6-Day Beijing – Lhasa Train Excursion

Destinations & activities: We will arrange the proper transfers for you to arrive at the Beijing train station in time to take your 2 day, 1,956 kilometer (1,215 mile) train journey to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. Your travel ticket will be sent to your hotel for your in-person pickup.

Destinations & activities: As you travel across the roof of the world on the Qinghai-Tibet plateau railway, be sure to enjoy the remote natural sceneries of the world’s most wild expanse. You will also be able to appreciate the religious atmosphere of the Tibetan culture. This is also one of the highest railways in the world; the route through Tanggula Pass at a staggering 5,072 meters (16,640 feet) above sea level is the highest railway point on earth!

Destinations & activities: Lhasa Railway Station transfer

You will finally arrive to the capital of Tibet at 8:00 p.m. on the third day of your journey. Our guide will receive you at the railway station and take you to your comfortable hotel.

Be sure to get a good night’s rest in order to faster acclimate to the high altitude. Also avoid strenuous physical exertion and alcoholic.

Destinations & activities: Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Potala Palace

- Jokhang Temple (2 hours): Potala Palace is Tibet’s most previous temple, and this smaller and more manageable Jokhang Temple is a fantastic precursor to the main attraction. It is a total of 4 stories with a beautiful golden roof, still in consistent use by many locals for practicing Tibetan Buddhism. Nearby is Barkhor Street, a famous devotional avenue where pilgrims may purchase religious relics. Take special notice of the Sakyamuni Buddha statue, fronted with a number of yak  butter lamps, that was brought to the temple by Princess Wen Cheng in the 7th Century.
- Barkhor Street (2 hours): This “saint’s road” street is a premier destination for purchasing traditional and religious Tibetan souvenirs. Established more than 1,300 years ago, it consists of 4 large incense burners in each of the cardinal directions, a number of nobles’ homes, and a popular public square. Because of the many walks of life that pass by here daily, Barkhor Street is considered by many to be “the window of Tibet.” Watch the pilgrims and their prayer rituals, go shopping for colorful goods, or simply relax with a drink in a classic coffee shop or tea house.

- Potala Palace (1 hour): Potala Palace is Tibet’s most notorious temple. It is a treasure trove home to countless ancient materials regarding Tibet’s history, religion, culture, and arts in the form of murals, scriptures, figures, murals, antiques, jewelry, and much more. This former winter home of the Dalai Lama is vast and intricate, with a maze of corridors and stairs and dozens of rooms. As you stroll from the White Palace into the Red Palace, observe the pilgrims offering silk scarves, coins, or yak butter to the gods. The temple was declared a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994.

- Steak House Restaurant: Steak House is located just nearby Potala Palace, serving mainly Western and Tibetan cuisine. It is a great opportunity to both soak in the rich Tibetan spirit while enjoying the tastes of the local cuisine.

Destinations & activities: Drepung Monastery, Norbulingka, Sera Monastery

- Drepung Monastery (3.5 hours): Before the reconstruction of Potala Palace, Drepung Monastery served as the home of Dalai Lama. Built in 1416, it is considered one of the largest monasteries of the 6 principle monasteries of the Gelu Sect in Tibet. The main structures include the Main Assembly Hall, 4 Tantric colleges, and Ganden Palace. The monastery is located right under Mount Gambo Utse and surrounded by many more, making it as stunning for the eyes as it is for the soul. The best time to visit is in early August in time for the grand Shonton Festival is held here every year.
- Norbulingka (2.5 hours): The Summer Palace of Tibet for the Dalai Lama is a most gorgeous garden encompassing more than 46 acres (360,000 square meters) and 370 rooms. Once used in the 1800’s for political affairs, people now come from far and wide to Norbulingka to praise Buddha and admire the Tibetan-style architecture.
- Sera Monastery (3 hours): Sera Monastery was built in 1419 and is one of the 6 main monasteries of the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism and one of the 3 main monasteries in all of Lhasa. In 1951, the complex was destroyed after Tibet achieved independence, but has since been restored thanks to the Chinese and Tibetan government’s contributions. On its grounds are 4 structures: the Great Assembly Hall and three colleges. It is at Sera Monastery that the monks’ "famous daily debates" take place (every day except Mondays) at 3:00 p.m. There are talks about Buddhist doctrines, learning sutras and scriptures and more. The debates are open to the public but is advised to keep silent.

- Lhasa Kitchen: This fantastic restaurant can be found close to Jokhang Temple. Expert local chefs cook up Tibetan style meals fused with flavors from Nepal, China, and even Italy. Treat your taste buds to a holiday!

Destinations & activities: Hotel to airport transfer (Lhasa Gonggar Airport)

You will be transferred from your Lhasa hotel to the city’s international airport in time for your flight back to Beijing.