Beijing - Xi'an - Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Ganden - Lhasa

Climb the Great Wall of China - Marvel at Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City & the Terracotta Warriors - Explore the key monasteries and temples of Tibetan Buddhism in Lhasa and the ruggedly beautiful surrounding countryside - a very special area of central Tibet.

What you will do and see
Days 1-3: Tiananmen Square, the elaborate grandeur of the Forbidden City and 2000 year old Great Wall are just a few of the attractions that Beijing has to offer. On Day 2 you will take a trip to the Great Wall at Mutianyu with time in the afternoon to visit one of Beijing’s great clothing or souvenir markets. In the evening venture into the hutongs to one of Beijing’s most famous restaurants for a succulent Beijing Duck dinner.
Tiananmen, the Gate of Heavenly Peace, shields the Forbidden City from the vase expanse of the Square. Its lavish palaces and ornate courtyards telling their own story of China’s rich history.
On the evening of Day 3 board an overnight train for the journey to Xi’an. Sleeper trains in China are open plan, but clean, comfortable and air-conditioned with sheet, pillow and blanket provided.
Day 4: Capital of Chinese empires for more than 2000 years, Xi’an is a city of ancient treasures - the most magnificent and famous of which is the Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang Di. The thousands of soldiers, crafted in intricate detail, stand in battle formation to guard the mausoleum of the emperor who ordered their creation.
In the evening sample another of Xi’an’s famous specialties - a dumpling banquet.
Days 5-8: Colorful and historic, the holy city of Lhasa lies in a small valley 3700 meters above sea level. Lhasa rose to importance over 1300 years ago as attempts were made to unify Tibet. At this time the grand temples of Ramoche and Jokhang were built to house the Buddha images and religious artifacts brought to Tibet as dowries from China and Nepal. Although little of 7th century Lhasa remains intact, the 1600s saw a second stage of renovation and development, which included construction of the Potala Palace. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the town, this massive structure dominates the landscape with grace and dignity, confirming the suggestion that this palace is a true wonder of the architectural world.
During your time in the heart of Tibet, you will visit the Potala Palace, the Jokhang, the huge university monasteries of Drepung and Sera and the Barkhor pilgrim circuit. There is free time to explore other sights.
The Jokhang Temple is the spiritual heart of Tibet and also the most active. Prostrating pilgrims circle the temple endlessly day and night; some traversing the extremes of the country by foot to celebrate their beliefs. The Barkhor, the holiest devotional circuit, circumnavigates the Jokhang and houses a market bazaar. Here, Buddha images, yak skulls with ruby eyes, woodcarvings, carpets and prayer wheels are bargained for.
Nearby are the Drepung and Sera monasteries, once home to over 15,000 monks. Afternoon debating sessions by monks from the college of philosophy are a must-see experience.
Top it off with a Tibetan Buffet dinner including Chang (Tibetan Barley Beer), Yak Butter Tea, Yak Meat, Yak cheese, Momos and a variety of vegetable and other dishes. This is followed by a performance of Tibetan music and dance.
Day 9: It is a long, yet spectacular drive to Gyantse. From the top of the Kamba Pass (4794m) the views of the turquoise lake, Yamdrok-Tso are unforgettable. The road winds down and along its shores via the small town of Nangartse before climbing again to the Karo La (5054) and the glaciers of Mt Nojin Kangtsang. Gyantse was once of major importance as a trading center on the routes between India, Sikkim, Bhutan, Tibet and China, its imposing fort, Gyantse Dzong, dominates views of the town.
Day 10: Gyantse is also the site of the great 15th century monastic complex - Pelkor Choede which includes the fascinating Gyantse Kumbum. From Gyantse the Nyang-chu valley leads towards Tibet’s second largest town, Shigatse.
Day 11: Shigatse is site of Tashilhumpo Monastery, seat of the Panchen Lama and one of the most important monasteries of the Gelukpa order. The enormous, elaborate reliquary chorten are an incredible sight. Here there is also the option to visit the local carpet factory where handwoven carpets are produced using traditional designs.
Day 12: Return to Lhasa via the northern (Yangpachen) road, a much greener route than the southern one. For the last couple of hours to Lhasa the road follows the route of the new high-altitude rail line from Golmud, well on the way to completion.
Days 13-14: Ganden Monastery, 53kms outside Lhasa, is the seat of the head of the Gelukpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Almost completely destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, it is slowly being rebuilt. Its position is a dramatic one, with fantastic views across the valley - join the pilgrims on the kora (circumambulation). Enjoy a last night in Lhasa before an early transfer to the airport for your return flight to Beijing or elsewhere in China