Golden Eagle: China & Tibet discovery

Make the most of complimentary airport lounge access before your flight from the UK to Urumqi (via Beijing), the capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in Northwestern China. On arrival, a private transfer will be waiting to bring you to your modern city centre hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps getting an initial feel for Urumqi or simply unwinding at the hotel and enjoying the excellent wellness amenities, whether you fancy a refreshing dip in the indoor pool or a soothing massage. In the evening, join your fellow guests for a fine dining welcome dinner – the perfect way to mark the beginning of your journey. 

Stay: Conrad Urumqi

Today, you’ll make the scenic drive to the ancient city of Turpan, renowned for its Silk Road heritage and sprawling vineyards. Later on, enjoy an exclusive guided tour of Jiaohe Ancient City, which dates back over 2,000 years, before boarding the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express. Settle into your elegant cabin and head to the dining car for a delectable first dinner onboard.

Your morning begins with the chance to explore Gaochang, an ancient city which rose to prominence under the Tang dynasty in the seventh century before becoming the Uyghur capital in 850 AD. After roaming through the ruins of this ancient Silk Road city, you’ll stop by a local restaurant for lunch and visit the Karez Wells, an ancient irrigation system of wells and tunnels that supports the region’s vineyards. Round off the day with a visit to Jiaohe Post, where stories of ancient travellers unfold. Dinner is then served onboard, with a gourmet menu prepared by expert chefs as you traverse the enchanting landscapes of Xinjiang. 

Arriving in Kashgar, a bustling Silk Road city with over 2,000 years of history, you’ll first visit the ornate Apak Khoja Mausoleum, one of the region’s most significant Muslim landmarks. Then, you’ll wander through the Old Town, taking in the melange of sights, scents and sounds while gaining a fascinating insight into Kashgar’s storied past and present. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before stopping by the Gaotai Folk Houses for an immersive introduction to Uyghur culture. You’ll then step back aboard the glamorous carriages of the Golden Eagle as your Silk Road odyssey continues south towards Hotan. 

Spend a leisurely morning on the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, taking in the rugged desert landscapes. After a superb lunch onboard, you’ll arrive in the oasis town of Hotan, where you’ll receive a fascinating introduction to the ancient tradition of hand-weaving silk and carpets in an artisan craft workshop. Later on, an immersive night tour of Yotkan Ancient City will take you on a journey back to the time of the Buddhist Kingdom of Khotan, exploring this archaeological marvel beneath the star-studded sky. You’ll then head to a local restaurant for dinner, accompanied by the fragrant scent of Hotan’s famous rose gardens. 

Your next stop is Rouqiang, where you can choose between a visit to the Loulan Museum or the Miran Ancient City Ruins. The former provides a deep dive into the ancient Loulan Kingdom, while the latter takes you back to the Han and Tang dynasties, following the footsteps of ancient Silk Road traders and explorers. After the day’s discoveries, return to the train as you continue your journey through the desert. 

This morning, you’ll arrive in Golmud, one of the largest cities on the Tibetan Plateau and a major transport hub for the Qinghai Province, fringed by the soaring peaks of the Kunlun Mountains and the Qarhan Salt Lake. A lecture at the Hilton Qinghai-Golmud provides a richly informative overview of the region’s Silk Road heritage, followed by lunch at the hotel. Then, in the afternoon, opt to explore the city on a guided tour, or visit the Qarhan Salt Lake – the second-largest salt lake in the world, where vast white salt flats meet the emerald green waters of the lake. 

Start your morning with a camel ride through majestic sand dunes leading to the picturesque Crescent Lake, an oasis just south of Dunhuang – an important stop on the ancient Silk Road on the edge of the Taklamakan Desert. In Dunhuang itself, you’ll visit the Magao Thousand Buddha Cave Complex, which contains almost 500 grottoes carved between 700 and 1,700 years ago, adorned with a vast collection of Buddhist sculptures and murals. The day concludes with a fabulous farewell dinner aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, wrapping up your extraordinary journey in memorable style. 

Savour your last morning aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express as you wind through the impressive landscapes of China’s far west. In the afternoon, there’s the chance to visit the historic Buddhist Kumbum (Ta’er) Monastery or the bustling Shuijingxiang Market before you disembark and switch to the world-famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway in Xining. This high-altitude engineering marvel will transport you along the spectacular Tanggula Mountain Pass on an endlessly scenic journey that spans 1,956 kilometres to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet.

Stay: Qinghai-Tibet Railway

Today’s journey sees you traverse the Tanggula Mountain Pass, the highest point of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway at over 5,000 metres above sea level, offering magnificent views of snow-capped peaks and wild, untouched valleys. After lunch onboard, you’ll soon arrive in Lhasa, nestled in a valley on the Tibetan Plateau, framed by the mighty Himalayas. Check into the opulent St. Regis Lhasa in the ancient Barkhor area of the city, featuring motifs inspired by the nearby Sera Monastery, and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Stay: St. Regis Lhasa (Deluxe)

At an altitude of around 3,650 metres, Lhasa is one of the highest cities on the planet and serves as the spiritual and cultural heart of Tibet, as well as the traditional home of the Dalai Lama. You’ll begin by exploring Norbulingka, the Dalai Lama’s former summer residence, which forms part of a joint UNESCO World Heritage site along with Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple Monastery. It’s immersed in tranquil, beautifully landscaped gardens which provide a welcome oasis of serenity away from the bustling city streets. The rest of the day is then yours to spend exploring Lhasa at your own pace.

The following day, you’ll visit another of the city’s most important landmarks, Jokhang Temple, a sacred 13th-century shrine that serves as the spiritual epicentre of Tibet, drawing pilgrims from far and wide. Afterwards, peruse the stalls of Barkhor Market, Lhasa’s oldest market, admiring the eclectic array of local handicrafts, and embrace the authentic flavours of Tibetan cuisine for lunch, accompanied by traditional folk music. You’ll then visit Potala Palace, a 17th-century masterpiece and former seat of the Tibetan government that towers over Lhasa from its hilltop perch, offering terrific views of the city from above. Wrap up your final evening with a farewell dinner as you mark the conclusion of an unforgettable adventure. 

* Dinner also included on day 12

Stay: St. Regis Lhasa (Deluxe)

A private transfer will take you to Lhasa Airport as you bid farewell to Tibet and begin your journey back home.