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10 Day China Adventure Tour - Beijing to Lhasa explores Beijing, Forbidden City, Great Wall, Lhasa, Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera monastery.

Days 1-4 Beijing
Your trip starts today with your arrival in Beijing. No activities are planned, so arrive early if you can, as there is plenty to see. There will be a pre-tour briefing with your tour leader late in the afternoon. Please note that your Tour Leader will collect the Local Payment during your group meeting so be sure to take the 300 US dollars to the meeting along with your travel insurance details. Please bring new USD notes/bills in large denominations. Please see the noticeboard in the hotel reception for details.

Beijing is abundant in cultural and historical sites. The vast Forbidden City, built nearly 600 years ago and off limits to citizens for almost all that time, is a truly amazing place. The size might surprise you (it is huge!), but what makes it fascinating is that every square metre is interesting, ranging from intricately carved walkways to colourful, painted ceilings. A visit to China is not complete without walking along the Great Wall. We will travel to Simatai Great Wall, a largely unrestored and, as such, more authentic section of the famous wall, not crowded with hordes of other tourists. Climbing up this incredible man-made engineer and surveying the spectacular surrounding countryside is an unforgettable experience. There is also ample free time in the itinerary, allowing you to make your own discoveries and explorations. In the evening, you have the chance to enjoy a performance of the unique Beijing Opera or Kongfu Show (optional).

We leave Beijing on the overnight train in Day 4, travelling in the sleeper train to Lhasa. You can either purchase dinner on the train or buy some food prior to boarding. We stay in six-berth air-conditioned cabins that have an open and relaxed feel about them. A blanket, sheets and a pillow are provided, although some people may wish to bring their own inner sheet. The 48-hour trip is a great opportunity for our group to get to know each other and is a great way to mix with the locals and practise your Chinese-language skills. Please note that the train journey is unaccompanied.

Days 5-6 Beijing to Lhasa
Today travel along the highest railway in the world - the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. The new Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the highest in the world, climbing from 2,829 m above sea level at Golmud to 3,641 m at Lhasa. Its highest point is in the Tanggula Pass, just over 5,000 m above sea level. Enjoy the journey in the comfort of a train equipped with a special oxygen system for those high ascents. Watch the spectacular scenery roll by, chatting with locals in the dining car.

Upon arrival in Lhasa on the evening of day 6, you will be met at the train station and transferred to your hotel.

Train stops en route from Beijing to Lhasa - approximate times:
Xi'an - 9:15am on day 5
Lanzhou - 4:00pm on day 5
Xining - 7:00pm on day 5
Golmud - 6:30am on day 6
Lhasa - arrive 9:00pm on day 6

Days 7-10 Lhasa
During your time in Lhasa with your local guide you will visit the Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple and Sera monastery. There is also a free day to explore other sites in and around Lhasa including Drepung monastery, Norbulingka, Ramoche or Ganden and to wander and shop in the Barkhor.

The spiritual and political heart of Tibet, Lhasa is a colourful and inspiring place. Visit the awe-inspiring Potala Palace, an architectural marvel sitting at the top of the world. See waves of pilgrims prostrating themselves outside of Jokhang Temple before browsing its market for Buddha images, yak skulls with ruby eyes, woodcarvings or carpets. Walk the holy Barkhor circuit with devout Tibetan Buddhists to get a sense of the history and traditions of these peaceful people. There is plenty of free time to soak up the granduer of Lhasa.

Day 10 is your final day in Lhasa and you are will take the flight to next destination.