Day by Day Itinerary
Day01 Arrive in Chengdu. (D)
Flight Information:
Arrive in Chengdu International Airport. Meet the local guide and transfer to the hotel.
-- Chengdu City is mountainous in the northwest area, with plains in the south-east area, and low hills in-between. It has a sub-tropical climate with an annual average temperature of 16.2 degree Celsius, and rainfall of 1.000 millimeters, and a frost-free period of about 300 days. Its mineral deposits include coal, iron, talcum, serpentine, dolomite etc. It abounds in agricultural resources.
Day 02 Chengdu - Panda Research Base – Chengdu (B+L+D)
Sightseeing: Panda Research Base, Wenshu Temple, Wangjiang Tower Park
Special Experience: Enjoy the Sichuan Opera at night.
In the early morning, you will drive to visit Panda Research Base Back and Wenshu Temple.
Panda Research Base: The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (hereafter Chengdu Panda Base) is a non-profit organization engaged in wildlife research, captive breeding, conservation education, and educational tourism. The Chengdu Panda Base was founded in 1987, with six giant pandas rescued from the wild. In 2007, the captive population has increased to 62 individuals from that founding population of only six.
In the afteroon visit Wangjiang Tower Park which is located on the south bank of Jinjiang River, Chengdu.Wangjiang (in Chinese , overlooking the river) Tower Park is one of three famous cultural relics in Chengdu, along with Wuhou Memorial Temple and the Thatched Cottage of Du Fu .While Wuhou Temple honors the legendary minister of Shu, Zhuge Liang, and Du Fu Cottage honors the Sage of Poetry, Wangjiang Tower is dedicated to a woman, Xue Tao, a poet in the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Since in the past women lacked social status, the story of Xue Tao is all the more fascinating.
Enjoy the Sichuan Opera at night in the theater.
Day03 Chengdu – Tsetang (B+L+D)
Flight Information:
Sightseeing: Tsetang Town, the fertile valleys of Yarlung,Yumbulakang Palace and Trundruk Monastery
In the morning transfer to airport, fly to Tsetang (CA4401 0740/0930). Upon arrival at the Gongga airport transfer to hotel in Tsetang (90 km). Located by Yarlung Valley in the southeast of Lhasa, Tsetang is 3,500 meters high. It is the capital of Shannan Prefecture. It's reputed as "the cradle of Tibetan Civilization. In the afternoon visit Yumbulakang Palace and Trundruk Monastery.
In terms of geography, the fertile valleys of Yarlung and Chongye here are appropriate for development of Tibetan civilization; there were once numerous temples, shrines and Stupas in this area. Besides, Chonggye is the birthplace of the 5th Dalai Lama (1617-1682). After lunch stay at the hotel for adapting to the high attitude. It is helpful to take things easy for the first few days, and try to drink some water just and now.
Day04 Tsetang – Lhasa (B+L+D)
Sightseeing: Samye Monastery, Lhasa City
Visit Samye Monastery about 40 km west to Tsetang. Located in the north of Yarlung Tsangpo River and hold in the arms of mountains, it is the oldest monastery of Tibet (8th century). The stele hanging on the entrance to the main temple shows that king Trisong Detsen took Buddhism as the state religion in 779.
The monastery complex consists of several buildings, whose arrangement reflects the Buddhist conception of the structure of the universe. Meru, the world mountain in the center of the universe, is represented in the building of great hall, around which are 4 halls representing the 4 continents swimming in the world sea. After the visit we drive to Lhasa, the Capital of Tibet.
Day05 Lhasa (B+L+D)
Sightseeing: Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery
In the morning visit Drepung monastery the sacred land of Gelug Sect., which was established in 1416 and the second, third and fourth Dalai Lama once resided in.
In the afternoon visit Sera monastery, which was created in 1419 and has always been an important Buddhist seminary. As rose are planted everywhere in the monastery, it is also called “the court of wild rose”. Today still 200 lamas live in there.
