This fantastic journey through China and Tibet
to the roof of the world begins with visits to China’s world-famous “must-see” sites—the
Great Wall and the Forbidden City, in Beijing, and the Terracotta
Warriors, in Xi’an. We travel overnight by train from Xi’ning
to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, then drive over the high passes
of the Himalayas to Shigatse, one of the world’s hightest
cities and home of some thirteen ethnic groups. Our journey continues
by 4-wheel drive, to Shegar and Everest Base Camp, beneath the
peak of Mount Everest. The trip is escorted by our English-speaking
Chinese guides and includes transportation, accommodations, all
meals and domestic airfare.
1st Day: Arriving in Beijing, the capital of China, we
are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The evening
free to relax after our long flight.
2nd Day: This morning we visit the Great Wall, where walk
along one of the its most impressive sections. After lunch we
visit the Changling Tomb, the largest and best preserved of all
the Ming Tombs. It is the joint tomb of Yongle, the third emperor
of the Ming Dynasty, and his empress, Xu.
3rd Day: Today we visit the Forbidden City. Dominating
the north side of Tiananmen Square, the massive red Tiananmen
Gate allows us to pass into the fabled old palace to see the
home of the royal family and their court during China’s
Ming and Qing Dynasties. In the evening we fly to Xi’an.
4th Day: Following breakfast, we visit the Terracotta
Warriors Museum. The thousands of life size soldiers and horses
were created to guard the tomb of Qin Shi Huangdi, the first
Emperor to unite China. The royal tomb itself has yet to be opened
but the rank upon rank of Warriors is a sight that is unrivaled
anywhere in the world. In the afternoon we visit the Great Mosque,
built in 742 during the Tang Dynasty. The traditional Chinese-style
architecture makes this mosque quite distinct from its Arabic
counterparts.
5th Day:In the morning we fly to Xining, where we visit
the Tibet Medicine Museum and in the afternoon we board the train
for the overnight trip to Lhasa.
6th Day:We arrive in Lhasa in the afternoon, transfer
from the train to our hotel. The day free to explore this special
city.
7th Day: Today we visit the Potala Palace,
the traditional home to the Dalai Llamas and Tibet’s best-known
landmark. In the afternoon, we visit the Jokhang Temple, the
most important pilgrimage center for Tibetan Buddhists and the
home of the Sakyamuni Buddha, followed by a stroll through the
colorful bazaar.
8th Day: We drive to Yamdroktso, one of Tibet’s
three holy lakes. It is located 68 miles outside of Lhasa. The
drive takes 3 1/2 hours on the winding mountain road which climbs
over the snow pass of Kambala at 16,500 feet. The dazzling lake
lies several hundred feet below the road, and in clear weather
is a fabulous shade of deep turquoise. Far in the distance is
the huge massif of Mt. Nojin Kangtsang (23,592'). Overnight in
Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet.
9th Day: In the morning we drive on to Tashi
Lhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama, the second most
important spiritual leader of Tibet, then continue on to the
village of Shegar, also known as New Tingri, the last stop before
Everest Base Camp.
10th Day: Today we drive on from Shegar to
Everest Base Camp. On a clear day, we can see the huge sweep
of the Himalayan range. When we finally get to Base Camp, the
first sight of Everest will leave us speechless.
11th Day: This morning we head back to Shigaste,
where we can relax and explore this laid back city.
12th Day: Today, after touring Shigatse, we
continue our drive back to Lhasa.
13th Day: After the morning at leisure, we
fly back to Beijing, where we overnight.
14th Day: We transfer to the airport for our
flight home, bringing back photos and memories of this fabulous
journey.
What’s included: Accommodations, English-speaking
guide, domestic airfare, train sleeper (Xi'ning—Lhasa),
ground transportation, transfers, entrance fees to mentioned
sites, government taxes and service charges, and meals.
