Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Destinations

Take the ride through the rooftop of the world, from bustling Beijing to relaxed, holy Lhasa. Catch incredible panoramas of some of the world’s most majestic mountains, pristine lakes, rare wildlife, and more. Visit age-old sites that reveal the rich, ancient cultures of both Beijing and Lhasa, from Tiananmen Square to Potala Palace. See how both cultures are both similar, and at the same time, exceedingly different, on this memorable, scenic, thrilling journey.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

• Historical Sites: Visits to the Great Wall of China, Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square exhibit important lessons in Beijing's ancient and modern history.

• Tibetan Tracks: The train from Beijing to the Tibetan Plateau is the world’s highest train journey, offering gorgeous views of blue skies against snowy peaks.

• Spirituality: Lhasa is home to revered monasteries, including Drepung, which was once the world's largest monastery and housed 10,000 monks at its peak.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Beijing

Arrive in Beijing, one of the world’s most populous cities. You’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your downtown Beijing hotel, where you are free to do as you please - be it resting up for the days ahead, or exploring your nearby surroundings.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Wellness Facilities: Wellbeing is at the heart of the Rosewood experience, with restorative amenities including Sense, A Rosewood Spa's six treatment rooms and two spa suites for overnight stays, an indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and fitness studios for workouts and yoga sessions.

Dining Diversity: The Rosewood Beijing boasts six restaurants and lounges, offering a variety of fine dining experiences, from French Bistro casual to authentic Chinese hot pot; and from northern Chinese specialties to Cantonese favorites.

Luxury Touches: All accommodations provide Frette 600 thread-count linens and bespoke Rosewood bathroom amenities by Lorenzo Villoresi, while 24-hour personalized butler service attends to your every need.

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Rosewood Beijing Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

History: Santilun area has a culture of its own, and a long-standing reputation as a hub for Beijing's arts crowd.

Service: Knowledgeable English-speaking hosts are on hand 24/7 to provide assistance or advise travelers about local sites.

Location: Located on Santilun Street adjacent to Santilun Village complex, it's in a great position for experiencing Beijing's bar scene.

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The Opposite House Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

History: First opening its doors in 1989, the Peninsula Beijing has undergone a comprehensive renovation, setting a peerless new standard.

Location: A stone’s throw from the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, the Peninsula is at the heart of Beijing, located among its most iconic landmarks.

Service: Guests can enjoy the quality and attention to detail for which Peninsula is renowned throughout the world.

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The Peninsula Beijing Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Located in the center of Beijing, this luxury hotel provides easy access to dining, shopping and sightseeing.

History: This new hotel bears the legendary Waldorf Astoria name, offering old-world luxury with a contemporary edge and Eastern sensibilities.

Service: A high staff-to-guest ratio ensures favorable levels of service and comfort, with English-speaking concierges at hand 24/7.

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Waldorf Astoria Beijing Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Beijing

Explore Beijing today, starting with a visit to the well-known and important site of Tiananmen Square, as well as the ancient Forbidden City. Check out the Temple of Heaven, where Emperors pray for their goals of both peace and success. In the afternoon, you’ll head to the Summer Palace, which once housed Qing Dynasty Emperors. Enjoy a delicious Chinese dinner, after which you’ll be entertained by a Chinese Kongfu show. Spend the night in your luxury Beijing hotel.

Beijing
Beijing

Day 3

Overnight Train

For your final day of exploring Beijing, you’ll start with a hike through what what is generally agreed upon as the most beautiful section of the Great Wall. After lunch, you’ll be whisked away to Changling, one of the 13 monolithic Ming Tombs of the Ming Dynasty’s Emperors. Next, you’ll be taken back to your hotel, where you can pack your things for your long, scenic train ride to your next destination: Tibet. You’ll depart around 8pm, and overnight on the train.

Day 4

Overnight Train

Wake up on the train to Tibet this morning, taking in the stunning views of the Qinghai plateau and snowcapped mountains in the distance. As you get closer to the Tibetan plateau, you’ll notice the skies transform into a lovely sunny blue color. Overnight once again on the train.

