Yunnan and Tibet

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Today, take a comfortable high-speed train to Dali, a journey of approximately two hours. This small city enjoys a beautiful setting between the Cangshan Mountains to the west and Erhai Lake to the east. Dali’s best-known attraction is Chongsheng Temple and its Three Pagodas. Once a major centre of Buddhism in the region, the temple was destroyed by fire during the Qing Dynasty and rebuilt in 2015. The pagodas were restored but retain their original Tang Dynasty architectural style.

You will also visit Dali Old Town, which is still partly enclosed by its city wall. Many of its traditional buildings have been preserved, although they now house a variety of shops and restaurants. Dali is home to several ethnic minority communities, particularly the Bai people, many of whom still wear traditional clothing.

Three Pagodas

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Today, travel by bus to Lijiang, another small city whose entire Old Town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well preserved traditional buildings and historic urban layout. The area is rich in waterways, with clear streams flowing alongside many of its streets. During your guided tour of the Old Town, you will quickly see why Lijiang is so well known across China and remains a popular destination for domestic travellers. Consider returning in the evening to experience its lively atmosphere, when music fills the streets, food stalls serve local snacks, and the restaurants and bars come to life.

Lijiang Old Town

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The “dragon” in today’s title is Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which rises just outside Lijiang and can be seen from the city. Standing nearly 5,600 metres high, the mountain can be explored by cable car, which takes you part of the way up. Several stations at different elevations provide access to well-maintained walking trails. You will also visit Black Dragon Pool, a park in central Lijiang known for its striking reflections of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the water.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

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On the way to Shangri-La, stop for photos at Tiger Leaping Gorge. Here, the upper reaches of the mighty Yangtze River, known locally as the Jinsha River, have carved a dramatic gorge through the mountains over a distance of around 15 kilometres. According to legend, the gorge is so narrow that a tiger once leapt across it to escape from hunters. Also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tiger Leaping Gorge reaches a depth of nearly 4,000 metres, making it one of the deepest gorges in the world.

After taking time for photographs, continue to Shangri-La, arriving in the afternoon. Here, you will experience the region’s strong Tibetan influence for the first time. The itinerary includes a visit to Songzanlin Monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery near Shangri-La known as the “Little Potala Palace.” Founded in the 17th century, it is now home to around 700 monks.

Tiger Leaping Gorge

Songzanlin Monastery

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Today, travel to Napa Hai Lake, a nature reserve covering more than 600 square kilometres near Shangri-La. Despite its name, it is not a lake throughout the year. In late spring and summer, melting snow fills the basin with water. When less meltwater flows in, the lake recedes and the area becomes fertile green grassland—a haven for wildlife and birds. You will also visit a village inhabited almost entirely by Tibetans. Spend the afternoon and evening exploring Shangri-La Old Town. Although much quieter than Lijiang Old Town, it is no less fascinating.

Napahai Natural Lake Reserve

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Today, fly from Shangri-La to Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region. The flight takes around two and a half hours. Depending on the departure time, you will have some free time in either Shangri-La or Lhasa.

Lhasa

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Today’s itinerary is packed with highlights. Begin at Jokhang Temple, the most important sacred site for Tibet’s deeply religious people. Located in the heart of the city, the temple attracts countless pilgrims each day, and its atmospheric complex is sure to leave a lasting impression. Afterwards, stroll along Barkhor Street, which circles the temple. Here, you will walk among pilgrims and pass numerous stalls selling religious items, souvenirs, and everyday goods.

You will also visit the Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lamas. This vast palace complex stands on the edge of the city centre and is impressive both inside and out. We normally reserve tickets for the afternoon, allowing you to visit Jokhang Temple in the morning, when it is open to both tourists and pilgrims and has a particularly atmospheric feel. However, access restrictions at the Potala Palace, which are in place to protect the site, may require the visit to be moved to the morning. Thank you for your understanding.

Potala Palace

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Begin the day at Sera Monastery, located just outside Lhasa. Founded in the 15th century, it is one of the three largest monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism and is now home to around 800 monks. If the opportunity arises, you will be able to watch one of the monks’ lively religious debates. Although you may not understand the words, the animated gestures and distinctive atmosphere make it a memorable experience.

Next, visit Drepung Monastery, which has long been an important centre for the education of Tibetan Buddhist monks. In the past, Dalai Lamas were also prepared here for their religious and political responsibilities. The monastery enjoys a beautiful hillside setting, although this means that some uphill walking is required during the visit.

End the day at Norbulingka, the former summer residence of the Dalai Lama. With its extensive parkland and several residential buildings, the complex is ideal for a leisurely walk.

Sere Monastery

Norbulingka

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Today, the dramatic landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau take centre stage. On the drive to Gyantse, cross high mountain passes and pass a glacier that reaches almost to the roadside. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of the turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake. Although Gyantse now has only around 10,000 residents, it was once an important stop for merchants travelling to Nepal and India. Visit the renowned Palkhor Chode Monastery and its Kumbum Stupa, the city’s main attraction.

In the afternoon, climb to Dzong Fortress, which played an important role in the resistance against British soldiers in the early 20th century. Its elevated position offers excellent views across Gyantse and the surrounding countryside. Continue to Shigatse in the evening, Tibet’s second-largest city.

Yamdrok Lake

Dzong Castle

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In the morning, visit Shalu Monastery, known for its distinctive blend of Tibetan and Han Chinese architectural styles. The monastery has been under the protection of Chinese emperors since the Ming Dynasty.

Next, explore Shigatse’s lively market. As an important regional hub, it attracts villagers and nomads from across the area who come to buy and sell goods. Spreading across several streets, the market offers countless opportunities for memorable photographs.

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Begin the day with a visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, the second-highest-ranking figure in Tibetan Buddhism. This vast complex consists of several monasteries that gradually developed into one large site. In the afternoon, return to Lhasa, where you will have some free time. Your guide will be happy to suggest places to visit and activities to enjoy.

Tashilhunpo Monastery

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Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight out of Tibet to Chengdu, in neighbouring Sichuan Province. The city is known not only for its spicy cuisine and numerous teahouses, but also for its connection to the giant panda, which is native to Sichuan.

Immediately upon arrival, visit a panda breeding centre in the suburbs of Chengdu. Here, you will see pandas of different ages in spacious enclosures, most of which are being prepared for eventual reintroduction into the wild.

Afterwards, you will be taken to your hotel.

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

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Depending on your departure time, you will be transferred to the airport for your return or onward flight.