Golden Eagle Silk Road Express: China & Tibet Rail Discovery (Tour code: 14778)

Arrive in the vibrant city of Urumqi, the gateway to Xinjiang Province, where the fusion of ancient cultures meets modern elegance. Upon landing, you’ll be greeted by your private driver who will ensure a seamless transfer to the luxurious Conrad Urumqi, where you can unwind at your leisure in preparation for the adventure ahead.

Enjoy an afternoon at leisure – take the opportunity to explore Urumqi’s vibrant streets or relax in the opulence of the hotel. You may choose to enjoy the hotel’s exceptional amenities, including fine dining, wellness facilities, or even a soothing massage.

This evening, join your fellow guests in a lavish reception at the Conrad Urumqi, where you’ll enjoy a fine dining experience and a curated selection of local and international dishes, setting the tone for your exquisite journey.

Urumqi

Today, venture to the ancient city of Turpan, a region famed for its silk road heritage and lush vineyards. A scenic drive takes you through rugged landscapes to one of China’s most captivating regions. Here, enjoy an exclusive evening tour of the Jiaohe Ancient City. As the sun sets over the ruins, feel the mystique of this once-thriving Silk Road city, with private expert commentary bringing history to life.

In the evening, step aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, where you’ll be welcomed into your elegant cabin and treated to a celebratory dinner in the luxurious dining car.

Turpan

Begin your day exploring the Ancient City of Gaochang, once a flourishing capital of the Silk Road. Roam through the ruins of this ancient kingdom, immersing yourself in the echoes of the past. After a delightful lunch in a local restaurant, you will visit the renowned Karez Wells, an ingenious ancient irrigation system that still supports the lush vineyards of Turpan. The day concludes with a visit to Jiaohe Post, where tales of ancient travellers unfold.

On board the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express – Dine on a gourmet menu prepared by expert chefs as you travel in style across Xinjiang’s enchanting landscapes.

Gaochang

Arriving early in the iconic city of Kashgar, begin your exploration of this bustling Silk Road market town. The day starts with a visit to the Apak Khoja Mausoleum, an ornate tomb steeped in legend and history. A stroll through Kashgar Old Town unveils vibrant streets teeming with life, offering an intimate look at the city’s culture.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the Gaotai Folk Houses, where traditional Uighur life still thrives. The day ends in relaxation aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express.

Apak Khoja Mausoleum, Kashgar

Spend a leisurely morning aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, enjoying the stunning desert landscapes. After a sumptuous lunch on board, you will arrive in Hotan, where an exclusive visit to the Atlas Silk and Carpet Workshop awaits. Here, artisans continue the ancient tradition of hand-weaving exquisite silk and carpets, a process passed down through generations.

In the evening, an immersive night tour of Yotkan Ancient City takes you back to the Buddhist Kingdom of Khotan, where you’ll explore this archaeological treasure under the stars, creating a memory as timeless as the city itself.

Tonight, you will visit the Hotan Rose Blossom Restaurant, dining under the enchanting desert sky, surrounded by the fragrances of Hotan’s famous rose gardens.

After a relaxing morning on board, you will arrive in Rouqiang, where you can choose between two captivating options.

The Loulan Museum offers a deep dive into the history of the ancient Loulan Kingdom, which flourished in this desert region. Alternatively, visit the Miran Ancient City Ruins, where you’ll be transported back to the Han and Tang dynasties, walking in the footsteps of Silk Road traders and explorers.

After a day of discovery, return to the luxury of the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express as you continue your journey through this captivating landscape.

This morning, delve into the rich history of the Silk Road with a special lecture at the Hilton Qinghai-Golmud, followed by lunch in the hotel’s elegant surroundings. The afternoon offers the choice of visiting the surreal Chaerhan Salt Lake or joining a guided tour through the city, where modern life meets ancient traditions.

