Monks, a high-altitude train ride and the Silk Road in Tibet

Adventurous travelers can explore the Tibetan Plateau on an 18-day tour offered by Mir Corp. The route will take you to the sacred cities of Tsetang, site of Tibet’s first monastery; Lhasa and its massive Potala Palace; Gyantse and Shigatse.

Participants also ride a high-altitude train from Lhasa to Lanzhou, China. Highlights of the trip include:

—the Silk Road oasis of Dunhuang, China, for a visit to the Mogao Caves and its trove of Buddhist art;

—Turpan, another oasis on the northern Silk Road where wine grapes are irrigated by a 2,000-year-old system; and

—Kashgar and its Sunday market and animal bazaar.

Group size is limited to 16.

Dates: May 12-29, Sept. 22-Oct. 9.

Price: From $6,295 per person, double occupancy, plus $1,860 for internal airfare. Includes shared accommodations, most meals, train tickets, English-speaking tour manager, local guides and entrance fees. International airfare not included.

Info: Mir Corp., (800) 424-7289

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