Exploring Yunnan and Tibet Cultural Tour Shanghai to Lhasa

About the Program:
Length: 17 days
Min/max: 8/15
Tour type: cultural adventure

The Yulong Snow Mountain Area in Yunnan Province is located in the south central region of China, immediately south of the Tibet Autonomous Region and Sichuan Province. The area is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, some of the best examples of both North and South China architecture, the first bend in the great Yangzi River, one of the world’s deepest gorges, the most ethnically diverse population, numerous Red Hat sect Buddhist monasteries and more.

This is a trip you will remember in vivid color: the towering white peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain set against a deep blue sky. Villages nestled in fields of bright green, and houses with pink ceramic tiled roofs turned up at the ends. The people are every bit as colorful as their surroundings, dressed in brightly embroidered or appliquéd headwear, aprons or capes that mark their various ethnic identities -- Dai, Naxi, Bai, Miao, Mosuo and Tibetan.

We have prepared this Yunnan and Tibet Exploration as an active experience of Southwestern China’s best natural and cultural history. Our company director, Ms. Yue Chi has traveled throughout the region and made first-hand arrangements for each day of the trip.

You will visit the ancient city of Lijiang, learn about the Naxi Culture and attend one of the nightly concerts given by Naxi musicians. The music they play has changed little in the past two thousand years.

From Lijiang, you will drive towards the little traveled Lugu Lake area passing by Tiger Leaping Gorge. We will spend a few days by this stunning plateau lake, which was formed by the downthrows of a geological fault, unexploited and unpolluted. This area is known for being the homeland of the indigenous Mosuo people, who still maintain their traditional matriarchal family structure.

Your last stop in Yunnan is Zhongdian, now named Shangri-La, in the Tibetan minority area of the province. In Zhongdian you will visit two monasteries and a number of Tibetan homes. From there, you will fly to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet.

Tibet , the fabled land of rebirth and enchantment, of legends and battles, of deeply-rooted Buddhism, is this trip’s final destination.

It is where towering snow-crowned peaks soar into an immaculate blue sky, and glacial run-offs give birth to Asia’s mightiest river systems: the Ganges, Indus, Mekong, Yellow and Yangtze; it is where nomads, shepherds and traders pushed their trails far into the mountains, claimed their kingdoms, and planted their crops in deep valleys or upon narrow terraces gouged out of steep hillsides. It is also a land coming to terms with change slowly and with difficulty, struggling to define its position and culture within China.

For the last few days in Tibet, you will visit monasteries, museums, small villages and local markets. Everywhere you will experience a rich taste of the Tibetan people’s daily life and their unique culture.

The trip is 18 days in length. Nights will be divided between comfortable hotels and colorful guesthouses. For those who have never visited China before, an optional extension to Beijing visiting the Great Wall and the ancient palaces can be added at the end of the trip.

DAILY ITINERARY

Day 1, Friday, May 19 Arrive Shanghai
Upon arrival in Shanghai, greeting at the airport and transfer to hotel. Welcome dinner and briefing of the program.
D Central Hotel or Park Hotel

Day 2, Saturday, May 20 Shanghai / Kunming
Morning walking tour of Shanghai’s legendary “Bund”. Then transfer to the airport and fly to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province. Will arrive Kunming in the early afternoon.
At an altitude of 1,890 meters (6,140 feet) temperature in Kunming is pleasantly mild, producing what is described as year-round springtime, which earns it the "City of Eternal Spring." There is a host of temples, tombs and monastery ruins scattered around the hills and plains that surround Kunming, reflecting this important city's 2,000-year history. Check in your centrally located hotel. Visit the Western Hillswith the magnificent Dragon Gateand Huating Temple before dinner,
B/L/D Green Lake Hotel or Harbour Plaza Hotel

Day 3, Sunday, May 21 Kunming / Lijiang
Morning walking tour in the Green Lake Park (Cuihu Gongyuan), one of the most picturesque parks in downtown Kunming. Late morning fly to Lijiang (40-minute flight). Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel in the old town. Afternoon is free to walk around in the old town of Lijiang.
B/L/D Sanhe Hotel

