Overland Tour from Yunnan to Tibet

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16 Days Private Tour Kunming – Dali – Xizhou – Shaxi - Lijiang – Tiger Leaping Gorge - Shangri-La – Benzilan - Dechen - Feilai Si / Meili Snow Mountain and Mingyong Glacier - Markam – Zuogong – Ranwu – Lulang - Linzhi – Basum Tso – Gandan - Lhasa

It is a fascinating culture and nature travel in Yunnan and Tibet. We reach the Tibetan mountain region Shangri-La through the traditional trade route "Tea Horse Road". Gradually, we adapt ourselves to the altitude of the way from Kunming via Lijiang to Shangri-La before driving to Lhasa and getting to know Tibet intensively.

We drive through the Hengduanshan Mountain Range, overcome several high mountain passes and the famous 72-turn of Yela Shan, cross the Three Parallel Rivers Regions, which is consisted of Jinsha Jiang River, Nu Jiang River and Lancang Jiang River (Mekong).

The next highlight is Meili Snow Mountain (Kawakarpo, 6740 m), the highest peak in Yunnan Province.

In Linzhi (Nyingchi) Prefecture, “the Little Switzerland of Tibet”, amazing various sceneries accompany our driving: Ranwu Lake, Midui Glacier, Parlung Tsangpo, Lulang Village, Mount Namjabarwa, Niyang River, Basum Tso…

In Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet, we have two days for the attractions: Potala, Jokhang, Norblinka and Sera. And from Parla Lupu Monastery we'll enjoy the magnificent view of Potala Palace. We could circle around the Tibetan holiest Monastery Jokhang with pilgrims, who come from all over Tibet and the Tibetan cultural areas of Kham-Amdo of the provinces of Sichuan, Qinghai, Gansu and Yunnan. Many pious Tibetans measure the way on the Barkhor market with their body length.

Highlights

Itinerary

Itinerary
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DAY
1

Arrive in Kunming

Welcome in Yunnan, China

Arrive in Kunming (1891 m), transfer to the hotel. Kunming, capital of Yunnan province in southwest China, is also called “Spring City” due to its fine climate all year round. Yunnan in Chinese means "to the south of the clouds".

Overnight at 4*Jinjiang Hotel

Dianchi Lake

DAY
2

High-speed train Kunming – Dali

San Ta Si, Erhai Lake, Dali ancient small town

In the morning transfer to railway station, and take a high-speed train (D8672 0924/1124, class 2) to Dali (2090 m) at the foot of Cangshan Mountain (4295 m), a city of Bai Minority. Upon arrival, meet the local tour guide and transfer to visit Dali's landmarks - the three white pagodas of Chong Sheng Temple. Especially when the ensemble is reflected in the small pond, a wonderful photo motive appears for you! Afterwards have a walk by the picturesque Erhai Lake, the shape of which resembles a huge ear, so gave "Ear Lake" as its name. The lake with an area of 249 square kilometers, is 40 km long and surrounded by high mountains such as Cang Shan. At last stroll in the alleys of the ancient small town. The well-preserved ancient city gates and the historic buildings have shown the city’s long history.

Overnight at 4*Landscape Hotel

Breakfast

Three Pagoda

DAY
3

Dali – Xizhou – Shaxi – Lijiang

Old towns Xizhou and Shaxi. Ancient tea horse road

After breakfast drive to visit the old town Xizhou that is best known for its houses with the remarkably well-preserved traditional Bai architecture. Continue to drive to Lijiang (2416 m), the hometown of Naxi Minority. On the way visit the old town Shaxi, most of its residents are Bai People. Shaxi was an important caravan station on the ancient tea horse trade road between Yunnan and Tibet. Salt, tea and horses were exchanged on this route and the trade brought prosperity to the region. Located at the foot of Jade Dragon Mountain (Yulong Xueshan, 5596 m), the Old Town Lijiang is famous for its old wooden houses and the layout of the town’s streets. It has been listed as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1997.

