difficult railway engineering project, Qinghai-Tibet railway has enjoyed the highest plateau railway and the longest railway distance on permafrost area in the world.
*China Orient Express:
Let the world’s unique train—China Orient Express (also known as Shangri-la Express) take you to the Silk Road dating back to over 1000 years ago, to explore such unique attractions as the amazing Dunhuang Grottoes and etc. on the ancient Silk Road! By taking China Orient Express, you will also enjoy the first class service by the dedicated tour managers and train staff on this train that used to accommodate the distinguished state leaders of China and its foreign counterparts during the sixties and seventies of the twentieth century.
13 Days Mysterious TiBet & the Ancient Silk Road
Itinerary
Day1 Arrival in Lhasa
Destination:Lhasa
Activities: Pick-up, Hotel Check-in
Meals: N/A
Transportation:Coach /Van
Accommodation: Inter Continental Lhasa Paradise or same class
Lhasa--the capital of the Tiber Autonomous Region. Upon arrival, meet by your guide and represent you a hada, a white scarf which is the Tibetan traditional way to wish you good luck. Then transfer to hotel to take rest for acclimatization of the high altitude. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2 Explore the holy city of Tibet
Destination: Lhasa
Activities:Potala Palace,Jokhang Monastic,Barkhor Street
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transportation: Coach /Van,
Accommodation: Inter Continental Lhasa Paradise or same class
Following breakfast, we begin our exploration of the famous Potala Palace, perched on the northern side of Mountain. Throughout the ages, it had been the winter palace of Dalai Lamas. Its name means 'sacred Buddhist site' in the Tibetan language. This palace-like complex of buildings was first built in the 7th century AD by King Songtsen Gampo to celebrate his marriage with the Tang princess Wencheng as well as to house the Buddha images brought by Wencheng and the Nepalese princess Bhrikuti Devi. The palace also houses priceless artifacts and artworks. Continue to Jokhang Monastery, situated in the center of Lhasa. It was first built in 674A'D also to celebrate the marriage of King Songtsen Gampo with Princess Wencheng and Bhrikuti Devi, both devout Buddhists. This monastery underwent expansion over the years and today, its four-level main hall sports a gilded roof and a blend of Han Chinese, Tibetan, Nepalese and Indian architectural styles. Proceed to Barkhor Street in the old city, which offers glimpses of traditional Tibetan life. The faithful chant and circumambulate around Jokhang Monastery. In this circular street there are also shops selling a wide variety of crafts such as Tibetan knives, bangles, shoes and more.
Day 3 Feel the breathtaking scenery of Yamzho Yumco Lake
Destination: Lhasa- Sigaze
Activities: Yamzho Yumco Lake, Pelkor Monastery
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transportation: Coach /Van,
Accommodation: Wan Run International Hotel or same class
Following breakfast, we depart for Xigaze. Along the way, we pass by Yamdrok Lake, whose name means 'swan lake'. Also known as Baidi Lake, it is wedged between two mountains, hence like a swan spanning its wings. The crystal-clear lake, located over 4,000m above sea level, has a surface area of 638 square kilometers (about 246 sq. miles). It is the largest freshwater lake in Tibet, with a depth of up to 59m. Thereafter, we continue to Xigaze.
