Overview
Itinerary
Fly overnight to the relaxed city of Kunming, also known as the 'City of Eternal Spring'. (D)
This morning, meander through the formations of the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest and visit the Western Hills. Return to Kunming and tuck into local delicacy 'Across the Bridge' noodles for dinner. (B/L/D)
Drive to Dali, a charming town that offers a peek into bygone China. Wander the ancient quarter and see the magnificent Three Pagodas. (B/L)
Weibaoshan is one of the Taoist religion's most sacred mountains and has twenty temples dotted on its forested slopes. Take a scenic walk and discover a handful of these temples and meet with a Taoist priest who will introduce you to Taoist meditation techniques. (B/L)
Drive to Shaxi ancient town, nestled deep in the Himalayan foothills. Learn about the fascinating minority people who live in the area and enjoy a local lunch. Continue to Lijiang and spend the evening wandering the old town. (B/L)
A magnificent mountain, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain soars to 5,500 metres. Taking a cable car, explore one of the stunning high meadows and enjoy the amazing vistas. Admire the fascinating Ming Dynasty frescoes at Baisha and see the intricate creations of the embroidery school. Next, meet a Shaman who will teach you to write the forgotten language of Dongba Pictograms. (B/L/D)
Visit Black Dragon Pool Park for magnificent views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Journey to the 3,000-metre-deep Tiger Leaping Gorge. With its backdrop of snow-capped mountains, it is one of China's most extraordinary sights. Continue to the Tibetan monastery town of Zhongdian, also known as Shangri-La. Visit Dafo Temple and spend some free time exploring the old town. (B/L)
Visit Songzanlin Monastery before hiking 2-3 hours to Napa Hai. Here you are surrounded by towering mountains and lush grasslands brimming with flora and fauna. Next, visit a rural Tibetan-style village where you will learn about the villagers' way of life, make butter tea and taste home-cooked dishes. (B/L/D)
Fly to Lhasa, the heart and soul of Tibet. The afternoon is free to relax and acclimatise to the altitude. (B/D)
Wander around the Barkhor Circuit to see traditionally dressed locals, stalls of religious trinkets and prostrating pilgrims. Inside the Jokhang Temple, the devotion is palpable as queues of people worship in the flickering light of yak butter candles. There will also be a visit to Sera Monastery, one of the three great monasteries of Tibet, to witness the debating monks. Tonight, enjoy a Tibetan dinner and dance. (B/L/D)
The Potala Palace is an architectural wonder, towering over the city. The former winter palace of the Dalai Lama, it houses thousands of rooms filled with old treasures. Next, explore Norbulingka, the summer residence of the Dalai Lama, set in parkland just outside the city. (B/L/D)
Travel across Tibet's dramatic plains to the town of Gyantse. Journey over the Gampala Pass, stopping to take in sweeping views of Yamdrok Lake and the towering Karola Glacier. (B/L/D)
Explore Gyantse Kumbum located inside the Pelkor Monastery. Visit a traditional folk house for some home brewed 'chang'. Visit Dzong Castle then drive to Shigatse. (B/L/D)
Dominated by a fort reminiscent of the Potala, Shigatse is Tibet's second city and the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery and join the pilgrims on their evening 'kora' of the monastery. Enjoy some free time to explore the local markets. (B/L/D)
Return to Lhasa for an evening free at your own leisure. (B/L)
Fly to Chengdu in Sichuan Province. (B)
Visit Chengdu's famous Panda Conservation Centre, stroll around People's Park, see Matchmaker's Corner and stop by a traditional teahouse. In the evening, enjoy Sichuanese cuisine followed by an option to see a 'facechanging' show. (B/L/D)
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same of following day. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Journey to Shangri-La
- Discover Shaxi ancient town
- Soak up mystical Lhasa
- Explore Tibet's temples
- Cross the Tibetan Plateau
- See Karola Glacier
- International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected)
- 3.5 - 4 star accommodation
- 17 Breakfasts, 14 Lunches, 11 Dinners
- Jinjiang Hotel, Kunming (4 star): JinJiang Hotel is located close to Kunming's main attractions. Each of its air conditioned, modern en-suite rooms include satellite television, a minibar, complimentary toiletries and tea making facilities. The hotel is home to one revolving restaurant as well as 6 dining options and a bar. The onsite fitness centre and spa is a highlight.
- Landscape Hotel, Dali Ancient Town, Yunnan (4 star): Landscape Hotel is a four-star business hotel situated inside the Dali Ancient Town, close to Dali railway station and Dali airport.
- Lijiang Wangfu Hotel, Lijiang (4 star): Ideally located in South Gate Square within the ancient city of Lijiang, the Lijiang Wangfu Hotel offers guests comfortable 4-star accommodation. Featuring ornate doorways and lanterns, and peaceful courtyards, you will feel truly immersed in your local surroundings. Each room features air-conditioning and Wi-Fi for your comfort and convenience.
- Shangri-laMao Yuan Hotel, Zhongdian (3 star): Located in the heart of the mountainous Shangri La county, and due to its close proximity to the local attractions of Guishan Park and Natural Bridge of Xianggelila, the 3-star Shangrila MaoYuan Hotel makes for a great choice of hotel. The rooms are clean and comfortable, with the hotel offering Wi-Fi and buffet breakfast.
- Metropolo Hotels, Lhasa (4 star): The 4-star Metropolo Hotels (Potala Palace store, Lhasa) offers a relaxing haven for travelers in Lhasa, integrating Chinese and Western elements. Conveniently situated, it is just 7km from Lhasa Railway Station and in close proximity to attractions like Potala Palace and Tibet Museum, adding to its appeal. Featuring a fitness area, restaurant, Wi-Fi and good quality toiletries, this is the perfect hotel to stay in Lhasa.
- Shiga Yangcha Grand Hotel, Shigatse (4 star): Formerly known as Tashi Choe Ta Hotel, this 4-star gem in Shigatse seamlessly blends Tibetan tradition with contemporary style. Enjoy a clean and comfortable stay in the spacious, air-conditioned rooms adorned in authentic Tibetan decor.
- Yeti Hotel, Gyantse (3 star): The charming 3-star Yeti Hotel ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience in the heart of Gyantse County. The hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, room service, and breakfast.
- Xin Liang Hotel, Chengdu (4 star): The 4-star Xin Liang Hotel is centrally located in the Chunxi Road Business District, adjacent to Tianfu Square, making it an ideal starting point for exploring Chengdu. The hotel draws inspiration from Bashu culture, seamlessly blending elegant and modern elements, providing a tranquil oasis in the bustling city. Featuring Wi-Fi and a continental breakfast, the property also provides rooms with soundproof windows, a work desk, refrigerator, and a flat-screen TV featuring satellite channels.
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 Jun 2025. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- Customary tipping amount of approximately RMB990pp (AU$215pp) is paid locally in China.
- Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
Wendy Wu's Go Beyond touring range are characterised by engaging cultural experiences, active adventures and getting off the beaten track. Read more
Wendy Wu include return international economy-class flights from Australia as part of their fully inclusive tours. Upgrades are available too! Read more
On all of our tours you will be escorted by a dedicated National Escort, tasked with the responsibility to keep you safe, happy, entertained and inspired. Read more
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Wendy Wu. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
