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22 Days London Xian Lhasa Kailash Shanghai Tour by Train

22 Days London Xian Lhasa Kailash Shanghai Tour by Train

(UKTT09) London - By flight - Xian - By train - Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - EBC - Saga - Darchen - Kailash trekking - Darchen - Saga - Sakya - Shigatse - Lhasa - By flight - Shanghai

Overview

Specially designed for travelers from London to China, this long and epic 22-day tour of the Tibetan plateau and the breadth of mainland China is an outstanding adventure that will leave you breathless. Starting in London you fly to the ancient capital of China, Xian, where you will get to visit the ancient tomb of the First Chinese Emperor, and his army of clay soldiers. After visiting the local sights and cycling along the top of the ancient city wall, you will board the train that takes you to Lhasa, the world's highest capital city and the center of Tibet. There, you will tour the city while you acclimatize, before heading out of the capital to the west, to visit the many sites of the Tibetan plateau. Traveling all the way to the Nepali border, you will then get to visit the World's Highest Mountain, before heading north to Darchen to tackle the arduous hike around the world's most sacred mountain, Mount Kailash. After this tough three-day trek, you will head back to Lhasa for the flight to Shanghai, and your last few days exploring the most multi-cultural city in China.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Fly from London to Xian

There is one direct flight leaving daily from London to Xian and the overall travel time is around 11 hours. Please pack your luggage well and get to the airport on the day of flying. (The direct international flight from London to Xian suggests to be booked by yourself.)

Stay overnight on the plane.

Day 2: Xian Arrival

Upon your arrival in the Xian Airport, your local tour guide will escort you to your reserved hotel in Xian. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Stay overnight in Xian.

Day 3: Xian Tour: The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses, Big Wild Goose Pagoda

In the morning, we are about to visit the Eighth Wonder of the World, the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. You will not only be attracted by the life-sized warrior figures and horses, each of which has distinct facial expressions and positions, but also be astonished by various kinds of ancient weapons which reflect the highly advanced technology in weapon-making 2,200 years ago.

Afterwards, we will head to tour another must-see attraction in Xian Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Originally built in 652 during the Tang dynasty, the Pagoda is known for keeping the Buddhist scriptures and figurines of the Buddha brought by Xuanzang, one of the most renowned Chinese monks. The whole place is one of the most visited destinations by international tourists in Xian.

Stay overnight in Xian.

Day 4: Xian Tour: Shanxi History Museum, Cycling on the top of Ancient City Wall, and Muslim Quarter

In the morning, we are expected to visit Shanxi History Museum, the best place to take a glance at the glorious history of ancient Chinese civilization. The precious exhibits dates from the Paleolithic era to the Qing Dynasty. The breadth and depth of the artifacts and quality of artwork from each time period and dynasty are breathtaking! The museum is crowded, so be prepared to go with the flow of the people in front of each display.

In the afternoon, tourists can enjoy wonderful cycling on the top of Ancient City Wall. The wall around the city centre of Xian is a massive construction, about 14 kilometres in perimeter. With 98 defensive ramparts, four main gates, and a moat around it, the ancient city wall is a wonderful example of ancient defensive building. Near its centre are the Bell Tower and Drum Tower.

Later, we will travel to Muslim Quarter, the most famous gourmet street and largest Muslim business street in Xian. It’s the perfect place to have close chat with street vendors of Muslims and buy the exquisite handicrafts and enjoy various local snacks.

Stay overnight in Xian.

Day 5: Board the train from Xian to Lhasa and enjoy the train scenery

In the morning, tourists will be transferred to Xian railway station and take the train to Lhasa. You will witness the most beautiful scenery of Qinghai-Tibet Railway. Endless land of snows, vast desert, boundless grassland, snow-capped mountains and stunning lakes will continually appear and strongly attract your heart.

Stay overnight in the train.

Day 6: Arrive in Lhasa

When you arrive in Lhasa, your tour guide will hold a board with your name on it at the exit to welcome you. A private car will take you to the reserved hotel. You may view the Yarlung Tsangpo River/Bhamaputra River (the longest and largest river in Tibet) and Lhasa River on the way to downtown Lhasa.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Day 7: Lhasa Tour - Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street (B)

Today's tour will first bring you to the Potala Palace which is the winter palace of the Dalai lama. It was put to use since the 7th Century by the 33rd great king of Tibet. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and meditation Cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.

