12 Days Yunnan to Tibet Overland Road Tour

Day 1: Lijiang Arrival

Today we will land in Lijiang. Our guide and driver will welcome you at airport/train station and then transfer to hotel to get some rest. You can enjoy the leisure time on your own afterwards.

Day 2: Lijiang-Shangrila

In the morning we will depart from Lijiang and then drive towards Shangrila via Tiger Leaping Gorge. On the way, we will pay a short visit to the First Bend of Yangtze River, as its name denotes, is the spot where the south running river suddenly turns northward due to changes in the shape of the nearby mountain ranges which form a mammoth V shape at this spot. Then later we will reach the stunning Tiger Leaping Gorge. The gorge is known as the 'First Gorge of the Yangtze River', the gorge become famous after American pilot Rock's three fly experiences here and his photos of the gorge shocked the world. Since then, the Tiger Leaping Gorge has become the holy land for outdoor adventure fans. After reaching Shangrila, we will visit the Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan province. Construction began in 1679 and was completed in 1681. During the monasteries golden age over 3,000 monks lived and studied there. Built along the mountains with a magnificent facade, the monastery is a faithful imitation of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet.

Distance: about 200km, 4hrs

Meal: B

Day 3: Shangrila-Feilaisi

Departing from Shangrila in the morning and we will reach Napa Lake. It is both an ideal field for herdsmen and a paradise for many species of birds. This is, in the true sense, a seasonal lake. When summer comes, snow on the adjacent mountains melts and flows down into about ten rivers forming a vast lake. Then we will continue to drive on the Tea Horse Ancient Path and get to First Bend of Jinsha River of Benzilan. After crossing snow mountains and passes, we will reach the Feilaisi View Platform, where offers great view of Meili Snow Mountain.

Distance: about 200km, 4hrs
Meal: B

Day 4: Feilaisi-Salt Well-Mangkang

Today we will meet at your hotel in Feilaisi and start the epic overland trip from Yunnan to Tibet. Driving along the ancient Tea Horse path and pay a visit to the Mangkang Salt Well. On the side of the Lancang River, there is salty brine on the mountain here, forming a salt well. The production methods of the past are still maintained here. Viewed from the air, the salt ponds show different colors. In addition, there is also the only Catholic church in Tibet. Time permitting, you can also enjoy famous Quzika Hot Spring (hot spring fee not included). Then we will continue drive to Mangkang to stay overnight.

Distance: about 210km, 6hrs

Meal: B

Day 5: Mangkang-Zuogong-Bangda-Basu

After breakfast, we will depart from Mangkang and pass Wula Mountain (4376m) going all the way to Jueba Mountain (3940m) and Dongda Mountain (5008m). Pass via Zuogong we will reach Bangda Grassland, the most important natural pasture in eastern Tibet. It's home to many wild animals like yaks, horses, birds, etc. thanks to its rich grasslands and abundant water resources. Later we will cross the Yela Mountain (4839m) to the famous 72 Bends and continue to Basu for overnight.

Distance: about 360km, 8hrs

Meal: B

Day 6: Basu-Ranwu-Midui Glacier-Bomi

In the morning, we will start again. Drive pass Anjiula Pass (4468m) and you can enjoy the snow mountain, forest and villages on the way. Later we will reach the Ranwu Lake. Rawu Lake is a typical seasonal glacial lake in Chamdo. The lake has an area of 22,000 square km, with an elevation of 3,850 meters. People always say that Ranwu Lake, together with Lhegu Glacier is a perfect combination of Alps of Swiss and Jiuzaigou. After the arrival, the picturesque view will definitely drive away your fatigues, the upright high peaks, white glaciers, blue lake, green grassland, floating clouds and lush forests. Later on, we will proceed to Bomi via Midui Glacier, 1 of the most beautiful glaciers in China. It is the most important type Marine glaciers in Tibet, is also the world's lowest glacier, and rewarded by China National Geography as one of the six most beautiful glaciers in China. At the end of the glacier on both sides of the mountain towering piton, snow-capped mountains and clouds interweave together, what make people exclaiming. Time permitting, we will do some leisure hike around nearby. Then we will drive to Bomi.

