China suggested Tailor made holidays

TRAIN TO TIBET

Beijing is the starting point for one of the most exciting new developments within China - the completion of the Qinghai to Tibet section of railway climbing from 2829m above sea level at Golmud to 3641m at Lhasa. Begin the journey of discovery in Beijing, the dynamic capital city, where you will see the ancient sights of the Forbidden City, the Great Wall and the Summer Palace which contrast with this fast-emerging modern city. Spend 2 days crossing the vastness of China by train via Xian, Lanzhou and Golmud to reach your final destination, Tibet, ‘the Roof of the World’.

Although there has been a lot of development in Tibet’s capital Lhasa, the modern architecture cannot hide the sheer beauty of the city’s most famous building, the Potala Palace. Dominating the town, the magnificent building, once the home of the Dalai Lama, is a permanent reminder of Tibet’s long history. Pilgrims still make their way to the Jokhang Temple and novice monks still spend their days debating at the Sera Monastery.

Once away from Lhasa life has changed little for the people of Tibet. Most still live in isolated communities in traditional houses adorned by prayer flags, which can also be seen fluttering at the top of high passes. The journey across the Tibetan Plateau to the small towns of Gyantse and Shigatse passes many destroyed monasteries, but the Tashilunpo monastery escaped virtually unscathed and is still at the heart of Shigatse and the beautiful Dzung monastery dominates the skyline above Gyantse.

Continue westwards and fly to Kathmandu with its eclectic mix of the maze-like streets of the old city and the upmarket Durbar Marg. Kathmandu is a city of wild contrasts where modernity meets tradition with chic shops, ancient temples and the attractions of Thamel which draw backpackers from all over the world.

Cost per person from £1,477.00 (based on two people travelling in a twin/double room)

A Silk Steps inclusive holiday price includes:
• Private return transfers between airports and hotels (unless otherwise specified)
• The services of English speaking guides and representatives at each stage of the tour. Between most places you will travel unescorted
• Accommodation in a standard room (shared twin) with private facilities (unless otherwise specified) with breakfast
• Government taxes and compulsory service charges
• All tours and sightseeing as specified, inclusive of entrance fees
• Economy class air travel within all countries on the scheduled services of the national or domestic carrier as specified in each tour
• The services of our local representative
Extras:
• International flights - please contact us for up-to-date prices
• Travel insurance
• Meals - unless otherwise stated
• Optional sightseeing other than specified
• International airport departure tax payable overseas
• Visa fees
• Single supplement (on request)

Spread over such a vast area the country has a great range of climates, but the following can be used as a guide.  In Beijing, from December to March the average temperature is minus 2°C and further north it is much colder. In July and August the tempera  

For up to date weather details try BBC weather   www.bbc.co.uk/weather/