With their combination of remote destinations and comfortable accommodations, private train journeys open a world of discovery to adventurous travelers. The Shangri-La Western Express offers a comfortable, rewarding way to experience a legendary rail route.
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On the Shangri-La Western Express private train you can relax and watch the panorama rolling out before you from your private window, and there are frequent opportunities to explore the territory on guided off-train tours.
Two styles of accommodation are available on board the Shangri-La Western Express:
Please note that a variety of cabins styles may be in use aboard the train. Decor, layout, and type and number of dining and sleeping cars on your journey may differ from the examples depicted in MIR’s literature and on our website.
Diamond Class cabins are the more comfortable and spacious compartments available onboard the train. Measuring 75 sq ft (7 sq m), each cabin is furnished with a large double bed, picture window, table, chair, and wardrobe. En suite bathroom facilities include a wet-room-type shower.
Heritage Class cabins are more compact at 36 sq ft (3.45 sq m), with two lower twin berths. Beds convert to comfortable sofas for daytime use, and there is storage space under the berths and above the door. WCs are found at both ends of each car, and each car has a shower compartment at one end as well.
Hotel nights in upscale and best-available properties are commonly interspersed throughout journeys. Please review the detailed itinerary for specifics. Additional nights before and after any tour can be arranged on request.
The Shangri-La Western Express is a comfortable, though not luxurious, private train that accommodates up to 140 passengers. Average group sizes commonly range from 100 to 120 passengers, and off-train excursion groups have a maximum of 26 passengers per coach. Join travelers from around the world in the relaxed and casual environment onboard, with no need to wear formal attire on excursions or while dining.
Train formations vary depending on the number of passengers on a given departure. Group sizes on winter trips are generally smaller than spring, summer, and fall departures. The exact configuration of the train on any particular journey may not be determined until close to departure.
Dining cars have dedicated chefs serving a Western breakfast and a wide range of authentic Chinese specialties at lunch and dinner, using only the finest local ingredients. Meals are accompanied by a selection of wines from around the world, as well as soft drinks, tea, and coffee. Dining cars are also used for other activities such as lectures and documentaries. More than one dining car may be included in the train formation, depending on the number of passengers.
The bar/lounge car, included on most departures, is a social hub of the train where passengers can relax in a comfortable setting, enjoy a drink, and gather with one another around the piano.
Rail journeys feature an extensive lineup of tours at the various stops on the routes. Private coaches and local guides whisk you away from your train for fascinating half- or full-day forays into the principal towns and cities, sometimes including an in-city dining opportunity. Your tour’s itinerary includes all the details.
The Shangri La Western Express train.
Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet.
Sample Bar and Lounge Car on the Shangri La Western Express train.
Sample Diamond Class cabin on the Shangri La Western Express train.
Cabin attendant service on the Shangri La Western Express train.
Sample Dining Car on the Shangri La Western Express train.
The Shangri La Western Express train waiting at a station.