229 km
4 hours 3 minutes
Overnight at 4*Wangfu Hotel

Breakfast

Old Town of Shaxi

DAY
4

Lijiang

Old town Lijiang, Black Dragon Pool, Dongba Culture Museum, mural at Baisha Village and residence of Josef Rock at Yuhu Village

In the morning stroll in the old town of Lijiang. With its narrow streets, canals, bridges and wooden houses, the old town creates a cozy atmosphere. Climbing the Lion Hill, you have a wonderful panoramic view of the old town Lijiang from the Wangu Pavilion. Then visit the beautiful park Hei Long Tan (Black Dragon Pond) at the foot of the Elephant Mountain (Xiang Shan), located north of the old town Lijiang. The peaks of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Xueshan, 5596 m) are clearly reflected in the water of the pond. Then visit the Dongba Culture Museum. The Dongba culture is considered as the basis of the Naxi people. “Dongba” means “wisdom” and is a polite salutation for their religious priesthood. The Dongbas are highly respected, as the culture carriers and culture disseminators in terms of pictograms, music, dance of the Naxi people. With 1000-year history, the Dongba culture originated at the latest in the Tang and Song dynasties. After that drive to Baisha Village to admire these religiously-inspired murals that were painted in Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Compared to other religious murals, the mural boasts an important feature that figures of Buddhism, Taoism, Lamaism, as well as the artistic styles of different nationalities, e.g. Naxi, Tibetans, Bai and Han Chinese can be found in a single image. Continue driving to Yuhu village to visit the small museum at the former residence of the famous Austrian-American explorer, geographer and botanist Josef Rock. Finally, drive back to Lijiang Ancient Town.

Overnight at 4*Wangfu Hotel

Breakfast

Old Town of Lijiang

DAY
5

Lijiang – Tiger Leaping Gorge – Shangri-La

Walking in the Tiger Leaping Gorge, old town Dukezong

Today, you can enjoy the spectacular spectacle of nature in the legendary Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiaoxia) on Jinsha Jiang (Golden Sand River) - the upper reaches of the Yangtze River (the longest river of China, 6380 km). The Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hu Tiao Xia), one of the deepest and longest canyons in the world and about 15 km long, was formed by a cliff of about 4000 meters high and was named from a legend that a tiger can jump over a canyon of 30 meters wide with one jump. Continue the journey to Tiger-Leaping Gorge, short walking in the gorge and keep driving to Shangri-La (3280 m, former Zhongdian), the historic southern gateway to Kham and Tibet. The word "Shangri-La" means in Tibetan “the sun and moon in heart”. Located on the old trade route to Tibet and literally called "Tea Horse Trail", the region around Shangri-La is set in an enchanting landscape of snow-capped mountains, deep gorges, high mountain lakes, grassy steppes and primeval forests. Here, several nationalities, including Tibetans live in the northeast of Yunnan Province. Arrival in Shangri-La, discover the old town Dukezong.

201 km
3 hours 40 minutes
Overnight at 4*Old Town International Hotel

Breakfast

Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiaoxia)

DAY
6

Shangri-La

Sumzanlin Monastery and Napahai Lake

In the morning visit Sumzanlin Monastery that was created in 1679 by the Fifth Dalai lama. Characterized by its Han-Chinese and Tibetan construction style, the monastery is the most important monastery of Gelugpa sect in Yunnan Province. Its appearance is strongly influenced by the Potala Palace in Lhasa, so it is also called "Little Potala". Today about 800 monks live here. Then drive to the Napahai Reserve. There is the most extensive highland steppe and the largest pasture in Shangri-La. Here vegetate 20% of all plant species in China, including many orchids. Surrounded by high mountains on three sides, the meadows in the valley transform into a reservoir in summer - Napahai meaning Napa Lake. In winter and spring, Napahai is a moorland - a paradise for migratory birds, including endangered species such as the black-necked crane or the bar-headed goose. You cycle and walk through villages, steppes and hilly landscapes around Napahai Lake, and you dive deep into the typical life of the nomads, as well as you can certainly taste the butter tea.

Overnight at 4*Shangri-La Old Town Hotel

Breakfast

Sumzanlin Monastery

DAY
7

Shangri-La – Benzilan - Dechen – Feilai Si

Benzilan Village, The first bend of Jinsha Jiang, Dong Trubling Monastery, sunset of Meili Snow Mountain

Drive through the Hengduan Range along the Jinsha Jiang (upper reaches of Yangtze) to Meili Snow Mountain (6740 m, Kawakarpo), a famous holy mountain of the Bon Religion and one of the greatest holy mountains of Tibetan Buddhism. At first, cross the 4292-meter mountain pass and look at the Baima Snow Mountain (5430 meters). Have a break in the beautiful small town Benzilan and enjoy the panoramic view of the “first bend of Jinsha Jiang (Golden Sand River)”. Before reaching Dechen, visit the Dong Trubling Monastery. Finally, reach Feilaisi. If the weather is well, you can enjoy the panoramic view of sunset of Meili Snow Mountain.

