From Kunming you reach Dali, which is
located between the Erhai Lake and the Canqshan range, the subsequent
trip leads you to East Tibet where experience various landscapes. The
Jade-Dragon Snow-Mountain and the Tiger Jumping Gorge in Lijiang are
probably the most famous scenic spot in Yunnan Province. On markets you
get to know peoples of the Bai and Naxi minorities who still partly
carry their own colorful national costumes. The visit to some of the
temples will repay your long-time stop here.
You reach Gyalthang (Zhongdian), which is situated in the east edge of
Himalaya Range with an altitude of 3330 m above sea level. Here you
visit Sumsanling (the city of monasteries) and trek to the isolated
Dabao Temple. Another route leads you through the Hengduan Range to
Dechen and then along the Mekong River to Markam, a small town in Tibet
near the boarder between Tibet and Sichuan Province. It will take you
six days to cross over the Tibetan Plateau to Lhasa along the so called
Sichuan-Tibet-Highway, with Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province as
a start point. During this journey Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, tents
of the herdsmen as well as lonely landscape with its overwhelming beauty
appear now and then.
In Lhasa you visit the Potala Palace, which was founded in 637 by
Songtsen Gampo, the first king of the united Tibet, the summer residence
of the Dalai Lama as well as two monastic schools: Drepung Monastery and
Sera Monastery. Pelkor Monastery famed for its splendid Tibetan Buddhist
art in Gyangtse and Tashilunpo monastery the seat of the Panchan Lamas
in Shigatse are the most famous spots to visit at the end of the
adventurous journey in Tibetan Plateau. Finally you reach Kathmandu - a
high lights for itself.
Day01: Flight to Kunming
Day02: Arrive in Kunming 2N in 3*Weilong Hotel
Today arrive in Kunming and transfer to the hotel. Kunming, capital of
Yunnan province, is also called "Spring City" due to its fine
climate all year round. Yunnan in Chinese means "to the south of
the clouds". This multinational city is famed for its fascinating
multicolored street picture and numerous day and night markets.
Day03: Kunming B/L
After the breakfast visit the Lunan Stone Frost about 125 kilometers to
the east of Kunming, which enjoys its distinct landscapes and unveils
the best out of the wonders of the Karst topography. The Lunan
Autonomous county is a home of the Sani minority. This Karst Stone Frost
with an area of 270 sq km, appeared approximately 270 million years ago
when the crust of earth lifted and the original endless sea allowed to
disappear. The bizarre line stone rocks feature in various formation and
some of them tower above to 30 m high.
Day04: Kunming - Dali 240 km 2N in 3*Asia Star
Hotel B/L
In the morning visit the Dian Chi Lake and go sailing above the water
by a boat. Other arrangements are the Xi Shan (West Mountain), the Long
Men (the Gate of Dragon), HuaTing Si (a Buddhist monastery), as well as
San Qing Ge ("Pavilion of the Three Purity", a Taoist temple).
In the afternoon drive to Dali, where stroll in the alleys of the
ancient small town and then visit San Ta Si (Three Pagoda Temple) in the
northwest outskirts of Dali.
Day05: Dali B/L
The well preserved ancient city gates and the historic buildings have
shown the city's long history. In the afternoon visit the Erhai Lake in
the east of the city. The lake with an area of 249 square kilometers, is
40 km long and surrounded by high mountains such as Cang Shan (the Azure
Mountain) being 4122 m. high in the sky. Undertake a bicycle tour by the
beautiful lake.
Day06: Dali - Lijiang 200 km 2N in 3*Grand
Lijiang Hotel B/L
Drive northwards approx. 200 km to Lijiang by the Erhai Lake. With an
altitude of 2600 m above sea level on Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, Lijiang is
located in the Naxi Minority Autonomous County of Yunnan Province. The
city had a 800-year-old history and is the only city where the Nazi
ethnic minority reside. It is famous for its old wooden houses and the
layout of the town's streets. The cobblestones are seen here and there
in the city as one walks. In the late afternoon visit Hei Long Tan
(Black Dragon Pool), which is located in the northern foot of the
Elephant Hill. The summits of the snowy mountain nearby are clearly
reflected in this pond. In addition, visit a five-arch marble bridge and
different pavilions, for example, the Tower Five Phoenix.
Day07: Lijiang B/L
First drive northwards 30 km to the Yulong Xueshan (Jade-Dragon
Snow-Mountain), which is 5596 m high and at the south edge of the
Tibetan Plateau. This mountain has long been admired as "kingdom of
forests" or "treasure of house vegetation" with rare
birds and animals moving and flying about in it. In the mountain visit
Yu Feng Si (a Buddhist monastery complex). The giant camellia in the
monastery is more than 500 years old and has gained the fame of 10,000
Flowers Camellia due to its flourishing flowers every year. Afterwards
visit Baisha village of Naxi minority where about 350 Buddhism mural
paintings made between 14th and 17th century are preserved.
