Kashgar To Beijing (23 Days) China & Tibet Explorer
Kashgar To Beijing (23 Days) China & Tibet Explorer
22 Days Starting in 39.535074,75.980893 and ending in 39.914743,116.402128
Visiting: China
Tour operator:
Tour code:
476
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 10
Age range:
18-80
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a 21-day adventure from Kashgar to Beijing, exploring the rich cultural and natural wonders of China and Tibet. This tour offers a unique blend of historical landmarks and breathtaking landscapes, including a visit to the Great Wall of China near Jiayuguan, the serene Crescent Moon Lake, and the majestic Ming Sha Hill. Discover the spiritual heart of Tibet in Lhasa, one of the highest cities in the world, and marvel at the turquoise beauty of Yamdrok Tso Lake. Experience the awe-inspiring Mount Everest Base Camp and the highest Tibetan Buddhist Monastery at Rongbuk. Travel the scenic Friendship Highway, enjoy a two-day high-altitude train journey from Lhasa to Chengdu, and support the Giant Panda Research Centre. Conclude your journey with a day trip to the Great Wall of China, making unforgettable memories along the way.
Highlights
Itinerary
Using the public buses around Kashgar, we have a full day guided tour. Kashgar is home to one of the last remaining statues of Chairman Mao, still standing in a watchful gaze across the People's Square. Other highlights we hope to see are Apak Hoja Tomb, a beautiful example of Uyghur Islamic Architecture; Id Kah Mosque, the largest Mosque in the whole of China; Handicraft Street where we can view pots being made, traditional musical instrument workshops and wood craftsmen at work. If we are lucky enough to be in Kashgar on a weekend, we will endeavour to visit the Sunday Livestock Market.
DAY 2-6: KASHGAR TO LHASA
We take the overnight train to Jiayuguan and get our first glimpse of the Great Wall of China! We have time to explore in the afternoon and we will overnight here.
Our next train journey takes us to Dunhuang, a city on the edge of the Gobi desert which is situated at a point of vital strategic and logistical importance, on a crossroads of 2 major trade routes on the old Silk Road. We visit the famed Mogao Grottoes (also known as the Qianfodong - the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas). This honeycomb of caves was constructed from the 4th to the 14th centuries, and has an astonishing collection of 492 caves, which are one of the world's richest treasure houses of Buddhist sutras, murals and sculptures.
We also take a trip to the edge of the oasis to Ming Sha Hill and the Crescent Moon Pool. Spring water trickles up into a depression between huge sand dunes, forming a crescent-shaped pond. Here we will be able to scramble up and slide down one of the giant dunes and there is the opportunity to ride on a Bactrian camel (the two humped variety) over the sand dunes.
Boarding our night train, we travel further East to Lanzhou, where we change trains and journey on to Lhasa.
DAY 7-11: LHASA TO SHIGATSE
Tibet, once home to the Dalai Lama. At 3,490 metres, Lhasa is one of the highest cities in the world. We will have time in the afternoon to relax and acclimatise to the altitude.
We have a full day to explore this interesting city, with our Tibetan guide. Must see sights are the Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Square and the stunning Potala Palace. We hope to also visit the Sera Monastery, where from mid afternoon monks still debate with the aid of flamboyant arm movements!
Boarding our private bus, we cross the mighty Gampala Pass (4790 metres) and we get our first glimpse of Yamdrok Tso Lake. The lake is surrounded by many snow capped peaks and in the distance, and on a clear day, you can see Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar, (7191m).
On arrival in Shigatse we visit the home of Panchan Lama - Tashilunpo Monastery. Financed by local nobles, the Monastery was founded in 1447 by the 1st Dalai Lama. We overnight in Shigatse.
DAY 12-14: SHIGATSE TO GYANTSE
Continuing on our bus journey we arrive at Rongbuk Monastery, which is situated at 4980 metres and is claimed to be the highest Monastery in the world.
