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Beijing to Lhasa
17 Days/16 Nights - Gateway: Beijing
Standard Tour: from £2150pp
Prices valid for 2008
Grade: Moderate to Adventurous
Deluxe upgrade available
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| This journey takes in the absolute best of China and Tibet in a diverse feast for the senses. It combines the contrasts of some of China’s great cities, covering unmissable historic sights such as the Great Wall and the Army of Terracotta Warriors, with the wild beauty of the Tibetan plateau of Lhasa and the green forests and Giant Pandas of Sichuan, and culminating in one of the most amazing places on earth – spectacular and awe inspiring Lhasa. |
Day 1-4: Beijing
Start your journey across China with its most formidable city and capital, Beijing, the historical and cultural heart of the Middle Kingdom. On arrival in Beijing, you will be met and transferred to your hotel to meet your group and tour leader for a welcome drink and tour briefing. We then explore Beijing’s amazing array of historical sights including the world’s largest public square, Tiananmen Square. Wander through the splendid Forbidden City before exploring the classic lanes and hutongs of Beijing’s backstreets by rickshaw. On Day 3 we travel to the amazing Great Wall at Mutianyu and marvel at the enormity of this man-made structure. Our final day in Beijing is spent visiting Beijing’s past and future – from the dramatic Temple of Heaven, the famous symbol of the city, to the Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall – outlining future plans for this amazing city. We also visit the magnificent grounds of the Summer Palace, once favoured by the infamous Empress Dowager Cixi in the late 19th century, before boarding our comfortable overnight train to Xian.
Stay 3 nights at the Novotel Xinqiao and overnight train to Xian |
Day 5-6: Xian & Warriors
The Xian region is home to some of the oldest cities in human civilisation and became the focus of international attention when a buried army of Terracotta Warriors was uncovered by a peasant in 1974. Xian is also the Chinese starting point of the legendary Silk Road – the historic junction of eastern and western civilisations. Here we explore the Muslim Quarter and see the interesting fusion of Middle Eastern and Chinese architectural styles in the Great Mosque. We also visit the ancient city walls and Wild Goose Pagoda before viewing the remarkable Army of Terracotta Warriors where each figure is unique in facial features and expressions. From here we take a flight out west to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province and powerhouse of south west China.
Stay 2 nights at the Bell Tower |
Day 7-10: Chengdu, Leshan & Emei Shan
In Chengdu we take time to explore the pockets of delights in this very different Chinese city – from local parks to Chinese poetry, from bustling teahouses to Sichuan Opera. We visit the fascinating Giant Panda Research and Breeding Base outside of Chengdu to learn more about these amazing and endangered animals and the programs that are being implemented to protect them and their natural environment. We drive south to the Big Buddha of Leshan, set at the confluence of 2 rivers and originally built for protection of river traffic over 1000 years ago. Here we walk down to the base of the Buddha and hop on a river cruise to appreciate its overwhelming size and beauty, before continuing on to the peaceful mountains of sacred Emei Shan. The lush green forests and gushing rivers of this sacred Buddhist mountain range have provided a refuge for monks and locals alike for many centuries. We take a cable car up the mountain for some spectacular views, from where we explore the myriad of hidden monasteries, enjoy vegetarian lunch with the monks, and take a short hike down a forest trail before driving back to Chengdu.
Stay 3 nights at the Yinhe Dynasty, Chengdu
Stay 1 night at the Hongzhushan Hotel, Emei Shan |
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Day 11-15: Lhasa
We take an early morning flight from Chengdu across the snowcapped Himalayas to the spectacular high altitude city of Lhasa - the heart and soul of Tibet. This city is a feast for the senses and we spend the next 5 days immersed in the wonderful sights and history of this region. We circumambulate Jokhang Temple on Barkhor Circuit, one of the most powerful spiritual centres on earth. We visit the former residence of the Dalai Lama – the imposing Potala Palace. We explore some of the largest and impressive monasteries of Tibet – Sera and Drepung. We also take time to embark on a backstreets walking tour of Lhasa’s Tibetan Quarter, to explore the treasures of Tibet Museum, and to take in views over the Lhasa valley from hilltop Pawang Ka. We take a day trip out of Lhasa into the Tibetan countryside where we stop to take in sweeping views over the turquoise Yamdrok Lake, before leaving Lhasa and flying back to Chengdu.
Stay 5 nights at the Xiongbala Hotel |
Day 16-17: Chengdu
We say goodbye to our group and celebrate the end of a fantastic journey over a farewell dinner. Your journey ends with your departure transfer to the airport.
Stay 1 night at the YinHe Dynasty |
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16 night tour includes all breakfasts, two lunches, a ll road transport by modern air-conditioned vehicles, flights within China, overnight train, English speaking guide and transfers if arriving and departing on day of tour. Entrance fees of approx. US135 to pay locally. An above average level of fitness and keen sense of adventure is required. Price based on twin share (excluding flights). |
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