Day08: Lijiang - Zhongdian 220 km 2N in
3*Diqing Hotel B/L/D
Continue the journey to Tibet and come to Jinsha Jiang River (Golden
Sand River), the upper reaches of the Yangtse River (the longest river
of China, 6380 km) In the15 km long Tiger Jumping Gorge, as the
turbulent water of the Jinsha Jiang River is forced by Hailuo Shan
standing in its way to turn abruptly 100 degrees north east eards and
thus gives birth of the "First Bend of the Yangtse River".
Here the cliffs on the west bank of the river is 4000 meters above from
the surface of the water, while a giant rock, just called Tiger Jumping
Gorge of 300 cubic meters or so, is laying in the middle of the river to
cause the waves up to the sky. In the afternoon arrive in Zhongdian,
which is 3200 m above sea level situated close to the border between
Yunnan and Tibet. Most of the residents here are Tibetans.
Day09: Zhongdian B/L/D
In the morning visit the Sumsanling Monastery, which was created in
1679 by the Fifth Dalai lama. In 1958 the monastery complex still
accommodated about 1300 monks of the Gelugpa Sect. It is a pity that in
1959 this monastery was almost completely devastated during the tragic
Civilization Revolution. Anyhow it was systematic reconstructed in 1982.
Today several hundred monks in the prayer halls do their Buddhist
exercises again. Characterized by Its Han-Chinese and Tibetan
construction style, the monastery with an area of 34 ha is considered as
the most important monastery of Gelukpa-sect in Yunnan province. The
mural paintings and wood carvings in the monastery are quite fine. On
29th of November every year in Chinese traditional lunar calendar an
important religious party called Gedong-party is held here. People dance
with masks to pray for luck of the next year. In the afternoon walk to
visit Dabao Si Monastery, which is situated on a hill with an altitude
of 3.300 m above sea level. The flying streamers around the monastery
and the approx. 2 km long Mani-stone will impress you deeply.
Day10: Zhongdian - Dechen 190 km 1N in
2*Kawagebo Hotel B/L/D
Drive
through parts of the Hengduan Range along the Jinsha Jiang River. Have a
break in a beautiful small town named Benzilan. Finally arrive at Dechen
where visit a Tibetan monastery. Here far view Meili Xueshan, the
highest peak in Yunnan Province, with an altitude of 6740 m above sea
level. This peak is called "Kawagebo" by Tibetan compatriots,
which means "the white snowy mountain" in Tibetan language.
Regarded as one of the "Eight Buddhist Mountains" and the "Divine
Mountain and Holy land", every year the Buddhist followers from
Tibet, Sichuan, Yunnan, and Qinghai trek thousands of miles to pay
religious homage to it.
Day11: Dechen - Markam Jeep 220 km 1N in simple
Guest house B/L/D
Go on northwards along the Langcang Jiang River valley, the upper
reaches of the Mekong River. After a lunch break in the Mekong valley,
pass the border between Yunnan and Tibet, and then arrive at Yanjing
country. In the afternoon reach Markam, a small city on the important
Sichuan-Tibet-Highway (Chengdu - Lhasa).
Day12: Markam - Bangda Jeep 330 km 1N in very
simple Guesthouse B/L/D
From the most eastern corner of Tibet, start westwards in direction of
Lhasa on the northern side of the Nyenchentangla Shan Range. Driving
along the circular mountain roads will last several days. Pass by
Zuogong and in the evening arrive in Bangda.
Day13: Bangda - Chamdo Jeep 210 km 1N in
3*Chamdo Hotel B/L/D
Drive up over the first high pass, the Chuma Shankou Pass (4360 m).
Then drive down along the Mekong valley, which leads us to Chamdo. From
now on there is still 1066 km to Lhasa. Chamdo (3200 m) was the former
capital of Kham in East-Tibetan area. Here visit Galden Jampaling
monastery, which was built in the 15th century and the biggest monastery
of Gelugpa sect in East-Tibetan area Kham. In Its earlier prime time
there were more than 1000 monks in the monastery.
Day14: Chamdo - Dengchen Jeep 250 km 1N in
simple Guesthouse B/L/D
Drive over the Zholpel La pass (4690 m), through the Ngamda village in
Dzi Chu and up to a small town of Ratsaka. On the way visit the Chamdo
Jampaling monastery, where now 300 monks live again. Finally reach
Dengchen.
Day15: Dengchen - Bachen Jeep 260 km 1N in
simple Guesthouse B/L/D
Dengchen is the centre of the Boen-religion, which is a primitive
religion based on ancient witchcraft and the worship to god and ghost,
and was spread through the whole Tibet before the Buddhism was
introduced into Tibetan area. Here visit two monasteries: Tengchen and
Ritro Lhakhang. After master Tsuri La Pass (4200 m) and Shel La Pass
(4750 m), arrive at Bachen.
Day16: Bachen - Nagqu Jeep 270 km 1N in 1*Nagqu
Hotel B/L/D
Drive along the Sok Tsanden Zhol village, and during the journey stop
to visit two monasteries of Nyimpa sect: Sok Tsanden Gonpa and Kapgye
Lhakhang. After that cross over two passes and reach the city of
Shakchuka. Still just 100 km and two other passes have to be mastered
before arrive at the today's destination: Nagqu (270 km).
