This is a journey to the very roof of the world, from the imperial grandeur of Beijing to the thin, clear air of the Tibetan plateau, following the ancient roads and then climbing beyond them on the highest railway ever built. Over thirteen days it draws together the greatest wonders of China and ends among the temples of Lhasa.
Aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, you travel from Beijing across the heart of China to Xining, the gateway to Tibet, taking in the Great Wall, the carved Buddhas of Luoyang, the Terracotta Army of Xi'an, the giant pandas of Chengdu and the painted caves of Dunhuang. Then comes the journey's crowning stage, the ascent of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway over the Tanggula Pass, more than 5,000 metres above the sea, to the sacred city of Lhasa and the Potala Palace.
Everything is arranged and included, from the excursions and entrance fees to the meals, the drinks and the gratuities. Five-star hotels in Beijing, Chengdu and Lhasa frame the nights aboard the private train, with expert local guides at every stop and a tour management team and doctor travelling with you throughout.
The Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, your home on rails from Beijing towards Tibet
Journey Highlights
The Roof of the World
Cross the Tanggula Pass, the highest point of any railway on earth at 5,072 metres, as the Qinghai-Tibet line climbs to the plateau past grasslands, salt lakes and snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
The Potala Palace
The winter palace of the Dalai Lamas, rising 300 metres above Lhasa, its red and white walls among the most sacred and unforgettable sights in all of Asia.
The Great Wall
Walk a restored stretch of the Great Wall at Badaling, its watchtowers marching over the ridges of the mountains north of Beijing, one of mankind's greatest triumphs.
The Terracotta Army
Stand before the thousands of life-size warriors of Xi'an, modelled to guard the first emperor and buried for over two thousand years, often called the Eighth Wonder of the World.
The Mogao Caves
A UNESCO World Heritage Site at Dunhuang, the Cave of a Thousand Buddhas, followed by a camel ride across the Gobi dunes to the desert oasis of Crescent Lake.
Giant Pandas of Chengdu
Meet the beloved residents of the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, and enjoy a private performance of Sichuan Opera and its lightning-fast art of face-changing.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Timings are indicative; confirmed details are supplied with your travel documents.
Arrival in Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, the imperial capital of China, where you are met and transferred to the five-star Four Seasons hotel. This evening you gather for a Welcome Dinner, a chance to meet your fellow travellers and raise a glass to the remarkable journey ahead.
Welcome Dinner. Overnight at the Four Seasons Beijing.
The Great Wall at Badaling
Today you step into history with a visit to the legendary Great Wall at Badaling, one of mankind's greatest architectural triumphs. Wander along this beautifully restored section, taking in the breathtaking vistas of rugged hills and countryside that stretch to the horizon, before returning to Beijing with time at leisure to relax or explore at your own pace.
This evening you gather for a special dining experience, a traditional Peking Duck feast at one of Beijing's most celebrated restaurants, an authentic taste of the capital's proud culinary traditions.
Great Wall at Badaling; afternoon at leisure; Peking Duck dinner. Overnight at the Four Seasons Beijing.
The Great Wall at Badaling, north of Beijing
Imperial Beijing and the Silk Road Express
This morning, immerse yourself in the splendour of imperial Beijing with a full exploration of its most iconic landmarks: the vast expanse of Tiananmen Square, the timeless majesty of the Forbidden City, and the tranquil beauty of the Summer Palace, with its ornate pavilions and lakeside gardens. Those who prefer can instead discover the dynamic energy of modern Beijing, from the Olympic Village to the National Museum.
This evening you step aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, settling into your en-suite cabin as a special Welcome Dinner sets the tone for the journey ahead.
Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and Summer Palace, or a modern Beijing tour; Welcome Dinner on board. First night on the train.
Longmen Grottoes and Shaolin Temple
You wake in Luoyang, a city with more than 4,000 years of history and once the capital of thirteen dynasties. Your day begins at the awe-inspiring Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where more than 100,000 Buddhist statues and 60 stupas are carved into the limestone cliffs along the Yi River.
Later you continue to the legendary Shaolin Temple, at the foot of Mount Song, the spiritual birthplace of both Zen Buddhism and Kung Fu, where monks still train in the historic courtyards. After sampling Luoyang's famous water banquet dumplings, you rejoin the train, and as evening falls you arrive in the ancient city of Xi'an for a Tang Dynasty banquet of traditional cuisine, music and dance.
Longmen Grottoes (UNESCO World Heritage Site); Shaolin Temple; Tang Dynasty banquet in Xi'an.