Day 4, Monday, May 22 Lijiang / Lugu Lake
The ancient town of Lijiang is the only Chinese city listed on UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage list. Situated on a plateau at an elevation of 2,600 meters and with a history of 1,300 years, it is the home to the people of Naxi nationality and their ancient Dongba culture.
With the snow-capped Jade Dragon Mountain as backdrop, the old town has adapted itself harmoniously to the natural scenery. The architecture is especially noteworthy for the blending of elements from several cultures that have come together over many centuries. Lijiang maintains an ancient water-supply system of great complexity and ingenuity that is still functioning effectively.
Morning walking tour of the old town and also visit the Black Dragon Pool Park. Start to drive towards Lugu Lake by late morning. The drive takes about 5 hours and we will stop en route to walk through some local market and villages. Upon arrival, check into a local hotel and visit a tradition Mosuo home for tea.
B/L/D Caita Hotel

Day 5, Tuesday, May 23 Lugu Lake
We will board a local wooden boat and start our exploration around the lake early in the morning. First visit to a small island where there is a Tibetan-style monastery. Then follow shore to Lige Village on a tranquilizing peninsula. Overnight at a local guesthouse of Mosuo style.
B/L/D Mosuo Guesthouse

Day 6, Wednesday, May 24 Lugu Lake
Today we will trek to the interior farm land and visit some Mosuo villages. B/L/D Mosuo Guesthouse

Day 7, Thursday, May 25 Lugu Lake
Enjoy some leisure time. Evening make a campfire and have a roast-pig banquet. B/L/D Mosuo Guesthouse

Day 8, Friday, May 26 Lugu Lake / Lijiang
Drive back to Lijiang and walk around the town. Attend a Dongba Music Performance in the evening.
B/L/D Sanhe Hotel

Day 9, Saturday, May 27 Lijiang / Zhongdian
Drive along the river gorge passing by rice fields and tea plantations, you will get to Zhongdian, known as the “Shangri-La” , located in a Tibetan minority area of Yunnan. Visit the old town in the afternoon and overnight at a very colourful Tibetan-style hotel.
B/L/D Gyalthang Dzong Hotel

Day 10, Sunday, May 28 Zhongdian / Lhasa
Morning transfer to the airport and fly to Lhasa. The flight takes about 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, transfer to the city and check into a local hotel right by the Bakhor Market. Rest for remainder of the day.
B/L/D Kichu Hotel or Gorkha Hotel

Day 11, Monday, May 29 Lhasa
Morning visit Jokhang monastery, the centee 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.
Afternoon visit Norbulingka. Located in the west suburbs of Lhasa, this palace-park complex was built in the 18th century and served as the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas.
B/L/D Kichu Hotel or Gorkha Hotel

Day 12, Tuesday, May 30 Lhasa
Morning visit the Museum of Tibet. Afternoon visit Sera Monastery and witness the religious debate.
B/L/D Kichu Hotel or Gorkha Hotel

Day 13, Wednesday, May 31 Lhasa
Morning visit the stunning Potala Palace, which was constructed in 637 by Songtsen Gampo, the first king of the united Tibet and which later served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas.
Afternoon at leisure. Dinner will be organized with a traditional Tibetan banquet. B/L/D Kichu Hotel or Gorkha Hotel

Day 14, Thursday, June 01 Lhasa/Tsedang
Drive to Tsedang, ancient capital of Tibet. En route visit local villages.
B/L/D Tsedang Hotel

Day 15, Friday, June 02 Tsedang
Today we cross the Tsangpo River by ferry to visit the Samye and Mindroling Monastery, the only remaining monastery of the Red Hat sect, the oldest and most unchanged sect of Tibetan Lamaism. Farewell dinner. B/L/D Tsedang Hotel

Day 16, Saturday, June 03 Tsedang/Beijing
Morning depart for the airport and fly to Beijing. Remainder of the day at leisure. B/L Novotel or Peace Hotel

Day 17, Sunday, June 04 Beijing/Home City
At leisure till transfer to the airport for your return flight. You will arrive home on the same calendar day. B