Embark on an epic train journey across the Roof of the World from the heart of China to the Himalayan Kingdom of Tibet. Stroll along the Great Wall of China and come face-to-face with Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors before travelling through incredible landscapes to Lhasa, the heart of Tibetan Buddhism and one of the highest cities in the world. Finish your tour in Chengdu, meeting the charismatic Giant Pandas.
On arrival in Beijing, meet your local guide before transferring to tonight's hotel.
If you are arranging your own international flights, free airport transfers are available and included in the price. Transfers need to be booked with us at least two weeks before the tour starts and you will need to provide your inbound and outbound flight details.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Travel to the Juyongguan portion of the Great Wall of China and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built over 2,000 years ago as a final defence against marauding Mongol invaders. Stretching over 5,500 miles, stroll along the wall to admire panoramic views of mountain peaks and rolling grasslands. Return to Beijing and explore the traditional gardens and exquisite architecture of the Summer Palace. In the evening enjoy a Chinese Kongfu performance.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Visit expansive Tiananmen Square, the scene of many significant moments in Chinese history, before passing through the Gate of Supreme Harmony into the Forbidden City, the private kingdom of Emperors for over 500 years. In the afternoon explore China's largest existing masterpiece - the 15th century Temple of Heaven before setting your senses racing with a delicious Peking duck dinner this evening. Tonight, board your overnight train to Xian.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Starting point of the Silk Route and birthplace of ancient China, contemporary Xi'an is a fascinating city to explore. Wander along the 14th Century City Walls that still surround the heart of the town, before visiting UNESCO registered Small Wild Goose Pagoda built in 652 to hold sacred Buddhist figurines.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Begin today by witnessing the awe-inspiring 'Eighth Wonder of the World', Xi'an's hand-crafted 8,000 strong Terracotta Warriors, constructed to protect China's first emperor in the afterlife and UNESCO listed. Continue onwards, crisscrossing through the narrow avenues of Xi'an's Muslim Quarter, teeming with bustling market stalls and fragrant cuisine and enjoy an evening of traditional music and dance at a dynamic Tang Dynasty show.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, transfer to Xi'an's railway station for an early bullet train to Xining. Your afternoon will be spent visiting the famous Thangka Museum, a world’s first museum of Tibetan medicine. It has a large collection of Thangkas (sacred paintings on cloth) used especially for the teaching of medicine in monasteries. In the evening board the overnight train for your epic journey on the highest railway on earth.
Lunch
The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is one of the 21st Century's greatest engineering marvels, taking you past glaciers, mountains and Himalayan villages on your climb to Tibet. Cross the highest point at Tangula Pass early in the morning where long-haired yaks dot a countryside of surpassing beauty. On arrival into Lhasa, transfer to the hotel for an evening at leisure. * Lunch today is a packed lunch.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage Site and Tibet's most iconic landmark, the Potala Palace. Guarded by gargantuan walls and turrets, this exceptional winter palace of the Dalai Lama majestically sits 100 metres above the city and continues to serve as a spiritual symbol of Tibetan Buddhism. After a short walk, gaze in awe at the golden blaze radiating from the 7th-century spiritual hub of Jokhang Temple, which, unsurprisingly continues to attract thousands of pilgrims. Following in their footsteps, snake the pathways of Borkhar Bazarre, a buzzing market square which encompasses this 'House of Buddha', taking the opportunity to pick up a souvenir along the way.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, visit Norbulingka, a spellbinding palace complex and regal summer residence of the Dalai Lama. Translating as 'Jewel Garden', stroll around the luscious gardens, bursting with flourishing landscapes, before taking in the delights of the lavish 600-year-old Sera Monastery. Nestled in the shadows of Tatiput Hill, wonder at this incredible monument's golden scriptures and elaborate murals which envelop the walls of one of the greatest monasteries in Tibet.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Depart Lhasa this morning and bask in the early morning sunshine from your train to Shigatse. On arrival, enjoy a guided tour of the magnificent Tashilunpo Monastery, Tibet's largest religious establishment, and view the abundant temples and mesmerising golden tombs of former Panchan Lamas within this breathtaking spiritual complex.Continue to Gang Gyen carpet workshop to observe the skilled workmanship of local women, meticulously weaving and spinning traditional Tibetan carpets, characterised by their bright colours and intricate design.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Experience an authentic taste of Tibetan life with a visit to an orthodox family home, gaining a fascinating insight into the ways in which religion has moulded their culture. This afternoon, discover the charm of Pelkor Chode Monastery, distinctive for its unique exterior and entrancing vistas of surrounding mountainsides and admire a multitude of Tibetan sutras, which continue to entice a constant influx of intrigued pilgrims.