The Terracotta Army
This morning you explore Xi'an's ancient city walls, among the oldest, largest and best-preserved defensive structures in the world, strolling the ramparts where imperial guards once stood watch, with panoramic views over an old town that blends ancient tradition and modern life.
After lunch comes the highlight of the day: the world-renowned Terracotta Warriors. Discovered by farmers in 1974, this vast subterranean army of more than 6,000 life-size soldiers, horses and chariots was created to protect China's first emperor in the afterlife. Wander the excavation pits and marvel at the individuality of each warrior, before returning to the comfort of the Silk Road Express.
Xi'an city walls; the Terracotta Army; dinner on board.
The Terracotta Army, guarding the tomb of the first emperor at Xi'an
Old Chengdu and Sichuan Opera
As the Silk Road Express glides into Chengdu, the vibrant heart of Sichuan welcomes you. After breakfast on board, the day begins with a leisurely exploration of Kuanzhai Alley, a beautifully preserved network of Qing dynasty lanes where traditional teahouses, artisan boutiques and historic courtyards reveal the city's enduring charm.
Later you gather at the Sichuan Opera Theatre, reserved exclusively for your group, for the ancient art of bian lian, the dramatic, lightning-fast face-changing technique that leaves audiences spellbound. As the afternoon draws to a close, you transfer to the Waldorf Astoria Chengdu, or similar, for a one-night stay in refined comfort.
Kuanzhai Alley; private performance of Sichuan Opera. Overnight at a five-star hotel in Chengdu.
Giant Pandas and Back on Board
Your day begins with a visit to the world-renowned Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Set among tranquil bamboo forests, this sanctuary offers a heartwarming encounter with China's most beloved national treasure, watching these gentle giants play, eat and interact, a rare and uplifting insight into one of the country's great conservation triumphs.
Afterwards you return to the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express for lunch as the train resumes its journey. The afternoon is yours to unwind, perhaps with a cocktail in the dramatic 270-degree panoramic Observation Car, a serene and stylish setting from which to watch the landscapes of western China unfold.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding; afternoon at leisure on board.
A giant panda at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Xining and Kumbum Monastery
A relaxing morning on board carries you across the dramatic landscapes of the Qinghai plateau towards Xining, the capital of Qinghai province and the gateway to Tibet. Recline in your cabin or take in the sweeping views from the observation car as anticipation builds.
Stepping off the train, you head first to Kumbum Monastery, one of China's most sacred sites, captivating with its golden rooftops, intricate thangka paintings and vibrant prayer halls, with time for herbal tea and butter cookies in a tranquil courtyard. Afterwards you may choose the Qinghai Provincial Museum, with its ancient Silk Road artefacts, or the aromatic, colourful Shui Jing Xiang Market, before returning to the comfort of the train.
Kumbum Monastery; choice of the Qinghai Provincial Museum or Shui Jing Xiang Market.
The Mogao Caves and Crescent Lake
Today you discover one of the Silk Road's most awe-inspiring treasures, the UNESCO-listed Mogao Caves. Set against the cliffs of the Gobi Desert, this labyrinthine complex, often called the Caves of a Thousand Buddhas, holds more than a thousand years of Buddhist devotion in nearly 500 richly adorned grottoes of vivid murals and painted sculpture. With an expert guide you step into a selection of the finest chambers, the visit enriched by a live performance from local folk musicians and dancers.
After a leisurely lunch, the afternoon brings a camel ride across the sweeping dunes of the Gobi, following the very paths once travelled by Silk Road caravans, to Crescent Lake, an enchanting desert oasis that has endured beneath the towering dunes for millennia.
Mogao Caves (UNESCO World Heritage Site) with folk performance; camel ride to Crescent Lake.
Crescent Lake, an oasis among the dunes at Dunhuang
The Highest Railway on Earth
After a final gourmet breakfast aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, your journey continues on the legendary Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the highest railway in the world. Stretching more than 1,900 kilometres from Xining to Lhasa, this iconic route glides through some of the most remote and dramatic landscapes on earth, the scenery shifting from sweeping grasslands to shimmering salt lakes, all framed by distant snow-capped peaks.
The specially built carriages are oxygen-enriched for comfort as the line climbs onto the plateau. Guests who prefer may instead opt for a direct flight to Lhasa, allowing extra time to relax and begin acclimatising in the mystical Tibetan capital.
The Qinghai-Tibet Railway towards Lhasa, or an optional direct flight.
The Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the highest railway on earth, climbing to the plateau
The Tanggula Pass and Lhasa
Today you traverse the Tanggula Mountain Pass, the highest point of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway at 5,072 metres above sea level, where panoramic vistas of the Himalayan range and untouched valleys unfold beyond your window. After lunch on board you arrive in Lhasa and check in to the luxurious St. Regis for a two-night stay.
