13 Days Tibet and China Silk Road Group Tour

Day 1

Arrive Lhasa

Transfer via: Flight on your own arrangement

Upon arrival in Lhasa, the capital city of the Tibet Autonomous Region, you will be met by guide and represented a hada --a white scarf which is the Tibetan traditional way to wish you good luck. Then you will be transferred to hotel to take rest for acclimatization of the high altitude.

Day 2

Lhasa (B,L,D)

Transfer via: Coach/Van
Sightseeing: Potala Palace, Jokhang Monastery, Barkhor Street

After breakfast, we begin our tour to visit the famous Potala Palace. Its name means 'sacred Buddhist site' in the Tibetan language. Firstly built in the 7th century A.D., it had been the winter palace of Dalai Lamas throughout the ages. The palace also houses priceless artifacts and artworks.

Continue to Jokhang Monastery. Situated in the center of Lhasa, it was first built in 674 A.D. The monastery underwent expansion over the years and today, its four-level main hall sports a gilded roof and a blend of Han Chinese, Tibetan, Nepalese and Indian architectural styles.

Proceed to Barkhor Street in the old city, which offers glimpses of traditional Tibetan life. In this circular street there are also shops selling a wide variety of crafts such as Tibetan knives, bangles, shoes and more.

Day 3

Lhasa/Shigatse (B,L,D)

Transfer via: Coach/Van
Sightseeing: Yamdrok Lake

Following breakfast, we depart for Shigatse. Along the way, we pass Yamdrok Lake, whose name means 'swan lake'. It is wedged between two mountains, hence like a swan spanning its wings. The crystal-clear lake, located over 4,000m above sea level, has an area of 638 square kilometers, making it the largest freshwater lake in Tibet.

After seeing the breathtaking scenery of Yamdrok Lake, we continue to Shigatse.

Day 4

Shigatse/Lhasa (B,L,D)

Transfer via: Coach/Van
Sightseeing: Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, Yarlung Zangbo Gorge

In the morning, visit the famous Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, where you can see the well preserved largest statue of Jampa (future Buddha) in the world. This monastery, whose beauty is on par with that of Potala Palace, was founded by the first Dalai Lama, Gyalwa Gendun Drup, in 1447A.D. Its name means 'all fortune and happiness gather here’. Don't miss the Tenth Panchen Lama's Stupa. The Tenth Panchen Lama was a highly respected Tibetan Buddhist leader.

Then we proceed back to Lhasa. On the way, we can enjoy scenic views of the Yarlung Zangbo Gorge/ Bhamaputra River (the longest river in Tibet). Stay Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 5

Lhasa/Xining (B,L,D)

Transfer via: Coach/Van, train of Qingzang (Qinghai-Tibet)
Sightseeing: Yuzhu Peak, Mt. Kunlunshan, Kekexili Reserve, Tuotuo River, Fenghuo Mountain Tunnel, Qiangtang Grassland

After breakfast, free at leisure till we board the train on the world's highest railway and begin the scenic train journey. Along the way, we pass the following magnificent sights: snow-capped mountains such as Yuzhu Peak and Mt. Kunlunshan; Kekexili Reserve; Tuotuo River, the source of Yangtze River; Fenghuo Mountain Tunnel, the world's highest mountain tunnel; Tanggula Station, the world's highest railway station located at 5,072m above sea level; Qiangtang Grassland and more.

Day 6

Xining (B,L,D)

Transfer via: Coach/Van
Sightseeing: Ta'er Monastery

You could enjoy the fabulous scenery along your train trip. Today you will arrive at Xining station, be met and transferred to visit the Ta'er Monastery, whose name means '10,000 Buddha'. Its construction began in the ancient China’s Ming Dynasty, and it was one of the six principal temples of the Tibetan Buddhist Yellow Sect. Don't miss its three treasures-- butter sculptures, murals and satin appliqués, which are of high artistic value. Then you will be escorted to the hotel for check-in.

Day 7

Xining/Lanzhou/Jiayuguan (B,L,D)

Transfer via: Coach/Van, High speed train on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Zhongshan Bridge, Waterwheel Garden

After breakfast, we will take the high speed train to Lanzhou and visit Zhongshan Bridge, also called the first bridge over the Yellow River. In the year 1907, with the proposal of local officers and the help of a German businessman, the Qing Government began to build this first iron bridge over the upper reaches of the Yellow River. All materials, even the rivets, were transported from Germany to China using ships, trains, carts and any other means possible. The bridge was completed in two years.

