9 Days China Tibet Tour: Lijiang & Shangri-la to Lhasa Tour
Day 1 Arrive in Lijiang
Once your flight lands in Lijiang Sanyi International Airport, our professional guide and driver will meet you at the exit and transfer you to your hotel. There is no sightseeing arranged today so you can rest to recover from jet lag or do some expedition on your own.
Day 2 Lijiang Sightseeing [B]
Morning, you will have a tour in this UNESCO Lijiang Ancient Town, home to Naxi ethnic minority groups. You'll visit the Old Market Square-the core area of the town and once the haunt of local traders, and walk into the maze of cobbled alleys featured with plenty of arterylike canals and small stone bridges. Then you'll pay a visit to Mu Family Mansion-the “Forbidden City” of Lijiang with abundant fine arts inside. Afterwards, climb up to the top of Lion Hill & Wangu Tower where you can overlook the entire old town with panoramic view. You'll also have a chance to enjoy night life at delicate cafes and bars, and appreciate street artists, local snacks, etc. Overnight in Lijiang.
Day 3 Lijiang Sightseeing [B]
In the morning, you'll have a climbing tour to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain about 35km from downtown. Cable cars are available that ascend the mountain to an elevation of 4506m, from where you can walk uphill to view the glacier peak. Prepare warm clothes for the temperature can be cold up there. Afterwards, we head to the northern edge of town to visit the picturesque Black Dragon Pool Park, built in 1737. This lovely park also houses a Naxi Dongba Culture Museum, which is a good introduction to traditional Naxi lifestyle and religion. Overnight in Lijiang.
Day 4 Lijiang / Shangri-la Sightseeing [B]
Today, travel from Lijiang to Shangri-La. En route, you'll visit the marvelous Tiger Leaping Gorge, which is one of the world's deepest gorges and also famous as a classic trekking trail. The rushing water from the imposing Jinsha River flows into the narrow valley with a stone in the center. There is an old saying that the gorge is so narrow that a tiger was able to jump over to the other side of the river, so there the name came. Afterwards, continue another 2-hour drive to Shangri-La. Have a good rest after check in hotel to acclimatize the high elevation of 3200 meters.
Day 5 Shangri-la Sightseeing [B]
Today, first visit Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, which was built in 17th century with around 600 monks residing inside and is notable as the “Little Potala Palace”. And then you'll go and visit Pudacuo National Park. It's the first national park in China, which consists of alpine Bita Lake and Shudu Scenic Area with intriguing view of three parallel rivers and the well preserved virgin forests. Afterwards, drive back to the Old Town of Shangri La and have a tour to Guishan Temple. Stay overnight in Shangri-la.
Day 6 Fly to Lhasa [B]
Take a morning flight to Lhasa, and you will be greeted by your Tibetan guide once you arrive in Lhasa airport. From airport to Lhasa city is 68km, around one hour and half drive will take you to the holy city Lhasa. Afterwards, free time for relax, have a good rest and drink more water to acclimatize the high altitude on the plateau. Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 7 Lhasa Sightseeing [B]
Today, you'll have a tour to Lhasa's cardinal landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site-Potala Palace. Renowned as one of the great wonders on earth for its elaborate architecture built at an elevation of 3700m, this awe-inspiring palace will not disappoint you. In the afternoon, pay a visit to Jokhang Temple, the most respected shrine in Tibet. Thick with the smell of incense and yak butter, you'll witness a throng of prostrating pilgrims cramming out there. The temple is the masterpiece of Tibetan, Chinese and Nepalese architectural techniques. Then take a stroll around the Barkhor Street, the oldest bazaar in the city. You'll also enjoy a welcome dinner gathering with all travel mates in the group after the sightseeing activities. Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 8 Lhasa Sightseeing [B]
Morning, you'll visit Drepung Monastery, whichlocates about 8km west of central Lhasa and was once one of the world's largest monasteries with the population of around 10,000 monks in its heyday. Climb uphill through the whitewashed intersecting alleyways as well as the medieval chapels, and enjoy the panoramic view of the city on top of the mountain. In the afternoon, you'll have a chance to witness the famous 'Scriptures Debating' session at Sera Monastery, spectating their featured way of Buddhist dialectics and hand slapping in a landscaped courtyard with lush trees. Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 9 Fly back home [B]
Be prepared for your flight back to home. Your guide and driver will be on time to transfer you to the airport. Thanks for traveling with us. Hope to be at your service next time.