potala-palace

Unique Yunnan and Tibet

14 Days From US$2,744 p/p

unique-yunnan-and-tibet

Tour highlights

  • Discover China from the roof of the world
  • Admire legendary Tibetan Buddhism in sacred Potala Palace
  • Enjoy untouched nature in picturesque Dali and Lijiang in Yunnan
  • Fall in love with unique giant pandas in Chengdu

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From US$2,744 p/p

Based on 2 persons & 4-star hotels for reference

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Itinerary Details

Your journey begins in the beautiful province of Yunnan, which has become known not only for its breathtaking scenery, but also for home to many Chinese minorities. Arriving at the secret Shangri-La, you will get close to Tibet's culture and architecture.Accustomed to the altitude step by step, you then fly to the provincial capital of Tibet, located on the world roof. Here you can explore and experience the legendary Tibetan Buddhism with many legendary monasteries. What could make the heart more gentle than staying in Tibet? End your trip in Chengdu, where you'll visit the lovely pandas.

Today you land in the provincial capital of Yunnan. At Kunming Changshui International Airport, your tour guide will welcome you and then escort you to the hotel.

Accommodation option:

  • Holiday Inn Kunming City Centre, an IHG Hotel
  • (4 Ratings)

breakfast and lunch

The prelude of your journey is to visit famous Stone Forest near Kunming. An extremely rare geological phenomenon dating back to 270 million years ago, the Stone Forest is 80 hectares of karst limestone pillars in fantastic shapes that resemble a forest viewed from a distance.The Stone Forest is also home to the Sani tribe, a branch of the diverse and scattered Yi minority renowned for their diligence, embroidery and dancing.

Back to the center of Kunming, visit Green Lake Park located at the foot of Luofeng Mountain. Built in the 17th century, it houses some small lakes connected by bridges. By the lakes, there are some pavilions where you can rest and feed fish.

Accommodation option:

  • Holiday Inn Kunming City Centre, an IHG Hotel
  • (4 Ratings)
Stone Forest

Stone Forest

breakfast and lunch

Today you will take the high-speed train to the city Dali with a history of more than 3000 years. Stroll through the old town, where you will get the impression that time stops. The old city of Dali is simple and quiet. Along the main street, there are all kinds of shops specializing in marble products, tie-dye, straw weaving and other famous special products and Bai residential-style restaurants. There are clear streams running in the city, and everywhere you can see the plain and simple traditional houses of Bai nationality.

Then ahead to Chongsheng Temple, facing Erhai lake in the east and Cangshan mountain in the west, is located one kilometer north of Dali ancient city. It is one of the most famous buddhist pagodas in China with the three imposing  pagodas, built in the style of the Bai minority. It is one of the oldest existing buildings in Yunnan and also a famous tower group in China.

Accommodation option:

  • Dali Landscape Hotel
  • (4 Ratings)
Dali Ancient City

Dali Ancient City

breakfast and lunch

Today you will drive about 3.5 hrs to Lijiang. En route, stop and visit Xizhou Bai minority, which preserves the most and best architectural complex of Bai residents. You can also visit it's morning market and taste the Bai’s Three-Course Tea, followed by taking a horse-drawn cart to enjoy the countryside sceneries.

Then arrive in Old Town of Lijiang. It enjoys a long history of over 1300 years and unlike most of the old towns in China, there is no city wall due to a superstitious belief of the local ruler whose family name is Mu (tree), when encircled by walls, would be Kun (besieged). You will notice in the streets that customs and costumes of the Naxi minority determine the cityscape.

Accommodation option:

  • Palace Hotel (Wangfu Hotel)
  • (4 Ratings)
Lijiang

Lijiang

breakfast and lunch

Today you will set off to Jade Dragon snow mountain which goes 15 km away. Due to its height of over 5000 m, there are snow all year covering on the peaks.  As the sacred mountain of the Naxi people, Jade Dragon snow mountain means “sky mountain” in Naxi language. Its 13 snowy peaks are continuous, like a “dragon” soaring and flying. That’s why it is called “jade dragon“.

