Page 14 - Demo

14www.noble-caledonia.co.ukQinghai Plateau, relax in your private cabin or enjoy the panoramic views from the observation carriage as the train approaches Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province. We first head to Kumbum Monastery, one of China%u2019s most sacred sites this architectural marvel captivates with its golden rooftops, intricate thangka paintings, and vibrant prayer halls. Our expert guide unveils the monastery%u2019s spiritual legacy, offering exclusive access to quieter corners for a moment to take in the serene ambiance. Following your visit, choose to delve into Qinghai%u2019s heritage at the Provincial Museum, home to fascinating exhibits spanning ancient Silk Road artefacts and Tibetan culture, or explore the vibrant Shui Jing Xiang Market %u2013 an aromatic, colourful celebration of local life. Later this afternoon, return to the comfort of the train, where your luxurious journey continues.Day 9 Dunhuang. Today we discover one of the Silk Road%u2019s most awe-inspiring cultural treasures: the UNESCO-listed Mogao Caves. Set dramatically against the cliffs of the Gobi Desert, this labyrinthine complex, often referred to as the %u2018Caves of a Thousand Buddhas%u2019, houses over 1,000 years of Buddhist devotion. Inside, nearly 500 richly adorned grottoes, vivid murals and painted sculptures chronicle spiritual tales and cultural exchange from the 4th to the 14th centuries, forming one of the world%u2019s most remarkable collections of ancient art. Accompanied by an expert guide, we will step into a selection of the most exquisite chambers to see the legendary artistry that has withstood the sands of time. The experience is made even more special with an exclusive live performance by local folk musicians and dancers, their graceful movements and soulful melodies adding further memories to the visit. Following a leisurely lunch, the afternoon%u2019s adventure continues with a camel ride across the sweeping dunes of the Gobi. As we ride along the very paths once travelled by Silk Road merchants, the golden sands unfold towards our final destination: Crescent Lake. The enchanting desert oasis, nestled like a jewel beneath towering dunes, has miraculously endured for millennia. Its pristine waters reflect the afternoon sun, offering a moment of quiet awe in the heat of the desert %u2013 a perfect conclusion to a day steeped in history, legend, and enduring beauty. Day 10 Qinghai-Tibet Railway. After a final gourmet breakfast aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, our journey continues aboard the legendary Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the highest railway in the world. A marvel of modern engineering and stretching over 1,900 kilometres from Xining to Lhasa, this iconic route offers a rare opportunity to travel through some of the most remote and dramatic landscapes on earth. Settle into your comfortable seat and watch as the scenery shifts from the edge of the Tibetan Plateau to sweeping grasslands and shimmering salt lakes, all framed by distant snow-capped peaks. Alternatively, guests may opt for a direct flight to Lhasa, allowing extra time to relax and begin acclimatising in the mystical capital of Tibet. Day 11 Tanggula Mountain Pass & Lhasa, Tibet. Today we will traverse the Tanggula Mountain Pass, the highest point of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway at an astonishing 16,640 feet above sea level, where panoramic vistas of the Himalayan Mountain range and untouched valleys unfold beyond your window. After lunch on board, we arrive in Lhasa, Tibet%u2019s mystical and awe-inspiring capital, and check in to the luxurious St Regis Lhasa Resort for a two night stay. This afternoon, choose to delve into Tibet%u2019s spiritual heart with an optional guided tour. Begin at the Jokhang Temple, a 13th century sacred sanctuary that stands as the spiritual nucleus of Tibetan Buddhism. Afterwards, visit the Barkhor Market, Lhasa%u2019s oldest market, where stalls overflow with traditional crafts, prayer beads, and colourful thangka paintings. Alternatively, take time at leisure to absorb the sights and sounds of Lhasa at your own pace. Day 12 Lhasa. We begin our full day of discovery in Lhasa with a visit to the serene Norbulingka, the Dalai Lama%u2019s Summer Palace. Established Kumbum StupaJokhang TempleMogao CavesLongmen Grottoes, Luoyang