Explore the beginnings of Yunnans Tea Horse road, travelling through Tibet, the roof of the World, to the legendary Mount Everest.
Days 1-2: Fly to Kunming
Fly overnight to the relaxed city of Kunming, the ‘city of Eternal Spring'. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3: Discover the Stone Forest
Meander through the formations of the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest, where towering limestone pillars stand tree-like in a fascinating illusion of petrified woodland.
Days 4-5: Enchanting Dali
Fly to Dali, a charming town that offers a peek at the China of times-gone-by. Spend the afternoon immersed in the local atmosphere of the fascinating old quarter and lively market. The next day, visit the age-old Three Pagodas which dominates the skyline over the town. Then take a cruise on Erhai Lake where you will see a traditional tie-dye demonstration.
Day 6: Lijiang
Drive to Lijiang. The quintessential Chinese ‘old town', Lijiang's old quarter is a jumble of cobbled streets, precarious wooden buildings and rustic stone bridges– in short, a delightful place to aimlessly wander. Visit the Black Dragon Pool before mingling with traditionally-dressed Naxi women in the bustling backstreet markets.
Day 7: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
A magnificent mountain massif, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain soars to 5,500 metres. Taking a chairlift, explore one of the gorgeous high meadows and enjoy the amazing vistas. Admire the fascinating Ming Dynasty frescoes at Baisha and see the intricate creations of the embroidery school.
Day 8: Tiger Leaping Gorge
Over 3,000-metres deep, Tiger Leaping Gorge, with its backdrop of snow-capped mountains, is one of China's most extraordinary sights. Continue on to the Tibetan monastery town of Zhongdian, also known as Shangri-La.
Day 9: Baishui Terraces
Spring water cascades picturesquely over the white limestone terraces of Baishui. Enjoy a relaxed day admiring the views.
Day 10: Tibetan Zhongdian
Visit the magnificent Songzanlin Monastery and its many treasures, tour Zhongdian old town and catch a glimpse of old Tibet in a traditional village.
Day 11: Fly to Lhasa
Fly to Lhasa, the heart and soul of Tibet. The afternoon is free to relax and acclimatise to the altitude.
Day 12: Jokhang Temple and Barkhor
Lhasa is a quickly growing modern city but among the narrow, old streets you'll feel a million miles from the stresses and strains of the modern world. Wander around the Barkhor 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, a renowned seat of Buddhist learning.
Day 13: Potala Palace
The Potala Palace is an architectural wonder towering over the city from its seat on Marpo Ri (Red Mountain). The Potala, the winter palace of the Dalai Lama, houses thousands of rooms filled with old treasures from intricate shrines to beautiful frescoes. This afternoon, explore Norbulingka, the summer residence of the Dalai Lama, set in parkland just outside the city, before visiting a local Tibetan arts and crafts shop. Enjoy a traditional Tibetan dinner and a dance performance in the evening.
Days 14-15: Shigatse & New Tingri
Travel across Tibet's stark plains to Shigatse. Dominated by a fort reminiscent of the Potala, Shigatse is Tibet's second city and the traditional home of the Panchen Lama. The rest of the day is spent exploring. The next day continue by road to New Tingri admiring the awe-inspiring views of the mighty Himalayas as we go.
Day 16: Everest Base Camp
Traverse some of the world's most incredible scenery, with the Himalayas dominating the horizon, as we make our way to base camp. Here, situated under the gaze of Everest's north face, the views of the world's highest peak are unsurpassed. Visit Rongbok Monastery, draped in colourful prayer flags, and stay overnight in the township.
Day 17: Everest sunrise
Rise early to see a glorious sunrise over Everest before driving to Old Tingri.
Days 18-19: Shigatse and Gyantse
Return to Shigatse. The next day visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, a hilltop complex that is the seat of the Panchen Lama, before continuing to the pleasant town of Gyantse to visit Pelkor Monastery. Also, visit the Gyantse Kumbum. This fascinating monastery is home to the largest ch̦rten in Tibet Рclimb it for a secession of colourful mural-filled chapels and wonderful views.
Day 20: Drive to Tsedang
Drive to Tsedang, called the ‘cradle of Tibetan civilisation'.
Day 21: Yumbulhakang Palace
Perched on a hill over the Yarlung River, legend says that the ancient Yumbulhakang Palace was the first building in Tibet and the palace of the first Tibetan king. Continue on to the Chang Chun Monastery and the King's Tombs en route to Lhasa.
Day 22: Pandas
Fly to Chengdu. Visit Chengdu's famous Panda Conservation Centre where you can get up close to China's celebrated bears in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. Visit the fascinating Shu Brocade factory. Tonight, sample delicious Sichuan cuisine for dinner.
Day 23: Fly Chengdu to UK
Fly to the UK arriving the same or following day.
Immerse Yourself
Designed for those who wish to be further immersed in the authentic charm of Asia; Immerse Yourself tours include more cultural and active experiences. You will be accompanied by our dedicated and professional National Escorts and local guides, whose unparalleled knowledge will turn your holiday into an unforgettable experience. These tours include:
Your accommodation is selected for convenience of location, comfort or character, and can range from a business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. In more remote areas, accommodation may be of a lower standard and may not have all western amenities.
Coaches: Coaches with air conditioning are used on our group tours for city sightseeing, short excursions to the countryside and longer transfers where necessary.
Panes: Internal flights are based on economy class, with reputable airlines.
Most Wendy Wu groups consist of 10 travellers or more and will be accompanied by both a National Escort and local guides. There will usually be no more than 16 travellers in each group although you may encounter other Wendy Wu tour groups while you are travelling.
Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don't include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment's notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.