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy a day of serenity with a visit to some of Tibet's most astounding scenery. Surrounded by towering snow-sprinkled mountaintops, pause at the peaceful freshwater lake of Yamdrok, an astonishing turquoise vision which glistens upon the sun's arrival. Next, prepare to be overwhelmed by the imposing Karola Glacier from the neighbouring highway only 300 metres away and look towards the wispy clouds and untouched white snow-capped peak, before returning to Lhasa this evening.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Following your morning flight to the diverse city of Chengdu, incorporate a visit to Chengdu People's Park; saunter this area of contrasts, basking in its tranquil charm with a refreshing cup of tea from a traditional teahouse, or alternatively, participate in a vivacious performance in Rockery Square. A pleasant meander leads to the quaint streets of Wide and Narrow Alleys, offering a laid-back atmosphere and glimpse of ancient Chengdu from its plentiful cafes and courtyards.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Take delight in a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre, home to one of China's largest panda habitats. From a close-up view, look out for pandas snacking on a tasty treat, or peeping out of treetops in enclosures built to imitate their natural habitat. Conclude your adventure tonight with a succulent Sichuan meal.
Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
If you are arranging your own international flights, free airport transfers are available and included in the price. Transfers need to be booked with us at least two weeks before the tour starts and you will need to provide your inbound and outbound flight details.
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The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. The schedules of the domestic airlines in country are subject to frequent changes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. The driving times listed are point to point and do not include the duration of excursions or stops en route. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions.
Given the particularity of Tibet, we will not bear any legal liability or compensation for any change of itinerary due to force majeure factors such as state policy or weather.
Please note lighters and aerosol cans are not allowed planes, trains or sights of special interest, such as Tiananmen square, Forbidden city, The Temple of Heaven, Terracotta Warriors, Three Gorges Dam, and the Wild Goose Pagoda.
If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of £295.00pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
China entry requirements
You will require a visa to visit mainland China. We recommend you organise this 2 months before travel. If you’re 14 to 70 years old, you must apply for a visa in person at a visa application centre. If you’re aged 13 and under or aged 71 and over, you can only apply online.
You must provide biometric data (scanned fingerprints) for your application. There are visa application centres in London, Manchester, Belfast and Edinburgh. The details of their opening hours are on their websites. The Chinese Embassy has further information on visa categories and how to apply. The application process takes approximately 4 – 10 working days and the cost depends on the visa and class you choose.
You will require extra documentation for your application that you can request from us from 2 months before departure. They may ask for the Agency License Number which is China International Travel Service Ltd: 911100001013930695. We work closely with The Travel Visa Company who will be able to arrange your visa on your behalf. Please call them on 01270 250 590 and quote 'Mercury Holidays'. When calling the Travel Visa Company they will advise you of any changes to the fees or the procedure, they will also advise you of all the information they will require to apply for the visa.
We recommend you check with your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy prior to departure for the most up to date guidelines regarding these.
You will need to fill in an arrival card online before travel. This can be done on the NIA’s official website https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/. To complete the form you will need to have your passport number and visa number. Once the form is complete you will either need to print out the QR code or have the QR code available on your phone.
Tibet entry requirements
British Citizens require a visa for Tibet but Mercury Holidays will obtain it for you. We require a colour copy of your passport page containing your passport number and picture in either a JPEG or PDF format & a colour copy of your Chinese Visa to be emailed to mypassport@mercuryholidays.com a minimum of 45 days prior to departure. We can only arrange a visa and travel permit for British passport holders, all other nationalities are on request and you must check with us prior to booking. You will not need to carry your visa while on the tour as this will be done by your tour guide.
In addition we require the following information to be emailed to us with your passport copy and visa copy:
Failure to send us this information on time could result in you not being able to travel on your holiday and Mercury Holidays will not be liable for your lost holiday.
Passport and visa information are very necessary documents for applying Tibet Permit. It usually takes at least 20 days to get the permit. Therefore your prompt information will be greatly helpful to improve our working efficiency. Please provide us your scanned photocopies of your passport and visa to China 30 days prior to your departure.
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras, including up to a 20% discount, which is given to all Mercury Holidays customers. To arrange your insurance with Holiday Extras, please visit https://www.mercuryholidays.co.uk/info/insurance for more details. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
It is your responsibility to check any health/vaccination requirements for your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure.