Our accommodation tonight will be very basic, but (weather allowing) the views of Mount Everest will more than make up for any discomfort.
We visit Mount Everest Base Camp hoping for a glimpse of the peak, before driving to Tingri, a stopping point on the Friendship Highway, for our overnight stay.
We continue on the Friendship Highway to Gyantse, where there is the option to visit Pelkor Chode Monastery and Kumbum Stupa. The Kumbum, which was built in 1497, is particularly interesting as the structure contains some 76 chapels through 9 levels. We overnight in Gyantse.
DAY 15-17: GYANTSE TO XI'AN
Once again we cross the mighty Gampala Pass, with time to visit Yamdrok Tso Lake, before heading back in to Lhasa to catch the high altitude train to Chengdu.
This is one of the world’s classic train routes and will take us almost 2 days to complete! It was said a track could never be built at such high altitude or across such a landscape, but the Chinese have managed to achieve it! We will see snowcapped peaks, turquoise plateau lakes and grazing yaks from our window.
We arrive in Chengdu in the early morning and transfer to our hotel, where we will be based for 2 nights.
Our next stop will be the Panda Sanctuary where we can see these gentle giants. The Sanctuary was created in the 1980’s to house six sick Panda’s and has become one of the most important centres for Panda breeding research in the world.
We take the fast train to Xi’an and have an afternoon to explore the city. Xi'an is well known for its food and nightlife and there are some attractive restaurant districts to wander around in the evening.
DAY 18: XI'AN
Highlights in Xi'an you may wish to see are the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, the Bell and Drum Towers or maybe check out the well preserved City Walls, dating back to the Ming Dynasty.
The Museum of Terracotta Warriors and Horses is probably the most famous, and there will be time for a visit if you wish to see them. These are the most significant archaeological excavations of the 20th century and work is ongoing at this site. Upon ascending the throne at the age of 13 in 246 BC, Qin Shi Huang began work on his mausoleum - before becoming the first Emperor of China. It took 11 years to finish and it is believed he built this vast terracotta army to accompany him into the afterlife. The museum covers over 16,000 sq metres - with armies of soldiers and their horses arranged in lines under a giant aircraft hanger type roof. There are over 7,000 figures and it really is a remarkable sight.
DAY 19-21: XI'AN TO BEIJING
From Xi'an we begin our last journey - by train to Beijing. After our 15 hr train journey - we will have the chance to explore China's capital and soak up the atmosphere. Beijing is a heaving, thriving place, an economic power house of Asia, and the cultural centre of China. We include a trip to visit the superbly preserved section of the Great Wall, before enjoying our last night party in some of the many bars and clubs in the city.
There is so much to see in Beijing so we recommend staying on for a few days to see all the main sights and also to relax. Well known places to visit here include the largest central square in the world - Tian'anmen Square, the Forbidden City, as well as the largest sacrificial complex in the world, the Temple of Heaven. You will also see the towering skyscrapers and the endless stream of traffic. Nowhere else on earth will you find such a variety of gourmet Chinese restaurants offering the very best of the eight different styles of Chinese cuisine as well as western style dishes. Then there is of course the shopping, and there are countless shopping malls and markets all over the city to pick up cheap Chinese made products. The nightlife too is worth exploring and there are plenty of pubs and clubs to visit before flying out or continuing on with your travels.
Your trip ends after breakfast on the last day of your tour, and we suggest allowing extra time to explore the city at your leisure (depending on the length of your visa).
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation will be provided in 100% hostels and hotels.
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Local Guide
A local English-speaking Chinese guide will be available throughout the tour.
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China Letter of Introduction
Support and fees for the China Letter of Introduction are included.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours of the Maogao Caves, Potala Palace, and Jokhang Temple (entry not included) are included.
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Visit to Mt Everest Base Camp
A visit to Mount Everest Base Camp is included.
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Yamdrok Tso Lake
A visit to Yamdrok Tso Lake is included.
