Yunnan Tibet Cultural Tour

Today you will fly to Kunming. On arrival, your private guide will be ready to welcome you at the arrival hall, and transfer to your hotel with a private car and driver. Your guide will help you with luggage and hotel check-in, and ensure your arrival is worry-free.

Discover the natural wonders and historic charm of Kunming, the "City of Eternal Spring". You will explore the world-famous Stone Forest (Shilin), a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring an extraordinary landscape of towering limestone pillars, karst formations and labyrinthine pathways that have been sculpted by nature over 270 million years. Wander through this geological marvel where stone peaks rise dramatically from the earth like an ancient petrified forest, with formations resembling animals, plants and mythical figures. According to local Sani ethnic minority legend, the stones are the result of a celestial battle. After exploring this natural wonder, return to the city to stroll through Kunming Old Street, a beautifully restored historic quarter showcasing traditional Yunnan architecture, local handicraft shops, tea houses and authentic street food. The pedestrian-friendly lanes blend Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings with modern cafés, offering a glimpse into Kunming's rich cultural heritage and vibrant contemporary life.

Take a 2-hour bullet train from Kunming to Dali.

Today you will arrive in Dali by high-speed train station. On arrival, your private guide will be ready to welcome you at the arrival hall, and transfer to your hotel with a private car and driver. Your guide will help you with luggage and hotel check-in, and ensure your arrival is worry-free.

Experience the cultural richness and natural beauty of Dali and the stunning Erhai Lake. Begin your journey at Xizhou Bai Village, a charming traditional settlement inhabited by the Bai ethnic minority, renowned for its well-preserved courtyard houses featuring distinctive white-washed walls, intricate wooden carvings and elegant upturned eaves. Explore the vibrant morning market, where locals trade fresh produce, handmade crafts, tie-dye textiles and regional delicacies, offering an authentic glimpse into daily Bai life. Continue to the magnificent Dali Three Pagodas at Chongsheng Temple, one of China's most iconic Buddhist landmarks. The three elegant pagodas, dating back over 1,000 years, stand majestically against the backdrop of the Cangshan Mountains, with the central pagoda soaring 69 metres high. The temple complex showcases exquisite Tang Dynasty architecture and offers spectacular photo opportunities reflected in the surrounding pools. Conclude your day with free time at Erhai Lake shore, where you can stroll along the scenic waterfront, breathe in the fresh mountain air, admire panoramic views of the crystal-clear lake dotted with fishing boats, or simply relax and soak in the tranquil atmosphere of this alpine paradise.

Begin your Lijiang adventure with a convenient pickup from the high-speed rail station, launching into a UNESCO World Heritage city. Your journey starts at the iconic Black Dragon Pool Park, where the classical view of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reflected in the crystal-clear pool creates one of China's most photographed scenes. Admire the elegant traditional architecture of the Moon Embracing Pavilion and the Five-Phoenix Tower while learning about the park's cultural significance to the Naxi people. Next, immerse yourself in the enchanting Lijiang Old Town, a maze of cobblestone streets, bubbling canals, and traditional Naxi architecture. Explore ancient bridges, visit traditional courtyards, and discover local handicraft shops while your guide shares stories of the town's rich history as a crucial stop on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. As the day progresses, climb Lion Hill Park for a memorable sunset viewing experience, offering panoramic views over the red-tiled roofs of the ancient town against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

After breakfast, you will visit the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yak Meadow section). You will take cable car up and down the mountain. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain now is a famous scenic spot for sightseeing, mountaineering, skiing, exploration, scientific research and taking holiday. Besides, widespread legends and myths of the Naxi ethnic minority and the unclimbed Shanzidou are all important attractive spots for those who come here. Besides, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a sanctuary for rare animals and wild plants.

After Lunch, the guide will take you to Baisha Village to see the ancient Fresco and visit Yufeng Monastery. Baisha Village is much quieter because it is not commercialized. If you want to witness the authentic life of the Naxi People and appreciate their culture, but are tired of overcrowded Lijiang, here, at Baisha Village, you can experience the Naxi people's peaceful daily life. Heading for this village, the Baisha Murals cannot be missed.The paintings were finished by Han, Tibetan and Naxi painters as well as painters from other nationalities.At about 4pm, the driver will take you back to your hotel.

Journey from Lijiang to one of the world's deepest river canyons with a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Xia). You will witness the spectacular sight of the mighty Jinsha River (Golden Sand River, the upper reaches of the Yangtze) thundering through the narrow 16-kilometre gorge, where turbulent waters crash against massive boulders creating dramatic rapids and roaring white water. The gorge plunges 3,900 metres from the snow-capped peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain down to the river, creating one of nature's most awe-inspiring landscapes. As evening approaches, marvel at the breathtaking sunset over the golden mountains, when the last rays of sunlight illuminate the snow-covered peaks in brilliant hues of gold and orange, creating a magical alpine glow against the deepening blue sky. You will spend the night in a guesthouse within the Tiger Leaping Gorge valley area, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the tranquil mountain atmosphere and prepare for further exploration the following day.  