Day 4 Discover the largest monastery of the Gelug Sect in Rear Tibet
Destination: Shigatse-Lhasa
Activities:Tashi Lhunpo monastery,Yarlung Zangbo Gorge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transportation: Coach /Van,
Accommodation: Inter Continental Lhasa Paradise or same class
In the morning,visit the famous Tashi Lhunpo monastery, where you can see the well preserved largest statue of Jampa (future Buddha) in the world. This monastery, whose beauty is on par with that of Potala Palace, is located 2km west of Shigatse. It was founded by the first Dalai Lama, Gyalwa Gendun Drup, in 1447AD. Its name means 'all fortune and happiness gather here. The Main Chanting Hall houses the Panchen Lama's throne and several chapels, including a Sakyamuni chapel, Bodhisattva chapel and Tara chapel. Don't miss the Tenth Panchen Lama's Stupa. The Tenth Panchen Lama was a highly respected Tibetan Buddhist leader. We proceed back to Lhasa. On the way, we can enjoy scenic views of the Yarlung Zangbo Gorge/ Bhamaputra River (the Longest and largest river in Tibet).Stay Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 5 Enjoy the scenic journey on the World's Highest Railway
Destination: Lhasa-Tibet Plateau
Activities: YuzhuPeak,Mt Kunlunshan,Kekexili reserve, Tuotuo River,Fenghuo Mountain Tunnel,Tanggula Station,Qiangtang Grassland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transportation: Coach /Van,Train of Qinghai-Tibet
Accommodation:Over Night Train of Qingzhang (soft sleeper for 4 guests)
After breakfast, free at own leisure till we onboard the train on the world's highest railway. Thereafter, we begin the scenic train journey through the highest Point in the world. Along the way, we pass by magnificent sights: snow-capped mountains such as Yuzhu Peak and Mt Kunlunshan; Kekexili reserve; Tuotuo River, the source of Yangtze River; Fenghuo Mountain Tunnel, the world's highest mountain tunnel; Tanggula Station, the world's highest railway station located at 5,072m above sea level; Qiangtang Grassland and more.
Day 6 Meet the three treasures of Ta’er Monastery
Destination:Tibet Plateau-Xining
Activities: Ta'er Monastery
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transportation: Coach /Van,Train of Qingzhang
Accommodation: Wanda Realm (xining ) or same class (5 starts)
You could enjoy the fabulous scenery along your train trip. Today you will arrive at Xining Station and visit the Ta'er Monastery, whose name means '10,000 Buddhas'. Its construction began in the Ming Dynasty during the Jiaqing period. In 1560AD it was one of the six principal temples of the Tibetan Buddhist Yellow Sect. Don't miss its three treasures, which are of highly artistic value. Buttered figurines, sculpted from colored butter, are lively and realistic depictions of stories, nature and humans, while colorful murals adorn the monastery's walls. The third treasure is satin appliques in the shapes of Buddha and nature subjects, which are filled with cotton or wool and sewn on large fabrics. Thereafter, and then you will be escorted to the hotel for check in.
Day 7 Visit the oldest irrigation tool in Yellow River
Destination: Xining- Lanzhou-Jiayuguan
Activities: Waterwheel Garden
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transportation: Coach /Van, China Orient Express
Accommodation: China Orient Express
After breakfast,we visit Zhongshan Bridge, also called the first bridge over the Yellow River. In the year 1907, under the proposal of local officers in Lanzhou and Gansu and the help of a Germany businessman, the Qing Government began to build this first iron bridge over the upper reaches of the Yellow River. All materials, even the rivets, were transported from Germany to China using ships, trains, carts and any other means possible. The bridge was completed in two years, and named 'Lanzhou Iron Bridge over the Yellow River'. And then,we drive to Lanzhou after a visit to the Waterwheel Garden. Originated from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the waterwheel is the oldest irrigation tool in Yellow River area of Lanzhou. The Waterwheel Garden is a theme garden exhibiting the waterwheel culture. Here, you could appreciate the waterwheel driven by the flowing water all year round to collect water from the river or cofferdam. At 22:30pm, we take the‘China Orient Express’train to Jiayuguan . Have a nice night on the train with wonderful evening and morning views of local countryside.
Day8 Explore the western end of the Great Wall
Destination: Jiayuguan
Activities: Jiayuguan (Jiayu Pass), Overhanging Great Wall
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transportation: Coach /Van, China Orient Express
Accommodation: Holiday Plaza Hotel Jiayuguan or same class (5 stars)
Upon arrival in Jiayuguan (Jiayu Pass) City this morning, you will take the excursion to visit Jiayuguan or Jiayu Pass, the most western end of the Great Wall and the best preserved military fortress of the Great Wall. Afterwards, you will visit the Overhanging Great Wall. As part of Jiayu Pass defensive work, this section of the Great Wall is located 7 miles from downtown Jiayuguan, and appears from a distance like a dragon overhanging on the slope. Tonight you will stay overnight in the city of Jiayuguan.