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Shigatse & Gyantse
Visits to Tashilunpo Monastery, Pelkor Chode Monastery, and Kumbum Stupa in Shigatse and Gyantse are included.
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Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding & Research Centre
A visit to the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding & Research Centre is included.
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Terracotta Army Warriors
A visit to see the Terracotta Army warriors is included.
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Great Wall of China
A visit to the Great Wall of China is included.
What's Not Included
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Visas
Visas are not included.
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Local Payment
Local payment is not included.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions as listed in the Pre-Departure Information are not included.
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Flights
Flights are not included.
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Airport Taxes & Transfers
Airport taxes and transfers are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Meals Not Listed
Meals not listed as included are not provided.
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Drinks
Drinks are not included.
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Tips
Tips are not included.
More Info
Cross the whole of mainland China, starting out in ancient Kashgar and ending on the Great Wall of China! Take the high altitude train to Lhasa in Tibet, visit the Potala Palace and catch your breath at Mt Everest Base Camp. Chengdu brings us to the Giant Panda Sanctuary before heading further east to Xi'an and the Terracotta Warriors. Beijing is the final stop and surely one never to forget.
Mode of Transport
We use a mixture of trains, private charter buses, and public buses on this trip.
Accommodation
We use a mixture of local hotels and hostels along the way. Rooms will be mostly en-suited and shared with another traveller from the trip; couples and friends travelling together will be accommodated where possible, but this cannot always be guaranteed. On some occasions it may be possible to ‘upgrade’ to private rooms and your Tour Leader can assist with this.
Check out our Q&As
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What types of accommodation are provided during the tour?
The tour provides a mixture of local hotels and hostels. Rooms will mostly be en-suited and shared with another traveler from the trip. Couples and friends traveling together will be accommodated where possible, but this cannot always be guaranteed. On some occasions, it may be possible to upgrade to private rooms with the assistance of the Tour Leader.
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What kind of transportation will be used during the tour?
The tour uses a mixture of trains, private charter buses, and public buses.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
All breakfasts are included in the tour package.
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Is there an opportunity to visit Mount Everest Base Camp during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to Mount Everest Base Camp.
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Will there be a guide during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a local English-speaking Chinese guide.
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Are there any optional excursions available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional excursions listed in the Pre-Departure Information.
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What is the starting point of the tour?
The tour starts at the Seman Hotel in Kashgar.
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What is the ending point of the tour?
The tour ends in Beijing, China.
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What are some of the key highlights of the tour?
Some key highlights include visiting the Great Wall of China near Jiayuguan, exploring Lhasa with a guide, traveling over the Gampala pass to visit Yamdrok Tso Lake, visiting Rongbuk Monastery, experiencing Mount Everest Base Camp, traveling the scenic Friendship Highway, and supporting the Giant Panda Research Centre in Chengdu.
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What is the itinerary for the first day of the tour?
On the first day, using public buses around Kashgar, there will be a full day guided tour. Highlights include the statue of Chairman Mao, Apak Hoja Tomb, Id Kah Mosque, Handicraft Street, and possibly the Sunday Livestock Market if it is a weekend.
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What is the itinerary for the last day of the tour?
The trip ends after breakfast on the last day of the tour. It is recommended to allow extra time to explore Beijing at your leisure, depending on the length of your visa.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes, if you are travelling solo. On our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions, we will pair you up with a tent buddy of the same sex when we camp and the same goes for twin & shared rooms in hostels, so there is no need to go it alone! If you specifically would like to request your own single room whilst on the trip, this may be requested subject to availability and additional fee.
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How many people do you take on your Trips?
On most of our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions our vehicles can carry a maximum of 24 travellers, the average however is around 16-20 on any one trip. Our Small Group Adventures have a maximum of 18 people per Tour Leader, although again the average is around 10-14 people.
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Low Deposit
Oasis Overland requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of oasis overland charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 33% of booking price.
At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.