Beijing
Beijing

Day 5

Lhasa

Before dawn breaks today, your train will pass over the Tanggula mountain range, exceeding altitudes of 5,000 meters. You are now officially on the world’s highest train journey. Wake up to majestic sights of snowcapped mountains, fringed by fresh Tibetan lakes and miles of pasture. Arrive at the Lhasa train station in the afternoon, where you’ll be greeted and transferred to your Lhasa city hotel. We recommend the luxurious St. Regis.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: At just three miles away from the most important Tibetan structure in the world, the location of the Songtsam Linka Lhasa is hard to beat.

Style: The hotel’s Thangka paintings and wall tapestries produce an environment reminiscent of how noble Tibetan families lived centuries ago.

Comfort: The inviting beds and sitting rooms are a perfect place to unwind and refresh after long days spent exploring the cultural and natural wonders of Lhasa.

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Songtsam Linka Lhasa Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: This hotel is located in the famed Barkhor area, surrounded by stunning landscapes, and nearly 4,000 meters above sea level - among the highest city altitudes in the world.

History: Lhasa has a rich and colorful history that dates back over a millenium, and the St. Regis Lhasa faces one of the most important historical sites in the city - the once chief residence of the Dalai Lama.

Service: Guests can benefit from 24 hour bespoke butler service so that they need not lift a finger.

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St. Regis Lhasa Preferred Hotel

Day 6

Lhasa

Spend your first day in Lhasa getting acquainted with your new surroundings, and acclimatized to the high altitude. You’ll start off with a trip to Jokhang Temple, considered to be one of Tibet’s most important temples. Next, move on to Bakhor street, not only a sacred pilgrimage site, but also a bustling central market. Finish off with a visit to Sera Monastery, home to hundreds of monks from all over the country.

Lhasa
Lhasa

Day 7

Lhasa

Today will be your second day taking in the sights and sounds of Lhasa - make the most of it with a trip to Potala Palace, a culturally-important Tibetan landmark. This majestic abode was once the chief residence of the Dalai Lama. In the afternoon, check out Drepung monastery; once upon a time, this was the world’s largest monastery, home to over 10,000 monks, including at one point, the Dalai Lama. Spend the remainder of your day at leisure.

Day 8

Departure

This morning, you’ll check out of your luxury Lhasa hotel, and be escorted to the airport in time for your onward journey.

Suggested Hotels For Days 1–3

Rosewood Beijing
Preferred Hotel

Rosewood Beijing

Situated in the Central Business District of China's bustling capital city, this luxurious hotel offers some of the most spacious rooms in Beijing. The opulent designs of the rooms, with plush amenities and gorgeous artwork, extend to the restaurants, which are not only gorgeously decorate but also feature gourmet dishes as prepared by experienced chefs, ranging from traditional Chinese dishes to international flavors. An expansive spa, state-of-the-art fitness center, and magnificent pool solidify the hotel’s status as a premier destination.

The Opposite House
Preferred Hotel

The Opposite House

Located in Beijing's stylish new Village at Sanlitun shopping and entertainment complex, the Opposite House is a unique small hotel designed by noted Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. While the exterior is clad in squares of varying hues of vibrant green, the 99 rooms and suites are soothing, decorated in warm, neutral tones and fitted with pale wood furniture and crisp white linens. Kuma says he intended for the blend to create the calm of an "urban forest." The hotel's name is derived from the Chinese term for the guest house in a traditional courtyard compound, which was located opposite the main house. There are a variety of restaurants and bars to choose from, in keeping with the hotel's Sanlitun location: Michelin-starred Jing Yaa Tang is known for its Peking duck and dim sum; Frasca offers wholesome Italian dishes; Superfly is a modern mix of Sichuan plates, creative cocktails and craft beers; while UNION is all about the welcoming hospitality along the Silk Road. There is no business center, but wi-fi is available in all rooms and public spaces. There is also a high-design spa surrounding a large and visually striking stainless-steel-clad pool, which offers massage therapies, a steam room, sauna and fitness center. Opposite House is 40 minutes from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK).

The Peninsula Beijing
Preferred Hotel

The Peninsula Beijing

The timeless Peninsula Beijing sets the bar for elegance and luxury even higher, as it completes a full renovation, and emerges even more palatial. In the heart of China’s fast-paced capital, the hotel combines imperial architecture and ancient culture with contemporary style and luxurious modern conveniences. From the hotel’s own fleet of chauffeur-driven custom Rolls Royce Phantoms, to decor featuring masterpieces by internationally-renowned Chinese artists, every detail is attended to. Fully overhauled rooms and suites feature sleek decor in cool, tranquil hues, decked out with every conceivable convenience and comfort. From afternoon tea in the iconic lobby to world-class cuisine crafted by well-traveled chefs, diners will be delighted, and both business and leisure guests will find relaxation amid the spa and wellness facilities.

