View of Potala Palace on a hill against a blue sky with clouds, mountains in background.

Silk Road & Tibet

THE WORLD’S GREATEST EAST-WEST TRADE ROUTE

FULLY ESCORTED SMALL-GROUP TOUR

16 DAYS

11th SEPTEMBER 2026

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey along the legendary Silk Road, a historic route that connected East and West for over a thousand years. More than just a trade network, it was a vibrant corridor of culture, art, religion, and innovation. Today, travellers can explore this iconic path in luxury aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, visiting ancient cities like Urumqi, Kashgar, Turpan, Dunhuang, and Xining. The adventure continues on the world’s highest-altitude train along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Lhasa, the spiritual heart of Tibet, surrounded by the breathtaking Himalayas and rich in centuries-old traditions. The journey concludes in Chengdu, home to China’s beloved giant pandas. Blending cultural discovery, natural beauty, and first-class comfort, this remarkable experience offers unforgettable memories along one of the world’s most storied routes.

Close-up of a panda bear eating bamboo among green leaves.
A train moving through a desert landscape with mountains in the background and a cloudy sky.
Map showing the China and Tibet Rail Discovery route from Kashgar to Guangzhou, passing through notable stops such as Urumqi, Golmud, Lhasa, and Chengdu, with high altitude train routes and flights marked.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Luxurious Rail Experience
    Travel in style aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, with en-suite cabins, gourmet dining, and attentive service throughout the journey.

  • Qinghai–Tibet Railway
    Ride the highest-altitude railway in the world, crossing the Tanggula Pass at over 5,000m (16,400 ft), offering breathtaking views of the Tibetan Plateau.

  • Ancient Silk Road Cities
    Visit Urumqi, Turpan, Kashgar, Hotan, and Dunhuang, each steeped in trade, history, and cultural exchange. Explore lively bazaars and historic ruins.

  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites
    Discover the Mogao Caves (Dunhuang), Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple (Lhasa), showcasing ancient Buddhist art, architecture, and spiritual heritage.

  • Desert Adventures
    Ride camels through the Singing Sand Dunes, visit Crescent Lake oasis, and experience dramatic Gobi Desert landscapes.

  • Immersive Tibetan Culture
    Tour Lhasa’s spiritual sites and gain insights into Tibetan Buddhism and traditional life in the Himalayas.

  • Panda Encounter in Chengdu
    Conclude the journey with a visit to a panda sanctuary to see China’s beloved giant pandas up close.

  • Return Economy Class international airfare from Brisbane (other departure airports available on request)

  • Domestic economy class flight from Guangzhou to Urumqi

  • 6 nights accommodation in handpicked high quality hotels

  • 7 nights onboard the luxurious Golden Eagle Silk Road Express in a superior class cabin with private en-suite facilities and the following inclusions:

    - Generous allowance of wine, beer, soft drinks and tea & coffee with all lunches and dinner on and off the train

    - Complimentary beer, soft drinks, tea, coffee and mineral water on the train 24 hours a day

    - Services of Golden Eagle Luxury Trains Charter Liaison Management Team and on board Train Manager

TOUR INCLUSIONS

  • 1 night on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway in a basic cabin.

  • Transfers between airport and hotel in Urumqi and Lhasa

  • Breakfast Daily, and most meals throughout the tour.

  • Full comprehensive sightseeing program with all entrance fees and permits

  • Gratuities to guides and drivers whilst on group tour activities

  • Daily Bottled Water

  • Travel Masters & The Travel Studio experienced Tour Manager and local tour guides throughout

Interior of a train carriage with luxurious blue velvet armchairs and a large window showing a scenic mountain landscape.
A waitress in a cream-colored uniform holding a tray with a glass of dark beverage in a restaurant.
A restaurant table set with crystal glasses, silverware, and folded napkins, with a floral centerpiece in a gold vase and a pepper grinder, near a large window with a city view.
Sunlight streaming through windows with dark curtains in a sophisticated bar or lounge with high chairs, a large potted plant, ornate wood and brass details, and warm ambient lighting.

THE GOLDEN EAGLE SILK ROAD EXPRESS

Step aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express and experience a journey of refined luxury, where every detail, from your elegant Superior Cabin to the onboard dining, is designed for comfort and cultural immersion. Blending Oriental design with old-world grandeur, cabins offer 11m² of stylish space, modern amenities and private en-suite bathrooms.

Dining is a world-class affair, with two distinctive restaurant cars serving gourmet cuisine crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients along the route. Every meal is elevated with fine tableware and impeccable service. The Bar Lounge Car, inspired by Han Dynasty chariots, offers a sophisticated setting for evening entertainment, featuring a Bösendorfer piano. The Observation Car aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express is a true highlight of the journey, featuring a stunning 270° panoramic window that blurs the line between train and landscape. More than just a mode of travel, this is a seamless blend of elegance, culture, and unforgettable scenery.

OTHER ACCOMMODATION

A hotel room with a neatly made bed, a blue armchair near a large window, a desk and chair, and a view of an airport runway with a plane taking off.

Pullman Guangzhou Bsiyun Airport Hotel

A modern hotel room with a large bed, bedside lamps, a sitting area by the window with a table and chairs, and a city view outside the large windows.

Conrad Urumqi

Modern hotel room with a large bed, black slatted wall, mirrored closet, TV, white sofa with pillows, small wooden tables, flower vase, blanket, and decorative plant.
A hotel room with a bed, two lamps, a wooden headboard, and framed artwork on the wall, with a sitting area featuring a desk, chair, and a collection of framed photos.

St Regis Lhasa

The Temple House

View from a train window showing snow-capped mountains and a grassy plain with patches of snow.

Quinghai-Tibet Railway

OUR 2026 TOUR BROCHURE

Don't miss your chance to embark on this once-in-a-lifetime Silk Road journey through ancient cities, breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, all in luxurious comfort.

$29,495* per person twin share
Business class additional $5,500 per person
Ask us about Single Supplement.

Take a look at what our clients had to say about our previous tours:

“Tour Escort has a wealth of knowledge of China’s history… an excellent escort.”

K. Hanayama

“Lots of information and wonderful places to visit. Efficiency in travel arrangements and care and concern for everyone made a big difference.”

I.Deller

“Excellent itinerary - Excellent/ competent Guides.”

C.Lim

“Excellent guides everywhere ensured any in house problems were solved without concerns. We were happy with all aspects of the trip.”

B.Beaumont

“Attention to detail and effort to provide the best tour possible was fantastic.”

E&S. Niven