Charms of Yunnan & Tibet: Highland Landscapes & Cultural Wonders

Welcome to Kunming. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, is known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its mild climate year-round. The city sits at about 1,894 meters above sea level and combines natural scenery with rich cultural history.

The rest of the day is free for you to rest or take a short walk nearby.

Drive to the Stone Forest and explore its dramatic limestone formations shaped over millions of years.

After lunch, return to Kunming and visit Green Lake Park, where locals gather and relax.

End the day at Kunming Old Streets and Guanghua Street, filled with traditional buildings, food, and small historic shops. Explore the local flower and bird market and discover the colorful charm of Yunnan.

After breakfast, take a high-speed train to Dali.

Visit Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, one of the most iconic landmarks of the region with a history of over a thousand years. Then enjoy a relaxed walk along Erhai Lake and its lakeside corridor, where mountain views and open water create a peaceful atmosphere.

Continue to Dali Old Town, known for its white-walled houses, slow pace of life, and traditional Bai ethnic charm.

Drive to Lijiang, stopping at Xizhou Village on the way, a well-preserved Bai village known for traditional courtyard houses and local culture.

Arrive in Lijiang for lunch.

In the afternoon, visit Lijiang Old Town and Sifang Square, where canals, cobblestone streets, and wooden buildings create a maze-like ancient town atmosphere.

Visit Baisha Ancient Town, famous for its rare Ming Dynasty murals that reflect early Naxi culture and religious art.

Continue to Yuhu Village, a quiet settlement at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, known for its stone houses and strong local traditions.

Drive toward Tiger Leaping Gorge, where powerful river waters rush between towering cliffs. Stop at the First Bend of the Yangtze River for panoramic views of the river’s dramatic turn.

Continue to Shangri-La and visit Dukezong Ancient Town. Walk up Guishan Hill to enjoy a panoramic view of prayer wheels and traditional Tibetan rooftops.

Hike around Napahai Lake, where grasslands, wetlands, and open skies create a peaceful highland landscape.

Visit Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, often called the “Little Potala Palace.”

Later, visit a local Tibetan family and experience daily life with butter tea and yak cheese.

Today is the last day in Shangri-La, you will return from Shangri-La to Lhasa. On arrival, your local guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel.

Note: Lhasa is located at a high altitude. After arrival, please rest well and avoid any strenuous activities. If you feel unwell at any time, please contact your guide or hotel staff immediately. They are experienced and will provide timely assistance.

Today you will explore two major monasteries in Lhasa.

In the morning, visit Drepung Monastery, once home to over 10,000 monks. Walk through the main halls and learn about Tibetan Buddhism and monastic life.

In the afternoon, visit Sera Monastery, known for its famous monks' debate, which takes place in the courtyard (15:00–17:00, Monday to Saturday). Your guide will explain the meaning behind this tradition.

After the tour, enjoy a welcome dinner.

Visit the Potala Palace, the most iconic landmark of Tibet. Explore the White and Red Palaces and learn about its history and religious significance.

Afterwards, visit Longwangtan Park at the foot of the palace for a different view and local daily life activities.

In the afternoon, visit Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of Tibet. See pilgrims praying outside the temple, then walk through Barkhor Street with locals and pilgrims.

Later, visit a traditional Tibetan tea house and experience local life with sweet tea and conversation.

Begin the overland journey from Lhasa to Shigatse.

Cross Gampala Pass and stop for a view of Yamdrok Lake, surrounded by snow mountains and open landscapes. Continue along the lakeshore and visit a local village.

Pass Karola Glacier, the glacier in Tibet, and continue through Gyantse with views of barley fields and rural life.

Arrive in Shigatse and check into your hotel. Rest for the next day.

After breakfast, we will come to Rongbuk Monastery, located at the foot of Mount Everest near the terminus of the Rongbuk Glacier. It is one of the best viewpoints for taking in the full panorama of Everest's north face.

Stand in front of Mount Everest and observe its massive north face under changing light.

After the visit, return to Shigatse via the same route, passing high mountain landscapes.

Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the largest monastery in Shigatse and home to the giant Maitreya Buddha statue.

After the visit, drive back to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River.

Today marks the end of your Tibet journey. Your guide will escort you to the airport or train station for your departure.