Silk Road & Tibet
FULLY ESCORTED SMALL-GROUP TOUR
THE WORLD’S GREATEST EAST-WEST TRADE ROUTE
COMING SEPTEMBER 2026
The Silk Road was once the most important trade route connecting the East and West, spanning over 7,000 kilometers. It facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, art, and culture between ancient China, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. This legendary route allowed merchants to trade silk, spices, precious stones, and other goods, transforming it into a bridge between civilizations. Along the way, Buddhist teachings, Islamic architecture, and Chinese inventions were shared across vast empires, leaving a legacy of cultural fusion.
On this tour, explore the ancient wonders of Xian, home to the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors and the starting point of the legendary Silk Road. Travel through the majestic Jiayuguan Fortress at the western edge of the Great Wall and the serene beauty of the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, filled with world-renowned Buddhist art. Discover the oasis city of Turpan, famous for its vineyards and traditional Uyghur culture, before visiting Urumqi, the most inland city on Earth.
Experience the rich cultural tapestry of Kashgar, with its bustling Sunday market and centuries-old craftsmanship, and take in the peaceful spirituality of Lhasa, Tibet’s holy capital, with its magnificent Potala Palace and sacred monasteries. Travel on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the highest in the world, offering breathtaking views of the Tibetan Plateau.
From the ancient Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse to the tranquil Yamdrok-Tso Lake, this tour offers a rare glimpse into the heart of Tibetan and Chinese civilizations. Conclude your adventure in Chengdu, where you can meet the adorable giant pandas and experience China’s traditional tea culture.
This tour promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Register your interest to be the first to know when this tour is released!
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
XIAN - Historic centre of Chinese Civilisation - Home to the Terracotta Warriors & historic starting point of the famous Silk Road – Capital of ancient China for 1100 years.
JIAYUGUAN - Guarding the famous Silk Road’s Hexi Corridor - Spectacular Ming Dynasty Fortress at the western extremity of the Great Wall, the ‘overhanging’ Great Wall, Weijin Dynasty tomb, Great Wall Museum
DUNHUANG - China’s most significant capital of Buddhist Art - World famous Buddhist murals and sculptures of the Mogao Grottoes, Mogao History and Research Institute, Camel ride in the Ming Sha Sand Dunes, Crescent Moon Lake, local farm visit, Folkloric show, Dunhuang evening market.
TURPAN - World famous oasis in the Gobi Desert - Historic Karez underground irrigation system, vineyards and agricultural crops of the Turpan Depression (World’s second lowest, 154m below sea level), ruins of the Han Dynasty desert garrison town of Jaiohe, Emin Afghan-style mosque and its famous minaret, Home of Traditional Uyghur Music and Dance.
URUMQI - Furthest place in the world from an ocean (2250kms) - Archaeological relics and 4000 year old mummies of Xinjiangs Lost Cities in the Regional Museum, the Kazakh and Mongolian people, their horse culture and yurt houses.
KASHGAR - Historic focal point of Old Chinese Turkestan - World famous Sunday livestock market, Old Kashgar & its traditional handicraft skills, musical instrument & pottery workshops, Fragrant Concubines Tomb, Idkah Mosque.
XINING - One of China’s mysterious cities, on the 2260 metre northern edge of the Tibetan Plateau – world famous Kumbum Lamasery, Yak Butter sculptures.
QINGHAI-TIBET RAILWAY - World’s highest railway. Xining, Golmud, Kunlun mountains, Tuotuo headstream of Yangtse River, Kekexile Great Lakes and Nature reserve, Tanggula Mountain Pass, Worlds highest railway station (5068m above sea level), Cuona Lake (highest freshwater lake in China), Lhasa.
LHASA - Holy Buddhist Capital, proudly guarding the flame of Tibetan heritage - Potala Palace, Jokhang Monastery, Debating Monks of Sera Monastery, Norbulingka Summer Palace, Herbal Medicine Hospital, Tibetan Cultural Show.
SHIGATSE & GYANTSE - Ancient towns under the authentic Tibetan spell - Tashilhunpo Monastery (Seat of the Panchen Lama), Kumbum Chorten and Pelkhor Chode Monastery, magnificent Yamdrok- Tso Lake, Karula Glaciers.
TSETANG & YARLUNG VALLEY - Birthplace of Tibetan culture - Samye Monastery (Tibet’s very first), Yumbulagang (legendary first building in Tibet), Tomb of Songtsen Gampo and the Chongye Burial Mounds
CHENGDU - One of the most important economic and cultural centres in Western China - Chengdu is the habitat of the cute Giant Panda and last location for China’s traditional tea houses.
Finalised highlights & itinerary subject to change until tour released.
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
Return international airfare from Brisbane - with airport taxes
Breakfast daily & most other meals
Gratuities to guides, drivers – whilst on group tour activities.
Daily bottled water
Travel Masters experienced Tour Manager & local Tour Guides throughout
TOUR INCLUSIONS
Central premium accommodation
All sightseeing excursions outlined in itinerary
Monument entrance fees
Experienced local English speaking guide
All arrival and transfers by airconditioned vehicles
Register your Interest Here
Interested in joining a future tour? Register your details below to be the first to know when we release our next Silk Road & Tibet Tour!
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For over 30 years, Travel Masters & The Travel Studio have been pioneers in organizing and conducting small-group tours to the world’s most interesting off-the-beaten-track destinations.