Distance: about 240km, 6.5hrs

Meal: B

Day 7: Bomi-Lulang-Nyingchi

After breakfast, we will drive from Bomi to Lulang and pay a visit to the Tashi Gang Village, where you can get to know more about Tibetan culture, life and religions. The endless countryside of fields filled with green barley and yellow rapeseed make it the most picturesque village in Tibet, made up of a handful of small Tibetan block houses. Later on, we will proceed to Lulang Forest. Known as the "Switerland in East", this region is covered by shrubs, spruces and pine trees. On the way to Nyingchi, we will have a panorama view of Mt. Namcha Barwa (7782m) at Sejila Mountain Pass (4728m), one of the most amazing mountains in China. Finally, we will reach Nyingchi, the biggest city in eastern Tibet.

Distance: about 230km, 6hrs

Meal: B

Day 8: Nyingchi-Kading Valley-Basumtso

Today we will visit Kading Valley. Best known for its astonishing 200 meter waterfall titled “Heavenly Buddha,” this peaceful land is an optimal place for meditation, or even just enjoying your lunch with your travel companions. The name Kading translates to “Heaven on Earth,” which makes sense given its connection to the Buddhist faith. Later we will proceed to the Xiuba Castle. It actually incorporates five castles of the original seven built here, the oldest of which was constructed from wood and stone in the 4th century. This site is the most famous scenic resort in the Niyang River Scenic Belt. Lastly we will visit the famous Basumtso Lake, 1 of Tibet’s most beautiful scenic spots. It lies in Gongbo’gyamda County and is an alpine lake on the mid-upper reaches of the Bar River, the largest tributary of the Niyang River.

Distance: about 165km, 4hrs

Meal: B

Day 9: Basumtso-Ganden Monastery-Lhasa

Today we will drive along the Niyang River back to Lhasa via Ganden Monastery. Niyang River is the longest tributary of the Yarlung Zangbo River. Ganden Monastery is the main seat of Geluk order, situated at an elevation of 3800m above sea level. Time permitting you can also follow the Ganden Lingkor (circle) to trek a little bit and you can see the Great Tsongkapa’s meditation cave and the beautiful view of Lhasa valley. Go to Lhasa city for overnight.

Distance: about 400km, 8hrs

Meal: B

Day 10: Lhasa

Today, you will explore two distinctive Monastery in Lhasa, Drepung Monastery and Sera, both offering a unique insight into Tibetan Buddhism. You will visit the Buddhist halls, Buddhist colleges, and the monks' kitchen, witnessing how they engage in special debates to study Buddhist teachings. Sera Monastery (no debate on Sunday) is renowned for its lively Buddhist debates, showcasing the essence of Tibetan Buddhism. Monks employ exaggerated body language, engaging in dance-like discussions about Buddhist philosophy, demonstrating their knowledge in a spirited manner.

Meal: B

Day 11: Lhasa

Today, let's explore into the treasures of Lhasa, the Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama and acclaimed as the world's highest palace. The Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street, the Center of Tibetan Faithboth, both designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Potala Palace, towering majestically over the red hills in the center of Lhasa, was once the religious and political center of Tibet. As you climb the 365 steps to the main building, you'll explore the Dalai Lama's former political hall, the prayer halls, and the tomb stupa. Here, you'll encounter remarkable murals and exquisite Buddha statues, showcasing the accumulated wealth and treasures of ancient Tibet. The Jokhang Temple, revered for housing the 12-year-old statue of Shakyamuni, is considered the holiest site in Tibet and a lifelong pilgrimage destination for Tibetans. You can join the pilgrims to walk in Barkhor Street and experience the soul of the city. The guide can also accompany you to a local Tibetan teahouse, if you would like to experience the local butter tea.

Meal: B

Day 12: Lhasa Departure

Today we will send you to Lhasa airport depending on the flight/train schedule.Tour ends. Safe flight back home.

Meal: B