176 km
3 hours 22 minutes
Overnight at Paradise View Hotel at Feilaisi (3400 m)

Breakfast

Jinsha River

DAY
8

Feilai Si – Mingyong Glacier - Feilaisi

Meili Snow Mountain, hiking to Mingyong Glacier

The word "Meili" is transliteration of Dechen Tibetan “mainri”, meaning “herbal medicine mountain”, which is named for its rich variety of valuable medicinal materials. With an altitude of 6740 m, Kawakarpo is the main peak of Meili Snow Mountain, and the highest peak in Yunnan Province. “Kawakarpo” is in Tibetan “the white snow mountain”. The Lancang River and the Nujiang River flow from the foot of the mountain to the east and west sides. The warm and humid air on the river valley meets the cold air, which makes the climate unpredictable. Local Tibetans call it "the god of snow mountains". Today’s aim is the Meili Snow Mountain and its Mingyong Glacier. Get up early. If the weather is well, you can enjoy the glorious panoramic view of sunrise of Meili Snow Mountain. At this time, Kawakarpo Peak looks like covered in gold when the sun rises in the east, just like James Hilton wrote in "Lost Horizon". Then drive to Mingyong Glacier. First, hike about 8 Kilometers from the scenic area gate (2230 m) at the mountain foot through forests to Prince Temple (Taizi Miao, 2720 m). The Kawakarpo Peak and the magnificent Mingyong Glacier that is winding down the mountain are standing in behind of the Prince Temple and are occurring to your eyes. Continue walking up about 2.5 kilometers, you will reach Lotus Temple (Lianhua Si, 3100 m) and glacier observation platform (3000 m) where you have a wonderful and close view of Kawakarpo Peak and glacier landscape. Finally drive back to Feilai Si.

Overnight at Paradise View Hotel at Feilaisi (3400 m)

Breakfast

Meili Xueshan (Meili Snow Mountain)

DAY
9

Dechen – Markam – Zuogong

Drive in the Three Parallel Rivers Regions, central area of Hengduanshan Mountain Range. Leave Yunnan and enter Tibet

Drive to Markam, the first city of Tibet on this overland journey, where the Sichuan-Tibet Highway and Yunnan-Tibet Highway meet. You drive now in the Three Parallel Rivers Regions, which is consisted of Jinsha Jiang River, Nu Jiang River and Lancang Jiang River (Mekong) originated from the Tanggula Mountain Range of Tibetan Plateau flow in parallel southward. On the way cross three mountain passes: Joba (3880 m), Lawu (4358 m) and Dongda (5080 m).

378 km
8 hours
Overnight at Ji’an Dongri Hotel (3000 m)

Breakfast

Dongda Mountain

DAY
10

Zuogong – Bangda - Baxoi – Ranwu

Overcome 72-turn, stay be the beautiful Ranwu lake

Drive along upstream to Bangda, a town junction where Lhasa connects to the Chamdo-Kunming Highway. Keep drive across Yela Mountain (4,618 meters), then enter the famous 72-turn, it is the most tortuous road in Tibet. Afterwards drive to Ranwu Lake (Ngan Tso), a spectacularly crystal blue lake surrounded by snow peaks. As a part of Parlung Tsangpo River, Ranwu Lake is composed of Upper Ranwu Lake and Lower Ranwu Lake. And there is a large meadow between Upper Ranwu Lake and Lower Ranwu Lake. Parlung Tsangpo River originates from Laigu Glacier that is 40 km away from Ranwu Town. Walking along the Upper Ranwu Lake and Lower Ranwu Lake, you can enjoy the scenery of beautiful snow mountain and meadow, as well as village by the lake.

292 km
5 hours 32 minutes
Overnight at Ranwu International Self-Driving Camp (3200 m)

Breakfast

Winding Mountain Road

DAY
11

Ranwu – Midui – Bome - Lulang

Midui Glacier, Parlung Tsangpo, Lulang Town

Drive to Bomi along Ranwu valley. On the way, visit Midui Glacier which is consisted of beautiful Tibetan village, farm fields, snow mountains, glaciers, forests, lakes, etc. Midui Glacier is on the upstream of Midui River and melting glacier flows into Midui River and then into Parlung Tsangpo River. Midui Glacier is the most important marine glacier in Tibet and the lowest elevation glacier in China. The main peak of the glacier is 6800 meters above sea level and its snow line is only 4600 meters above sea level. From Ranwu to Bomi, about 100 km, is the most beautiful part of this overland tour. Driving along the Parlung Tsangpo River and enjoying the beautiful primitive landscape of snow mountains, forests and rivers. Drive down a few hundred meters then reach the lowland jungle settlement of Tongmai. Pass by Guxianghu Lake (2600 m) and Tongmai Bridge, through the Tongmai No. 1 Tunnel, finally reach Lulang Town. Leisurely walking in the natural oxygen bar - Lulang.