Waldorf Astoria Beijing
Preferred Hotel

Waldorf Astoria Beijing

Located in the shopping district close to Wangfujing Street and 1.5 miles from the Forbidden City, this purpose-built hotel expands the prestigious Waldorf Astoria brand across China. This new addition to the iconic chain comprises a gleaming 12-storey block and a traditional hutong wing located in a 200-year-old courtyard mansion restored beautifully with luxury interiors. Decor reflects Eastern aesthetic values with a contemporary edge, with paintings and sculptures by famed local artists throughout and dramatic gold and bronze features, adding old-world glamor. Executive guests will appreciate the complimentary use of corporate amenities and meeting rooms, while all travelers can enjoy free, property-wide WiFi. The Waldorf Astoria also boasts top-notch leisure facilities, including a spa with Eastern and Western treatments, a sleek indoor pool with whirlpool and a high-tech fitness center. Cantonese, European and New York-inspired food is offered in the on-site restaurants, with a sophisticated lounge area setting the scene for supper, late-night cocktails or traditional afternoon tea. An international, English-speaking staff is on hand to provide information and assistance around the clock, with concierges ready to organize bespoke touring and shopping services. 

Lhasa Express

Lhasa Express

Travel from Beijing to Tibet, enjoying beautiful scenery roll by, from the comfort of your sleeper cabin on the Lhasa Express. Each compartment has 4 sleeping beds with sheets, pillows and quilts, a small table, outlets, and a door with lock for privacy. For guests’ comfort, oxygen outlets and tanks are available for use as the train ascends to higher altitudes. There are two toilets and washing areas located at either end of each sleeper carriage. The dining car onboard serves Tibetan and Chinese cuisine, three meals a day. There are also food carts that offer packaged snacks, drinks and fruits throughout the day.

Suggested Hotels For Days 5–7

Songtsam Linka Lhasa
Preferred Hotel

Songtsam Linka Lhasa

When people close their eyes and imagine Tibet, the iconic Potala Palace may come to mind, and the Songtsam Linka Lhasa positions its guests just a stone’s throw from the famed structure. The palace is located a mere three miles away and is directly visible from the windows and balconies of several of the hotel’s rooms. The hotel itself features slaked lime walls, indigo-carved windows, and a fish-fin-shaped facade – all nods to traditional Tibetan artisans and culture – and the interior maintains an aura of reverence with decorations like wooden floors covered by warm carpets and exquisite wall tapestries. Rooms are spacious, with sitting spaces, balconies, and comfortable beds, and they are equipped with oxygen concentrators to help guests deal with Lhasa’s demanding altitude. There is a Chinese and Tibetan restaurant, which serves excellent home-style dishes, as well as a Western restaurant, where guests will find a breakfast buffet and a selection of wines later in the day. There is also a library and a boutique where guests can purchase souvenirs. Besides Potala Palace, visitors to Lhasa can also explore Jokhang Temple and the Drepung and Sera monasteries, and there are also many natural landscapes to explore in the region.
St. Regis Lhasa
Preferred Hotel

St. Regis Lhasa

Opened in November 2010, the St. Regis Resort in Lhasa stands on eight acres of land at “the roof of the world," with sweeping views of the Potala Palace. The spacious 162 rooms and villas with marble baths are decorated with carefully sourced artifacts that reflect the richness of Tibetan culture. There are a variety of restaurants to choose from, including the intimate private wine club Decanter by Haut-Brisson and Si Zi Kang, which serves traditional Tibetan cuisine. The health club boasts an indoor heated swimming pool, a yoga and pilates studio, and Iridium, a spa offering refined indulgence with Tibetan flavor. The business center offers 4 meeting rooms, copy and printing services, and faxing services. Other amenities include secretarial service and 24-hour butler service. The St. Regis Lhasa is located just minutes from the Potala Palace, the famous Barkhor area, Jokang Temple, Norbulinka, and is 46 miles from Gongga International Airport.

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