Next, take a visit to the Black Dragon Pond with the Dongba Culture Museum. The Black Dragon Pond Park is also known as Yuquan park. It is located at the foot of Xiangshan mountain in the north of Lijiang ancient city. Due to its spring water gushing from the rocks at the foot of the mountain, it gathers into a deep pool of 40,000 square meters. The Black dragon pool is a perfect combination of beautiful natural scenery and unique human landscape.

Accommodation option:

  • Palace Hotel (Wangfu Hotel)
  • (4 Ratings)
Black Dragon pool

Black Dragon pool

breakfast and lunch

Today you are on your way to Shangri-La. We will make a stop at the Tiger Leaping Gorge, which stretches for about 15 miles from Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to Shangri-La and is one of the deepest one in the world. Wedged tightly between titanic cliffs, the river is so narrow here, as legend tells us, that a hunted tiger could make his escape to the other side with a single bound.

Then go on your trip to the Ganden Songzanlin Monastery, the one founded in 17th century during the reign of the Great Fifth Dalai Lama. It is located only 2 kilometers to the north of the county proper, being one of the thirteen Tibetan monasteries in the Kangba Region, where Tibet, Yunnan and Sichuan join. Ganden Songzanglin Monastery is nicknamed by local the Lesser Potala Palace. Holding about 700 monks and one living Buddha, the monastery is a must-go in the region. Let yourself be immersed in the first experience of Tibetan Buddhism.

Accommodation option:

  • The 5th Meteorite · Light-year Hotel
  • (4 Ratings)
Songzanlin Monastery

Songzanlin Monastery

breakfast and lunch

Today you will visit China’s first national park, the Pudacuo National Park. It is located in the centre of “Three Parallel Rivers” world natural heritage area, in the northwest of Yunnan Province. It make up of the Wetlands of International Importance Bita Lake Nature Reserve and the “Three Parallel Rivers” world natural heritage Redhill Area’s Shudu Lake. The park is 22 kilometers away from the Shangri-La county, with a total area of approximately 300 square kilometers. You can definitely have a good relaxation at Bita or Shudu Lake - tranquility is contagious!

Then it goes to the old town of Shangri-La - Dukezong ancient city. It is located in shangri-la county, deqing prefecture, yunnan province. It is the best preserved and largest Tibetan residence group in China. This ancient city with a history of more than 1,300 years was once the window of ethnic cultural exchanges among Tibetan townships and Yunnan and Sichuan region. "Dukezong” in Tibetan means white stone town, meaning moonlight city. What a beautiful and poetic name.

Accommodation option:

  • The 5th Meteorite · Light-year Hotel
  • (4 Ratings)
Pudacuo National Park

Pudacuo National Park

breakfast

Today you fly from Shangri-La to the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region--Lhasa whose name means "the Land of Gods" in Tibetan. Use the free time for a short tour to get used to the unfamiliar altitude (about 3600 m).

Accommodation option:

  • Thangka Hotel
  • (4 Ratings)

breakfast and lunch

There are several highlights on the program today. Morning visit to the Jokhang Temple-- the spiritual center of Tibet which is visited by countless pilgrims. The mysterious facility will impress you a lot. Then take a stroll down Barkhor Street. It is the oldest and traditional street in Tibet. It is a place where Tibetan culture, economy, religion and arts assemble. Tibetan handicrafts are offered in the shops.

Later, visit the awe-inspiring Potala Palace. It perched high above much of Lhasa, is the landmark of the city. The whole Palace is consist of Red and White Palace. The white Palace was for secular use and the Red Palace was for religious use. This traditional Tibetan architecture with 13 floors was used for the former residence of the Dalai Lama.