305 km
5 hours 36 minutes
Overnight at Lulang Zhujiang International Hotel (3700 m)

Breakfast

Lulang Forest

DAY
12

Lulang - Linzhi - Basum Tso

Overlook Gyala Pelri and Namjabarwa, Buchu monastery, Lamaling temple, Ancient Giant Cypress Forest, Niyang River, Basum Tso Lake

After breakfast, drive through picturesque Lulang Forest. When crossing Serkhyem La Pass (Seji La, 4,515 m) you will have spectacular views of Mount Gyala Pelri (7,150 m) and Mount Namchak Barwa (Namjabarwa, 7,782 m), when the weather is so fine. During downhill, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Niyang River valley and the panorama of Lingzhi. Before arrive in Linzhi (Nyingtri, 2900 m) visit the two neighboring monasteries: From the golden roof of the Buchu monastery to view the unique scenery of the Lamaling temple. After the visit of Ancient Giant Cypress Forest, drive along the Niyang River to the Basum Tso Lake, a holy lake of Nyingma school. More than 6000 m high snow-covered mountains’ reflection images make the lake very cinematic. It is no doubt that the main actor is Tsodzong Monastery on the Tashi Island. Hike on the island to visit Tsodzong Monastery. If you are interested, you can continue to walk by Basum Tso, enjoy the snow mountain and thick forest, and enter the Jieba Village that maintains pure Gongbo style. Basum Tso is located in Gongbo’gyamda County. The Tibetans who live in Gongbo’gyamda County are called “Gongbo people” by other Tibetan people. They have their own costume, special buildings, different festivals, and even different dialect. Visiting a family at Jieba Village, you will be treated warmly by them.

222 km
3 hours 29 minutes
Overnight at Himalaya Basum Tso Resort (3500 m)

Breakfast

Namjabarwa

DAY
13

Basum Tso – Gandan – Lhasa

Mi La Mountain Pass. Gandan Monastery. Welcome in Lhasa!

Drive over the impressive Mi La Mountain Pass (4865 m) to Lhasa (3650 m), capital of Tibet Autonomous Region. On the way visit Gandan Monastery. It was built in 1409 by Tsongkapa, the founder of the Gelugpa of Tibetan Buddhism. Gandan, Drepung and Sera are the three largest monasteries in Lhasa. And Gandan is the place where Tsongkapa passed away. Therefore, it has the highest reputation of all the monasteries of the Gelugpa. If you are interested, you can walk along the pilgrimage way to the left and right hillsides of Gandan Monastery to visit Tsongkhapa’s meditation cave and enjoy the panorama of Gandan Monastery and magnificent scenery of Lhasa River valley.

363 km
6 hours 30 minutes
Overnight at 4*Snow Heaven International Grand Hotel (3650 m)

Breakfast

Gandan Monastery

DAY
14

Lhasa

Potala Palace – landmark of Lhasa, Jokhang and Barkhor Street

In the morning visit Potala, 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.

Overnight at 4*Snow Heaven International Grand Hotel

Breakfast

Potala Palace

DAY
15

Lhasa

Panoramic view over Potala, Norbulingka, Debate in Sera

In the morning visit Parla Lupu Cave Monastery, located on the slopes of Yaowang Mountain, was built in the 7th century. It is 22m high and from here you can have a wonderful panoramic view over Potala palace. Afterwards visit Norbulinka, the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas. In the afternoon visit Sera Monastery, which was created in 1419 and has always been an important Buddhist seminary. It is also one of the six master monasteries of the Gelugpa. As rose are planted everywhere in the monastery, it is also called “the court of wild rose”. Today still 200 lamas live in there. You have the opportunity to experience the famous monks' "Buddhism scriptures debates". Public religious debates are part of the education of monks.

Overnight at 4*Snow Heaven International Grand Hotel

Breakfast

Debate in Sera Monastery

DAY
16

Leave Tibet

Travel to next destination

Today transfer to airport or railway station, leave Tibet.

Breakfast

Barkhor Street

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With individual China Tibet travel, you can decide when, where and how you go on tour by yourself. What's more, you can choose the length of travel and whom you go with.

Information

Hotel, program and itinerary are subjected to change with prior notice.
We must point out that you counter a basic tourism infrastructure in this region. You stay overnight mostly at simple hotel. Long journeys on bad roads and on high altitude and delays require good physical fitness, resilience and flexibility of the participants. Program and route changes due to unforeseen events are expressly reserved. If you desire the unknown and have an understanding of contingency, this is the right trip for you.
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