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Day 1: Lhasa (late afternoon departure)
Naqu (early evening C overnight)
Tibetan Show C 1 hour (after dinner)
This Tibetan Dance show, which is held within the train station itself, is enjoyable entertainment and a dramatic vehicle for presenting legendary stories and religious information. (Note: alternatively the show can be conducted in the local tent next to the train station platform).
The Naqu dancers wear gaily-colored traditional costumes and move with professional artistic grace during the show, with the music being at once hypnotizing and energizing. This mesmerizing performance will leave Tangula passengers with lighthearted and timeless memories of their exotic and enriching Tibetan journey.
Day 2: Scenic Glimpses of Tibet
Throughout your train journey, you will get the opportunity to stop at fantastic picturesque locations to take photos as a keepsake of a truly unforgettable experience! The experience is especially unique, as none of the other trains stop at these platforms to let passengers disembark- these train stations are exclusively for Tangula Train passengers. In order to create memorable events rather than mere photo stops, special activities/attractions will be provided on the platforms and the catering team of the Tangula train will also provide special beverages and snacks.
A. Cuona Lake (early morning) C photo stop 1 hour
Cuona Lake is the highest freshwater lake in the world, with an area spanning 400 square kilometers. It is regarded as a holy lake by the Tibetans and has numerous worshippers traveling to it for worship. Endless and crystal clear, the glorious blueness of the sky reflects perfectly onto the lake. Cranes, mandarin ducks, swans, grazing horses, other wild animals; the lake serves as a cradle of nourishment for them all. Also located near to the lake is the renowned Qiangtang Nature Reserve which is home to the Tibetan yak, donkey, and snow leopard. Appreciate the beauty of nature's bounty with great ease. Cuona Lake is very close to
the Tibet Railway, with the bordering shore only 10m away.
B. Tanggula Pass (mid morning) C photo stop 1 hour
This is the world's highest rail track at 5,072 m above sea level and is the main route that links Lhasa and the southern Tibetan region to the Qaidam Basin and beyond in Qinghai to the north and east. The Tangula mountain range has an average elevation of about 6,000m and has the Yangtze River rising from its highest peak. Become intoxicated with the scenery you can view from the station including, awe-inspiring glacial mountains, vast plains, lakes and rivers as well local nomads herding their yaks. This stop will be a good opportunity to introduce the guests to Tibet's yak culture.Yaks can be led close to the platform so that guests get the opportunity to take a photo with a yak. Although this might be a very touristy activity, most visitors are fascinated when introduced to Tibet's yaks and keep their photo as a fun memory of their trip to Tibet. (Note, this is only possible in summer; in winter the weathers are dry and frozen and Yaks cannot be kept at this altitude in winter).
C. Yuzhu Feng (afternoon) C ½ hour
The first sightseeing station in the Golmud-Lhasa section of the Tibet Railway is Mt. Yuzhu. Mt. Yuzhu is the highest peak of the Kunlun Mountains, with an altitude of 6,178 above the sea level. It is quite popular amongst lovers of mountaineering. The snow-covered peaks and glaciers of Mt. Yuzhu can be admired even during the summer. Towards the southwest you will be able to observe Kekexili, where over 100 rivers flow. Reputed as the 'Kingdom of Animals', rare wild animals such as the Tibetan antelope, yaks, etc. are often visible.
Day 3: Qinghai Lake - Bird Island (morning)
Introduction to Qinghai Lake
Tangula passengers will be able to celebrate the spirit of adventure and follow this exceptional route designed solely for them. Qinghai Lake, the largest inland saltwater lake in China, lies in the northeast of Qinghai Province, approximately 150km from Xining. The lake receives its name, literally green-blue lake in Chinese, because of the deep azure expanse of its waters. Although remote, the lake is a popular destination for visitors including ornithologists, campers, hikers, botanists, swimmers, sailors, fishermen, loners and nomads, all attracted by its tranquil
vastness. In this natural landscape, a myriad of colors stand out in sharp contrast to each other, from the golden yellows of oil seed rape fields to the majestic greenness of the mountains and the glacial blues of the lake. Travelers will get a rare opportunity to absorb and indulge their senses with this location's wild beauty.
A: Bird Island C 4 hours
Bird Island is a peninsular in the westernmost part of the lake. It encompasses two islands, Haixi Pi in the east and Haixi Shan in the west, the latter being where most of the birds of the lake congregate. The island is listed as a national nature reserve, and with its enticing scenery and timeless beauty, is a must for all nature lovers and birdwatchers to visit! Because of its rich supply of fish and float grasses, the lake is an abundant source of food for large flocks of birds including many migratory breeds. The birds are also attracted by the flat physiognomy, mild climate, and remote quietness of the region. Spring and summer are the noisiest seasons here, with as many as 10 thousand birds migrating to breed here from distant mountains and deserts!
Note:
Bird Migratory season occurs during 15 April C 15 July, so this time period is best for Bird Watching. From 15th May to October, the scenery is cool, lush and green. Between June C November, the landscape is still beautiful but the Island has fewer birds.
Remark: The temperature here is several degrees lower than in Xining so a rain coat, thick clothes and binoculars should be brought on all excursions to Qinghai Lake.
B: Shatuo Monastery C 4 hours
Conjuring up images of Buddhist monks gently chanting prayers and of an ancient and classical heritage, Shatuo Monastery was built during the reign of Emperor Shunzhi (March 15, 1638CFebruary 5, 1661). It is located 6 kilometers southwest Quanji Township and 1 kilometer away from Qinghai Lake. Many of the religious ceremonies are held at this monastery since lake- worshipping is an important folk tradition in this region. The Fifth Dalai Lama Lobsang Gyatso used to lead the lake-worshipping rituals in Shatuo Monastery. Nowadays local Tibetans decide on an auspicious day each year on which to worship Qinghai Lake. You will be able to discover the path less-trodden with an exploration of this small little known yet historically important monastery. Tangula passengers will also be one of the privileged few to watch a genuine traditional Tibetan opera performance within the monastery. Tibetan opera, Lhamo, meaning Fairy in Tibetan, was supposedly created by a monk and ridge builder in the 14th century.
The traditional drama is a combination of fascinating dances, chants, songs, and masks,
and draws inspiration from Buddhist teachings and Tibetan history. This journey will give its participants an important and unique insight into the Buddhist and Tibetan religious rituals and rich culture.
C: Hiking along the Buha River C 4 hours
Buha River is located on the south of Qilian County and to the northwest of Qinghai Lake. Originating from the snow-capped mountains, it is the longest river in the Qinghai Lake Area and flows about 228 km. During the summer and spring, the blaze of wild flowers, fragrant blossoming trees and luxuriant green woods by the river make it an alluring place to hike along and, perfect for those who love active excursions.
Day 4: Beijing (afternoon arrival)
Arrive in Beijing in the afternoon.
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