Tibet Highland 12 Days

Itinerary

• Day 1 USA - Beijing

  We set out on an exciting adventure to China by transpacific flight. Our destination is Beijing, the capital city of China and the host city to the 2008 Summer Olympics.

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  HotelAir
• Day 2 Arrive in Beijing

  Upon our flight arrival in Beijing, we will be transferred to our luxuriously appointed hotel for some well-deserved rest.  

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  HotelMarriott City Wall Hotel or similar
• Day 3 Beijing – Xining

  This morning is free at leisure before we are transferred to the airport to board a flight bound for Xining, the 2100-year-old highland city, the entrance of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau, and the starting point of Qinghai-Tibet Railway. 

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  HotelYinlong Hotel or similar
• Day 4 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. 

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  HotelYinlong Hotel or similar
• Day 5 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.

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  HotelOn Train
• Day 6 Qinghai Tibet Railway - Lhasa

  We will spend the day on board our new high-altitude train as we embark on a 12-hour daylight journey into the Tibetan Capital of Lhasa . This is the world’s highest scenic railway pass – over 3 miles above sea level and 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 12,000 ft above sea level. To adjust our bodies to the thin air, we check into the hotel upon arrival. 

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  HotelJardin Secret Hotel or similar
• Day 7 Lhasa

  Full day tour takes us to the 17th century Potala Palace, the 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. 

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  HotelJardin Secret Hotel or similar
• Day 8 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. 

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  HotelYarlung River Hotel Lhoka Tibet or similar
• Day 9 Tsedang

  Continue our sightseeing tour of Tsedang with a 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 of India, China and Tibet, symbolizing the source, stability and spread of the Buddhist faith.

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  HotelYarlung River Hotel Lhoka Tibet or similar
• 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. 

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  HotelMarriott City Wall Hotel or similar
• 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. 

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  HotelMarriott City Wall Hotel or similar
• Day 12 Beijing – USA

  We are transferred to airport for our homebound flight.This is the ending for the Tibet Highland 12 Days tour.

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  HotelHome