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MIR Corporation · Rail Journey

Voyage to the Roof of the World by Private Train

Thirteen-day private train journey from Beijing to Lhasa via Silk Road cities

Illustration of Voyage to the Roof of the World by Private Train

MIR Corporation's Voyage to the Roof of the World is a 13-day private train journey that departs Beijing and ends in Lhasa, traveling westward through China's ancient capitals and onto the high plateau of Xizang. Passengers spend the first nine days aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, stopping in Luoyang to visit the Longmen Caves, Xi'an to see the Terracotta Warriors and attend a Tang Dynasty performance, and Chengdu and Dunhuang for cultural and marketplace exploration. On Day 10, travelers board a specialized high-altitude train from Xining to Lhasa, passing Tangula Pass (the world's highest railroad station) and viewing the plateau's pristine lakes and glaciered peaks. The final three days are spent in Lhasa visiting the Potala Palace and Norbulingka, the former summer residence of the Dalai Lamas. A Train Tour Manager and local guides lead all off-train activities. All meals, cabin accommodations, guided tours, and gratuities are included. This journey suits repeat rail travelers, history enthusiasts, and luxury seekers traveling as couples or small groups.

What to know before you look closer

  • The single supplement is substantial: Han Dynasty Suite single occupancy costs $130,000 versus $65,000 double, and Superior Class single is $43,200 versus $25,900 double.
  • International airfare to Beijing and onward surface transport are not included; MIR offers booking assistance.
  • Visa fees are not included; MIR provides a customized visa application kit.
  • Only two departures listed for 2027 (April and September); confirm availability with MIR before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Beijing

    Beijing (China), board the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express

    Begin with a two-night stay at a top hotel in Beijing, and connect with fellow travelers at a welcome reception. Head outside the city to take in the majestic Great Wall at Badaling, and back in the capital stroll through the vast complex of the Forbidden City. Cross Tiananmen square and appreciate the beauty of the Summer Palace. Or check out Beijing's more modern architecture including the Olympic Village and the iconic CCTV Tower. Round out the time in Beijing with a traditional Peking Duck dinner before boarding the luxurious Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, where a festive welcome dinner marks the beginning of your rail adventure in style.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Beijing

    Beijing (China), board the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express

    Begin with a two-night stay at a top hotel in Beijing, and connect with fellow travelers at a welcome reception. Head outside the city to take in the majestic Great Wall at Badaling, and back in the capital stroll through the vast complex of the Forbidden City. Cross Tiananmen square and appreciate the beauty of the Summer Palace. Or check out Beijing's more modern architecture including the Olympic Village and the iconic CCTV Tower. Round out the time in Beijing with a traditional Peking Duck dinner before boarding the luxurious Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, where a festive welcome dinner marks the beginning of your rail adventure in style.

  3. Day 3rail

    Beijing (China), board the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express

    Begin with a two-night stay at a top hotel in Beijing, and connect with fellow travelers at a welcome reception. Head outside the city to take in the majestic Great Wall at Badaling, and back in the capital stroll through the vast complex of the Forbidden City. Cross Tiananmen square and appreciate the beauty of the Summer Palace. Or check out Beijing's more modern architecture including the Olympic Village and the iconic CCTV Tower. Round out the time in Beijing with a traditional Peking Duck dinner before boarding the luxurious Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, where a festive welcome dinner marks the beginning of your rail adventure in style.

  4. Day 4

    Luoyang, Xi'an, Chengdu

    Head west into China's Silk Road history as you explore Luoyang, one of the seven ancient capitals of China. Here, discover Longmen Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as the legendary Shaolin Temple. Continue to Xi'an's ancient city walls and the magnificent Terracotta Warriors. At a special Tang Dynasty show, celebrate Xi'an's cultural heritage, pairing authentic cuisine with spectacular music and dance. In Chengdu, visit the Giant Panda Research Base and enjoy the mesmerizing Sichuan Opera Show.

