| Gyathang & The Holy City
of Lhasa |
|
Yunnan Province is unique in China for
its combination of natural beauty, cultural diversity and its quaint
old towns. Yunnan is also the ancient trading post & salt trading
route. We explore the enchanting & multi-ethnic towns of Kunming,
Lijiang & continue our journey into Zhongdian or Gyalthang, a
Tibetan enclave in Yunnan & the home of the Shangri-La legend
- its spectacular mountain landscapes, Tibetan towns, ethnic minorities
and traditional life. From Zhongdian we fly to Lhasa, the forbidden
city & the ultimate pilgrim destination for Tibetan Buddhist all
over.
After exploring the Forbidden city, we have the option to continue
via overland to Nepal including excursion to Everest Base Camp or
fly out to Kathmandu/Chengdu/Kunming. |
Day
to Day Itinerary |
| Day
- 01 |
KUNMING
Meet at the airport, if time permits, visit the Flower and Bird
Market. |
| Day
- 02 |
LIJIANG
We drive to Lijiang and take time to explore the enchanting
town and its rich Naxi minority culture including visits to
Black Dragon Pool and the Museum of Naxi Culture, as well as
time to walk the winding cobbled streets. Outside of Lijiang,
we stroll through some classic Chinese villages and see the
Yufeng Monastery. |
| Day
- 03 |
TIGER LEAPING GORGE
& ZHONGDIAN
From Lijiang, we travel north by road into the mountains and
visit the magnificent Tiger Leaping Gorge where the mighty Yangtze
has carved one of the world's deepest chasms. We continue on
to Zhongdian, a town set high in the mountains on the remote
Tibetan border and home to numerous ethnic minority people including
a large Tibetan community. |
| Day
- 04 |
ZHONGDIAN
In the morning visit the Sumsanling Monastery, which was built
in 1679 by the Fifth Dalai lama. It is considered as the most
important monastery of Gelukpa-sect in Yunnan province. In the
afternoon visit local market & the old town of Gyalthang
& Lake Napa Nature Reserve, a bird-watchers's paradise &
sanctuary for rare species such as the Black-neck crane. |
| Day
- 05 |
FLY ZHONDIAN TO LHASA.
Transfer to airport to connect flight to Lhasa. Upon arrival
you will be met by our Tibet representative & transfer to
hotel. Rest of the day free for personal pursuits. |
| Day
- 06 - 07 |
LHASA
We will have two full days in the holy city of Lhasa to make
excursions to the following places: The Jokhang Temple, the
principal Buddhist temple in Lhasa. The temple, known for its
large gold image of Sakyamuni Buddha, was first constructed
in the 7th century. The Norbulingka, a richly decorated complex
located in a beautiful garden setting, is the traditional summer
palace of the Dalai Lamas. Drepung Monastery, is one of the
largest Tibetan monastic universities. The Monastery used to
have 8,000 monks who were taught in the traditions of Vajrayana,
Mahayana and Sutrayana, the three vehicles of Tibetan Buddhism.
We will also visit the Barkor bazaar, the bustling market in
Lhasa, a colorful congregating place for Tibetan merchants.
Potala Palace, the winter palace of the Dalai Lama, is reputed
to contain 1,000 rooms, & is considered as one of the world's
most remarkable buildings. Sitting at top of a mountain overlooking
Lhasa, the Potala contains hundreds upon hundreds of magnificent
thangkas, frescoes, and images. |
| Day
- 08 |
FLY TO ATHMANDU/CHENGDU/KUNMING |
| Day
- 08 |
IF CONTINUE VIA OVERLAND
TO NEPAL
LHASA-GYANGTSE (3990 M), 350 KMSDrive via Yamdrok,
the Turquoise Lake to Gyangtse across Kampa la pass 5050 m &
Karo la (5045 m)passes. Visit Kubum stupa & Pelkor Chode
Monastery. |
| Day
- 09 |
GYANGTSE-SHALU-SHIGATSE
(3860 M), 90 KMSDrive to Shigatse. En route visit Shalu Monastery.Visit
Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of Panchen Lama who is the 2nd
in the Buddhist religious hierachy & Shigatse Market. |
| Day
- 10 |
SHIGATSE-SAKYA-HEGAR/DINGRI
(4350 M)Drive to Shegar across Tsoula pass (4500 M)
& Gyatso la pass (5220 M). En route visit Sakya Monastery. |
| Day
- 11 |
SHEGAR-RONGBUK(5050
M)Drive via Pangla pass (5200 M) to Rongbuk Monastery, world's
highest monastery situated at 5200 M. O/N Rongbuk Guest House.
|
| Day
- 12 |
EVEREST BASE CAMP
We have the option to hike or drive to Everest Base Camp. Rongbuk
Guest House. |
| Day - 13 |
NYALAM After
watching sunrise over Everest, we drive on to Nylam. Nylam Guest
House. |
| Day - 14 |
NYALAM-ZHANGMU-KATHMANDU
Drive to Zhangmu & on to Kathmandu. En route visit
Milarepa Cave. We descend from the high arid Tibetan plateau
into the lush greenery of Nepal. |
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