Mongolia, China, Tibet

Level 4: Rigorous

This intentionally adventuresome small group tour features the challenges of riding public overnight trains in second-class cabins and of travel at high elevations. Additional challenges include some rustic accommodations without reliably constant electricity, and some long overland drives in rough or off-road conditions. There are also long days walking and standing while touring, and navigation of rail stations which can include steep steps/footbridges to cross tracks, or steep steps and dark tunnels to cross under to/from the train station. Plus unpaved sidewalks and streets, uneven surfaces and steps, absent handrails, significant stair-climbing, and absence of elevators. Only those very fit to travel and who are willing to accept local standards of amenities and services, and the physical challenges of the program, should consider joining. We strongly encourage you to speak with us about any questions you may have regarding the rigors of this trip or destination when considering this tour.

Two nights total are spent on overnight trains (four-berth compartments) with shared WC but no bath facilities. A luxurious experience should not be expected, and crowded trains are the standard. The train configuration will be one berth per traveler in four-berth train compartments on overnight sleeper trains between Kashgar and Turpan and Xining and Lhasa. Each traveler will share the compartment with three other travelers. Compartments may be mixed sex. Single compartments are not available. Solo travelers upgrading to two travelers per cabin accommodations may be matched with a roommate of the opposite sex. Four-berth compartments used for train overnights have two upper berths which require a climb up a narrow ladder/foothold. Since electricity is not a reliable constant throughout the itinerary, if you rely on electricity for CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), or for any other reason, you must have your own battery or other back-up, or please reconsider participation. Air conditioning is not generally available.

The elevation in Xining is over 7,000 feet. The elevation in Tibet is over 10,000 feet. The altitudes can cause difficulty even in healthy travelers, and potential problems can include headaches, shortness of breath, and other more serious complications. Those with a history of medical problems, particularly cardiac or respiratory, must consult a doctor before considering this trip.

Travelers must be able to walk two miles a day while keeping up with fellow travelers on a variety of surfaces including dirt paths, grass, and the like. Trains have steep steps to enter and exit, and narrow hallways with multiple heavy doors once on board. Some attractions are accessible only by staircases with tall or uneven steps. Some toilets on this itinerary, including some of those aboard the trains, will be eastern/squatting style toilets. Elevators are not available at touring sites, nor at a few of the hotels.

Other challenges include overall shortcomings in the tourism infrastructure of these developing destinations, including some that can cause walking challenges such as unpaved sidewalks, uneven surfaces and steps, packed-dirt streets, broken pavement (streets or sidewalks), and a general absence of handrails or ramps. Accommodations vary from three-star hotels to the overnights on board public trains. Past travelers have also encountered challenges with plumbing, bureaucratic service, variety of locally available foods, and availability and quality of public restrooms.