This is truly the ‘journey of a lifetime’, combining two amazing countries, China and Nepal, with a week spent in mystical Tibet.
Starting in southern China we begin the journey in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province. Yunnan Province has many attractions ranging from rich cultures to historic towns and magnificent alpine scenery. We also have time to appreciate the beauty of the region by enjoying a trek through Tiger Leaping Gorge.
We then fly north and visit Chengdu, where we see endangered giant pandas in a special breeding centre. The fabled mountain province of Tibet beckons with its alpine pastures and ancient monasteries. We visit Lhasa and its fabulous Potala Palace, before continuing to Gyantse, Shigatse and driving up to the Base Camp of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest. Finally crossing the mighty Himalaya to Nepal, we reach our final destination, Kathmandu.
Itinerary
| Day 1 |
(Fri) Arrive in Kunming and transfer to hotel. |
| Days 2-5 |
Walking tour of Kunming. Bus to Dali. Free time in Dali. Bus to Lijiang. Free time to walk around Old Town. |
| Days 6-8 |
Bus to Tiger Leaping Gorge. Two-day trek through gorge. Bus to Zhongdian. |
| Day 9 |
Tour to Songzanlin Monastery and surrounding valley. Visit Tibetan family. |
| Day 10 |
Fly to Kunming, then fly to Chengdu. |
| Days 11-12 |
Giant panda breeding centre. Fly to Lhasa. |
| Days 13-14 |
Visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery. Free day. |
| Days 15-17 |
Drive to Gyantse. Walking tour of Gyantse. Drive to Shigatse. Tashilhunpo Monastery. |
| Day 18 |
Drive to Shegar via Gyatso-la Pass. |
| Days 19-20 |
Day trip to Everest Base Camp and Rongphu Monastery. Drive to Zhangmu. |
| Day 21 |
Cross border to Nepal. Drive to Kathmandu. |
| Day 22 |
Pashupatinath Temple and Bodhnath Stupa. |
| Day 23 |
Trip ends in Kathmandu this morning (Sat). |