It took 22 years to build, occupies the highest and longest highland transportation route in the world and in less than a year has staked its claim to a place on a list of the “must do” rail journeys.

The 960km track from Beijing to the Tibetan capital Lhasa rises 4,000 metres above sea level on a trip that takes around 46 hours.

Pettitts can include the rail trip as part of a tailor-made journey combining China with the famed Buddhist kingdom sitting at “the top of the world”.

For further details call Peter Holroyd on 01892 515966.