  5. Day 5

    Luoyang, Xi'an, Chengdu

    Head west into China's Silk Road history as you explore Luoyang, one of the seven ancient capitals of China. Here, discover Longmen Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as the legendary Shaolin Temple. Continue to Xi'an's ancient city walls and the magnificent Terracotta Warriors. At a special Tang Dynasty show, celebrate Xi'an's cultural heritage, pairing authentic cuisine with spectacular music and dance. In Chengdu, visit the Giant Panda Research Base and enjoy the mesmerizing Sichuan Opera Show.

  6. Day 6

    Luoyang, Xi'an, Chengdu

    Head west into China's Silk Road history as you explore Luoyang, one of the seven ancient capitals of China. Here, discover Longmen Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as the legendary Shaolin Temple. Continue to Xi'an's ancient city walls and the magnificent Terracotta Warriors. At a special Tang Dynasty show, celebrate Xi'an's cultural heritage, pairing authentic cuisine with spectacular music and dance. In Chengdu, visit the Giant Panda Research Base and enjoy the mesmerizing Sichuan Opera Show.

  7. Day 7

    Luoyang, Xi'an, Chengdu

    Head west into China's Silk Road history as you explore Luoyang, one of the seven ancient capitals of China. Here, discover Longmen Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as the legendary Shaolin Temple. Continue to Xi'an's ancient city walls and the magnificent Terracotta Warriors. At a special Tang Dynasty show, celebrate Xi'an's cultural heritage, pairing authentic cuisine with spectacular music and dance. In Chengdu, visit the Giant Panda Research Base and enjoy the mesmerizing Sichuan Opera Show.

  8. Day 8rail

    Xining, Dunhuang

    Xining is the capital of Qinghai Province. Visit the local Buddhist monastery of Ta'er Si, and the Qinghai Provincial Museum, which showcases a diverse collection of artifacts. Stroll along Shui Jing Xiang, also known as Shuijing Alley Market. Explore the oasis town of Dunhuang, which ancient travelers had to pass through on their way to and from their destinations. Take a short camel ride at Crescent Moon Lake, and visit the UNESCO-listed Mogao Caves, where tradition says that a 4th-century Buddhist monk carved and decorated the first cave at the place where he had a vision of a thousand Buddhas. Return to Xining to board the high-altitude train to Xizang, spending one night aboard – a unique rail experience. (Or opt to fly to Lhasa instead of taking the high-altitude train.)

  9. Day 9rail

    Xining, Dunhuang

    Xining is the capital of Qinghai Province. Visit the local Buddhist monastery of Ta'er Si, and the Qinghai Provincial Museum, which showcases a diverse collection of artifacts. Stroll along Shui Jing Xiang, also known as Shuijing Alley Market. Explore the oasis town of Dunhuang, which ancient travelers had to pass through on their way to and from their destinations. Take a short camel ride at Crescent Moon Lake, and visit the UNESCO-listed Mogao Caves, where tradition says that a 4th-century Buddhist monk carved and decorated the first cave at the place where he had a vision of a thousand Buddhas. Return to Xining to board the high-altitude train to Xizang, spending one night aboard – a unique rail experience. (Or opt to fly to Lhasa instead of taking the high-altitude train.)

  10. Day 10rail

    High Altitude train to Lhasa via Tangula Pass

    Cross the rugged landscape, climbing in the special high-altitude train and meeting your fellow local and foreign passengers. Admire the pristine lakes and glaciered peaks of the Xizang Plateau from the comfort of the train. Pass by Tangula, the world's highest railroad station.

  11. Day 11overnight: Lhasa

    Lhasa

    In Lhasa, stroll through the gardens of 18th century Norbulingka, the former summer residence of the Dalai Lamas. Light a yak-butter candle in Lhasa's massive UNESCO-listed Potala Palace, a maze of over a thousand rooms with thousands of altars and statues. Wander the Barkhor Market, bargaining for yak-wool boots or local fur hats.

