15 Days Silk Road & Tibet Adventure
Tour Overview
Two of the world's greatest travel experiences in one journey. Begin on the ancient Silk Road through Xi'an, Dunhuang, and Kashgar โ then board the world's highest railway to Tibet. Walk through the Potala Palace, stand before Everest Base Camp, and witness monks debating at Sera Monastery. From the golden deserts of the Taklamakan to the snowy peaks of the Himalayas โ this is the adventure of a lifetime.
Trip Highlights
- Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an
- Mogao Caves in Dunhuang
- Kashgar Sunday Bazaar
- Ride the Qinghai-Tibet Railway โ world's highest
- Potala Palace โ the heart of Tibet
- Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Circuit
- Monk debate at Sera Monastery
- Yamdrok Lake โ turquoise jewel of Tibet
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- 1Day
Arrive in Xi'an
Airport pickup, hotel check-in. Evening stroll through the Muslim Quarter and Bell Tower square. Welcome dinner featuring Xi'an's famous dumpling banquet.
- 2Day
Xi'an โ Terracotta Warriors
Full morning at the Terracotta Warriors โ 8,000 life-sized soldiers guarding China's first emperor. Afternoon bike ride on the ancient City Wall (14 km loop). Visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
- 3Day
Xi'an → Dunhuang (Flight)
Morning flight to Dunhuang. Afternoon at the Dunhuang Museum for Silk Road context. Evening camel ride at Singing Sand Dunes to watch the sunset.
- 4Day
Dunhuang โ Mogao Caves
Full morning at the Mogao Caves โ 1,000 years of Buddhist art in 492 grottoes. Afternoon at Crescent Moon Spring and sand boarding on the dunes.
- 5Day
Dunhuang → Turpan (High-speed train)
Morning train to Turpan (4 hrs). Afternoon visit to Jiaohe Ancient City โ one of the world's best-preserved earthen cities. Grape Valley tasting.
- 6Day
Turpan โ Flaming Mountains & Karez
Morning at the Flaming Mountains and Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves. Tour the ancient Karez irrigation tunnels. Visit Emin Minaret.
- 7Day
Turpan → Urumqi ✈ Kashgar
Drive to Urumqi, visit the Xinjiang Museum to see the Tarim mummies. Afternoon flight to Kashgar. Evening tea at a 100-year-old teahouse.
- 8Day
Kashgar โ Sunday Market & Karakoram
Experience the legendary Sunday Bazaar. Drive the Karakoram Highway to Karakul Lake for jaw-dropping views of Muztagh Ata (7,546m).
- 9Day
Kashgar ✈ Xining โ Qinghai-Tibet Railway
Morning flight to Xining. Free afternoon to acclimatize. Evening: board the legendary Qinghai-Tibet Railway โ the world's highest train journey begins!
- 10Day
On the Roof of the World โ Arrive Lhasa
Wake up crossing the Tibetan Plateau at 5,000m. Views of snow-capped peaks, yaks, and turquoise lakes. Arrive in Lhasa afternoon. Rest and acclimatize.
- 11Day
Lhasa โ Potala Palace & Jokhang Temple
The big day. Morning at the Potala Palace โ 1,000 rooms, 13 stories, the spiritual heart of Tibet. Afternoon at Jokhang Temple, Tibet's holiest shrine. Join pilgrims on the Barkhor kora.
- 12Day
Lhasa โ Sera & Drepung Monasteries
Morning at Drepung Monastery โ once the world's largest monastery housing 10,000 monks. Afternoon at Sera Monastery to witness the famous monk debates โ a centuries-old tradition.
- 13Day
Lhasa → Yamdrok Lake → Gyantse
Drive over the Kamba La Pass (4,794m) for the first breathtaking view of Yamdrok Lake โ one of Tibet's three holy lakes. Continue to Gyantse, visit Pelkor Chode Monastery.
- 14Day
Gyantse → Shigatse โ Tashilhunpo Monastery
Drive to Shigatse, Tibet's second city. Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, seat of the Panchen Lama. The giant Maitreya Buddha statue (26m) is awe-inspiring.
- 15Day
Depart Lhasa
Drive back to Lhasa Airport along the Yarlung Tsangpo River. Farewell to the roof of the world. 再见!
What's Included
13 nights hotel + 1 night sleeper train
English-speaking guide throughout
All domestic flights (Xi'an-Dunhuang, Urumqi-Kashgar, Kashgar-Xining)
Qinghai-Tibet Railway soft sleeper ticket
Private vehicle & driver
Meals as indicated
Tibet Travel Permit & all entrance fees
Travel insurance (China domestic)
What's Excluded
International flights
Chinese visa & Tibet permit processing fee ($85)
Personal expenses & tips
Single room supplement ($620)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, all foreign travelers need a Tibet Travel Permit. We handle the application โ you just need to provide your passport and Chinese visa copies.
Lhasa sits at 3,650m. We build in acclimatization days and the gradual train ascent helps. Most travelers experience only mild symptoms.
Silk Road Meets the Roof of the World
From desert caravans to Himalayan monasteries โ this is the journey that defines a lifetime.
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