Altitude sickness is a fairly common condition that can occur when you ascend to a high altitude (generally higher than 2,500 metres above sea level) quickly. Therefore, you may find you experience some symptoms at this altitude. It is advised that at these high altitudes, you keep hydrated. If you do experience symptoms of altitude sickness during your tour, ensure you tell your guide immediately who will be able to advise the best thing for you to do. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, www.hpa.org.uk, or your General Practitioner.
The tour pace for China and Tibet Rail Adventure is challenging. A higher level of fitness as required as you may be on your feet for most of the day though this will be interspersed with regular breaks and vary from day to day. You will be walking around the sights, getting on and off coaches, trains and climbing steps which may be irregular. Travel will involve different forms of transportation for longer durations. Increased walking, possibly on uneven terrain, as well as more time at higher altitude, may be experienced. Ideal for those seeking a challenging and physical experience. These tours are not suitable for those with walking difficulties. Our guides will always endeavour to provide the highest level of service and assistance; however, they cannot be expected to cater for customers who are unfit to complete the itinerary.
The currency in China is the Renminbi, known as RMB or CNY. It is often referred to as the Yuan. We recommend that you exchange your currency before you depart. US Dollars are widely accepted in China should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you. Most major credit cards are accepted in hotels and shopping malls in China. Small shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards as well as street vendors, so it's strongly advised to have sufficient Chinese currency with you. ATM’s are readily available in big cities and most small towns.
As normal practice you may be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels as well as American Express.
You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any personal purchases, such as souvenirs, laundry and extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £300 - £400 will be sufficient for the duration of the tour. It is a good idea to try and maintain a supply of small notes and change in the local currency for tipping or small purchases.
It is customary to tip your national guide, local guide and driver approximately CNY50 per person, per day. Your national guide will collect this for your convenience on the first day of your tour, approximately CNY600 per person for the total duration. Tips are collected in Chinese Yuan.
This is a fully escorted tour, meaning that you will be met on arrival by your national guide who will remain with you for the duration of your trip. You will also be joined by a local guide in each of the cities which you visit, ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times. For groups of less than 10, you will have a driver and be joined by a local guide at each location.
Trains
During your tour you will be getting on and off several trains and experiencing some of the most scenic routes in China and Tibet. You will be booked in to air-conditioned carriages for all day trains. Seats generally recline and there is overhead space for a bag. Overnight trains you will be booked in to soft sleepers, all cabins come with air conditioning but there is no private toilet, Bathrooms are at the end of each carriage. Beds usually come with a pillow, bed sheet and blanket. Please bring toilet roll and hand sanitiser. Trains in China and Tibet do vary to the UK in terms of quality.
Please note the Bullet Train has restricted carry-ons: Aerosol spray cans containing hairspray, hair gel, styling mousse, insecticide and air freshener must be under 100 ml (3.5 fl oz).
Power banks without a 3C certification mark, spray cans of any form and lighters are not allowed on trains or planes.
Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort or character, and can range from business hotels to leisure hotels. Hotel accommodation is generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note there is no international classification system for hotels, and differences in facilities and quality do exist between the UK, Tibet and China. All group tours hotels have private bathroom facilities.
Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Dinner (when included) will be taken in local restaurants or at the hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours. Unlike the western world, Chinese people do not normally pre-heat their plates and food can be presented at a variety of temperatures, which is a typical Chinese way of doing things.
Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information.
It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed countries water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way, so to ensure your comfort and well-being, one bottle of drinking water will be provided on touring days.
If you are travelling within the below Chinese Public Holidays, please note that celebrations last for several days and during these times some businesses will be closed and coach, air and train travel may be affected. Tourist attractions will be open but may be crowded. Chinese New Year usually falls sometime between January 21 and February 20. Golden Week public holidays fall annually between 1st – 3rd of May and 1st – 7th of October.
On your arrival in Beijing, you will be met by a representative from our local agent will be in the terminal, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. Please exit from gate B of the airport and your guide will be waiting. The Mercury Holidays representative will show you to your transfer vehicle.
Please find below the emergency contact details for China Travel Service:
During Office Hours: 0086 10 85228340 / 0086 10 85228722
After Office Hours: Ms. Linda Liu (Mobile): 0086 13911043036
Ms. Starling Wang (Mobile): 0086 13810153047
Ms. Faith Guo (Mobile): 0086 13716796859