Da17: Nagqu - Lhasa Jeep 350 km 3N in
3*Shambala Hotel B/L/D
Nagqu is a small town on the Qinghai-Tibet-Highway, which starts from
Golmud of Qinghai province and ends in Lhasa. The two main temples in
Nagqu are the Zhabten Gonpa of Nyingmapa-sect and xxxx of Gelugpa sect.
Drive over the Kyogche La Pass (4900 m) and go down to Damxung. Finally
conquer the 7177 m high Nyenchentangla Range. After pass by Yangbajing,
successfully reach Lhasa, capital of Tibet Autonomous Region. The city,
with an altitude of 3700 m above sea level, is situated on the bank of
the Kyichu River and has long been the "Holy Land" of Tibet.
Day18:
Lhasa B/L
Visit Jokhang monastery, the center of the Tibetan Buddhism and the
sacred land of Buddhist followers where innumerable pilgrims come for
worship everyday. The temple, built in 647, is the earliest
wood-and-masonry structure still existing in Tibet. Walk on the Barkor
street around Jokhang, a big free market with its prolific stalls for
selling local specialties. In the afternoon visit Norbulingka, which
means "the garden of treasures" in Tibetan language. Located
in the west suburbs of Lhasa, this palace complex was built in the 18th
century and served as the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas.
Day19: Lhasa B/L
In the morning visit Potala, which was constructed in 637 by Songtsen
Gampo, the first king of the united Tibet and later served as the winter
residence of the Dalai Lamas. Situated on Mt. Marpori, this 130 meter
high 13-storey building is the highest ancient palace complex on earth.
It spreads across an area of 410,000 sq km. with about one thousand of
splendidly decorated rooms as well as innumerable Buddhist scriptures,
statues and mural paintings. In the afternoon go on an excursion to the
monasteries of Drepung and Sera. Drepung Monastery was built in 1416 and
has always been the seat of the Dalai Lamas before the reconstruction of
the Potala Palace by the Fifth Dalai Lama. During the prime period in
history, the lamas in the monastery were up to 10,000 people. Maybe that
is why it is also called "heap of rice" by Tibetans. Sera
monastery, created in 1419, has always been an important Buddhist
seminary. As rose are planted everywhere in the monastery, it is also
called "the court of wild rose". Today still 200 lamas live in
there.
Day20: Lhasa - Gyantse 260 km 1N in 2*Gyantse
Hotel B/L/D
Leave Lhasa for Gyantse. Pass by the Yamdrok Lake, the third-biggest
holy lake in Tibet and a wonderful place for taking photos. Cross over
Kangpa-La Pass (5000 m) on the way and in the late afternoon arrive in
Gyantse, which lies on the bank of the Nyang-River.
Day21: Gyantse - Shigatse 90 km 1N in
3*Shigatse Hotel B/L/D
In the morning visit Kumbum Pagoda (100-Thousand-Buddha Pagoda) as well
as Pelkor Monastery famed for its splendid Tibetan Buddhist art, both of
them being built in the15th century. Drive to Shigatse, the second
largest city with 40,000 inhabitants in Tibet. There visit Tashilunpo
monastery of Gelukpa sect, the seat of the Panchan Lamas and one of the
six grand monasteries in Tibet region. In the monastery the biggest
gilded statue of Maitreya (Buddha of the future) in China is enshrined.
In Tibet Buddism, Panchen Lama is just the embodiment of Maitreya
Buddha.
Day22: Shigatse - Xegar 270 km 1N in
1*Qomolangma Hotel B/L/D
Drive westwards on the Tibetan Plateau and cross over several passes -
the highest one, Jiatsuo La Pass being 5200 m high. Road conditions
permitting, go on an excursion (about 25 km) to the Sakya Monastery
(4280 m). The monastery, built by Kublai Khans, is one of the oldest and
most important monasteries in Tibet. Finally arrive at Xegar (4300 m).
Day23: Xegar - Zhangmu 1N in 1*Zhangmu Hotel
B/L/D
During the journey far view Cho Oyu, Mt. Everest and Shishapangma the
highest mountains in the world. Drive over the Thang-La Pass (5214 m) to
Nylam. Afterwards visit the meditation cave of Milarepas. Milarepas, the
yogi, has played an important role in the religious life of Tibet and
his teachings still influence the people everywhere.
Day24: Zhangmu - Kathmandu 140 km 2N in
3*Gangjong Hotel B/L
Cross
the border between Tibet and Nepal to Kathmandu, capital of Nepal. The
city lies in the southern foot of the Himalaya Range. The geographic
location and the people here are quite different from those of Tibetan
cities. Surely find many new things.
Day25 Kathmandu B/L
Optional excursions in Kathmandu: a visit to the historic centres of
three king's cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur or a visit to the
sanctuaries of Pashupatinath, Bodhnath and Swayambunath.
Day26: Flight Kathmandu - home B
Today transfer to the airport and fly back home.