Day06 Lhasa (B+L+D)
Sightseeing:Potala Palace, Jokhang Monastery
In the morning visit Potala Palace, which was originally constructed in 637 by Songtsen Gampo, the first king of the united Tibet, and later expanded and served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas as well as the religious-political nexus of traditional Tibet. The crowds of pilgrims, innumerable magnificent murals, Buddhist statues, scriptures and rare treasures altogether create a dense religious and art atmosphere that impresses every visitor.
In the afternoon visit Jokhang monastery, the center of the Tibetan Buddhism and the sacred land of Buddhist followers where thousands of pilgrims come for worship everyday. The temple, built in 647, is the earliest wood-and-masonry structure still existing in Tibet. Walk on the Barkhor street surrounding Jokhang, a big free market with its prolific stalls for selling local specialties.
Day07 Lhasa – Gyantse (B+L+D)
Sightseeing: Kyichu River, Yamdrok Lake, Pelkor Monastery,
In the morning drive to Gyantse along the Kyichu River. On the Kamba La (4.796 m) have a fantastic view of the holy lake Yamdrok (4441 m), one of the three holy lakes in Tibet and the largest habitat of waterfowls in south Tibet. On one of the peninsulas of the spear-shaped lake lies the holy Mt. Donang Sangwari (5,340m), and the snow peaks of Nojin Gangzang (7,191m) and Jangzang Lhomo rise in the distance.
The lake and the Yarlung Tsangpo are separated by a mountain and the shortest distance between them is only 6 kilometers. The 800m-high difference contributes a rich water resource to this region. Many Tibetans believe that the life of Tibet will no longer continue when the lake dries up. Visit Samding Monastery by the lake. It was presided by the only female Living Buddha of Tibet. Afterwards Pass by the 5.010 m high Karo La and the Simi La to Gyantse (approx. 3.950 m).
In the afternoon visit Pelkor Monastery as well as the splendid Kumbum Stupa (100-Thousand-Buddha Pagoda) nearby, both of them built in the15th century and situated in the northwestern edge of Gyantse. This typical Tibetan Buddhist monastery is the only one large building complex in Tibet that old monastery and stupas are completely preserved and characterized as a monument. It is recorded 14,000 kilograms of copper was used to make the 8-meter-high sitting statue of Sakyamuni Buddha housed in the grand hall of the temple. The 8-storey stupa is 42m high and 62m in diameters contains a total of 76 chapels with wonderful murals revered by art scholars around the world.
Day08 Gyantse - Shigatse (B+L+D)
Sightseeing: Shalu Monastery, Tashilunpo Monastery
In the morning drive about 90 kilometers to Shigatse (3880m), the second largest city with 40,000 inhabitants in Tibet and the traditional capital of the Tsang. On the way we have an excursion of the monastery Shalu (Xialu). It was initially built by Chetsuen Sherat Jungna in 1087 with a unique Tibetan-Han construction style in Tibet. It was said Atisha once spread Buddhist teaching in this temple.
In the afternoon visit Tashilunpo monastery of Gelug Sect, the seat of the Panchen Lama built in 1447 and one of the six grand monasteries in Tibet. The monastery houses a giant statue of the Maitreya Buddha, the biggest gilded statue of Maitreya (Buddha of the future) in China, and a tomb of the 4th Panchen Lama containing masses of jewels and gold. In Tibet Buddhism, Panchen Lama is just the reincarnation of Maitreya Buddha. Today 600 monks live in the monastery.
Day09 Shigatse – Shegar (B+L+D)
Sightseeing: Shegar Town, Sakya Monastery, Sakya South Monastery
In the morning drive to Shegar (new Tingri; 4.350 m; approx. 245 km). On the way, if the time is permitting, make an excursion to visit the Sakya Monastery (4.280 m). Sakya, the master monastery of the Striped Sect, is well famed with its long history, large-scale construction complex and great influence in Tibet history. Its North Monastery was built in 1073 and named Sakya (meaning “gray” in Tibetan) as it was situated on a gray mountain.
What we see today is the Sakya South Monastery built in 1269 by Phagpa. The outside walls of the monastery were painted with red, white and gray, symbolizing Avalokitesvara, Manjushri and Vajrapani.
