The Golden Eagle Silk Road Express Journal

★ What kind of train is the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express?+

It is a purpose-built private train and the newest in the Golden Eagle fleet. It carries two restaurant cars, one Chinese and one Western, a bar lounge car and an observation car with the largest windows of any train in China. A doctor and medical facilities travel on board.

★ What cabin grades are there?+

Two. The Superior Cabin is 11 square metres and converts between twin beds and a double, with a 2.5 square metre en-suite. The Han Dynasty Suite is 22.2 square metres, double the size, with a double bed and a 5.2 square metre en-suite with bathtub and double sink.

★ How do the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express journeys differ?+

Ancient China by Private Train runs twelve days from Urumqi to Beijing along the northern Silk Road. Imperial China takes twelve days from Xi'an to Hong Kong through the classic sights, the Yangtze and Guilin. Voyage to the Roof of the World goes from Beijing to Lhasa in thirteen days, and Undiscovered Horizons of China crosses Xinjiang from Urumqi to Lhasa, also in thirteen.

How does the Superior Cabin work by day and by night?+

By day it is a small sitting room, with two single sofas and a sofa chair. At night it is made up as twin beds or a double of 190cm by 170cm. It also has a full-length wardrobe, safe, minibar and individually controlled air conditioning.

What extras come with the Han Dynasty Suite?+

Besides the extra space, the suite has a separate closet, a deluxe bathtub and a double sink. Laundry service is included, and there are private car and guide options within the excursion programme. Suites are few, so it is worth asking early.

What is the bathroom like?+

Every cabin is en-suite with a TOTO smart toilet. The Superior Cabin has a full power shower and underfloor heating, and the Han Dynasty Suite a deluxe bathtub and double sink. Bathrobes, slippers, a Dyson hairdryer and toiletries are provided in both.

How does dining work on board?+

All meals on the train are served in the two restaurant cars, one Chinese and one Western. Wines, spirits and soft drinks are included with meals and from the bar lounge car. Some dinners are taken in selected local restaurants, such as the Tang Dynasty banquet in Xi'an.

What is the observation car?+

It is the car most guests remember. Its floor-to-ceiling windows are the largest on any train in China and give a view of some 270 degrees, so the desert, the plateau or the karst hills pass in full width. It comes into its own on the free days on board.

Are there days with nothing scheduled?+

Yes, on most journeys. Ancient China by Private Train, Imperial China and The Grand Silk Road each include a full or half day on the train with no touring, and several others build in relaxed mornings on board before the day's stop.

Is there a doctor on board?+

Yes. A doctor and medical facilities travel with the train on every journey, and an experienced tour management team accompanies the group throughout. Travel insurance is still required and is not included.

How high do the Lhasa journeys go?+

On Voyage to the Roof of the World and Undiscovered Horizons of China, the Qinghai-Xizang Railway crosses the Tanggula Pass at 16,640 feet, and Lhasa itself sits at about 11,975 feet. The first afternoon in Lhasa is left free, because rest is the best response to the altitude. Anyone with heart or breathing conditions should speak to their doctor before booking.

Can I fly to Lhasa instead of taking the high-altitude railway?+

Yes. On both Lhasa journeys there is the option of a direct flight to Lhasa in place of the Qinghai-Xizang Railway, which gives more time to acclimatise. Let us know when you book.

Is the Qinghai-Xizang section on the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express itself?+

No. On the Lhasa journeys you leave the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express and transfer to the Qinghai-Xizang Railway, the highest railway in the world, for the final run onto the Tibetan plateau.

Do I need a visa for China?+

A Chinese visa is required for most nationalities and is not included in the fare. Visa rules change, so check the current requirements for your passport well before travel; our specialists can advise on timing once you book.

What is included?+

All accommodation, all meals, wines, spirits and soft drinks with meals and from the bar lounge car, arrival and departure transfers, cabin attendant service with turndown, luggage porterage, guided excursions at every stop with entrance fees, Freedom of Choice options, a tour management team, the onboard doctor and all gratuities on and off the train.

What is not included?+

International flights, the Chinese visa, travel insurance and items of a personal nature. Our specialists can help you plan flights to fit the start and end points of your journey.

How do the excursions work?+

Guides meet the train at every stop, and entrance fees to the sites named in the itinerary are included. In several cities Freedom of Choice lets you pick between two versions of the day — in Beijing, for example, the imperial city or the modern one. Han Dynasty Suite guests have private car and guide options.

When is the best time to travel?+

The departures run in spring, in March and April, and in early autumn, in September into October. Both seasons avoid the height of summer in the desert regions, so the choice usually comes down to your own calendar.

Can children travel?+

Children can be booked, with child rates in two bands based on age at departure: under 5, and 5 to 11. Given the long travel days, and the altitude on the Lhasa journeys, please talk to a specialist and your doctor before booking for a child.

Can I travel on my own?+

Yes. Sole occupancy is available, subject to availability on your date, and our specialists will confirm the options for each cabin grade.