And then, we continue to visit the Waterwheel Garden, which is a theme garden exhibiting the waterwheel culture.Originated from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the waterwheel is the oldest irrigation tool in Yellow River area of Lanzhou. In late afternoon take the high speed train to Jiayuguan.

Day 8

Jiayuguan/Dunhuang (B,L,D)

Transfer via: Coach/Van, High speed train
Sightseeing: Jiayuguan Pass, Overhanging Great Wall

Have a leisure tour today. Firstly visit the Jiayuguan (Jiayu Pass), the western end of the Great Wall built in Ming Dynasty. It is known as 'the First and Greatest Pass under Heaven', the best preserved and most magnificent military fort in China. Then we drive 7 miles away for the Overhanging Great Wall. It got the name for riding on a mountain ridge that is 45 degrees from vertical and resembling a huge dragon.

In the afternoon, take the high speed train to Dunhuang.Upon your arrival, be met and transferred to the hotel.

Day 9

Dunhuang (B,L,D)

Transfer via: Coach/Van
Sightseeing: Crescent Lake & Singing Sand Mountains, Shazhou Night Market

In the morning, we will visit the beautiful Crescent Lake & Singing Sand Mountains. The Crescent Lake scenic spot is an oasis Gobi desert, surrounded by numerous sand dunes, reaching a relative height of 250 meters (820 feet). The Singing Sand Mountains is so named for the sound of the wind whipping off the dunes.

After dinner, we move to Dunhuang night market -bustling Shazhou Night Market. Never miss its tasty snacks, local specialties, and crafts etc.

Day 10

Dunhuang/Turpan (B,L,D)

Transfer via: Coach/Van, Flight on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Mogao Grottoes

In the morning let's visit the world famous Mogao Grottoes, which was designated as a world cultural heritage by UNESCO for its 1,600 years accumulated cultural, architectural, and art treasures. There remains 492 cave temple and 45,000 square meters of frescos. According to Tang Dynasty records, a monk had witnessed onsite a vision of thousand Buddha under showers of golden rays. Thus inspired, he started the caves construction work that spanned ten dynasties. Mogao Caves are commonly known as the Caves of a Thousand Buddha. Late afternoon take flight to Turpan.

Day 11

Turpan/Urumqi (B,L,D)

Transfer via: Coach/Van, High speed train
Sightseeing: Karez Well System, Flaming Mountain, Jiaohe Ancient City

It’s a day for Turpan sightseeing! Visit the Karez Well System in the morning, to witness the wisdom of Uygur people. The irrigation system is especially designed for desert. If connecting all these underground channels, the total length will reach more than 5,000 km, so it is regarded as one of the three engineering miracles of ancient China, along with the Great Wall and the Jinghang Grand Canal.

Go ahead to the Flaming Mountain, well known by Chinese people because of the legendary story 'Journey to the West'. It is regarded as the hottest place in China. Then we drive to Jiaohe Ancient City, an island-shaped plateau situated at Yar Town. It is the largest and oldest earth-structured city in the world, with a history of 2,000-2,300 years.

After the sightseeing tour board the high speed train to Urumqi.

Day 12

Urumqi (B,L,D)

Transfer via: Coach/Van
Sightseeing: Heavenly Lake, Xinjiang International Bazaar
Dinner: Xinjiang Roasted Whole Lamb

After breakfast, visit Heavenly Lake on Tianshan Mountain (boat tour). The mountain lake stands 1,980 meters above sea level and features picturesque scenery of snowcapped peaks. It is a great experience to boat travel Heavenly Lake, with a layer of magical color covering the lake, and hearing many beautiful myths and legends.
Lastly, visit Xinjiang International Bazaar.

Day 13

Depart Urumqi (B)

Transfer via: Flight on your own arrangement

Today is the day of farewell to your memorable Tibet & Silk Road trip. After a pleasant breakfast, free at your own leisure till the assemble time for the transferring to airport for the flight back to your hometown or next destination.