<CCCT>Tibet Highland 12 days
View: Beijing – Xining, Qinghai Tibet Railway, Lhasa, Tsedang
< Check with 6KissTravel for Detail>
Day 01 USA – Beijing
We set out on an exciting adventure to China aboard a transpacific flight. Our destination is Beijing, the capital city of China, and the host city to the 2 2008 Summer Olympics.
Day 02 Arrive at Beijing
Our flight lands at Beijing and we are transferred to our luxuriously appointed hotel for some well-deserved rest.
Day 03 Beijing – Xining
This morning is free at leisure before we are transferred to the airport to board a flight bound for Xining, the 21 21 2100-year-old highland city, the entrance of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau, and the starting point of Qinghai-Tibet Railway.
Day 04 Xining
Today full-day tour takes us excursion to Qinghai Lake, the largest inland saltwater lake in China. We’ll have an opportunity to cruise on the lake. As night falls, we enjoy a delicious local beef hot pot while being entertained by a local folklore dance show.
Day 05 Xining – Qinghai Tibet Railway
We continue our city tour of Xining in the morning. The Taer Monastery is huge and magnificent and once had more than 800 halls and rooms when it was in its most flourishing time. The Dongguan Mosque is also visited. Later in the afternoon we are transferred to the railway station to board the world famous Qinghai-Tibet Train. The Qinghai Tibet Railway has attracted many tourists since its construction was completed in 2006.
Day 06 Qinghai Tibet Railway – Lhasa
The day is spent relaxing on board our new high-altitude train as we embark on a 12 12 12-hour daylight journey into the Tibetan Capital of Lhasa cresting the 1 16,640 ft Tangula Pass 6 hours after leaving Golmud. This is the world’s highest scenic railway pass – over 3 3 3 miles above sea level and is certainly a once in a lifetime experience. Due to the high altitude, extra oxygen is pumped in through the ventilation system, and personal oxygen masks are available if required to make the journey as comfortable as possible. The elevation of Lhasa is 12 12 12,000 ft above sea level. To adjust our bodies to the thin air, we check into the hotel upon arrival.
Day 07 Lhasa
Full day tour takes us to the 1 17th century Potala Palace, the 13 13 13th century Johkang Monastery, and the Barkhor Market. Potala Palace is the essence of Tibetan architecture containing thousands of rooms, dominating the city skyline. It is the greatest monumental structure in Tibet and one of the architectural wonders of the world. Johkang Monastery is one of Tibet’s holiest shrines and the spiritual home for almost all Tibetans. Many pious Buddhist pilgrims flock here to pay homage. Barkhor Market is the oldest market in the capital and a well-trodden route for the many pilgrims who make their way to the temples. In the evening we are entertained by Tibetan music and dance show after a local cuisine dinner.
Day 08 Lhasa – Tsedang
We journey by bus to Tsedang. No tour of Tibet is complete without a visit to Tsedang. Situated southeast of Lhasa, the region of Tsedang abounds with important historical landmarks such as Samye Monastery, Yambulakhang Palace, Chonggye Monastery and more. This afternoon our sightseeing tour features Chonggye Monastery and Yambulakhang Palace. Yambulakhang Palace was the first palace built by the Tibetan and for their first recorded king. It is a five storied fortress-like dwelling built on the spur of a bill that commands an impressive view of the entire fertile valley.
Day 09 Tsedang
Continue our sightseeing tour of Tsedang with visit to Samye Monastery. Samye was the first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet in the latter part of 8th century, combining three distinctive architectural styles that of India, China and Tibet, symbolizing the source, stability and spread of the Buddhist faith.
Day 10 Tsedang – Lhasa – Beijing
After breakfast, take a last look of Tsedang, then we head back to Lhasa. On the way, we have an opportunity to call on a Tibetan family to try a cup of the local jam butter tea. At Lhasa, we board a return flight bound for Beijing. For dinner tonight at Beijing, we indulge our plates with the traditionally prepared Peking Duck Banquet.
Day 11 Beijing
After breakfast, our sightseeing tour of New Beijing starts with visits to the Qianmen Street and the Olympic Park. We will view the new attractions such as the “Bird’s Nest” National Stadium, the “Water Cube” Aquatics Centre, and the National Grand Theatre. If permitted, an inside visit to the “Bird’s Nest” will be arranged. This afternoon is set aside for you to use as you wish. No sightseeing has been planned, so take the opportunity to explore Beijing at your own pace.
Day 12 Beijing – USA
We transfer to airport for our homebound flight. Well to China.
***** Peony *****