This afternoon you may choose an optional guided tour of Lhasa's spiritual heart, beginning at the 13th-century Jokhang Temple, the most sacred sanctuary in Tibetan Buddhism, where the scent of incense fills the air and pilgrims murmur their prayers, then on to the vibrant stalls of Barkhor Market. Alternatively, take time at leisure to absorb the soulful essence of Lhasa at your own pace.
Tanggula Pass; optional Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Market. Overnight at the St. Regis Lhasa.
The Potala Palace
Your full day in Lhasa begins at the serene Norbulingka, the Dalai Lama's summer palace, established in the 1740s as a retreat from the summer heat. Its landscaped grounds and lotus-filled ponds offer a moment of stillness before an authentic Tibetan lunch, richly flavoured with local herbs and accompanied by traditional folk music.
This afternoon you ascend to the majestic Potala Palace, the awe-inspiring 17th-century masterpiece that once served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lama. Rising 300 metres above the valley floor, its red and white facade dominates the Lhasa skyline, and its labyrinthine corridors lead to ornate chapels, golden stupas and sacred relics. This evening you gather for a farewell dinner, raising a glass to an extraordinary journey.
Norbulingka; traditional Tibetan lunch; the Potala Palace; farewell dinner. Overnight at the St. Regis Lhasa.
Onward Journey
Your journey concludes with a private transfer to Lhasa airport for your onward flight, as you bid farewell to the enchanting landscapes and ancient cultures that have defined this exclusive adventure. Should you wish to see more, an extended stay can be arranged.
Breakfast and private airport transfer. Optional extension.
What's Included
Accommodation
Five-star hotels in Beijing, Chengdu and Lhasa, and private en-suite accommodation aboard the Silk Road Express, plus the reserved carriages of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.
All Dining
Every meal from the welcome dinner in Beijing to the farewell dinner in Lhasa, freshly prepared on board and at selected venues, with inclusive drinks.
Excursions & Entrance Fees
Every guided excursion in the itinerary, all entrance fees, and the services of expert local guides at each stop along the way.
Service & Care
Cabin attendant with evening turndown, an experienced Tour Management team and a UK-registered doctor with medical facilities on board.
Transfers & Gratuities
Arrival and departure transfers, luggage porterage throughout, and all gratuities on and off the train.
The Silk Road Express
Nights aboard the private train, with its restaurant cars, opulent bar lounge and the largest observation window in China.
Fares & Departures
| Cabin Class | Twin | Single |
|---|---|---|
| Superior Cabin | £19,200 | £32,000 |
| Han Dynasty Suite | Request | Request |
Departure Dates 2027
| Departure | Return | Route |
|---|---|---|
| 6 April 2027 | 18 April 2027 | Beijing to Lhasa |
| 19 September 2027 | 1 October 2027 | Beijing to Lhasa |
Prices are per person and include the full programme detailed above, all excursions and entrance fees. A deposit of 25% of the tour cost secures your booking. Please call us on 0333 405 0192 for confirmed fares.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thirteen days and twelve nights, travelling one way from Beijing to Lhasa through Luoyang, Xi'an, Chengdu, Xining and Dunhuang. Five-star hotel nights in Beijing, Chengdu and Lhasa frame the nights aboard the Silk Road Express, with the Qinghai-Tibet Railway for the final ascent to Tibet.
The Great Wall at Badaling, the Terracotta Army at Xi'an, the Longmen Grottoes at Luoyang, the giant pandas of Chengdu, the Mogao Caves and Crescent Lake at Dunhuang, the Tanggula Pass on the highest railway on earth, and the Potala Palace in Lhasa, among many others.
Most of the journey is aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, a fully en-suite private touring train. You can read more on our Silk Road Express train page. There are two cabin categories, the Superior Cabin and the Han Dynasty Suite, and the final leg to Lhasa is aboard the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.
There are two departures in 2027: 6 to 18 April, and 19 September to 1 October, both from Beijing to Lhasa. Please contact us for the confirmed departures and current fares.
Lhasa sits at around 3,650 metres, and the Tanggula Pass reaches 5,072 metres. The itinerary is paced to allow gradual acclimatisation, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway carriages are oxygen-enriched, and a UK-registered doctor travels with the group throughout. We are happy to discuss altitude and any health considerations before you book.
All accommodation, every meal from the welcome dinner in Beijing to the farewell dinner in Lhasa, inclusive drinks, every guided excursion and entrance fee, all transfers, gratuities and luggage porterage, plus a tour management team, local guides and a UK-registered doctor. International flights are not included.