Small group experience
Travelling as part of a small group of 20 or fewer Saga guests, board the Lhasa Express for a fascinating train journey. The railway line between Lhasa and Xining is one of this century’s greatest engineering achievements, and reaches an altitude of 5,072 metres at its highest point, Tangula Pass, higher than the summit of Mont Blanc.
Potala Palace
Set on the slopes of Red Mountain, the monumental edifice of Potala Palace, former residence of the Dalia Lama, casts an ever-present shadow over Lhasa. It is one of the architectural wonders of the world, with 13 storeys containing thousands of rooms, shrines and statues, and the site has been occupied for at least 1,300 years.
Shanghai
The great port city of Shanghai has long evoked images of intrigue and mystery. The old town is a maze of cobbled streets, and in the parks you may well see locals performing t’ai chi movements. The city has a lively, bustling atmosphere with sidewalk vendors and an endless variety of shops.
The Forbidden City
The Forbidden City, or Imperial Palce, was the home of two dynasties of emperors, the Ming and the Qing, who ruled China from 1368 to 1911. Most of the buildings you see today are post-18th century, as the palace was often damaged by fire, sometimes by the flamboyant firework displays put on.
The Great Wall of China
Visit the Great Wall on your tour. This wonder of the world was built to defend the country from aggressors. Construction started in 7BC, but most of the wall was constructed during the Qin Dynasty (221 - 207BC), when separate lengths of wall that had been built to keep out invaders from the north were linked.

Tour highlights

Potala Palace

Set on the slopes of Red Mountain, the monumental edifice of Potala Palace, former residence of the Dalia Lama, casts an ever-present shadow over Lhasa. It is one of the architectural wonders of the world, with 13 storeys containing thousands of rooms, shrines and statues, and the site has been occupied for at least 1,300 years.

The Lhasa Express

14 nights fr £2,999

VIP door-to-door travel service
Travel insurance
Saga’s hassle-free UK travel service
Return scheduled flights and transfers
All breakfasts, twelve lunches and nine dinners
Excursions as described
Saga tour manager
Porterage at all hotels
Tourist visa

14 nights from £2,999 per person

Guests

Departure month

The Lhasa Express

2014 prices held from 2013

2014 prices held from 2013 on departures between May 19 - Oct 27, 2014 when you book by Jun 30, 2013.

Prices shown include saving.

Customer reviews

Discover the fascinating cultures and ancient relics of Beijing and Lhasa as you explore historic China and spiritual Tibet.

A remarkable journey through the Himalayas aboard the Lhasa Express will be a particular highlight of this exhilarating tour.

Please note: Due to the high altitudes in Tibet, this tour is not suitable for guests with heart or respiratory problems. In 2012 itinerary days 13 and 14 will be reversed.

The Lhasa Express

Days 1-2	UK-Beijing
Day 3	Forbidden City
Day 4	The Great Wall
Day 5	Beijing-Xi'an
Day 6	Terracotta Warriors
Day 7	Xi’an-Chengdu
Day 8	Chengdu-Lhasa
Day 9	Lhasa
Day 10	Norbu Lingka
Day 11	The Lhasa Express
Day 12	Xining-Shanghai
Day 13	Suzhou
Day 14	Shanghai
Day 15	Shanghai-UK
	View full itinerary

Day 7 Xi’an-Chengdu

Fly to Chengdu and transfer to the Tibet Hotel (4Q) for a one-night stay.

Sichuan is one of three provinces where the giant panda is native and a highlight of your time here will undoubtedly be a visit to the Panda Research and Breeding Centre.

You can observe these majestic animals in an environment carefully created to resemble their natural habitat. Later, enjoy tea in a typical tea house in the old town of Chengdu

This evening, you can look forward to an Optional Excursion attending a traditional Sichuan opera, well known for the actors’ colourful costumes and many masks. Dinner is included tonight.

Extend your holiday

14 nights fr £2,999

Guests

Departure month