Then after lunch, tourists head to Jokhang Temple which was founded by the 33rd great king of Tibet in the 7th century. Inside you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve. Outside, you can see pilgrims making prostrating in front of Jokhang Temple. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can do kora (a religious circle of a building or mountain) with pilgrims and locals, and explore the old market. Besides, we can taste Tibetan tea with locals in tea house.

Optional:
With time permitting, you may go with tour guide to visit Tibetan handicraft art or Tibetan Traditional Medicine center. You can upgrade your service to enjoy Tibetan Culture Show in the evening (fr. 60USD)

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Day 8: Lhasa Tour - Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery (B)

In the morning, you are going to visit Drepung Monastery which is one of the “great three” Gelug monasteries of Tibet, founded in 1416 by Jamyang choge, one of the Tsongkhapa’s main disciples. You can visit the biggest monastery kitchen inside the monastery and enjoy Buddhist Sculpture Carving workshop near Drepung.

In the afternoon, you will visit Sera Monastery which is another one of the “great three” Gelug monasteries of Tibet. The hot attraction is the monks debate at around 3 - 5 in the afternoon. In addition, you can tour the Tibetan religious scripture printing house. Inside the monastery, you can see three sand Mandalas and colorful Rock Painting of Buddha.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Day 9: Lhasa - Shigatse via Gyantse (B)

In the morning, drive from Lhasa to Shigatse. On the way, drive over the Gampala Pass(4790m), and you will have a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso(4400m). The Lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and in the distance you can have spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar(7191m), the highest mountain near Lhasa .

Later, we will pass and enjoy the Korola Glacier on the roadside. At Manak Dam Lake, you can hang pray flag at Simila Mountain Pass. Then, we will arrive in Gyantse, historically Tibet's third largest city (after Lhasa and Shigatse). In Gyantse, we will visit the famous Pelkor Monastery and Gyantse Kumbum and enjoy the Far view of Gyangtse Fortress.

After one and a half driving, we arrive in Shigatse, which is the second largest city in Tibet. In Shigatse, we may visit traditional Barley Mill and view the landscape of Barley Field (in summer).

Stay overnight in Shigatse.

Day 10: Shigatse(3900m) to Everest Base Camp(5200m) (B)

In the morning, we will visit the home of Panchan Lama - Tashilunpo Monastery. Then, we’ll leave Shigatse after getting your Alien’s travel permit, and then drive to Lhatse, it is a small town where you can have lunch.

After that, we will pass Tsola Pass(4600m), and Gyatsola Pass(5248m). Shortly after we enter Mt. Everest National Nature Reserve, tourists can enjoy the panorama of Himalaya at Gawula Pass(5198m). Then we drive along the New zigzag road to Everest Base Camp(5200m). You can get closer to gaze at the Mt. Everest peak. The sunset of golden Everest peak if time and weather permits at the lodging area.

Stay overnight at tent or Rongbuk monastery guest house.

Day 11: EBC - Saga (450km)

In the morning, we can enjoy the sunrise of Everest Peak at lodging area if weather permits. Then as we head to Saga, you can view the worlds’14th highest peak Mt.Shishapangma(8012m), and turquoise Lake Peiku tso(4590m). If you are lucky enough, you are very likely to see wild animals like wild donkey, wild antelope, etc.

Stay overnight in Saga.

Day 12: Saga to Darchen, via Lake Manasarover (450km)

On the way to Darchen, you will have a chance to appreciate the stunning view of the Saga valley between Gangdise Range and Himayala Range. Meanwhile, the beautiful grassland and local's villages can also be seen. As we cross the Mayomla Pass(5112m), you can enjoy the spectacular vista of Mt. Naimonanyi(7694m). Then we are supposed to pass by the holy Lake Manasarover and finally arrive at the southern foot of Mt.Kailash, the most holy mountain in Tibet.

Stay overnight in Tarchen.

Day 13: Darchen - Drirapuk (driving 7km, trek 13km)

In the morning, we are supposed to take eco-bus from Darchen to Sarshung valley. Then we will meet Yaks and porters at Sarshung village. (the cost of hiring yaks, horses, and porters are not included in the package) After that, we can begin the trek (around 13km) from Sarshung to Drirapuk Monastery along the Lachu valley and rivers. You can enjoy the both west and north face of Mountain Kailash today. Finally, we will visit Drirapuk Monastery.

Stay overnight in guest house.

Day 14: Drirapuk - Dzutrpuk (trek 18km)

Today, we will trek over Dromala Pass(5630m), the highest pass of the Kora. On the way you can have a rest in a teahouse. All the way, you can see locals Tibetans prostrating in the Kora path and beautiful Kadoe Lake when walk downhill. We may also visit Zutulpuk Monastery.