Accommodation option:

  • Thangka Hotel
  • (4 Ratings)
Potala Palace

Potala Palace

breakfast and lunch

The first program of the day is the visit of the monastery of Sera, which belongs to the “Three Great Monasteries” of the Gelug Order. Today about 750 monks live and study here. When you arrive at the debating court at the right time, you will see groups of monks excitedly debating in a living atmosphere.

Then continue to Drepung Monastery-- was known for the high standards of its academic study, and was called the Nalanda of Tibet, a reference to the great Buddhist monastic university of India. And it used to be the former state monastery of Tibet, which served as the headquarters for the Dalai Lama before moving to the Potala Palace.

Last, visit Norbulingka - a traditional summer palace and residence starting from the 7th Dalai Lama. It is also the place they conduct their affairs and religious activities. The whole garden covers an area of 46 hectares, with more than 370 rooms of different sizes, known as “garden of the garden”, making it the largest, most scenic and most historic garden in Tibet.

Accommodation option:

  • Thangka Hotel
  • (4 Ratings)
Sere Monastery

Sere Monastery

breakfast and lunch

Today your journey continues to Gyantse, where you will find the horses and yaks along the way. Your first stop is at the crystal-clear Yamdrok Lake-- one of the three largest holy lakes in Tibet. Yamdrok lake is the largest inland lake in the northern foothills of the Himalayas. Yamdrok lakeside is a highland pasture with clear water and rich grass, so the local Tibetan folk song praise Yamdrok lake: “fairyland on the heaven, Yamdrok lake on earth. Stars in the sky, cows and sheep by the lake.” Meanwhile you can look far into the distance and marvel at the mountains that tower around the sky.

Then move on to Gyangtse Pelkor Chode. Monastery(4000m) is a typical Tibetan Buddhist temple building combined with a pagoda temple, and is the only one completely preserved to today. With a large group of monumental buildings, it is known as the king of the pagoda in Tibet. There is also the famous Kumbum, a chorten containing many sacred images.

Accommodation option:

  • Gyantse Hotel
  • (4 Ratings)
Yamdrok Lake

Yamdrok Lake

breakfast and lunch

Climb up to the Dzong Castle today, which was used as a defense against the British attack at the beginning of the 20th century. Dzong castle is located in the urban area of Gyantse county, Shigatse region, Tibet. “Zong” means castle or fortress in Tibetan language. When the British invaded in 1904, it was the main fortress against foreign invasion, which was destroyed to some extent after its fall.

Then you drive to Shigatse, another city of Tibet. En route, you can visit one of the most famous monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism, the Shalu Monastery. Shalu Monastery is one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in Tibet and the ancestral monastery of Shalu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. In addition to its eventful history, the construction of this temple is very special as it unites Tibetan and Chinese architecture style.

When arrive at Shigatse, you will visit the famous Tashihunpo Monastery-- one of the largest monastic centers of the Gelug School. It is also the seat of the 11th Panchen Lama, recognized by the Chinese government. A visit to this monastery is a must as you will get a glimpse into the life of the monks and their studying or teaching of Buddhist here.

Accommodation option:

  • Shigatse Tashi Choeta Hotel
  • (4 Ratings)
Gyantse Dzong

Gyantse Dzong

breakfast and lunch

Today you will fly to the provincial capital city of Sichuan,  Chengdu. It is known not only for its fiery cuisine, but for its famous animal inhabitants, the Great Pandas. The Panda Breeding Station is a non-profit organization specializing in endangered wildlife research, breeding, conservation education. It has built a scientific research building, and panda activity field, swan lake, giant panda museum and so on, integrating natural mountain scenery and beautiful artificial landscape. It is suitable for the survival and reproduction of giant pandas and a variety of rare wild animals. At the Panda Breeding Station you have the opportunity to watch the national animal of China eating and rumbling.

Accommodation option:

  • Tibet Hotel
  • (4 Ratings)
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

breakfast

Today you’re flying homeward with your fascinating impressions of China.