Golmud

This morning, explore the vast natural beauty of the Sand Dunes by camel, where you will discover Crescent Lake, hidden amongst the towering sand dunes and has sustained life in this region for millennia.

In the small oasis city of Dunhuang you will visit the fascinating Magao Thousand Buddha Cave Complex. This impressive site contains almost 500 grottoes, carved between 700 and 1,700 years ago. Inside, see an amazing collection of beautiful sculptures and murals depicting the evolution of Buddhist religious art over 1,000 years.

Your day concludes with a Farewell Dinner aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, celebrating the culmination of an extraordinary journey.

Dunhuang

Enjoy a leisurely morning aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express as it winds through the breathtaking landscapes of China’s far west. In the afternoon, enjoy the option to visit either the historic Buddhist Kumbum (Ta’er) Monastery or bustling Shuijingxiang Market before boarding the world-famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway, a high-altitude marvel that will carry you through the stunning Tanggula Mountain Pass.

One of the world’s most remarkable railway routes, the Qinghai-Tibet railway spans approximately 1,956 kilometers, extending from Xining, Qinghai’s provincial capital, to Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region.

Alternatively, guests can choose to travel directly to Lhasa, via plane. Guests who choose not to travel on the train will stay overnight in Xining at the Sofitel and then fly the next day (Day 10) to Lhasa and meet the other members of the group. 

Tibet

Today, you will journey across the Tanggula Mountain Pass, the highest point of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway (16,640 ft above sea level), offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and pristine valleys. After lunch, you will arrive in Lhasa, Tibet’s mystical capital, where you will check into the opulent St Regis Lhasa. This afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure, soaking in the unique atmosphere of this spiritual city.

Lhasa

Lhasa, nestled in a serene basin surrounded by majestic mountains, aptly translates to the “place of the gods.” At an altitude of approximately 11,975 feet (3,650 metres), it is one of the highest cities on Earth. Steeped in over a thousand years of cultural and spiritual history, Lhasa is the traditional seat of the Dalai Lama and the holiest centre of Tibetan Buddhism.

Today, explore the tranquil Norbulingka, the Dalai Lama’s Summer Palace, built in the 1740s as a retreat from the sweltering summer heat. Meaning ‘jewel garden’ or ‘precious garden,’ this peaceful oasis remains a sanctuary from the bustling city, with its beautifully manicured grounds and serene atmosphere providing a delightful escape.

Afterwards, enjoy some free time to wander through the streets of Lhasa at your leisure, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere and immersing yourself in the rich culture and charm of this picturesque city.

Lhasa

On your second full day in Lhasa, delve deeper into the spiritual heart of Tibet, beginning with a visit to the revered Jokhang Temple, a sacred 13th-century shrine that stands as the spiritual epicentre for Tibetans. This ancient temple, rich with devotion and history, draws countless pilgrims who journey here from across the region. Here, you will also explore the vibrant Barkhor Market, the oldest market in Lhasa, where the rhythmic footsteps of pilgrims tracing their way around the temple blend with the lively hum of traders offering traditional crafts and wares.

For lunch, savour authentic Tibetan flavours while enjoying the enchanting sounds of traditional folk music, immersing ourselves further in the local culture.

In the afternoon, embark on a tour of the iconic Potala Palace, a monumental 17th-century masterpiece and former seat of the Tibetan Government. Once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama, this awe-inspiring palace dominates the Lhasa skyline with its towering walls and intricate architecture. Set atop the Marpo Ri Hill, rising 130 metres above the valley floor and extending a further 170 metres skyward, the Potala Palace is one of the world’s most magnificent architectural wonders, offering breathtaking views and an extraordinary glimpse into Tibet’s regal and religious past.

You will conclude this unforgettable day with a farewell dinner, a fitting tribute to the incredible experiences shared on this journey.

Lhasa

Your journey concludes with private transfers to Lhasa Airport, as you bid farewell to the enchanting landscapes and ancient cultures that have defined this exclusive adventure.