Stay overnight in guest house.

Day 15: Dzutripuk - Darchen (trek 7km, driving 5km)

On the day three of the kora. you will trek 7km to Zongto where you can take bus to Darchen. Along the Kora, you can see piles of Mani Stones. We will end the Trek around noon, rest in the lodging place.

(Optional): Taking bath in Lake Manasarova and enjoy hot spring.

Stay overnight in Tarchen.

Day 16: Darchen - Saga (450km)

Drive from Darchen to Saga via Lake Manasorova.

Stay overnight in Saga.

Day 17: Saga to Sakya (350km)

Drive from Saga to Sakya.

Stay overnight in Sakya.

Day 18: Sakya to Shigatse (170km)

In the morning, we will visit ancient Sakya town and you can tour Sakya Monastery with amazing murals and huge collection of scriptures and statues.Then we are about to drive from Sakya to Shigatse.

Stay overnight in Shigatse.

Day 19: Shigatse - Lhasa (B)

We will follow Yalong Valley back to Lhasa. On the way, you can stand on the viewing platform to view the vast Yalong River bed and visit Water Mill making Tibetan Incense material (in summer, if time permits). Drop off at hotel in Lhasa.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Day 20: Fly from Lhasa to Shanghai

The guide will transfer you to the airport for your onward flight to Shanghai. After around 6 hours’ flying, you will land in Shanghai and be picked up by the local guide. Then the guide will take you to the reserved hotel. The rest of the day is for you to have a good rest.

Stay overnight in Shanghai.

Day 21: Shanghai Day Tour: Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, and Oriental Pearl TV Tower, The Bund

Today we are about to visit some of the highlights of highlights of Shanghai Tour. Starting with fascinating Shanghai Museum, the magnificent 4-story building houses an incredible collection of bronzes, sculptures, ceramics, coins, paintings, calligraphy, costumes and other exhibits in different dynasties. It’s the perfect place for fans of Chinese history and art.

Next comes the Yu Garden. Built in the 16th century during the Ming Dynasty, the Yu Garden used to be the private residence of a senior Government administrator in the Ming Dynasty. For passionate photographer, never miss the chance to photograph Old Street of Yu Garden.

In the evening, we will visit the most iconic building of Shanghai, i.e. Oriental Pearl TV Tower. You can enjoy the amazing panorama of the skyline of Shanghai at night. And as you stroll along the Bund, you will get amazed at the spectacular Huangpu River and dazzling light from buildings of Pudong.

Stay overnight in Shanghai.

Day 22: Shanghai Departure

For the last day, the guide will transfer you to the airport and help you get on board. There are two direct flights leaving daily from Shanghai to Melbourne and the overall travel time is around 12 hours. Hope you have a nice trip home and look forward to traveling with you again! (The direct international flight from Shanghai to Melbourne suggests to be booked by yourself.)

Service Guide

Service Included:

  • Tibet travel permit and all other necessary permits to Tibet;
  • All entrance ticket fees for all tourist sites listed in the itinerary;
  • Personal knowledgeable English-speaking Tibetan local tour guide;
  • Personal comfortable, clean and safe vehicle with reliable Tibetan local driver; vehicle ranging from 4WD land cruiser to minibus depending on your group size;
  • All lodging listed in the itinerary; it’s your decision about the accommodation class: luxury 5-star international hotel, comfortable 4-star hotel, economic 3-star hotel or budget hostel, guesthouse or tent. Please tell us your accommodation preference when submitting the enquiry; we will arrange the best-value hotels for you.
  • Domestic flight/train tickets listed in the itinerary;
  • All meals listed in the above itinerary;
  • Tourist accident/casualty insurance;
  • First aid kit;

Service Excluded:

  • International flight to and out of China;
  • Chinese visa (Note: we could help you with the Chinese visa application, like providing the invitation letter, presenting the hotel or domestic flight reservation copies, etc that you may need. )
  • Domestic flight/train not listed in the itinerary. (We can provide you the domestic flight/train ticket booking service at the BEST discount price; please contact us our travel experts for the details.)
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary; usually it costs about USD3-15 per person for one meal in TAR (Tibet Autonomous Region).
  • Tips and gratitude to tour guide and driver;
  • Personal expenses, like laundry, phone call, snacks, soft drinks (please do the best to avoid the alcoholic beverages during your Tibet trip), optional tour activities, etc.

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