Our service includes:
  • One-to-one consultancy with our travel expert
  • Knowledgeable and helpful local guides
  • Private and comfortable van
  • All accommodations
  • Meals listed in the itinerary
  • Activities and excursions as detailed
  • In-destination transfers
  • A 24/7 helpline while you are traveling
Trip Notes

This tour is intended to give you an idea for what's possible when you travel with us. Treat them simply as inspiration, because every element of the tour can be customized individually. Please feel free to tell us your ideas and we will create a tour to match your tastes and budget.

Recommended hotels

Go Find Orient choose your accommodation based on easy accessibility to everything yet in a quiet neighborhood with the consideration of typical traditional style and modern comfort.

 Kunming  Holiday Inn Kunming City Centre, an IHG Hotel

  • A premium landmark hotel in the heart of Kunming’s CBD.
  • It offers an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a garden and 3 on-site dining options.
  • Each room here will provide you with a satellite TV, air conditioning and a mini-bar.
  • Restaurants serve authentic local food and Thai dishes.

 Dali  Dali Landscape Hotel

  • Located in ancient city of Dali, close to the Three Pagodas, Mt. Cangshan and Erhai Lake.
  • Structured around several pretty courtyards, the hotel is in a traditional Chinese garden style.
  • Features for 6 courtyards & 283 rooms with Bai nationality characteristic decoration.
  • Different styles of Chinese and Western restaurants provide tasty dishes.

 Lijiang  Palace Hotel (Wangfu Hotel)

  • A heritage hotel of the ancient city, with three streams of water from snow mountain as a peninsula.
  • It was built on the ancient site of the Mu family's guest house from 800 years ago.
  • The hotel constructions with old-world charm, arbors and waterside pavilions.
  • Rooms featuring colorful traditional Chinese architecture and décor.
  • The on-site restaurant serves a variety of traditional Chinese and Western dishes.

 Shangrila  The 5th Meteorite · Light-year Hotel

  • Located in Dugezong Ancient Town with 300 meters away from the center of ancient town.
  • It is the only one that has an all-weather diffuse oxygen supply system in Shangri-La.
  • Providing a garden and a terrace, all the rooms has room service and free WiFi.
  • You can enjoy the night view of the whole town by opening your window.
  • A buffet breakfast is available daily at the hotel.

 Lhasa  Thangka Hotel

  • Superior location in city center, near the Ramoche Temple and Barkhor Street.
  • 170 rooms and suites feature for Tibetan-style decoration with air conditioning.
  • The full views of the famous Potala Palace can be seen when you lie in bed.
  • The delicous Tibetan, Chinese and western meals are served in restaurant.

 Gyantse  Gyantse Hotel

  • A three-star hotel with a strong Tibetan flavour located in the downtown of Gyangtse city.
  • It is the biggest hotel and only one elevator hotel in Gyangtse.
  • 146 rooms offer 24-hour hot water, TV set and free Wi-Fi.
  • Tibetan and western food provided in restaurants.

 Shigatse  Shigatse Tashi Choeta Hotel

  • A very traditional hotel with Tibetian decor in Shigatse city.
  • 5-minute walk from the old market and a 10-minute walk from Tashilhunpo Monastery.
  • The traditional Tibetan-style hotel offers elegantly furnished guestrooms.
  • Each rooms has flat-screen cable TV, sofa, kettle and free Wi-Fi is available in all areas.
  • On-site restaurant serving mouthwatering authentic Tibetan taste.

 Chengdu  Tibet Hotel

  • Standing on the shore of the Jinjiang River, 25-minute drive to Research Base of Giant Panda.
  • This luxurious hotel features a Tibetan theme with a hint of modern art decor.
  • Guest rooms are fitted with a tea/coffee making facilities, a flat-screen TV and private bathroom.
  • There are live displays of PM2.5 in rooms and hallways.
  • The restaurants serve Chinese cuisine and buffet meals.