Tibetan Dreams

WENDY WU TOURS PROUDLY TOOK THE FIRST TOUR GROUP IN THE WORLD TO REACH LHASA BY THIS MOST SCENIC OVERLAND ROUTE INCLUDING THE TEA HORSE ROAD IN 2000

Our Tibetan Dreams overland journey travels through a part of China that very few westerners have the privilege to see, a world largely untouched by civilisation. The scenic route follows the Yunnan Tibet Highway from the rich cultural tapestry of Yunnan Province, through the untamed “lands of Kham” in the east to Lhasa. From Kunming we start our journey to the beautifully preserved town of Dali, then onto Lijiang, where the Ancient Quarter’s cobblestone streets, traditional market square and unique Naxi culture recreate the China of yesteryear. Starting our ascent into the Hengduan Mountains, we visit the spectacular Tiger Leaping Gorge on our way to Zhongdian. From Deqing we travel by 4WD for five days through deep and lush river gorges, tracing the ancient Tea Horse Road and ascending some of the highest mountain passes in the world. We will reach Central Tibet and explore the extraordinary sights of Lhasa, Shigatse and Gyantse before descending into Sichuan Province. The journey will finish in Chengdu, where we can experience the famous, tasty Sichuan cuisine and meet some of the adorable Pandas at the nearby Panda Reserve.

TOUR ITINERARY

Days 1-2: New Zealand to Kunming via Singapore

Fly to Kunming with Singapore Airlines. Due to flight schedules we have an overnight stopover in Singapore. Please note that only breakfast is included in Singapore. Upon arrival the following day into Kunming we will be welcomed by our local guide and transferred to our hotel.

Day 3: Kunming

Today we enjoy a tour of the picturesque Stone Forest, where massive limestone columns form a vast forest of surreal shapes and images.

Day 4: Kunming to Dali

Enjoy a visit to the Western Hills which wrap around Dianchi Lake. Later we will be transferred to the airport to board our flight to Dali for a 2 night stay.

Day 5: Dali

Today we visit the picturesque Three Pagodas, explore the fascinating wonders of Dali’s ancient quarter and enjoy an afternoon cruise on the stunning Erhai Lake.

Day 6: Dali to Lijiang

We travel to Lijiang today and visit the Black Dragon Pool before wandering through Lijiang’s ancient quarter admiring the colourful costumes of the Naxi people.

Day 7: Lijiang

Our explorations take us to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. We catch a chairlift to explore one of the high meadows and enjoy the amazing scenery. This afternoon we visit the Baisha Frescoes.  As our evening entertainment enjoy the acclaimed Naxi Ancient music show.

Day 8: Lijiang to Zhongdian

Drive to Zhongdian, which is known as little Tibet for a 3 night stay. This afternoon enjoy a visit to the Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world.

Day 9: Zhongdian

Visit the Baishui Terrace, where spring water cascades from layered pools of white stone.

Day 10: Zhongdian

Enjoy a visit to Napa Hai Lake and the Songshanlin Monastery.

Day 11: Zhongdian to Deqing

Today we travel to Deqing, ascending into the Hengduan Mountains and the mighty Himalaya.

Day 12: Deqing to Mangkang

Today we start our ascent to the Tibetan Plateau following the ancient Tea Horse Road. From here to Lhasa we will travel by 4WD vehicles and accommodation will be in simple, local guesthouses.

Days 13-15: Mangkang to Basu to Zhammu to Linzhi

Over the next 3 days our overland adventure will take us through a region of unrivalled landscapes, crossing rivers and following deep gorges to ascend some of the highest roads in the world. Upon arrival in Linzhi, we visit a Tibetan carpet factory.

Day 16: Linzhi to Lhasa

On our drive to Lhasa today we visit Pasum Tso Lake, with jade green water surrounding Tsodzong Island near the southern shore.

Day 17: Lhasa

Visit the Jokhang Temple and wander amongst pilgrims at the colourful, mediaeval Barkhor Markets.

Day 18: Lhasa

Today we explore Potala Palace, an architectural wonder that towers over an entire city and visit Norbulingka, the former Summer Palace of the Dalai Lama. We visit a local Tibetan Primary school (if time permits).  Enjoy an evening performance of traditional Tibetan dance. 

Day 19: Lhasa to Shigatse 

Travel by coach to Shigatse, the 2nd largest city in Tibet and visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery.

Day 20: Shigatse to Gyantse

Today we will travel to Gyantse where we visit the unique Pelkor Monastery, the famous Gyantse Kumbum and the Old Fort.

Day 21: Gyantse to Lhasa

Today we return to Lhasa for our final night in Tibet.

Day 22: Lhasa to Chengdu

We fly to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province and visit the famous Panda Research Centre to see these delightful animals being reared in surroundings reminiscent of their natural habitat. As our farewell dinner celebration enjoy a Sichuan Banquet.

Day 23: Depart Chengdu to Singapore

Enjoy the day at leisure before transferring to the airport to board our flight to Singapore.  Upon arrival into Singapore we will be met and transferred to our hotel. Please note that only breakfast is included in Singapore.

Day 24: Depart Singapore - Arrive New Zealand

Depart Singapore - arriving home this evening.

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Images from Tibetan Dreams