Day10 Shegar – Rongbuk - Mount Everest ((B+L+D)
Sightseeing: Rongbuk Monastery, Mount Everest
In the morning drive to Rongbuk. With an altitude of 5,030 meters it is the highest temple in the world. It was said the Rongbuk Monastery had been built as early as the time of the Fifth Dalai Lama.
Mount Everest, which stands 8,848 meters (29,021 ft) above sea level, is often referred to as 'the third pole on earth'. Being the world's highest peak, its legendary status holds a fascination to many trekkers and mountaineers. Overnight at simple Rongbuk Guesthouse.
Day11 Rongbuk – Shegar (B+L+D)
Sightseeing: the Base Camp trekking
In the morning we walk 7 km to the Base Camp and do some sightseeing there. Walking or drive by horse vehicle to Rongbuk.
In the afternoon drive back to Shegar. Overnight at simple Mt. Everest Hotel
Day12 Shegar – Zhangmu (B+L+D)
Sightseeing: Nyalmo Tong La Pass, the Thang-La Pass, the meditation cave of Milarepa
Today we must start early because a long way stands (260 km) before us. Get across the 5,000 m high Nyalmo Tong La, which is decorated with multicolored prayer flags fluttering in the wind. With clear view the Shisha Pangma high over 8,000 m appears on one side and on the other side the enormous Gaurisankar ranges stretch forward in the distance. Drive over the Thang-La Pass (5214 m) to Nylam.
Afterwards visit the meditation cave of Milarepa. Milarepa, the yogi, has played an important role in the religious life of Tibet and his teachings still influence the people everywhere. Along the zigzag road we drive down Nyalam (3.600 m) gradually and leave the landscape of the high plateau behind us and see the Himalayas covered in the sea of clouds. Overnight at simple Zhangmu Hotel
Day13 Zhangmu – Kathmandu (B+L+D)
Sightseeing: Kathmandu City
Cross the border between Tibet and Nepal to Kathmandu, capital of Nepal. The city lies in the southern foot of the Himalaya Range. The geographic location and the people here are quite different from those of Tibetan cities. Surely find many new things.
The rest time will be free and explore Kathmandu city by yourself.
Day14 Kathmandu-Departure (B)
Flight Information:
Free till transfer to the airport and fly back home.
Optional:
We can arrange the Nepal tours for you if you would like to continue the trip in Nepal.
Service ends.
| Destinations |
Superior Class |
Deluxe Class |
Tourist Class |
| Chengdu |
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| Tsetang |
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| Lhasa |
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| Gyantse |
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| Shigatse |
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| Shegar |
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| Rongbuk |
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| Zhangmu |
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| Kathmandu |
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| Price(USD/Person) |
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| 2-5 pax |
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| 6-9 pax |
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| 10 & above |
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| Remark |
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- Accommodation with daily breakfast as indicated in the hotel list as below;
- Chinese lunches and dinners as listed in the itinerary;
- All land transfers & transportation with private air-conditioned coach;
- All transfers and sightseeing with skilled English-speaking tour guide;
- All entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary;
- Domestic air tickets fares with airport tax and fuel extra fee based on
economy class mentioned in the program
- Service charge and all government taxes;
- Luggage transfers between airport and hotels;
- Travel Agency’s Responsibility Insurance coverage.
- Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
- Any meals which are not specified in the tour itinerary.
- Chinese visa fees;
- Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
- Single room supplement;
- Tips to guides and drivers;
- Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff.
- Personal travel accident insurance.
- All optional programs;
- The economy-class airfare of China flights as specified in the itinerary.
- The hotel/cruise accommodation is based on two persons sharing one standard twin room/cabin with private facilities in all relevant locations. If a single client requests a twin room/cabin alone, the single room/cabin supplement will be charged.
- For the land tour in each city, daily American breakfast is served in the hotel, and Chinese lunch and/or dinner will be served with two cups of soft drink outside the hotel. All meal arrangements are served as the itinerary specifies.
- On the cruise daily American breakfast, lunch and dinner are served. The beverage arrangements are subject to policies of