Day9 Discover the beautiful desert oasis
Destination: Jiayuguan-Dunhuang
Activities: Crescent Lake & Singing Sand Mountains, Shazhou Night Market
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transportation: Coach /Van
Accommodation: Dunhuang Hotel or same class (4 stars, the best local hotel)
After a nice breakfast buffet at the hotel, you will get aboard the train before its scheduled departure at 10:00hrs am for Dunhuang. During the train ride, our invited professors from Dunhuang Research Institute will give you a presentation on Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang. Upon arrival in Dunhuang, you will be taken to visit Mingsha Hill and the Crescent Moon Pool. Where you will have the opportunity to take camel ride over the sand dune, and may hear the sound echoes of wind whipping off the dunes. After dinner tonight, you will take a stroll around Shazhou Night Market, a local night market in Dunhuang well known for its local specialties including the local crafts and gourmet snacks. Stay overnight in Dunhuang.
Day10 Visit the world cultural heritage site: Mogao Grottoes
Destination: Dunhuang-Turpan
Activities: Mogao Grottoes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transportation: Coach /Van
Accommodation: China Orient Express
The highlight today is a visit to the famed Mogao Grottoes or Mogao Caves, known as the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas. Designated as the World Cultural Heritage Site by the UNESCO, Mogao Caves comprise the largest, most richly endowed, and longest used treasure house of Buddhist art in the world, and represent the great achievement of Buddhist art from the 4th to the 14th century. Many visitors find themselves deeply touched by the immortal works of art. In the afternoon, you will be transferred back to the train station to board China Orient Express Train for your ride to the next destination-Turpan.
Day11 Meet the 6000 years old city in the hottest place of China
Destination: Turpan-Urumqi
Activities: Karez irrigation system, Flaming Mountain, Jiaohe Ancient City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transportation: Coach /Van, China Orient Express
Accommodation: Universel Hotel Urumqi or same class (5 stars)
Around 7:00 am in the morning, the train is scheduled to arrive in Turpan. Today you will visit Karez Well- the amazing ancient underground irrigation system consisting of vertical wells linked by underground water canals, surface canals and small reservoirs. At its peak, the total length of the irrigation system was more than 3000 miles with most of the irrigation system still in use by the local residents. Due to the hot and dry weather in Turpan, this system has efficiently reduced the evaporation, and is considered one of the three greatest water projects in Chinese history. Afterwards, you will visit the Flaming Mountain, featured in the classic novel 'Journey to the West'. The Flaming Mountain is believed to be the hottest spot in China with its summer temperature reaching 120 F frequently and its striking gullies and trenches caused by the erosion of the red sandstone bedrock give the mountain flaming appearance. bright red soil of the mountain glows even more under the glaring sun, and it is no wonder we feel the heat. Finally, you will take a tour of the ruins of the ancient City of Jiahe (Yarkhoto) with a history of 2300 years. This ancient city used to be the capital of former Cheshi. After dinner you will board the China Orient Express Train with scheduled departure at 20:30 pm for Urumqi, the final destination. Urumqi is the capital city of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Upon arrival in Urumqi, you will be transferred to your hotel for hotel check in.
Day12 Explore the heavenly lake and graceful prairie city
Destination: Urumqi
Activities: Heavenly Lake on Tianshan (boat tour), International Bazaar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Xinjiang Roasted Whole Lamb)
Transportation: Private Coach /Van, Boat
Accommodation: Universel Hotel Urumqi or same class (5 stars)
Today’s excursion takes you to the beautiful Lake of Heaven (Tianchi Lake), where you will take a boat ride. Located in the middle of Bogda Peak, this apline lake has a water coverage of 1.9 square miles with its water source coming from the melting snow of Tianshan (literally “heavenly mountain” in Chinese) Mountain. Upon returning to the city of Urumqi, you will spend some time visiting Xinjiang International bazaar.
Day13 Time to say goodbye to your unforgettable Silk Road trip
Destination: Urumqi
Activities: Dropp-off at Airport
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Coach /Van
Accommodation: N/A
After your buffet breakfast at the hotel, enjoy some time for leisure before taking a departure transfer to the airport for your flight back home. You may also take optional post tour of Shanghai, Beijijng or other destinations in China and Asia. Details are available upon request.
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