Himalayan Express - Wendy Wu Tours

Days 1-2 : UK – Chengdu

Fly overnight via Hong Kong to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. this area is renowned for its lush landscapes.

Day 3 : Chengdu

Visit the famous Panda Reserve to see these adorable animals being reared in wooded surroundings reminiscent of their natural habitat. We also explore a local bamboo park. Enjoy a delicious Sichuan meal in the evening.

Day 4 : Chengdu – Lhasa

Fly to Lhasa, the spiritual home of Tibet. Spend the rest of the day at leisure to allow for acclimatisation.

Day 5 : Lhasa

Sightseeing today includes a stroll around the Barkhor circuit where traditional dress, market stalls selling religious trinkets and the sound of chanted prayers create the atmosphere of a medieval carnival. We also visit the 7th century Jokhang Temple, which is the most sacred in Tibet and the Sera Monastery, which has about 600 monks in residence.

Day 6 : Lhasa

Explore the ‘crown jewel’ of Tibet – the Potala Palace. The palace is an architectural wonder that towers over the city with thousands of rooms filled with treasures such as intricate shrines and beautiful frescoes. The dominance of the Potala Palace over the Lhasa skyline reflects the Dalai Lama's former position as the centre of the Tibetan faith and politics. We also visit Norbulingka, the former summer palace of the Dalai Lama, containing several palaces and chapels.

Day 7 : Lhasa

Explore the Drepung and Ganden Monasteries, situated in the hills surrounding Lhasa. Drepung was the residence of the Dalai Lama before it was moved to the Potala Palace and fortunately the monastery was unscathed after the Cultural Revolution. We also visit a local Tibetan Primary School (if time permits). Enjoy a traditional Tibetan dinner and dance performance in the evening.

Day 8 : Lhasa – Gyantse

Travel to the smaller town of Gyantse and visit the famous Gyantse Kumbum, the largest shrine in Tibet.

Day 9 : Gyantse – Shigatse

Travel to Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet. Visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional residence of the Panchen Lama.

Day 10 : Shigatse – Lhasa

Return to Lhasa via Yandrok Lake for our final night in Tibet.

Days 11-12 : Lhasa – Tibet Railway – Xining

Transfer to the railway station and journey across the Tibetan Plateau. The train is the first to link Tibet with the rest of China and the highest rail link in the world. We will travel through dramatic landscapes as our train crosses the Kunlun and Tangula Mountains. We arrive in Xining the following morning and visit the Ta’er Temple – a famous Tibetan Monastery.

Day 13 : Xining – Xian

Visit an Ethnic village before boarding the overnight train to the former ancient capital of Xian.

Day 14-15 : Xian

Arrive in Xian in the morning and visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda. In the evening we will enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling meal followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing. The next day, visit one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century – the Terracotta Warriors, followed by a walk along the Ancient City Wall.

Day 16 : Xian – Beijing

Visit the renowned Shaanxi Museum which is home to thousands of priceless relics. We also stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter to visit the Great Mosque and explore the Islamic food markets before boarding the overnight train to Beijing, China's capital city.

Day 17 : Beijing

Arrive in Beijing in the morning and tour the exquisite Summer Palace. Our evening meal includes the local delicacy, Peking Duck.

Days 18-19 : Beijing

Sightseeing today includes a stroll through Tiananmen Square, past Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum to the treasure-filled Forbidden City, the largest and best preserved collection of ancient buildings in China. We also visit the unique Temple of Heaven. The next day, walk on the Great Wall to appreciate the history of China’s most iconic attraction. We enjoy a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic show in the evening.

Day 20 : Beijing – UK

Fly to the UK, arriving home later the same.