  12. Day 12overnight: Lhasa

    Lhasa

    In Lhasa, stroll through the gardens of 18th century Norbulingka, the former summer residence of the Dalai Lamas. Light a yak-butter candle in Lhasa's massive UNESCO-listed Potala Palace, a maze of over a thousand rooms with thousands of altars and statues. Wander the Barkhor Market, bargaining for yak-wool boots or local fur hats.

  13. Day 13

    Lhasa

    In Lhasa, stroll through the gardens of 18th century Norbulingka, the former summer residence of the Dalai Lamas. Light a yak-butter candle in Lhasa's massive UNESCO-listed Potala Palace, a maze of over a thousand rooms with thousands of altars and statues. Wander the Barkhor Market, bargaining for yak-wool boots or local fur hats.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Walk the Great Wall at Badaling outside Beijing, then stroll through the Forbidden City and cross Tiananmen Square.
  • Day 4Explore the Longmen Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Luoyang, and view the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an.
  • Day 5Attend a Tang Dynasty performance with authentic cuisine, music, and dance celebrating Xi'an's cultural heritage.
  • Day 8Visit the Ta'er Si Buddhist monastery in Xining and take a camel ride at Crescent Moon Lake in Dunhuang.
  • Day 10Ride the high-altitude train from Xining to Lhasa, passing Tangula Pass, the world's highest railroad station, and viewing the Xizang Plateau's lakes and glaciated peaks.
  • Day 11Light a yak-butter candle inside Lhasa's Potala Palace, a UNESCO-listed complex of over a thousand rooms, and walk the Barkhor Market.

Included

  • Accommodations, as noted in the itinerary.
  • All meals, from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on final tour day, including a generous allowance of wine, local beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
  • Arrival/departure transfers, provided you arrive and depart on the tour start/end dates and in the tour start/end cities.
  • All guided off-train tours, as outlined in the itinerary.
  • Services of an experienced Train Tour Manager as well as local guides for scheduled off-train tours.
  • Complimentary tea, coffee, and mineral water from your car attendant at all times while on board the train.
  • All gratuities.
  • Baggage handling.
  • Complete pre-departure information, including detailed packing list, reading list, and Touring with MIR handbook with country-specific information, maps, and travel tips.
  • Customized visa application and instruction kit (please note, visa fees are not included in the tour price).
  • Electronic final update bulletin, with any late news, updates and important information.
  • Assistance booking your custom flight arrangements, on request. (Please note that international airfare is not included in the land tour cost).

Not included

  • International airfare, including taxes/fuel surcharges, and surface transport to the point of joining/leaving the tour. MIR is able to assist with arrangements, as detailed in the itinerary.
  • Meals and drinks not specified as included in the itinerary.
  • Single supplement (difference between double rate and single occupancy rate) if requested or required.
  • Optional pre- or post-tour extensions.
  • Expenses incurred as a result of delay, modification, or extension of a tour due to causes beyond MIR's control.
  • Visa fees, excess baggage charges, airport departure taxes, vaccination, and other medical costs.
  • Travel insurance, including cancellation, medical, and evacuation insurance.
  • Items of a personal nature, such as phone calls, email, laundry, and alcohol.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. All accommodations aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express and the high-altitude train to Lhasa, plus all guided off-train tours, meals, and gratuities, are included in the tour price.
Is the tour escorted or independent?
The tour is escorted by an experienced Train Tour Manager and local guides for all scheduled off-train tours.
Which trains are used?
The Golden Eagle Silk Road Express carries travelers from Beijing through Luoyang, Xi'an, Chengdu, and Dunhuang to Xining. A special high-altitude train then takes the group from Xining to Lhasa via Tangula Pass.
What is included in meals?
All meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on the final day are included, plus a generous allowance of wine, local beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
When does the tour run?
MIR offers departures in April 2027 and September 2027.
What is not included?
International airfare, visa fees, travel insurance, single-cabin supplements, personal expenses (phone, laundry, excess alcohol), and optional pre- or post-tour extensions are not included.

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