Enjoy your free time until your guide come and escort you to airport for your onward flight.

Today you will fly to Lhasa. On arrival, your private guide will be ready to welcome you at the arrival hall, and transfer to your hotel with a private car and driver. Your guide will help you with luggage and hotel check-in, and ensure your arrival is worry-free.

Begin your day by stepping into the majestic realm of the Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an architectural marvel that crowns the Lhasa skyline. Marvel at the intricate artwork, sacred relics, and panoramic views from the highest ancient palace in the world, as you delve into the centuries-old history of Tibetan Buddhism and the Dalai Lama.

Next, venture to the revered Jokhang Temple, a spiritual sanctuary that stands as the holiest site in Tibetan Buddhism. Admire the ornate Tibetan architecture adorned with vibrant murals, prayer wheels, and devout pilgrims, as you soak in the atmosphere of reverence and devotion that permeates this sacred space.

Continue your journey through the bustling lanes of Barkhor Street, a vibrant marketplace and pilgrimage circuit that pulses with the energy of Lhasa's cultural heritage. Lose yourself in the maze of traditional Tibetan homes, souvenir shops, and lively street vendors, as you encounter the authentic flavors, sights, and sounds of local life.

Travel from Lhasa to the scenic region of Nyingchi (Linzhi), known as the "Switzerland of Tibet" for its lush forests, mild climate and stunning alpine landscapes. Along the journey, stop at the breathtaking Basum Tso Lake (also known as Basongcuo), a sacred turquoise glacial lake nestled at 3,700 metres altitude, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, dense forests and traditional Tibetan villages. The lake's crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding mountains, creating a mirror-like surface of extraordinary beauty. Visit Tashi Island, a small peninsula connected to the shore by a wooden walkway, where you can explore the ancient Cuozong Temple (Tsodzong Monastery), a revered Nyingma school Buddhist temple dating back over 1,500 years. The temple features traditional Tibetan architecture with colourful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze, intricate murals, sacred relics and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for contemplation. Walk around the lake shore, spin prayer wheels and immerse yourself in the spiritual tranquillity of this sacred site, where pilgrims have journeyed for centuries.

Travel from Nyingchi (Linzhi) to Bomi with a scenic journey through some of Tibet's most beautiful landscapes. Begin with a 1-hour drive to the magnificent Lulang Forest Sea (Lulang Linhai), a vast expanse of dense primeval forest covering mountain slopes at elevations between 3,000 and 4,000 metres. The Lulang Forest area features stunning alpine meadows carpeted with colourful wildflowers during spring and summer, creating a vibrant tapestry against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Stroll peacefully among grazing cattle and yaks as they roam freely across the grasslands, embodying the pastoral tranquillity of traditional Tibetan highland life. Visit authentic Tibetan houses showcasing distinctive local architecture with whitewashed walls, colourful window frames and flat roofs, while enjoying panoramic snow mountain views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges. Continue with a 4-hour scenic drive to Bomi, passing through dramatic mountain passes, glacial valleys and pristine forests. As evening falls in Bomi, join a lively Tibetan bonfire party with local villagers, where you will experience traditional Tibetan singing and dancing, participate in circle dances around the crackling fire and immerse yourself in the warm hospitality and rich cultural traditions of the Tibetan people.

Your full-day journey begins with a scenic drive from Bome towards Nyingchi, a region often dubbed the 'Switzerland of Tibet' for its lush landscapes and relatively low altitude. The drive itself is spectacular, winding through stunning alpine valleys and offering a unique perspective of the eastern Tibetan Plateau. Your primary destination is the magnificent Gongxiang Spruce Forest (also known as Gangxiang Primeval Forest), a natural coniferous reserve renowned as one of China's most beautiful forests. Here, you can immerse yourself in a natural oxygen bar, surrounded by towering, centuries-old spruce and fir trees that form a dense, multilayered ecosystem, contrasting beautifully with the clear blue sky. Later, your tour focuses on the majestic Mount Namcha Barwa, Tibet's highest mountain at 7,782 metres, often shrouded in cloud. Reaching a key vantage point will allow you to seek a clear view of the mountain's peak, a sight considered a great blessing by locals and travellers alike, as its sheer, triangular summit is notoriously elusive. This day trip involves extensive driving, with up to four hours spent travelling between Bome and the Nyingchi area, making the journey an integral part of the overall experience.

Enjoy your free time until your guide come and escort you to airport for your onward flight.